--- title: The rise of alternative investments description: In today’s high inflation environment, alternative investments are better for savers than simply parking money in an index-tracking mutual fund. image: https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/620912dd-db2e-4add-8fd6-748bb0af8dc1.jpg --- Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 minutes to learn more. Risk information **Risk summary for investments in speculative illiquid securities which are arranged by a firm by way of an online platform.**   **Estimated reading time: 2 min**   Due to the potential for losses, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) considers this investment to be very complex and high risk.   **What are the key risks?**   1. **You could lose all the money you invest** - By investing into a real estate project through Shojin you will be investing in a Bond instrument issued by Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV’s) which provide a funding facility for the purpose of real estate development. If the project fails, Investors can lose some or all of the money they invested. - Advertised rates of return aren’t guaranteed. This is not a savings account. If the project doesn’t pay the SPV back as agreed, you could earn less money than expected or nothing at all. A higher advertised rate of return means a higher project risk with an increased probability of losing your money. - Due Diligence and project oversight is carried out by the platform on each Shojin project that you are investing into to assess how well they are expected to perform. However, you should always also do your own research before investing. - These investments are sometimes held in an Innovative Finance ISA (IFISA). While any potential gains from your investment will be tax free, you can still lose all your money. An IFISA does not reduce the risk of the investment or protect you from losses. 2. **You are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong** - Protection from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), in relation to claims against failed regulated firms, does not cover poor investment performance. [Try the FSCS investment protection checker here.](https://www.fscs.org.uk/check/investment-protection-checker) - Protection from the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) does not cover poor investment performance. If you have a complaint against an FCA regulated firm, FOS may be able to consider it. [Learn more about FOS protection here.](https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumers) 3. **You are unlikely to get your money back quickly** - This type of property investment could face delays that can delay payments. These investments could also fail altogether and be unable to repay investors their money. - You have the opportunity to sell your investment early through the secondary market but there is no guarantee you will be able to find someone willing to buy. 4. **This is a complex investment** - This investment has a complex structure to ensure the interest of investors is protected. Investments are made into each designated project SPV and are ringfenced from other project SPV's to ensure full transparency of each investment made. - You may wish to get financial advice to understand how the structure works before deciding to invest. 5. **Don’t put all your eggs in one basket** - Putting all your money into a single business or type of investment for example, is risky. Spreading your money across different investments makes you less dependent on any one to do well. - [A good rule of thumb is not to invest more than 10% of your money in high-risk investments.](https://www.fca.org.uk/investsmart/5-questions-ask-you-invest) [If you are interested in learning more about how to protect yourself, visit the FCA’s website here.](https://www.fca.org.uk/investsmart) [For further information about minibonds, visit the FCA’s website here](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/mini-bonds). 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[Why us ![](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/arrow-right-light.svg)![](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/arrow-right-light-white.svg)](https://www.shojin.co.uk/borrow/why-us) [Overview ![](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/arrow-right-light-white.svg)![](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/arrow-right-light.svg)](https://www.shojin.co.uk/borrow) Products [![git-fork-light](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/git-fork-light.svg) ![git-fork-light-1](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/git-fork-light-1.svg) Whole loan We provide a combination of senior and junior debt to allow developers to take on larger schemes](https://www.shojin.co.uk/borrow/products/whole-loan) [![house-line-light](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/house-line-light.svg) ![house-line-hover](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/house-line-hover.svg) Mezzanine Top up funding that allows you to minimise your contribution, enhancing your return on capital whilst maintaining full control.](https://www.shojin.co.uk/borrow/products/mezzanine) [![door-light](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/door-light.svg) ![door-hover](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/door-hover.svg) Bridge Short-term senior and junior debt for land acquisition, refinancing, and conversions.](https://www.shojin.co.uk/products/bridge) [![door-light](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/door-light.svg) ![door-hover](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/door-hover.svg) Stabilisation and finish & exit Investment finance for completed or near-complete schemes that need time to optimise value before permanent refinancing or sale.](https://www.shojin.co.uk/stabilisation-finish-exit) How to borrow [![tree-structure-light](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/tree-structure-light.svg) ![tree-structure-hover](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/tree-structure-hover.svg) How it works Our process focuses on delivering an exceptional outcome for all parties.](https://www.shojin.co.uk/borrow/how-it-works) [![laptop-light](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/laptop-light.svg) ![laptop-hover](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/laptop-hover.svg) Apply Submit your application or request a call back](https://www.shojin.co.uk/borrow/how-it-works#APPLY) Elevate your investing Browse our blog for news, features, market update and special reports to build your real estate investing knowledge. [All insights ![](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/arrow-right-light-white.svg)![](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/arrow-right-light.svg)](https://www.shojin.co.uk/insights) Insights [![trophy-light](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/trophy-light.svg) ![trophy-hover](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/trophy-hover.svg) Masterclass Watch our webinars on demand](https://www.shojin.co.uk/insights/tag/masterclass) [![files-light](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/files-light.svg) ![files-hover](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/files-hover.svg) Special reports Read our reports and research](https://www.shojin.co.uk/insights/tag/special-reports) [![notification-light](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/notification-light.svg) ![notification](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/notification.svg) Market updates Expert insight and analysis](https://www.shojin.co.uk/insights/tag/market-updates) [![note-pencil-light](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/note-pencil-light.svg) ![note-pencil-hover](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/note-pencil-hover.svg) Blog Stay up-to-date with news and views](https://www.shojin.co.uk/insights/tag/blog) Resources [![question-light](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/question-light.svg) ![question-hover](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/question-hover.svg) FAQs](https://www.shojin.co.uk/faqs) [![list-dashes-light](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/list-dashes-light.svg) ![list-dashes-hover](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/list-dashes-hover.svg) Glossary Learn and understand some of the terms we use in materials such as investment memorandums.](https://www.shojin.co.uk/glossary) [![video\_library\_FILL0\_wght100\_GRAD0\_opsz24](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/ICONS/New%20Icons/video_library_FILL0_wght100_GRAD0_opsz24.svg) ![Artboard 1](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/ICONS/New%20Icons/Artboard%201.svg) Video explainers Watch our short video FAQs](https://www.shojin.co.uk/video-faqs) Our company Shojin is an FCA-regulated fractional investing platform enabling global investors to build their wealth from UK-based real estate investment opportunities. [Contact us ![](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/arrow-right-light-white.svg)![](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/arrow-right-light.svg)](https://www.shojin.co.uk/company/contact-us) Learn more [![globe-light](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/globe-light.svg) ![globe-hover](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/globe-hover.svg) About us Our mission, vision and purpose](https://www.shojin.co.uk/company/about-us) [![users-three-light](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/users-three-light.svg) ![user-three-hover](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/user-three-hover.svg) Team We're an experienced team of real estate and investment professionals](https://shojin.co.uk/company/about-us#TEAM)   [![list-checks-light](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/list-checks-light.svg) ![list-checks](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/list-checks.svg) Careers Take your career to the next level](https://www.shojin.co.uk/company/careers) [![git-fork-light](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/git-fork-light.svg) ![git-fork-light-1](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/git-fork-light-1.svg) Partnerships Partner with us to increase access to real estate investing](https://www.shojin.co.uk/company/partnerships) [Blog](https://www.shojin.co.uk/insights/tag/blog) 3 min read # The rise of alternative investments ![](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/620912dd-db2e-4add-8fd6-748bb0af8dc1.jpg) ![](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/620912dd-db2e-4add-8fd6-748bb0af8dc1.jpg)   Previously we’ve posted some of our thoughts on what is wrong with today’s asset management industry.  In short, we believe the fees charged by most wealth management firms have eroded the returns investors actually receive down to levels not far above – and often even lower – than can be had from simply parking your money in an index-tracking mutual fund.   In today’s high inflation environment, savers deserve better, and this is what we are passionate about here at Shojin.   Part of the solution to gaining superior returns at lower fees is the use of technology to streamline investment processes and cut out unnecessary intermediaries.  Another aspect, however, is the type of assets we can make available to individual investors.   This article will explore the rising importance of so-called ‘alternative investments’, and why they represent a chance for private investors to get involved in [highly profitable long-term investments](https://www.shojin.co.uk/our-products) previously out of reach for all but the largest institutional investors and ultra-wealthy.    **What are alternative investments?**   We are all familiar with the traditional asset classes including stocks, bonds, and cash.  These can be thought of as ‘staples’ of any financial plan an individual might have for themselves and their family.   However, whilst for most individuals the menu of options for saving and investment choices ends here with these three familiar possibilities, institutional investors like pension funds and some high-net-worth individuals have always had an additional set of options available to them.   These other options are collectively known as alternative investments, primary examples being real estate, private equity, hedge funds, infrastructure, and commodities like gold.   The only thing that unites this disparate group is that these investment opportunities are unlisted, in the sense that they don’t appear directly on the stock market, and that they typically require much larger capital outlays from the investor.   **What makes alternatives so appealing?**   There are many, many points to raise here, but in this introductory article we’ll stick to three.   Alternative investments are so important because they can enhance returns above what index-tracking funds can achieve; they diversify a portfolio and so reduce risk; and they often generate flows of income for their owners.   To dig into each of the claims a little deeper let’s focus on real estate, the alternative investment asset category we specialise in here at Shojin.   **Enhanced returns**   The graph below shows the annualised total returns of global real estate compared to other asset classes. ![](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/9fc59369-3665-4431-9af5-0b6d79939c54.png "Image: https://cdn2.sharein.com/shojin/9fc59369-3665-4431-9af5-0b6d79939c54.png") Source - [Nuveen.com](https://www.nuveen.com/en-us/insights/income-oriented-investing/get-real-with-income-producing-real-assets)  There is something of a false debate in terms of real estate versus stocks on this issue.  It’s not a case of one instead of the other; a well-balanced portfolio should contain both in a blend determined by the investor based on when they expect to withdraw their capital.   Real estate can generate returns in excess of the average given by the stock market because property investments have the flexible ability to benefit from growth in any sector of the economy.   For example, a rise in biotech and life sciences start-up activity will certainly yield some successful companies, as well as many more which will ultimately prove unsuccessful, but the value of the science park where they all need to rent or outright purchase their office and lab space is a more certain proposition.   **Diversification**   To continue with the hypothetical example above, the post-Covid rush of equity investors into pharmaceuticals companies large and small will generate increased volatility in these share prices.  For those investors willing to spend their free time monitoring the market and trying to time entries and exits in and out of various stocks, this might be good news.   For those who prefer to invest their cash once and watch it rise over time, diversity of investments has always been essential.  By spreading your capital across a range of asset classes, you are much better protected against dramatic falls in value overnight and you are able to enjoy exposure to growth potential in multiple asset classes simultaneously.   Real estate has always been the classic method of diversifying a portfolio for the biggest investors because property valuations don’t necessarily decline when the overall market turns bearish.   **Passive income**   Perhaps the strongest argument for the inclusion of real estate in any portfolio is its unrivalled ability to produce passive income for its owner.   Well-researched real estate investments can provide a stable yield to their owners which should rise ahead of inflation over time.  The long-term contractual nature of these income streams makes them especially attractive from an investor's point of view.   Given the ongoing decline in the corporate and government bond market's ability to provide sufficient income to investors through coupon payments, the income yielding nature of real estate further reinforces its importance as an asset class today.   **Why is 2022 the right time to gain exposure to alternatives?**   One of the ironies of the term ‘alternative ‘investment’ is that it suggests the group of asset classes included are in some very rare or unusual.  Nothing could be further from the truth!   Alternative investments have always been a key part of the investment strategies used by the big players, whether we are referring to hedge funds, pension funds, or high-net-worth individuals.   According to the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association, alternative investments have already achieved promotion from the periphery of the global investment landscape to the mainstream.  In just over a decade, alternatives had grown from 6% to 12% of the global investment market by 2018, and they are predicted to reach between 18-24% by 2025.   As mentioned in [our previous article](https://www.shojin.co.uk/news/why-isn-t-the-asset-management-industry-working-an), it is only very recently that technological developments in the field of peer-to-peer lending have brought alternative investments like real estate within reach of ordinary investors.   There has never been a better time to start exploring the potential of alternative assets and what they can bring to your portfolio.   Why not have a look at the real estate investment [opportunities we offer at Shojin](https://www.shojin.co.uk/how-we-work), to start.    [Written by Shojin](https://www.shojin.co.uk/insights/author/shojin) Published 19 April 2022 Back to top![](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/backto-top.png) Subscribe to newsletter Subscribe to receive the latest Shojin insights and resources to your inbox every week. #### Share this post - 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Sign up for access to our expertly selected investment opportunities. Build your diversified property portfolio today. [Sign up ![](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/arrow-right-light.svg)![](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/arrow-right-light-white.svg)](https://portal.shojin.co.uk/user/register) ## Go further with Shojin ![key-light](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/key-light.svg) 1. More opportunity No management fees. Smaller sums to take part. Lowered barriers for access. ![chalkboard-teacher-light](https://www.shojin.co.uk/hubfs/shojin/icons/chalkboard-teacher-light.svg) 2. Shared risk Shojin earns revenue based on the success of each project. 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The risks involved will vary by project types, so please make sure you have read and understood the specific risks associated with the investment. Investments made on this website should only be made as part of a diversified investment portfolio. For more details, see the Key Risks. Projections or estimated returns are not a reliable indicator of actual future performance and eventual returns or dividends may be lower than predicted. Information presented on this website is for guidance purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. If you are unsure of the suitability of an investment, please contact your financial adviser for professional advice. Shojin is a trading name of Shojin Financial Services Limited. This website is a financial promotion approved by Shojin Financial Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 716765) (see [www.fca.org.uk/register](https://www.fca.org.uk/firms/financial-services-register) for more information). Companies that issue investments on this platform, including bonds issued by Shojin entities, are not themselves regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and investments made on this site are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. The investment opportunities listed on this website are not offers to the public and can only be entered into by certain types of investors who have satisfied certain investment criteria. 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