Eligible Counterparty (ECP) investors are a subset of entities that also qualify as Professional Investors. As ECP investors are considered to be the most sophisticated market participants they receive the least investor protection.
Each of the following entities qualifies as a Per Se Eligible Counterparty, including any non-UK equivalents, unless you choose a different category:
- An investment firm
- A credit institution
- An insurance company
- A collective investment scheme, authorised under the UK provisions which implemented the UCITS Directive or its management company
- A pension fund or its management company
- Another financial institution auth or regulated under the law of the United Kingdon
- A national government or its corresponding office, including a public body that deals with public debt at national level
- A central bank
- A supranational organisation
For full guidance please refer to COBS 3.6.2 in the FCA Handbook.