STSM117020 - Derivatives: introduction to futures and forwards: issue of a futures contract that provides only for cash settlement

The terms of an equity futures contract will specify the manner in which the contract will be settled

The term ‘future’ is limited to contracts that actually provide for the underlying assets to be delivered. Similar to options (see STSM112060), any contract that is described as a future that can, under its terms, only be cash settled, is regarded as akin to a contract for difference (see STSM118010). In such cases no Stamp Duty or Stamp Duty Reserve Tax (SDRT) charges arises on the issue, secondary trading or on settlement.

The majority of equity futures contracts are cash settled.

For example:

An investor buys 1 FTSE 100 Index futures contract at 6150 points maturing on 1 July. Each contract size is 500p per point. On the 1 July delivery date, the FTSE 100 index has increased to 6175 points.

There is no physical delivery on 1 July as there are no underlying shares to transfer.

On settlement of the future on 1 July, the investor receives 25 index points representing the difference between the ‘strike’/ fixed points set under the futures contract and the current open market FTSE 100 index point (i.e. 6175 less 6150).

The cash settlement that the investor receives is calculated by multiplying the points moved by the value of each point set in the contract. In this example, this will equate to £12 (£25 x 500p).

No Stamp Duty charge arises as there is no underlying transfer of securities at the date of settlement. Similarly, a futures contract that is capable only of being settled in cash is not regarded as an ‘agreement to transfer chargeable securities’ for the purposes of a charge to SDRT.