7 December 2017

Variation margin requirements under EMIR for physically settled FX forwards

 

Variation margin requirements under EMIR for physically settled FX forwardsOn 24 November 2017, the European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) issued a statement (link is external) on the variation margin requirements under EMIR for physically settled FX forwards. They confirmed they are in the process of reviewing, and proposing amendments to, the Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) on risk mitigation techniques for OTC derivatives not cleared by a central counterparty. The ESAs indicated that the changes will look to align the treatment of physically settled FX forwards with the supervisory guidance applicable in other jurisdictions.

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We support the ESAs’ statement. They recommend competent authorities “generally apply their risk-based supervisory powers in their day-to-day enforcement of applicable legislation in a proportionate manner”.

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The amendments to the RTS should become increasingly clear over time and we would expect firms to make their plans as a result.  Although how they will be amended is not completely clear at this time, the proposals as outlined in the ESAs’ statement can be used by firms as an indication of what the amended requirements may look like. 

Accordingly, we will not require firms whose physically settled FX forwards are likely to be outside the scope of the amended requirements to continue putting processes in place to exchange variation margin. This approach is subject to any further statements that may be issued by the ESAs or the FCA.

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We, in any event, continue to recognise that the exchange of variation margin is a prudent risk management tool.

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Source: https://www.fca.org.uk/markets/emir