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Version date: 19 November 2021 - onwards

Question 5 Bonds embedding a make-whole clause [Last updated 19 November 2021]

Article 16a of MiFID II

Are all bonds embedding a make-whole clause exempt from the MiFID II product governance requirements?

Answer 5

According to Article 16a of MiFID II, “an investment firm shall be exempted from the requirements set out in the second to fifth subparagraphs of Article 16(3) and in Article 24(2), where the investment service it provides relates to bonds with no other embedded derivative than a make-whole clause or where the financial instruments are marketed or distributed exclusively to eligible counterparties”. This means that the mere presence of a make-whole clause is not sufficient for a financial instrument to be exempt from the MiFID II product governance requirements.

Below is a list of practical examples based on Article 16a of MiFID II.

Example

Target market (type of clients category)

Subject to MiFID II product governance requirements?

Bonds without embedded derivatives (i.e. ‘plain vanilla’ bonds)

Retail and/or professional clients

Comparing proposed amendment...