21, Apr 2026
Private markets ‘retailisation’ to drive semi-liquid fund assets past $3 trillion by 2030, Carne Group study reveals
Apr 21: New research* from Carne Group (Carne), Europe’s largest third-party management company (ManCo), reveals that both wealth managers and private markets fund managers expect assets under management (AUM) held in semi-liquid vehicles to exceed $3 trillion by 2030. The semi-liquid market has already demonstrated explosive momentum, with AUM nearly tripling between 2020 and 2024 to approximately $349 billion**.
Nearly eight out of 10 (78%) private market fund managers surveyed expect the sector to surpass $3 trillion by 2030. Wealth managers are equally bullish: 54% expect AUM to reach between $3 trillion and $3.5 trillion, while 18% believe the figure will climb even higher.
Semi-liquid funds operate as open-ended investment vehicles, providing sophisticated and mass-affluent retail investors with access to typically illiquid assets like private equity, with periodic redemption windows.
Wealth managers and IFAs increase their focus on the semi-liquid wrapper
Carne’s research reveals 72% of wealth managers surveyed already use semi-liquid funds for their clients. The remaining 28% are preparing to follow suit almost immediately – 75% of those not currently offering these funds expect to start within the next 12 months, and the remaining 25% within the next two years.
The speed of adoption is reflected in the anticipated weightings within client portfolios. Nearly a third (32%) of wealth managers surveyed expect to have 5% of their clients’ total investible assets in semi-liquid funds within three to four years. This conviction strengthens over a slightly longer horizon, with 66% expecting to hit that 5% allocation within four to five years.
Commenting on the growing focus wealth managers are placing on semi-liquid funds, Des Fullam
Chief Regulatory and Client Solutions Officer, Carne Group, said: “The democratisation of private markets must be met with a rigorous commitment to retail investor education. For this ‘retailisation’ trend to be sustainable, investors must fully grasp the mechanics of periodic redemptions and the long-term nature of the underlying assets. Empowering wealth managers with the right educational tools is as critical as the digital infrastructure itself in ensuring that mass-affluent investors can build truly diversified, resilient portfolios.”
The manager pipeline: A Massive Supply Shift
While the demand from wealth managers is clear, the supply side is also moving quickly. Currently, only 2% of the private market fund managers surveyed have launched a semi-liquid fund. However, the survey reveals a massive potential pipeline of new entrants:
- 19% of private market fund managers surveyed are considering launching a semi-liquid fund within the next 12 months
- 42% plan to launch within 12 to 18 months
- 29% are targeting a launch within 18 to 24 months
In total, over 90% of the managers surveyed intend to have a semi-liquid offering in market within the next two years, signalling a fierce competitive landscape as firms vie for retail market share.
Des Fullam added: “We are seeing a historic pivot in how private capital is raised and deployed. Wealth managers are no longer viewing private markets as an optional ‘extra’ but as a core component of a modern, diversified portfolio. For fund managers, this represents a golden opportunity to tap into a massive, relatively untapped pool of retail capital.
“However, the operational complexity of managing semi-liquid vehicles – balancing daily or monthly subscriptions with illiquid underlying assets – requires a level of digital sophistication and governance that many firms are only now beginning to implement.
“As the industry moves toward the potential 2030 $3 trillion milestone, the distinction between “institutional” and “retail” investment strategies is blurring. The next decade of growth in private markets will not be driven solely by pension funds and other institutional investors, but also by the democratisation of access via the semi-liquid wrapper.”
Regulatory tailwinds: The ELTIF and LTAF Boom
The expansion of the market is being underpinned by significant regulatory progress in Europe and the UK. The European Long-Term Investment Fund (ELTIF) 2.0 and the UK’s Long-Term Asset Fund (LTAF) have become the primary vehicles for this “retailisation” wave.
Private market managers are overwhelmingly optimistic about these structures:
- LTAFs: 84% of managers surveyed expect flows into LTAFs to increase over the next 12 months, with 44% predicting a “dramatic” increase
- ELTIFs: 77% expect flows into ELTIFs to rise over the same period, with 34% anticipating dramatic growth
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- By Neel Achary
21, Apr 2026
Foreign Investment May Strengthen Credit Profiles of Indian Financial Firms: Fitch Ratings
New Delhi, Apr 21 (BNP): Fitch Ratings has said that higher foreign ownership in Indian financial institutions can be credit-positive, as it may bring long-term capital support and help improve governance standards in certain cases.
However, the global rating agency cautioned that foreign investment alone is not a reliable indicator of stronger credit fundamentals. It noted that the quality of investment matters more than ownership levels when assessing financial stability.
Fitch said transactions that lead to stronger internal controls, better risk management practices, and improved leadership accountability are more meaningful from a credit perspective than investments driven purely by financial returns.
The agency also observed that rising foreign investor interest reflects growing confidence in India’s long-term economic growth prospects, as well as the strength of financial sector regulation and supervisory frameworks.
Overall, Fitch said foreign participation can support the sector, but its credit impact ultimately depends on how effectively it contributes to institutional resilience and governance improvements.
21, Apr 2026
RAKEZ spotlights practical pathways to building scalable businesses through structured operations
Entrepreneurs and industry experts during the RAKEZ community event at Compass Coworking Centre.
Ras Al Khaimah, Apr 21: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) recently hosted a focused session to explore one of the most common challenges faced by growing businesses, the over-reliance on founders and the need for structured systems to support sustainable growth.
The event, titled “From Chaos to Control: How to Organise Your Business When Everything Lives in Your Head,” brought together entrepreneurs, SME owners, and decision-makers at Compass Coworking Centre for a practical discussion on how to transition from reactive, founder-led operations to structured, process-driven businesses.
Led by Customer Experience and Business Excellence Specialist Mahmoud Garad and Berdia Qamarauli, CEO of Centigen Technologies, the session unpacked the operational bottlenecks that often limit growth. Speakers highlighted how many businesses struggle not due to a lack of demand, but because critical knowledge, decisions, and processes remain concentrated with the founder. This dependency can slow down operations, create inefficiencies, and make it difficult for businesses to scale sustainably.
Through real-world examples, the session highlighted how simple steps such as documenting key processes and assigning clear ownership can significantly improve operational consistency and team independence. Attendees were introduced to a practical framework centred on defining what needs to be done, how it should be done, and who is responsible, enabling teams to operate with greater clarity and accountability.
The discussion further emphasised that building scalable operations does not require complex tools or major investment, but starts with capturing existing knowledge and structuring it into simple, repeatable workflows. This approach allows businesses to reduce inefficiencies, improve service delivery, and create more predictable outcomes, while enabling founders to step back from day-to-day decision-making and focus on strategic growth.
RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “Our focus is on enabling businesses to operate with clarity, agility, and confidence at every stage of their journey. We continuously enhance our offerings and initiatives to equip entrepreneurs with the right tools, knowledge, and environment to build strong foundations and scale sustainably. Sessions like this are part of that direction, helping businesses translate practical insights into everyday operations.”
The session forms part of RAKEZ’s ongoing efforts to bring relevant, real-world perspectives to its business community, creating opportunities for industry exerts and SMEs to exchange ideas, gain practical knowledge, and strengthen the way they operate in an increasingly dynamic environment.
21, Apr 2026
ASICS Elevates Retail Experience at Linking Road Store in Mumbai
Mumbai, Apr 21: ASICS, the global Japanese sportswear brand, elevates its retail presence in Mumbai with the launch of its revamped Linking Road store. Located in one of Mumbai’s most prominent high-street retail destinations, the space brings a more refined and contemporary design language aligned with ASICS’ global standards and inspired by its philosophy of ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’
The store defines the next generation of ASICS retail spaces, focusing on the brand’s commitment to innovation, design, and performance. Creating an immersive customer-centric retail experience, it features ASICS’ proprietary Foot ID technology, enabling customers to better understand their foot profile and make more informed footwear choices. It is designed to offer a seamless and intuitive shopping journey, with dedicated zones across Performance Running, SportStyle, Core Performance, and Apparel, enabling easy navigation and product discovery.
As part of its India expansion strategy, the brand continues to focus on premiumisation and deeper customer engagement.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Rajat Khurana, Managing Director, ASICS India and South Asia, said, “India continues to be a key growth market for ASICS, and Mumbai remains an important region for us. With the enhancement of our Linking Road store, we are further strengthening our commitment to delivering elevated and meaningful consumer experiences. Our focus is on creating retail spaces as experience centres that showcase our product portfolio and enable consumers to make more informed choices through innovation-led solutions. As we continue to expand our presence, we remain committed to bringing the best of ASICS to consumers across the country.”
ASICS currently operates over 137 stores across India and continues to expand its retail footprint, with a strong focus on key urban centres. The enhanced Linking Road store reflects the brand’s continued investment in elevating retail experiences and strengthening its connection with consumers in the country.
21, Apr 2026
AI Astrology Emerges as a ‘Private Support System’ for Indians, Finds iMeUsWe, a Lineage-Tech Company
Mumbai, April 21 (BNP): iMeUsWe, India’s first lineage-tech platform, released findings from a pilot user behaviour study indicating growing adoption of AI-led astrology in India, with nearly 30% of consultations on the platform conducted through its AI astrologer chatbot.
The findings point to a clear behavioural shift, with users increasingly turning to AI not just for predictions, but for instant, private, and judgment-free guidance during moments of decision-making and emotional uncertainty.
During the pilot phase, relationship and marriage-related queries accounted for nearly 70% of all AI-led consultations, making emotional clarity the dominant use case on the platform, while career and finance-related concerns contributed around 20% of interactions. This indicates that while the interface of astrology is evolving, the underlying need for guidance around personal and life-stage decisions remains consistent.
Usage patterns further reinforce this shift. Engagement peaks during the afternoon hours between 1 PM and 3 PM, when users are likely seeking clarity around immediate decisions related to relationships, career, or personal concerns. A second surge in activity is observed between 9 PM and 11 PM, pointing to more emotionally driven interactions where users turn to the platform for reassurance, reflection, and guidance in private moments.
The study also highlights a strong gender skew, with women accounting for nearly 70% of AI astrology users on the platform, indicating higher adoption among users who value discretion, accessibility, and the ability to engage openly on personal topics. Geographically, the highest concentration of usage is observed across key urban and semi-urban markets, reflecting adoption patterns that align with digitally active and culturally rooted regions of the country.
In addition to frequency of use, the nature of engagement itself is evolving. Users are increasingly engaging in multi-message, exploratory conversations rather than one-off queries, suggesting deeper interaction and early signs of trust in AI-led guidance. This conversational behaviour reflects a shift from transactional usage toward more reflective and iterative engagement.
“These insights reflect a broader shift in how people are seeking support today. Users value the immediacy, privacy, and comfort that AI can offer, especially when it comes to deeply personal questions around relationships and life decisions,” said Arvind Subbarao, Co-founder and CEO, iMeUsWe. He added that AI is not replacing traditional astrologers, but is emerging as a complementary layer that makes guidance more accessible and approachable, particularly for younger and digitally native users.
The findings also suggest that AI-led astrology is becoming part of a wider digital wellness ecosystem, where users increasingly seek on-demand, discreet, and emotionally safe avenues for guidance. In a country where astrology has long been embedded in cultural and social decision-making, this shift reflects how tradition is adapting to modern expectations of speed, privacy, and accessibility.
21, Apr 2026
Gold, Silver Futures Slip Amid Profit Booking and Weak Global Demand
New Delhi, Apr 21 (BNP): Precious metal prices edged lower in futures trade on Tuesday, with both gold and silver witnessing selling pressure amid weak global cues and profit booking by traders.
Gold futures declined to ₹1,53,940 per 10 grams, reflecting a soft trend in international markets and reduced investor demand at higher levels.
Silver futures also slipped, falling by ₹946 to ₹2,51,599 per kilogram, as participants offloaded positions following recent gains.
Market analysts said the decline was largely driven by profit booking and cautious sentiment in global bullion markets, as investors assessed interest rate expectations and broader economic signals.
Overall, precious metals remained under pressure in the near term, tracking volatility in global financial markets.
21, Apr 2026
Crude Oil Futures Drop on Weak Global Demand, Oversupply Fears
New Delhi, Apr 21 (BNP): Crude oil prices fell in futures trade on Tuesday, tracking weak global cues and concerns over excess supply in the international market.
On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), crude oil futures for May delivery declined by ₹154, or 1.88%, to ₹8,030 per barrel, with a trading volume of 4,226 lots.
Analysts said the fall was driven by selling pressure as traders trimmed positions amid subdued demand in the spot market. Expectations of ample global supply further weighed on sentiment, keeping prices under pressure.
21, Apr 2026
India GDP Growth Projected at 6.4 pc: UN Report
New Delhi, Apr 21 (BNP): India’s economy is projected to grow at 6.4% in 2026 and 6.6% in 2027, according to a United Nations report, reaffirming its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies despite global uncertainties.
The ESCAP Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026 said India continues to drive regional growth, supported by strong domestic demand, services expansion, and steady investment inflows.
The report noted that while global trade tensions and slower exports pose challenges, India’s resilient consumption and policy support continue to sustain growth momentum.
It also highlighted India’s strong foreign investment inflows and its role as a leading destination for greenfield FDI in Asia-Pacific, alongside growth in green jobs and renewable energy sectors.
The UN said India’s outlook reflects broader stability in an otherwise uneven global economy, reinforcing its position as a key engine of global growth.
21, Apr 2026
Chicco Strengthens Its Retail Presence with New Store Launch at Phoenix Palladium Mall, Ahmedabad
Apr 21(BNP): Chicco, the global baby care brand trusted by parents for over 65 years across more than 120 countries, continues to expand its retail footprint in Western India with the launch of a new Exclusive Brand Store at Phoenix Palladium Mall, Ahmedabad. The store opening marks an important step in Chicco’s ongoing effort to bring its complete baby and parenting ecosystem closer to families in key urban markets.
The store has been thoughtfully designed as a welcoming and convenient space where parents can explore Chicco’s full range of solutions across every stage of early childhood. From newborn essentials to products supporting toddlers and kids, the store brings together categories including baby clothing, baby gear, feeding and nursing solutions, baby cosmetics, oral care, toys as well as cots and cribs.
Chicco’s baby clothing range focuses on comfort-led design along with skin-friendly fabrics that are also OEKO-Tex® certified, and practical fabrics that allow children to move freely while staying comfortable through changing seasons. The baby cosmetics range is developed with gentle formulations, free from phenoxyethanol, dermatologically tested, and thoughtfully created for baby’s gentle skin. Feeding and nursing solutions, including breast pumps, sterilizers, and accessories, are designed to support smoother feeding routines for both mothers and babies. The oral care range features age-appropriate toothpastes & toothbrushes that encourage healthy habits from an early age. Moreover, a range of soothers & teethers add to the complete care when it comes to the mother & baby. Completing the offering is a range of toys that brings a great blend of fun & learning bysupporting cognitive, sensory, and motor development, along with cots, cribs, bouncers & highchairscrafted with a strong emphasis on safety, comfort, and restful sleep.
Speaking about the upcoming launch, Mr. Rajesh Vohra, CEO of Artsana India, said,
“Ahmedabad is a wonderful city and an important market for us, with many young parents who thoughtfully seek quality, trust, and long-term reliability in the products they choose for their babies. With this new store at Phoenix Palladium Mall, we want to offer parents a space where they can take their time, understand what works best for their child, and feel confident in every choice they make. For decades, parents around the world have placed their trust in Chicco, and we look forward to building the same relationship with families in Ahmedabad as we continue to grow across India.”
The Chicco store at Phoenix Palladium Mall, Ahmedabad offers parents a dedicated destination to experience Chicco’s entire range under one roof along with its approach to thoughtful, dependable baby care.
21, Apr 2026
ENTECH 2026 national Australian roadshows completely sold out
SYDNEY, Apr 21 – Continuing its amazing run of success and growth ENTECH, the only event for AV and entertainment technology professionals that visits every major population centre in Australia and New Zealand, has officially sold out its 2026 national Australian roadshows.
ENTECH Roadshow to Experience event
Following a complete sell-out of its previous events which have historically been capped by a three-truck touring format, this year due to increased industry demand ENTECH expanded its national roadshow capacity for 2026 with the addition of an additional B-double trailer to its fleet.
ENTECH CEO Kate McKenzie
ENTECH CEO Kate McKenzie explained, “This logistics upgrade increased freight capability and unlocked exhibitor demand across all cities. As a direct result, ENTECH has confirmed major new exhibitors including Barco, Panasonic, and Jands further strengthening the show’s position as Australia’s leading AV industry showcase.”
The expanded format also allows for more equipment on the tradeshow floor – now over 66 tonnes – and more live demonstrations.
McKenzie added, “The benefits don’t end there as with our expanded capacity and sold-out shows we have an even deeper cross-section of the professional audio, lighting and visual technology sectors without compromising the speed and efficiency that define the proven ENTECH roadshow model.
ENTECH trucks on tour
ENTECH have built and grown their roadshows on trust, reliability and delivery and each year moves national exhibitor freight over thousands of kilometres across Australia and New Zealand on time and on budget.
The roadshows deliver meaningful demos, tech talks and interactions between suppliers, manufacturers, practitioners and distributors of professional audio visual and entertainment technology creating significant value for exhibitors and attendees alike.
Kate McKenzie concluded, “ENTECH now has five attractions within the show: the traditional Chameleon ENTECH cafe (and Happy Hour), the NW Group ENTECH theatre zone for silent disco headphone presentations on the floor, the new Interactive Audio Demo Zone and the Interactive Vision Demo Zone. Finally, we have added dedicated meeting rooms for curated meetings using our new proprietary ENTECH-CONNECT registration and meetings system. The outcome is that ENTECH 2026 is unlike any previous, making our 33rd year our biggest ever.”
ENTECH will visit Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth in May 2026, Auckland and Wellington in July 2026 and Christchurch in August 2026.
Whilst the national Australian roadshows are sold out limited single city spots (excluding Melbourne which is also sold out) are still available.
Registration for the 2026 Australian and New Zealand ENTECH Roadshows is free and open now.
