Topic: Public Policy & Advocacy

Navigating the New Regulatory Landscape: An Evaluation of the New Regulatory Environment and the Future of Collateral Management under Dodd-Frank

November 5, 2012 | Marcus Evans Global Financial Markets Intelligence (GFMI)

At the GFMI Collateral Management Conference, Diana spoke on multiple panels about the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act on collateral management. In particular she discussed liquidity and collateral optimization, emphasizing the impact on banks and the new regulatory frameworks for the swap and security-based swaps markets.

Petition for Rulemaking on the Definition of Eligible Contract Participant in Commodity Exchange Act Section 1a(18), Interpretive Letter, Exemptive Relief, or Other Guidance

August 24, 2012 | American Bankers Association (ABA)

The ABA seeks CFTC and SEC rulemaking, an interpretive letter, exemptive relief, or other guidance on the eligible contract participant (ECP) definition. As a result of Dodd-Frank Act rulemaking implementation effective October 12, 2012, only ECPs are able to enter into over-the-counter swaps. Banks need clarity on the ECP definition and it has a particular impact on small and medium-sized businesses. The CFTC issued a No-Action and Interpretation Letter on the implementation date.

Comment Letter on Clearing Exemption for Certain Swaps Entered Into by Cooperatives

August 16, 2012 | American Bankers Association (ABA)

The ABA strenuously opposes the clearing exemption for certain swaps entered into by cooperatives. The CFTC has no policy justification for adopting the exemption, which grants financial institutions that are cooperatives a broader clearing exemption than banks. The exemption is arbitrary and capricious and creates competitive harm to banks while providing additional benefits to cooperatives, including a credit union with nearly $50 billion in assets and a Farm Credit bank with over $90 billion in assets.

Why US swap definitions need clarifying quickly

July 23, 2012 | International Financial Law Review (IFLR)

This article focuses on the implementation of the new regulations for the swap markets, including registration, reporting, business conduct, and other requirements. It also discusses the cross-border implications for swap dealers and major swap participants. Diana is quoted as encouraging the CFTC to adhere to its pledge to work with market participants to ensure a smooth transition.

CFTC Said to Exempt Banks Under $10 Billion From Clearing

July 6, 2012 | Bloomberg News by Silla Brush

The article provides an overview of the role of clearing and the Dodd-Frank Act mandate to move most swaps to clearinghouses. It forecasted an exemption for banks with less than $10 billion in assets that use swaps to hedge and mitigate risk. Diana is quoted as advocating for a risk-based measurement because it will better reflect potential market risk.