Structured products are capital protection investment choice for IFAs
25/08/2009
by Rebecca Sargent
Just over 90 per cent of Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) said that they use structured investment products to provide clients with capital protection, a survey by Structured Products magazine has revealed.
Nevertheless, caution prevails amongst IFAs following the collapse of Lehman Brothers, which highlighted the need to assess the underlying strength of structured products, including the counterparty.
The counterparty is the protection behind most structured investment products, and is provided by a financial institution – If that institution were to default on financial obligations, any promise of capital return may not be met, which is why counterparty strength is paramount.
One IFA said: "The current problem is knowing the strength of the guarantee provider."
The survey also revealed that there is a lack of counterparty understanding amongst some advisers.
However, if used properly structured products can provide valuable capital protection. One IFA added: "In balanced portfolios, structured products have a place, but they are not a one-way bet.
"Provided clients are made fully aware of both the upsides and the downsides, there should be no problems."
In summary, structured products are not without risk, but as long as the product terms and associated risks are fully understood, many advisers are using them to form a critical part of a client's portfolio.
Learn more about structured investment products »
© Fair Investment Company Ltd
| FTSE Income Plan |  | 7.50% | |
| 6 year structured income plan with a fixed annual income return of 7.50% |
| Investec FTSE 100 Bonus Income Plan | | 6.75% pa | |
| 5 year structured investment plan with annual or monthly income options. Potential for additional bonus payments.cash ISA transfer. |
| Barclays Wealth Regular Income Bond | | 6.30% pa or 0.5125% monthly | |
| 6 Year Structured Income Bond with an increasing fixed income return of 6.30% annually or 0.5125% monthly. |
| 5 Year FTSE 100 Income Deposit Plan | | 4.50% pa | |
| 5 year capital protected deposit plan with an annual yield of 4.50% or a monthly yield of 0.36%. The plan can be used for cash ISA investment or cash ISA transfer. |
| Royal Deposit Plan | | 3.50% pa | |
| 3 year fixed rate deposit account returning 3.50% a year. Available as Cash ISA. |
| Income Maximiser | | See Details | |
| Seeks to achieve a target yield of 7% to generate a quarterly income, whilst offering the potential for some long-term capital growth. Save 100% on Initial Charges. |
| Monthly Income Plus Fund | | See Details | |
Popular monthly income fund that aims to achieve a high level of income whilst seeking to maximise total return through investing in high yielding corporate and Government bonds, together with UK equities. 100% discount on initial charges.
Click here to view latest Fund Facts » |
| Strategic Bond | | See Details | |
| Investing in higher yielding assets which will include most types of fixed interest securities, this fund aims to deliver a quarterly income to investors. Save up to 97% on Initial Charges. |
| Invesco Perpetual Corporate Bond Fund | | See Details | |
This highly popular investment fund aims to achieve a high level of overall return with relative security to capital. Income Paid to you twice yearly. Up to a 100% Discount off the Standard Initial Fund Charge.
Click here to view latest Fund Facts » |
| Artemis Income Fund | | See Details | |
One of the leading UK Equity Income Funds. The Fund managers hunt out companies with strong free cash flow and solid balance sheets. Income is paid to you twice yearly. 100% Discount off the Standard Initial Fund Charge.
Click here to view latest Fund Facts » |
| Jupiter Corporate Bond Fund | | See Details | |
The Jupiter Corporate Bond aims to achieve a high level of income with the opportunity for capital growth, through mainly investing in fixed interest securities. Income is paid to you twice yearly. 87.5% Discount off the Standard Initial Fund Charge.
Click here to view latest Fund Facts » |
| Invesco Perpetual High Income Fund | | See Details | |
One of the UK's most popular income funds, the Invesco Perpetual High Income has delivered consistently good long term returns through a variety of market conditions. Income is paid to you twice yearly. Up to a 100% Discount off the Standard Initial Fund Charge.
Click here to view latest Fund Facts » |
| M&G Corporate Bond Fund | | See Details | |
| The M&G Corporate Bond Fund is a conservative ‘blue chip’ sterling fund that aims to produce a higher return than UK government bonds. Income is Paid to you Quarterly. 100% Discount off the Standard Initial Fund Charge. |
| Jupiter Merlin Income Portfolio | | See Details | |
The Jupiter Merlin Income Portfolio fund aims to achieve a high and rising income with some potential for capital growth. Income Distributions are made to you quarterly. 95% Discount off the Standard Initial Charge.
Click here to view latest Fund Facts » |
* See details.
** Income payments are dependent upon the FTSE 100 Index.
Disclaimer (Please Read)
General risk warnings
- The list of funds/investments provided above should not be seen in any way as being a recommendation. No advice has been given and you should be aware that any investment which takes place will be transacted on a “non-advised sale” basis.
- Full details of the investments will be provided in the documentation/brochure sent to you and it is up to you to ensure that you fully understand the nature of the investment before proceeding. If you are at all unsure of the suitability of the type of investment, both in respect of its objectives and its risk profile, you should seek independent financial advice.
Collective investments
- Collective investments such as unit trusts are designed as medium to long term investments, for example at least five years.
- The value of your investment and the level of any income received from it can fall as well as rise and is not guaranteed and you may not get back the amount of your original investment.
- Any income yield quoted is correct at the time of going to press. Income yields vary and are only estimates. The actual dividend income that you receive will depend upon the income payable by the underlying assets of the fund and could change, either up or down, at any time. Dividend income from an ISA will, under current legislation, be free of UK income tax. Dividend income paid from a fund not held within an ISA will be subject to income tax, which may or may not be reclaimable depending upon your circumstances and the type of investment. In some cases, there may be additional income tax to pay.
- If you choose a fund which invests overseas, there is the addition of “exchange rate” risk which could reduce any gains or increase losses if the currency moves against you.
- Dividend income paid from a fund not held within an ISA will be subject to income tax, which may or may not be reclaimable depending upon your circumstances and the type of investment. In some cases, there may be additional income tax to pay.
Structured Products
- Structured Products are fixed term investments and are designed so that your capital remains invested for the full term of the plan. Although it may be possible to encash your investment before the end of the term, this could mean that an early encashment charge is applied and you may not get back the full amount of your capital.
- An investment termed as a “capital guaranteed structured product” is one where the return of your capital at maturity is not dependent upon the performance of an index or another financial instrument
- An investment termed as a “capital at risk structured product” is one where the return of your capital at maturity is dependent upon the performance of an index or another financial instrument.
Specific ISA warnings
- The tax efficiency of ISAs is based on current tax law and there is no guarantee that tax rules will stay the same in the future.
- Dividend income from a stocks and shares ISA will, under current legislation, be free of further liability to UK income tax whether this is paid out or automatically reinvested.
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| FTSE 100 Geared Returns Plan | | £20,000 | |
| 5 year structured investment plan with the potential to receive a defined return of 75%. |
| FTSE 100 Enhanced Kick Out Plan Investec Version | | £20,000 | |
| 5 year structured investment plan benefiting from an early maturity feature. The plan offers the potential to return 12% for every year that the plan has been in force, if it matures early |
| FTSE Bonus Growth Plan | | £3,000 | |
| 6 year structured investment plan offering the potential to mature after 1,2,3,4 or 5 years with a growth of 11.25% times the number years the plan was held. |
| RBS UK Growth Early Kick Out Plan | | £20,000 | |
| 5 year structured investment plan benefiting from an early maturity feature. The plan offers the potential to return 11% for every year that the plan has been in force, if it matures early. |
| FTSE 100 Enhanced Kick Out Plan RBS Version | | £1,500 | |
| Structured investment plan benefiting from an early maturity feature. The plan offers the potential to return 10.25% for every year that the plan has been in force, if it matures early. |
| Defined Returns Annual (Kick-Out) Plan | | £20,000 | |
| A 6 year structured investment plan benefiting from an early maturity feature. The plan offers two options, one of which offers the potential to return 9.10% for every year the plan has been in force, if the plan matures early. |
| FTSE 100 Kick Out Deposit Plan | | £1,500 | |
| Structured deposit plan with two options offering returns of up to 5.25% or 6% per year. Potential to kick out after 2,3,4 or 5,years depending on the option. |
| Target Growth Plan | | £20,000 | |
| 5 year structured investment plan with a potential fixed return of 47.5%. |
| UK Growth Multiplier | | £3,000 | |
| A 6 year structured investment plan which aims to provide up to 4 times any growth in the FTSE 100 up to a maximum of 100%. |
| FTSE 100 Deposit Growth Plan | | £20,000 | |
| 5 year structured investment plan that aims to provide a full repayment of capital at the end of the five year term, plus 100% of any growth in the FTSE 100 after 5 years capped at 50%. |
| FTSE 100 5 Year Deposit Plan | | £1,500 | |
| This 5 year capital protected deposit plan offers a maximum return of 32.5% at maturity. |
| FTSE 100 3 Year Deposit Plan | | £1,500 | |
| This capital protected deposit plan offers a maximum return of 15% at maturity. |
| FTSE 100 Accelerated Growth Plan | | £20,000 | |
| 5 year structured investment plan that returns two times any growth in the FTSE 100 index over the investment term. |
| FTSE 100 Growth Plan | | £20,000 | |
| 5 year capital protected structured investment plan, with the potential to return 100% of any growth in the FTSE 100 over the 5 year term. |
| Capital Protected Double Asset Bond |  | £3,000 | |
| 1/3 invested in a 5% 1 Year Fixed Rate Bond. 2/3 invested into a FTSE 100 Index Linked Bond which returns 100% of any positive growth up to a maximum return of 50%. |
| M&G Recovery Fund | | From £50 Per Month | |
| The principle behind the fund is simple, but has proved highly effective – it focuses on corporate rather than economic recovery. To achieve this, the fund manager, Tom Dobell, scrutinises companies and identifies those he believes can recover regardless of economic conditions. |
| Artemis UK Special Situations Fund | | From £50 Per Month | |
The Artemis UK Special Situations Fund aims to achieve long-term capital growth by exploiting special situations.
Click here to view latest Fund Facts » |
| Jupiter Ecology Fund | | From £50 Per Month | |
The objective of the Fund is to achieve long-term capital appreciation together with a growing income consistent with a policy of promoting environmental and social change.
Click here to view latest Fund Facts » |
| Virgin Money Climate Change ISA | | From £50 Per Month | |
| ISA Option Only. The Virgin Climate Change ISA invests in Companies (mainly in the UK & Europe) who aim to drive profit growth & have a lighter environmental footprint. |
| TD Waterhouse Trading ISA | | N/A | |
| The TD Waterhouse Trading ISA is a self select, stocks and shares ISA, which offers a wide range of investment choices. It puts you in control of your share portfolio and at the same time protects your growth from Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax. |
Disclaimer (Please Read)
General risk warnings
- The list of funds/investments provided above should not be seen in any way as being a recommendation. No advice has been given and you should be aware that any investment which takes place will be transacted on a “non-advised sale” basis.
- Full details of the investments will be provided in the documentation/brochure sent to you and it is up to you to ensure that you fully understand the nature of the investment before proceeding. If you are at all unsure of the suitability of the type of investment, both in respect of its objectives and its risk profile, you should seek independent financial advice.
Collective investments
- Collective investments such as unit trusts are designed as medium to long term investments, for example at least five years.
- The value of your investment and the level of any income received from it can fall as well as rise and is not guaranteed and you may not get back the amount of your original investment.
- Any income yield quoted is correct at the time of going to press. Income yields vary and are only estimates. The actual dividend income that you receive will depend upon the income payable by the underlying assets of the fund and could change, either up or down, at any time. Dividend income from an ISA will, under current legislation, be free of UK income tax. Dividend income paid from a fund not held within an ISA will be subject to income tax, which may or may not be reclaimable depending upon your circumstances and the type of investment. In some cases, there may be additional income tax to pay.
- If you choose a fund which invests overseas, there is the addition of “exchange rate” risk which could reduce any gains or increase losses if the currency moves against you.
- Dividend income paid from a fund not held within an ISA will be subject to income tax, which may or may not be reclaimable depending upon your circumstances and the type of investment. In some cases, there may be additional income tax to pay.
Structured Products
- Structured Products are fixed term investments and are designed so that your capital remains invested for the full term of the plan. Although it may be possible to encash your investment before the end of the term, this could mean that an early encashment charge is applied and you may not get back the full amount of your capital.
- An investment termed as a “capital guaranteed structured product” is one where the return of your capital at maturity is not dependent upon the performance of an index or another financial instrument
- An investment termed as a “capital at risk structured product” is one where the return of your capital at maturity is dependent upon the performance of an index or another financial instrument.
Specific ISA warnings
- The tax efficiency of ISAs is based on current tax law and there is no guarantee that tax rules will stay the same in the future.
- Dividend income from a stocks and shares ISA will, under current legislation, be free of further liability to UK income tax whether this is paid out or automatically reinvested.
Hide Disclaimer
| Aberdeen Emerging Markets Fund | | From £50 per month | |
Aims to provide long-term capital growth through investing in global emerging stock markets. Save 100% on Initial Charges.
Click here to view latest Fund Facts » |
| First State Asia Pacific Leaders Fund | | From £50 per month | |
A capital growth fund that invests in large and medium sized companies based Asia Pacific region, excluding Japan. Save up to 94% on Initial Charges.
Click here to view latest Fund Facts » |
| Jupiter Financial Opportunities Fund | | From £50 Per Month | |
A popular fund that seeks to achieve long-term capital growth principally through investment in equities of financial sector companies on an international basis.
Click here to view latest Fund Facts » |
| BlackRock Gold and General Fund | | From £50 Per Month | |
The BlackRock Gold & General Fund is aims to achieve long term capital growth by investing in gold, mining and precious metal related shares.
Click here to view latest Fund Facts » |
| Jupiter China Fund | | From £50 Per Month | |
The Jupiter China Fund is designed for investors who want to make the most of China's next growth wave. Save up to 90% off initial charges.
Click here to view latest Fund Facts » |
| Schroders Medical Discovery Fund | | From £50 Per Month | |
The fund provides an opportunity to invest in a diverse global medical industry, which is attracting increased resources, both public and private, as the population of the developed world ages. 100% discount off initial charges.
Click here to view latest Fund Facts » |
| Jupiter Ecology Fund | | From £50 Per Month | |
The objective of the Fund is to achieve long-term capital appreciation together with a growing income consistent with a policy of promoting environmental and social change. Save up to 90% off initial charges.
Click here to view latest Fund Facts » |
| Jupiter India Fund | | From £50 Per Month | |
With over 7,000 quoted companies in India there are many opportunities for the patient investor to buy high growth businesses at attractive prices. Save up to 90% off initial charges.
Click here to view latest Fund Facts » |
Disclaimer (Please Read)
General risk warnings
- The list of funds/investments provided above should not be seen in any way as being a recommendation. No advice has been given and you should be aware that any investment which takes place will be transacted on a “non-advised sale” basis.
- Full details of the investments will be provided in the documentation/brochure sent to you and it is up to you to ensure that you fully understand the nature of the investment before proceeding. If you are at all unsure of the suitability of the type of investment, both in respect of its objectives and its risk profile, you should seek independent financial advice.
Collective investments
- Collective investments such as unit trusts are designed as medium to long term investments, for example at least five years.
- The value of your investment and the level of any income received from it can fall as well as rise and is not guaranteed and you may not get back the amount of your original investment.
- Any income yield quoted is correct at the time of going to press. Income yields vary and are only estimates. The actual dividend income that you receive will depend upon the income payable by the underlying assets of the fund and could change, either up or down, at any time. Dividend income from an ISA will, under current legislation, be free of UK income tax. Dividend income paid from a fund not held within an ISA will be subject to income tax, which may or may not be reclaimable depending upon your circumstances and the type of investment. In some cases, there may be additional income tax to pay.
- If you choose a fund which invests overseas, there is the addition of “exchange rate” risk which could reduce any gains or increase losses if the currency moves against you.
- Dividend income paid from a fund not held within an ISA will be subject to income tax, which may or may not be reclaimable depending upon your circumstances and the type of investment. In some cases, there may be additional income tax to pay.
Structured Products
- Structured Products are fixed term investments and are designed so that your capital remains invested for the full term of the plan. Although it may be possible to encash your investment before the end of the term, this could mean that an early encashment charge is applied and you may not get back the full amount of your capital.
- An investment termed as a “capital guaranteed structured product” is one where the return of your capital at maturity is not dependent upon the performance of an index or another financial instrument
- An investment termed as a “capital at risk structured product” is one where the return of your capital at maturity is dependent upon the performance of an index or another financial instrument.
Specific ISA warnings
- The tax efficiency of ISAs is based on current tax law and there is no guarantee that tax rules will stay the same in the future.
- Dividend income from a stocks and shares ISA will, under current legislation, be free of further liability to UK income tax whether this is paid out or automatically reinvested.
Hide Disclaimer
| Childrens Savings | | £5 per month | |
| Up to £25 FREE Boots Voucher When you set up a Direct Debit Online. |
| Share Trading Account Plus | | N/A | |
| Trade in a wide variety of investment options including International Equities, Warrants and Covered Warrants. Frequent traders get a reduced rate of £9.95 |
Disclaimer (Please Read)
General risk warnings
- The list of funds/investments provided above should not be seen in any way as being a recommendation. No advice has been given and you should be aware that any investment which takes place will be transacted on a “non-advised sale” basis.
- Full details of the investments will be provided in the documentation/brochure sent to you and it is up to you to ensure that you fully understand the nature of the investment before proceeding. If you are at all unsure of the suitability of the type of investment, both in respect of its objectives and its risk profile, you should seek independent financial advice.
Collective investments
- Collective investments such as unit trusts are designed as medium to long term investments, for example at least five years.
- The value of your investment and the level of any income received from it can fall as well as rise and is not guaranteed and you may not get back the amount of your original investment.
- Any income yield quoted is correct at the time of going to press. Income yields vary and are only estimates. The actual dividend income that you receive will depend upon the income payable by the underlying assets of the fund and could change, either up or down, at any time. Dividend income from an ISA will, under current legislation, be free of UK income tax. Dividend income paid from a fund not held within an ISA will be subject to income tax, which may or may not be reclaimable depending upon your circumstances and the type of investment. In some cases, there may be additional income tax to pay.
- If you choose a fund which invests overseas, there is the addition of “exchange rate” risk which could reduce any gains or increase losses if the currency moves against you.
- Dividend income paid from a fund not held within an ISA will be subject to income tax, which may or may not be reclaimable depending upon your circumstances and the type of investment. In some cases, there may be additional income tax to pay.
Structured Products
- Structured Products are fixed term investments and are designed so that your capital remains invested for the full term of the plan. Although it may be possible to encash your investment before the end of the term, this could mean that an early encashment charge is applied and you may not get back the full amount of your capital.
- An investment termed as a “capital guaranteed structured product” is one where the return of your capital at maturity is not dependent upon the performance of an index or another financial instrument
- An investment termed as a “capital at risk structured product” is one where the return of your capital at maturity is dependent upon the performance of an index or another financial instrument.
Specific ISA warnings
- The tax efficiency of ISAs is based on current tax law and there is no guarantee that tax rules will stay the same in the future.
- Dividend income from a stocks and shares ISA will, under current legislation, be free of further liability to UK income tax whether this is paid out or automatically reinvested.
Hide Disclaimer