Investing: however it suits you
Investment categories
Interest-bearing investments
Benefit from fixed or variable interest with fixed terms. Support growth and innovation in Europe.
Company participations
Direct participation in innovative companies with dividend distributions and a share in the company's success.
Mezzanine investments
Hybrid forms of interest-bearing investments and participations. Higher return potential with higher risk.
Investment categories in detail
Bond
An interest-bearing security with the right to payment of fixed and/or variable interest and repayment of the nominal amount.
Advantages
- Predictable interest
- Fixed term
Disadvantages
- Capital loss possible
- No share in the company's success
Share
A security that securitises a direct participation in a company's equity – with entitlement to dividends and a share in the company's value.
Advantages
- Share in the company's success
- Participation in growth
Disadvantages
- Higher risk than a bond
- Capital gains only realisable through a sale
Participation Certificate
A hybrid security that lets investors share in profit and company value without granting them voting rights or corporate-law claims.
Advantages
- Share in the company's success possible
- Fixed term
Disadvantages
- Market risk is shared
- Distribution risk
Convertible Bond
A special bond with the right to convert into an equity participation at a later point in time.
Advantages
- Fixed interest during the term
- Benefit from an increase in value upon conversion
Disadvantages
- Capital loss possible if the company value is low
Indirect Participation
Enables access to SME investments with simplified processing via a special purpose vehicle.
Advantages
- Participation in the profits of established SMEs
- Simplified processing
Disadvantages
- Risk of total loss in the event of insolvency
Hybrid Investment Products
Subordinated bonds or convertible debentures with higher risk but potentially higher interest.
Advantages
- Potentially higher interest
Disadvantages
- Higher risk of total loss