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Banks (Finance)

Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank Launch New Alternative Investments Program for Ultra-High-Net-Worth Clients

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Bank of America Private Bank, in collaboration with Merrill Wealth Management, has introduced the Alts Expanded Access Program, a new private market program designed for ultra-high-net-worth clients with a net worth of $50 million or more. This program offers ultra-high-net-worth clients a unique opportunity to invest in private market alternatives, providing them with access to specialized investment opportunities not available through traditional channels. The Alts Expanded Access Program is part of the Bank of America Private Bank's commitment to meeting the evolving financial needs of its ultra-high-net-worth clients.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Alts Expanded Access Program is a new private market program designed for ultra-high-net-worth clients with a net worth of $50 million or more.
  • The program provides selective access to specialized investment opportunities in emerging themes, niche strategies, and evolving sectors.
  • Supported by advisors, clients will have access to fund manager materials and conduct due diligence on investment opportunities.
  • The program builds on the success of other UHNW capabilities, such as Premium Access Strategies, which has grown to over $60 billion in client assets in under three years.
  • The program underscores the growing interest among ultra-high-net-worth clients in alternative investments, with 93% planning to increase their allocations to alternatives in the coming years.
  • The Alts Expanded Access Program is part of the Bank of America Private Bank's commitment to meeting the evolving financial needs of its ultra-high-net-worth clients.
  • Bank of America Private Bank serves approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients, with 3,700 retail financial centers and approximately 15,000 ATMs across the United States.
  • The company provides industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through innovative online products and services.
  • Bank of America serves clients through operations across the United States and more than 35 countries.

Statistics:

  • 17% of ultra-high-net-worth clients' current portfolio allocations are comprised of alternative investments.
  • 93% of ultra-high-net-worth clients plan to increase their allocations to alternatives in the coming years.
  • The Premium Access Strategies program has grown to over $60 billion in client assets in under three years.
  • Bank of America serves approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients.
  • The company operates 3,700 retail financial centers and has approximately 15,000 ATMs across the United States.
  • Bank of America supports approximately 4 million small business households through innovative online products and services.

Sources:

  • Bank of America Private Bank, [Sept. 4, 2025], "Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank Launch New Alternative Investments Program to Ultra-High-Net-Worth Clients"
  • 2024 Bank of America Private Bank Study of Wealthy Americans
  • Bank of America Investment Solutions Group, August 25, 2025
  • Bank of America Private Bank, [Sept. 4, 2025], "Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank Launch New Alternative Investments Program to Ultra-High-Net-Worth Clients"

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