AllianceBernstein reported that alternatives and multi-asset strategies (MAS) have continued to grow, generating more than $4bn (£3bn) of net inflows in the second quarter of 2026, driven by institutional deployments into private markets.

The US asset manager announced record assets under management (AUM) of $905.5bn for the quarter ended 30 June, citing strong sales momentum and positive organic growth from key strategic areas, including private markets, ultra-high-net-worth, separately managed accounts (SMAs), active exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and insurance.

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Total AUM increased eight per cent from the end of the first quarter, and was up $76.4bn, or nine per cent, from a year earlier.

“Alternatives/MAS generated over $4bn of net inflows, marking our sixth consecutive quarter of organic growth for the asset class, as institutional deployments into private markets accelerated despite the headlines,” said Seth Bernstein, chief executive of AllianceBernstein.

He hailed a return to organic growth in the second quarter, with $800m of net inflows generated on its “strongest” sales quarter in five years, following outflows over the past four quarters, including net outflows of $7.1bn in the first quarter of this year.

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The firm also saw a return to organic growth in its institutional channel, with $600m of net inflows after net outflows of $1.9bn in the first quarter of 2026, which Bernstein attributed to “robust deployments into our private market strategies” in the second quarter.

Going into the second half of 2026, AllianceBernstein has nearly $26bn of institutional pipeline AUM, including approximately $12bn in commercial mortgage loans onboarded earlier this month.

“While the macroeconomic and geopolitical environment remains uncertain, we enter the second half of the year from a position of strength,” added Bernstein. “Our diversified asset and wealth management platform continues to expand its presence in structurally growing areas such as private markets, insurance, retirement, wealth, active ETFs and SMAs. We remain focused on executing our strategic priorities and delivering long-term value for our clients and unit holders.”

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