Structured Notes are debt securities issued by banks and are ultimately designed to protect investor's principal, enhance returns or provide income. In practice, that means you can choose a goal first income, growth with buffers, or capital preservation—then select a payoff that matches it. For investors comparing “income alternatives,” see how Market-Linked Income Notes are commonly structured (coupon terms, downside barriers, and maturity features) so you can evaluate tradeoffs with more clarity. They provide a return based on the performance of an underlying asset—most often a stock index, exchange traded fund (ETF), or single stock. For this reason they are sometimes referred to as 'market linked bonds.'

The advantage of these investments is that an investor can pre-define both the payoff (how the investment pays) and the level of capital at risk (how much you can lose). In doing so, investors create a level of certainty over the life of the investment. Payoff profiles can be designed to take advantage of rising, falling or range-bound markets, and delivered in a way that can be tailored to the needs of investors.

Structured notes offer an innovative financial solution, cleverly bridging the performance potential of market investments with the stability often associated with traditional bonds. They provide a unique blend of features designed to enhance income and protect principal in varying market conditions.

If you’re exploring this strategy for the first time, here’s a clear overview of how to invest in structured notes and what the process looks like.