This paper analyzes recent trends in the size and composition of over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives markets, using the latest data from the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and ISDA.
According to the BIS, OTC derivatives notional outstanding decreased during the second half of 2018 compared with the first half of 2018, driven by a decline in both US dollar- and euro- denominated interest rate derivatives (IRD) contracts. However, notional outstanding at year-end 2018 was higher compared with year-end 2017.
This trend in notional outstanding can also be seen in swap trading volumes in the US, as trading in US dollar- and euro-denominated IRD products declined during the second half of 2018 compared with the first half, but increased year-over-year.
BIS data shows that the gross market value of OTC derivatives contracts continued to decline in 2018. Gross credit exposure – gross market value after netting – also declined to its lowest level since 2007. Following the implementation of the margin rules for non-cleared derivatives, more and more of that gross credit exposure is collateralized.
Click on the PDF below to read the full report.
Documents (1) for Key Trends in the Size and Composition of OTC Derivatives Markets
Latest
ISDA In Review – August 2026
A compendium of links to new documents, research papers, press releases and comment letters published by ISDA in August 2026.
Remove Bureaucracy from Cross-margin Approvals
Cross-margining programs play a critical role in financial markets. By ensuring margin requirements more closely reflect the actual risk of a portfolio of products, they reduce liquidity strain and improve market efficiency, both of which will become even more important...
Joint Response on CCP Resolution
On September 7, ISDA and FIA responded to a Bank of England (BOE) discussion paper on central counterparty (CCP) resolution. The associations support greater clarity on valuation capabilities prior to a crisis scenario and the boundary between recovery and resolution,...
Expanding Legal Agreement Coverage in the CDM
This paper examines the recent extension of the Common Domain Model (CDM)1 to represent two of the most significant, and previously undeveloped, areas of its legal agreement model: umbrella agreements and contract amendments. Umbrella agreements are widely used to document...
