Feature
Futurisation debate shifts to block trading rules
Different block trading thresholds for economically equivalent swaps and futures could hand exchanges a decisive advantage in the ongoing futurisation fight. But some market participants argue the disparity is fair, as do some regulators. Joe Rennison…
NWE power market coupling struck by delays
A tough nut to crack
Alternative Ucits shaken by regulatory changes
Esma guidelines for Ucits funds and the introduction of the AIFM directive are casting doubt over the future shape of the alternative Ucits industry as demand for the products remains strong
Basel trading book review triggers fight for modelling freedom
Regulators have embarked on a wholesale review of the way trading book exposures are capitalised. The industry responded, and continues to lobby – but is it getting anywhere? Laurie Carver reports
Double trouble: UK banks face threat of twin ringfences
The post-crisis years have been punctuated by calls for big banks to be broken up. Nothing quite that dramatic is happening, but ring-fencing proposals in Europe – and a de facto fence around foreign banks in the US – are nudging the industry towards a…
Chip and win: Banks expand use of GPUs
As computational demands on banks have increased, some have turned to powerful graphics processing units, but these were initially applied at the transaction pricing level. Now, they are starting to cover portfolio valuations and other enterprise-level…
Swap regulations hold key to future of OTC algorithmic trading
The arrival of central limit order books in the interest rate swap market has opened the door to algorithmic trading – but only a little. Its future depends on how the over-the-counter market evolves. By Peter Madigan
Extraterritoriality: US person definition doubt
The Dodd-Frank Act requires any trade involving a US person to meet strict new regulatory requirements. The first mandatory clearing requirements are now in force – but the definition of US person is still not finalised, creating havoc for firms trying…
Hedge funds face dilemma of implementing socially responsible investing
Responsible investing challenge
Non-equity volatility could be the future for structured products
The volatility merry-go-round
Uridashi losses put at $500 million after Nikkei rebounds
Dashing the uridashi dream
Scoach: where next after Six ends partnership with Deutsche Börse?
Scoach partnership runs out of road
Hedge funds split on outlook for junk bonds
Split on junk
TNK-BP saga raises questions about BP's handling of political risk
Russian roulette
CFTC legal counsel to depart
Hetco hires top Tudor quant; Koch swipes LNG expert from BNP; Marex Spectron hires in Asia; DME recruits products and services head; RBC hires metals head
NGL hedging takes off amid shale gas boom
No molecule left behind
Insurers explore exchange-traded funds to boost yield
Exchange-traded future
Asian thermal coal swaps trade picks up steam
The China-based API8 index has provided a risk management solution to the coal contract defaults that befell the industry last year and is gaining traction as one of the latest Asia-based commodity derivatives
Active ETFs: can they break into the mainstream?
Despite the lifting of a moratorium by the Securities and Exchange Commission last December, active ETFs have more hurdles to overcome before they're ready for the mainstream. Skittishness from the US regulator isn't helping, writes Yakob Peterseil
Extraterritorial clash continues for clearing houses
While the Group of 20 nations want to see progress with financial regulatory reforms, individual authorities around the world are reluctant to relinquish domestic sovereignty over standards for central counterparties. Luke Clancy reports
Huge settlements overwhelm op risk models
Capital punishment
Talent fuels growth of Asian hedge fund industry
Asian advancement