COBS 2.2 Information disclosure before providing services

A firm must provide appropriate information in a comprehensible form to a client about:

1. (a)

   the firm and its services;

2. (b)

   designated investments and proposed investment strategies; including appropriate guidance on and warnings of the risks associated with investments in those designated investments or in respect of particular investment strategies;

3. (c)

   execution venues; and

4. (d)

   costs and associated charges;

so that the client is reasonably able to understand the nature and risks of the service and of the specific type of designated investment that is being offered and, consequently, to take investment decisions on an informed basis.

That information may be provided in a standardised format.

This rule applies in relation to MiFID or equivalent third country business.

The requirement to provide information about designated investments and proposed investment strategies also applies to a firm in relation to designated investment business other than MiFID or equivalent third country business carried on for a retail client in relation to a derivative, a warrant or stock lending activity.