The investment landscape is experiencing considerable transformation, as ongoing capital flows and expansions into private markets blur the distinctions between public and private sectors. Private markets' assets under management (AUM) are expected to grow at an 11.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2023, surpassing $25 trillion by 2028.

Demand from retail investors is anticipated to be a major driver of future growth in private markets. Consequently, improved access through product innovation, enhanced technology, and efficient distribution strategies will remain essential for capturing flows. For private markets to thrive in this next growth phase, they will require robust operational foundations, enhanced data capabilities, and innovative technology approaches.

Throughout the market conversations in this study, firms are underlining a strong industry commitment to overcoming inefficiencies and adopting next-generation technological solutions. Nevertheless, at the core of the predicament, is what we term as the 'great data chain problem,' a pervasive issue that includes unstructured data acquisition, varied reporting quality, and high-friction operational processes.

As forward-thinking firms strive to provide higher levels of customization for private products and investment vehicles, penetrate new client segments and channels, and deliver timely data insights, the need to digitize operations and enhance data enablement capabilities is becoming more pressing. In line with the broader financial industry, alternative and private market firms have commendable aspirations for the expanded use of AI. However, a 'walk before you can run' dynamic is evident, as the essential data management foundations required for large-scale Generative AI (GenAI) and AI/ML deployments have not yet reached a sufficient level of maturity across many areas of private market operations.

For this report, Celent examines the different paths to breaking down data barriers to enable digital transformation and the role of modern fintech solutions in enhancing operational efficiency. The industry is reaching an inflection point: private markets must shift from a cycle of inefficiency to a 'virtuous flywheel' of growth, broadening their appeal to a wider investor base and ensuring long-term success. As pursuits for growth and expansions become more intense, regulatory scrutiny looms larger. Firms equipped with robust data and operational foundations will be best positioned to capitalize on new opportunities from the evolving landscape.

The insights from this Celent report are based on perspectives from senior executives across the private markets ecosystem, collectively managing or administering over $4.75 trillion in assets globally.

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Subscribing clients can access the full report through their Capital Markets research membership. For more in-depth research around future buyside, sellside and market infrastructure trends and technology insights, please explore Celent's Capital Markets practice.

Other companion studies include:

• Top Technology Trends Previsory (Capital Markets): Buy Side, 2025 Edition
• Alternatives and Private Markets: Mega Trends, IPOs, and the Next Wave
• Alternatives and Private Markets: Emerging NextGen Technology Playbooks to Transition from Analog to Digital (Solution Landscape report)
• Pepper: Serving Up the Essential Data Ingredients for Private Markets Operations (Solutions Briefing Report)
• Alternative Investment Platforms for Wealth Management: A Solutionscape
• Private Credit, Sustainable Investing & Outsourced Management Remain in Focus
• NextGen Investment Accounting Solutioning Guide: A Playbook for Success
• ESG Delivery Under Scrutiny; “Walking the Talk” to Resolve the Credibility Gap
• ESG Data Management in Capital Markets: A Time of Opportunity
• Enterprise Data Management Visions and Trajectories: Capital Markets and Investments Edition Part 1 and Part 2