Advisors Urged to Master Alternative Assets as 2021 Bitcoin ETF Approval Fails to Close Knowledge Gap
Updated
Updated · The Globe and Mail · Jun 17
Advisors Urged to Master Alternative Assets as 2021 Bitcoin ETF Approval Fails to Close Knowledge Gap
1 articles · Updated · The Globe and Mail · Jun 17
Summary
Client demand for private assets and cryptocurrencies is outpacing advisor expertise, speakers at Globe Advisor’s Wealth Leadership Forum 2026 said, arguing that education is now a competitive necessity rather than a niche skill.
Private equity, private debt and real estate funds have gained appeal as public stocks and bonds became more correlated and companies stayed private longer, but advisors were told to probe liquidity, tax effects, fees and exit routes.
Gating drew particular scrutiny, with Meric Koksal saying redemption limits are often misunderstood and are designed to protect investors from forced asset sales during heavy withdrawal requests.
Crypto showed the same knowledge gap: Michael Zagari said many advisors still lag client questions despite the first U.S. bitcoin ETF approval in 2021, while Chris McHaney said ETF structures and established custodians have reduced regulatory and custody concerns.
The broader message was defensive as well as opportunistic: even advisors not offering alternatives should understand them because clients are already being pitched products that can be mispriced or mis-sold.