LONDON, Nov. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Sovereign wealth funds
(SWFs) and, in many instances, asset owners are well positioned to benefit in the securities lending and repo markets as a result
of recent regulatory changes in the over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives markets, according to a white paper from BNY Mellon and
the Judge Business School of the University of Cambridge.
The paper, OTC Derivatives Reform: Putting asset owners and sovereign wealth funds in the driver's seat, points to
recent regulatory changes such as Basel III that have placed increasing restrictions on financial institutions, resulting in
potential opportunities for SWFs, which are exempt from many of these new restrictions.
"While sovereign wealth funds traditionally have taken a cautious approach to investing, they are grappling with a
low-interest rate environment as they seek liquid investing opportunities," said Hani Kablawi, BNY Mellon's Head of Investment
Services for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). "This is especially true for commodity-dependent sovereigns. However there is an
investment opportunity for sovereign wealth funds because their own bonds are exactly the type of high quality liquid assets
(HQLA) that are sought in the securities lending and repo markets."
In addition, the significantly increased demand for collateral generated by OTC derivatives markets reform creates further
opportunities for SWFs in the repo markets, where many buy-side market participants seek collateral transformation transactions
in order to submit eligible collateral to clearing houses.
While the reforms are limiting the risk appetites of banks and curtailing the activities of other financial institutions, they
exempted the SWFs from certain restrictions, according to the report. For example, the European Market Infrastructure
Regulation (EMIR) requires market participants to centrally clear OTC derivatives. SWFs are exempt from this limitation and
can continue to use bilateral clearing and also are exempted from costly capital requirements.
"While the SWFs could have growing opportunities and a competitive advantage in certain types of transactions, SWF fund
managers will need to be aware of a variety of dynamics in the marketplace," Kablawi said. "In particular they will need to be
aware of the capital positions and other risks faced by their counterparties."
To access the full report, please click here: https://www.bnymellon.com/us/en/our-thinking/otc-derivatives-reform-part-1.jsp
Notes to editor:
BNY Mellon's Asset Servicing business supports institutional investors in today's fast-evolving markets, safeguarding
assets and enhancing the management and administration of client investments through services that process, monitor and measure
data from around the world. We leverage our global footprint and local expertise to deliver insight and solutions across every
stage of the investment lifecycle.
BNY Mellon is a global investments company dedicated to helping its clients manage and service their financial assets
throughout the investment lifecycle. Whether providing financial services for institutions, corporations or individual investors,
BNY Mellon delivers informed investment management and investment services in 35 countries and more than 100 markets. As of
September 30, 2016, BNY Mellon had $30.5 trillion in assets under
custody and/or administration, and $1.72 trillion in assets under management. BNY Mellon can act as
a single point of contact for clients looking to create, trade, hold, manage, service, distribute or restructure investments. BNY
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This press release is issued by The Bank of New York Mellon to members of the financial press and media.
All information and figures source BNY Mellon unless otherwise stated as at September 30, 2016.
The Bank of New York Mellon, London Branch, registered in England and Wales with FC005522 and BR000818.
Branch office: One Canada Square, London E14 5AL. The Bank of New
York Mellon is supervised and regulated by the New York State Department of Financial Services
and the Federal Reserve and authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority.
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Contact:
Malcolm Borthwick
+44 207 163 4109
malcolm.borthwick@bnymellon.com
Mike Dunn
+1 973 360 3201
mike.g.dunn@bnymellon.com
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/otc-derivatives-reform-creates-revenue-opportunities-for-sovereign-wealth-funds-asset-owners-according-to-bny-mellon-paper-300362093.html
SOURCE BNY Mellon