This notice is provided to you in compliance with requirements laid down by the Financial Services Authority ("FSA") because you are proposing to undertake dealings in contracts for differences in the form of bets with a firm that is carrying on investment business as a bookmaker. It cannot
disclose all of the risks and other significant aspects involved in dealing in contracts for differences in the form of bets.
Engaging in this type of transaction can carry a high risk. As these transactions differ markedly from normal bets you should not engage in this form of
betting unless you understand the nature of the transaction you are entering into and the true extent of your exposure to the risk of loss. The amount
that you may win or lose will vary according to the extent of the fluctuations in the price of the index ("the underlying markets") on which the bet is
based instead of a sum predeterminable when a normal bet is placed. For many members of the public, these transactions are not suitable; you should,
therefore, consider carefully whether they are suitable for you in the light of your circumstances and financial resources. In considering whether to
engage in this form of betting, you should be aware of the following:
The high degree of "gearing" or "leverage" is a particular feature of this type of transaction. This stems from the margining system applicable to such
bets that generally involves a comparatively modest deposit or initial margin in terms of the overall contract value, so that a relatively small movement
in the underlying market can have a disproportionately dramatic effect on your bet. If the underlying market movement is in your favour, you may
achieve a good profit, but an equally small adverse market movement can not only quickly result in the loss of your entire deposit, but may also expose
you to a large additional loss unless you enter into a limited liability contract with the firm.
If you deal on a credit basis, which may amongst other payments cover the initial margin requirements, the extent of your agreed credit facility does
not limit your loss or financial liability and you can be subject to variation margin calls for an amount in excess of your facility. As a consequence the
amount of capital that you are prepared to place at risk should be sufficient to cover your credit allocation and the possibility of subsequent variation
margin calls, which will only be made once your credit allocation has been exceeded.
You may be called upon to deposit substantial additional variation margin, at short notice, to maintain your bet. If you do not provide such additional
funds within the time required, your bet may be closed at a loss and you will be liable for any resulting deficit.
Such transactions will not be undertaken on a recognised or designated investment exchange and, accordingly, they may expose you to greater risks
than exchange transactions. The betting structure and betting rules will be established solely by the bookmaker. For example, if you wish to close the
bet earlier than the time at which it would otherwise automatically expire you will have to close it at your bookmaker's quotation which may reflect the
premium or discount of the "underlying market". When the underlying market is closed your bookmaker's quotation can be influenced by the weight of
other clients buying or selling with your bookmaker. You will have to close any bet with the same bookmaker with whom it was originally entered into.
Where entering into such transactions, your bookmaker must do so under a two-way customer agreement pursuant to the FSA Conduct of Business
rules. You should satisfy yourself that dealing is conducted throughout in strict conformity with that customer agreement and complain to the WS
Compliance Officer if you have reason to believe it is not.
Prior to placing any bets, you should receive from your bookmaker written confirmation of all transaction or other charges for which you will be liable
to the firm. However, the firm is unable to advise you of any other costs that you may incur in the course of dealing with it.
The tax treatment of spread betting and of any profits you make from spread bets may be affected by your personal circumstances and can be
subject to change. You should seek further advice if necessary.
As a result of section 412 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, spread bets covered by this agreement are legally enforceable.
A limited liability transaction limits the extent of your liability for loss in a transaction to an amount agreed by you prior to entering into such
transaction, but you may sustain such loss in a relatively short time. You should take particular note of this aspect as specified in the terms and
conditions of your bookmaker. In particular, you should check whether the limited liability is only guaranteed during normal business hours. You are
likely to incur additional costs in this type of transaction and you should obtain from your bookmaker an explanation of these, if they are applicable.
Such additional costs may take the form of a specific additional charge, or could be a "hidden cost" because the prices or spread on which these bets
are based differ from those applicable to other bets that do not have limited liability.
Your bookmaker will not provide you with investment advice relating to investments or possible transactions in investments or from making
investment recommendations of any kind. We may, however, give factual market information or information, in relation to a transaction about which
you have enquired, as to transaction procedures, potential risks involved and how those risks may be minimised.
Your bookmaker is required to hold your money in segregated trust accounts in accordance with the regulations of the Financial Services Authority,
but this may not afford complete protection.
If you deposit collateral as security with your bookmaker, you should ascertain from your bookmaker how your collateral will be dealt with.
If you have reason to believe that the bookmaker with which you deal is not acting in accordance with representations that it has made to you, the
terms of your customer agreement or the rules of the FSA, you should complain to the firm’s Compliance Officer.
WorldSpreads Limited
November 2007
Risk Warning: A spread bet is a margined product; it is possible to lose more than your initial margin deposit or credit allocation as well as any variation margin that you may be required to deposit from time to time. Therefore you should only speculate with money that you can afford to lose. Spread betting may not be suitable for all customers; therefore please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved and seek independent advice if necessary and prior to entering into such transactions. When spread betting with
Financial Spread Betting you are merely betting on the outcome of a financial instrument, sporting or political event etc. and therefore do not take delivery of any underlying instrument, nor are you entitled to any dividends payable or any other benefits related to the same. Risk Disclosure Notice
Regulation: Financial Spread Betting is a trading name of WorldSpreads Ltd. WorldSpreads Ltd is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registration No: 230730.
You should assume that Financial Spread Betting telephone lines are recorded (although this is not guaranteed) and shall remain the exclusive property of
Financial Spread Betting, which constitutes as evidence of the instructions you have given and may be used for purposes by us, including as evidence in any dispute. You should keep a written timed and dated record of all dealings with
Financial Spread Betting. Financial Spread Betting is bound by the Data Protection Act.