European retail investors are gaining unprecedented access to private markets, a shift fueled by innovative products and platforms. Hargreaves Lansdown, a UK-based investment platform, has become the latest player in this trend. Partnering with Schroders Capital, it offers LTAFs (Long-Term Asset Funds) through self-invested personal pensions and general accounts. With as little as £10,000 required, retail investors can now gain exposure to global private equity and energy infrastructure — previously the domain of institutions. This marks a milestone in democratizing access to these assets, but industry voices caution that high returns come with substantial risks.