CFTC plan to relax MMF margin restriction sparks debate

Industry welcomes proposal to lift ban on repo-using funds as eligible IM, but some warn MMFs bring risks

CFTC
Ascannio/Alamy

Industry sources have largely welcomed proposals by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to allow a wider array of US government money market funds (MMFs) to be used as initial margin for non-cleared derivatives, but some warn the plans will introduce extra risk into the system.

While shares in MMFs that utilise the short-term repo market are deemed eligible collateral for initial margin on cleared derivatives, US regulators have banned its use for non-cleared derivatives positions. After

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

Register

Want to know what’s included in our free membership? Click here

This address will be used to create your account

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