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
Response to EC Consultation on MICA Review
On September 29, ISDA responded to the European Commission’s (EC) targeted consultation on the review of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MICA). ISDA’s response focuses on tokenization in over-the-counter derivatives and collateral markets. It argues that tokenized collateral can enable...
ISDA DTF Hong Kong: Steven Kennedy Remarks
ISDA Derivatives Trading Forum Hong Kong November 12, 2026 Opening Remarks Steven Kennedy Global Head of Public Policy, ISDA Good morning, and welcome to the ISDA Derivatives Trading Forum. It’s great to be here in Hong Kong – thanks for...
2026 FX Definitions: Act Now
On November 22, 2027, the 2026 FX Definitions will come into effect. From that point, these definitions will become the market standard for all cleared and new non-cleared FX derivatives, and the Swift messaging service will halt its support of...
IRD Trading in Mainland China and Hong Kong
This report examines interest rate derivatives (IRD) trading activity in mainland China and Hong Kong in the first half of 2026. Onshore renminbi (RMB) IRD traded notional in mainland China rose to $3.4 trillion in the first half of 2026,...
