In a recent episode of Bloomberg's At the Money podcast, host Barry Ritholtz interviewed Lawrence Calcano, chairman and CEO of iCapital, about the company's mission to create the world's leading marketplace for alternative investments. Calcano shared how iCapital has grown into a key platform connecting wealth managers, advisors, and financial professionals with alternative asset opportunities such as private equity, hedge funds, and real estate.
Calcano emphasized that the goal is to democratize access to alternatives, which were historically reserved for institutional investors. He discussed the challenges of building a technology-driven infrastructure to streamline investment processes, compliance, and reporting for advisors and their clients. The conversation also touched on the evolving landscape of wealth management and the increasing demand for diversification beyond traditional stocks and bonds.
iCapital now serves a global client base, processing billions in alternative investments annually. Calcano credited the firm's success to its focus on technology, partnerships, and regulatory compliance. He noted that the platform aims to reduce friction for advisors, allowing them to offer sophisticated strategies to a broader range of investors.
The interview provided insights into how fintech is reshaping the investment world, making previously exclusive asset classes more accessible. Calcano's perspective highlights the growing role of technology in financial services and the shift toward customized, alternative-heavy portfolios.