For decades, Wall Street defined investing. Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds were the default paths to building wealth. But in the twenty-first century, the landscape has shifted—and private markets have emerged as the true frontier of opportunity. Beyond Wall Street reveals how individual investors can now access what was once reserved for institutions and the ultra-wealthy: private equity, private credit, real estate, venture funds, and other alternative assets that drive real-world growth. Drawing on more than a decade of industry experience, Nik Brodskiy —entrepreneur, educator, and Founder of Alts Custodian —guides readers through the transformation reshaping modern finance. From crowdfunding and fintech innovation to custodial infrastructure and fiduciary guardrails, Brodskiy explains why private markets matter and how individuals can participate responsibly. This is not a theoretical book. It’s a practical playbook —combining academic clarity, historical context, and real-world case studies—to help investors rethink diversification, risk, and the meaning of long-term wealth. Inside you’ll discover: • How private markets evolved from exclusive club deals into a trillion-dollar ecosystem accessible to everyday investors • The rise of self-directed IRAs and 401(k)s as gateways to private-market participation • The new generation of custodians, fintech platforms, and digital tools bridging advisors, sponsors, and investors • Step-by-step frameworks for conducting due diligence on private offerings • The crucial differences between public-market liquidity and private-market value creation • Practical examples of alternative asset classes—from real estate syndications and private credit to venture capital and infrastructure—explained in plain English • Insights from leading industry figures, regulators, and fiduciary professionals on how the ecosystem continues to evolve • Strategies for integrating private investments into a diversified portfolio and planning for long-term income through illiquid assets Whether you’re a financial advisor seeking to expand your toolkit, a fund sponsor raising capital, or an individual investor determined to go beyond Wall Street , this book provides the structure, clarity, and confidence to act. Accessible, data-driven, and forward-looking , Beyond Wall Street demystifies the mechanics of the private markets and empowers readers to participate in one of the most profound financial shifts of our time—the democratization of alternative investing. About the Author Nik Brodskiy is a finance professional, entrepreneur, and educator with more than fifteen years of experience in the alternative investment industry. He is the Founder of Alts Custodian , a platform helping advisors and investors access private equity, private credit, real estate, and other alternative assets through self-directed IRAs and 401(k)s. A graduate of the Stanford Graduate School of Business, Nik teaches finance and investment strategy, bridging academic insight with practical innovation in private markets.