Derivatives caught in the spotlight

Regulators are considering extending transparency requirements to include pre- and post-trade reporting for over-the-counter derivatives. But the industry is keen to spell out the limits of what can be done without damaging investor confidence and liquidity.

Shining a light on the world of over-the-counter derivatives has been a priority for politicians and regulators since late 2008, when Lehman Brothers imploded and American International Group (AIG) nearly collapsed under the weight of its credit default swap exposures. Despite ongoing efforts to set up central trade repositories, designed to give supervisors a better understanding of where systemic risks are building up, regulators are also asking the industry to consider further increases in