LCH.Clearnet, which operates the interest rate swap clearing service SwapClear, is to begin using the overnight index swap rate curves to discount its USD218trn IRS portfolio.
Previously, in line with market practice, the portfolio was discounted using Libor.
However, an increasing proportion of trades are now priced using OIS discounting.
After consultation with market participants, LCH.Clearnet has decided to move to OIS to ensure the most accurate valuation of its portfolio for risk management purposes. LCH.Clearnet already uses OIS rates to price the rate of return on cash collateral.
From 29 June 2010, USD, Euro and GBP trades in SwapClear will be revalued using OIS.
Roger Liddell, chief executive, LCH.Clearnet, says: “Accurate pricing is essential for prudent risk management. With the market moving increasingly to OIS, it was important for us to consider the implications of this. Our move to OIS discounting demonstrates our commitment to the highest standards of risk management and the sophistication of our SwapClear service.”
In December 2009, LCH.Clearnet was the first clearing house to launch interest rate swap clearing for the buy-side clients through SwapClear.
