Dear Client,
This letter is provided to you, as a retail customer, in compliance with the rules of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Under current FCA rules, the investment(s) you wish to deal in, warrants and/or derivate products are defined as “complex”. As a retail client, part of our obligation to you is to make you aware of the risks associated with these investment products. We are required to make sure you understand how dealing in this type of investment differs from trading “non- complex” investments, such as shares and bonds.
This letter cannot disclose all the risks and other significant aspects of trading derivative products such as futures, options and contracts for differences. You should not deal in these products unless you understand their nature and the extent of your exposure to risk.
You should also be satisfied that the product is suitable for you in the light of your circumstances and financial position. Although warrants and/or derivative instruments can be utilised for the management of investment risk, some of these products are unsuitable for many investors. Different instruments involve different levels of exposure to risk and in deciding whether to trade in such instruments you should be aware of the following points.
1. Warrants
A warrant is a time-limited right to subscribe for shares, debentures, loan stock or government securities and is exercisable against the original issuer of the underlying securities. A relatively small movement in the price of the underlying security results in a disproportionately large movement, unfavourable or favourable, in the price of the warrant. The prices of warrants can therefore be volatile. It is essential for anyone who is considering purchasing warrants to understand that the right to subscribe which a warrant confers is invariably limited in time with the consequence that if the investor fails to exercise this right within the predetermined time-scale then the investment becomes worthless. You should not buy a warrant unless you are prepared to sustain a total loss of the money you have invested plus any commission or other transaction charges.
2. Futures
Transactions in futures involve the obligation to make, or to take, delivery of the underlying asset of the contract at a future date, or in some cases to settle the position with cash. They carry a high degree of risk. The gearing or leverage often obtainable in futures trading means that a small deposit or down payment can lead to large losses as well as gains. It also means that a relatively small movement can lead to a proportionately much larger movement in the value of your investment, and this can work against you as well as for you. Futures transactions have a contingent liability, and you should be aware of the implications of this, in particular the margining requirements, which are set out below.
3. Options
There are many different types of options with different characteristics subject to the following conditions.
3.1 Buying options:
Buying options involves less risk than selling options because, if the price of the underlying asset moves against you, you can simply allow the option to lapse. The maximum loss is limited to the premium, plus any commission or other transaction charges.
3.2 Writing options:
If you write an option, the risk involved is considerably greater than buying options. You may be liable for margin to maintain your position and a loss may be sustained well in excess of the premium received. By writing an option, you accept a legal obligation to purchase or sell the underlying asset if the option is exercised against you, however far the market price has moved away from the exercise price. If you already own the underlying asset which you have contracted to sell (when the options will be known as covered call options) the risk is reduced. If you do not own the underlying asset (uncovered call options) the risk can be unlimited. Only experienced persons should contemplate writing uncovered options, and then only after securing full details of the applicable conditions and potential risk exposure.
4. Contracts for differences
Futures and options contracts can also be referred to as contracts for differences. These can be options and futures on the FTSE 100 index or any other index, as well as an individual security, currency and interest rate swaps. However, unlike other futures and options, these contracts can only be settled in cash. Investing in a contract for differences carries the same risks as investing in a future or an option and you should be aware of these as set out above. Transactions in contracts for differences may also have a contingent liability and you should be aware of the implications of this.
5. Collateral
If you deposit collateral (shares etc.,) as security, the way in which it will be treated will vary according to the type of transaction and where it is traded. There could be significant differences in the treatment of your collateral. The decisions regarding this are determined by Saxo Capital Markets (UK) Limited and not influenced by Collins Sarri Statham Investments Limited. Deposited collateral may lose its identity as your property once dealings on your behalf are undertaken.
6. Commission and charges
Before you begin to trade, you should be aware of all commissions and other charges for which you will be liable. Our fees and charges sheet does provide appropriate examples in cash terms. In the case when commission is charged as a percentage, it will normally be as a percentage of the total contract value, and not simply as a percentage of your initial payment.
7. Suspensions of trading
Under certain trading conditions it may be difficult or impossible to liquidate a position. This may occur, for example, at times of rapid price movement if the price rises or falls in one trading session to such an extent that under the rules of the relevant exchange trading is suspended or restricted. Placing a stop-loss order will not necessarily limit your losses to the intended amounts, because market conditions may make it impossible to execute such an order at the stipulated price. Stop-loss orders are therefore not guaranteed.
Summary
We have provided you with this letter as we want to ensure that you fully understand the risks involved in these type of products. Different investment products involve different levels of exposure to risk and in deciding whether to trade in such instruments you should be aware of the risks you are exposed to. If you wish, we can provide you with further information to help you gain a better understanding of these products. For example we would encourage you to read our CFD and leverage guides and our brokers are always available to answer any further questions that you may have concerning these products.
As detailed above, Complex investments such as CFDs carry a higher degree of risk to your money. Although financial derivative products can be utilised for the management of investment risk, some of these products are unsuitable for many customers as they carry a high degree of risk. The 'gearing' or 'leverage' often obtainable in trading financial derivative products means that a small deposit or down payment can lead to large losses. It also means that a relatively small market movement can lead to a proportionately much larger movement in the value of your position, and this can work against you. Such transactions may have to be margined, and you should be aware of the implications of this. Where you enter into a financial derivative transaction, you must maintain sufficient margin on your account at all times to maintain your open positions. Your online account will enable you to monitor your margin requirement at all times. If any of your open positions are creating a loss on your account (which may or may not result in a margin call) you may be required to immediately provide additional funds to maintain your open positions. If you do not maintain sufficient margin on your account at all times and/or provide such additional funds within the time required, your open positions may be closed at a loss and you will be liable for any resulting deficit.
You should not engage in trading financial derivative products such as CFDs unless you fully understand the nature of the transactions you are entering into, and the true extent of your exposure. There is a risk that your loss could exceed your initial investment. You should only take a risk with money that you can afford to lose. These types of investments may be suitable for some investors but they are not for everyone.
Yours faithfully,
Collins Sarri Statham Investments Limited