INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE MARKETS PROGRAM 2026

About this course

2026 Private Markets and Alternative InvestmentsA private market is an investment space reserved for qualified investors where they can buy shares in unlisted companies. These companies do not make their financial information public, so only those who are authorized to know how they are doing. Private markets generally have higher transaction costs, a lower number of buyers and sellers, information is not fully disclosed between parties, and prices are often determined by negotiation rather than public markets. These requirements result in a much lower frequency of transactions in Private markets, which means less volatility in asset values. Therefore, volatility is much lower and less likely to occur than in public investments.An alternative investment is a financial asset that does not fall into the traditional investment categories. Traditional investments include stocks, bonds, and currencies. Most alternative investments are held by institutional investors or the ultra-high-net-worth individuals, due to their complexity, poor regulatory status, and high risk. Alternative investments include: private equity funds, venture capital funds, hedge funds, futures funds, art, antiques, commodities, or derivatives. Real estate is also listed as an alternative investment.The Private Markets and Alternative Investments Certificate provides a comprehensive review of critical terminology and concepts. Understand the key features and differences between private equity, private credit, real estate and infrastructure, commodities, and hedge funds.The Private Markets and Alternative Investments CertificateTopic 1: Introduction to Private Markets and Alternative Investments1. Explain the various roles that private markets and alternative investments play in multi-asset portfolios.2. Discuss key investment considerations for allocating funds to private equity, private debt, hedge funds, commodities and natural reso