Coutts Seeks Private Deals for the Rich as Big Money Slows

Coutts, the historic British bank serving the ultra-wealthy, is in advanced talks with investment giants Apollo and Ares. The goal is to offer its clients exclusive funds that invest in private markets. These negotiations signal a major shift. Large asset managers like Apollo and Ares are now aggressively targeting individual "retail" investors with high net worth. This move comes as the steady flow of institutional cash from pensions and endowments has begun to slow down. Private market funds invest in assets not listed on public exchanges, such as private company equity, real estate, and direct loans. They were once almost exclusively for large institutions. By partnering with Coutts, Apollo and Ares gain direct access to its elite client list. For Coutts' wealthy clients, the partnerships promise entry into high-potential, complex investments typically reserved for the world's largest financial players. The bank is acting to meet rising client demand for these alternative assets.