CAIS was founded in 2009 by Matt Brown who previously worked in the
wealth management industry. The company started out offering
financial advisers access to
hedge funds for minimum commitments as low as $100,000 each. Early investment managers that CAIS offered investors access to included
Paulson & Co.,
Third Point and
Goldman Sachs' Commodity Opportunities Fund. In February 2012, CAIS partnered with
Mercer to offer independent and smaller wealth advisers operational support. In June 2015, CAIS enlisted Mercer's services to help it perform
due diligence services as well as providing market intelligence. In June 2024, it was reported that CAIS was cutting fees to as low as 0.05% for
feeder funds that direct investors to alternative assets. It aimed to set a new industry standard that lowers fees and makes them more transparent, as part of an effort to "truly democratize alternative investments". == Business operations ==