Feature
Trading platforms prepare for Sef arms race
As the CFTC prepares to close the consultation period on its Sef rulemaking next week, it is still unclear exactly what changes FX trading platforms might need to make to comply with the Sef criteria. How are the potential Sefs preparing? Chiara Albanese…
Retail FX platforms braced for further consolidation
The FDIC last week unveiled proposed margin requirements for retail FX transactions in the US in the latest sign of a clampdown on the retail segment of the industry. How is regulation changing the shape of retail FX? Farah Khalique reports
Closing the FX gender gap
As in much of the financial services sector, the upper echelons of the foreign exchange industry are male-dominated, but a number of market participants say opportunities for women are improving, particularly at the graduate level. Chiara Albanese reports
Social media finds a foothold in FX
Banks are evaluating the value that can be delivered to the foreign exchange business by investing in social media. What are the potential benefits and challenges of using such tools? Chiara Albanese reports
Dollar weakness: Passing fad or long-term reality?
The weakness of the US dollar has been a dominant theme so far in 2011, with many strategists predicting the currency will remain on a weak footing for some time. Miriam Siers speaks to currency strategists about the prospects for the dollar in the…
Multi-bank options platforms: the vision versus the reality
New platforms offering multi-bank FX options trading are finding it tough to manage the manual pricing processes of banks and the complex close-out arrangements inherent in options. Farah Khalique reports
Pure FX: Market or mirage?
Pure FX has been the subject of plenty of speculation since it was first mooted last year, but there is still little clarity over whether the project will come to fruition. Some banks and trading platforms say there is no need for the venture
Algo trading could benefit from Sef rules, say participants
Algorithmic trading has gained traction in the FX markets in recent years and some providers say their platforms might comply with the criteria for swap execution facilities in the US. Could they face a growth opportunity when the regulations come into…
Yuan: The only way is up
Four currency strategists explain why they expect the Chinese yuan to continue to strengthen against the dollar
Banks raise concerns over liquidity in new FX options ventures
New York-based interdealer broker GFI Group last week completed the launch of its FX options trading platform, joining a handful of entities rolling out such platforms. Will banks provide liquidity to the new ventures? Farah Khalique reports
Foreign exchange concerns prompt investors to seek diversification
People on the buy-side give their thoughts on the prospect of a currency war, as central banks grapple with the problem of how much to intervene in their FX markets
Corporates assess their hedging options
Ben Nicklin, FX structurer at Royal Bank of Scotland in London, looks at the rise of option-owning corporate hedging strategies
PPP still has legs in the USD/CAD market
Irene Aldridge, quantitative portfolio manager at Able Alpha Trading, and Steven Krawciw, wealth management executive at Credit Suisse in New York, look at the value of PPP in quant strategies
Ban on rehypothecation could increase derivatives costs
Investors have become more aware about the security of collateral since the collapse of Lehman Brothers. A number of hedge funds are now insisting margin posted on derivatives trades is not rehypothecated – a trend that could drive up costs. By…
Voting now open for the FX Week Best Bank Awards!
Submit your vote for the 2010 Best Bank Awards, organised by FX Week.
Lufthansa wary of OTC regulations
Corporates across the globe have lobbied to ensure end-users are not subjected to new clearing requirements for derivatives. For Lufthansa’s treasury department in Frankfurt, ensuring it is able to continue to hedge its foreign exchange and interest rate…
2010 e-FX Awards are presented to winners in New York
Each year, FX Week holds the e-FX Awards, recognising innovation and success in the electronic foreign exchange trading industry.
The challenges of CVA
The onset of the financial crisis spurred banks to charge for counterparty credit risk in their forex dealings. But how to do that is proving theoretically and practically challenging. By John Ferry
The hedge costs explosion
High volatility in foreign exchange markets over the past year has forced many corporates to reassess their hedge books. A number of banks have increased their advisory services to help companies conduct an in-depth analysis of their exposures as a…
Regulatory fears will boost offshore markets
Offshore markets to gain from regulatory arbitrage
Market spooked by 'dollar demise'
Is the US dollar set to lose its "unique status" among world currencies? Nikki Marmery reports on what the experts say
Prop traders continue shift to independents
The flow of proprietary foreign exchange traders to independent prop trading houses shows no sign of abating, as uncertainty over remuneration and reduced risk appetite continue to plague global banks.