The Economics of Central Clearing: Theory and Practice, by Dr. Craig Pirrong, University of Houston

Regulations requiring the clearing of certain OTC derivatives through central counterparties (CCPs) are causing a profound change in market structure and trading practices. This paper discusses how CCPs are structured and what effects increased use of them will have on the financial system. Craig Pirrong is Professor of Finance, and Energy Markets Director for the Global Energy Management Institute at the Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston. His research focuses on the economics of the organization of financial markets, including the economics of exchange and OTC markets, and the economics of clearing and other mechanisms for allocating counterparty credit risk. He has consulted widely with exchanges around the world, has testified before Congress on energy pricing, and has served as an expert witness in a variety of cases involving derivatives and commodities markets. He holds a Ph.D. in business economics from the University of Chicago.

Documents (1) for The Economics of Central Clearing: Theory and Practice, by Dr. Craig Pirrong, University of Houston

Joint Response to FCA and HMT Consultations

On January 16, ISDA and UK Finance responded to both the consultation on streamlining the UK European Market Infrastructure Regulation (UK EMIR) intragroup regime by the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) and the draft statutory instrument from His Majesty’s Treasury (HMT)....

Key Trends in OTC Derivatives Market H1 2025

The latest data from the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives statistics shows an increase in notional outstanding of OTC derivatives during the first half of 2025 compared to the first half of 2024. Notional outstanding rose across...

Credit Derivatives Trading Activity Q3 2025

This report analyzes credit derivatives trading activity reported in Europe. The analysis shows European credit derivatives transactions based on the location of reporting venues (EU versus UK) and product type. The report also compares European-reported credit derivatives trading activity to...

Striking a Balance on EU Market Risk Capital

With US prudential regulators poised to publish a revised Basel III endgame proposal this year, and EU and UK regulators moving to finalize their own rules, ISDA is maintaining a laser focus on achieving a risk-appropriate capital framework that is...