Alternative Investing Education Module

Alternative Investing: Expanding Beyond Traditional Markets

This unit introduces you to the world of alternative assets—everything that lives outside the standard stocks-and-bonds playbook. You’ll explore what makes alternatives unique, how the industry evolved, and why investors today are increasingly seeking diversification through new kinds of value as well as risks. 

We begin with the core features of alternative assets, outlining how they behave differently from traditional markets and why these differences matter. You’ll learn about the history of the alternative investment industry, the cultural and economic forces that shaped it, and the facts and figures that define where the market stands today.

From there, the unit breaks down key terms, essential frameworks, and the broad spectrum of diverse strategies for diversification. It touches on ESG-driven portfolios and art funds to crypto, Web3 innovations, and next-generation impact investing.

You’ll also explore deeper into major institutional strategies including Venture Capital, Private Equity, Funds of Funds, Real Asset Funds, Real Estate, Natural Resources, Infrastructure, and Commodities—all explained through a modern lens that connects global finance to cultural and technological change.

Finally, the unit examines how the European Union and the United Kingdom approach alternative markets, providing a comparative perspective on regulation, innovation, and investor protections.

By the end, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of how alternatives work, why they’re reshaping modern portfolios, and how they can serve as tools for both stability and long-term growth.

Includes: Investing Terminology, Jargon, Decentralized Finance Glossary