Controversies Over Clearing: Regulation of Derivatives
UK regulators supported more stringent rules regarding the clearing of over-the-counter derivatives through Central Counterparties (CCPs) on financial stability grounds. Minimal resistance to this came either from elected officials, who paid little attention to the issue, or from the derivatives industry, as many viewed reform as desirable. UK regulators were therefore able to pursue the trading-up of OTCD rules and greater harmonization to manage the cross-border externalities generated by derivatives clearing. At the international level, UK regulators acted as pace-setters to secure more prescriptive standards, leveraging their significant market power and regulatory capacity, based on London’s prominent position. But at the EU level, UK negotiators pursued a strategy of foot-dragging in opposition to European Markets Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR) provisions on the scope, access, and location of CCPs. The UK also used legal challenges to block attempts to relocate the clearing of euro-denominated derivatives to the euro area.