The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced that it will introduce regulations to require over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives to be cleared on central counterparties (CCPs), with effect from 1 October 2018.
Central clearing will make the trading of OTC derivatives in Singapore safer as it mitigates counterparty credit risks inherent in these trades.
The mandatory clearing requirement will apply to Singapore-Dollar and US-Dollar fixed-floating interest rate swaps as these are the most widely traded interest rate derivatives in Singapore. Banks whose gross notional outstanding OTC derivatives exceed $20 billion will be required to clear their trades through CCPs that are regulated by MAS. These banks account for over 90% of OTC derivatives contracts (in terms of outstanding notional amount) in Singapore.
Mr Lee Boon Ngiap, Assistant Managing Director, Capital Markets, MAS, said:
The central clearing requirements complements the existing margin requirements for non-centrally cleared OTC derivatives. Both requirements work together to reduce systemic risk in Singapore’s OTC derivatives markets, in line with the G20’s and Financial Stability Board’s set of reforms on OTC derivatives.
The central clearing requirements will be effected through the Securities and Futures (Clearing of Derivatives Contracts) Regulations. MAS previously consulted on the Regulations and the response to the consultation can be found here.