Self-managing your investments is easier than you think

The Internet has facilitated the expression of views, access to research and encouraged online reporting and technical analysis. So while you may have your own opinion on a particular stock, listening to a contrarian view might make you think again, double down on your thoughts or look for further information. 

Collectively, all of the pieces of the research jigsaw are available, and investors are now able to make more informed decisions on their investments. On the downside, don't believe everything you read on the Internet without further investigation!

 

Online trade execution services are now taken for granted, part of the fabric of stock markets and a vital element of any brokerage services. Here at GIS UK Ltd, we provide a range of investment services with professional investors/investment companies offered Direct Market Access (DMA). This is perfect for those seeking execution-only trade services, the ability to tap into market movements, market order books and time your investment to perfection.

The relatively slow trading platforms of years gone by are a distant memory. We continually invest in new technology and enhanced trading platforms, all built around low latency trade execution. Every second counts in the world of day traders, often dealing on relatively thin margins.

 

While much of the public focus tends to be on new technology, trading platforms and execution-only services, clearing services also require ongoing investment. We live in an era of global markets, diversified portfolios and the option to deal 24 hours a day, five days a week. The connection between trade execution and clearing services needs to be seamless, automated and prompt. This also brings into play custody services which have now taken on a global role.

Whether an execution-only, advisory or managed account, the moment you become aware of clearing services can often mean there is an issue. Akin to transferring funds from your bank or paying for products/services with a credit card, settlement is taken for granted until it goes wrong. This is our forte, our speciality, seamless clearing services, allowing you to concentrate on investment ideas.

 

While execution-only, clearing services and safe custody are critical, good old-fashioned access to your account 24/7 is essential. The ability to monitor stock movements, review settlement dates and extract trading data for your tax return are crucial. The fact that you can do this outside of market hours, online, in your own time means that you are entirely focused when the markets are open.

 

As global markets converge into one trading platform, the need for comprehensive regulatory protection is crucial. We operate within a rigid regulatory framework managed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), offering various degrees of protection to investors and market participants. This is the regulatory protection which underpins investment markets, gives confidence to investors and allows brokers to operate on a level playing field. 

While some may see ever-increasing regulations as a hindrance, they inject even more confidence into an already well-managed and well-regulated environment. Confidence breeds confidence.

 

While the execution-only services provided via trading platforms are the client-facing side of our business, there is much more going on behind the scenes. This includes the vital regulatory framework, which underpins everything from best trade execution to clearing services, safe custody, and account management. 

Self-managing your investments has never been easier, but we have a helpdesk available during trading hours if you have any problems or questions. Help is just an email or a phone call away!