Easy as ABC

Private markets’ race into retirement portfolios continues to accelerate, with AllianceBernstein, Brookfield and Carlyle unveiling ABC [ONE], a turnkey private markets solution for defined contribution plans. The platform combines public and private market exposures into a single multi-asset strategy, giving workplace pension schemes simplified access to private equity, private credit and infrastructure without needing to build in-house alternatives capabilities. Brookfield will manage the private real assets component, global investment firm Carlyle will manage the private equity component, and AB will manage the private credit component. The launch reflects the industry’s broader push to crack the vast DC market as institutional fundraising slows and managers look for new pools of long-term capital. Onur Erzan, President of AllianceBernstein said: “We're pleased to bring together Brookfield, Carlyle and AB to provide a turnkey private markets solution to DC plans that gives retirement savers an allocation to private markets that dynamically adjusts by age.” For wealth platforms and retirement providers, the pitch is clear: private markets can potentially improve diversification and long-term returns. ABC [ONE] is an exciting turnkey product that promises an ‘alphabet’ soup to nuts solution for DC retirement plans, adding a tasty new item to the private markets menu.