A Defensive Route to Fixed Growth: Hilbert’s FTSE 100 EW45 Semi-Annual Autocall – Issue 04 Explained

With markets still navigating periods of uncertainty and interest rates stabilising at moderate levels, advisers continue to look for investment solutions that offer clarity, defined outcomes, and disciplined risk management. Structured products remain a strong candidate in this landscape, particularly those that offer frequent early maturity opportunities and transparent capital protection features.

Hilbert’s FTSE 100 EW45 Defensive Semi-Annual Autocall – Issue 04 is designed to provide twice-yearly kick-out potential, attractive fixed-rate growth, and a defensive 50% capital barrier at maturity. For investors seeking a structured, rules-based route to UK equity exposure, this plan blends regular opportunities for returns with robust downside parameters.

Introduction

The FTSE 100 EW45 Defensive Semi-Annual Autocall – Issue 04 offers a structured way to engage with the UK stock market while managing risk through defined barriers and a clear autocall mechanism.

This plan may appeal to growth-oriented investors who value:

• Semi-annual kick-out (early maturity) opportunities
• Defined fixed growth potential
• Capital protection features
• Exposure to the FTSE 100 via a rules-based decrement index

This article outlines:

• How the plan works
• Growth potential and kick-out features
• Capital protection at maturity
• Key risks
• Who the plan may be suitable for

Plan Overview

Plan Name: FTSE 100 EW45 Defensive Semi-Annual Autocall – Issue 04

Plan Manager / Administrator / Custodian: Hilbert Investment Solutions (custody via Bank of New York Mellon)

Issuer / Counterparty Bank: SG Issuer / Société Générale

Underlying Asset: FTSE 100 Equally Weighted 45 Point Decrement Index (FTSE 100 EW45)

Maximum Investment Term & Semi-Annual Kick-Out Potential

The plan has a maximum investment term of 10 years, but it can mature early if the Closing Level of the FTSE 100 EW45 is at or above the relevant Reference Level on any Semi-Annual Measurement Date from 19 January 2029 onward.

If the plan kicks out:

• Investors receive the Fixed Growth Return
• The original capital is repaid (less agreed adviser fees or withdrawals)

All Semi-Annual Measurement Dates and Reference Levels are detailed in the Plan Brochure.

Potential Fixed Growth Return

If the Closing Level meets or exceeds the Reference Level on any Semi-Annual Measurement Date, or at the Final Valuation Date, investors receive:

4.50% per period (equivalent to 9.00% per annum)

For each semi-annual period since the Start Date.

This gives investors:

• A predictable, fixed growth structure
• Twice-yearly opportunities to secure returns
• A defensive performance requirement tied to index level

Capital Repayment if No Kick-Out Occurs

If the plan does not kick out and reaches the Final Valuation Date, capital repayment depends on the final level of the index:

If the Final Level is above 50% of the Opening Level: Full repayment of the original investment (less agreed fees)

If the Final Level falls more than 50% below the Opening Level: Repayment is reduced in proportion to the fall in the index

Example:

If the index is down 60% at maturity, investors would receive 40% of their original investment.

Key Risks

As with all structured products, there are important risks to consider:

Market Risk

Returns and capital repayment depend on the performance of the FTSE 100 EW45 — including the impact of its 45-point fixed decrement.

Counterparty Risk

The ability to repay both returns and capital depends on the financial strength and stability of:

• SG Issuer
• Société Générale (Counterparty Bank)

Barrier Risk

If the index falls more than 50% at maturity, capital can be significantly reduced.

Investors and advisers should carefully review:

• The current level of the FTSE 100 EW45
• Market outlook and potential volatility
• The financial strength of the counterparty

Full risk disclosures can be found in the Plan Brochure.

Who Might This Plan Suit?

This plan may be suitable for:

• Investors seeking structured exposure with defensive return conditions
• Clients who value semi-annual kick-out potential for earlier returns
• Those comfortable with conditional outcomes based on index performance
• Investors seeking a long-term, rules-based plan for growth
• Individuals aiming to diversify portfolios with structured products

This information is not financial advice and should be considered as general product insight only.

Final Thoughts

Hilbert’s FTSE 100 EW45 Defensive Semi-Annual Autocall – Issue 04 delivers a disciplined, structured means of accessing the UK equity market, combining fixed growth potential, semi-annual kick-out opportunities, and defined capital protection features.

For advisers looking to offer clients a defensive, rules-based investment with frequent opportunities for returns, this plan provides a compelling addition to a diversified portfolio.

For further information, please download the Plan Brochure or contact Hilbert at hilbert@hilbert-is.com

Disclaimer:

Structured products are complex and not suitable for everyone. Before making any investment decision you should read the Key Information Document (KID) and the brochure in full, so that you understand how the product works, the associated risks, the costs and the possible outcomes.

Hilbert does not provide investment or tax advice. If you are unsure whether an investment is right for you, you should seek professional financial advice. Hilbert’s products are available via a regulated platform.

Your capital is at risk, and you may lose some or all of the money you invest. Early encashment may result in a return lower than the amount invested. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change.