Shard Company

Shard Company: A Comprehensive Overview

1. Company Overview

Founding Date and Background

Shard Company was founded in 2010 as an institutional fixed income broker. Over the years, it has transformed into a multifaceted organization, now employing over 80 professionals. The company focuses on providing core custody and dealing services, supplemented by linked investment management and broking offerings.

Parent Company/Ownership Structure

Shard Company operates as an independent entity, although it is part of a broader financial services group that includes Shard Capital Advisors, which provides tailored services primarily for high and ultra-high net worth clients.

Headquarters Location

The headquarters of Shard Company is located in London, United Kingdom. Additionally, Shard Capital Advisors is based in Geneva, Switzerland, catering to a diverse clientele from the Middle East, Africa, Turkey, and Asia.

Global Business Scope

Shard Company operates primarily in the UK but has a global reach through its services, including investment management and broking. The company's alternative investment fund management services extend to small to mid-size enterprise (SME) direct lending and seed-stage technology funds.

Main Regulatory Bodies

Shard Company is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. Shard Capital Advisors, operating in Switzerland, is regulated by the OAR-G, supervised by FINMA.

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2. Company History and Development

Key Milestones

• 2010: Shard Company was founded, initially focusing on fixed income brokerage.
• 2014: The company expanded its charitable efforts by supporting Walking With The Wounded, raising significant funds for veterans.
• 2018: Shard Capital Advisors was established in Switzerland to cater to high-net-worth individuals.

Business Expansion Journey

Since its inception, Shard Company has continually evolved, diversifying its service offerings and expanding its professional team. The establishment of Shard Capital Advisors marked a significant step in reaching a broader, international clientele.

Customer Base Growth

Shard Company has built a robust customer base, including institutional investors, high-net-worth individuals, and corporate clients. The focus on personalized service and partnership-oriented relationships has fostered long-term loyalty among clients.

Platform Development History

The company has invested in technology and infrastructure to support its trading and investment services. This includes developing a central infrastructure team to manage finance, operations, risk, legal and compliance, and tech functions.

Important Awards or Recognitions Received

While specific awards were not detailed in the provided information, Shard Company is recognized for its commitment to providing high-quality financial services and for its growth as a trusted partner in investment management.

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3. Trading Services Offered

Forex Trading Options

Shard Company offers a range of forex trading options, providing access to multiple currency pairs. The exact number of currency pairs available was not specified, but the company targets both retail and institutional forex traders.

Stock Trading Options

The company facilitates trading in a variety of stocks, catering to both institutional and private investors. The emphasis is on providing tailored services that meet the specific needs of clients.

CFD Trading Products

Shard Company also provides Contracts for Difference (CFDs), allowing clients to trade on price movements of various assets without owning the underlying asset. This includes equities, indices, and commodities.

Other Financial Instruments

In addition to forex and stock trading, Shard Company offers access to other financial instruments, including cryptocurrencies and commodities. This diversification allows clients to explore various investment avenues.

Special Services or Unique Advantages

Shard Company's unique advantage lies in its commitment to personalized service and a partnership-oriented approach. The firm emphasizes alignment of interests with clients, fostering long-term relationships built on trust and transparency.

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4. Regulatory and Legal Background

Detailed Regulatory Information

Shard Company operates under the oversight of several regulatory bodies, including:

• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK
• OAR-G in Switzerland, supervised by FINMA

Legal Entity Structure by Region

The company operates as Shard Capital Partners LLP in the UK and Shard Capital Advisors in Switzerland. This dual structure allows it to cater to a diverse range of clients while adhering to the regulatory requirements of each jurisdiction.

Client Fund Protection Measures

Shard Company adheres to strict regulatory standards to protect client funds. This includes maintaining client funds in segregated accounts and ensuring compliance with all relevant financial regulations.

Countries/Regions Served

While primarily focused on the UK market, Shard Company serves clients globally, particularly through its Swiss subsidiary, which caters to clients from the Middle East, Africa, Turkey, and Asia.

Compliance History

Shard Company has maintained a strong compliance record, adhering to the regulatory frameworks established by the FCA and other relevant authorities. This commitment to compliance reinforces its reputation as a trustworthy financial services provider.

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5. Competitive Landscape

3-5 Main Competitors

• Tamesis Partners LLP: A financial services firm providing corporate broking and advisory services.
• Grant Thornton UK LLP: A leading independent assurance, tax, and advisory firm.
• Other Boutique Investment Firms: Various smaller firms offering specialized financial services.

Positioning in the Industry

Shard Company positions itself as a boutique financial services provider, emphasizing personalized service and a partnership approach rather than pursuing aggressive growth strategies. This focus allows it to cater effectively to high-net-worth individuals and institutional clients.

Market Differentiation Factors

Key differentiators for Shard Company include:

• A commitment to client relationships, viewing clients as partners.
• A diverse range of services, spanning from custody to investment management.
• An entrepreneurial spirit that fosters innovation and responsiveness to market changes.

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In conclusion, Shard Company has established itself as a reputable player in the financial services industry, offering a wide range of trading options and investment management services. With a strong regulatory framework and a commitment to client partnership, Shard Company continues to grow and adapt in a competitive landscape. For more information on Shard Company and its services, learn more.