This notice is provided to you in compliance with requirements laid down by the Financial Services Authority ("FSA") because you are proposing to undertake dealings in contracts for differences in the form of trades with a firm that is carrying on investment business as a bookmaker. It cannot disclose all of the risks and other significant aspects involved in dealing in contracts for differences in the form of trades.
Engaging in this type of transaction can carry a high risk. As these transactions differ markedly from normal trades you should not engage in this form of trading unless you understand the nature of the transaction you are entering into and the true extent of your exposure to the risk of loss. The amount that you may win or lose will vary according to the extent of the fluctuations in the price of the index ("the underlying markets") on which the trade is based instead of a sum predeterminable when a normal trade is placed. For many members of the public, these transactions are not suitable; you should, therefore, consider carefully whether they are suitable for you in the light of your circumstances and financial resources.
In considering whether to engage in this form of trading, you should be aware of the following:
- The high degree of "gearing" or "leverage" is a particular feature of this type of transaction. This stems from the margining system applicable to such trades that generally involves a comparatively modest deposit or initial margin in terms of the overall contract value, so that a relatively small movement in the underlying market can have a disproportionately dramatic effect on your trade. If the underlying market movement is in your favour, you may achieve a good profit, but an equally small adverse market movement can not only quickly result in the loss of your entire deposit, but may also expose you to a large additional loss unless you enter into a limited liability contract with the firm.
- You may be called upon to deposit substantial additional variation margin, at short notice , to maintain your trade. If you do not provide such additional funds within the time required , your trade may be closed at a loss and you will be liable for any resulting deficit.
- Such transactions will not be undertaken on a recognised or designated investment exchange and, accordingly, they may expose you to greater risks than exchange transactions. The trading structure and trading rules will be established solely by the bookmaker. For example, if you wish to close the trade earlier than the time at which it would otherwise automatically expire you will have to close it at your bookmaker's quotation which may reflect the premium or discount of the "underlying market". When the underlying market is closed your bookmaker's quotation can be influenced by the weight of other clients buying or selling with your bookmaker. You will have to close any trade with the same bookmaker with whom it was originally entered into.
- Where entering into such transactions, your bookmaker must do so under a two-way customer agreement pursuant to the FSA Conduct of Business rules unless exempted from doing so. You should satisfy yourself that dealing is conducted throughout in strict conformity with that customer agreement and report to the FSA if you have reason to believe it is not.
- Prior to placing any trades, you should receive from your bookmaker written confirmation of all transaction or other charges for which you will be liable.
- As a result of section 412 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, the trades in this case are enforceable and the bookmaking firm may be sued by you (if you win) and may sue you (if you lose).
- A limited liability transaction limits the extent of your liability for loss in a transaction to an amount agreed by you prior to entering into such transaction, but you may sustain such loss in a relatively short time. You should take particular note of this aspect as specified in the terms and conditions of your bookmaker. In particular, you should check whether the limited liability is only guaranteed during normal business hours. You are likely to incur additional costs in this type of transaction and you should obtain from your bookmaker an explanation of these, if they are applicable. Such additional costs may take the form of a specific additional charge, or could be a "hidden cost" because the prices or spread on which these trades are based differ from those applicable to other trades that do not have limited liability.
- Your bookmaker is prohibited under FSA requirements from providing you with investment advice relating to investments or possible transactions in investments or from making investment recommendations of any kind. This prohibition is subject to an exception where advice given amounts to the giving of factual market information or information, in relation to a transaction about which you have enquired, as to transaction procedures, potential risks involved and how those risks may be minimised.
- Your bookmaker is required to hold your money in segregated trust accounts in accordance with the regulations of the Financial Service Authority, but this may not afford complete protection. This provision shall not apply in circumstances where, under the FSA rules, your bookmaker is not required to hold your money in segregated trust accounts.
- If you deposit collateral as security with your bookmaker, you should ascertain from your bookmaker how your collateral will be dealt with.