Alternative assets used as 'a means to an end' - 7IM

Bonds won’t help in the next bear market

Victoria McKeever
clock • 3 min read

Holding alternative assets is "a means to an end" to compensate for when bonds are unable to deliver their traditional defensive qualities, 7IM CIO Ian Jensen Humphreys has said.

"We don't own alternatives so I can stand in front of you to tell you how clever I am, how great the team is and how we're smarter than everyone else," said Jensen Humphreys (pictured). "We own it because we can't find what we're looking for in bonds. We're using them as a means to an end." Jensen Humphreys was speaking at the annual Dynamic Planner conference last week, on increasing diversification in an evolving environment. "We don't think when the next bear market comes, after nine years of fantastic growth, that bonds can help," he explained. "As a multi-asset manager we're tryi...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Alternative Investments

Ian Aylward: It pays to be choosey when picking alternatives

Ian Aylward: It pays to be choosey when picking alternatives

'If it can't be explained to your clients, it should likely be left out of your portfolio'

Ian Aylward
clock 14 August 2026 • 3 min read
Semi-liquid funds boosting private markets for IFAs and wealth managers

Semi-liquid funds boosting private markets for IFAs and wealth managers

40% use semi-liquid funds to gain access

Patrick Brusnahan
clock 15 July 2026 • 1 min read
FCA's Pritchard urges tighter private markets oversight to improve investor confidence

FCA's Pritchard urges tighter private markets oversight to improve investor confidence

Regulators and investment managers must get 'basics' right

Linus Uhlig
clock 12 May 2026 • 2 min read