Getting Ready for Initial Margin: The Steps to Take

Each September until 2022*, increasing numbers of entities will be required to meet initial margin regulations as the threshold level for compliance reduces. Preparation for meeting these requirements will take significant time, and will involve intensive work to ensure systems, processes and documentation are in place.

ISDA has published a fact sheet that sets out the steps firms should take when preparing to comply with regulatory initial margin requirements. These are not necessarily presented in chronological order – the precise order and timing will depend on a firm’s specific circumstances.

STEP 1: Identify in-scope entities early

STEP 2: Make early disclosures to counterparties

STEP 3: Exchange information on compliance

STEP 4: Identify special cases

STEP 5: Establish custodial relationships

STEP 6: Prepare for compliance

STEP 7: Negotiate/execute documentation

STEP 8: Finalize preparations

  • Updated in August 2020 to account for new Basel Committee on Banking Supervision/IOSCO implementation schedule.

Click on the attached PDF to read the full list of steps.

Documents (1) for Getting Ready for Initial Margin: The Steps to Take

Developing OTC Commodity Derivatives in India

The development of a robust and liquid over-the-counter (OTC) commodity derivatives market in India could support the continued growth of India’s economy given its significant reliance on commodities. A well-functioning OTC market in India would offer several advantages. First, it...

Joint Response to FCA and HMT Consultations

On January 16, ISDA and UK Finance responded to both the consultation on streamlining the UK European Market Infrastructure Regulation (UK EMIR) intragroup regime by the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) and the draft statutory instrument from His Majesty’s Treasury (HMT)....

Key Trends in OTC Derivatives Market H1 2025

The latest data from the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives statistics shows an increase in notional outstanding of OTC derivatives during the first half of 2025 compared to the first half of 2024. Notional outstanding rose across...