Deep Learning-Based Method for Computing Initial Margin

Following the guidelines of the Basel III agreement (2013), large financial institutions are forced to incorporate additional collateral, known as Initial Margin, in their transactions in OTC markets. Currently, the computation of such collateral is performed following the Standard Initial Margin Model (SIMM) methodology. Focusing on a portfolio consisting of an interest rate swap, we propose the use of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to approximate the Initial Margin value of the portfolio over its lifetime. The goal is to find an optimal configuration of structural hyperparameters, as well as to analyze the robustness of the network to variations in the model parameters and swap features.

Analysis of Tawarruq contract in the Islamic profit rate swap (IPRS) implementation in Malaysia

Purpose This study aims to analyse the Shariah issues in the implementation of tawarruq contract in the Islamic profit rate swap (IPRS) instrument in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach This is a qualitative study in applying data analysis and semi-structured interview approaches. Data was collected from various documents including journals, articles and past studies conducted by scholars. To achieve the purpose of this study, the data is analysed based on thematic analysis. Findings The study found several Shariah issues regarding the implementation of tawarruq contract in the IPRS instruments, which have remained a dispute amongst the Islamic financial scholars such as its profit-making purpose, encouragement of debt, impediment of shared risk concept, disputed underlying assets, a deception towards allowing riba and dual agency. Research limitations/implications This study recommends several improvements such as the establishment of a neutral agency that does not represent any banking institution to manage the tawarruq contract commodity purchase from Bursa Suq al-Sila’ (BSAS). In addition, a neutral agency can provide aid in terms of transaction facility or at least consultation service for clients to enable them to conduct the commodity transactions independently. Practical implications Moreover, guidelines should be established on the separation of the deadline to sign the agreement of appointment of a bank as the commodity purchase agent and the agreement of appointment of the bank as the commodity sale agent on behalf of clients. All transactions related to tawarruq contract commodity must be done through BSAS. The regulators and industry experts may create a guideline for the IPRS based on the issues and recommendations that have been discussed in this study. Originality/value On the basis of the analysis of the criticisms and issues in the implementation of tawarruq contract in the IPRS instrument, the current study found that an intermediating institution is allowed to gain profits from transactions conducted so long as they are based on Shariah principles of contract in Islam. As there is no parameter specifically for IPRS, thus the suggested parameter can be used by policymakers such as the Central Bank of Malaysia to ensure the industry complies with Shariah principles.

Sharīʿah Evaluation of Financial Derivatives and Developing Sharīʿah Compliant Hedging Instruments

The use of financial derivatives have been controversial in Islamic Finance. However, the commonly held openion is such derivatives are not Sharīʿah compliant, so should not be used in Islamic Finance. The use of Islamic derivatives in some jurisdiction and not in others on the one hand and the lesser clarity regarding their Sharīʿah basis on the other hand have created uncertainity and thus hindrance for the Islamic financial institutions in properly managing the associated risks. This study is an effort to address the issue and analyze the forwards, futures, options and swaps contracts, from Sharīʿah perspective and to hunt Sharīʿah compliant alternatives to fill this viable gap so that Islamic financial institutions do not find themselves in an unfavorable position. The study adopts qualitative research method to clarify and understand the relevant issues. The analysis shows that, in principle, the current application of derivative instruments in Islamic finance is not Sharīʿah compliant due to a number of forbidden elements. Islamic contracts that can be used as the basis or building block for developing derivatives confirming to the Sharīʿah principles include BaiʿSalam, Murābahah, Wakalah and Wa’ad based arrangements. Based on these Sharīʿah concepts, alternative to Short Selling, FX Forward Contract, Profit Rate Swap and Cross Currency Swap have been examined which will minimize the gape and will help IFIs in development and careful implementation of these structured products as per fundamentals of Islamic Finance, otherwise, it will result a serious breakdown and all the hope of the emerging industry will be lost.

Cross-Currency Interest Rate Swap Application in the Long-Term Currency Risk Management

<p>Effective currency risk management using various derivatives is particularly important under increased market volatility. The risk is relatively higher for longer than shorter time frames. This study highlights the implementation of selected instruments for long-term hedging. It presents the application of cross-currency interest rate swap as a currency risk hedging tool used by Polish exporters, mainly manufacturers generating their revenues mostly abroad (in euro area), exposed to negative exchange rate fluctuations. The paper covers issues related to the pricing, market risk estimation and collateral required in the OTC market, as well as undertakes a sensitivity analysis in search for exchange rates at which margin call occurs. There is a comparative analysis and back test simulation conducted using market data from exchange and money markets. The study emphasized that the analyzed instrument meets the expectations in terms of hedging the company cash flows, as well as may generate additional benefits due to the still existing interest rate differential.</p>

xVA: DEFINITION, EVALUATION AND RISK MANAGEMENT

xVA is a collection of valuation adjustments made to the classical risk-neutral valuation of a derivative or derivatives portfolio for pricing or for accounting purposes, and it has been a matter of debate and controversy. This paper is intended to clarify the notion of xVA as well as the usage of the xVA items in pricing, accounting or risk management. Based on bilateral replication pricing using shares and credit default swaps, we attribute the P&L of a derivatives trade into the compensation for counterparty default risks and the costs of funding. The expected present values of the compensation and the funding costs under the risk-neutral measure are defined to be the bilateral CVA and FVA, respectively. The latter further breaks down into FCA, MVA, ColVA and KVA. We show that the market funding liquidity risk, but not any idiosyncratic funding risks, can be bilaterally priced into a derivative trade, without causing price asymmetry between the counterparties. We call for the adoption of VaR or CVaR methodologies for managing funding risks. The pricing of xVA of an interest-rate swap is presented.