Investing with Ramsey Crookall

Ramsey Crookall is one of the oldest independently owned stockbrokers in the British Isles, based in the Isle of Man. The firm offers discretionary portfolio management, execution-only services, and advisory dealing to private clients and institutions.

Its investment philosophy is grounded in long-term fundamentals, strong governance, and personalised client relationships. It supports UK and international equity markets, fixed income, and multi-asset strategies.

Clients can open an account directly through the website or by speaking with one of their brokers. Each account is tailored to fit the client’s goals, risk appetite, and investment timeline.

An excellent option for investors seeking heritage, trust, and hands-on stockbroking expertise with a personal touch.

What Are Brokers and How Do They Work?

Brokers are regulated financial intermediaries who facilitate the buying and selling of securities — including shares, bonds, investment trusts, ETFs, and derivatives — on behalf of clients. They typically operate through markets such as the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

They provide investors with access to local and global markets, offering both advisory and execution-only services. Whether you’re a beginner investing through your ISA or a high-net-worth individual managing a large portfolio, brokers help ensure secure, compliant, and efficient investment activity. Here’s how they operate:

• Trading and Execution: Brokers place buy and sell orders for equities, bonds, funds, and other financial instruments listed on the LSE or international exchanges. Trades can be placed online, via app, or through a personal broker.

• FCA Authorisation: All UK brokers must be authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, ensuring they meet strict standards around conduct, client fund protection, and transparency.

• Retail and Institutional Services: Brokers serve a range of clients — from individual investors using Stocks & Shares ISAs, to pension funds, corporate treasuries, and wealth managers.

• Advisory and Discretionary Services: Full-service brokers provide investment advice, wealth planning, and portfolio management. Execution-only platforms cater to DIY investors who prefer low-cost, self-directed trading.

• Primary and Secondary Market Access: Clients can participate in IPOs, rights issues, and secondary market trading. Many brokers also offer international access to US, EU, and Asian markets.

• Settlement and Custody: Trades are cleared and settled through CREST, the UK’s central securities depository. Assets are typically held under nominee accounts, though some brokers offer certificated holdings on request.

• Tax-Advantaged Wrappers: Brokers often support tax-efficient accounts like ISAs, SIPPs, and Junior ISAs, allowing investors to grow wealth while minimising tax liabilities.

• Charges and Commissions: Fee structures vary — some brokers charge flat fees per trade, while others offer percentage-based pricing or bundled services. Many online brokers now offer commission-free options for UK shares.

Tradable Instruments on the London Stock Exchange

As a global financial hub, it offers a broad range of tradable instruments for retail and institutional investors. The LSE supports both primary capital raising and secondary market trading across equity, debt, and derivative products.

Regulated by the FCA and operating under the UK Listing Authority (UKLA), the LSE provides access to securities through multiple market segments, including the Main Market and AIM (Alternative Investment Market). Below is an overview of the key tradable instruments available:

• Equities (Shares): The LSE hosts a wide range of listed equities, from large multinational corporations in the FTSE 100 to small and medium-sized enterprises on AIM. Investors can trade ordinary shares to gain exposure to company ownership, dividend income, and long-term capital appreciation.

• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): The LSE is a major European venue for ETF trading, offering access to funds that track equity indices, fixed income markets, commodities, currencies, and thematic strategies. ETFs are popular for their low costs, transparency, and diversification benefits.

• Fixed Income Securities (Bonds): Corporate bonds, government gilts, and green bonds are listed on the LSE’s Order Book for Retail Bonds (ORB) and International Securities Market (ISM). These instruments provide fixed interest income and are suitable for investors seeking lower-risk, income-generating assets.

• Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): UK REITs listed on the LSE invest in income-generating property assets, such as commercial buildings, logistics centres, and residential portfolios. REITs offer regular dividend distributions and exposure to the real estate sector without owning physical property.

• Depositary Receipts (GDRs & ADRs): The LSE is a leading market for global depositary receipts, which allow international companies to list and trade equity-like instruments in London. These provide investors with exposure to foreign markets through securities denominated in pounds or US dollars.

• Structured Products and Warrants: Investment banks issue listed structured notes, covered warrants, and certificates on the LSE. These products provide leveraged, capital-protected, or directional strategies and are generally suited for sophisticated investors with a defined view on market performance.

• Initial Public Offerings (IPOs): The LSE facilitates capital raising for companies via IPOs on both the Main Market and AIM. Retail and institutional investors can participate in these offerings to gain early access to newly listed shares.

• Investment Trusts: Closed-end investment funds listed on the LSE that invest in a wide range of assets, including global equities, private equity, infrastructure, and credit. Investment trusts offer long-term exposure and are actively managed by professional portfolio managers.