Basel leverage ratio would double up collateralised OTC positions

Ratio could be a 'game-changer', dealers warn, as Basel Committee proposes counting received collateral as well as derivatives exposures

Collateralised derivatives positions will be doubled in size under the revised leverage ratio published yesterday by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision – a prospect that is already alarming traders who fear it could force a retreat from some business lines. The doubling effect occurs because banks are not allowed to set collateral against the size of their derivatives assets and the