Retail investors' access to private markets could be double

Efforts to expand retail investors' access to private markets in Europe took a significant step forward this week with the launch of a new investment vehicle, but concerns remain about growing exposure to the relatively risky assets. Investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown on Monday announced a partnership with Schroders Capital that will allow British investors with self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs) access to two of its globally-diversified Long-Term Asset Funds (LTAFs), providing exposure to alternative assets including private markets. One will focus on small- to mid-sized companies, while the other will provide exposure to energy infrastructure. Emma Wall, head of platform investments at Hargreaves Lansdown, said the launch was a "milestone for the accessibility of private market