The International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA), together with the Institute of International Finance (IIF) responded last year to the consultative paper on margin practices (the Response). Back then there were some issues that we acknowledged but could not develop further in the time available.
This paper provides some additional thoughts on these topics. In addition, we also address some discussions within industry over the last year.
In summary, we cover:
- Intraday variation margin (VM) collection practices: We consider the potential costs and benefits of CCPs paying out intraday margin, and note that there are pros and cons that need to be discussed with participants in each market.
- Measurement of procyclicality: To support comparability between models, measurement of procyclicality should be easy to implement and to understand.
- Governance considerations around anti-procyclicality (APC) tools: We flag the importance of governance of anti-procyclicality (APC) tools.
- Notice for margin rate increases: We consider whether CCPs can provide advance notice of margin rate changes, especially if the use VaR models.
- Forward-looking margin transparency: We propose simple scenarios as a basis for forward-looking margin simulators.
Documents (1) for Additional Thoughts on Margin Practices
Latest
Joint Response to EC on Market Risk Delegated Act
ISDA and the Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME) have responded to the European Commission’s (EC) consultation on the draft legal text of the upcoming market risk delegated act. The associations welcome the ongoing efforts to address the implementation...
ISDA/ASIFMA/GFXD Letter to RBI on INR-Denominated FX Derivatives Reporting
On March 9, 2026, ISDA, ASIFMA, and GFXD submitted a joint letter to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in response to the RBI’s Reporting Instructions for Authorised Dealer (AD) Category – I Banks draft directions to mandate the reporting...
IRD Trading Activity FY 2025 and Q4 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 full year 2025 include: European...
A Financial Markets Revolution
Every financial center has its own unique features, but it was particularly fitting that ISDA’s recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held in Boston – not only a global hub for asset management and insurance, but also a city that...
