Private markets are quickly becoming a popular investment choice in 2025 for asset and wealth managers. The growth in the market is not going unnoticed and big firms, including Lloyds Bank, are looking at how they can support clients who are looking to state a claim in private markets.
Lloyds Bank is one of the big players in the UK spending more times looking at private markets and examining the advantages.
Go deeper with GlobalData
PBI: Why is this a good time for wealth and asset managers? Where is the most growth?
Tangwena Nelson, head of asset & wealth managers at Lloyds Bank Corporate & Institutional: We are seeing real momentum in the private markets space. With traditional asset management firms seeing an increased shift in demand from passive to active equity strategies, private equity, private credit, infrastructure and real estate are seeing the most growth.
In addition, we are seeing a rise in demand from sovereign wealth funds and large family offices, who are keen to have more access to private markets.
PBI: What should wealth and asset managers focus on in their strategies?
TN: Scaling is essential. Whether it is through technology or alternative investment capabilities, firms are either building or buying market solutions to compete. This has led to an increase in mergers and acquisitions in the industry, which can be an effective way for some firms to quickly build scale.
To support growth, firms are also moving towards multi-product strategies to strengthen the services they offer to their clients. This focus on multi-product offerings, coupled with long-term partnerships, helps firms to diversify, reducing the reliance on transactional business.
PBI: Is this limited to certain regions or is it a worldwide opportunity?
TN: The move towards private markets is a global trend.
PBI: Why focus on private markets now? What has aided its growth?
TN: Investors are looking for yield and this is leading to firms placing greater focus on private markets. As private markets become more democratised, the demand will continue to grow.
PBI: Is this going to be an era of consolidation for the sector? If so, why?
TN: There will continue to be an emphasis on scale and building a wider product offering, and that will naturally drive consolidation across the asset and wealth management sector. This is accelerated further by increased regulation.
However, there remain opportunities for specialist firms who offer best-in-class services.
PBI: How is Lloyds differentiating its offering for wealth and asset management firms compared to other banks?
TN: We’re committed to supporting the asset and wealth management sector. We’re focused on being a trusted and strategic partner to our clients, helping them achieve their long-term objectives.
Rather than transactional relationships, Lloyds is focused on creating and providing 360 coverage through a client-centric approach. We have an experienced team with deep industry knowledge, offering tailored insights and strategic guidance, putting clients at the heart of what we do.
