Hilbert launch may open door to structured influx
Hilbert Investment Solutions, a French structured products provider, has gained FCA approval to operate in the UK, aiming to capitalise on what founder Steve Lamarque described as a growing market among advisers.
The firm was established in 2012 by Mr Lamarque, a former head of structured products at Old Mutual, and is also regulated in Paris for the French market. Hilbert Investment Solution gained approval to launch two core products into the UK, as well as a range of services to various market participants, such as wealth managers, distributors, IFAs, family offices and private banks.
The firm offers bespoke structured managed accounts that take into account the specifics that an adviser might have for their clients, such as performance targets, appetite for risk, time horizons, financial obligations, taxation, ethical, environmental and social responsibility expectations.
Mr Lamarque said: “My partners and I have established our business in London given the growing interest in structured solutions that we have witnessed here over the past two years.
“This interest is seen across the span of the market including both the institutional and advisory side, including a growing interest from IFAs and wealth managers who wish to offer clients a more certain outcome.”
Hilbert also provides trade execution for its clients with access and support from trading operations with direct market access to live trading floor information.
| Structured investments and deposits are sold under different names, including: |
Guaranteed Equity Bonds Structured Cash Isas Growth Deposit plans Guaranteed Capital Plans Guaranteed Stockmarket Bonds Protected Investment Funds Guaranteed Income Bonds Source: Money Advice Service |
The firm could be the first of several to launch in the UK over the next 18 months.
Other firms are also assessing opportunities and considering strategies to enter the UK structured products sector.
In March this year, the FCA published research around structured products and how well consumers understood the various differences in types of product.
At the time, the FCA research said: “We have called on firms to improve the way they design and sell structured products. In particular, we have asked firms to ensure they design products that serve the needs of customers.”
Adviser view
Chris Taylor, head of strategic development for Newcastle-based Lowes Structured Investment Centre, said: “‘It’s good to see Hilbert Investment Solutions announce their entry to the UK structured investments arena and we look forward to seeing them add value in helping extend the product propositions being made available to advisers.
“The fact others are considering entering the UK market is indicative of increasing wealth manager and adviser recognition of the advances the sector has made in recent years, including significantly improved approaches at every level within provider firms.”
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