Articles by Lukas Becker
Isda docs saved crypto startup that lent to Alameda
Early termination clause allowed Cega to recover $13.6 million in loans to failed trading firm
Crypto structured products come of age
After some growing pains, the space is now offering the type of structures seen in TradFi equities markets
Talking Heads 2022: Rates market ruckus
Inaugural interview series looks at how sell-side traders are adapting to a world of surging inflation and rates
UK pensions hit with £100m margin calls as gilts and sterling slide
At least three LDI managers request emergency capital as others consider unwinds to avoid default
Natixis fined for mismarking US rates and equities positions
Former rates trader overstated P&L by $25m, while equities traders smoothed profits after 2018 windfall
Goldman’s rates traders have been crowd-watching
Talking Heads 2022: Steepener unwinds in sterling were “canary in the coalmine”, says rates trading co-head
How Citi is handling topsy-turvy rates markets
Talking Heads 2022: Rate hikes and inflation have forced a rethink of the US bank’s hedging strategies
Will last look disclosures come to FX derivatives?
JPM and NatWest have published their swaps and options last look windows – will others follow suit?
Mediobanca’s Generali deal revives an old sec lending concern
BoE warns against lending shares to borrowers aiming to influence AGM votes, but will anyone outside the UK listen?
HSBC inflation head departs
Dariush Mirfendereski leaves UK bank after nine years
Rates correlations break down amid volatility surge
Dealers say go-to hedges are now too risky as old relationships fail
Netting law to push slew of Chinese clients into IM regime
Isda AGM: HSBC legal exec says internal approval process for netting opinion could buy more time to prepare
JPM: EU corporate CVA exemption could split swaps liquidity
Isda AGM: Market may price in permanent lower capital charge if exemption retained in CRR III
New interest rate definitions see rapid adoption
Isda AGM: Trade body’s general counsel warns swaps users not to rely on 2006 rulebook
Market braces for end of Russia central bank sanctions carve-out
Isda AGM: general licence expires on May 25, threatening bond payments and deliverable ruble settlement
CFTC: regulators can help carbon market’s ‘credibility’ problem
Isda AGM: Behnam says commission may have a role to play in supporting growth of voluntary market
Rate-linked notes trigger ‘pain trade’ for dealers
Negative 2y30y US swap spread sees hedging costs for range accruals soar, fuelling more flattening
Euro rates volatility wrong-foots dealers
Banks’ risk appetite and liquidity are low following painful rates vol moves, say traders
‘Dead’ derivatives market leaves big Russia dealers unhedged
VTB and Sberbank face directional exposure to local corporates after mass unwinds by foreign banks
Banks, prime brokers and trading venues shun ruble trades
FXPBs turn away derivatives bets as spot platforms block ruble trades and NDF fixings go dark
Ukraine invasion clouds rates consensus trades
“Old school” US macro trades are back in fashion, but geopolitical risks add uncertainty
BlackRock is biggest US fund user of single-stock options
Counterparty Radar: Microsoft was top underlying in latest filings, with notionals also up for Amazon and Meta
Dealers warm to SOFR swaptions but buy side lags
Rate accounted for nearly half of new notional last week, but operational issues slow end-user uptake
Blame to spare in UK energy supplier debacle
Price cap was part of the problem, but lack of hedging and oversight also contributed