Update March 2025

Execution-only stockbroking is no longer available for new PRSA policies, and moving/switching money into an existing PRSA Stocktrade account is no longer available. In addition, all holdings held via Stocktrade on PRSA policies must be sold before April 2026. PRSA customers are restricted to investing only in company shares, government and corporate bonds.

We will be contacting existing PRSA customers invested in the execution-only stockbroking option. We will issue this communication in advance to advisers with these customers.

  • If your client holds a Synergy Personal Pension, Buy Out Bond or ARF policy, they may be able to invest in quoted shares, government and corporate bonds, exchange traded funds (ETFs) and other securities. Trading can be done online or over the phone with Stocktrade, without advice from Standard Life or Stocktrade.

Who is stockbroking suitable for?

Please note that this service is only suitable for clients who have an understanding of financial markets and the investments associated with them, and who want to select their own investment options. It should never be offered to or suggested for clients who don’t have that understanding.  

Before your client chooses this option, they must read and understand the Self-Directed Options guide. This outlines the allowable investments and charges. 

Certain investments through Stocktrade are deemed to be complex, for example ETFs, and may not be suitable or appropriate for all clients who want to use this option. Stocktrade must assess client suitability before they allow access to these investments. They may decline access if your client can’t show sufficient knowledge or experience.

Investment options

The investment options available through Stocktrade depend on the Standard Life product your client invests in.

The Self-Directed Options are available through Synergy policies that started in July 2006 or later:

Synergy products Self-Directed Options
Deposits Execution-only stockbroking
Synergy Personal Pension Yes Yes
Synergy PRSA Yes* No**
Synergy Approved Retirement Fund Yes Yes
Synergy Buy Out Bond Yes Yes
Synergy Investment Bond Yes No
Synergy Regular Invest Yes No
Synergy Portfolio Bond^ No No
Synergy Portfolio Approved Reitirement Fund^ Yes Yes
Synergy Executive Pension^ Yes* No

*Structured deposits not available on Synergy PRSA or Synergy Executive Pension​

**Execution-only stockbroking is no longer available for new PRSA policies, and moving/switching money into an existing PRSA Stocktrade account is no longer available. In addition, all holdings held via Stocktrade on PRSA policies must be sold before April 2026. PRSA customers are restricted to investing only in company shares, government and corporate bonds.​

^ Open to top ups only​
 

Your clients can trade online or over the phone on (01) 6397200, 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday. Stocktrade is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and UK bank holidays.

Access to markets varies depending on local opening hours. For example, Irish stock market trading hours are from 8am to 4.30pm. US and Canadian markets trade from 2.30pm to 9pm GMT. 

What types of ETFs can my clients invest in?

Your clients can invest in ETFs based on specialist sectors like:

  • Commodities 
  • Small, mid and large cap securities 
  • Bonds 
  • Private equity

When your client applies for execution-only stockbroking

Once we have your client’s application form we'll open a policy cash account within their policy and transfer the money to Stocktrade.  When they invest in a Self-Directed Option, payments are credited and deducted from this policy cash account, which is provided by a third party deposit provider.  

There’s more information in the Key Features documents and the Self-Directed Options guide. To find out the current variable interest rate on the policy cash account, please go to https://www.standardlife.ie/investment-options/deposits or https://www.standardlife.ie/adviser/investment-options/deposits 

When the policy cash account is established and the money is transferred, Stocktrade will issue a letter containing a dealing code to your clients. 

You’ll find more information about the Stocktrade service in their terms and conditions and their TIPA service guide

Setting up an execution-only stockbroking account

New and existing policyholders who want to set up an execution-only stockbroking account will need to complete the Stocktrade application form. If you want to be able to view your clients’ values online, make sure they complete part 3 of the form. If they choose to invest in ETFs they'll also need to complete an Appropriateness Assessment form.   

  • Answering your questions

    You might want more information before talking to a client about this investment option.if you need to know more.

  • Connecting to Stocktrade

    If your client has given you authorisation, you can view the online values of shares, bonds, other securities and ETFs bought through Stocktrade by logging on using the link below.

Useful Links

The information on standardlife.ie/adviser is designed for financial advisers. It's not suitable for anyone else. If you're not a financial adviser, please go to standardlife.ie for information about the products and services we offer.