New alternative investments model to offer advisors easy access to models that include private credit, private equity and private real estate via funds vetted by the Cetera Investment Management team

SAN DIEGO, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cetera has introduced the first of several Alternative Investments* allocation models designed specifically for advisors who want to provide alternative investments to their accredited-investor** clients.

Cetera's first alternative investments model portfolio, the Cetera Blended Alternatives Model – Moderate, includes six alternative funds with exposure to private equity, private credit, and private real estate investments. The model portfolio was researched and vetted by Cetera's Due Diligence and Cetera Investment Management's research teams in partnership with iCapital.

The curated alternative investments model is a custom-built allocation featuring a select roster of institutional-quality managers, packaged in a streamlined asset allocation model that advisors can use with accredited-investor clients. Cetera created the new alternative investments models as an efficient, scalable way to offer the potential benefits of alternatives – including diversification and the potential for enhanced returns – without adding complexity or time demands to advisors' already busy schedules.

"At Cetera, we empower advisors to deliver institutional-quality exposure to alternative investments with confidence and ease. We see Cetera as the first independent broker-dealer to introduce this kind of alternatives model and we believe it will create significant value for our advisors," said Christian Mitchell, President of Cetera Solutions. "We have a high degree of confidence in our alternative investments concepts and approach, thanks to the deep research and due diligence conducted by our Cetera Investment Management team. Their deep knowledge of alternative investments landscape led to a data-driven decisions about the fund managers we selected."

Cetera created its Blended Alternatives Model believing that, when in the best interest of accredited-investor, investment advisory clients, access to alternative investments may have benefits when combined with a traditional investment portfolio.

By offering a combination of traditional and alternative investments, Cetera advisors have a holistic and streamlined approach to adding non-correlated assets, which can help them build better-diversified portfolios for their accredited-investor clients. The allocations can be used to build the models in Cetera's award-winning platform My Advice Architect^®.

"Especially for high-net-worth clients, financial advisors should have access to alternative investments as another tool within their overall financial planning strategy because alternatives can help dampen the effects market volatility has on a client's investment portfolio," said Matt Fries, Head of Investment Products & Partner Solutions for Cetera. "There's been tremendous change in the alternative investments marketplace in the past 10 years, spurring greater client awareness of and demand for alternative investments, which have become a more mainstream tool for advisors constructing modern client portfolios."

Cetera created its Alternative Investments Allocation Models strategy with support from the Cetera Investment Management team while also working closely with iCapital – a strategic business partner that provides a platform with third-party alternative companies. iCapital worked closely with the Cetera Investment Management team in designing asset allocation among alternative investments strategies, identifying funds to fill allocation targets, and developing marketing and educational content. iCapital will continue to monitor the Cetera Blended Alternatives Model and provide monthly and quarterly model-level reporting.

"Model portfolios are a critical in how we meet advisors where they are. Advisors are seeking a portfolio level solution to incorporate alternative investments in their overall portfolio. By embedding alternatives into familiar portfolio construction frameworks, we empower advisors to deliver diversified, outcome-oriented solutions without compromising on efficiency or customization. This is about simplifying access to alternatives and enabling scale," said Kunal Shah, Managing Director and Head of Private Markets Research and Model Portfolios at iCapital.

About Cetera
Cetera Financial Group is the premier financial advisor Wealth Hub, empowering independent advisors and institutions with personalized support, flexible affiliation models, and end-to-end growth solutions. Home to approximately 12,000 advisors and institutions, Cetera's multi-channel ecosystem enables financial professionals to grow, scale or transition their businesses on their own terms.

Unlike traditional IBDs, Cetera offers true choice – blending modern technology, integrated wealth solutions, and a community-driven culture. Cetera's five-channel model and commitment to long-term advisor value provide a scalable blueprint for consistent, repeatable growth.

As of March 31, 2025, Cetera manages more than $554 billion in assets under administration and $246 billion in assets under management. Its award-winning Voice of the Customer program has captured more than 40,000 advisor reviews, with over 35,000 five-star ratings, giving Cetera a 4.8 out of 5 satisfaction score.

Learn more at www.cetera.com and follow Cetera on LinkedIn, YouTube, X, and Facebook.

"Cetera Financial Group" refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser, and the following FINRA/SIPC members: Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Wealth Services LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. Located at 655 W. Broadway, 11th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101. Cetera firms are under separate ownership from any other named entity.

About Cetera Investment Management

Cetera Investment Management LLC is an SEC registered investment adviser owned by Cetera Financial Group^®. Cetera Investment Management provides market perspectives, portfolio guidance, model management, and other investment advice to its affiliated broker-dealers, dually registered broker-dealers and registered investment advisers.

* Alternative investments involve a high degree of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Prospective investors should carefully review and consider the following risk factors before making an investment decision:

• Illiquidity: Alternative investments are often illiquid and may not be easily sold or exchanged for cash without a substantial loss in value.
• Lack of Regulation: Many alternative investment products are not registered under federal securities laws and are not subject to the same regulatory oversight as traditional investments.
• Valuation Complexity: Determining the value of alternative investments may be difficult and may involve estimates, which increases the risk of mispricing.
• Limited Transparency: Investors may have limited access to information regarding the underlying assets, strategies, and performance of the investment.
• Leverage and Speculation: Some alternative investments use leverage, which can magnify losses. Speculative strategies may be employed that carry greater risk than traditional investment approaches.
• Tax Considerations: Alternative investments may involve complex tax implications. Investors should consult with tax professionals to understand the potential impact.

Asset allocation and diversification are investment strategies that will not guarantee a profit or protect you from loss. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.

** An accredited investor must meet one of the following:
- Income: Earned over $200,000 annually (or $300,000 with a spouse/partner) for the past two years and expect the same this year.
- Net Worth: Have a net worth over $1 million, excluding the value of their primary residence.
- Professional Credentials: Hold certain financial licenses (like Series 7, 65, or 82) or are knowledgeable employees of private funds.
Entities can also qualify if they have over $5 million in assets or if all equity owners are accredited investors.

SOURCE Cetera Financial Group