On March 1, 2016, the European Securities and Markets Authority published a final report setting out possible systematic risk and cost implications of interoperability arrangements between central counterparties. The report focuses on the complexities of interoperable arrangements and the adequacy of risk management systems and models of CCPs. Interoperability arrangements, as defined in the European Markets Infrastructure Regulation, are arrangements between two or more CCPs which involve a cross- system execution of transactions. The Report details the general EU regulatory framework applicable to interoperability arrangements, as set out in the European Market Infrastructure Regulation, and related Guidelines and recommendations. The report provides a summary of interoperability arrangements for different products between EU CCP's, in relation to products such as EU equities, EU government bonds and EU Exchange Traded Derivatives. The report identifies the main new risk as that arising between the two CCPs which are interoperating, but notes that some EU CCPs have set up mechanisms to mitigate the risks of under-collateralisation, including when reuse of collateral is permitted. The Report is to be submitted to the European Commission and European Parliament. It will contribute to the report that the European Commission is responsible for submitting on the potential risks of interoperability.
The press release and report are available at: https://www.esma.europa.eu/press-news/esma-news/esma-issues-report-risks-and-costs-ccp-interoperability.
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