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Frequently Asked Questions: Investment account opening

Find answers to questions you may have about completing the Customer Assessment Review (CAR) and Customer Knowledge Assessment (CKA) before you invest.

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Customer Assessment Review (CAR)

Before you invest in any listed Specified Investment Products (SIP), you'll need to complete a Customer Assessment Review (CAR). This review will assess how knowledgeable and experienced you are with investing, to make sure you're aware of the features and risks related to them. Once you've passed the CAR, you'll be able to buy listed SIPs online.

Which listed Specified Investment Products (SIP) require a Customer Assessment Review?

You'll need to complete the CAR to invest in the following listed SIPs:

  • Exchange Traded Funds
  • Listed Bonds that are asset-backed securities or structured notes
  • Overseas listed shares and bonds

How can I complete the CAR?

Step 1: Log on to Online Banking

Step 2: Go to the 'Wealth Dashboard' tab

Step 3: Select 'Document Centre'. A new window will open

Step 4: Complete or update the CAR. You can do this in your own time

Once you've completed the review, close the window.

Which criteria do I need to meet to pass the CAR?

You'll need to:

  • hold a relevant educational qualification
  • hold a professional finance-related qualification such as CFA or ACCA. You'll find the full list of accepted qualifications in the CAR
  • have 3 consecutive years of relevant work experience within the last 10 years
  • have made a minimum of 6 transactions in listed SIPs over the past 3 years

What happens if I don't pass the CAR?

You may still buy the listed SIPs by getting in touch with your Relationship Manager directly, or visiting us in branch to find out more.

Regardless of the outcome of your CAR, you can request our advice about investing in listed SIPs at any stage.

Do I need to provide any supporting documents?

No, the CAR is assessed based on your responses. We recommend that you complete the form fully, and as accurately as possible.

How long is a CAR valid for?

The result of your CAR assessment is valid for 3 years.

Can I use my CAR assessment to buy investment products from other financial institutions?

No, each financial institution completes assessments independently. You'll need to complete a new CAR for each financial institution you choose to invest with.

Customer Knowledge Assessment (CKA)

Before you invest in any unlisted Specified Investment Products (SIP), you'll need to complete a Customer Knowledge Assessment (CKA). This will assess how knowledgeable and experienced you are with investing, to make sure you're aware of the features and risks related to them. Once you've passed the CKA, you'll be able to buy unlisted SIPs online.

Which unlisted Specified Investment Products (SIP) require a Customer Knowledge Assessment?

You'll need to complete the CKA to invest in the following unlisted SIPs:

  • Unit Trusts
  • Investment Linked Policy (ILP)
  • Structured Investment Products including Foreign Exchange Derivatives, Dual Currency Plus, Equity Linked Notes, Structured Deposits and Notes
  • Market Access Platform

How do I complete the CKA?

Step 1: Log on to Online Banking

Step 2: Go to the 'Wealth Dashboard' tab

Step 3: Select 'Document Centre'. A new window will open

Step 4: Complete or update the CKA. You can do this in your own time

Once you've completed the review, close the window.

Which criteria do I need to meet to pass the CKA?

You'll need to:

  • hold a relevant educational qualification
  • hold a professional finance-related qualification such as CFA or ACCA. You'll find the full list of accepted qualifications in the CKA
  • have 3 consecutive years of relevant work experience within the last 10 years
  • have made a minimum of 6 transactions in unlisted SIP over the past 3 years

What happens if I don't pass the CKA?

You may still buy the unlisted SIPs by getting in touch with your Relationship Manager directly, or visiting us in branch to find out more.

Regardless of the outcome of your CKA, you can request our advice about investing in unlisted SIPs at any stage.

Do I need to provide any supporting documents?

No, the CKA is assessed based on your responses. We recommend that you complete the form fully, and as accurately as possible.

How long is a CKA valid for?

The result of your CKA assessment is valid for 1 year.

Can I use my CKA assessment to buy investment products from other financial institutions?

No, each financial institution completes assessments independently. You'll need to complete a new CKA for each financial institution you choose to invest with.

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