Ambiguous about architecture

Open architecture in structured products distribution is common throughout Europe and Asia. In the US, however, the debate over the value of open platforms is blighting the market. Matt Cameron questions the virtues of the open model and asks whether the US market will eventually embrace the practice

If an investor were to walk into a Credit Suisse Private Bank branch in Switzerland, heart set on buying an equity yield note on the Swiss Market Index from Societe Generale (SG), all he need do is ask and his request will be granted without fuss. The same goes for an investor in Singapore who currently banks with Citi but wants to purchase a Citrine Giant Booster Note from Merrill Lynch. Witness open architecture at its finest.

Now consider a US investor who banks with Morgan Stanley but has