New Protected Capital Account now available from Zurich

Available immediately, but only until 20 November 2009, the Zurich Protected Capital Account 2 (PCA 2) which runs for five years, offers intermediaries and their clients the potential to benefit from the growth of 15 of the largest companies from the FTSE 100 index whilst protecting the client's original capital investment.

Provided by Dunbar Bank, Zurich's Protected Capital Accounts gives intermediaries and their clients the opportunity to invest throughout the year - as one product tranche closes a new one opens. The deposit based products continue to offer full capital security and growth potential with returns linked to the performance of the 15 listed companies.

Paul Wright, Zurich's Investment Management Director, comments: "Even with the recent upturn in the stock market, the need for capital protection remains a firm priority for many consumers when looking to invest.

"The Protected Capital Account is an ideal investment for more cautious investors seeking exposure to the stock market, or those seeking the opportunity to benefit from market recovery, whilst still protecting their original capital investment. In addition to offering the benefit of capital protection, the potential returns are particularly attractive, given that the base rate is currently 0.5%. I am expecting this second tranche to be as popular as the first."

Key features of the Guaranteed Capital Account include:

100% capital guaranteed
Interest on the ISA element is tax-free under current regulations
Minimum investment is £2,500 and maximum investment is £1 million.
3.25% initial commission is payable on all monies invested into this account.

Wright concludes: "Zurich Financial Services Group is well positioned in these turbulent times due to our continuing investment strategy, as well as our financial and operational discipline. Therefore, consumers can feel confident about investing with Zurich. The Group recently reported its 26th straight quarter of profitability and our third consecutive quarter-on-quarter profit increase since the financial crisis started in the latter half of 2008."

The account offers a money back guarantee if the stock market falls or remains the same and our guarantee offers the same level of protection as any bank or building society deposit account as it is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.