Regulation/Foreign exchange
US Talf helps CMBS market recover
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York's Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility (Talf) is helping to revive the commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) market, analysts have concluded, although the chances for residential mortgages to be included…
European supervisors press for more detail on EC overhaul plans
The European Commission (EC) is expected to publish feedback on its proposals for an overhaul of financial supervision in August, but senior European regulators are already expressing concern about some aspects of the proposed reforms.
Tarp supervisor finds Treasury's oversight is still inadequate
The US Treasury is still failing to protect its aid to US banks from fraud and misuse, according to the latest report from the special inspector general for the Troubled Assets Relief Program (Sigtarp).
Tarp inspector general calls for more clarity on banks' use of funds
The US Treasury's special inspector general for the Troubled Assets Relief Program (Tarp), Neil Barofsky, has called on the Treasury to force banks to report their use of the Tarp's bailout funds. But the Treasury is reluctant to do so.
Doubt over Fed’s ability to limit systemic risk
The Obama administration’s proposals for safeguarding the financial system place the US Federal Reserve at the heart of a new regulatory regime for systemic risk, but some former regulators are sceptical of the Fed’s ability to carry out the job.
Walker Review ruffles feathers in the City
Editor's blog
Race against the clock for European CDS CCPs
With just two weeks remaining until the European Commission’s deadline for central counterparties (CCPs) to begin clearing credit default swaps (CDSs), two of the competing platforms are still waiting for regulatory approval.
Carbon market VAT scrutiny shifts to Climex
The Dutch government has announced changes to the way carbon permits will be taxed, following concerns about a 49% leap in volumes on Dutch carbon exchange Climex in June. The growth came despite an overall drop in trading volumes across all European…
TSE targets Japanese banks for CCP
The Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) is courting domestic financial institutions to become clearing members of its proposed central counterparty (CCP), which it is developing alongside its 86.3%-owned clearing arm, Japan Securities Clearing Corp (JSCC).
Quant Congress: Don't confuse models with reality, says Derman
Models were not responsible for the financial crisis, but those using them need to remember the shortcomings of models in general, asserted Emanuel Derman, head of risk at Prisma Capital Management and professor at Columbia University, at Risk 's Quant…
Central clearing will need new laws, Isda report finds
New laws will be needed in the US and Europe to support the introduction of central clearing of credit default swap (CDS) trades, according to a study published yesterday by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association.
Definition of 'standardised' OTC derivatives will be broad, says Geithner
Full regulation of all over-the-counter derivatives will use a broad and flexible definition of 'standardised' OTC contracts while regulators will seek to crack down on end-users seeking to customise trades to escape central clearing, US Treasury…
UK Treasury gives FSA new powers
Daily news headlines
Singapore's MAS bans 10 retail structured note distributors
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has banned 10 financial institutions from selling structured notes, after their clients lost S$401 million by investing in Lehman-linked structured credit products.
US PPIP toxic securities scheme launches, fund managers named
The US Treasury's scheme to purchase toxic mortgage-backed securities was officially launched yesterday with the unveiling of the asset managers charged with investing public funds, while officials sought to quell claims the scheme has been dramatically…
Cesr proposes Europe-wide disclosure of short positions
Investors across Europe could be compelled to reveal short positions in any stock, under draft rules published today by the Committee of European Securities Regulators (Cesr).
UK government moves to resolve supervisory turf war
In his long-awaited banking white paper published today, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling has attempted to draw a distinction between the tripartite authorities, creating a Council for Financial Stability to promote better co-ordination of…
Cebs consults on liquidity buffers
Daily news headlines
EU derivatives plan welcomed, but lacks detail
Market participants have expressed support for the European Commission's communication on over-the-counter derivatives, published on July 3, but called for more solid research on some of the policy proposals in the report.
UPDATED: CFTC plans speculation clampdown
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) will hold public hearings in July and August to discuss the need for federal position limits to be imposed on energy futures traders.
FSA threatens to treble fines
Daily news headlines
Japan considers crackdown on AML and data protection
Daily news headlines