Capital markets, the financial markets for the trading of securities and debts, are important and popular long-term investment routes. With a sound understanding of capital markets and the financial strategies used within, an investor of any size can make profound strides. Individuals, small companies, family businesses and even banks can benefit from well-structured and researched capital investments. The key is to enlist the advice of a suitable expert and make your first investment one of experience.

The advice of a capital market expert is essential in forming and implementing a sound financial strategy. They can fully appreciate the impact of capital issues on the balance sheet and structure investments around types of capital, such as equity capital risked in the purchase of shares and mezzanine capital kept senior to common shares. Taking any action with such assets is a risk and must be done with care and forethought.

The value of a financial expert with a background in business directorship and financial strategy is immediately apparent. Not only must capital investments be made with an appropriate and detailed strategy, but they must also meet several legal requirements. Compliance with regulations is vital when considering any such move, from general adherence to banking supervision laws to adept prospectus writing. When dealing with equity capital, you’re essentially trading the contents of the company’s coffers, so having a third party to analyse risk with an outside perspective is essential.

Capital markets differ from money markets in that they’re better suited to raising long term loans, which will be held for years to come. When a company takes such a loan, they adopt a responsibility that will potentially hamper future manoeuvres. Solid, dependable forecasts from an experienced advisor are extremely useful when assessing what the future will hold and whether a capital market loan will shore a company up for the long term, or become a millstone.

Experts in the field of banking and capital markets are undoubtedly valuable employees. Though this field is broad and many may dip their toes, true understanding and expertise comes from hands-on experience. Individuals who manage finances for international companies and have proven track records when handling their own businesses are ideal sources of sound, dependable advice. The various processes involved in capital market buying and selling are each subject to their own regulations, nuances and pitfalls which can trip up business which try to ‘go at it alone’.