Coutts & Co has created a fast-growing way of providing its client base with direct investment opportunities in private companies, without the filter of private equity or VC funds.

The club “is one of key ingredients of our investment platform, particularly for our UHNW clients,” says Coutts chief executive Peter Flavel. “And it’s really well received. In many instances it connects our clients’ own expertise and experience with that of the businesses they are investing in - so it’s a win-win.”

The vehicle, the Coutts Investment Club, started in 2014 in a modest way.

Hans Prottey, head of the ...