Finance Act 2002

Definition of terms relating to derivative contracts

12 (1) This paragraph defines these expressions for the purposes of this Part of this Schedule—

(a) a capital redemption policy;

(b) a contract for differences;

(c) a future;

(d) intangible fixed assets;

(e) an option;

(f) shares in a company;

(g) a warrant.

(2) A “capital redemption policy” is a contract effected in the course of capital redemption business (within the meaning of section 458 of the Taxes Act 1988).

(3) A “contract for differences” is a contract the purpose or pretended purpose of which is to make a profit or avoid a loss by reference to fluctuations in—

(a) the value or price of property described in the contract, or

(b) an index or other factor designated in the contract.

(4) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (3)(b) an index or factor may be determined by reference to any matter and, for those purposes, a numerical value may be attributed to any variation in a matter.

(5) None of the following is a contract for differences—

(a) a future;

(b) an option;

(c) a contract of insurance;

(d) a capital redemption policy;

(e) a contract of indemnity;

(f) a guarantee;

(g) a warranty;

(h) a loan relationship.

(6) A “future” is a contract for the sale of property under which delivery is to be made—

(a) at a future date agreed when the contract is made, and

(b) at a price so agreed.

(7) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (6)(b) a price is to be taken to be agreed when the contract is made—

(a) notwithstanding that it is left to be determined by reference to the price at which a contract is to be entered into on a market or exchange or could be entered into at a time and place specified in the contract; or

(b) in a case where the contract is expressed to be by reference to a standard lot and quality, notwithstanding that provision is made for a variation in the price to take account of any variation in quantity or quality on delivery.

(8) An “option” includes a warrant.

(9) A “warrant” is an instrument which entitles the holder to subscribe for shares in a company or assets representing a loan relationship of a company; and for these purposes it is immaterial whether the shares or assets to which the warrant relates exist or are identifiable.

(10) References to a future or option do not include references to a contract whose terms provide—

(a) that, after setting off their obligations to each other under the contract, a cash payment is to be made by one party to the other in respect of the excess, if any, or

(b) that each party is liable to make to the other party a cash payment in respect of all that party’s obligations to the other under the contract,

and do not provide for the delivery of any property.

Nothing in this sub-paragraph has effect to exclude, from references to a future or option, references to a future or option whose underlying subject matter is currency.

(11) “Intangible fixed assets” has the same meaning as in Part 1 of Schedule 29 to this Act, but any asset excluded by Part 10 of that Schedule is not an intangible fixed asset for the purposes of this Part of this Schedule.

(12) “Share”, in relation to a company, means any share in the company under which an entitlement to receive distributions may arise.