Transparency and investor protection must be ‘paramount’ as private markets open up to retail investors, according to financial services provider Ocorian.

It comes as recent studies have found retail investors will drive 50 per cent of private market flows by 2027.

Read more: UK retail investors missing out on alts

“The retail push should not simply be about opening doors. It must be about responsible access,” said Robin Harris, head of APAC at Ocorian.

“The push to democratise private markets should be welcomed but it must be accompanied by honest conversations about liquidity, leverage, and risk.

Read more: Retail investors will drive 50pc of private market flows by 2027

“Retail investors deserve access, but they also deserve clarity.

“As this evolution continues, fund managers must ensure they are not only meeting regulatory obligations but also building the trust and transparency that this new cohort of investors demands.”

Read more: Moody’s warns of risks in alternative asset managers turning to retail