The indirect model continues to be the top approach for adding alternatives to pension plans overall (47%). However, the direct model achieved #1 spot among large and private-public plans with the necessary resources for hands-on management of their growing alternative portfolios (46% and 47%).
The indirect investment model continued its decline in popularity year-over-year (51% to 47%), offset by increased interest in the consortium model (14% to 19%). Large plans demonstrated a significantly higher interest in the direct model (30% to 46%), which is now their preferred approach. Meanwhile, small and mid-sized plans, as well as public and private plans, indicated a growing preference for the consortium model, which remains well below popularity of the indirect approach among these plans.