Structured Products

How Structured Products Work

How Structured Products Work A Complete Guide for Investors Table of Contents What Is a Structured Product and How Is It Created? What Are the Key Components of a Structured Note? How Do Structured Products Protect Capital or Enhance Yields? What Are the Most Common Types of Structured Products? What Are the Main Risks Investors Should Be Aware Of? Who Should Invest in Structured Products? Conclusion What Is a Structured Product and How Is It Created? A structured product is a pre-packaged investment strategy that typically combines two distinct financial instruments into a single unit. Unlike buying a standard stock or bond, where your returns are directly tied to the asset’s price movement, a structured product essentially “engineers” a specific risk-return payoff. These products are created by investment banks to meet specific investor needs that traditional markets cannot satisfy alone. For example, an investor might want the growth potential of the S&P 500 but with the safety of a government bond. To achieve this, the issuer combines a zero-coupon bond (for capital protection) with an option component (for market participation). By customizing these elements, issuers can create products that offer capital protection, yield enhancement, or access to hard-to-reach asset classes. For a foundational understanding of these instruments and how we approach them at Phillip Capital, you can review our introduction to structured products. What Are the Key Components of a Structured Note? To understand how these products work, it helps to deconstruct them into their two primary “building blocks.” The Note (Debt Component): This is the “safe” part of the structure. It is essentially a bond issued by a financial institution. Its primary job is to protect your principal. In a capital-protected product, the issuer invests a large portion of your capital (e.g., 80-90%) into a zero-coupon bond that will mature at the full face value of your investment after a set period. The Derivative (Investment Component): The remaining capital is used to purchase a derivative, such as a call or put option. This component is linked to an “underlying asset”—which could be a single stock, a basket of equities, an index like the Nasdaq, or even a currency pair. Understanding what derivatives are and their purpose is crucial, as the performance of this specific component determines the “extra” return or coupon you receive. By adjusting the ratio between the note and the derivative, issuers can tailor the product to be conservative (more bond, less option) or aggressive (less bond, more option). Designed for Your Financial Objectives Get access to global structured notes designed for your risk profile. Learn More How Do Structured Products Protect Capital or Enhance Yields? The “magic” of structured products lies in their ability to reshape risk. They typically fall into two main strategic goals: Capital Protection: In uncertain markets, investors prioritize safety. A capital-protected note guarantees the return of 100% (or a partial percentage) of your initial investment at maturity, provided the issuer remains solvent. Even if the stock market crashes, your principal is safe because it is secured by the bond component. If the market rises, you participate in the gains through the option component. This allows conservative investors to gain exposure to volatile assets like US Equities & ETFs while strictly managing their downside risk. Yield Enhancement: In low-interest-rate environments, traditional bonds may offer unattractive returns. Yield enhancement products, such as Reverse Convertibles, offer significantly higher coupon payments (e.g., 8-12% p.a.). The trade-off is that you take on more risk; if the underlying asset falls below a certain “barrier” level, your capital may be at risk What Are the Most Common Types of Structured Products? While the possibilities are endless, most structured products in the UAE market fall into a few popular categories: Principal Protected Notes (PPNs): Ideal for conservative investors who want exposure to markets like Gold or the S&P 500 without risking their initial capital. Autocallables: These are very popular for generating income. The product has set observation dates. If the underlying asset is above a certain level on that date, the product “automatically calls” (matures early), paying you your capital plus a predefined bonus coupon. Reverse Convertibles: These pay a high fixed coupon regardless of market movement, but your principal repayment depends on the asset not falling below a specific “knock-in” barrier. Participation Notes: These offer 1:1 exposure to an asset (like a foreign index) but without the need for complex foreign exchange accounts or international brokerage setups. You can even structure notes around commodities; checking our available DGCX products can give you an idea of how gold and other local commodities are traded. What Are the Main Risks Investors Should Be Aware Of? Despite their benefits, structured products are not risk-free. It is vital to look beyond the headline return: Credit Risk: This is the most critical risk. When you buy a structured note, you are essentially lending money to the issuing bank (e.g., Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, or similar). If that bank goes bankrupt, you could lose your entire investment, even if the “underlying asset” performed well. Liquidity Risk: These products are designed to be held until maturity (e.g., 1 to 5 years). While a secondary market often exists, selling early might result in selling at a discount. Market Risk: In yield enhancement products, if the barrier is breached (e.g., the stock drops by 40%), you may lose capital. Complexity: The terms can be complicated. For those who prefer more liquid, transparent trading options without lock-in periods or complex barriers, exchange-traded futures and options might be a more suitable alternative. Navigate Risks with Confidence Expert guidance to help you choose the right issuer with confidence. Contact Now Who Should Invest in Structured Products? Structured products are generally best suited for Sophisticated or Professional Investors who have a clear view of the market and want to express it precisely. The “Range-Bound” Investor: If you think the market will stay flat, a standard stock purchase won’t make money. A structured note can pay a coupon even in a flat

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Structured Notes

Leave a Comment / Structured Products, Educational Blogs, Structured Products Basics / PhillipCapital DIFC Research Team

Structured Notes The Complete Guide to Tailored Wealth Management in Dubai In the dynamic financial landscape of the UAE, traditional investment vehicles like bonds and equities are often not enough to meet the specific risk-return appetites of sophisticated investors. Enter Structured Notes—a powerful tool in modern wealth management that bridges the gap between fixed income and market equity. At PhillipCapital DIFC, we believe in empowering our clients with knowledge. This guide answers your most pressing questions about Structured Notes, detailing how they can enhance yields and protect capital in uncertain markets. What Are Structured Notes and How Do They Fit into a Portfolio? A Structured Note is a hybrid financial instrument that combines the features of a traditional bond with those of a derivative (like an option). Think of it as a pre-packaged investment strategy. Unlike a standard stock that moves 1-to-1 with the market, a Structured Note allows you to customize your payout. Essentially, it is a debt obligation issued by a financial institution, but instead of paying a fixed interest rate, the return is linked to the performance of an underlying asset—such as a specific stock, a global index (like the S&P 500), commodities (like Gold), or even foreign currencies. This structure allows investors to achieve specific goals, such as generating higher yields than a bank deposit or protecting their initial capital against market downturns. Why are they considered a “flexible” investment solution? The beauty of Structured Notes lies in their versatility. They are not “one-size-fits-all.” At PhillipCapital DIFC, we can tailor these notes to match your specific market view. Bullish? You can structure a note to accelerate returns if the market rises. Sideways Market? You can generate high coupons (interest) even if the market stays flat. Bearish? You can build in “capital protection” buffers that ensure you don’t lose money even if the market drops by a certain percentage. Structured Investments, Designed Around You Bespoke Structured Notes designed to match your objectives, risk appetite, and market perspective Request a Consultation How Do Structured Notes Work? What are the main components that make up a Structured Note? A typical note is constructed using two main building blocks: The Zero-Coupon Bond: This component is used to protect the principal. It ensures that a portion of your capital is preserved or returned at maturity. The Derivative Option: This is the risky part of the note that provides the potential for higher returns. It tracks the underlying asset (e.g., Apple stock or the FTSE 100). When you invest, the issuer uses the majority of your funds to buy the bond and the remainder to purchase the option. The performance of that option determines your final payout. What happens if the market goes down? Do I lose my money? This depends entirely on the “protection barrier” set when you buy the note. This is a crucial concept for UAE investors to understand. Hard Protection: Some notes offer 100% capital protection. If the market crashes, you still get your initial investment back (subject to issuer credit risk). Soft Protection (Barriers): Many yield-enhancement notes have a “barrier,” often set at 60% or 70% of the initial price. As long as the underlying asset does not fall below this barrier during the term, you receive your full capital back plus your coupons. However, if the asset price breaches this barrier, your capital is at risk, similar to holding the stock directly. Types of Structured Notes Available in Dubai What are the most popular structures for investors at PhillipCapital DIFC? While there are limitless variations, three specific types are highly popular among our clients: Reverse Convertibles: These are designed for “yield hunters.” They offer a high coupon rate (often significantly higher than standard bonds) regardless of how the market performs, provided the underlying asset doesn’t drop below a specific barrier. Autocallables: These are the most common. An Autocallable note has specific observation dates. If the underlying asset is at or above a certain level on that date, the note “calls” (ends early), paying you your capital plus a predefined bonus coupon. It’s excellent for recycling capital quickly in positive markets. Participation Notes: These allow you to participate in the upside of an asset (like a foreign index) often with a degree of capital protection attached, reducing the fear of entering a volatile market. Not sure which structure suits your portfolio? Explore Our Range of Trading Products & Solutions View Trading Products Why should choose a Structured Note over buying the stock directly? Enhanced Yield: In low-interest environments, Structured Notes can offer double-digit coupons that traditional fixed-income assets cannot match. Defined Risk: You know your entry and exit scenarios before you invest. You know exactly how much the market can fall before your capital is touched. Access: They provide easy access to difficult-to-enter markets or asset classes (like commodities or specific foreign sectors) within a single instrument. What are the risks need to be aware of? Transparency is a core value at PhillipCapital. It is vital to understand the risks: Credit Risk: A Structured Note is an unsecured debt of the issuer. If the issuing bank goes bankrupt (like Lehman Brothers in 2008), you could lose your investment, regardless of how the underlying asset performs. Tip: Always check the credit rating of the issuer. Liquidity Risk: These notes are designed to be held until maturity. Selling them early on the secondary market can be difficult or result in a loss of value. Market Risk: If the protection barrier is breached, you are exposed to the full loss of the underlying asset. How do I start investing in Structured Notes in the UAE? Investing in Structured Notes requires a regulated, experienced partner. As a firm regulated by the DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority), PhillipCapital DIFC ensures that every product offered is appropriate for your classification as an investor. Consultation: We begin by understanding your risk profile. Are you preserving wealth or aggressively growing it? Selection: We source notes from top-tier global investment banks to mitigate credit risk.

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Components of Structured Products

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Components of Structured Products A Detailed Guide for UAE Investors In the diverse landscape of modern investing, structured products have emerged as a powerful tool for portfolio diversification. They bridge the gap between traditional savings and the dynamic world of the stock market. But what exactly goes inside these “pre-packaged” investments? At Phillip Capital DIFC, we believe that transparency is the foundation of wealth management. To help you make informed decisions, we are breaking down the anatomy of a structured product to understand exactly how they function, how they generate returns, and how they manage risk. What is a Structured Product? A structured product is a hybrid investment instrument. Think of it as a pre-packaged investment strategy that combines two distinct financial elements into a single contract. It typically merges a fixed-income security (like a bond) with a derivative (like an option). This combination allows the product to offer a customized risk-return profile that traditional assets cannot achieve on their own. For example, a structured product can be designed to provide capital protection while still offering the potential to profit if the stock market rises. They are “structured” to meet specific investor goals—whether that is capital preservation, yield enhancement, or access to hard-to-reach asset classes. What are the Main Components of a Structured Product? To truly understand a structured product, you must look under the hood. While they can vary in complexity, almost every structured product consists of three primary components: The Bond Component (Capital Protection): This is the safety engine of the product. The Derivative Component (Return Generator): This is the growth engine. The Underlying Asset: This is the reference market (e.g., Gold, S&P 500, or Apple stock) that determines the performance. These components are wrapped together into a single “Note” or “Certificate” issued by a financial institution. How Does the Bond Component Work? The bond component—often a Zero-Coupon Bond—is responsible for the “capital protection” feature found in many structured notes. Unlike a regular bond that pays you interest (coupons) every year, a zero-coupon bond pays no interest. Instead, it is sold at a deep discount. For example, a bank might sell a bond for $80 today, promising to pay back $100 in five years. In a structured product, the issuer uses a large portion of your investment (say, 80% to 90%) to buy this bond. This ensures that, at maturity, the bond will grow back to the original principal amount (subject to the credit risk of the issuer). This mechanism allows the issuer to promise that you will get your initial capital back, regardless of what the stock market does. Capital Protection with Smart Market Exposure Protect your principal while staying invested. Get Expert Investment Advice What is the Role of the Derivative Component? If the bond safeguards your money, the derivative works to grow it. The remaining portion of your investment (the cash left over after buying the bond) is used to purchase a Derivative, usually a Call Option. An option is a financial contract that gives the holder the right to profit from the movement of an asset. If the market goes up: The value of the option increases significantly, providing the “bonus” return or yield on the structured product. If the market goes down: The option may expire worthless. However, because your principal was secured by the bond component, you simply get your original investment back (in a fully capital-protected product) rather than suffering a loss. This clever engineering allows investors to participate in market upside with defined downside risks. What is the “Underlying Asset”? The “Underlying Asset” (or Reference Asset) is the specific financial instrument that the derivative tracks. The performance of your structured product is directly linked to how this asset performs. Common underlying assets include: Equities: Single stocks (like Tesla or Microsoft) or a basket of stocks. Indices: Major market benchmarks like the S&P 500, NASDAQ 100, or Euro Stoxx 50. Commodities: Gold, Silver, or Oil. Currencies: FX pairs like EUR/USD. For example, if you buy a “Gold-Linked Note,” Gold is the underlying asset. If Gold prices rise, your return increases based on the participation rate defined in the note. What is the “Wrapper”? The “Wrapper” is simply the legal form the product takes. In the UAE and global markets, structured products are most commonly issued as EMTN (Euro Medium Term Notes) or Certificates. Think of the wrapper as the box that holds the Bond and the Option together. It defines the legal terms, the maturity date (when the product ends), and the issuer (the bank responsible for paying you). It is crucial to note that because these are legal debts of the issuer, they carry “Counterparty Risk”—meaning if the issuing bank goes bankrupt, the capital protection might fail. This is why choosing a reputable broker and issuer is vital. Why Should UAE Investors Consider Structured Products? Structured products offer a level of customization that buying shares or ETFs directly cannot match. They allow you to say: “I want exposure to US Tech Stocks, but I don’t want to lose more than 10% of my money if the market crashes.” By adjusting the components (Bond vs. Option ratio), Phillip Capital can help you find products that fit your exact risk appetite, whether you are looking for: Yield Enhancement: Generating higher coupons in sideways markets. Participation: capturing market growth. Protection: Prioritizing the safety of your principal. Ready to Diversify Your Portfolio? Access bespoke structured notes—designed for yield enhancement or capital protection—guided by regulated experts at Phillip Capital DIFC. Open an account Contact us Disclaimer: Trading foreign exchange and/or contracts for difference on margin carries a high level of risk, and may not be suitable for all investors as you could sustain losses in excess of deposits. The products are intended for retail, professional and eligible counterparty clients. Before deciding to trade any products offered by PhillipCapital (DIFC) Private Limited you should carefully consider your objectives, financial situation, needs and level of experience. You should be aware of all the risks associated with

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Introduction to Structured Products

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Introduction to Structured Products In today’s dynamic financial landscape, traditional asset classes like equities and bonds are essential, but they may not always align perfectly with every investor’s specific risk appetite or return objectives. This is where Structured Products come into play. Often regarded as the “bridge” between traditional investing and modern financial engineering, structured products offer a way to customize your market exposure. At Phillip Capital DIFC, we believe that sophisticated investment tools should be accessible and transparent. Whether you are looking to protect your capital or enhance your yield in a flat market, understanding structured products is the first step toward a more resilient portfolio. What exactly are Structured Products? At its core, a structured product is a pre-packaged investment strategy based on a single security, a basket of securities, options, indices, commodities, debt issuance, or foreign currencies. Think of it as a “hybrid” instrument. It typically combines two main components: A Bond Component (Capital Protection): This portion is designed to protect your initial investment (principal) and pays a return similar to a bond. A Derivative Component (Growth Potential): This part is linked to an underlying asset—such as the S&P 500, Gold, or a specific stock like Apple. It determines the potential upside or “bonus” return you might receive. Unlike buying a stock directly, where your return is 1:1 with the market’s movement, a structured product changes the payoff profile. You might sacrifice some upside potential in exchange for downside protection, or vice versa. They are bespoke instruments created to meet specific needs that standard financial instruments cannot. How do Structured Products work in practice? Structured products work by defining a clear set of rules for your return on investment (ROI) right at the beginning. These rules usually involve a maturity date (when the product ends) and specific market scenarios. For example, let’s look at a common type called a “Capital Protected Note”: The Scenario: You invest $100,000 for 3 years linked to the performance of the FTSE 100 index. The Terms: The product offers 100% capital protection and 80% participation in the index’s growth. The Outcome (Scenario A – Market Rises): If the FTSE 100 rises by 20% over 3 years, you get your $100,000 back plus a return based on that growth (e.g., $16,000 profit). The Outcome (Scenario B – Market Falls): If the market crashes by 30%, you still receive your original $100,000 back at maturity (subject to issuer credit risk), losing only the opportunity cost of the money. This “defined outcome” feature is what makes them attractive for strategic planning. You know the best-case and worst-case scenarios before you invest a single dirham. Who are Structured Products suitable for? Structured products are not a “one-size-fits-all” solution. They are generally best suited for: Sophisticated Investors: Those who understand that these are fixed-term investments and are comfortable with the liquidity constraints (meaning you typically hold them until maturity). Investors Seeking Tailored Risk: If you are nervous about a market correction but still want to stay invested, a structured note with a “downside barrier” can offer peace of mind. Yield Hunters: In a low-interest-rate environment, certain structured products (like Reverse Convertibles) can offer significantly higher distinct coupons compared to traditional bonds, provided you are willing to accept some risk to your capital. At Phillip Capital DIFC, we often categorize these clients into those seeking Growth, Income Need help defining your investment approach? Learn More About Our Wealth Management Solutions Learn More What are the primary benefits of adding them to my portfolio? The primary advantage is Customization. Standard equities force you to accept market risk as it is. Structured products allow you to reshape that risk. Market Access: They can provide exposure to hard-to-reach asset classes, such as foreign indices or specific commodities, without needing to buy the physical asset or open multiple international brokerage accounts. Defined Returns: In volatile markets, the certainty of the formula is valuable. You don’t need to guess “how much” you will make; the formula tells you exactly what you earn if the market hits X or Y level. Positive Returns in Flat Markets: Some structures, like “Phoenix Autocalls,” can pay a high coupon even if the market remains flat or falls slightly, something a traditional stock buy-and-hold strategy cannot do. Important Considerations: Understanding the specific risks of Structured Products. While structured products offer protection, they are not risk-free. Key risks include: Credit Risk: This is the most overlooked risk. You are essentially lending money to the financial institution (the Issuer) that created the product. If that bank goes bankrupt, you could lose your entire investment, even if the “Capital Protection” clause was in place. This is why Phillip Capital carefully selects issuers with strong credit ratings. Liquidity Risk: These are designed to be held to maturity. If you need to sell early, you may have to sell at a significant discount to the current value. Market Risk (The “Barrier”): Some products offer “conditional” protection. For example, your capital is safe unless the market falls by more than 40%. If it falls 41%, you might lose money just like a direct equity holder. Dividends: Generally, by investing in a structured note linked to an index, you forego the dividends that the companies in that index would pay. Balancing risk and reward needs expert guidance. Discover how we tailor notes to your specific needs. Contact Now How does Phillip Capital DIFC approach Structured Products for UAE investors? As a firm regulated by the DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority), we adhere to strict standards of conduct. We do not view structured products as a “sales pitch” but as a strategic component of a diversified portfolio. We leverage our global network (with roots in Singapore since 1975) to source competitive pricing from top-tier global investment banks. Because we act as a broker and advisor, we can shop around to find the structure that offers the best terms for you, rather than pushing a proprietary product from a single bank. Whether you are looking for

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How Structured Products Work

Structured Notes

Components of Structured Products

Introduction to Structured Products

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