UK wealth manager Barclays Wealth has launched an electronic version of its guide to structured products as part of an ongoing initiative intended to broaden understanding among intermediaries.

The guide, accessible free at www.barclaysstructuredproducts.com/home.asp, has been made available online to meet what the firm perceives as a demand for more information about structured products and how they are constructed and work in practice.

Aimed specifically at financial advisors, areas the guide looks at include how structured products and their features have evolved, current designs and features, how they can be used in portfolio planning and what to check for when assessing them.

Colin Dickie, director, Barclays Wealth, said: “I don’t think there has ever been a more appropriate time to launch a guide to structured products. While recent events at Lehman’s have dented the reputation of a number of providers it will not reduce the very real and growing demand we are seeing from advisors and their clients for investments that provide protection.”