What Are Alternative Investments? A Guide for High-Net-Worth Individuals

What Are Alternative Investments? A Guide for High-Net-Worth Individuals

Beyond stocks and bonds: how the wealthy diversify smarter.

When your net worth increases, so does the need to diversify beyond traditional investment options. That’s why more high-net-worth individuals are turning to alternative investments—assets that sit outside the standard stock and bond portfolio but often offer higher potential returns, tax benefits, and a hedge against market volatility.

But alternatives aren’t one-size-fits-all. They require careful vetting, risk tolerance alignment, and in most cases, the guidance of a skilled financial advisor.

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What Counts as an Alternative Investment?

Alternative investments are any assets that fall outside traditional publicly traded equities and fixed income. Common examples include:

  • Private equity and venture capital
  • Hedge funds
  • Real estate (direct ownership or REITs)
  • Commodities (like gold, oil, or agriculture)
  • Private credit and debt funds
  • Collectibles (art, wine, vintage cars)
  • Cryptocurrencies and digital assets
  • Structured products and derivatives

While many of these assets require higher minimum investments or accreditation, they offer unique benefits—including potentially uncorrelated returns, tax efficiency, and access to new markets.

📈 Looking to diversify wisely?
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Why the Wealthy Use Alternatives

For high-net-worth individuals, alternatives can play a vital role in:

  • Enhancing returns beyond what public markets offer
  • Managing risk by reducing exposure to correlated assets
  • Protecting against inflation with tangible or supply-limited assets
  • Accessing exclusive opportunities not available to retail investors
  • Building multi-generational wealth with longer time horizons

But alternatives also bring complexity, lower liquidity, and sometimes opaque risk. That’s why personalized advice is key.

⚠️ Alternatives are powerful—but not DIY.
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How to Get Started

You don’t need to overhaul your portfolio to start exploring alternatives. Here’s a smart approach:

  1. Assess your liquidity needs – Alternatives are often long-term and illiquid.
  2. Clarify your goals – Are you looking for income, growth, or legacy planning?
  3. Diversify within alternatives – Don’t put all your eggs in one exotic basket.
  4. Work with a fiduciary advisor – Alternatives demand due diligence and professional vetting.

🔍 Not sure where to begin?
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The Bottom Line

Alternative investments can be a powerful way to build and preserve wealth, but they require expertise, patience, and a personalized strategy. For high-net-worth individuals, it’s not just about gaining access—it’s about making smart decisions once you do.

🧠 Thinking beyond the market?
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