Latest Insights

Impact of OIS switch of fair value derivatives

Barely a day goes by, it seems, without an email, a post, or a newsflash from one of the many acronyms (ECB, BOE, FED, FCA, ISDA…) of the LIBOR reform players. We are getting closer to the deadline and there is still the same uncertainty on what the post-LIBOR market will be like. What will the transition look like? Will my margin calls be impacted? Will the fixed rate currently paid be changed? Will interest payment in arrears really become the norm for the loans and facilities too?

IBOR transition: fallback solutions in illiquid markets

At the end of this year, the LIBOR we currently know will be discontinued. For some currencies, the calculation methodology will be adjusted, while others will move to a brand new or alternative risk-free rate (RFR). This also holds for the dollar LIBOR, which will be replaced by the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR). However, some currencies use the USD LIBOR as a basis for their current reference rates, mainly due to liquidity concerns. Therefore, these FX implied rates face an additional challenge.

Machine learning in risk management

Machine learning (ML) models have already been around for decades. The exponential growth in computing power and data availability, however, has resulted in many new opportunities for ML models. One possible application is to use them in financial institutions’ risk management. This article gives a brief introduction of ML models, followed by the most promising opportunities for using ML models in financial risk management.

Anti-money laundering and transaction monitoring in times of a pandemic

The fight against money laundering (ML) and terrorist financing contributes to global security, the integrity of the financial system and sustainable growth. In recent years, financial institutions have been under more regulatory pressure when it comes to the detection and prevention of financial crime. Financial institutions have therefore stepped up their measures against fraud, money laundering, terrorist financing and other forms of financial crime. In this fight, transaction monitoring is a crucial tool to detect unusual transactions and patterns.

Average Rate FX Forwards and their processing in SAP

Zanders add-on for SAP TRM

An Average Rate FX Forward (ARF) can be a very efficient hedging instrument when the business margin needs to be protected. It allows the buyer to hedge the outright rate in a similar way as with a regular forward. However, as the cash settlement amount is calculated against the average of spot rates observed over an extended period, the volatility of the pay-out is much reduced.