Bank of America: new alternative investments program to be available in fall 2025

Bank of America: new alternative investments program to be available in fall 2025

New York, NY – Merrill Wealth Management and Bank of America Private Bank have announced the upcoming launch of the Alts Expanded Access Program, a new private market investment program targeted at ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients with a net worth of $50 million or more. Set to debut in fall 2025, this program aims to complement existing alternative investment options, providing qualified investors with expanded avenues for diversifying their portfolios.

The Alts Expanded Access Program is designed to offer UHNW clients access to specialized opportunities in emerging themes, niche strategies, and evolving sectors. These funds are not broadly distributed, ensuring selective access to specialized investment opportunities. Clients will have the support of their advisors or teams in understanding the investment process and accessing fund manager materials. The program is client-directed, allowing investors to conduct due diligence, make investment decisions, and invest directly with fund managers.

Mark Sutterlin, head of alternative investments for Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank, noted, "Traditionally, private market alternatives were the domain of institutional investors, but as wealth building needs have evolved, we’re seeing more clients seek non-traditional investments, fueled by market changes and the desire to diversify."

The new offering builds on the success of other UHNW capabilities, such as Premium Access Strategies, which has grown to over $60 billion in client assets in under three years. The program aligns with the growing interest in alternatives among high-net-worth (HNW) investors, as evidenced by a 2024 study by Bank of America Private Bank, which found that alternatives comprise 17% of HNW investors' current portfolio allocations and that 93% plan to increase their allocation to alternatives in the coming years [1].

Investing in alternative investments involves significant risks, including the possibility of losing principal. These investments are speculative and are intended for qualified investors only. Private investments may not be suitable for all investors, and investors should carefully consider their financial situation, investment goals, and risk tolerance before making any investment decisions.

The Alts Expanded Access Program is part of Bank of America's broader commitment to meeting the evolving needs of UHNW clients with increasingly complex financial goals. The program is subject to the same regulatory requirements as other alternative investments and may not be in the best interest of certain investors. No assurance can be given that any alternative investment's investment objectives will be achieved.

For more information about the Alts Expanded Access Program, contact Julia Ehrenfeld at 1.646.855.3267 or Julia.Ehrenfeld@bofa.com.

References:
[1] https://newsroom.bankofamerica.com/content/newsroom/press-releases/2025/09/merrill-and-bank-of-america-private-bank-launch-new-alternative-.html