Structured product providers braced for RDR

Independent providers of structured products could see biggest threat to business model yet as sector comes under RDR spotlight

Independent structured product providers could see the biggest shake up of their business model to date as they respond to RDR. The sector has already been the focus of attention following the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, which acted as guarantor on many of the structures, and the collapse of` companies such as Arc Capital & Income and NDF. However, the surprise decision by boutique provider Blue Sky Asset Management to call time on its independence has prompted a new debate about the future of the sector. Blue Sky managing director Chris Taylor has said the sale to Incapital Eur...