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This section includes investor type descriptions for professional clients and market counterparties.
Professional client
A Professional Client is either: (i) a ‘deemed’ professional client; (ii) serviced-based professional client; or (iii) an assessed professional Client
(i) Deemed Professional Client
A person is a “deemed” professional client if the person is:
- a supranational organisation whose members are either countries, central banks or national monetary authorities
• a government, government agency, central bank or other national monetary authority of any country or jurisdiction
• a public authority or state investment body
• an Authorised Market Institution, Regulated Exchange or regulated clearing house
• a Regulated Financial Institution or the management company of a regulated pension fund;
• a Collective Investment Fund or a regulated pension fund;
• a corporate body whose shares are listed or admitted to trading on any exchange of an IOCSO member country
• trustee of a trust which has, or had during the previous 12 months, assets of at least $10 million;
• a Single Family Office licensed under the Single Family Office Regulations
• a person classified as a ‘large undertaking’ who meetstwoof the following criteria (i) a balance sheet total of at least $20 million; (ii) a net annual turnover of at least $40 million or (iii) own funds or called up capital of at least $2 million
(ii) Service-based Professional Clients
A person is a ‘serviced-based’ professional client if
- the services provided to the client is in relation to the provision of credit including arranging and/or advising on credit
• the services provided to the client relates to corporate structuring and financing such as advice relating to an acquisition, disposal, structuring, restructuring, financing or refinancing of a corporation or other legal entity i.e. takeovers, mergers and capital raising
(iii) Assessed-based Professional Clients
Assessed-based professional clients can be either (i) individuals; or (ii) undertakings
Individuals
An individual (and associated joint account holders) would be classified as an ‘assessed-based professional client’ if:
- the individual (and primary account holder, if relevant) has net assets of at least $1 million; and
• the individual is, or has been, an employee of an authorised firm or a regulated financial institution in the past two years; or
• the individual can provide evidence which demonstrates that they have sufficient knowledge and experience of relevant markets, products and associated risks
Where there is a joint account in place, the secondary account holder must obtain confirmation in writing that investment decisions relating to the joint account are made for or on behalf of the secondary account holder
Undertakings
Undertakings, which are generally not individuals, would be classified as ‘assessed-based’ professional clients if it:
- has own funds or called up capital of at least $1 million; and
• can evidence that they have sufficient knowledge and experience of relevant markets, products and associated risks
Market counterparties
A Market Counterparty is any person who is either:
- authorised firm;
• regulated financial institution; or
• professional client
Investing 101
Five Myths of Investing
Let's debunk five common myths to help you understand investing better.
Capital at risk. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and are not guaranteed. Investors may not get back the amount originally invested.
Myth 1: Investing is only for the wealthy
Many people believe that you need a lot of money to start investing. This isn't true. You can start investing with small amounts of money. There are many investment options available that allow you to start with as little as $50 or even less. The key is to start early and invest regularly, no matter how small the amount.
Myth 2: Investing is too risky
While it's true that investing involves risk, not all investments are equally risky. There are safer investment options like bonds (including Sukuk bonds – or Islamic bonds) or multi-asset funds that spread your money across different types of investments to manage risk. It's also important to diversify your investments, so if one doesn't do well, others might perform better. Understanding your risk tolerance and choosing investments that match it can help you feel more comfortable.
Risk. Diversification and asset allocation may not fully protect you from market risk.
Myth 3: You need to be an expert to invest
You don't need to be a financial expert to start investing. There are many resources available to help you learn the basics, such as books, online courses. There are also financial advisors and investment options that are managed by professionals, so you don't have to make all the decisions yourself. Starting with simple investments and gradually learning more can help you build confidence.
Myth 4: Investing is like gambling
Investing and gambling are not the same. Gambling is based on chance, while investing can be based on research and strategy. When you invest, you are putting your money into assets that have the potential to grow over time. By doing your homework and making informed decisions, you may increase your chances of success. Investing is about building wealth gradually, not making quick, risky bets.
Risk. There is no guarantee that research capabilities will contribute to a positive investment outcome.
Myth 5: You can time the market
Some people believe they can predict when the market will go up or down and make investments accordingly. This is known as "timing the market," and it's very difficult to do consistently. Even professional investors struggle with this. Instead of trying to time the market, it's better to invest regularly and stay invested for the long term. This approach, known as "dollar-cost averaging," helps you buy more shares when prices are low and fewer when prices are high, averaging out your investment costs over time.
Risk. There can be no guarantee that the investment strategy can be successful and the value of investments may go down as well as up.
Summary
In conclusion, investing doesn't have to be scary or complicated. By debunking these myths, you can approach investing with more confidence and make informed decisions that align with your financial goals. Remember, it's never too late to start, and even small steps can lead to significant growth over time.
Capital at risk. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and are not guaranteed. Investors may not get back the amount originally invested.
Important Information
This material is for distribution to Professional, Qualified Clients and Investors only.
This document is marketing material and will expire 12 months after issue.
This document is marketing material and will expire 12 months after issue.
In the UK and Non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries (excluding Switzerland),: this is Issued by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London, EC2N 2DL. Tel: + 44 (0)20 7743 3000. Registered in England and Wales No. 02020394. For your protection telephone calls are usually recorded. Please refer to the Financial Conduct Authority website for a list of authorised activities conducted by BlackRock.
DIFC: The information contained in this document is intended strictly for Professional Clients as defined under the Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”) Conduct of Business (COB) Rules. The information contained in this document, does not constitute and should not be construed as an offer of, invitation or proposal to make an offer for, recommendation to apply for or an opinion or guidance on a financial product, service and/or strategy. Whilst great care has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this document is accurate, no responsibility can be accepted for any errors, mistakes or omissions or for any action taken in reliance thereon. You may only reproduce, circulate and use this document (or any part of it) with the consent of BlackRock.
The information contained in this document is for information purposes only. It is not intended for and should not be distributed to, or relied upon by, members of the public.
The information contained in this document, may contain statements that are not purely historical in nature but are “forward-looking statements”. These include, amongst other things, projections, forecasts or estimates of income. These forward-looking statements are based upon certain assumptions, some of which are described in other relevant documents or materials. If you do not understand the contents of this document, you should consult an authorised financial adviser.
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