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Morgan Stanley at Milken

May 22, 2025

As a sponsor of the 2025 Milken Institute Global Conference, Morgan Stanley leaders shared timely perspectives and strategic insights at one of the world’s most influential events.

The Milken Institute Global Conference connects individuals with the capital and influence to drive change with experts and innovators transforming health, finance, business, technology, philanthropy, industry and society. More than 900 speakers and 4,000 participants gather to discuss pivotal themes, from advancements in the technology and healthcare to the impacts of a shifting global economy. See what Morgan Stanley experts are predicting for the future of finance.

 

The Rise of Private Assets in Investing

Co-President Dan Simkowitz spoke on a panel about the accelerating shift toward private markets, driven by investor appetite for diversification and relative value, which have become even more relevant in today’s market characterized by macroeconomic uncertainty.

 

Simkowitz and other panelists spoke about institutional and retail investor interest in assets such as private credit, private equity, hedge funds and real estate, for diversification beyond traditional equities and fixed income. The growing appetite for private assets is contributing to a democratization of private investing—once limited to institutions—that is even extending into retirement portfolios.

Research

Global Asset Management and Alternatives at Milken Institute Global Conference

Dan Simkowitz

Co-President, Head of Institutional Securities Group at Morgan Stanley

The Intersection Between Alternatives and Private Wealth

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Chief Investment Officer Lisa Shalett participated in a closed-door session on the evolving landscape of alternative investments in the private wealth sector. As alternatives continue to gain traction, the appetite for these investments is on an upward trajectory, driven by factors such as generational wealth transfer, increased portfolio sophistication and the democratization of access through technology. However, as Shalett and others on her team have noted, challenges remain – including barriers to access, liquidity constraints and the complexities of managing these investments.

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The Exponential Growth of Obesity Drugs
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Research Tariffs Hit the Shelves

Disclosures

The investments listed may not be appropriate for all investors. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment will depend upon an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.

Private equity funds typically invest in securities, instruments, and assets that are not, and are not expected to become, publicly traded and therefore may require a substantial length of time to realize a return or fully liquidate. They typically have high management, performance and placement fees which can lower the returns achieved by investors. They are often speculative and include a high degree of risk. Investors can lose all or a substantial amount of their investment. They may be highly illiquid, not tax efficient with significant lock-up periods and no secondary market, can engage in leverage and other speculative practices that may increase volatility and the risk of loss, and may be subject to large investment minimums.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.

Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining financial market.

The material may contain forward looking statements and there can be no guarantee that they will come to pass.

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

The views and opinions expressed in this material are those of the guest speakers at the time of this writing and do not necessarily represent those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates or its other employees. Of course, these views may change without notice in response to changing circumstances and market conditions. Furthermore, this material may contain forward looking statements and there can be no guarantees that they will come to pass. The discussion of any securities in this material should not be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell such securities. Portfolio holdings are subject to change and there is no guarantee that any securities mentioned will be held in a client’s account. It should not be assumed that any securities transactions or holdings discussed were or will prove to be profitable. Historical data shown represents past performance and does not guarantee comparable future results. The information and statistical data contained herein have been obtained from sources that are believed to be reliable but in no way are guaranteed by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC as to accuracy or completeness.

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC.

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