UK Kick-out Plan (UK3) Issue 6

Societe Generale

Product Type: Capital at Risk
Investment Type: Auto-Call / Kick-Out
Product Index Link: FTSE 100 Index
Potential FSCS Protection: No
Capital at Risk Barrier Type: End of Term only
Term: 8 years max.
Barrier Level: 40%
Downside: 1:1
Strike Date: 26/07/2019
Closing Date: 19/07/2019
ISA Transfers: 28/06/2019
Maturity Date: 26/07/2027
Credit Exposure: Three counterparties - see description (Collateralised)

Risks

All investment involves risk and you could lose some or all of the money you invest.

It is imperative that you read the plan brochure and terms and conditions and understand all of the risks involved, which are outlined on page 7, 8 and 14 of the brochure, prior to proceeding. If you do not fully understand the risks, the commitment or you are unsure as to the suitability of the investment for you, you should not proceed but instead contact us for advice.

Description

This maximum eight-year plan features the potential to mature on any of the plan's anniversaries from year two onwards, provided that the FTSE 100 Index closes at a level equal to, or higher than the Initial Index Level, returning the capital investment in full plus a 10% gain for each year the plan has been in force. If the plan fails to mature early and the Final Index Level is below the Initial Index Level, no gain will be achieved; however, investors' capital should still be returned in full, unless the Final Index Level is more than 40% below the Initial Index Level. In this event, investors will suffer a reduction to their invested capital of 1% for every 1% the Final Index Level is below the Initial Index Level. For example, if the plan fails to mature early and the Final Index Level is 45% below the Initial Index Level, investors will suffer a 45% reduction to their invested capital. This plan is issued by SG Issuer who are a wholly owned and guaranteed subsidiary of Societe Generale. In order to reduce exposure to the risk of the impact of Societe Generale being unable to meet their obligations the underlying note is collateralised with Gilts, Investment Grade Bonds and/or equities. Collateral is independently monitored by The Bank of New York Mellon, and the value will be adjusted to match the value of the plan on a day to day basis, which may be higher or lower than the initial value. It must be appreciated that in the event of Societe Generale's default an enforced early maturity will occur and the collateralised surrender value could be less than the amount invested. The plan is also exposed to the credit risk of three UK financial institutions. The Standard & Poor's ratings for the three institutions are; Barclays plc (BBB) Lloyds Banking Group plc (BBB+), and HSBC Holdings plc (A). 33.33% of the investment is exposed to each institution, and should any of the three financial institutions be unable to meet their wider financial obligations, that proportion of the investment could suffer a loss.

Initial Index Level:

The closing level of the Index on 26 July 2019.

Final Index Level:

The closing level of the Index on 26 July 2027. However this plan has matured early on 26 July 2023.

Cash ISA Equity ISA Direct ISA Transfer SIPP **
Availability No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Minimum Contribution* N/A £10,000 £10,000 £10,000 £10,000

*Note that minimum contributions exclude any applicable adviser charges

**The investment may also be available through third party SIPP Providers

Tax Treatment if held outside Tax Shelter:

The product literature states that under current legislation any growth achieved by this investment at redemption will be subject to Capital Gains Tax rules applicable at that time.

Please note, tax rules and legislation are subject to change at any time.

Capital At Risk Barrier (Subject To Counterparty Solvency)

Barrier Level: 40%

Downside: 1:1

Capital at Risk Barrier Type: End of Term only

If the investment fails to produce a gain, it still aims to return investors' capital in full at maturity, unless the Final Index Level is more than 40% below the Initial Index Level. If such a stockmarket fall occurs, investors' capital will be reduced in line with the percentage fall in the Index.

Charges

Unless stated otherwise charges do not affect the amount being invested as they have been taken into account in the terms of the investment. So, for every £100 invested, the return, provided the investment is held until maturity, should be £100, plus or minus the gain or loss in accordance with the defined terms. Separate fees may be payable to your adviser, platform or stockbroker for arranging this investment.

The initial charge incorporated in the terms of the investment: A maximum of 1.5% of the original investment.

If surrendered early, the value will be dependent on a number of factors and may be less than the original amount invested. In the event of early surrender the provider may levy an administration fee which will be deducted from the surrender proceeds as follows:

Early Surrender: £90

Early ISA Transfer: £90

Other Charges: £15 for any proceeds to be forwarded by same day transfer (CHAPS) or no charge for standard electronic transfers (BACS) or cheque.

Summary Table

Event Outcome
Societe Generale default = Return of any capital subject to insolvency proceedings - potential total loss
If not
Barclays plc, HSBC Holdings plc and/or Lloyds Banking Group plc default = Return of the portion of the investment linked to the defaulting institution up to 33.33% at risk and subject to potential total loss
If not
If on any annual observation date from year two onwards the FTSE 100 Index closes at or above its initial level = Return of invested capital plus a 10% gain for each year the plan has been in force
If not
If at the end of the term, the Index is no more than 40% below its Initial Index Level = Return of invested capital only
If not
As the Index is more than 40% lower = Invested capital is reduced in line with the fall in the Index on a 1% for 1% basis

Opinion

Our opinion has been reached following an assessment of this and other current plans available at the time of publishing and on balance, this is one of our 'Preferred' plans. Please note, however, plans may lose their 'Preferred' status if an alternative plan becomes available which, in our opinion, has more attractive terms.

It must be appreciated that it is very possible that none of the investments featured on this site are suitable for you and so the 'Preferred' status or lack of it should not be construed as advice or a recommendation to invest. You should always ensure that you read the product literature carefully to satisfy yourself as to the terms and the risks of any investment before proceeding.

The latest FTSE 100-linked Plan offered by Societe Generale can mature on any anniversary from year two onwards, provided the FTSE is at or above its initial level, returning a gain of 10% for each year the plan has been in force. The extended maximum term of eight years provides increased opportunities for the investment to successfully generate positive returns. As such, we feel that this plan could be considered for use in a diversified portfolio.

If you have any questions about any investment featured on the site, please call 0191 281 8811.

We would welcome the opportunity to talk to you about your investment needs. This web site is operated by Lowes Financial Management Ltd who have been Independent Financial Advisers since 1971. If you have any doubts about the suitability of an investment for you, and would like to speak to an adviser from Lowes Financial Management, please call 0191 281 8811.

Fees

Given that there is no commission built into the terms of this plan there will be no cash-back available. Where no advice has been sought or given we charge a fee for acting as intermediary for all investments, which is 1.65% of the amount invested. Please note that minimum investment limits exclude any applicable fees.