Key Takeaways
- • CAIS, the alternative investment platform for independent financial advisors, said nearly 40 new and existing alternative asset managers have introduced strategies on its platform over the past six months.
- • The platform now offers more than 600 alternative investment strategies, each subject to third-party due diligence by Mercer, and serves more than 2,500 wealth management firms.
- • CAIS reported increased flows in the first quarter of this year into exchange funds, hedge funds, infrastructure, real estate, and tax-advantaged strategies.
- • The announcement follows a recent Series D financing that valued CAIS at over $2 billion.
- • The company will host its fifth annual CAIS Summit in Beverly Hills, October 12–15, 2026, with more than 1,200 attendees expected.
Summary
CAIS announced that nearly 40 new and existing alternative asset managers have introduced strategies on its platform over the past six months, according to a Business Wire release dated August 19, 2026. The additions span hedge funds, infrastructure, real estate, private equity, and tax-advantaged strategies, and the company said they reflect advisors refining allocations across asset classes, liquidity profiles, and investment objectives.
The company said that in the first quarter of 2026 it saw increased flows into exchange funds, hedge funds, infrastructure, real estate, and tax-advantaged strategies, which it characterized as a broader shift toward portfolio diversification and income-oriented strategies. Named managers joining or already on the platform include Apollo, AQR, Blackstone, Coatue, Lord Abbett, and Morgan Stanley Investment Management, alongside a long list that includes KKR, Fortress Investment Group, Blue Owl Capital, Hamilton Lane, and Third Point, among others.
CAIS Co-President Brad Walker said the company is focused on expanding access to leading managers while providing education and technology that reduce operational friction. Jennifer Abate, Head of the Registered Investment Advisor channel at Blackstone, said education, due diligence, and technology are the foundation for advisors allocating to alternatives. CAIS said its more than 600 strategies undergo third-party due diligence by Mercer and reach a network of more than 2,500 wealth management firms supporting over 65,000 advisors who oversee approximately $8.5 trillion in end-client assets.
The company also noted its recently announced Series D financing, which valued CAIS at over $2 billion and is intended to fund platform expansion, technology and AI capabilities, and strategic opportunities. The fifth annual CAIS Summit will take place in Beverly Hills from October 12 to 15, 2026.
The company said that in the first quarter of 2026 it saw increased flows into exchange funds, hedge funds, infrastructure, real estate, and tax-advantaged strategies, which it characterized as a broader shift toward portfolio diversification and income-oriented strategies. Named managers joining or already on the platform include Apollo, AQR, Blackstone, Coatue, Lord Abbett, and Morgan Stanley Investment Management, alongside a long list that includes KKR, Fortress Investment Group, Blue Owl Capital, Hamilton Lane, and Third Point, among others.
CAIS Co-President Brad Walker said the company is focused on expanding access to leading managers while providing education and technology that reduce operational friction. Jennifer Abate, Head of the Registered Investment Advisor channel at Blackstone, said education, due diligence, and technology are the foundation for advisors allocating to alternatives. CAIS said its more than 600 strategies undergo third-party due diligence by Mercer and reach a network of more than 2,500 wealth management firms supporting over 65,000 advisors who oversee approximately $8.5 trillion in end-client assets.
The company also noted its recently announced Series D financing, which valued CAIS at over $2 billion and is intended to fund platform expansion, technology and AI capabilities, and strategic opportunities. The fifth annual CAIS Summit will take place in Beverly Hills from October 12 to 15, 2026.
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