Private markets have long been the domain of institutional investors. With benefits such as higher return potential, lower volatility, lower correlation to traditional listed assets, and enhanced diversification, it’s not hard to see why they are so attractive. Institutional investors such as super funds have been steadily increasing their exposure across the private market spectrum, which includes equity, real estate, infrastructure and debt.

Private markets by their nature require significant long-term commitments (in some cases capital can be locked up for ten or more years) and have significant barriers to entry given the large amounts of capital required. Both factors have traditionally made it difficult for retail investors to access the benefits of private markets, but this is quickly starting to change.

Private asset managers are exploring ways to make investing in private markets more accessible to retail investors by introducing greater liquidity and reducing minimum investment sizes. Along with slowing economic growth and the continued hunt for yield, this is making private markets an increasingly viable and attractive opportunity for retail investors and SMSFs seeking greater portfolio diversification.

Lonsec has seen an uptick in private market vehicles targeting retail investors coming to market over the last 12–18 months. Of particular note is the increased interest in private market funds (both equity and debt) being offered under ASX listed structures such as Listed Investment Trusts (LITs).  Such structures have been common in the UK and the US for some time but are a relatively new development in the Australian market.

Offering private assets through a LIT structure provides several benefits to retail investors, including:

  • The ability to create a diversified portfolio of unlisted assets with no minimum investment size;
  • Access to private markets in a more liquid investment structure, with investors able to buy and sell units via the ASX;
  • A greater focus on the long-term investment strategy. Because LITs are closed-end vehicles, managers are less concerned about funding applications and redemptions, which has the potential to boost returns compared to an open-end pooled vehicle;
  • No requirement to manage commitments to fund future investments. Capital is paid upfront and invested in the LIT from day one, so there are no additional capital calls for the investor.

However, as we all know, rarely do investors come across a free lunch, especially in the retail world. Trade-offs must be expected and managed in order to get the most value out of any asset class, and private markets are no different. When including private market assets in a portfolio, it’s important to think about the following:

Private market assets are illiquid

Private assets are by their nature highly illiquid, and investors wishing to redeem may have to do so at a discount to Net Asset Value (NAV). It’s important to treat an investment in private markets as a long-term investment, irrespective of the structure in which it’s offered. Investors wanting (or worse, needing!) to sell LIT units in periods of market stress, when many investors are heading for the door, may face significant discount to NAV. It’s important to ensure the private asset manager has policies in place for managing these discounts should they arise.

Expect some volatility along the way

Private assets offered in LITs will have a higher correlation to the broader equity market and are more volatile than traditional private asset investments. By offering private assets in a listed structure, market beta is introduced, exposing investors to swings in sentiment in a similar manner to any other security listed on the ASX. Volatility risk may also arise when units in the LIT are thinly or heavily traded, which could make the unit prices very volatile regardless of changes in the underlying value of the investments held by the LIT.

It takes time to become fully invested

Unlike traditional private assets, where commitments are drawdown over time, investors in private market LITs pay their capital upfront in exchange for units. Private asset managers don’t invest 100% of that capital immediately, but instead wait for investment opportunities to arise. Consequently, it may take between 12 months to four years to reach the target portfolio allocations. During this ‘ramp-up’ period, private asset managers will invest in other liquid assets ranging from cash through to credit or even equities. This ensures investors are generating a reasonable return or income from an early stage while the portfolio is getting set.

However, it does of course introduce other risks and exposures. It’s important to understand what assets you will be exposed to during the ramp-up phase, as this will impact your returns (and risk). You may not be getting the exposures you expected for some time.

Lonsec believes retail investors can benefit from investing in private markets, but they need to be mindful of the trade-offs when investing via listed vehicles. Retail investors’ needs are inherently different from those of institutional investors—they typically have shorter time frames, a greater need for liquidity, and smaller amounts of capital to invest. While private asset managers have sought to meet a number of these needs in recent years, there’s no panacea for investing in what are inherently illiquid, long-term assets. Retail investors need to ensure that investing in private markets via LITs aligns to their long-term objectives and risk appetite.

Important information: Any express or implied rating or advice is limited to general advice, it doesn’t consider any personal needs, goals or objectives.  Before making any decision about financial products, consider whether it is personally appropriate for you in light of your personal circumstances. Obtain and consider the Product Disclosure Statement for each financial product and seek professional personal advice before making any decisions regarding a financial product.