These Terms and Conditions are dated 17 October 2016. Access to information displayed on this website may be restricted to certain persons in certain countries. Various iShares products shown on this website have been registered or authorised in different countries and as such are authorised for public offering (to retail and professional clients as defined under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (as amended) (“MiFID”) and to qualified investors as defined under the Prospectus Directive (as amended)) in such countries. In countries where one or more iShares products are not registered or authorised for public offering, retail investors may not access information on such iShares products but certain information may be shown to certain types of professional clients and qualified investors, depending on the country concerned. BlackRock Advisors (UK) Limited (“BAUL”) does not intend information concerning iShares products to be shown to any persons and/or entities who are prohibited from seeing such information by their country of residence, domicile and/or incorporation (as applicable). Users of this website must ensure that they are legally permitted to log on to this website in the country where they access this website. Users are also responsible for ensuring that their declarations regarding their countries of residence, domicile and/or incorporation when accessing this website are accurate.
This website is owned and operated by BAUL. The content is provided and managed by BAUL and other companies within its group that are direct and indirect subsidiaries of BlackRock, Inc., (together “BlackRock”).
Regulatory Status
This website has been issued for access in the United Kingdom ("UK") by BAUL, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK, number 119186. BAUL is a company registered in England and Wales under company number 00796793, registered address 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London EC2N 2DL, United Kingdom, and registered in the UK with HM Revenue and Customs for the payment of VAT.
Communicating with BAUL
Information about BAUL and iShares Products can be found on this website. Additionally you may contact BAUL by phone on 0845 357 7000, post or email (info@ishares.co.uk) for further information about the iShares Products. BAUL will communicate with you in English and all the documents and information about BAUL and the iShares products which are registered and listed in the UK are available in the English language.
Registrations and Listings
This website indicates in which countries the iShares products are registered or authorised for public distribution and on which principal stock exchanges the iShares products are also listed.
For investors in the UK
Most of the protections provided by the UK regulatory system do not apply to the operation of the iShares products and compensation will not be available under the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme in the event of their default. The iShares products are recognised schemes for the purposes of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Any decision to invest must be based solely on the information contained in the relevant iShares products’ Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document and the latest half-yearly report and unaudited accounts and/or annual report and audited accounts. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the relevant iShares products’ Prospectus.
Selling Restrictions
The iShares products are not offered or aimed at residents in any country in which (a) the iShares products are not authorised or registered for distribution and where to do so is contrary to the relevant country's securities laws, (b) the dissemination of information on the iShares products via the internet is forbidden, and/or BAUL is not authorised or qualified to make such offer or invitation. This website and the information provided on this website should not be construed as an advertisement, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the iShares products mentioned in this website, nor shall any such securities be offered or sold, in any country in which to do so is contrary to that country's securities laws.
Specifically, the securities of the iShares products domiciled in Ireland, Germany and Switzerland have not been, and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 of the USA (the “1933 Act”) or the securities laws of any of the states of the United States. Such securities may not be offered or sold directly or indirectly in the United States or for the account or benefit of any US Person, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to the regulatory requirement of the 1933 Act and any applicable state securities laws. Any re-offer or resale of any of the securities in the United States or to US Persons may constitute a violation of US law. “US Person” means any person or entity deemed by the US Securities Exchange Commission from time to time to be a “U.S. Person” under Rule 902(k) of the 1933 Act or other person or entity as the directors of the iShares products (or their umbrella companies or managers) may determine. Securities of the iShares products domiciled in Ireland, Germany and Switzerland may not, except pursuant to a relevant exemption, be acquired or owned by, or acquired with the assets of an ERISA Plan. An “ERISA Plan” is defined as (i) any retirement plan subject to Title I of the United States Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA); or, (ii) any individual retirement account or plan subject to Section 4975 of the United States Internal Revenue code of 1986, as amended.
Additionally, securities of the iShares products domiciled in Ireland, Germany and Switzerland may not, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to the regulatory requirements of, the Investment Company Act of 1940 of the USA, as amended (the "1940 Act"), or the US Commodity Exchange Act, as amended (the "CEA"), as the case may be, be acquired by a person who is deemed to be a US Person under the 1940 Act and regulations thereunder or a person who is deemed to be a US Person under the CEA and regulations thereunder.
The iShares products domiciled in Ireland, Germany and Switzerland have not been, nor will they be, qualified for distribution to the public in Canada as no prospectus for any iShares product domiciled in Ireland, Germany and Switzerland has been filed with any securities commission or regulatory authority in Canada or any province or territory thereof. This website is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed, as an advertisement or any other step in furtherance of a public offering of securities in Canada. No person resident in Canada for the purposes of Canadian income tax legislation may purchase or accept a transfer of securities of any iShares product domiciled in Ireland, Germany and Switzerland unless he or she is eligible to do so under applicable Canadian or provincial laws.
Users of this website are required to notify BAUL immediately by email if any information which a user is able to access on this website would cause the user, BlackRock or any iShares product to be in breach of applicable laws or regulations. In such event, the user shall (a) stop accessing this website, (b) destroy immediately any such information (and all copies) which has been downloaded or printed by the user from this website, (c) disregard such information, and (d) treat such information as confidential and not disseminate it.
Risk Warnings
Investment in the products mentioned in this document may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not a guide to current or future performance and should not be the sole factor of consideration when selecting a product. The price of the investments may go up or down and the investor may not get back the amount invested. Your income is not fixed and may fluctuate. The value of investments involving exposure to foreign currencies can be affected by exchange rate movements. We remind you that the levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation can change.
BlackRock has not considered the suitability of this investment against your individual needs and risk tolerance. The data displayed provides summary information. Investment should be made on the basis of the relevant Prospectus which is available from the manager.
In respect of the products mentioned this document is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described within. This document may not be distributed without authorisation from BlackRock Advisors (UK) Limited.
Investment Risks
iShares products may not be suitable for all investors and BlackRock does not guarantee the performance of the iShares products. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. The value and price of securities (which may trade in limited markets) of the iShares products and the income from them may fall as well as rise and an investor may not recover the full amount invested. An investor’s income from iShares products is not necessarily fixed and may fluctuate. Where an investor invests in an iShares product denominated in a currency other than that of the country in which the investor is resident, the return to the investor may increase or decrease as a result of currency fluctuations.
Any projections or examples (including calculations used therein) set out in this website are for illustrative purposes only and are not guaranteed to be accurate, complete or up to date.
Important information about iShares products is contained in the relevant prospectuses of the iShares products, copies of which can be obtained on this website or from your broker or financial adviser. Please refer to the iShares products’ prospectuses for a full description of the risks of investing in the products.
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
The capital return and income of each iShares ETF are based on the capital appreciation and income on the securities it holds, less expenses incurred. Therefore, each iShares ETF’s return may be expected to fluctuate in response to changes in such capital appreciation or income. Additionally, the securities in an equity benchmark index may under-perform fixed income investments and stock market investments that track other markets, segments or sectors different to that of an iShares ETF. As foreign exchanges can be open on days when shares in an iShares ETF are not priced, the value of the securities in an iShares ETF’s portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or sell an iShares ETF’s shares.
Certain iShares ETFs may use derivatives, details of which will be set out in the relevant prospectuses. The use of derivatives involves special risks and the iShares ETFs may be exposed to credit risk with regard to parties with whom it trades.
An investment in an iShares ETF often involves investing in international markets. In addition to the normal risks associated with investing, international investments involve the risk of losing all or part of any capital from unfavourable fluctuations in currency values, from differences in generally accepted accounting principles or from economic or political instability in other nations. The value of investments in iShares ETFs investing in economies and markets which may be less developed than more established economies (including emerging markets), may be subject to greater volatility due to increased uncertainty as to how these markets operate and the possibility of lower trading volumes.
Exchange Traded Commodities (ETCs)
iShares Physical ETCs are exchange traded commodities and are neither fund nor exchange traded funds. The iShares Physical ETCs are series of secured metal-linked securities issued in the form of debt securities. Unlike the iShares ETFs domiciled in Ireland which issue shares, the securities of all iShares Physical ETCs are issued in the form of debt securities which are listed and traded as non-equity securities.
Precious metal prices are generally more volatile than most other asset classes, making investment riskier and more complex than other investments. In addition, iShares Physical ETCs are limited recourse obligations which are payable solely out of the underlying secured property. If the secured property is insufficient, any outstanding claims will remain unpaid.
No Investment Advice
The content of this website is general in nature and is meant to inform investors, potential investors and their professional intermediaries of the existence of, and potential benefits of investing in, iShares products. However, this website is not intended to provide specific investment advice including, without limitation, investment, financial, legal, accounting or tax advice, or to make any recommendations (personal recommendations or otherwise) about the suitability of iShares products for the circumstances of any particular investor. If you do require investment advice, please contact an independent broker or financial adviser. You should take appropriate advice as to any securities, taxation or other legislation affecting you personally prior to investing.
Tax
Tax levels, the tax status of the iShares products, the taxation of investors and any tax reliefs may change from time to time. Any change in the taxation legislation in any jurisdiction where an iShares product is registered, cross-listed, marketed or invested could affect the tax status of the iShares product, affect the value of the relevant iShares product’s investments in the affected jurisdiction, affect the relevant iShares product’s ability to achieve its investment objective, and/or alter the post-tax returns to investors. The availability and value of any tax reliefs available to investors depend on the individual circumstances of investors. Any tax-related information in this website is not exhaustive and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Prospective investors are urged to consult their tax advisors with respect to their particular tax situations and the tax effects of an investment in the iShares products.
Intellectual Property Rights
iShares® and BlackRock® are registered trademarks of BlackRock, Inc., or its subsidiaries in the United States and elsewhere.
BLACKROCK, BLACKROCK SOLUTIONS, iSHARES, BUILD ON BLACKROCK, SO WHAT DO I DO WITH MY MONEY and the stylized i logo are registered and unregistered trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and elsewhere. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.
Copyright, trademark and other forms of proprietary rights protect the content of this website. All content is owned or controlled by BAUL or the party credited as the provider of the content. Except as expressly provided herein, nothing in this website should be considered as granting any licence or right under any copyright, patent or trademark or other intellectual property rights of BlackRock or any third party. Any copying of information or data, especially the use of texts and graphics requires the prior approval of BAUL or the party credited as the provider of the content.
Content and Use of this Website
This website is for your personal and internal use and is not to be used for any commercial purposes (whether or not for profit) unless and to the extent you are a financial adviser seeking information about iShares products for your clients.
As a user, you may not sell, copy, publish, distribute, transfer, modify, display, reproduce, and/or create any derivative works from the information or software on this website. You may not redeliver any of the pages, text, images, or content of this website using "framing" or similar technology. You acknowledge that you have no right to use the content of this website in any other manner.
The contents of this website, including text, graphics, links and/or other items, have been prepared based upon sources, materials, and systems believed to be reliable and accurate, and are provided to you on an "as is" and "as available" basis.
BlackRock makes no representations, and disclaims all, express, implied and statutory warranties of any kind to you or any third party, including, but not limited to, representations, and warranties regarding accuracy, timeliness, completeness, merchantability, fitness for any particular purpose, non-infringement of third-party rights, and/or freedom from computer viruses.
Links to other websites are provided for your convenience, and are not to be construed as an endorsement by BlackRock of such websites, their content, products and/or services, or vice versa. BlackRock accepts no responsibility for any of the content (regardless of what form this content is in) and the use of such third party websites is at your own risk. BlackRock does not guarantee that any of the links are operational, and does not assume any responsibility for the consequences of any errors or omissions as a result of using these links.
Internet software or transmission problems may produce inaccurate or incomplete copies of information and materials that may be downloaded and displayed on a user computer. BlackRock is not liable for any errors, changes, or omissions that occur during transmission or downloading of information and materials.
Although BlackRock endeavours to update and ensure the accuracy of the content placed on this website, BlackRock does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or correctness of it or of any other content, materials and/or offers placed on, featured or referred to in or made available by means of this website. Despite the exercise of all due care, some information on this website may have changed since the last update. BlackRock also does not warrant or guarantee that this website, its operation of this website, the content of this website or the server that makes the website available are error or virus free or free of other harmful components or that your use of this website and its content will be uninterrupted.
Exclusion of Liability
In no event shall BlackRock be liable for any damages, including without limitation direct or indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages, losses or expenses arising in connection with this website or the use thereof or inability to use by any party, or in connection with any failure of performance, error, omission, interruption, defect, delay in operation or transmission, computer virus or line or system failure, even if BlackRock, or representatives thereof, are advised of the possibility of such damages, losses or expenses. BlackRock does not limit or exclude liability for death or personal injury resulting from its negligence or where this would be prohibited by law (including the Rules of the UK Financial Conduct Authority). Use of hyperlinks to other internet resources is at your own risk. If you are dissatisfied with the website or its content please contact BAUL on 0845 357 7000, but in any event your exclusive remedy is to discontinue your use of the website and such content.
Claims Concerning Your Use Of Our Website
Where a claim is brought against BlackRock by a third party in relation to your use of this website, you hereby agree to fully reimburse BlackRock for all losses, costs, actions, proceedings, claims, damages, expenses (including reasonable legal costs and expenses), or liabilities, whatsoever suffered or incurred directly by BlackRock in or as a consequence of your breach or non-observance of these terms and conditions and/or your improper use of this website. Neither party shall be liable to the other, for any loss or damage which may be suffered by the other party due to any cause beyond the first party's reasonable control including without limitation any power failure.
Privacy
If you provide BAUL with personal information through this website, BAUL will treat it in accordance with its privacy policy. The internet is not a fully secure medium, and whilst BlackRock will endeavour to secure any private and confidential information sent to BlackRock, the confidentiality and privacy of such information sent through the internet cannot be guaranteed.
Anti Money Laundering
As a result of money laundering regulations, additional documentation for identification purposes may be required when you make your investment. Details are contained in the prospectuses or other constitutional documents of the relevant iShares products.
Telephone Calls
For training, quality and verification purposes, telephone calls are usually recorded.
Variation
BlackRock reserves the right to vary these terms and conditions from time to time. You can access the latest version of the terms and conditions on this website.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These terms and conditions and your access to and use of this website and the content are subject to English law and the jurisdiction of the English courts. If any provision of these terms and conditions in judicial proceedings is held illegal or unenforceable, such provision shall be severed and shall be inoperative, and the remainder of these terms and conditions shall remain operative, in full force and effect and binding on you.
© 2017 BlackRock, Inc. All Rights reserved. BLACKROCK, BLACKROCK SOLUTIONS, iSHARES, BUILD ON BLACKROCK, SO WHAT DO I DO WITH MY MONEY and the stylized i logo are registered and unregistered trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and elsewhere. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.