Wealth Management in the Era of Private Markets: Yann Charraire Perspective on BSMART 4Change

Wealth management is currently undergoing a profound transformation. Changing client expectations, the growing importance of alternative assets, accelerated digitalization, and generational wealth transfer are all challenging the traditional wealth management model.

Against this backdrop, Yann Charraire, co-founder of AirFund, appeared on BSMART 4Change in the Smart Patrimoine program alongside Nicolas Pagniez, to analyze the major shifts reshaping the wealth management industry. 📺 Watch here: https://www.bsmart.fr/video/30803-smart-patrimoine-05-novembre-2025 A Structural Transformation of Wealth Management

Long dominated by standardized models focused on public markets, wealth management is becoming increasingly fragmented. Client needs are growing more complex and more specific, requiring a holistic approach that includes:

• A deeper understanding of long-term wealth planning challenges

• Greater portfolio diversification

• The ability to integrate new asset classes, particularly private markets

This evolution places significant pressure on traditional wealth management models, which have historically relied on liquid and easily accessible investment solutions.

The Rise of Alternative Assets and Access to Private Markets

One of the key observations discussed during the interview is the growing interest in alternative assets, including private equity, private debt, non-listed real estate, and infrastructure.These asset classes address several investor objectives:

• Enhanced portfolio diversification

• Direct exposure to the real economy

• A long-term investment horizon better aligned with wealth planning goals

However, access to private markets remains complex. These investments are often limited to institutional or professional investors and require specialized expertise as well as a strict regulatory framework.

Technology as a Catalyst for Change

Digitalization plays a central role in this transformation. Technology now enables:

• Improved information flow

• More efficient structuring of investment offerings

• Smoother connections between asset managers, advisors, and investors

In this evolving ecosystem, technology is not designed to replace human expertise, but rather to enhance the advisor’s role by providing access to broader solutions and more relevant data.

The Evolving Role of the Wealth Advisor

As these changes accelerate, the role of the wealth advisor is undergoing a fundamental shift.Advisors are no longer expected merely to distribute products, but to:

• Help clients understand complex investment strategies

• Anticipate wealth planning needs in an uncertain environment

• Integrate sophisticated solutions into a coherent allocation aligned with each client’s risk profile

In a more digital and demanding landscape, the advisor becomes a wealth architect, operating at the intersection of finance, regulation, and education.

Understanding, Anticipating, and Supporting Wealth Over Time

As Yann Charrère emphasized during the program, the challenge is no longer simply accessing wealth, but understanding it, anticipating its evolution, and supporting it over time.This approach requires a long-term vision, enhanced expertise, and the ability to navigate a constantly evolving financial environment.