Regulation
Perspectives on 2014: Nigel Khakoo, Nomura
The market is now better prepared for the Fed to scale back quantitative easing than it was when the idea was first mooted in May, but concerns remain over regulatory issues and the buy side should be more involved, says Nigel Khakoo, head of Emea FX at…
Perspectives on 2014: James Kemp, global FX division
As the regulatory pendulum shifts from the US to Europe next year, there will be new challenges ahead, particularly as new trade reporting requirements come into force in February, says James Kemp, managing director of the GFMA’s global FX division
Sefs battle with confirmations after CFTC relief expires
A second no-action relief period that exempted Sefs from issuing confirmations expired on November 29, leaving FX traders unsure whether Sefs can handle the requirement
BoE's Carney: liquidity support for CCPs a 'last-resort option'
BoE governor insists clearing houses must have enough liquidity to cope with default of two big member firms
Mifid rules could force FX swaps onto OTFs
Trialogue negotiations on Mifid II are expected to conclude by February, but traders fear they could include a mandate for FX swaps to be traded on organised trading facilities
FX market participants express concern and confusion over Sef trading
Trading on swap execution facilities in the US was introduced in a cloud of confusion and uncertainty. The market seems to have recovered from the initial shock, but there are concerns that Europe’s take on Sef trading will do longer-lasting damage. By…
Regulators clash on Mifid waivers
Some regulators and brokers have expressed fears that exemptions included in Mifid may mean European rules on trade execution are not equivalent to the US – but a key parliamentarian disagrees
CCPs face $161 billion liquidity shortfall to clear FX options, GFXD finds
Results of an industry study reveal the scale of the liquidity burden that would fall on CCPs clearing physically delivered FX options – but a net settlement mechanism could reduce the number by 73%
Corporates and investors need confidence to tap offshore RMB, say banks
As the internationalisation of renminbi continues to gain traction, buy-side engagement in the currency varies significantly across geographies and sectors
Sefs face major delays in operating outside the US
Despite an overseas person exemption that allows recognition of CFTC-approved swap execution facilities in the UK, Sefs could face significant delays before they can legally operate in other non-US jurisdictions
Esma repository approvals fire starting gun for EU trade reporting
Mandatory trade reporting for all asset classes will begin on February 12, but the FX industry is still grappling with the challenges of dual reporting
Dialogue needed on Sef confirmations - GFXD
Following a further CFTC extension for Sef confirmation requirements until November 29, the global FX division stresses the need for dialogue and co-operation with regulators over the next month if the deadline is to be met
TriOptima unveils UTI pairing service for Emir reporting
Icap-owned technology provider seeks to tackle the dual reporting challenge for paper-confirmed trades and FX trades without a common ID
FX benchmark probe gathers pace as chief dealers placed on leave
Senior spot traders at JP Morgan, Citi and Standard Chartered have all been placed on leave, while Barclays, Deutsche Bank and UBS confirm they are conducting internal reviews in connection with alleged manipulation of FX benchmarks
EU bonus cap threatens the future of London FX
The UK last month launched a legal challenge against the EU's planned bonus cap - it will need to be successful if London is to retain the best FX sales and trading personnel
Expiry of Sef confirmation relief causes unrest among dealers
Swap execution facilities have only until October 30 before they have to issue legal confirmations for trades, but dealers remain uneasy about their ability to do so
Standardisation needed in Sef reporting conventions
Sefs agree a lack of clarity on reporting requirements has created an inconsistent and fragmented view of trading activity
Footnote 88 prompts BlackRock to abandon NDF platforms
Asset manager returns to phone trading for non-deliverable forwards after controversial footnote in Sef rules makes trading on Sefs an unattractive option for users
Clearing of physical FX in China and India a concern, says GFXD’s Ngai
Global FX division managing director David Ngai warns of the challenges associated with centrally clearing physically delivered FX products
Lack of Esma clarity delays progress on FX trade reporting
Questions raised by Isda concerning trade reporting workflows have not yet been answered, delaying preparations for the start of mandatory trade reporting early next year
CFTC shutdown leaves Sefs lacking clarity
Sefs and their clients question scope of no-action letters, but US government shutdown means no-one is able to provide guidance
CFTC relief welcomed but concerns remain as Sef rules begin
A string of no-action relief letters issued ahead of today's deadline have been welcomed, but some participants believe they still don't go far enough
Deconstructing the Sef ‘car crash'
With days to go until approved swap execution facilities are set to open for business, the CFTC would do well to heed some of the warnings it is hearing from the industry
Sefs struggle with CFTC reporting rules
A lack of clarity over reporting obligations has left would-be Sefs struggling to adapt processes and workflows