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
Latest
ISDA Comments on EP's MISP Draft Reports
On July 15, ISDA shared comments with policymakers in the European Union on the European Parliament’s (EP) draft reports by Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Markus Ferber and MEP Eero Heinäluoma on the Market Integration and Supervision Package (MISP)....
Building Markets, Creating Opportunity
Deep and liquid derivatives markets are fundamental to the development of well-functioning financial markets and healthy economies. They support lending, investment and financial stability, creating the certainty needed for economic growth. But strong derivatives markets do not emerge by chance....
Key Trends in OTC Derivatives Market H2 2025
The latest data from the Bank for International Settlements over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives statistics shows an increase in notional outstanding of OTC derivatives during the second half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Notional outstanding rose across all...
ISDA-SIFMA letter to SEC on Swap Dealer Thresholds
ISDA and SIFMA have submitted a comment letter to the SEC in response to the staff report on the definitions of “security-based swap dealer” and “major security-based swap participant.” The associations recommend maintaining the current de minimis thresholds for both...
