Reliable income from one's investments is a frequent request for financial advisers from their clients, as they look to supplement their pension income, for example, or their salary.

As is well known, pensioners or savers with large savings in the bank have not been receiving much in the way of interest payments due to historically low bank base rates and have had to look elsewhere to find income.

Typically this has been through equity income funds, with UK equity income being a popular category. But many of these funds focus on fewer and fewer stocks, providing less opportunity for diversification. So some are suggesting investors use global equity income stocks, which are becoming more mainstream as various countries develop their corporate life and provide more reliable investment opportunities.

But finding regular high-yielding assets is still a challenge as the impact of quantitative easing is still suppressing asset prices, especially corporate bonds, investors in which are waiting for the end of central banks's QE programme and subsequent drop in prices.

Other options are available for investors, notably in infrastructure and property, both of which are income-producing assets that allow investors to get the income they need with an alternative set of risks.

Additionally, a growing market in green bonds is providing an option for investors looking for an income-producing asset with positive environmental consequences. Altogether there are many options for clients who want to generate income from their portfolio; the question is finding the right asset that suits.

Melanie Tringham is features editor of Financial Adviser