Following a discouraging second quarter, banks are looking for ways to further slim down balance sheets. One highly popular option is to try and unwind real estate funds stake via the secondary markets in the next 24 months, according to a blog post by analytics provider Preqin. “There are 34 banks and investment banks that are looking at the possibility of selling private equity or real estate fund stakes on the secondary market,” writes Antonia Lee, senior research analyst in secondaries for Preqin. “Among the banks and investments banks looking to exit private equity fund stakes immediately is Bank of America.” Lee said Bank of America (BAC) will likely offer a $250 million portfolio made up of about 50 private equity funds. “A considerable 32% of banks and investment banks are looking to make a sale immediately, with a further 65% are looking to do so within the next 12 months,” Lee said. Indeed, quarterly results are not the only drag on bank’s balance sheets. “Increasing numbers of banks are looking to sell private equity fund investments in order to exit non-core assets or due to regulatory pressures, such as the Volcker Rule, which is forcing them to reduce exposure to alternative investment vehicles,” Lee concludes. Write to Jacob Gaffney. Follow him on Twitter @jacobgaffney.