Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) are specialised investment companies that are listed on the London Stock Exchange. As they are generally deemed to be risky investments, the Government grant various tax reliefs to VCT investors to encourage investment into portfolios of unquoted small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK. SMEs are recognised to be a vital contributor to economic growth and job creation.

This course works for a wide range of market stakeholders, from beginners to those who already have knowledge of VCTs who will gain a certificate evidencing successful completion.

Course content

Module 1. Background to Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs)
Module 2. Introducing some of the risks
Module 3. Suitability
Module 4. The tax reliefs
Module 5. Interaction with pensions and other wrappers
Module 6. Process for claiming reliefs
Module 7. Assessment, research and due diligence
Module 8. Case studies
Module 9. Rules for VCTs
Module 10. Rules for qualifying companies
Module 11. Fees, charges and practicalities
Final assessment

Learner resources inside this course

  • An Adviser's Guide to VCTs

    Intelligent Partnership

  • VCT overview video

    Octopus Investments

  • Guide to Claiming VCT

    Octopus Investments

Learning objectives

By the end of this course delegates will be able to:

  • List the advantages VCT qualifying investments have over other estate planning methods

  • Explain how VCTs interact with pensions and other tax reliefs and wrappers

  • Detail the rules that govern the relief

  • Define some of the key risks associated with VCTs

  • Explain how Income Tax Relief, Tax Free Dividends and Tax Free Growth affect the income and capital generated by VCT investments

  • Explain what aspects you would take into consideration when assessing client’s suitability for Venture Capital Trusts and how you would conduct research and due diligence on providers

Has your certificate expired? Take our Reaccreditation course

“The AIC supports Intelligent Partnership’s initiative to improve levels of understanding and knowledge of venture capital trusts (VCTs), and welcomes the launch of this online course”

Nick Britton, Head of Training, The AIC

“This was a really useful course to help enhance understanding of the VCT market, underlying companies, structure, rules etc. Would suit all comers from those new to VCTs to those looking to brush up / refresh their knowledge.”

Lorraine Ames, Head of Technical at Smith & Pinching

“Well constructed modules and a good way to improve overall knowledge, test that knowledge and earn valuable CPD.”

Trevor Jacklin, Compliance Officer, Finance Shop

“Excellent content and very engaging.”

Michael Lloyd, Regulatory Quality Assurance Supervisor, The Private Office

“Helpful, good and worth doing. ”

Tim Creasey, Financial Planning Consultant and Wealth Manager, Keystone Wealth Management

Interested in a corporate licence?

If you are looking for a corporate licence to allow your entire team to take advantage of our e-learning, please get in touch to discuss: [email protected]