The ISDA Framework Agreement is a framework agreement that sets out the terms and conditions between parties wishing to trade OTC derivatives. There are two major versions that are still widely used on the market: the 1992 ISDA Framework Agreement (multi-currency – cross-border) and the 2002 ISDA Framework Agreement. Perhaps the most neglected aspect of the hedging process is the ISDA negotiations. The most important thing to remember is that the ISDA framework agreement is a clearing agreement and all transactions depend on each other. Therefore, a default value under a transaction counts as the default value among all transactions. Paragraph 1(c) describes the concept of the single agreement and is crucial as it forms the basis for closing compensation. The intent is that when a failure event occurs, all transactions are terminated without exception. The concept of closing compensation prevents a liquidator from choosing, i.e. deciding to make payments for profitable transactions for his bankrupt client and refusing to do so in the context of unprofitable transactions. When a risk manager is asked for instructions on the conditions to be included in a draft ISDA master plan, it may be tempting for the risk manager to meet the „standard conditions“.
Unfortunately, there is nothing like this in the world of ISDA negotiations. Cross Default vs. Cross Acceleration: If defects under other agreements between the parties may result in a defect under your ISDA and when this default event may be triggered. This can be a big sticking point in some negotiations if the parties want different terms. DDL provides advisory and trading services in the areas of OTC derivatives and securities law documentation that can help you make the necessary arrangements. We also offer training on the documents themselves so that you can familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions negotiated jointly. A hedge fund`s derivatives trading relationship with a trader can also extend to blue chip brokerage services, portfolio margin, and securities buyback and lending operations. In this case, in addition to an ISDA framework agreement, the documentation required by the concessionaire would include agreements that cover these other relationships. Whether other agreements already exist between the trader and the hedge fund at the time of negotiation of the ISDA framework agreement or the ISDA contract is only one of the many agreements negotiated at the beginning of a new relationship with a broker, it is necessary to assess the consistency between similar provisions in all agreements and to determine which provisions apply in the event of a discrepancy.
The hedge fund has nothing to gain if, for example, its carefully crafted provisions in ISDA contracts are repealed by provisions in a main brokerage contract. Traditionally, most hedge funds have traded their ISDA framework agreements defensively; They try to limit the circumstances that could allow their counterparty to trade to close trades due to a default or termination event. While hedge fund counterparties face particular challenges when trading highly valued traders, they should try to avoid overly broad provisions that can expose them to unnecessary default scenarios. In addition, in the context of today`s market volatility, where „even the powerful have fallen“, all derivatives market participants must take into account that the solvency of a counterparty can deteriorate seriously, unexpectedly and quickly, and that they may have to negotiate all their trading agreements with a new set of assumptions. While the standard provision of the ISDA Framework Agreement on cross-defaults requires default to occur under an agreement or instrument relating to borrowed money, many traders seek to extend their protection against cross-defaults against hedge fund counterparties to defaults related to derivatives transactions. Careful drafting of these provisions is essential as there may be legitimate disputes over the amount due and even which party must make the net payment in a derivative transaction. OTC derivatives are mainly used for hedging purposes. For example, a company may want to hedge against adverse fluctuations in medium- or long-term interest rates by entering into an interest rate swap to „fix“ a fixed interest rate for a certain period of time.
OTC derivatives can also be used for speculation. Frequently negotiated calendar terms are discussed: Ilene K. Froom, Partner, Reed Smith LLP Miki Navazio, Partner, Seward & Kissel LLP Tess Weil, Partner, Purrington Moody Weil LLP Alternatively, if a third-party guarantee is granted, the guarantor may be listed in the ISDA Framework Agreement Annex as a credit support provider and automatically associated with numerous default and termination events. DDL would like to thank Mary-Anne Bernedo-Nunez, former Director of Training at DDL, for her contribution to this article. While searching for „risk management and ISDA“ in a well-known internet search engine, I came across an Australian website of the International Self-Defense Association and couldn`t help but think it was entirely appropriate for both organizations to share an acronym – given that self-defense is arguably the primary goal of negotiating an ISDA framework contract. In addition to the text of the standard framework agreement, there is a timetable that allows the parties to supplement or modify the standard conditions. The timetable is what the negotiators negotiate. It usually takes at least 3 months to negotiate the schedule, but it can be shorter or longer, depending on the complexity of the provisions in question and the responsiveness of the parties. .
Über den Autor