Intl FCStone Markets (IFM) has introduced a structured products online calculator (Spoc), a pricing tool that provides users with open access to the company's structured products pricing portfolio.

Spoc includes prices across asset classes and the platform is available to IFM's existing account holders and breaks 'through the complexity of elaborate hedging mechanisms, offering both transparency and educational support', according to Mark Maurer (pictured), chief executive officer at IFM. "Among the most challenging aspects for those requiring risk management solutions is determining the hedging strategy that best aligns with a firm's unique risk exposure and strategic goals," said Maurer. "Spoc helps facilitate this by providing customised solutions that break down risk levels, chart desired outcomes, and offer immediate contact with Intl FCStone brokers and traders to review strategies and implement hedging activities."

The tool provides direct pricing access and connection to clients' brokers; real-time pricing indications on IFM's structured products; education on the company's structured products via detailed data, charts and graphs; mid-market marks for structured products; and storage of customer pricing histories for reference against future hedging activities.

The tool is targeted at manufacturers and investors 'constructing their hedge programmes using OTC structured products and OTC vanilla options, which are more flexible than standard exchange-traded contracts and can be tailored to meet each customer's specific needs on a case-by-case basis'. The tool addresses hedging concerns, including trending markets; end of trend; range-bound markets and anticipation of steady to higher/steady to lower trends.

Client risk profile and initial hedging targets are assessed in order to locate potential risks and build a comprehensive risk management strategy to help reduce market exposure.

"As technology continues to evolve and client needs change, IFM is looking to redefine high-touch, as well as how we interact with our customers using technology in the structured products space," said Maurer.

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