By Adam Prittie, Portfolio Manager, CFP®, CIM®, BCOM
When you hear about the Canada Pension Plan or Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, you may imagine massive investment pools that have little to do with your own financial reality. Yet the strategies these institutions use are based on a balance of traditional public markets mixed with private and alternative investments. This institutional mix holds a number of lessons for individual investors in Ottawa and beyond.
Why Balance Matters
For decades, the traditional portfolio mix of stocks and bonds offered both growth and stability, but today’s financial markets are more complex. Inflationary pressures, rising interest rates, and global uncertainty have made bonds less reliable as a counterweight to equities. Institutions recognized this long ago, which is why many now allocate a significant portion of their portfolios to private equity, infrastructure, and real estate.
The lesson? Diversification is not just about owning more stocks across an increased number of sectors, but rather accessing different currencies and asset classes that respond differently to economic cycles.
Accessing Alternatives
Private and alternative investments have historically been out of reach for all but the largest pools of capital, but in recent years has become more accessible to the investing public. Through carefully curated funds and partnerships, high-net-worth families and even smaller investors can access opportunities once reserved for pensions and endowments. By working with a licensed Portfolio Manager, you can access a broad array of opportunities that otherwise would be out of reach through traditional advisory channels.
That said, access comes with caveats. Private assets often involve higher minimum investments, longer lock-up periods, and less liquidity than public markets. They also require careful due diligence and ongoing oversight. This oversight is something that advisory institutions are well-equipped for, and as such can be a great resource for you.
Understanding the Risks
The promise of higher returns from private markets is appealing, but it comes with added complexity. Valuations can be less frequent, sometimes monthly, or even quarterly, performance is more variable, and cash flow timing can be unpredictable depending on the nature of the investment. For investors who may need quick access to funds for any number of reasons, whether it be for retirement income or unexpected life events—private investments are not a primary source of funds, but this is why a strategic mix of both public and private assets can bridge liquidity needs.
In contrast, individuals with longer time horizons, stable cash flow needs, and a desire for greater portfolio resilience may find that adding a higher allocation to private assets creates meaningful diversification and enhanced opportunities.
Who It Suits
In my practice, I’ve found that blending public and private assets often works best for families who have already built a strong financial foundation. Their immediate needs are covered, their risk tolerance is well-defined, and they’re looking for strategies to preserve and grow wealth across generations. For these clients, introducing thoughtfully chosen private investments can complement the liquidity and transparency of public markets, resulting in a more balanced whole.
Bringing It Together
Institutional investors don’t put all their eggs in one basket—and neither should you. By thoughtfully incorporating private assets into a traditional portfolio, you may improve resilience, smooth out volatility, and access sources of return that aren’t tied directly to the stock market.
The key is balance: ensuring that your mix of public and private investments reflects not just market opportunities, but your personal goals, time horizon, and comfort with risk. When done with care, and with support from a licensed Portfolio Manager, this approach can help your portfolio behave a little more like the ones that have kept our country’s largest pensions secure for decades.
Ready To Take Your Investments to The Next Level
Contact Adam Prittie today to schedule your complimentary portfolio review.
(613) 728-0101
aprittie@mandevillepc.com
www.prittieprivatewealth.com
Author Bio
Adam Prittie is a Portfolio Manager and Financial Advisor at Prittie Private Wealth in Ottawa, where he helps families, professionals, and business owners build resilient, long-term financial strategies. Known for blending institutional-style investment approaches with personalized planning, Adam works closely with clients on wealth management, tax integration, and legacy planning. His focus is on transparency, education, and doing what is right—not what is easy—so clients can make confident decisions for themselves and future generations.
Mandeville Private Client Inc. is a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (“CIPF”). Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses may be associated with investments. Products are not guaranteed; their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Please read the offering documents before investing.
