User Guide
Online Investments offers you a safe and simple way to monitor your investments over the
internet 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You can view your transactions, view fund performance and view a valuation of all your funds.
This guide is separated into four sections:
- What do I need in order to use Online Investments?
- How can I maximise data security?
- How do I use Online Investments?
- Other frequently asked questions
- Privacy policy
In addition there are two Appendices:
www.onlineinvestments.org.uk
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Section 1 – What do I need to use Online Investments?
Online Investments is designed to enable charities who have investments in funds we offer to obtain
information about their investments online. Accordingly to use Online Investments you need to:
- hold an investment in one or more of the following funds:
- CAF UK Equity Growth Fund;
- CAF Bond Income Fund; or
- CAF Socially Responsible Fund
and
- have registered with us to use Online Investments and obtained from us the login details you will require.
If you do not meet these conditions, Online Investments enables you to apply for more information on the funds we offer,
and also enables you to obtain online an application form for access to Online Investments.
To use Online Investments you need access to the internet via a suitable browser. A browser is the software that you
use to access the internet.
Online Investments supports Microsoft Internet Explorer (Version 4 or above) and Netscape Navigator (Version 4 or above)
although it has been designed to be accessible in as wide a range of browsers as possible, including disability
browsers such as speech readers.
There are certain modifications that, for security purposes, you must ensure have been set on your browser. If you are
using Microsoft Internet Explorer (Version 4 or above) or Netscape Navigator (Version 4 or above) then the instructions
in section 2 will help to make these changes. For other browsers please read the browser provider’s instructions for
making the equivalent changes.
While the website may work without making all of these changes, we advise you to make these changes if you wish to
use Online Investments securely.
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Section 2 – How can I maximise data security?
In developing this Online Investments service, we have focused on providing our customers with a highly secure product benefiting from the latest advances in internet security. For example, we have specialised hardware and software called a firewall which is positioned between you and our web service, to prevent unauthorised intruders from reaching our network via the internet. As security is so important to us we recommend that you take the following steps to maximise the security of the Online Investments system.
- Use the higher level of encryption available with Online Investments
All communication sent between your computer and us when using Online Investments is encrypted. Encryption is a way of encoding information so that it cannot be read if it is intercepted by a third party.
Your browser should automatically use encryption. You can see if your browser is using encryption because a locked
padlock should appear at the bottom of your browser window. However most financial services software uses only
40 bit encryption. We have provided a higher level of encryption, using a 128 bit encryption system. To ensure
your browser uses this higher level of encryption, follow the procedure set out in Appendix 1 'Enhancing Security'.
- Use "cookies"
A "cookie" is a piece of information stored on your computer that allows a website to record your comings and goings.
Online Investments sets a cookie when you log on which allows it to recognise you each time that you request a page.
The cookie is destroyed when you log off or close down your browser. You need to have 'per-session' cookies enabled
on your browser for Online Investments to work effectively. Instructions on how to do this are also set out in
Appendix 1 'Enhancing Security'.
- Prevent others being able to view "stored pages"
If you use a shared computer (and even if you do not), it is important you prevent others viewing your data later.
You may not be aware of it, but your browser probably saves copies of pages you view on the internet automatically.
You can switch off this facility to prevent others viewing them later. Instructions on how to do this are detailed
in Appendix 1 'Enhancing Security'.
- Keep your login details secret
For your protection we will issue you with your login details: a unique user name, a 16-character password and a PIN.
If you forget your details, please phone our investment services team on 01732 520 140 who will send you a new PIN.
It is important that you keep your password and PIN secret.
- Don’t login and then leave your computer unattended
If you have logged in to Online Investments and leave the computer unattended, others can access confidential
information. Be aware that, for your added protection, after twenty minutes of inactivity on the website, you will
be logged out automatically. You will then need to go through the login procedure before you can continue.
- Log out when you are finished
Closing your browser does not automatically log you out. When you want to leave Online Investments, make sure that
you log out to ensure that nobody else has access to your financial information. Click log out in the left hand menu,
and you will be logged out. You will have the option to go back to the login page, where you will need to input your
login details again if you wish to continue using Online Investments.
Please go to Appendix 1 to make the changes set out above, then read section 3.
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Section 3 – How do I use Online Investments?
Go to www.onlineinvestments.org.uk
- this brings you to the welcome page (illustrated on page 1).
To log in, click on the
login
tab at the top of the welcome page. This will take you to the login page. Enter your
user name, password and PIN. The password is a 16-digit code consisting of both numbers and letters.
Your PIN consists of one or more individual characters. For security reasons we suggest that you commit your PIN to
memory and do not share your login details with anyone.
Once logged in you will be presented with a summary valuation of your charity’s current investments. Note that here
and throughout Online Investments very recent transactions may not be reflected.
From here you will be able to:
- view transactions;
- view fund performance; or
- view a valuation.
You can select the appropriate option by clicking on it in the left-hand menu or by clicking one of the buttons at
the bottom of the page.
Some charities have multiple client accounts. This will also apply if your charity holds investments in both CAF
Socially Responsible Fund and the other funds we offer. Where there are multiple accounts, you will be presented
with a list of the accounts held and asked which client account you wish to access (this is not illustrated).
Note that the date displayed will be the date on which the funds were last priced. Unless there has
been some delay in updating the system, this will either be the current date or the previous business day.
If you would like to see details of your charity’s purchases and sales of units (shares in the case of CAF Socially
Responsible Fund) in one of your funds, please select which fund you would like to view. Specify the duration you
would like to view. Then click go
You will be presented with a table showing transactions for that fund within the duration that you specified.
Note the transactions shown are those relating to the capital value of the fund. Distributions of income will not
be shown unless they are re-invested in the fund.
If you would like to print this information use the printer friendly option to get as much information on the
printed page as possible.
The
view fund performance
page allows you to view the performance of any of your funds over a period you can choose.
Note that for CAF UK Equity Growth Fund and CAF Bond Income Fund historic data is only available from November 1997. CAF
Socially Responsible Fund was launched at the end of February 2000.
For CAF UK Equity Growth Fund and CAF Bond Income Fund, 'bid to bid' shows market movement in the fund while 'offer to bid'
allows for the fact that an investor invests at the offer price and redeems at the bid price.
CAF Socially Responsible Fund is a single priced fund and so a single percentage only will be shown.
The percentages shown reflect the period specified and are not annualised.
If you would like to print this information you can use the
printer friendly
option to get as much information on the printed page as possible.
- View a valuation of your portfolio
When you select view a valuation you will be presented with a summary of the value of all the funds held by your
charity,* showing the unit price and the number of units held.**
This is shown at the bid price. For accounting purposes, you may need to obtain a valuation at the mid-price between
the bid and offer prices. You can obtain this by clicking on the mid-price option. This does not apply to CAF Socially
Responsible Fund which is a single-priced fund.
*If your charity has different client accounts, it will show all the funds in the particular client account selected.
**Shares in the case of CAF Socially Responsible Fund
If you would like to print this information you can use the
printer friendly option to get as much information on the printed page as possible.
Closing your browser does not automatically log you out. When you want to leave Online Investments, make sure that
you log out to ensure that nobody else has access to your financial information.
Click
logout
in the left hand menu, and you will be logged out. You will have the option to go back to the
login
page, where you will need to input your log in details again if you wish to continue using Online Investments.
Note that after twenty minutes of inactivity you will be logged out automatically for security reasons.
This is to ensure that your financial details are not left on an unattended screen for others to view.
Online Investments also has some other facilities:
- If you would like to know more about investing in the funds we offer
Online Investments also enables you to find out more about the investments we offer. Just click on the tab investments
we offer.
Once on this page, click on
Find out more about these three funds
to apply for a copy of the Key Features document
for any of the funds that interest you.
You will access a screen with some form fields to fill in. Those that are mandatory are indicated with an asterisk.
Type in your details and indicate the funds you are interested in, then click
send.
We will then send you an information pack including a Key Features document. The Key Features document
includes an application form which you can use if you decide to invest.
- If you have investments in the funds we offer, you can apply to register for access to Online Investments.
To do this, click on the tab
apply to register
. You will be asked whether you hold investments in the
funds we offer.
If you click yes, and have Microsoft Word 6 or above, you can then complete online an application form (not illustrated). Once completed, this should be printed off, signed and sent to us.
If you do not have Microsoft Word 6 or above, please call us on 01732 520 140 and we will send you an application form.
There is a copy of this User Guide available online (indeed you may be reading the online version). To access this, click on the User Guide tab.
At the top of the User Guide page there is a list of links. Click on the relevant link and you will jump down the page to the relevant information.
However if you prefer to scroll down the page you will find the sections in
the order set out in the list.
You can contact us if you have any problems, queries or suggestions.
Click the Contact Us tab and you will access a form on which you can send us your message and your contact details,
so we can respond.
You can find out more about services provided by us and our parent CAF. Click on the About Us tab. Note that to access
further details of some of the services listed, the hotlink will take you to another website, and out of Online
Investments. If you have logged in, you will then be logged out and will need to log in again if you wish to continue
using Online Investments.
You may prefer to continue using Online Investments and come back later. If you click a hotlink taking you to another
website, the screen will warn you that you will be logged out, and allow you to switch back to Online Investments if
you wish.
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Section 4 – Other frequently asked questions
How secure is Online Investments?
Online Investments has the latest commercially available encryption technology - 128-bit encryption. Providing you
keep your login details safe and follow the instructions in Section 2 of this guide, the system is entirely secure.
If at any time you believe that someone may have had access to your login details, including an unauthorised member
of staff at your organisation, please contact the investment team on 01732 520 140 at the first opportunity.
I cannot seem to change my browser to use 128-bit encryption. Is it still possible to use Online Investments?
Yes you can still use Online Investments, but your security level will be reduced. Whilst it is highly unlikely that
your information will be accessed by unauthorised parties, we not advise use without 128-bit encryption and cannot
accept responsibility in the event of any unauthorised access.
Can other members of my organisation use my login details?
It would be a security breach for anyone but the individual who has been registered for Online Investments to have
access to the login details and if this should happen you should report it to the investment team on 01732 520 140 at
the first opportunity.
Can I change my password and PIN myself?
No. For security reasons, Online Investments will only work with the password and PIN that are supplied to you.
Will the data shown always be up to date?
Recent transactions can take up to five working days to register on the system. These may not therefore be shown.
Unit (or share) prices are normally updated towards the end of each working day. Until then the previous day’s
prices will be shown and used. If there is a delay in updating the system, the data may be a working
day 'out'. The system however should always tell you the date at which the prices shown or used are accurate.
If I get stuck, how can I get help and advice on using Online Investments?
If you have a problem not addressed in this User Guide, the
contact us
page allows you to contact a member of
CAF Marketing Services Limited staff. Please fill in the form and click
send.
Please do not send or use your user
name, password or PIN in any communication you send. We shall process your request as quickly as we can.
You can also email us directly at investments@CAFonline.org but again please do not pass on your login details in
the communication. Alternatively, if you wish to talk to a member of the investment team, please call 01732 520 140
(lines are open Monday - Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm).
I have some comments on how the website could be improved. Can I send them to you?
Yes. We welcome comments and feedback. Please use the 'contact us' page to do this.
Can I buy or sell units or shares on Investments Online?
No. This is not possible at present. Because the investments are held on behalf of charities, the need for
authorised signatories restricts ability to offer the facility of transacting investment business online.
Can I get information regarding income distributions online?
The information on transactions relates to the purchases and sales of units* in the funds and the value of your
charity’s capital investments. Income distributions will only be shown if they are re-invested in the fund. We hope to
add more information regarding income distributions in further developments of Online Investments.
I have an existing investment in a fund you offer, but would like to find out about one of your other funds. Can
I do this?
Yes. You can ask us to send you a Key Features document for the fund in which you are interested. Click on the
Investments we offer
tab, which provides some further details, and then click on the link find out more about these
three funds. This will take you to a request form. Email this to us with your details, indicating the fund(s) in which
you are interested, and we will send you the Key Features document which includes an application form.
*Shares in the case of CAF Socially Responsible Fund
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Section 5 - Privacy Policy
CAF respects your privacy. The following describes CAF practices regarding
the collection, use and disclosure of your personal information on CAF websites.
Your Details
The personal information that you provide is securely
stored within the website database. All personal information transmissions which
provide payment or account details are encrypted.
Data Protection
CAF and the companies in which it has a majority stake
(the Group) will use your information to provide you with the product or service
that you have requested. This information will not be disclosed to any outside
organisation except as part of providing that product or service, or when legally
obliged to do so.
From time to time the Group may offer you other products
and services or invite you to events that may be of interest to you.
Please indicate when registering if you do not wish to
be contacted about other services and events.
Cookies
Cookies are used on websites to create unique identities for users. Storing
cookie information has the following benefits:
-
Reduces the need to enter personal details such as log-in codes with each
visit to the site
-
Retains your personalisation of the site e.g. visual display, shortcuts
to favourite sections of the site etc.
Cookies within this site do not detect anything else you might have stored
on your computer.
Accuracy
The accuracy of your personal details is dependent upon the accuracy of the
information you provide. CAF will not verify any personal information submitted
other than that which is provided for payment or account purposes. CAF is not
responsible for errors or problems that arise as a result of inaccurate information
submitted by users.
Opting Out
Each process allows you to “opt-out” of receiving any further
correspondence relating to other services and events available through CAF and
its subsidiaries.
Editing or Removing Your Details
You may edit or delete your details stored within this site at any time. Please
email coordinator@cafonline.org
stating your name, email address, postcode and details of your request.
Contact Us
If you have any comments or questions about this Privacy Policy, please email
coordinator@cafonline.org
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Appendix 1 - Enhancing Security
1. Prepare your browser for 128-bit encryption.
Most browsers use 40-bit encryption for secure websites, but Online Investments has 128-bit encryption. To take
advantage of the 128-bit encryption provided by Online Investments, you must perform this simple set up. This only
needs to be done once.
For Microsoft Internet Explorer:
- Click on Help in the menu, and choose About Internet Explorer. A window opens which shows you the version
number of your browser and the current encryption strength.
- If it is anything less than 128-bit encryption, click on Update Information. This will take you to the
Microsoft 128-bit download page where you will be able to download the 128-bit software.
- Follow the instructions on this page to download a suitable update and run
the program when it has downloaded.
For Netscape Navigator:
- In the menu, choose Window and the Security Info.
- Click on Navigator.
- Make sure that the checkboxes next to SSL v2 and SSL v3 are both checked.
- Click on Configure SSL v3.
- Make sure that RC4 encryption with a 128-bit key is checked. If this option is not available, visit the
Netscape security website.
2. Set your browser to accept per-session Cookies
Online Investments sets a cookie when you log on, which allows it to recognise you each time you request a page.
To use Online Investments, your browser must have cookies enabled.
For Microsoft Internet Explorer:
- Click on Tools in the menu bar (or View in Internet Explorer 4.01).
- Select Internet Options and then click on the Security tab.
- Make sure that Internet zone is highlighted and that your security settings are Medium. If you wish to
customise your settings, ensure that per-session cookies are enabled.
For Netscape Navigator:
- Click on Edit in the menu bar.
- Select Preferences and then select the advanced category.
- Select Accept cookies or Accept only cookies that get sent back to the original server.
3. Prevent your browser from saving pages to your hard disk
Your browser can save a webpage on your computer so that when you wish to see the webpage again it doesn’t have
to download the same page again. With encrypted pages this may be a problem, particularly if other people can get
access to your computer. With Internet Explorer, we would advise that you stop your browser from storing secure pages.
With Netscape Navigator, however, you have to delete cached files (stored files) when you have finished your session.
Microsoft Internet Explorer users:
- Click on Tools (or View if using Internet Explorer 4.01) in the menu bar.
- Select Internet Options.
- Click on the Advanced tab.
- Scroll down to the Security section.
- Tick the Do not save encrypted files to disk checkbox.
- Click OK to save those options.
Netscape Navigator users:
- Click on Edit in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
- Select Preferences and double-click on Advanced
- Click on Cache on the drop-down menu.
- On the right-hand side click the Clear Memory Cache and Clear Disk Cache
buttons.
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Appendix 2 - Terms and Conditions
By signing up to Online Investments, you agree to and are bound by the service terms and conditions. Please read them
carefully.
1. Eligibility
'Online Investments' is only available to registered charities and other organisations whose purposes qualify them
for charitable status recognised by the Charity Commission or the Inland Revenue, and which hold investments in funds offered by CAF Marketing Services Limited (CMSL).
CMSL has the right to withdraw access to the service at any time.
2. Changing user details
Registered service users
undertake to advise CMSL immediately of any changes in their organisation
affecting the rights of the authorised
named user
. Until such notification has been received CMSL
shall in no respects be held liable for any use or misuse of information obtained via the
CMSL 'Online Investments' service by an individual who has previously been properly authorised as a
named user
by the charity for that purpose.
3. Amendments to Terms and Conditions
We may alter these Terms and Conditions from time to time by giving one month’s written notice to the
named user.
4. Responsibilities
Registered service users
shall ensure that
named users
are fully aware of their responsibilities to maintain
proper security of all access codes provided for the use of the CMSL 'Online Investments' service.
Such responsibilities include:
- Non disclosure of user name, password and PIN number.
- To ensure that a third party does not overlook the
named user
when logging on to the service.
- To advise CMSL immediately if the user name, password or PIN is accidentally disclosed to a third party.
Registered service users
must immediately advise CMSL when the registered
named user
is leaving their organisation so that access can be terminated. Access can be
re-established by a nomination of a new proposed
named user.
Registered office
CAF Marketing Services Limited, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4TA.
Definitions
Registered service user
: a recognised UK charitable body, which holds an investment in one or more of the
investment funds offered by CAF Marketing Services Limited, and which has registered a
named user
to access the Online Investments website.
Named user
: an individual authorised by the
registered service user
to access the 'Online Investments' website.
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