Watch the Conversation: Alan Strauss on Alternative Investing
Alternative investments have plenty of appeal. But for financial advisors, getting access is one thing. Knowing what to do with it is another.
Which managers deserve a closer look? Where do alternatives belong in a client’s portfolio? And what does it actually take to make the investment process run smoothly?
At Future Proof in Huntington Beach, Modern American Advisor‘s Alex Sullivan sits down with Alan Strauss, Senior Partner and Director of Investor Relations at Crystal Capital Partners, for a conversation about the evolving alternatives landscape and the opportunities and complexities facing independent advisors.
They get into the details that matter, including institutional investment access, manager selection, portfolio construction and the operational work that comes with investing beyond traditional stocks and bonds. Private credit is also part of the conversation, as advisors consider where different alternative strategies might fit.
For advisors exploring the space, Strauss offers a closer look at what happens after the door to alternatives opens.
Advisor Takeaways
- Access is only the beginning. Institutional investment opportunities may be increasingly accessible, but manager selection, due diligence and implementation still demand attention.
- Think portfolio, not product. Understanding how alternatives fit alongside a client’s existing investments matters as much as the strategies themselves.
- The details make a difference. Reporting, administration and ongoing manager oversight are important parts of bringing alternatives into an advisory practice.
- Know what you’re investing in. With strategies such as private credit attracting interest, understanding their risks, structure and suitability remains essential.
About Alan Strauss
Alan Strauss is Senior Partner and Director of Investor Relations at Crystal Capital Partners, where he has been part of the team since 2009.
His work spans investor relations, client engagement, sales and marketing, helping connect financial advisors and investors with the firm’s alternative investment offerings.
Strauss has also shared his perspective on the industry through financial media appearances, including Schwab Network and investment-focused podcasts. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish and a master’s degree in Sport Administration from the University of Miami.