Market value adjuster (MVA) explained

What is the market value adjuster?

The MVA is a deduction which may be made from money which is taken out of a unitised with-profits fund to protect the interests of remaining investors when market conditions are low. When applied the MVA is in addition to other charges on the policy.

Why is the market value adjuster needed?

An investment in a with-profits fund should be viewed as a medium to long-term investment. A with-profits fund is invested partly in equity-type investments, which fluctuate in price over the short term. Our overall aim is to provide good, long-term returns to investors by smoothing out the effects of these short-term market fluctuations.

Over long periods it can be expected that the bonus rates will be set so that the growth in value of the units and the growth in value of the underlying assets of the policy are similar, but in the shorter term there can be significant differences.

Therefore, in order to protect the interests of remaining investors, there will be periods when it is necessary to reduce the amount payable when money is taken out of the with-profits fund. This will be through the use of the MVA, which brings the amount paid more closely in line with the value of the underlying assets.

In this way the continuing investors are protected from a reduction in their return which would occur if excessive payments were made to shorter-term investors.

When will the MVA not be applied?

Your policy guarantees that in certain circumstances, for instance at the end of a specified policy term or on earlier death, the MVA will not be applied. There may be other circumstances depending on the type of policy: please refer to your policy literature.

Which factors influence the decision to apply the MVA?

The MVA is applied when we believe there is an opportunity for some investors to take money out of the offshore with-profits fund to gain an advantage against the remaining investors.

In determining whether the MVA needs to be applied, and at what level, we take into account the investment conditions. The MVA is most likely to be used following a sustained fall in investment markets. An MVA may be applied if there is a significant difference between the bonuses applied and the total return on the underlying assets over the period of investment.

In addition, we may also take into account the amount taken from the offshore with-profits fund in respect of your policy, including any other amounts withdrawn in the previous 12 months.

We pay bonuses which are intended to share out fairly the fund’s performance between its investors. The main factor that determines the final payout is the investment performance of the assets that make up the Offshore With-Profits Fund. Other factors include a deduction that may be made to help ensure that guarantees are met on policies across the whole fund.