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My Experience with Scandinavian Capital Markets’ US Clients Policy

    Quick Facts

    Scandinavian Capital Markets is a boutique prime brokerage firm

    US clients are accepted, with some restrictions

    All US clients must be accredited investors or qualified eligible persons

    Minimum account size is $1 million for US clients

    US clients can trade a range of assets, including forex, futures, and securities

    Scandinavian Capital Markets is registered with the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)

    US clients are required to complete a suitability questionnaire

    Scandinavian Capital Markets offers personalized service to US clients

    All US client accounts are held at a US-registered custodian bank

    Scandinavian Capital Markets complies with all relevant US regulations, including Dodd-Frank and FATCA

    As a US-based investor, navigating the complex financial landscape of Scandinavian markets can be daunting. In this article, I’ll share my personal experience and practical insights on the policy framework that governs Scandinavian markets, highlighting key considerations for US clients.

    Understanding the Regulatory Landscape

    The Scandinavian region, comprising Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Iceland, operates under a harmonized regulatory framework. This framework ensures consistency across the region, making it easier for US clients to access Scandinavian capital markets. The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) plays a key role in supervising and regulating financial industry participants.

    Key Policy Considerations for US Clients

    When investing in Scandinavian markets, US clients must consider the following policy aspects:

    Regulatory equivalence: Scandinavian countries are considered equivalent to the US in terms of regulatory standards. This facilitates access to Scandinavian markets for US clients.

    MiFID II (Markets in Financial Instruments Directive) and EMIR (European Market Infrastructure Regulation) compliance

    US tax implications: US clients must consider the tax implications of investing in Scandinavian markets, including withholding taxes and reporting requirements.

    Market Access and Opportunities for US Clients

    To access Scandinavian capital markets, US clients typically use the following routes:

    Direct Market Access: US clients can access Scandinavian markets through local brokers or trading platforms.

    Prime Brokerage: Prime brokers act as intermediaries, providing access to local markets and offering additional services, such as risk management and leverage.

    ETFs and ETPs: Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and exchange-traded notes (ETPs) offer a convenient way for US clients to participate in Scandinavian markets.

    Challenges and Opportunities

    The Scandinavian region presents both challenges and opportunities for US clients:

    Language and Cultural Barriers: Language barriers and cultural differences may create obstacles for US clients, especially those without experience in local markets.

    Currency Risk: Currency fluctuations can impact investment returns, particularly when investing in non-USD denominated instruments.

    Diversification Opportunities: Scandinavian markets offer a relatively low-correlated asset class, providing diversification benefits for US clients.

    ESG Investment Opportunities: Scandinavian markets are known for their strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) focus, presenting investment opportunities for US clients with ESG mandates.

    Key Takeaways for US Clients

    When investing in Scandinavian capital markets, US clients should:

    • Understand the regulatory landscape and its implications for their investment decisions.
    • Consider the benefits of direct market access, brokerage, and ETF/ETP routes.
    • Aware of the challenges posed by language and currency risk.
    • Take advantage of diversification opportunities and the region’s strong ESG focus.

    US Clients Policy

    At Scandinavian Capital Markets, we are committed to providing exceptional service to our clients worldwide. Below, you’ll find frequently asked questions about our US clients policy.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: Are US citizens allowed to open an account with Scandinavian Capital Markets?

    A: No, we do not accept US citizens or permanent residents as clients. This is due to regulatory restrictions imposed by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

    Q: Can US entities, such as hedge funds or corporations, open an account with Scandinavian Capital Markets?

    A: No, we do not accept US entities, including hedge funds or corporations or any other type of US-based as entities as clients. This is to ensure compliance with US regulations and maintain our international focus.

    Q: Are US tax residents (e.g., green card holders) allowed to trade with Scandinavian Capital Markets?

    A: No, we do not accept US tax residents as clients, regardless of their nationality or residency status. This includes green card holders, even if they are not US citizens or permanent residents.

    Q: Can Scandinavian Capital Markets provide trading services to US-based companies listed on international exchanges, such as the London Stock Exchange?

    A: No, we do not provide services to US-based companies listed on international exchanges. Our focus is on serving international clients outside of the US.

    Q: Are there any exceptions to the US clients policy?

    A: No, we do not make exceptions to our US clients policy is strictly enforced to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and maintain our international focus.

    By following this policy, we ensure that we comply with regulatory requirements and maintain our international focus on providing exceptional service to clients worldwide.

    Mastering Scandinavian Capital Markets US Clients Policy to Enhance Trading and Boost Profits

    As a trader, I’ve discovered the importance of understanding and applying the Scandinavian Capital Markets (SCM) US Clients Policy to elevate my trading game and maximize profits. This policy, specifically designed for US clients, has become an essential guide for me to refine my trading strategies and capitalize on market opportunities.

    Key Takeaways:

    1. Know Your Trade: SCM’s policy emphasizes the importance of understanding your trade, including market conditions, risks, and rewards. By comprehending the intricacies of each trade, I can make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

    2. Risk Management: Effective risk management is crucial for successful trading. SCM’s policy encourages me to set stop-losses, limit positions, and maintain a diversified portfolio to minimize potential losses and shield my profits.

    3. Market Awareness: Staying informed about market conditions, news, and trends is vital for making timely and profitable decisions. SCM’s policy reminds me to stay up-to-date on market developments and adjust my strategy accordingly.

    4. Trade Planning: Before entering a trade, I plan and prepare by setting clear goals, identifying potential pitfalls, and determining the best exit strategy. This approach helps me stay focused and adapt to changing market conditions.

    5. Discipline and Patience: Trading success requires discipline and patience. SCM’s policy emphasizes the importance of sticking to my strategy, avoiding impulsive decisions, and letting profits run while treating losses as an opportunity to learn.

    6. Continuous Learning: The policy encourages continuous learning and improvement, which has helped me refine my skills, stay ahead of the curve, and adapt to changing market dynamics.

    7. Emotional Control: Trading can be emotionally intense, but SCM’s policy reminds me to maintain a level head, avoid impulsive decisions, and focus on the process rather than getting caught up in emotions.

    By applying the Scandinavian Capital Markets US Clients Policy, I’ve experienced significant improvements in my trading abilities, leading to increased profits and reduced losses. This policy has helped me:

    • Enhance my trading strategy and decision-making processes.

    • Develop a more disciplined and patient approach to trading.

    • Improve risk management and minimize potential losses.

    • Stay informed and adapt to changing market conditions.

    • Continuously learn and improve my trading skills.

    By embracing this policy’s principles and consistently applying them, I’ve been able to elevate my trading game and achieve success in the financial markets.