In the low interest rate environment demand for private debt has soared.

Alternatives data provider Preqin anticipates assets in this relatively niche fixed income market will rise by around 11.4% at a compound annual growth rate to $1.46tn (£1.05tn) over the next five years.

We speak to Saranac head of private capital Robert Crowther-Jones on how to exploit this phenomenon, assessing if can help investors meet income needs while managing the default risk.

But does the return potential of private debt justify the high investment costs associated with this asset class?