In addition, Wells Fargo today announced that it is making a strategic investment in iCapital under the terms of iCapital’s latest fundraising round.

“We are pleased to partner with iCapital to deliver alternative investments to enhance the experience for our advisors and clients,” said Darrell Cronk, president of WFII. “This transaction will allow us to continue to provide innovative alternative investment solutions to our clients as well as upgrade the overall platform and launch new offerings.”

The Wells Fargo GAI Feeder Fund Platform provides brokerage and wealth management clients the ability to invest in a full suite of alternative solutions, including private equity, private debt, hedge funds, private real estate, and direct private investments across approximately 70 investment vehicles. Since 2006, GAI has offered investment options through feeder funds that invest in external funds or portfolio companies.

With the increased adoption of alternative investments and to best serve clients, WFII decided to partner with iCapital to ensure a best-in-class solution. Wells Fargo will continue to provide clients with its existing investment services, such as upfront and ongoing investment due diligence, product selection, investment monitoring, platform management, product support, and education, while the iCapital platform will provide investors with enhanced technology and efficiency.

As part of the transaction, iCapital will offer employment to a team of Wells Fargo employees who currently support operations for the GAI Feeder Fund Platform. The transitioning team will continue to support the fund portfolio to ensure continuity of service.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close during the second half of 2020. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.