Standard Chartered has announced the launch of a new alternative fund focused on sports investments for high net worth (HNW) and ultra HNW clients under its global private bank.

The bank stated that there was a growing trend in sports investing as a new investment trend, as major sports leagues and teams seek alternative capital financing options.

It highlighted recent high-profile sports-related transactions among family offices that have further catalysed sports investing as an alternative asset class for ultra HNW individuals looking to strengthen and diversify their portfolios.

The media industry has been a growth in contract value of 16 to 17 per cent over the past decade, according to Standard Chartered, with major sports leagues from around the globe signing record-breaking broadcasting deals.

Furthermore, the bank argued that private investors are becoming more interested in the steady revenue generating model in sports.

In light of this growing interest, Standard Chartered has launched the new fund, focused on sports, media and entertainment opportunities, across its footprint.

“We have observed strong growing interest from our clients in alternative asset classes such as sports investing,” commented Standard Chartered global head, wealth solutions, deposits and mortgages, and chief client officer, Samir Subberwal.

“The growing media industry is an impetus for us to act now. It is therefore timely to leverage the strong expertise of leading global fund managers to connect our HNW clients to professionally managed solutions that provide access to hard-to-access opportunities.

“As a leading international wealth manager, we are committed to continue unlocking new investment opportunities for our clients.”

Standard Chartered global head, advisory and managed investments, wealth solutions, Sumeet Bhambri, added: “Our open architecture wealth platform allows us to curate and onboard unique opportunities to meet our clients’ needs.

“As clients increasingly look to incorporate alternatives into their portfolios to achieve greater diversity and long-term growth, the new fund offers a professionally managed solution for our clients to access high-quality private market opportunities with institutional grade risk management and oversight.”

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