Private equity advisers are creating derivatives structures and online platforms to appeal to investors who want more hands-on control of their investments after the credit crisis wiped billions off the value of assets and highlighted the perils of locking away money in funds for long periods.

Since the financial crisis, investors have taken steps to tackle costs, chipping away at management fees and other charges. They have also addressed the risks and lack of liquidity through secondaries sales - selling their closed-end private equity investments to other investors and specialist buyers.