Amid unpredictable developments affecting tax policy, global trade and geopolitics, increased volatility defined the 2025 market backdrop. As high-net-worth investors seek guidance in navigating the environment, advisors must address client-specific needs while positioning portfolios to weather widespread uncertainty. Our research reveals that industry-leading financial advisors are increasingly turning to direct indexing and alternative strategies to help them seize opportunities and manage risk as conditions shift.
PGIM partnered with SHOOK Research for the second consecutive year to survey more than 200 top-ranked advisors regarding direct indexing and alternatives at a time when conditions call for specialized solutions and enhanced diversification. Explore the full results for timely insights you can leverage to help meet the evolving demands of today’s high-net-worth clients.
PGIM is the global investment management business of Prudential Financial, Inc. (PFI) — a global leader with more than $1.4 trillion in assets under management (AUM) and a company that individuals and businesses have trusted for over 150 years.1
Our global scale and specialized expertise in both public and private markets allow us to offer a diversified suite of investment solutions across a broad spectrum of asset classes and investment styles.
SHOOK Research is the world’s leading authority in identifying and elevating the best financial advisors. Each year, SHOOK evaluates over 45,000 nominations and has conducted over 35,000 interviews by phone, Zoom, and in person. The rigorous methodology goes beyond quantitative success, focusing on qualitative impact — how advisors serve clients, lead teams, and raise professional standards. No other research organization or ranking in the world applies this kind of qualitative due diligence. Recognition from SHOOK reflects true excellence in both performance and character. Bolstered by the global prestige of the Forbes brand, SHOOK’s work carries significant influence not only in the United States but worldwide.
1 PGIM is the investment management business of Prudential Financial, Inc. (PFI). PFI has over 150 years of risk management expertise.
2 AUM based on PGIM data as of 09/30/2025. PGIM, Inc. manages $332 billion gross in private alternatives strategies across private credit, real estate, agriculture, sustainable investing, infrastructure and private equity. These strategies are managed by PGIM Real Estate (est. 1970), PGIM Private Capital (est. 1925) and Montana Capital Partners (est. 2011); underlying investment strategies and portfolio and originations teams remain distinct, with each affiliate maintaining its own governance. Note: AUM/AUA includes $7.7B from Deerpath Capital Management, L.P. (“Deerpath Capital”), a separate SEC-registered investment adviser, in which PGIM acquired a majority stake in late 2023. PGIM Real Estate net AUM is $136B and AUA is $47B.
This material is being provided for informational or educational purposes only and does not take into account the investment objectives or financial situation of any client or prospective clients. The information is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as investment, insurance, financial, tax, or legal advice, and is not a recommendation. Clients seeking information regarding their particular investment needs should contact their financial professional.
SHOOK RESEARCH, LLC is not affiliated with PGIM, Prudential Financial, or any of its companies or businesses. PGIM has compensated SHOOK RESEARCH to commission this research study. SHOOK RESEARCH does not endorse or recommend PGIM or its investment advisory services.
PGIM LLC is an investment adviser registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
© 2025 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities. Prudential Financial, Inc. of the United States is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential plc, incorporated in the United Kingdom or with Prudential Assurance Company, a subsidiary of M&G plc, incorporated in the United Kingdom.