If your client holds a Synergy pension or ARF policy, they may be able to invest in quoted shares, government and corporate bonds, exchange traded funds (ETFs) and other securities. Trading can be done online or over the phone with Stocktrade, without advice from Standard Life or Stocktrade.
If your client holds a Synergy pension or ARF policy, they may be able to invest in quoted shares, government and corporate bonds, exchange traded funds (ETFs) and other securities. Trading can be done online or over the phone with Stocktrade, without advice from Standard Life or Stocktrade.
Who is stockbroking suitable for?
Please note that this service is only suitable for clients who have an understanding of financial markets and the investments associated with them, and who want to select their own investment options. It should never be offered to or suggested for clients who don’t have that understanding.
Before your client chooses this option, they must read and understand the Self-Directed Options guide. This outlines the allowable investments and charges.
Certain investments through Stocktrade are deemed to be complex, for example ETFs, and may not be suitable or appropriate for all clients who want to use this option. Stocktrade must assess client suitability before they allow access to these investments. They may decline access if your client can’t show sufficient knowledge or experience
Investment options
The investment options available through Stocktrade depend on the Standard Life product your client invests in.
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The Self-Directed Options are available through Synergy policies that started in July 2006 or later:
| Synergy products | Self-Directed Options | |
|---|---|---|
| Deposits | Execution-only stockbroking | |
| Synergy Executive Pension | Yes | Yes |
| Synergy Personal Pension | Yes | Yes |
| Synergy approved retirement funds | Yes | Yes |
| Synergy Portfolio approved retirement funds* | Yes | Yes |
| Synergy Buy Out Bond | Yes | Yes |
| Synergy investment Bond | Yes | No |
| Synergy portfolio Bond* | No | No |
| Synergy PRSA | Yes^ | Yes** |
| Synergy Regular Invest | Yes | No |
Your clients can trade online or over the phone on (01) 6397200, 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday. Stocktrade is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and UK bank holidays.
Access to markets varies depending on local opening hours. For example, Irish stock market trading hours are from 8am to 4.30pm. US and Canadian markets trade from 2.30pm to 9pm GMT.
What types of ETFs can my clients invest in?
Your clients can invest in ETFs based on specialist sectors like:
- Commodities
- Small, mid and large cap securities
- Bonds
- Private equity
When your client applies for execution-only stockbroking
Once we have your client’s application form we'll open a policy cash account within their policy and transfer the money to Stocktrade. When they invest in a Self-Directed Option, payments are credited and deducted from this policy cash account, which is provided by a third party deposit provider.
There’s more information in the Key Features documents and the Self-Directed Options guide. To find out the current variable interest rate on the policy cash account, please go to https://www.standardlife.ie/investment-options/deposits or https://www.standardlife.ie/adviser/investment-options/deposits
When the policy cash account is established and the money is transferred, Stocktrade will issue a letter containing a dealing code to your clients.
You’ll find more information about the Stocktrade service in their terms and conditions and their TIPA service guide
Setting up an execution-only stockbroking account
New and existing policyholders who want to set up an execution-only stockbroking account will need to complete the Stocktrade application form. If you want to be able to view your clients’ values online, make sure they complete part 3 of the form. If they choose to invest in ETFs they'll also need to complete an Appropriateness Assessment form.
Answering your questions
You might want more information before talking to a client about this investment option.if you need to know more.
Answering your questions
You might want more information before talking to a client about this investment option.if you need to know more.
Connecting to Stocktrade
If your client has given you authorisation, you can view the online values of shares, bonds, other securities and ETFs bought through Stocktrade by logging on using the link below.
Connecting to Stocktrade
If your client has given you authorisation, you can view the online values of shares, bonds, other securities and ETFs bought through Stocktrade by logging on using the link below.
Useful Links
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Fund Centre
Here's where you'll find information about all of the funds we offer.
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Stocktrade
Here’s where you’ll find information about the Stocktrade service.