US end-users risk tax hit in move to daily settled swaps

Changing treatment of variation margin could benefit banks, but hurt clients

US flag
Capital question: "US tax lawyers are debating the issue. It's… extremely sensitive," says a tax specialist

Changing the treatment of margin on cleared swaps could leave derivatives end-users with a bigger tax bill, setting up a fresh trade-off for the planned move. The margin change promises to cut bank capital requirements dramatically, but on top of the tax question, it also risks upsetting hedge accounting arrangements.

The changes, which have seen all four of the big swaps clearing houses seek supporting legal opinions in recent months, would see daily margin posting as the settlement of a trade

Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.

To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@risk.net or view our subscription options here: http://subscriptions.risk.net/subscribe

You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@risk.net to find out more.

Sorry, our subscription options are not loading right now

Please try again later. Get in touch with our customer services team if this issue persists.

New to Risk.net? View our subscription options

Most read articles loading...

You need to sign in to use this feature. If you don’t have a Risk.net account, please register for a trial.

Sign in
You are currently on corporate access.

To use this feature you will need an individual account. If you have one already please sign in.

Sign in.

Alternatively you can request an individual account here