Private Markets Hog the Spotlight as Asset Managers Gather in DC

The half-lit ballroom at the JW Marriott in Washington buzzed with the restrained energy typical of a traditional asset-management conference — dark suits, legacy names and philosophies on portfolio allocation.

Sipping their coffees Thursday at the buffet breakfast less than two miles from Capitol Hill, many of the attendees had expected to hear conversations about President Donald Trump’s tariffs and the ensuing market chaos. But as one of the first keynote speakers took the stage, some were caught by surprise.

“I’m going to focus today on one of ICI’s strategic priorities: giving retail investors real access to private markets,” said ...