The structured product market in the UK needs the smaller independent provider. It is disappointing to see one more of the smaller players swallowed up by a major institution. The UK retail investor will be the loser in the long run

JCG, Thankyou for your email expressing concern at the loss of a small independent structured product provider, from retail investor's perspectives. But, I'm not sure you have understood what has been done or achieved through the deal that Blue Sky has done with Incapital. As founding CEO of Blue Sky and now MD of Incapital Europe, I can clarify that this deal has created an independent firm with the capital and capability to compete at the highest level, bringing 'confidence' to advisers and investors in the UK and Europe, and an unparalleled counterparty platform, as a wholly independent firm, with trading advantages unmatched by other independent firms operating in the UK. You are quite right in expressing the view that advisers and investors benefit from dealing with independent structured investments providers, not least their open architecture counterparty platforms. But, advisers and investors do NOT need or benefit from dealing with 'small' independent providers - whose shortcomings and the risks that these shortcomings bring to advisers and investors has been directly highlighted by recent events. It is certainly not goodbye to an independent. It is hello to one that has elevated itself to a position that can best serve advisers and investors. I would be very pleased to discuss this with you directly, if you would like to contact me. You can also find a Q&A on the IncapitalEurope.com website which will explain the rationale behind the deal that has been done and the benefits for advisers and investors. Best regards Chris Taylor MD, Incapital Europe