The Joint Committee of the European Supervisory Authorities (EBA, EIOPA, ESMA – ESAs) published the final draft Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) outlining the framework of the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR).
These RTS cover the risk mitigation techniques related to the exchange of collateral to cover exposures arising from non-centrally cleared over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives. They also specify the criteria concerning intragroup exemptions and the definitions of practical and legal impediments to the prompt transfer of funds between counter-parties. These standards aim at increasing the safety of the OTC derivatives markets in the EU.
The draft RTS contain the following provisions:
- For OTC derivatives not cleared by a Central Counterparty (CCP), the draft RTS prescribe that counter-parties have to exchange both initial and variation margins. This will reduce counterparty credit risk, mitigate any potential systemic risk and ensure alignment with international standards.
- The draft RTS outline the list of eligible collateral for the exchange of margins, the criteria to ensure the collateral is sufficiently diversified and not subject to wrong-way risk, as well as the methods to determine appropriate collateral haircuts.
- The draft RTS lay down the operational procedures related to documentation, legal assessments of the enforceability of the agreements and the timing of the collateral exchange.
- The draft RTS cover the procedures for counterparties and competent authorities related to the treatment of intragroup derivative contracts.
The RTS will be applied in a proportionate manner to allow counter-parties to phase in the requirements.
Legal framework and background
These draft RTS have been developed on the basis of Article 11(15) of Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 (EMIR), which establishes provisions aimed at increasing the safety and transparency of the over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives markets in the EU.
In developing these standards, the ESAs have taken into consideration the need for international consistency and have, therefore, used the framework established by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) and the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) and the BCBS supervisory guidance for managing risks associated with the settlement of foreign exchange transactions, while taking into account the specific features of the European financial market.
In order to address risks related to the derivative markets, the European Parliament and the Council have adopted the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR) – formally known as Regulation EU No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on OTC derivatives, central counter-parties and trade repositories (EMIR).
EMIR establishes provisions aimed at increasing the safety and transparency of the OTC derivatives markets and requires OTC derivative contracts to be cleared, derivative transactions to be reported to trade repositories and sets a framework to enhance the safety of central counter-parties (CCP).
The EMIR was published on 4 July 2012 and entered into force on 16 August 2012. It is directly applicable in all EU Member States.
The full statement and related information can be found here.