CCP
WHAT IS THIS? A central counterparty (CCP) manages default risk by collecting initial and variation margin from both parties to a trade. Spill-over losses are absorbed via a default fund to which all members contribute – introducing a degree of mutualised risk – and by the CCP’s own capital. The concept is an old one that was extended to over-the-counter derivatives in the aftermath of the financial crisis.
Counterparty charge an act too far?
The Basel Committee shocked many bankers in December by unleashing proposals to significantly increase capital requirements for counterparty risk exposures. But industry participants argue the measures overlap with each other and could hike up capital to…
To be clear on OTC regulation
The US House of Representatives passed a bill on December 11 requiring all standardised derivatives contracts traded between dealers and major swap participants to clear through a registered clearing organisation. The Senate is preparing to debate its…
The CME Icebreaker
The Chicago Mercantile Exchange launched a clearing service for credit default swaps on December 15, with several major dealers and buy-side firms as founding members. Will it capture market share from rival IntercontinentalExchange? By Alastair Marsh
Capital increase
Exposures to counterparty credit risk have been scrutinised by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, which published proposals designed to increase capital requirements in the middle of December. The measures will be completed and implemented by…
Moral hazards for CCPs
Derivatives practitioners fear the political push for central clearing of standardised contracts could create a moral hazard, as clearing platforms might compromise their risk management standards to create a more competitive service. How are regulators…
Stuck in the muddle
Regulators in the US and Europe are making efforts to extend central clearing to all asset classes. However, dealers argue that central clearing does not make sense for foreign exchange. By Alastair Marsh
Corporate concessions
Corporates have argued initiatives to introduce over-the-counter derivatives regulation in the US and Europe will severely hamper their ability to hedge. After an intensive lobbying effort, the politicians appear to be listening. Matt Cameron reports
Eurex cuts no Ice
The July 31 deadline for central clearing of credit default swaps in Europe was successfully met by dealers and clearing platforms. Both Eurex and IntercontinentalExchange have launched clearing services in Europe, but take-up for Eurex’s has so far been…
