Chapter 1: Platform Assets Flashcards
What are Platforms?
Platforms are services designed to enable retail investors ( and any FA assisting those investors) to manage their investment portfolios.
What is a Platform Operator?
The term is used to describe the regulated financial services firm responsible for the functionality and performance of the platform.
What is the Product Provider responsible for?
Ensuring that the product has been designed in line with the relevant tax laws and guidance so that investments made using the product are not subject to certain taxes. Note: They are also referred to as “wrappers”.
Who are Wrappers subject to?
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
Assets available on most platforms will be a combination of:
- Cash
- Exchange traded assets ( e.g. equities)
- CIS units/shares
- Structured products
What may cash be used for?
The platforms expects the investor to retain some cash available for readiness for future transactions and to pay out any platform charges when they become due.
What are Exchange Traded Assets?
A diverse range of investment types from shares, government bonds through to exchange traded funds.
Are the number of Exchange traded asset shares fixed or flexible?
Fixed.
The regulated market is the market mechanism for willing sellers to be paired off with willing buyers.
What is a bond?
A debt instrument that is often written up for a fixed period.
What is the regular interest rate that is paid to the issuer known as?
Coupon rate
What are some examples of issuers of Supranational bonds?
Agencies: European Investment Bank and the World Bank
What are some examples of Close-ended funds?
Investment trusts, Real estate investment trusts (REIT) and Venture Capital trusts (VCT).
Who are close-ended funds issued by?
Companies who’s business is investment
What does the close-ended fund issue?
A fixed number of shares and uses capital it receives to build on investment portfolio.
What is a REIT?
Real Estate Investment Trust
A company that owns and in most cases operates income producing real estate.
What is the name of the legislation laid out for REITS?
The Finance Act 2006, subsequently amended by the Corporation Tax 2010.
What percentage of Income must be distributed to its shareholders in order to qualify as REIT?
90%
What is a Venture Capital Trust (VCT) ?
A highly tax efficient UK close ended CIS designed to provide private equity for small expanding companies and capital gains for investors.
Where are VCTs listed ?
LSE - London Stock Exchange
Who are CIS run by ?
A regulated financial services firm referred to in FCA rules as AFM - Authorised Fund Manager.
How does an investor purchase unit shares in an authorised CIS?
Through AFM ( there is no secondary market).
Are Authorised CIS open or closed?
Open ended assets as the number available to investors can change every dealing day.