Private Wealth Investors Poised to Boost Private Markets in 2026, Hamilton Lane Finds
Private wealth investors are preparing to deepen their exposure to private markets in 2026, according to Hamilton Lane’s 2026 Global Private Wealth Survey, which polled 390 advisors across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
The survey found that 86% of private wealth professionals plan to increase private market allocations this year, underscoring the asset class’s growing role in portfolio construction. Nearly all respondents (97%) currently allocate between 1% and 20% of client portfolios to private markets, with most expecting those allocations to rise in 2026.
Within existing allocations, exposure is broadly diversified across strategies. On average, advisors reported allocations of 19% to private equity, 18% to private real estate, 16% each to private credit and venture capital & growth, and 15% to private infrastructure. Portfolio optimization emerged as the top motivator for increasing exposure, while performance and diversification ranked as the leading drivers of client interest.
Perceptions around risk are also shifting. Despite lingering skepticism in some corners, 83% of respondents said clients view private market risk as similar to—or the reward as higher than—public markets, signaling growing confidence in the asset class.
Venture capital & growth strategies stood out as a focal point for 2026. Nearly half of advisors (47%) plan to increase allocations to the strategy, making it the most favored area for expansion. It also resonated most strongly with new, highly engaged investors, with more than half of respondents citing venture as a key entry point.
“The survey results point to the increasingly important role private markets play within wealth management portfolios, due to the portfolio optimization and diversification benefits these investments can provide,” said James Martin, head of global client solutions at Hamilton Lane.
Beth Nardi, head of U.S. private wealth at Hamilton Lane, added: “This year highlighted a shift toward building more resilient portfolios. Venture capital & growth stands out as investors seek access to innovative, high-growth private companies not available in the public markets.”