FAQs

Assistance on our services

How do I exercise my option?

Online

NatWest Stockbrokers Online Share Option Dealing Facility

If your company uses our online facility, you can exercise your option / award online. You need to log on to the online facility by visiting www.nwsshareoptions.com or by the Corporate Log In, which is located at the top right of the page once you click on the Corporate tab.

If you have not used this facility before, you will require a Corporate ID Number, which is available by contacting the company that has granted you the option / award.

Once registered, you can submit your instruction online. We will validate your option / award to confirm your eligibility and whether any tax deductions are required. Once confirmation is received, we will proceed with the exercise of your option and sale of the resulting shares as per your instruction.

Paper

Fax your instruction to +44 20 7649 9267; or
Post your instruction to NatWest Stockbrokers, Corporate & Employee Services, Premier Place, 2 1/2 Devonshire Square, London EC2M 4BA, England

Once submitted/received, we will validate your option to confirm your eligibility and after validation, we will proceed with the exercise of your option.

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How do I sell my option shares?

When you submit your instruction as detailed in "How do I exercise my option?"(this can be found either online once registered or in the paper brochure), the selling instructions are contained within this exercise instruction. Once we obtain the validation on your eligibility to exercise the option, we will sell the shares in the market in line with your submitted instructions.

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How many shares can I sell?

It is your decision on how many shares to sell but sufficient shares have to be immediately sold to cover any loan, tax and/or National Insurance/social security, all where applicable, plus costs.

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Can I place a price limit?

Yes. When we receive your instruction, we will not sell your resulting shares from the exercise of your option below this price limit. A sale at your price limit is subject to the market conditions at the time. Please note that your option will not be exercised until your price limit is achievable.

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Can I amend my instruction once I have submitted it?

You can not amend your instruction online. If you wish to amend your instruction, please contact us by one of the methods in the "Contact Us" link at the top of the website. Please note that it may not be possible to amend your instruction if we have already begun to action your instruction.

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How do I receive confirmation my shares have been sold?

Once your option has been exercised and your shares have been sold, we will send a contract note and transaction letter to you by post.

Online users will also have an email sent to them confirming that their transaction has been executed. You are then able to log in to your account and view the full details of your transaction.

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How do I gift shares to my spouse/civil partner?

You can gift shares to your spouse/civil partner as part of the application process before submitting your instruction to exercise your option either online or by post.

Please note that this will only be possible online if your spouse/civil partner has also registered with us and you have the full authority of your spouse/civil partner for this transfer and sale of shares to take place in their name.

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Will you sell my shares below my option price?

No. There has to be sufficient profit in the option (usually the share price has to be at least 105% of the option grant price).

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How much tax and National Insurance/social security will you deduct?

We will deduct any tax and/or National Insurance/social security from your net sale proceeds and pay this directly to the company that has granted your option, who will forward these funds to the relevant tax authority. The amount deducted will be based on the rates advised to us by the company in which the options have been granted, which will vary depending on which jurisdiction you are located. We do NOT deduct any capital gains tax which might be created in some circumstances.

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Can I exercise my Sharesave through NatWest Stockbrokers?

No, your Sharesave has to be exercised through the company appointed Savings Carrier. However, we can liaise with the Savings Carrier to sell your shares once they have matured.

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Do I have to send you my original option certificate(s)?

Generally this is not necessary but we will advise you if your company requires the original option certificate(s).

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How much do you charge?

Our charges are set out online on the page before your submit your instruction to exercise your option or in the paper brochure. Alternatively, please contact us by one of the methods in the "Contact Us" link at the top of the website for the latest tariff.

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How can I exercise my option without selling any shares?

You will need to fund the cost of the option and any applicable tax and National Insurance/social security from your own funds. In order to do this, contact your company or appointed company administrator.

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Can you pay the proceeds to someone other than me at my request?

No. Any remittance can only be sent to you or to a joint account where you are one of the parties.

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Can you pay the proceeds overseas?

Yes, we can send proceeds overseas, subject to a cost and to certain jurisdictions only.

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When will I get paid?

We will send the fund to credit your account on the settlement date. UK banks will normally receive the funds on the settlement date, overseas banks may take longer to receive and credit your account.

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