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
Latest
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...
ISDA responds to RBI consultation on SA-CCR
On July 1, ISDA responded to the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) consultation on draft amendment directions on the standardized approach for counterparty credit risk (SA-CCR). ISDA broadly welcomes the RBI's move to SA-CCR and updated capital treatment for exposures...
Data Subject Access Request Form
Pursuant to its mission to promote safe and efficient markets within the over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives industry, The International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (ISDA) processes personal data of its employees, members and non-members (for example individuals attending ISDA conferences or...