ISDA Letter on Reform of UK EMIR

On December 22, 2022, ISDA CEO Scott O’Malia sent a letter and accompanying note to HM Treasury, the Financial Conduct Authority and the Bank of England with recommendations to reform the UK European Market Infrastructure Regulation intragroup transaction exemption and the equity options exemption for variation margin and initial margin.

ISDA proposes that there should be permanent intragroup exemptions from margin and clearing requirements for over-the-counter derivatives between UK and non-UK group companies, which do not depend on equivalence determinations in respect of non-UK countries. The note presents a set of reforms that would give the industry clarity and would remove a cliff edge for some firms at the end of 2023. The letter also urges UK authorities to permanently exempt single-stock options and equity index options from margin requirements, and to communicate plans early to firms that otherwise face an uncertain implementation period.

From Milestone to Modernization

We’re coming to the end of an exceptionally busy year at ISDA, in which we celebrated our 40th anniversary and doubled down on our enduring commitment to safe and efficient derivatives markets. Reflecting on ISDA’s achievements since 1985, it’s clear...

IRD Trading Activity Q3 2025

This report analyzes interest rate derivatives (IRD) trading activity reported in Europe. The analysis is based on transactions publicly reported by 30 European approved publication arrangements (APAs) and trading venues (TVs). Key highlights for the third quarter of 2025 include:...

Ardagh Credit Event Processing and Trading

The Credit Derivatives Determinations Committee announced on December 15 that a restructuring credit event has occurred with respect to Ardagh. An ISDA Credit Market Infrastructure Group call was held on December 15 to discuss the processing of this event. The...