FundBase to launch platform for retail access to private marketsBY ANDREW MCKEAN | MONDAY, 3 FEB 2025 12:51PMFundBase, an investment fund infrastructure provider, is launching a platform to give Australian retail investors access to private markets. The company said it will be the first to offer local retail investors entry into private markets, which have traditionally been restricted to wholesale investors, being those with assets of $2.5 million or $250,000 in annual income. The new platform will allow retail investment in venture capital, private equity offerings, and a range of private market funds starting, with a minimum investment of $5000 - compared to the traditional $100,000 entry point for wholesale investors. A pilot program will be launched early this year with select venture capital, private equity, and alternative asset managers looking to raise funds. Notably, incoming Hearts and Minds Investment chief executive Brett Jollie - who was formerly chief executive of abrdn Australia - has joined FundBase as an independent non-executive director to support the company's development, including the rollout of its Retail Syndicates platform. FundBase co-founder Anna Nedbaylova said the new initiative aimed to democratise access to private markets, fostering wealth creation for the broader range of investors, and providing fund managers with access to additional capital. "Private markets are expanding at an accelerating pace, with global assets under management forecast to grow from $16.8 trillion in 2023 to over $30 trillion by 2030. In Australia, private market investments are gaining momentum with more than 30% of Australian investment portfolios now allocated to private markets," Nedbaylova said. "We're witnessing a growing level of sophistication among retail investors who are keen to participate in private capital investments. However, 84% of Australians are currently excluded due to income and asset requirements for wholesale investors. "Our vision is to create an inclusive space that every alternative and private market fund manager looking to raise funds can be a part of and where every retail investor looking to diversify into private markets can find a home." Fellow FundBase co-founder Richard Mulligan said the platform would provide a new funding option for venture capital managers, allowing them to broaden their investor base without having to significantly increase the number of investors they need to manage. "We estimate that this initiative could potentially result in as much as $80 billion flowing into the private markets ecosystem over the next five years, significantly boosting Australian economic growth," Mulligan said. Related News |
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