The Rise of Retail: From SPYs to Alts

The panel explores the rise of retail investors and its transformative impact on asset management and market dynamics. It highlights the convergence of public and private markets, with increasing access to private assets for retail investors, driven by the demand for higher yields and diversification. The discussion also covers the importance of understanding retail investor behavior, noting their growing force in momentum trading and option volumes. Innovation in investment vehicles, particularly ETFs, and the potential of tokenization are also examined, alongside the need for transparency and education to ensure suitability. The panel further addresses demographic shifts, the increasing wealth of the lower economic strata, and the globalization of the investor base, especially in Asia and Latin America.