Video Interview: Understanding Benchmark Fallbacks

Benchmark fallbacks are replacement rates that would apply to derivatives trades referencing a particular benchmark. These would take effect if the relevant benchmark becomes unavailable while market participants continue to have exposure to that rate.

ISDA plans to publish a supplement to the 2006 ISDA Definitions in July to incorporate new fallbacks for derivatives that reference certain key interbank offered rates (IBORs). Simultaneously, ISDA will publish a protocol that will allow market participants to choose to incorporate the revisions into their legacy derivatives trades.

Ahead of the publication, ISDA has published a factsheet, Understanding IBOR Benchmark Fallbacks, as well as a video interview with Ann Battle, Head of Benchmark Reform at ISDA, explaining why changes to fallbacks are necessary.

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...