Wall Street's largest firms are championing a new cause. They are bringing alternative assets — once reserved for the ultra-wealthy — to the portfolios of individual investors. Chief among the proponents are BlackRock and Goldman Sachs. But, as is usually the case in investing, the potential of greater returns comes at a risk. "The alternative market is becoming less alternative," said Jon Diorio, head of alternatives for wealth at asset management giant BlackRock. Alternatives are assets outside of stocks, bonds, and cash — including private equity, private credit, real estate, infrastructure, cryptocurrencies, and more. "It's growing very rapidly as public markets are shrinking," Diorio told CNBC in a recent interview. Interest has been fueled by shrinking public market opportunities and

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