Notional amount outstanding is a widely used metric in the derivatives market, but it is more a measure of traded volume or transaction size and less a measure of risk. A recent research paper published by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) highlights this point, and introduces an alternate metric for the interest rate derivatives market.
However, many derivatives regulations employ notional amount as a trigger or threshold to determine whether and how certain requirements will apply. This paper highlights a number of areas where derivatives rules are based on notional amount and similar measures. In so doing, the intention is to contribute to the important policy discussion about the merits of a risk-based regulatory framework.
Documents (1) for Uses of Notional Amount in Derivatives Regulation
Latest
Steps to a Vibrant Derivatives Market: SOM Remarks
Steps to a Vibrant and Resilient Derivatives Market December 4, 2025 Remarks at the Mediterranean Partnership of Securities Regulators Scott O’Malia ISDA Chief Executive Officer Good afternoon and thank you to the Mediterranean Partnership of Securities Regulators (MPSR) for...
ISDA Response to BoE on Gilt Market Resilience
On November 28, ISDA responded to the Bank of England’s discussion paper on gilt market resilience. ISDA encourages the Bank of England, before introducing any significant policy changes that would affect the functioning of the gilt repo market, to consider...
Addressing Termination Troubles
When Enron announced a shock $618 million loss on October 16, 2001, it took a further 47 days until it filed for bankruptcy. For Bear Stearns, it took 266 days between its bailout of a structured credit fund run by...
ISDA In Review – November 2025
A compendium of links to new documents, research papers, press releases and comment letters published by ISDA in November 2025.