Wealth-Management Strategies for Navigating Volatile Private-Markets: Lessons from 2025 VC & PE Data

The “private markets promise” always carried the caveat: longer horizon, lower liquidity, higher complexity. But 2025 has turned up the heat. From stretched hold-periods to reduced exit activity, PE/VC markets are now testing wealth-manager frameworks built for smoother waters. According to one trend-report, deal flow remains muted and holding-periods for PE now exceed five years. (NEPC - Institutional Investors) For wealth-managers, the question has shifted from “Should we allocate?” to “How can we navigate wisely?” At Aduna Capital, we help make that question pragmatic and actionable.

What the challenge looks like in 2025

Key observations:

Fundraising across asset classes dropped to its lowest since 2016. (McKinsey & Company)
Deal-making remained subdued even as capital deployment rose. (McKinsey & Company)
In PE, liquidity crunch shows: hold-periods stretching, slower exits. (NEPC - Institutional Investors)
Wealth-manager clients often have low allocations (1-10%) and may not be set up for locked-up capital.

Key lessons for wealth-managers

Selectivity over volume
When exit timing is uncertain, more doesn’t mean better. Focus on vehicles with defined liquidity, experienced managers and alignment of incentives.
Duration risk must be managed
Private markets tomorrow may follow a longer cycle. Stress-test for a 7-10 year horizon, not 3-5, is becoming prudent.
Value-creation matters more than multiple expansion
With multiples under pressure, firms emphasise operational improvements. In PE, 83% of firms cite digital transformation of portfolio companies as critical in 2025. (EY)
Client education is essential
Illiquidity, valuation lag, exit risk—all must be clearly communicated. Without it, a portfolio may produce surprises.

How Aduna Capital helps

We approach these lessons with three dimensions: structure, process and capability.

Structure: We tailor private-markets vehicles aligned with client liquidity profiles and risk tolerances.
Process: We run manager-selection, due-diligence, tracking and reporting so the wealth team isn’t left to build this from scratch.
Capability: We embed private-markets expertise into your team—so you’re not reacting, you’re ahead.

Action checklist for wealth-managers

Map all clients who currently have <5% in private-markets — are they missing an opportunity or posture?
Run scenario-analysis: what happens if exits delay by 24 months?
Review current private-markets products: what are liquidity terms, fees, lock-up periods?
Design a client-education module: what should your clients understand about PE/VC in 2025-26?

Conclusion

Volatility, complexity and extended cycles are the new normal in private markets. That doesn’t mean wealth-managers should shy away—it means they must act differently. With selective access, realistic timelines and strong partner support (like Aduna Capital), you can turn this period into a strategic advantage for clients.