Supporting Derivatives


Date: July 2005
Author: Ashley Payn

Asset managers want to extend the range of derivatives they use. But there is great variation in current experience. Are managers running before they can walk? They should consider the cost of implementing derivative projects and the level of support and experience they need to establish before they can move further into the realm of exchange traded and more exotic, over the counter (OTC) derivatives.

Asset managers need to consider some key areas before they increase their use of derivatives - especially the business impact. There is generally poor management of the overall cost of using derivatives - the request to use these instruments is driven by individual portfolio managers, rarely by the client or overall business. What are the benefits of using derivatives and how much is it going to cost? Particular consideration should be given to the expertise companies need to establish before using derivatives. Some asset managers consider very low levels of training for support staff and portfolio managers sufficient. But this can lead to costly errors.

This report sets out current best practice to address the issues raised - founded on the experience (successes and failures) of asset managers, brokers and vendors. It's practical advice for asset managers and project managers faced with extending the use of derivatives in client portfolios.

This research shares the experience of asset managers, derivative brokers, system vendors and trade associations. The report was co-authored with the specialist Derivatives and Securities Consultancy.

Table of contents


Management Summary   1
1.0 Introduction   3
1.1     Scope   4
1.2 Methodology   5
1.3 Why use derivatives   6
1.4 Investment products and derivatives   8
2.0 Derivatives in Investment Management   9
2.1 Futures   11
2.2 Forwards   19
2.3 Options   22
2.4 Swaps   29
2.5 Contracts for difference (CFDs)   35
2.6 Other things which are not derivatives   36
2.7 Other derivatives on the horizon   38
3.0 Business Areas Affected   41
3.1 Pricing and valuation   42
3.2 Order management and trading   45
3.3 Compliance   48
3.4 ETD settlement and margining   50
3.5 OTC settlement and term sheets   53
3.6 A technical note on FIX and FpML   57
3.7 Collateral and cash management   58
3.8 Performance measurement   60
3.9 Ongoing maintenance   61
4.0 Business Issues   63
4.1 Business approval methods   64
4.2 Managing costs   70
4.3 Derivatives and outsourcing   75
4.4 Exchange traded or OTC?   76
5.0 Suppliers Mentioned   77
5.1 Pricing and modelling   78
5.2 Market-related   80
5.3 Middle and back office   81
6.0 Conclusions - Planning for the Future   83


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