Each September until 2020, 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 new fact sheet (in Simplified Chinese) 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
Click on the attached PDF to read the full list of steps.
Documents (1) for Getting Ready for Initial Margin: The Steps to Take (Simplified Chinese)
Latest
Key IRD Trends from BIS 2025 Survey
This paper highlights changes in over-the-counter (OTC) interest rate derivatives (IRD) markets between April 2022 and April 2025, based on data from the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) Triennial Central Bank Survey. The survey provides a comprehensive view of global...
RMB IRD Growth in Mainland China & Hong Kong
This report analyzes interest rate derivatives (IRD) activity in mainland China and Hong Kong, with a particular focus on renminbi (RMB)-denominated IRD. It examines market growth, structure and integration across onshore and offshore centers, and places these developments within the...
ISDA and SIFMA Comment on CFTC Proposed Revisions to Business Conduct and Swap Documentation Requirements
On October 24, 2025 ISDA and SIFMA submitted comments to the CFTC on its proposed Revisions to Business Conduct and Swap Documentation Requirements for Swap Dealers and Major Swap Participants. The proposal covers amendments to requirements related to external business...
Paper on Proposal 6 on Margin Transparency
On November 16, ISDA published a document that looked at proposal 6 in the final Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS), Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures (CPMI) and International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) report on margin transparency. Proposal...