MSIM and iCapital Expand Partnership to Facilitate Wealth Managers

To support more banks and wealth management companies around the world, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MSIM) and iCapital, a global financial technology company, have recently announced the expansion of their collaboration.

In a press release published by iCapital on 18 July, the fintech firm noted that the expanded partnership will facilitate financial firms through a suite of private markets funds managed by Morgan Stanley Investment Management.

With more than $1.4 trillion worth of assets under management, MSIM is one of the world’s largest financial asset managers. The company has a long-standing strategic relationship with iCapital.

Jacques Chappuis, the Global Head of Distribution and Co-Head of the Solutions and Multi-Asset Group at MSIM, said: “This is a new chapter in Morgan Stanley’s partnership with iCapital. While our private markets funds have typically been restricted to institutional investors, we are excited to be able to expand the client base accessing our industry-leading Private Markets funds and help High Net Worth Investors across the globe further diversify their investment portfolios.”

Last month, MSIM reduced its FX options book amid broader market contraction.

Wealth Management Industry

Despite the market turmoil, the global wealth management industry witnessed decent growth during the first half of 2022. Marco Bizzozero, the Head of International at iCapital, said that the popularity of alternative assets is rising in the international wealth management ecosystem.

“Wealth managers are increasingly looking to alternative investments as another way to try and help their clients improve their financial outcomes,” said Bizzozero.

“We are extremely pleased to further strengthen our long-standing relationship with Morgan Stanley. The expansion of this successful partnership now offers access to the growth and diversification potential that premier private markets investment opportunities can provide to advisors and their HNW clients globally,” iCapital’s Head of International added.

iCapital was founded in 2013 in NYC.