Each September until 2022*, increasing numbers of entities will be required to meet initial margin regulations as the threshold level for compliance reduces. Preparation for meeting these requirements will take significant time, and will involve intensive work to ensure systems, processes and documentation are in place.
ISDA has published a fact sheet that sets out the steps firms should take when preparing to comply with regulatory initial margin requirements. These are not necessarily presented in chronological order – the precise order and timing will depend on a firm’s specific circumstances.
STEP 1: Identify in-scope entities early
STEP 2: Make early disclosures to counterparties
STEP 3: Exchange information on compliance
STEP 4: Identify special cases
STEP 5: Establish custodial relationships
STEP 6: Prepare for compliance
STEP 7: Negotiate/execute documentation
STEP 8: Finalize preparations
- Updated in August 2020 to account for new Basel Committee on Banking Supervision/IOSCO implementation schedule.
Click on the attached PDF to read the full list of steps.
Documents (1) for Getting Ready for Initial Margin: The Steps to Take
Latest
Response on Dividend Stripping
On October 14, ISDA, the Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME) and the International Securities Lending Association (ISLA) submitted a joint response to the Dutch Ministry of Finance on its proposed measures on dividend stripping. While supporting the policy...
ISDA Launches DRR Tracer Agent
ISDA has launched an artificial intelligence (AI) agent for its Digital Regulatory Reporting (DRR) solution that will bring greater transparency to users by tracing the rules and decisions that have guided the development of the DRR. The ISDA DRR Tracer...
US FX Derivatives Review
ISDA has expanded its SwapsInfo website to include data on US foreign exchange (FX) derivatives, extending the platform's coverage beyond interest rate and credit derivatives to a third over-the-counter derivatives asset class. The US FX Derivatives Review covers trading activity...
Response to FCA on Post-trade Transparency
On October 16, ISDA responded to the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) consultation CP26/30. While the consultation is principally focused on cash equity market structure and transparency, ISDA responded to questions on the potential inclusion of equity swaps in the scope...