Section 648: Creditor relationships: embedded derivatives which are exactly tracking contracts for differences
1785.This section sets out the type of derivative contract it applies to (so that section 641 may then apply to credits and debits in respect of the contract). It also disapplies a chargeable gains provision in TCGA. It is based on paragraphs 12(1) and (11A) and 45F(1), (2), and (8) of Schedule 26 to FA 2002.
1786.Condition C, in subsection (4), and condition D, in subsection (5), set out the distinguishing characteristics of this type of derivative contract. They are that the underlying subject matter of the contract is qualifying ordinary shares listed on a recognised stock exchange and that the derivative contract is an “exactly tracking contract”.
1787.“Exactly tracking contract” is defined in section 649(2) by reference to a formula. Such a contract is one under which the amount to be paid to discharge the rights and liabilities under the contract varies according to a percentage figure applied to the cost of the asset representing the creditor relationship when that asset comes into existence. The percentage figure is equal to the movement in the value of the assets (that is, the listed shares) which are the underlying subject matter of the contract (or an index of that value). The period over which the movement in the value of the assets is tracked is the period from when the asset representing the creditor relationship came into existence to the date the corresponding debtor relationship comes to an end. (Paragraph (b) of section 649(3) provides a minor amount of leeway in measuring that period for the case where a valuation date in respect of the assets in question is not exactly coterminous with either the beginning or end of the period.) In such a case, the discharge amount tracks the value of those assets exactly.
1788.Condition E, in subsection (6), does not rewrite the disapplication of the condition to life assurance and mutual trading companies that is provided by paragraph 45F(3) of Schedule 26 to FA 2002. That disapplication is obsolete by virtue of the rules in sections 633 and 634.
1789.Subsection (8) provides that that creditor relationship is itself not treated as a “qualifying corporate bond” although section 117(A1) of TCGA would otherwise treat it as such. See the commentary on the similar provision in section 645(7).
1790.Subsection (9) contains a signpost to section 672, which modifies the rules for acquisition costs in section 38 of TCGA if the asset representing the creditor relationship mentioned in this section is disposed of.
1791.See also Part 10 of Schedule 2 which disapplies this section and applies other rules if the asset representing the creditor relationship is an asset in relation to which paragraph 11(2) of Schedule 10 to FA 2004 has effect.