Standard Bank unveils structured product duo

Standard Bank Offshore Group has launched the latest in its structured products offerings, which are designed to return the initial capital invested.

The two new products, which are available for subscription until 21 July 2009 or earlier if over subscribed, also offer growth potential linked to the major stock market indexes.

The Double Decker is a structured growth deposit offering 90% participation in the growth of the stock market or a capital bonus of 5% at maturity after a five-year deposit term.

Depositors have a choice between linking returns to the FTSE 100 in sterling or the S&P 500 in US dollars. There are minimum deposit amounts of £10,000 and US$20,000 respectively.

Meanwhile, Unidex is offered as a tradeable security, backed by an AA Standard & Poor's rated issuer and offers a nominal return of 10% for each year of the product's term, paid at maturity.

The potential minimum term, depending on the index performance, is one year. After this investors can expect a 10% return on their investment. If Unidex lasts its full five-year term, the product aims to pay a return of 50% along with original capital invested.

Investors can choose between a euro version linked to the Dow Jones EuroStoxx 50 index subject to a minimum €50,000 investment, and a sterling version linked to the FTSE 100 index with a £50,000 minimum investment amount.

David Wilkinson, head of IFA distribution, says the products are aimed at investors who want peace of mind in uncertain markets.

"With much uncertainty about where markets are heading and whether the equity market lows in March marked the turning point, our products aim to offer both security and potential growth to investors," he says.

An introductory commission is payable to IFAs who establish terms of business with Standard Bank Offshore.