Uses of Notional Amount in Derivatives Regulation

Notional amount outstanding is a widely used metric in the derivatives market, but it is more a measure of traded volume or transaction size and less a measure of risk. A recent research paper published by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) highlights this point, and introduces an alternate metric for the interest rate derivatives market.

However, many derivatives regulations employ notional amount as a trigger or threshold to determine whether and how certain requirements will apply. This paper highlights a number of areas where derivatives rules are based on notional amount and similar measures. In so doing, the intention is to contribute to the important policy discussion about the merits of a risk-based regulatory framework.

 

Documents (1) for Uses of Notional Amount in Derivatives Regulation

Key IRD Trends from BIS 2025 Survey

This paper highlights changes in over-the-counter (OTC) interest rate derivatives (IRD) markets between April 2022 and April 2025, based on data from the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) Triennial Central Bank Survey. The survey provides a comprehensive view of global...

RMB IRD Growth in Mainland China & Hong Kong

This report analyzes interest rate derivatives (IRD) activity in mainland China and Hong Kong, with a particular focus on renminbi (RMB)-denominated IRD. It examines market growth, structure and integration across onshore and offshore centers, and places these developments within the...