The rise of the secondary private equity market

Just ten years ago, the secondary private equity market was seen as an obscure niche, reserved for a few insiders looking to liquidate positions or adjust their portfolios.

Today, this sector is booming, with transaction volume reaching $134 billion in 2023, a spectacular leap from the $58 billion in 2018 .

How has a once marginal market come to play a central role in the global financial landscape, doubling in size in just five years?

And above all, what forces will continue to shape it in the future?

Institutional players, seeking liquidity in an uncertain economic climate, are increasingly turning to this market, which could reach $200 billion by 2025 according to some estimates.

What are the reasons for this spectacular growth, the dynamics behind it, and the major trends that will determine the evolution of the private equity secondary market in 2024 and beyond, is what we're going to explore.

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The rise of the secondary market in private equity

The secondary private equity market, once considered a niche segment, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. This change is due to a series of factors that have redefined not only how investors perceive this market, but also how they actively participate in it.

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Origins and development

Historically, the private equity secondary market arose from the need for certain investors to dispose of their shares before the end of the funds' natural life cycle, which can last from 7 to 10 years or more. The first players in this market were mainly institutions seeking to manage their private equity exposure or to meet specific liquidity needs. The market was therefore characterized by low transaction volumes, limited to a small number of buyers and sellers, often sophisticated investors or funds specializing in secondary transactions.

Over the years, several events have contributed to the expansion of this market. The financial crisis of 2008-2009 was a major catalyst, prompting many investors to reassess their private equity portfolios. Faced with growing economic uncertainty, demand for liquidity increased, prompting investors to explore the opportunities offered by the secondary market. This period marked the beginning of a phase of sustained growth, with a notable increase in transactions and diversification in the types of assets traded.

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Growth factors

The secondary private equity market has benefited from a number of favorable factors that have stimulated its rapid growth. Top of the list is thegrowing demand for liquidity. Many institutional investors, such as pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and insurance companies, have begun to use the secondary market as a strategic tool to adjust their asset allocation without compromising their exposure to private equity. These investors have found the secondary market to be a flexible solution for rebalancing their portfolios, by selling shares in private equity funds or buying positions at attractive prices.

Another key factor is the evolution of economic cycles. Periods of financial market volatility have often led to an increase in secondary transactions, as investors seek to offload underperforming assets or seize buying opportunities at reduced valuations. In addition, the increasing maturity of private equity funds, with a growing number of funds reaching the end of their lifecycle, has widened supply on the secondary market, offering a wider range of opportunities for buyers.

Financial innovation also played a crucial role. The development of new transaction structures, such as "GP-led secondaries" (transactions initiated by fund managers), has breathed new life into funds nearing maturity, by offering existing investors the opportunity to liquidate their positions or reinvest in renewed funds. These transactions gained in popularity and contributed to the sophistication of the secondary market, attracting a new wave of investors.

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Current size and scope

The secondary private equity market has reached unprecedented heights in recent years. In 2023, transaction volume reached an estimated record of $134 billion, up significantly from $58 billion in 2018. This expansion reflects not only the growing number of players in this market, but also the diversity of the transactions carried out. From traditional private equity funds to private debt, infrastructure and real estate, the secondary market today covers a wide range of assets.

What's more, the geography of the secondary market has broadened. Once dominated by the USA and Europe, the market is now growing rapidly in Asia, where local investors are seeking to take advantage of the liquidity offered by secondary transactions to access more developed markets. This geographical expansion has strengthened the scope of the secondary market, making it more global and less vulnerable to regional shocks.

In short, the growth of the private equity secondary market is the result of a confluence of factors, from increased demand for liquidity to financial innovation and geographic expansion. This growth shows no signs of slowing, and with projections indicating a transaction volume of up to $200 billion by 2025, the secondary market is poised to play an even more central role in the private equity ecosystem.

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Secondary market dynamics in 2024

At the dawn of 2024, the private equity secondary market continues to establish itself as a key player in the global financial landscape. The dynamics underpinning this market are influenced by a combination of macroeconomic, strategic and technological factors. As investors seek to navigate an increasingly complex environment, understanding these dynamics is crucial to anticipating future developments and seizing the opportunities offered by this fast-changing market.

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Opportunities and challenges

One of the key opportunities in 2024 is the ability of the secondary market to provide valuable liquidity in an uncertain economic climate. While traditional financial markets remain volatile due to geopolitical tensions, persistent inflation and fluctuating monetary policies, institutional investors see the secondary market as a way to rebalance their portfolios while maintaining exposure to private equity. This search for liquidity has led to an increase in secondary transactions, particularly "GP-led secondaries", where fund managers initiate transactions to extend the life of funds or restructure assets under management.

However, this growth momentum is not without its challenges. One of the main challenges for 2024 is the growing pressure on valuations.

With a massive influx of capital into the secondary market, asset prices are beginning to reflect this increased demand, posing a risk of overheating. Investors therefore need to be particularly vigilant when it comes to due diligence, to ensure that the transactions they are considering offer a good risk/return ratio. What's more, the growing complexity of transactions, particularly those involving multiple stakeholders and increasingly sophisticated structures, requires in-depth skills and expertise to navigate this market effectively.

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Player strategies

In 2024, the strategies of secondary market players are increasingly diversified and sophisticated. Traditional private equity funds are no longer the only ones to play a leading role in this market. Sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, and even some high-net-worth individual investors(via digitalized private equity platforms) are turning to secondary transactions to diversify their portfolios and gain access to unique opportunities.

A key strategy for investors in 2024 is to focus on "mid-sized" deals. Unlike the mega-deals that have dominated the market in recent years, medium-sized transactions (between $100 million and $1 billion) often offer a better balance between return and risk.

These transactions are less prone to extreme valuation fluctuations, allowing investors to benefit from greater diversification. What's more, they are generally more accessible, as they attract less attention from larger funds, thus reducing competition.

Secondary market players are also increasingly turning to sector-specific strategies. The technology, healthcare and infrastructure sectors are particularly popular in 2024, as they offer robust growth prospects despite economic uncertainties. Investors are looking for assets in these sectors to capitalize on long-term trends such as digitalization, the aging population and the energy transition. This sector specialization enables investors to better understand industry-specific dynamics and maximize returns by capitalizing on structural trends.

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Major trends for 2024 and beyond

As the private equity secondary market continues to evolve at a rapid pace, several emerging trends promise to profoundly transform the industry. These trends, influenced by technological developments, regulatory changes and global market dynamics, will shape not only the way in which secondary transactions are carried out, but also the role of private equity in the global financial ecosystem.

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1. Technology and innovation: the growing role of digitalization

One of the most striking trends in 2024 is the growing adoption of digital technologies in the private equity secondary market.

Digitization plays a key role in simplifying transaction processes, increasing transparency and reducing transaction costs. Digital platforms dedicated to secondary transactions now enable investors to access opportunities more easily, compare offers and conclude transactions with greater efficiency.

In addition, artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced data analysis are beginning to be integrated into investment strategies. These technologies make it possible to analyze massive amounts of data to identify trends, evaluate past fund performance and forecast future returns. AI can also help assess the risks associated with complex transactions, which is particularly useful in GP-led secondaries, where structures are often sophisticated.

Although still in its infancy in this field, blockchain could also play an increasingly important role. By making transactions more transparent and reducing the risk of fraud, blockchain could improve investor confidence in secondary transactions. The technology could also facilitate the tokenization of private equity assets, enabling greater liquidity and wider access to investors, including smaller ones.

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2. Regulation and legal framework: Towards greater transparency

In 2024, regulators around the world continue to pay increasing attention to secondary markets, seeking to enhance transparency and investor protection. As the private equity secondary market grows in importance, it is attracting the attention of regulators who want to ensure that transactions are carried out within a fair and transparent framework.

In Europe, for example, regulation continues to evolve with directives such as the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD), which imposes greater transparency requirements on secondary trading. In the United States, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has also stepped up its oversight of the secondary market, with rules designed to protect investors and prevent market abuse.

This move towards stricter regulation could have several implications for secondary market players. On the one hand, it could increase investor confidence by ensuring fair market practices. On the other hand, it could also lead to higher compliance costs for fund managers, which could, in some cases, reduce the profitability of secondary transactions.

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3. New market dynamics: the rise of individual investors

Traditionally, the secondary private equity market has been dominated by institutional investors such as pension funds, insurance companies and sovereign wealth funds. However, a new dynamic is emerging in 2024 with the rise of individual investors. Thanks to the democratization of private equity investment, facilitated by digital platforms, high-net-worth individual investors are beginning to play a greater role in the secondary market.

Digitized private equity platforms give individual investors access to opportunities previously reserved for large institutional investors. In addition, these platforms often offer advisory and support services, helping investors to navigate the complex process of secondary transactions. This trend is also fuelled by growing demand from individual investors for alternative assets, in a context where returns from traditional markets are limited by low interest rates.

However, integrating these new players poses challenges. Individual investors may not have the same expertise or resources as institutions to evaluate complex secondary market transactions. This could lead to increased risks for these investors, particularly in transactions involving lower-quality assets or innovative but risky financing structures.

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4. The impact of macroeconomics: Navigating uncertainty

Global macroeconomic trends will continue to play a key role in the secondary market in 2024. Economic uncertainty, fuelled by factors such as persistent inflation, divergent monetary policies between major economies and geopolitical tensions, will influence investor behavior.

Against this backdrop, the secondary market offers a unique opportunity for investors looking to quickly adjust their portfolios in line with changing economic conditions. Secondary transactions can be used to rebalance asset allocations, to withdraw from sectors or regions in difficulty, or to invest in segments offering better protection against inflation.

However, this flexibility comes with its own challenges. Volatile financial markets and macroeconomic uncertainty can make it more difficult to accurately value assets on the secondary market. Investors therefore need to adopt a more cautious approach and carry out more in-depth analysis before committing to transactions, to ensure that the expected returns justify the risks taken.

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5. Sustainability and ESG: Towards more responsible private equity

Finally, the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria into private equity is becoming a growing priority, including on the secondary market. In 2024, investors are increasingly aware of the importance of ESG factors in long-term value creation. Private equity funds that integrate these criteria into their investment strategies are more likely to attract capital, both on the primary and secondary markets.

On the secondary market, this trend manifests itself in increased demand for ESG-focused fund units, as well as in the creation of new financial products specifically dedicated to sustainable investments. Fund managers are also under increasing pressure to demonstrate the ESG impact of their investments, which can influence asset valuations on the secondary market.

However, this move towards more responsible finance is not without its challenges. Standardization of ESG criteria remains a major issue, and investors often have to navigate a fragmented landscape with varied methodologies. What's more, ESG-compliant assets may be rarer and therefore more expensive, which can limit opportunities on the secondary market.

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The major trends shaping the secondary private equity market in 2024 show a rapidly evolving sector, driven by technological innovations, regulatory changes and increasing attention to ESG criteria. For investors, these trends represent both opportunities and challenges, requiring rapid adaptation and a thorough understanding of the dynamics at play. As the market continues to transform, those who can anticipate these developments and adjust their strategies accordingly will be best placed to take advantage of them.

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Future prospects and implications for investors

Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the secondary private equity market is well positioned for continued growth and evolution, driven by forces that transcend simple market dynamics. These future prospects, marked by technological advances, increased regulation and growing demand for sustainable investments, present both promising opportunities and complex challenges for investors.

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Scenarios for the future

Projections for the secondary private equity market point to an upward trajectory, with transaction volumes expected to reach $200 billion by 2025. This growth will be fuelled by several factors. Firstly, the ongoing maturation of existing private equity funds will lead to a natural increase in secondary transactions, as managers and investors seek to adjust or liquidate their positions.

Secondly, the trend towards "GP-led secondaries" is set to strengthen, as fund managers see these transactions as an effective way of extending the life of their funds or restructuring their asset portfolios to better meet investor expectations. This trend could even lead to a redefinition of private equity fund structures, with more flexible life cycles and increased liquidity opportunities throughout the life of the fund.

Thirdly, the rise of digitalization, notably with blockchain and tokenization, could revolutionize the secondary market by making transactions more transparent, faster and more accessible. These technologies could enable greater liquidity, attracting a new wave of investors, including retail investors who have hitherto had no access to these markets. It could also encourage the emergence of new forms of secondary trading, such as micro-trading or split portfolios.

Finally, the growing pressure to integrate ESG criteria into investments will continue to transform the private equity landscape, including the secondary market. ESG-focused funds are expected to attract a growing share of invested capital, while investors will increasingly demand transparency on the environmental and social impacts of underlying assets. This trend could lead to higher valuations for ESG-compliant assets, and increased pressure on fund managers to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.

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Conclusion

The future prospects of the private equity secondary market offer considerable opportunities for investors prepared to adapt to an ever-changing environment. With transaction volumes on the rise, technological innovations redefining the market, and growing pressure for sustainable and ESG-compliant investments, the secondary market is set to play an increasingly central role in the world of private equity.

However, these opportunities come with significant challenges. Investors need to be discerning, rigorous and flexible to navigate this complex environment. By adopting a diversified approach, leveraging emerging technologies, and fully integrating ESG criteria, they will be well positioned to take advantage of the next phase of growth in the private equity secondary market. In this context, those who know how to anticipate developments and adjust their strategies will be best placed to reap the rewards, while helping to shape the future of the sector.

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Discover the ACF IX fund
from Access Capital Partners

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Discover the ACF IX fund from Access Capital Partners

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