COVID-19 and CCP Risk Management Frameworks

After the market turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in March and April 2020, the ISDA Clearing Member Committee analyzed how central counterparty (CCP) risk management frameworks reacted to the crisis, based on feedback from CCPs.

The results show CCPs dealt with the crisis well, managing record volumes while most of their staff worked from home. In total, there were three member defaults or close-outs, none of which threatened financial stability. This reflects a more stable financial system overall: clearing members are much better capitalized and hold more liquidity compared to the last crisis.

However, some issues did emerge. Procyclical initial margin requirements exacerbated market stress at certain points. Clearing members also lacked timely information about backtesting breaches and procyclicality in margin models. The paper makes recommendations to address both of those points.

ISDA Response on Common Carbon Data Model

On August 12, ISDA responded to a consultation from the Climate Data Steering Committee (CDSC) on a Common Carbon Credit Data Model. ISDA members believe the Group-of-20 carbon data model initiative is a positive step in addressing data gaps and...

Joint Response on RBA Consultation

On August 11, ISDA and FIA submitted a joint response to the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) on its consultation on guidance for Australia’s clearing and settlement facility resolution regime. The associations welcome publication of the draft guidance, which provides...

SwapsInfo H1 2025 and Q2 2025

Interest rate derivatives (IRD) trading activity increased in the first half of 2025, driven by continued interest rate volatility, evolving central bank policy expectations and persistent macroeconomic uncertainty. Trading in index credit derivatives also rose, as market participants responded to...