Credit markets
$7.3 billion in risk transferred in first index-linked synthetic CDO
JP Morgan Chase's groundbreaking index-linked synthetic collateralised debt obligation (CDO) transaction, dubbed Horizon, has transferred $7.3 billion in risk - making it one of the largest-ever synthetic CDOs. The bank had previously refused to disclose…
CDO ratings hurt by rates risk, says Fitch
The market preoccupation with default rates negatively affecting collateralised debt obligations (CDOs) ignores the equal risk of interest rate risk embedded in high-yield cashflow instruments, especially for deals completed between 1997 and 1999,…
Morgan Stanley set to launch European synthetic ‘Tracer’
Morgan Stanley plans to launch a synthetic version of its tradable custodial receipt – ‘Tracer’ – product soon in Europe, following its introduction of a Tracer index based on single-name credit default swaps in the US in mid-April, and its launch of…
FSA retreats on insurer credit risk transfer concerns
The UK’s Financial Services Authority today said it generally has faith in insurers that use credit derivatives as a means for risk transfer. This contradicts previous statements by FSA chairman Howard Davies, who signalled his desire to clamp down on…
BofA highlights danger of over-leveraged synthetics
The over-leveraging of investment grade corporate credit-backed synthetic collateralised debt obligations (CDOs) accentuated the impact of credit downgrades last year, according to new research by Bank of America.
Credit Markets Update: Telecoms spreads continue widening
The cost of protection on European telecoms rose again today following the publication of a number of negative analyst reports. Traders at JP Morgan Chase in London quoted five-year credit default swaps (CDS) on France Telecom 20 basis points wider over…
Hedge funds of funds may offer CDO opportunity, says S&P
Standard & Poor’s (S&P) today predicted that collateralised debt obligations (CDOs) of hedge fund of funds will be the next sector to fuel growth in alternative investments.
Credit risk in asset securitisations: an analytical model
How much capital should banks reserve against investments in portfolio securitisations? Asserting that recent proposals on this subject by Basel are inconsistent, Michael Pykhtin and Ashish Dev propose a new analytical model suitable for tranches of…
Gaining an edge from Basel
The recent recommendations of the Basel Committee are set to usher in a period of upheaval for many participants in the banking sector. Standard & Poor’s Anthony Albert looks at how to gain a competitive advantage in credit risk management in the light…
Static data moves forward
Firms tackling high-speed and information-intensive tasks such as straight-through processing or risk management without accurate instrument and counterparty reference data may be taking enormous operational and credit risks. Clive Davidson reports on…
Wotowicz says adieu to European HY
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Basle II op risk survey planned for June 1
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The Basle II capital accord: op risk proposals in brief
BASLE II UPDATE
Opinion: Credit derivatives – don’t disable the concept
Standardising the credit derivatives market could paralyse it, argues Ralf Lierow, director of portfolio management, Europe, equipment and sales financing, Siemens Financial Services
Swiss Re executes $40 million catastrophe risk CDO
Swiss Re Capital Markets Corporation (SRCMC) has executed what is believed to be the first ever synthetic CDO based on natural catastrophe risks. The underlying risk exposures were accessed through industry loss warranties (ILWs), for which Judith…
Credit Markets Update: Spreads widen on US telecoms woes
The cost of credit derivatives protection rose on a number of telecoms today following the resignation yesterday of WorldCom chief executive Bernard Ebbers and a wider than expected $698 million loss in the first quarter reported by Qwest.
Static data moves forward
Firms tackling high-speed and information-intensive tasks such as straight-through processing or risk management without accurate instrument and counterparty reference data may be taking enormous operational and credit risks. Clive Davidson reports on…
Retail product design innovations
Retail investors the world over are looking for alternatives to the faltering stock and fixed-income markets. Derivatives dealers looking to tap this demand are rolling out new products and revising old ones for the retail audience. John Ferry and Navroz…