The Effect of Capital Rules on Derivatives Markets

CFTC staff from the Office of Chief Economist discuss the effect that capital rules have had on the competitive landscape of derivatives clearing. Staff studied the multiple effects of capital rules across different asset classes and different clearing member groups. The evidence suggests that the leverage ratio requirement has pushed derivative clearing activities to less constrained institutions and market segments. Search terms: CFTC, Office of the Chief Economist, Derivatives Clearing, Margin, Leverage Ratio, US Treasury Futures and Options, S&P 500 Futures and Options, Capital Rules