Sophisticated investors and ultra-high net worth individuals are increasingly investing in both traditional and non-traditional asset classe...

Sophisticated investors and ultra-high net worth individuals are increasingly investing in both traditional and non-traditional asset classes and are seeking specialised investment opportunities, such as private equity, direct mezzanine participation and hedge funds, according to research by Investec Private Bank. UHNWIs are increasingly looking for tailored, specialised investment advice, said Investec. The bank said that over the past 18 months it has seen 100 per cent growth in assets under management in its investment advisory business. And in the next 12 months Investec is anticipating more than 50 per cent growth in new assets to over £1 billion ($1.77 billion). Investec Private Bank’s European Investment Business, with offices in London, Guernsey, Zurich and Geneva, currently manages individual client assets totalling £650 million across fewer than 200 wealthy individuals and families with 15 relationship managers.