Trends
HBCUs have done the work of developing and producing leaders in the financial services and investment sectors in the face of funding cuts and other institutional barriers.
Private markets activity is improving alongside artificial intelligence investment growth as investors lean into more complex and fragmented markets in their quest to unlock differentiated return sources.
The U.S. and Israel’s joint strike against Iran over the weekend has prompted retaliation across the Middle East that sent oil prices surging, though industry experts believe the markets can absorb those levels in a short-lived conflict.
Latest annual study of endowments found College and universities once again experienced double digit gains in fiscal year 2025, with largest institutions outperforming their peers after two consecutive years of outperformance by smaller institutions.
Outsourced cios can use their expertise to both execute and advise institutions in a quick and efficient manner in today’s complex investment environment, industry professionals find.
The consultant finds the primary theme for 2026 is surprises – growth surprises, inflation surprises, political surprises – despite a generally positive outlook backed by continued economic growth.
Many endowments, foundations and their allocators point to relatively small or medium-size private equity buyout and early-stage venture capital for returns that outpace the public markets, while private real estate, infrastructure, hedge funds and private debt, especially asset-based lending look like strong portfolio diversifiers in this year’s mercurial environment.
Nonprofit investors and allocators are tempering expectations for their portfolios in 2026 as they prepare for more moderate returns resulting from increased volatility and heightened valuations along with persistent macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties.
Outsourced cio providers can best meet endowments and foundations’ growing demand for exposure to the best private market asset managers through dedicated research teams and tailored service models.
Wealth and asset management firms are advancing in AI, which a new global study finds will revolutionize the sectors and transform how they operate, serve clients and generate value.