How do autocallable’ Structured Products Work?


An equity-based autocallable structured product is a financial instrument that combines elements of equity investments with structured notes. It offers the potential for enhanced returns and downside protection.

Let's break down the key components and how they work:

1. Underlying Equity: The structured product is linked to an underlying company share, combination of company shares or or an equity index (e.g., the FTSE 100). The performance of the underlying investments, be them individual companies such as McDonalds, Proctor & Gamble for example, or a broader index like the FTSE 100, influences the returns of the structured product.

2. Autocall Feature: The autocall feature is a pre-defined condition that, if met, triggers the early redemption of the structured product. This condition is typically based on the performance of the underlying equity. For example, it may state that if the value of the equity reaches a certain level (known as the autocall barrier) at any point during the product's lifespan, the product will be automatically redeemed.

In the case of TIF, all the underlying holding pay a guaranteed coupon, so the income level for investors has a much higher degree of predictability.

In the case that the one of the ARIA Target Income Fund’s (TIF) structured products mature, we simply re-invest the cash into another structured product, to maintain the income level.

3. Coupon Payments: The structured product may also provide periodic coupon payments to the investor, which act as a source of income. These coupon payments are typically fixed or calculated as a percentage of the initial investment. In the case of TIF, all the underlying holding pay a guaranteed coupon, so the income level for investors has a much higher degree of predictability.

4. Maturity Date: The structured product has a predetermined maturity date, which represents the end of the investment period. If the autocall condition is not met before the maturity date, the product will continue until the end of the term.

The Fund staggers the maturities dates of different products, and in doing so can reduce the impact on the Fund of a significant fall in equity markets, and the sensitivity of those holdings to shorter term fluctuations is lower.


As fund managers, we strive to buy notes which the greatest distance to the downside protection level, to maximise the capital protection capabilities – or defensive nature – of the Fund.

Now, let's explore how an equity-based autocallable structured product works in different scenarios:

Scenario 1: Autocall Condition Met: If the value of the underlying company or index reaches or exceeds the autocall barrier at any point during the investment period, the structured product will be automatically redeemed. In this case, the Fund receives the initial investment amount along with any accrued coupon payments. The product terminates early, and the Fund realises the potential returns.

Scenario 2: Autocall Condition Not Met: If the autocall condition is not met before the maturity date, the structured product continues until the end of the term. At maturity, the investor receives the initial investment amount, regardless of the performance of the underlying companies or stock market indies.

However, if the product includes a downside buffer or partial protection mechanism, the investor may receive a portion of the initial investment even if the value of the underlying equity has decreased. As fund managers, we strive to buy notes which the greatest distance to the downside protection level, to maximise the capital protection capabilities – or defensive nature – of the Fund.

It is important to note that the precise terms and conditions of an equity-based autocallable structured product can vary significantly. The autocall barrier, coupon rate, downside protection, and other parameters can be customised based on the investor's preferences and market conditions. In optimising the Fund’s portfolio of notes, we take into account all of those considerations.

Before investing in such products, it is essential for investors to carefully review the product documentation, understand the associated risks, and seek advice from financial professionals who can provide personalised guidance based on their financial goals and risk tolerance. In many respects, by investing into a Fund, which undertakes all of that work on investors’ behalf’s, a Fund of income paying structured notes can be a more convenient solution.


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