The Impact of Compression on the Interest Rate Derivatives Market

Compression activity has increased significantly over the past year, driven by new regulations and developments in clearing technology. In particular, the implementation of the Basel III leverage ratio has acted as a major incentive for banks to reduce the size of their legacy derivatives books. Developments in compression services – and especially the unlinking of cleared trades – have helped facilitate increased activity. Total interest rate derivatives notional
outstanding has dropped as a result. This report considers how market participants are using compression technology, and the impact this is having on the interest rate derivatives market.

Documents (1) for The Impact of Compression on the Interest Rate Derivatives Market

SwapsInfo H1 2025 and Q2 2025

Interest rate derivatives (IRD) trading activity increased in the first half of 2025, driven by continued interest rate volatility, evolving central bank policy expectations and persistent macroeconomic uncertainty. Trading in index credit derivatives also rose, as market participants responded to...

ISDA Response to IFSCA Consultation

On August 5, ISDA responded to the International Financial Services Centres Authority’s (IFSCA) consultation on reporting and clearing of over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives contracts booked in International Financial Services Centres (IFSC). In the response, ISDA provided the following recommendations: Not mandating...