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Risk Disclosures
Risk Factors Relating To Financial Instruments Issued, Sold or Otherwise Entered Into By Deutsche BankThe following information is of a general nature and therefore subsidiary to any specific information, e.g. in term sheets and offering documents. This notice summarises the nature of, and principal risks associated with, financial instruments (Financial Instruments) issued, sold or otherwise entered into by Deutsche Bank AG (Deutsche Bank) in accordance with the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive. The information below is intended to describe various risk factors associated with an investment in any Financial Instruments. The issuer of the relevant Financial Instruments may be Deutsche Bank or may be an unrelated third party (a Third Party) and in such case Deutsche Bank shall have no liability whatsoever in relation to any failure to perform any obligation or other breach by such Third Party under such Financial Instruments. No investment should be made in any Financial Instruments until after careful consideration of all those factors which are relevant in relation to the relevant Financial Instruments. Certain of these factors are contingencies which may or may not occur and Deutsche Bank is not in a position to express a view on the likelihood of any such contingency occurring. In addition, factors which are material for the purpose of assessing the market risks associated with certain issues of Financial Instruments are also described below. This notice cannot disclose all the risks and other significant aspects of investing in any Financial Instruments and the inability of Deutsche Bank or the relevant Third Party, as the case may be, to pay or deliver any amounts in connection with any Financial Instruments may occur due to factors not described below and Deutsche Bank does not represent that the statements below regarding the risks of holding or entering into any Financial Instruments are exhaustive. Prospective investors should also read the detailed information set out in the offering documents relating to the relevant Financial Instruments and reach their own views prior to making any investment decision. These risk factors are not, and do not purport to be, investment advice. THE PURCHASE OF THE RELEVANT FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS MAY INVOLVE SUBSTANTIAL RISKS AND MAY BE SUITABLE ONLY FOR INVESTORS WHO HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS MATTERS NECESSARY TO ENABLE THEM TO EVALUATE THE RISKS AND THE MERITS OF AN INVESTMENT IN THE RELEVANT FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS . PRIOR TO MAKING AN INVESTMENT DECISION, PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY, IN LIGHT OF THEIR OWN FINANCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES AND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, ALL THE INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THE OFFERING DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE RELEVANT FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND, IN PARTICULAR, THE CONSIDERATIONS SET FORTH BELOW. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD MAKE SUCH ENQUIRIES AS THEY DEEM NECESSARY WITHOUT RELYING ON DEUTSCHE BANK OR ANY DISTRIBUTOR. AN INVESTMENT IN FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS LINKED TO ONE OR MORE UNDERLYING ASSETS OR OTHER FACTORS (THE UNDERLYING) MAY ENTAIL SIGNIFICANT RISKS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH AN INVESTMENT IN A CONVENTIONAL DEBT SECURITY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE RISKS SET OUT BELOW. THE AMOUNT(S) PAID UNDER THE RELEVANT FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS MAY BE LESS THAN THE AMOUNT PAID BY THE INVESTOR FOR THE RELEVANT FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND MAY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES BE ZERO. WHERE THE RELEVANT FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS ARE REDEEMED OR EXERCISED OR OTHERWISE SATISFIED BY DELIVERY OF AN UNDERLYING THE VALUE OF THE UNDERLYING MAY BE LESS THAN THE AMOUNT PAID FOR THE RELEVANT FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND MAY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES BE ZERO. CERTAIN FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK AND POTENTIAL INVESTORS SHOULD BE PREPARED TO SUSTAIN A LOSS OF ALL OR PART OF THEIR INVESTMENT. Where Deutsche Bank is the issuer or counterparty of the relevant Financial Instruments, an investment in any such Financial Instruments bears the risk that Deutsche Bank is not able to fulfil its obligations under the relevant Financial Instruments on any relevant due date. In order to assess the risk, prospective investors should consider all information provided in the offering documents relating to the relevant Financial Instruments and consult with their own professional advisers if they consider it necessary. The risk related to Deutsche Bank's ability to fulfil its obligations in respect of any such Financial Instruments is described by reference to the credit ratings assigned by independent rating agencies. A rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold Financial Instruments and may be subject to suspension, reduction or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency. A suspension, reduction or withdrawal of any rating assigned may adversely affect the market price of some Financial Instruments where Deutsche Bank is the issuer. Deutsche Bank is rated by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ("S&P"), Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") and by Fitch Ratings Limited ("Fitch", together with S&P and Moody's, the "Rating Agencies"). As of 30 September, 2007, the ratings assigned by the Rating Agencies to short and long-term debt securities of Deutsche Bank were as follows:
Rating of Subordinated Obligations The value of Financial Instruments where Deutsche Bank is the issuer or the counterparty is expected to be affected, in part, by investors' general appraisal of Deutsche Bank's creditworthiness. Any reduction in the creditworthiness of Deutsche Bank could result in a reduction in the value of such Financial Instruments. If a bankruptcy proceeding is commenced in respect of Deutsche Bank, the return to a holder of, or a party to, such Financial Instrument may be limited and any recovery will likely be substantially delayed. Where a Third Party is the issuer or counterparty of the relevant Financial Instruments, an investment in any such financial Instruments bears the risk that the relevant Third Party is not able to fulfil its obligations under the relevant Financial Instruments on any due date. In order to asses the risk, prospective investors should consider all information provided in the offering documents relating to the relevant Financial Instruments and consult with their own advisers if they consider it necessary. Deutsche Bank accepts no obligation or liability whatsoever in relation to any Third Party and makes no representation, warranty or other assurance as to the ability or otherwise of any Third Party to perform any of its obligation in relation to any Financial Instrument issued by it. If the obligations of the Third Party are subordinated then the same considerations as those described above under "Rating of Subordinated Obligations" apply. The value of Financial Instruments where a Third Party is the issuer or the counterparty is expected to be affected, in part, by investors' general appraisal of the Third Party's creditworthiness. Any reduction in the creditworthiness of the Third Party could result in a reduction in the value of such Financial Instruments. If a bankruptcy proceeding is commenced in respect of the Third Party, the return to a holder of, or a party to, such Financial Instrument may be limited and any recovery will likely be substantially delayed. Prospective investors should note that where no periodic interest payments or other distributions are to be made during the term of a Financial Instrument, where such Financial Instruments are in the form of securities or are otherwise tradeable, a realisation in the secondary market of such Financial Instruments may be the only return potentially available to the investor prior to settlement of such Financial Instruments. However, investors should note the risk factors described under the headings "Market value" and "Financial Instruments may be Illiquid" set out under the heading "D. Market Factors" below in this regard. If so indicated in the terms and conditions of any Financial Instruments, if Deutsche Bank or the relevant Third Party, as the case may be, determines that, for reasons beyond its control, the performance of its obligations in relation to the relevant Financial Instruments has become illegal or impractical in whole or in part for any reason, or Deutsche Bank or the relevant Third Party, as the case may be, determines that, for reasons beyond its control, it is no longer legal or practical for it to maintain its hedging arrangements with respect to such Financial Instruments for any reason, Deutsche Bank or the relevant Third Party, as the case may be, may, at its discretion and without obligation, terminate early such Financial Instruments. Prospective purchasers should review the terms and conditions of the relevant Financial Instruments to ascertain whether and how such provisions apply to such Financial Instruments and what are the consequences of such termination, including as to what if anything, is payable as a result thereof. If so indicated in the terms and conditions of any Financial Instruments, the relevant Calculation agent may determine that a market disruption event has occurred or exists at a relevant time. Any such determination may delay valuation in respect of the relevant Underlying which may have an effect on the value of the relevant Financial Instruments and/or may delay settlement in respect of such Financial Instruments. In addition, if so indicated in the terms and conditions of any Financial Instruments, the calculation agent may make adjustments to such terms and conditions to account for relevant adjustments or events in relation to the Underlying including, but not limited to, determining a successor to the relevant Underlying or its issuer or its sponsor, as the case may be. In addition, in certain circumstances, Deutsche Bank or the relevant Third Party, as the case may be, may terminate early the relevant Financial Instruments following any such event. Prospective purchasers should review the terms and conditions of the relevant Financial Instruments to ascertain whether and how such provisions apply to such Financial Instruments and what constitutes a relevant adjustment or event. Potential purchasers and sellers of Financial Instruments should be aware that they may be required to pay stamp taxes or other documentary charges in accordance with the laws and practices of the country where the relevant Financial Instruments are transferred. Payment and/or delivery of any amount due in respect of Financial Instruments may be conditional upon the payment of certain taxes, duties and/or expenses as provided in the terms and conditions of the relevant Financial Instruments. Deutsche Bank or the relevant Third Party, as the case may be, has the right, but may not be obliged, to withhold or deduct from any amount payable or deliverable under such Financial Instruments such amount or portion as shall be necessary to account for or to pay any tax, duty, charge, withholding or other payment. Prospective investors should review the terms and conditions of the relevant Financial Instruments to ascertain whether and how such provisions apply to such Financial Instruments. Potential purchasers who are in any doubt as to their tax position should consult their own independent tax advisers. In addition, potential purchasers should be aware that tax regulations and their application by the relevant taxation authorities change from time to time. Accordingly, it is not possible to predict the precise tax treatment which will apply at any given time. If any Financial Instruments are subject to provisions concerning delivery of an exercise notice and such notice is received by the party or parties specified after the latest time specified in the terms and conditions of the relevant Financial Instruments, it may not be deemed to be duly delivered until some later day. Such deemed delay may in the case of cash settled Financial Instruments increase or decrease the cash amount payable at settlement from what it would otherwise have been but for such deemed delay. In the case of Financial Instruments which are exercisable on one day only or only during an exercise period and are not expressed to be automatically exercised, any exercise notice, if not delivered by the latest time specified in the terms and conditions of the relevant Financial Instruments, shall be void. The failure to deliver any certifications required by the terms and conditions of an issue of Financial Instruments could result in the loss or inability to receive amounts or deliveries otherwise due under such Financial Instruments. Prospective purchasers should review the terms and conditions of the relevant Financial Instruments to ascertain whether and how such provisions apply to such Financial Instruments. Financial Instruments not exercised in accordance with their terms and conditions will expire worthless. Prospective purchasers should review the terms and conditions of the relevant Financial Instruments to ascertain whether such Financial Instruments are subject to automatic exercise, and when and how an exercise notice may be validly delivered. Where Financial Instruments are to be exercised and settled by a cash payment, then, upon their exercise, there may be a time lag between the time exercise occurs and the time the applicable cash amount relating to such exercise is determined. Any such delay between the time of exercise and the determination of the cash amount will be specified in the terms and conditions of the relevant Financial Instruments. However, such delay could be significantly longer, particularly in the case of a delay in exercise of such cash settled Financial Instruments arising from any daily maximum exercise limitations or upon the determination by the calculation agent that a market disruption has occurred at any relevant time. The applicable cash amount could decrease or increase from what it would have been but for such delay. Prospective purchasers should review the terms and conditions of the relevant Financial Instruments to ascertain whether and how such provisions apply to such Financial Instruments. Financial Instruments may be linked to the prices of commodities contracts and derivative instruments, including futures and options which are highly volatile. Price movements of forward contracts, futures contracts, and other derivative contracts to which a Financial Instrument may be linked are influenced by, among other things, interest rates, changing supply and demand relationships, trade, fiscal, monetary and exchange control programmes and policies of governments, and national and international political and economic events and policies. In addition, governments from time to time intervene, directly or indirectly and by regulation in certain markets, particularly those in currencies and interest rate related futures and options. Such intervention often is intended directly to influence prices and may, together with other factors, cause all of such markets to move rapidly in the same direction because of, among other things, interest rate fluctuations. Any such intervention may have an adverse affect on the value of certain Financial Instruments. Before an investor purchases any Financial Instrument, it should obtain details of all commissions and other charges for which you will be liable. If any charges are not expressed in money terms (but, for example, as percentage of contract value), it should obtain a clear and written explanation, including appropriate examples, to establish what such charges are likely to mean in specific money terms. In the case of futures, when commission is charged as a percentage, it will normally be as a percentage of the total contract value, and not simply as a percentage of any initial payment. Different Financial Instruments involve different levels of exposure to risk and in deciding whether to trade in or purchase any Financial Instruments, potential investors should take note of the following. An investment in any Financial Instruments involves risks. These risks may include, among others, equity market, bond market, foreign exchange, interest rate, market volatility and economic, political and regulatory risks and any combination of these and other risks. Some of these risks are briefly discussed below. Prospective purchasers should be experienced with respect to transactions in instruments such as the relevant Financial Instruments and in the Underlying relating to such Financial Instruments. Prospective purchasers should understand the risks associated with an investment in the relevant Financial Instruments and should only reach an investment decision after careful consideration, with their legal, tax, accounting and other advisers, of (a) the suitability of an investment in the relevant Financial Instruments in the light of their own particular financial, tax and other circumstances, (b) the information set out in the offering document relating to the relevant Financial Instruments and (c) the relevant Underlying. Financial Instruments may decline in value and, where Financial Instruments are capital protected, investors should note that, whatever their investment in such Financial Instruments, the cash amount due at maturity will never be less than a specified minimum cash amount. An investment in any Financial Instrument should only be made after assessing the direction, timing and magnitude of potential future changes in the value of the relevant Underlying and/or in the composition and/or the method of calculation of the relevant Underlying, as the return of any such investment will be dependent, inter alia, upon such changes. An investor in a Financial Instrument must generally be correct about the direction, timing and magnitude of an anticipated change in the value of the relevant Underlying. More than one risk factor may have simultaneous effect with regard to a Financial Instrument such that the effect of a particular risk factor may not be predictable. In addition, more than one risk factor may have a compounding effect which may not be predictable. No assurance can be given as to the effect that any combination of risk factors may have on the value of a Financial Instrument. Financial Instruments linked to an Underlying represent an investment linked to the economic performance of the relevant Underlying and prospective investors should note that the return (if any) on their investment in such Financial Instruments will depend upon the performance of such Underlying. Potential investors should also note that whilst the market value of such Financial Instruments is linked to such Underlying and will be influenced (positively or negatively) by such Underlying, any change may not be comparable and may be disproportionate. It is impossible to predict how the level of the relevant Underlying will vary over time. In contrast to a direct investment in the relevant Underlying, such Financial Instruments represent the right to receive payment or delivery, as the case may be, of the relevant amount(s) on the specified or determinable date(s) in respect of such Financial Instruments which may include periodic payments of interest (if specified in the terms and conditions for such Financial Instruments), all or some of which may be determined by reference to the performance of the relevant Underlying. The applicable terms and conditions will set out the provisions for the determination of the amount(s) payable or deliverable, as the case may be, on the specified or determinable date(s) in respect of the relevant Financial Instruments including any periodic interest payments. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS IN FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS LINKED TO AN UNDERLYING MUST REVIEW THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE RELEVANT FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS TO ASCERTAIN WHAT THE RELEVANT UNDERLYING IS AND TO SEE HOW BOTH ANY AMOUNTS PAYABLE OR DELIVERABLE, AS THE CASE MAY BE, ARE DETERMINED AND WHEN ANY SUCH AMOUNT(S) ARE PAYABLE AND/OR DELIVERABLE, AS THE CASE MAY BE, BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISION TO PURCHASE SUCH FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS. The only return on Financial Instruments may be the potential payment or delivery, as the case may be, of the amounts payable on exercise or redemption or otherwise due and payment of any periodic interest payments and prospective purchasers should review the terms and conditions of the relevant Financial Instruments to ascertain what amount(s) is/are payable and/or deliverable, what circumstances and when. Deutsche Bank or the relevant Third Party, as the case may be, may issue several issues of Financial Instruments relating to the same Underlying. However, no assurance can be given that Deutsche Bank or the relevant Third Party, as the case may be, will issue more than one issue of Financial Instruments linked to such Underlying. At any given time, the number of Financial Instruments outstanding may be substantial. Financial Instruments may be linked to, inter alia, equity securities, indices, currencies, the credit of specified entities, derivatives, commodities and/or commodity futures, private equity or illiquid assets and real estate, low credit quality securities, distressed securities, investments in emerging or developing markets and/or fund shares including hedge funds. Financial Instruments Linked to Equity Securities
In respect of Financial Instruments linked to an equity security or basket of equity securities, on the specified or determinable date(s) in respect of such Financial Instruments, investors may receive either physical delivery of a given number of the relevant equity securities and/or payment of an amount determined by reference to the value of the relevant equity securities on a given date or dates as compared to another date or dates. Accordingly, an investment in such Financial Instruments may bear similar market risks to a direct investment in the relevant equity securities and investors should take advice accordingly. Interest (if any) payable on such Financial Instruments may be calculated by reference to the value of one or more equity securities on a given date or dates as compared to another date or dates or by reference to any dividends paid in respect of any such equity securities. In relation to such Financial Instruments, no issuer of the relevant equity securities will have participated in the preparation of any offering document relating to the relevant Financial Instruments or the terms and conditions of the relevant Financial Instruments and Deutsche Bank will not make any investigation or enquiry with respect to the information concerning any such issuer contained therein or in the documents from which such information was extracted. Consequently, there can be no assurance that all events occurring prior to the issue date of the relevant Financial Instruments (including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of any publicly available documents used by Deutsche Bank in the preparation of any offering document relating to the relevant Financial Instruments) that would affect the trading price of the relevant equity securities will have been publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning the issuer of such equity securities could affect the trading price of such equity securities and therefore the trading price or value of such Financial Instruments. Except as otherwise provided in the terms and conditions of such Financial Instruments, holders of such Financial Instruments will not have voting rights or rights to receive dividends or distributions or any other rights with respect to the relevant equity securities to which such Financial Instruments relate. Financial Instruments linked to Indices
In respect of Financial Instruments linked to an index or basket of indices, on the specified or determinable date(s) in respect of such Financial Instruments, investors may receive payment of an amount determined by reference to the value of the relevant index or indices on a given date or dates as compared to another date or dates and/or physical delivery of assets linked to the relevant index or indices. Interest (if any) payable on such Financial Instruments may be calculated by reference to the value of one or more of the relevant indices on a given date or dates as compared to another date or dates. Financial Instruments linked to Currencies
In respect of Financial Instruments linked to one or more currencies, on the specified or determinable date(s) in respect of such Financial Instruments, investors may receive payment of an amount determined by reference to the value of the relevant currencies on a given date or dates as compared to another date or dates. Interest (if any) payable on such Financial Instruments may be calculated by reference to the value of one or more of the relevant currencies on a given date or dates as compared to another date or dates. In the course of day to day foreign exchange trading, Deutsche Bank and/or its affiliates and/or any third party may enter into transactions which may affect currency exchange rates. This in turn may affect the value of Financial Instruments linked to the relevant currencies and may trigger certain provisions of such Financial Instruments. Fluctuations in exchange rates of the relevant currency (or one or more of the currencies in a basket of currencies) will affect the value of Financial Instruments linked to such currency or currencies. Furthermore, investors who intend to convert gains or losses from the receipt of monies from or sale of such Financial Instruments into their home currency may be affected by fluctuations in exchange rates between their home currency and the relevant currency (or one or more of the currencies in a basket of currencies). Currency values may be affected by complex political and economic factors, including governmental action to fix or support the value of a currency (or one or more of the currencies in a basket of currencies), regardless of other market forces. Purchasers of Financial Instruments linked to a currency or currencies risk losing their entire investment if exchange rates of the relevant currency (or one or more of the currencies in a basket of currencies) do not move in the anticipated direction. If additional Financial Instruments or options relating to particular currencies or particular currency indices are subsequently issued, the supply of Financial Instruments and options relating to such currencies or currency indices, as applicable, in the market will increase, which could cause the price at which such Financial Instruments are traded in the secondary market to decline significantly. Financial Instruments linked to the Credit of Specified Entities
Financial Instruments may be linked to the credit of one or more specified entities and in the event of the occurrence of certain circumstances specified in the terms and conditions of such Financial Instruments , Deutsche Bank's or, as the case may be, the relevant Third Party's obligation to pay amounts under such Financial Instruments may be replaced by an obligation to pay other amounts calculated by reference to the value of obligations relating to one or more of such specified entities and/or to deliver any such obligations. In addition, such Financial Instruments which are interest bearing may cease to bear interest on or prior to the date of occurrence of any such circumstance. Financial Instruments linked to Derivatives
Financial Instruments may be issued or otherwise entered into, the return on which is linked to derivative instruments (which may be complex) which seek to modify or replicate the investment performance of particular securities, commodities, currencies, interest rates, indices or markets on a leveraged or unleveraged basis. The Underlying in respect of such Financial Instruments generally has counterparty risk and may not perform in the manner expected, thereby resulting in greater loss or gain in value. Such Financial Instruments are subject to risks that can result in a loss of all or part of the value of the Underlying and thus adversely affect the value of the Financial Instruments. Such risks can include interest rate and credit risk, volatility, world and local market price and demand, and general economic factors and activity. The Underlying may be a derivative which may also have very high leverage embedded in it that can substantially magnify market movements, meaning that losses could in some cases exceed the value of the relevant derivative instrument and thus result in a total loss. Some of the markets for derivative instruments are "over-the-counter" or "interdealer" markets, which may be illiquid and are sometimes subject to larger spreads between the bid and offer prices than exchange-traded derivative instruments. The participants in such markets are typically not subject to credit evaluation and regulatory oversight, which would be the case with members of "exchange-based" markets. This exposes investors in Financial Instruments linked to any such derivatives to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because the counterparty has a credit or liquidity problem or because the counterparty defaults for some other reason. Delays in settlement may also result from disputes over the terms of the relevant derivative contract (whether or not bona fide) since such markets may lack the established rules and procedures for swift settlement of disputes among market participants found in "exchange-based" markets. These factors may cause the value of a Financial Instrument to decrease. Such "counterparty risk" is present in all "over-the-counter" or bilateral swaps, and is accentuated in contracts with longer maturities where unforeseen events may intervene to prevent settlement. The valuation of over-the-counter derivative transactions is also subject to greater uncertainty and variation than that of exchange-traded derivatives and valuations provided by one party may differ from valuations provided by a third party or the value upon liquidation of the relevant transaction. Under certain circumstances, it may not be possible to obtain market quotations for the value of an over-the-counter derivatives transaction. Financial Instruments linked to Commodities and/or Commodity Futures
In respect of Financial Instruments linked to a commodity or basket of commodities or commodity futures, on the specified or determinable date(s) in respect of such Financial Instruments, investors may receive payment of an amount determined by reference to the value of the relevant commodities or futures contracts on a given date or dates as compared to another date or dates. Interest (if any) payable on such Financial Instruments may be calculated by reference to the value of one or more commodities on a given date or dated as compared to another date or dates or by reference to one or more commodity futures contracts. Investors should note that the movements in the price of the commodity or basket of commodities may be subject to significant fluctuations that may not correlate with changes in interest rates, currencies or other indices and the timing of changes in the relevant price of the commodity or commodities may affect the actual yield to investors, even if the average level is consistent with their expectations. In general, the earlier the change in the price or prices of the commodities, the greater the effect on yield. Commodity futures markets are highly volatile. Commodity markets are influenced by, among other things, changing supply and demand relationships, weather, governmental, agricultural, commercial and trade programmes and policies designed to influence commodity prices, world political and economic events, and changes in interest rates. Moreover, investments in futures and options contracts involve additional risks including, without limitation, leverage (margin is usually a percentage of the face value of the contract and exposure can be nearly unlimited). A holder of a futures position may find such positions become illiquid because certain commodity exchanges limit fluctuations in certain futures contract prices during a single day by regulations referred to as "daily price fluctuation limits" or "daily limits". Under such daily limits, during a single trading day no trades may be executed at prices beyond the daily limits. Once the price of a contract for a particular future has increased or decreased by an amount equal to the daily limit, positions in the future can neither be taken nor liquidated unless traders are willing to effect trades at or within the limit. This could prevent a holder from promptly liquidating unfavourable positions and subject it to substantial losses. Futures contract prices in various commodities occasionally have exceeded the daily limit for several consecutive days with little or no trading. Similar occurrences could prevent the liquidation of unfavourable positions and subject an investor in a Financial Instrument linked to such contract prices to substantial losses. The market price of such Financial Instruments may be volatile and may depend on the time remaining to exercise or redemption and the volatility of the price of the commodity or commodities. The price of the commodity or commodities may be affected by economic, financial and political events in one or more jurisdictions, including factors affecting the exchange(s) or quotation system(s) on which any such commodities may be traded. Financial Instruments linked to private equity or illiquid assets
Financial Instruments may be linked to an Underlying which is subject to legal or other restrictions on transfer or for which no liquid market exists, such as equity securities in private companies. The market prices, if any, of such equity securities tend to be more volatile and it may be impossible to sell such equity securities when desired or to realise their fair value in the event of a sale. Such equity securities may neither be listed on a stock exchange nor traded in an over-the-counter market. As a result of the absence of a public trading market for these equity securities, they are likely to be less liquid than publicly traded equity securities. There may be substantial delays in attempting to sell non-publicly traded equity securities. Although these equity securities may be sold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realised from these sales could be less than those originally paid. Furthermore, companies whose equity securities are not registered or publicly traded are not subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements which would be applicable if their equity securities were registered or publicly traded. In addition, an exchange or regulatory authority may suspend trading in a particular contract, order immediate liquidation and settlement of a particular contract, or order that trading in a particular contract be conducted for liquidation only. The illiquidity of positions may result in significant unanticipated losses and thus investors in Financial Instruments linked thereto may also suffer significant unanticipated losses. Financial Instruments linked to low credit quality securities
Financial Instruments may be linked to particularly risky investments that also may offer the potential for correspondingly high returns. As a result, there is a significant risk that an investor in such Financial Instrument may lose all or substantially all of its investment. The Underlying relating to such Financial Instruments may be rated lower than investment grade and hence may be considered to be "junk bonds" or distressed securities (see also "Financial Instruments linked to distressed securities" below). Financial Instruments linked to distressed securities
Financial Instruments may be linked to the securities of issuers in weak financial condition, experiencing poor operating results, having substantial capital needs or negative net worth, facing special competitive or product obsolescence problems, or that are involved in bankruptcy or reorganisation proceedings. Such Financial Instruments may involve substantial risks that can result in substantial or even total losses of the amount invested in such Financial Instruments. Among the risks inherent in Financial Instruments linked to such investments is that it frequently may be difficult to obtain information as to the true condition of the issuer of the relevant Underlying; the value of the relevant Underlying may be adversely affected by laws relating to, among other things, fraudulent transfers and other voidable transfers or payments, lender liability and a court's power to disallow, reduce, subordinate or disenfranchise particular claims; the market price of the relevant Underlying may be subject to abrupt and erratic market movements and above-average price volatility, and the spread between the bid and offer prices of the relevant Underlying may be greater than those prevailing in other securities markets; it may take a number of years for the market price of the relevant Underlying to reflect its intrinsic value; in a corporate reorganisation, it may not be possible to effect the reorganisation (due to, for example, failure to obtain requisite approvals); and in a liquidation (both in and out of bankruptcy) and a reorganisation there exists the risk that the liquidation or reorganisation will be delayed (for example, until various liabilities, actual or contingent, have been satisfied) or will result in a distribution of cash or a new security the value of which will be less than the purchase price of the relevant Underlying. Financial Instruments linked to Investments in emerging or developing markets
Financial Instruments may be linked to securities of issuers that are not located in, or subject to regulation in, developed countries or securities which are not denominated in the currency of, or are not traded in, developed countries. Investment in such Financial Instruments involve certain special risks, including risks associated with political and economic uncertainty, adverse governmental policies, restrictions on foreign investment and currency convertibility, currency exchange rate fluctuations, possible lower levels of disclosure and regulation, and uncertainties as to the status, interpretation and application of laws, including, but not limited to, those relating to expropriation, nationalisation and confiscation. Companies not located in developed countries are also not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, and auditing practices and requirements may not be comparable to those applicable to companies in developed countries. Further, securities not traded in developed countries tend to be less liquid and the prices of such securities more volatile. In addition, settlement of trades in some such markets may be much slower and more subject to failure than in markets in developed countries. Increased custodian costs as well as administrative difficulties (such as the applicability of the laws of the jurisdictions of emerging or developing countries to custodians in such jurisdictions in various circumstances, including bankruptcy, ability to recover lost assets, expropriation, nationalisation and record access) may also arise from the maintenance of assets in such emerging or developing countries. Financial Instruments linked to fund shares including hedge funds
Where the Underlying is or relates to one or more funds the relevant Financial Instruments reflect the performance of such funds, which may be "hedge funds". A hedge fund may trade and invest in a broad range of investment interests such as debt and equity securities, commodities and foreign exchange and may enter into derivative transactions, including, without limitation, futures and options. A hedge fund may often be illiquid and may only be traded on a monthly, quarterly or even less frequent basis. For all these reasons and those described below, investing directly or indirectly in hedge funds is generally considered to be risky. If the Underlying is a hedge fund which does not perform sufficiently, its value will fall, possibly to zero. The hedge fund(s) reflected in the relevant Underlying from time to time and its/their hedge fund trading advisors, as well as the markets and instruments in which they invest, are often not subject to review by governmental authorities, self-regulatory organisations or other supervisory authorities. The following is a non-exhaustive list of the risks associated with investing in hedge funds: (a) Investment Manager An investment manager may receive performance related fees, which may be substantial. The manner of calculating such fees may create an incentive for the investment manager to make investments that are riskier or more speculative than would be the case if such fees were not paid to the investment manager. In addition, since the performance fees may be calculated on a basis that includes both unrealised and realised gains on the relevant hedge fund's assets, such fees may be greater than if they were based solely on realised gains. If a hedge fund does not perform or does not perform sufficiently to cover the fees, the value of the relevant hedge fund will fall and may fall to zero. (b) Lack of segregation of assets (c) Hedging risks (d) Leverage (e) Risks associated with the use of margin borrowings (f) Low credit quality and distressed securities (g) Derivatives Hedge funds may also buy or sell options on a variety of underlying assets. The risk of writing (selling) options is unlimited in that the writer of the option must purchase (in the case of a put) or sell (in the case of a call) the underlying security at a certain price upon exercise. There is no limit on the price a hedge fund may have to pay to meet its obligations as an option writer. As assets that can have no value at settlement, options can introduce a significant additional element of leverage and risk to a hedge fund's market exposure. The use of certain options strategies can subject a hedge fund to investment losses that are significant even in the context of positions for which the relevant investment manager has correctly anticipated the direction of market prices or price relationships. (h) Special risks associated with trading in over-the-counter derivatives (i) Illiquid investments (j) Legal and regulatory risks (k) Short-selling (l) Commodities and Commodity futures (m) Hedge fund compensation (n) "Soft Dollar" payments (o) Special risks associated with trading in forward contracts (p) Concentration of investments (q) Turnover (r) Operational and human error (s) Reliability of valuations (t) Investment strategies Financial Instruments may be linked to or be futures or options or issued as "over the counter" or bilateral contracts for which there is no trading market. Financial Instruments linked to or which are Futures
Transactions in futures involve the obligation to make, or to take, delivery of the underlying asset of the contract at a future date, or in some cases to settle the position with cash. They carry a high degree of risk. The ‘gearing’ or ‘leverage’ often obtainable in futures trading means that a small movement can lead to a proportionately much larger movement in the value of the investment, and this can work against an investor as well as for it. Futures transactions have a contingent liability, and investors should be aware of the implications of this, in particular any margining requirements. Margined transactions require the purchaser to make a series of payments against the purchase price, instead of paying the whole purchase price immediately. If an investor trades in contracts for differences or sell options, it may sustain a total loss of the margin it deposits to establish or maintain a position. If the market moves against an investor, it may be called upon to pay substantial additional margin at short notice to maintain the position. If it fails to do so within the time required, its position may be liquidated at a loss and it will be responsible for the resulting deficit. Even if a transaction is not margined, it may still carry an obligation to make further payments in certain circumstances over and above any amount paid when it entered the contract. Financial Instruments linked to or which are Options
Financial Instruments may be lined to options with different characteristics subject to the following conditions. Buying options: Writing options: Financial Instruments linked to or which are Contracts for Differences
Futures and options contracts can also be referred to as contracts for differences. These can be options and futures on any index, as well as currency and interest rate swaps. However, unlike other futures and options, these contracts can only be settled in cash. Investment in a contract for differences carries the same risks as investing in a future or an option and you should be aware of these as set out above. Financial Instruments linked to or which are Off-exchange transactions in derivatives
While some off-exchange markets are highly liquid, transactions in off-exchange or "non-transferable" derivatives may involve greater risk than investing in on-exchange derivatives because there is no exchange market on which to close out an open position. It may be impossible to liquidate an existing position, to assess the value of the position arising from an off-exchange transaction or to assess the exposure to risk. Bid prices and offer prices need not be quoted, and, even where they are, they will be established by dealers in these instruments and consequently it may be difficult to establish what is a fair price. An investment in any Financial Instrument involves risk regarding the value of the relevant Underlying or the basket constituents comprising the relevant Underlying. The value of the relevant Underlying or the relevant basket constituents may vary over time and may increase or decrease by reference to a variety of factors which may include corporate actions, macroeconomic factors and speculation. The historical value (if any) of the relevant Underlying or the basket constituents comprising the relevant Underlying does not indicate its or their future performance. Changes in the value of the relevant Underlying or one or more of the relevant basket constituents, as applicable, will affect the trading price of the relevant Financial Instruments. The basis of calculating the level of the relevant Underlying or any basket constituent may from time to time be subject to change (as described in the offering documents relating to the issue of the relevant Financial Instruments) which may affect the market value of the relevant Financial Instruments at any time and therefore any amount payable or deliverable on settlement. The value of the relevant Underlying will affect the value of the relevant Financial Instruments. Where the relevant Underlying is a basket, the value of such Underlying on any day will reflect the value of the relevant basket constituents on such day. Changes in the composition of the relevant Underlying and factors (including those described herein) which either affect or may affect the value of the relevant Underlying or any relevant basket constituents will affect the value of the relevant Financial Instruments. Where the value of the Underlying or any basket constituents is determined in a different currency to the settlement currency of the relevant Financial Instruments, investors may be exposed to exchange rate risk. Prospective investors should be aware that an investment in Financial Instruments may involve exchange rate risks. For example, the settlement currency of the relevant Financial Instruments may be different from the currency of an investor's home jurisdiction or the currency in which an investor wishes to receive funds. Exchange rates between currencies are determined by factors of supply and demand in the international currency markets which are influenced by macroeconomic factors, speculation and central bank and government intervention or other political factors (including the imposition of currency controls and restrictions). Fluctuations in exchange rates may affect the value of Financial Instruments and any amounts payable in respect of Financial Instruments. An investment in Financial Instruments may involve interest rate risk where there are fluctuations in the interest rates payable on deposits in the settlement currency of the relevant Financial Instruments. This may influence the market value of such Financial Instruments. Interest rates are determined by factors of supply and demand in the international money markets which are influenced by macroeconomic factors, speculation and central bank and government intervention or other political factors. Fluctuations in short term and/or long term interest rates may affect the value of Financial Instruments. Where an Underlying or a basket constituent is a fixed income security, the value of the Financial Instruments relating to such Underlying or such basket constituent is expected to be particularly affected by interest rate fluctuations. The market value of Financial Instruments during their term depends primarily on the value and the volatility of the relevant Underlying or the relevant basket constituents and the level of interest rates for instruments of comparable maturities. The level of market volatility is not purely a measurement of the actual volatility, but is largely determined by the prices for instruments which offer investors protection against such market volatility. The prices of these instruments are determined by forces of supply and demand in the options and derivative markets generally. These forces are, themselves, affected by factors such as actual market volatility, expected volatility, macroeconomic factors and speculation. Interest rate changes generally have the same impact on the value of Financial Instruments as for fixed rate debt securities. Rising interest rates will under normal conditions result in a lower, falling interest rates in a higher, value of the relevant Financial Instruments. If Financial Instruments are capital protected, the value of such Financial Instruments during their term will under normal market conditions not fall below the value of a zero coupon bond with comparable maturity. Certain risks apply to purchasers that acquire Financial Instruments for hedging purposes. Prospective purchasers intending to purchase Financial Instruments for the purpose of hedging their exposure to an Underlying or any basket constituents should recognise the risks of utilising Financial Instruments in such manner. No assurance is or can be given that the value of Financial Instruments will correlate with movements in the value of an Underlying or any basket constituents and the composition of the relevant Underlying or any relevant basket constituents may change over time. Furthermore, it may not be possible to liquidate Financial Instruments at a price which directly reflects the value of the relevant Underlying or any relevant basket constituents. Therefore, there can be no assurance as to the level of any correlation between the return on an investment in an issue of Financial Instruments and the return on a direct investment in the relevant Underlying or any relevant basket constituents. Hedging transactions in order to limit the risks associated with Financial Instruments might not be successful Financial Instruments which are bilateral contracts or "bespoke over-the-counter contracts" may have no secondary market therefore may not be tradeable. It is not possible to predict if and to what extent a secondary market may develop in any Financial Instruments or at what price Financial Instruments will trade in the secondary market or whether such market will be liquid or illiquid. Application may be made to list or quote or admit to trading Financial Instruments on a stock exchange(s) or quotation system(s) as so indicated in the offering documents relating to an issue of Financial Instruments. If an issue of Financial Instruments is so listed or quoted or admitted to trading, no assurance is given by Deutsche Bank that any such listing or quotation or admission to trading will be maintained. The fact that Financial Instruments may be so listed or quoted or admitted to trading does not necessarily lead to greater liquidity than if they were not so listed or quoted or admitted to trading. If Financial Instruments are not listed or quoted or admitted to trading on any stock exchange or quotation system, pricing information for such Financial Instruments may be more difficult to obtain and the liquidity of such Financial Instruments may be adversely affected. The liquidity of Financial Instruments may also be affected by restrictions on offers and sales of Financial Instruments in some jurisdictions. Deutsche Bank may, but is not obliged to, at any time purchase Financial Instruments at any price in the open market or by tender or private agreement. Any Financial Instruments so purchased may be held or resold or surrendered for cancellation. Since Deutsche Bank may be the only market-maker in the relevant Financial Instruments, the secondary market may be limited. The more limited the secondary market is, the more difficult it may be for holders of such Financial Instruments to realise value for such Financial Instruments prior to settlement of such Financial Instruments. In relation to Deutsche Bank acting as market-maker, see "6. Market-Making for Financial Instruments" in "E. Conflicts of Interest" below. Deutsche Bank and/or its affiliates may from time to time engage in transactions involving an asset comprising an Underlying for its/their proprietary accounts and/or for accounts under its/their management. Such transactions may have a positive or negative effect on the value of the relevant Underlying and consequently upon the value of the relevant Financial Instruments. As used in this section "Conflicts of Interest", references to an Underlying shall be deemed to include any of its constituents, if applicable. Deutsche Bank and/or its affiliates may from time to time act in other capacities with regard to Financial Instruments, such as calculation agent, agent and/or index sponsor. Such functions can allow Deutsche Bank to determine the composition of an Underlying or to calculate its value, which could raise conflicts of interest where securities or other assets issued by Deutsche Bank itself and/or any of its affiliates can be chosen to be part of the relevant Underlying, or where Deutsche Bank maintains a business relationship with the issuer of such securities or assets. Deutsche Bank and/or its affiliates may issue other derivative instruments in respect of an Underlying and the introduction of such competing products into the marketplace may affect the value of other Financial Instruments linked to the same Underlying. Deutsche Bank may use all or some of the proceeds received from the sale of Financial Instruments to enter into hedging transactions. Deutsche Bank believes that such hedging activity will under normal circumstances not have a material impact on the value of the relevant Financial Instruments. However, it cannot be assured that Deutsche Bank's hedging activities will not affect such value. The value of Financial Instruments might in particular be affected by the liquidation of all or a portion of the relevant hedging positions (a) at or about the time of the maturity or expiration of such Financial Instruments or (b), if such Financial Instruments provide for a knock-out, knock-in or a similar feature, at the time when the price or value of the relevant Underlying approaches the relevant price or level for the knock-out, knock-in or other feature. The issue price charged for Financial Instruments can, in addition to loading charges, management or other fees charged, comprise a premium on the original mathematical ("fair") value of the relevant Financial Instruments which is not visible to investors. Such premium is determined by Deutsche Bank in its discretion and can differ from premiums charged by other issuers for comparable securities. Deutsche Bank, or an agent on its behalf, may act as market-maker for Financial Instruments. In such market-making, Deutsche Bank or its agent will, to a large extent, determine the price of the relevant Financial Instruments itself. The prices quoted by such market-maker will usually not correspond to the prices which would have prevailed without such market-making and in a liquid market. Circumstances taken into account by the market-maker when setting the quoted bid-offer prices in the secondary market notably include Financial Instruments' fair value, which, among other things, depends on the value of the relevant Underlying, as well as a certain bid-offer spread targeted by the market-maker. The market-maker will in addition regularly take into account a loading charge originally raised for the relevant Financial Instruments and any fees or costs which at maturity of the relevant Financial Instruments are to be subtracted from any amount payable or deliverable (including management, transaction or other fees charged on the basis of the terms and conditions relating to the relevant Financial Instruments). Furthermore, the prices quoted in the secondary market will be influenced, for example, by a premium on the relevant Securities' original value contained in their issue price (see paragraph 5. above), and, where relevant, by dividends paid or received by the relevant Underlying or other proceeds which, due to the relevant Securities' structure, are economically attributable to Deutsche Bank. The bid-offer spread for Financial Instruments will be set by the market-maker based on supply and demand for the relevant Financial Instruments and certain revenue considerations. Certain costs, like for example management fees charged on the basis of the terms and conditions of the relevant Financial Instruments, are in many cases not taken out of the quoted prices on a consistent basis over the term of the relevant Financial Instruments, but are subtracted in their entirety from the relevant Financial Instruments' fair value at an earlier point in time, as determined by the market-maker in its discretion. The same applies for a premium contained in the issue price and, where relevant, for dividends and other proceeds of the relevant Underlying which are economically attributable to Deutsche Bank, often are not subtracted when the relevant Underlying, or its constituents, are traded "ex dividend", but which are subtracted at an early stage of the term of the relevant Financial Instruments' based on expected dividends for the entire term or a certain time span. The rate at which and when such costs are subtracted depends, inter alia, on the net flow back of Financial Instruments to the market-maker. Subsequently, the prices quoted by the market-maker can substantially differ from the fair value of the relevant Financial Instruments, or the value to be expected economically on the basis of the factors mentioned above, at the relevant time. In addition, the market-maker can at any time alter the methodology used to set the quoted prices, e. g. increase or decrease the bid-offer spread. Deutsche Bank may, in certain cases, act as a market-maker for an Underlying, which might in particular be the case when Deutsche Bank has also issued the relevant Underlying. By such market-making, Deutsche Bank will itself, to a large extent, determine the price of the relevant Underlying, and consequently influence the value of Financial Instruments linked to such Underlying. The prices quoted by Deutsche Bank in its market-making function will not always correspond to the prices which would have prevailed without such market-making and in a liquid market. Deutsche Bank and/or its affiliates may also act as underwriter in connection with future offerings of an Underlying or may act as financial adviser to the issuer of an Underlying or in a commercial banking capacity for the issuer of an Underlying. Such activities could present certain conflicts of interest and may affect the value of Financial Instruments linked to such Underlying. Deutsche Bank and/or its affiliates may acquire non-public information with respect to an Underlying, and neither Deutsche Bank nor any of its affiliates undertakes to disclose any such information to any holder of Financial Instruments. In addition, one or more of Deutsche Bank's affiliates may publish research reports with respect to an Underlying. Such activities could present conflicts of interest and may affect the value of Financial Instruments. The price of certain Financial Instruments may be influenced by measures taken to stabilise the price of such Financial Instruments. Stabilisation enables the market price of a security to be maintained artificially during the period when a new issue of securities is sold to the public. Stabilisation may affect not only the price of the new issue but also the price of other securities relating to it. Local regulators may allow stabilisation in order to help counter the fact that, when a new issue comes into the market for the first time, the price may sometimes drop for a time before buyers are found. |
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