For those with enough money to diversify their portfolios, alternative investments such as crypto, contracts for difference (CFDs) or private equity could offer a different proposition.

What exactly are these options? What are the risks – and how can you invest?

Crypto

Dogecoin, bitcoin, ethereum, drift and hopr are just some of the many thousands of cryptocurrencies – many of which are actually non-functional or scams – that are now available for investment. Even US president Donald Trump has his own coin available.

Launched just 17 years ago, the first cryptocurrency, bitcoin, has since spawned a universe of digital money tokens.

David Looney, a director of Alpha Wealth, says that in his experience of offering financial advice, he…