Barclays Private Bank's 2026 survey of more than 600 wealthy investors, including respondents in Asia, found private markets participation jumped to 72% from 50% a year earlier, even as the average portfolio allocation fell from 30% to 27%.

TL;DR

  • More investors, smaller slices: 72% of surveyed wealthy investors now invest in private markets (50% in 2025), while average allocations slipped to 27% from 30%.
  • Intent is still rising: 60% plan to increase allocations, and 84% of Millennials say they will, against 59% of Gen X and 36% of Baby Boomers.
  • Barclays reports no Asia-only breakdown, so APAC investors should read the figures as a global signal, not a regional one.

What did the Barclays survey find?

Barclays Private Bank commissioned the research firm Savanta to survey more than 600 wealthy investors across the UK, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa between 29 May and 5 June 2026. It is Barclays' third annual private markets report, as reported by WealthBriefing on 1 October 2026. Private markets means investments outside public exchanges, such as private equity, private credit, real estate and infrastructure funds.

The headline numbers: 72% currently invest in private markets, up from 50% in 2025, and 60% plan to raise their allocation. The average allocation, however, fell from 30% to 27%.

Why are allocations falling while participation rises?

Barclays' figures do not give a reason, so this is our reading rather than a finding. A larger group of newer participants, who typically start small, would pull an average down even if existing holders did not cut back. The survey does say investors are prioritising manager quality, access, due diligence and portfolio construction.

What is holding non-investors back?

Among those not yet invested, liquidity is the main worry. Of those respondents, 53% want better fee structures and 41% want shorter lock-up periods, and close to half cite a lack of knowledge.

Where is the interest heading?

Infrastructure allocations rose from 22% to 27%. Technology draws the most interest for added exposure at 63%, ahead of healthcare at 54%, energy at 44% and financial services at 40%. About half of respondents use co-investments and 42% are considering them.

Why it matters for Asian investors and family offices

For allocators in Singapore, Hong Kong and across the region, the survey is a reminder that access and due diligence now matter more than the asset class label. Questions worth asking any manager include the lock-up length, fee structure, liquidity terms and how a co-investment is sourced. Related reading on Alt Asset Asia includes https://altassetasia.com/private-markets-allocations-are-rising-but-cash-is-tight-what-preqins-2026-study-means-for-apac-investors/ on Preqin's 2026 study, https://altassetasia.com/evergreen-funds-hit-534-billion-caia-warns-the-fine-print-doesnt-match-the-pitch/ on evergreen fund terms, and https://altassetasia.com/private-credit-risks-draw-fsb-warning-5-allocation-concerns-for-2026/ on private credit risk. This is information, not investment, legal or tax advice.

What is not confirmed

We could not find the survey in a Barclays primary release, so the figures rely on WealthBriefing's report of it. Barclays gives no Asia breakdown. A 2025 write-up of Barclays' earlier survey quotes different participation figures, so the 50% baseline is as Barclays states it and has not been independently reconciled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What share of wealthy investors invest in private markets, according to Barclays?

72% of the 600-plus respondents, up from 50% in 2025, per the survey fielded 29 May to 5 June 2026.

Did allocations to private markets rise?

Not on average. The average allocation fell from 30% to 27%, although 60% of respondents plan to increase it.

Does the survey cover Asia?

Respondents included Asia, alongside the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, but no Asia-specific results were published in the coverage we reviewed.

Sources and Method

WealthBriefing, "Growing Demand For Private Markets Amongst Wealthy, Barclays Private Bank", 1 October 2026; IFA Magazine, 5 November 2025, for the earlier survey. This is an original Dachex Media rewrite using only these notes.