Alternative assets firm Blackstone has surveyed more than 200 financial advisors across the US, EMEA and APAC to find out how they are managing in an evolving macro environment and their outlook on private markets.

After what was a tough time for private equity in 2022 and 2023, and despite an evolving macro environment, a new survey released this week by New York-headquartered Blackstone shows that 90 per cent of surveyed advisors are either increasing or maintaining their private equity allocations.

The resilience suggests continued interest in diversifying portfolios with private assets that can offer differentiated return potential and long-term growth that may be less tied to short-term public market volatility, the firm said in a statement.

The survey covers financial professionals across the US, EMEA, and APAC participating in Blackstone programming over the period February 2026 to March 2026. The average number of respondents per question was 200.

Fifty-three per cent of surveyed advisors also cited diversification from public markets as the primary role of private real estate in client portfolios. This fits the renewed focus on β€œHALO” investments – that is, hard assets with low obsolescence – and the search for lower-correlation investments.

Thirty-six per cent of surveyed advisors also said that track record is the most important factor when selecting a private credit manager, followed by credit underwriting expertise at 33 per cent. They highlighted that a strong track record stands out as a differentiator when advisors select a private credit manager, signaling that they place a premium on experience and proven performance across market cycles. Credit underwriting expertise follows, reinforcing the value placed on disciplined deal selection and risk management.

More than three-quarters of advisors (77 per cent) also emphasized that access to private markets is part of their value proposition when engaging prospective clients, the survey reveals.

Private markets can help advisors highlight how their practice stands out and adds value, which is why the majority of surveyed advisors said they include these investments when delivering their value proposition to prospective clients. With private markets becoming a core component of modern portfolios, providing access is increasingly key for advisors who want to stay ahead.

Like a number of firms, California-headquartered investment manager Franklin Templeton also sees attractive opportunities globally within private markets in 2026.