Introduction to the 2021 ISDA Interest Rate Derivatives Definitions

The 2021 ISDA Interest Rate Derivatives Definitions will replace the 2006 ISDA Definitions as the standard definitional book for cleared and non-cleared interest rate derivatives. ISDA finalized the new definitions on May 18, 2021, ahead of publication on a new web-based user platform (expected on June 4, 2021). An implementation date has been set for the weekend of October 2/3, 2021.

Since the 2006 ISDA Definitions were published 15 years ago, there have been numerous changes in market structure, regulations, technology and market practice. Important lessons have also been learned from various unscheduled market closures. While ISDA has published over 70 supplements to keep the 2006 ISDA Definitions current, this has led to the definitional booklet becoming unwieldy and difficult to use. The 2021 Definitions will consolidate these supplements into the main book, as well as making other necessary updates.

ISDA has published a new factsheet outlining the key changes.

Click on the PDF below to read the factsheet.

Documents (1) for Introduction to the 2021 ISDA Interest Rate Derivatives Definitions

ISDA Publishes Updated ISDA SIMM Governance

ISDA has published an updated version of the ISDA SIMM® Governance Framework, which sets out the principles under which the ISDA Standard Initial Margin Model® operates and the process through which it will be reviewed and amended on a consistent...

ISDA Response to PRA IMA Consultation

On September 18, ISDA, the Association for Financial Markets in Europe, the Institute of International Finance and UK Finance submitted a joint response to the UK Prudential Regulation Authority consultation on adjustments to the internal model approach (IMA) for the...

Calibration Test – IQ September 2026

Calibrating capital requirements is a highly complex undertaking and getting it wrong can have serious consequences. Too much lenience might lead to banks holding insufficient capital to mitigate their risks. But excess conservatism can put balance sheets under strain, forcing...