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International Trading
You can trade equities in seven of the world’s largest stock markets through our Share Dealing Account or Self-Select Stocks and Shares ISA. Your investments no longer need to be limited to the UK, so expand your horizons and discover a whole world of investment opportunities in foreign markets.
Five Key Benefits of International Trading with Bank of Scotland Share Dealing
- Deal online or over the telephone - access your account online 24/7, 365 days a year or by telephoning our UK based call centre (lines are open 8am - 9.15pm Monday to Friday and 9am-1pm Saturday excluding English Bank Holidays).
- Highly competitive international dealing charges - deal online or over the telephone for only £11.95.
- Deal in sterling - all deals are converted into sterling using the latest Foreign Exchange (FX) rate for your convenience.
- No stamp duty to pay on international trades.
- View your UK and international investments through a single account.
International Markets Opening Hours
| Local Times | UK Times | |
|---|---|---|
| London (LSE) | 08:00 - 16:30 | 08:00 - 16:30 |
| New York (NYSE, NASDAQ, AMEX) | 09:30 - 16:00 | 14:30 - 21:00 |
| Frankfurt (XETRA) | 09:00 - 17:30 | 08:00 - 16:30 |
| Milan (MTA) | 09:00 - 17:30 | 08:00 - 16:30 |
| Paris (Euronext) | 09:00 - 17:30 | 08:00 - 16:30 |
| Amsterdam (Euronext) | 09:00 - 17:30 | 08:00 - 16:30 |
| Brussels (Euronext) | 09:00 - 17:30 | 08:00 - 16:30 |
During the change between Greenwich Mean Time and British Summer Time our opening hours may not match those of the international markets.
Opening Your Account
Bank of Scotland Share Dealing Account - Can be opened with a £100 initial trading deposit. This can then be invested into any eligible investment of your choice.
Transfer from your existing UK stock broker or ISA provider- Find out more about how to transfer from your existing UK stock broker or ISA provider to Bank of Scotland Share Dealing!
Foreign Exchange Information
Foreign currency conversions are required to facilitate the settlement of international transactions. We apply a charge of 1% either side of the available exchange rate when buying and selling international securities. The available exchange rate is based on the exchange rate provided by Digital Look. Indicative exchange rates are provided prior to trading, and the rate applicable to the individual trade is confirmed on the contract note once the deal has been completed.
Risks of Investing in international Markets
Foreign markets will involve different risks to UK markets. In some cases the risks will be greater.
| Culture | Language and cultural differences between th UK and foreign markets may mean that there is a lack of information, or difficulty in obtaining information you may consider important to your trading decisions. |
|---|---|
| Currency Risks | When trading on foreign markets or in foreign denominated contracts, the potential profit or loss arising from such transactions can be affected by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. |
| Economy and Politics | General economic and political factors such as inflation or fluctuations in interest rates within the UK may impact overseas markets. In addition, there may be no correlation between the general economic outlook and market conditions within the UK as compared to foreign markets. These may be less or more favourable. |
| Emerging Markets | Emerging markets tend to be less developed than the UK model and this can lead to greater volatility in securities pricing. This can mean the value of your investments may quickly change. |
| Shareholder Rights | As a shareholder who is resident in a different jurisdiction to that of the company you're invested in, you may find that you're excluded from certain shareholder rights and benefits. For example, the ability to participate in corporate events, such as Rights Issues. This means that you might not receive the same treatment as other shareholders and you could suffer economic losses as a result. |
| Taxation | Tax laws in other countries are different to those in the UK. In many countries the local tax authorities will withhold an amount of tax which exceeds the rate which would apply in the UK. In particular it's worth remembering that ISAs and SIPPs will only shelter you from UK tax. The treatment of tax is therefore likely to affect the value of and any returns you might expect from foreign investments. |
| Trading and Statements | Trading volumes in foreign markets can be smaller than those in the UK. This can mean that reduced liquidity in overseas markets makes it more difficult to sell shares you have bought. Delays in settlement may also occur. |
Next Steps
|
Apply Now for a Bank of Scotland Share Dealing Account |
Call now on 0845 606 1188 (lines are open 8am - 9.15pm Monday to Friday and 9am -1pm Saturday excluding English Bank Holidays.)
Click here to view our Regulatory Information
Halifax Share Dealing Limited trading as the Bank of Scotland Share Dealing Service. Halifax Share Dealing Limited. Registered in England No. 3195646. Registered Office: Trinity Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 2RG. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, 25 The North Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HS. A Member of the London Stock Exchange and an HM Revenue & Customs Approved ISA Manager.
