Shifting obligations: limited time
EMIR Refit will enter into force on 17 June 2019 and will amend the existing EMIR legislation applicable to European counterparties trading derivatives, with the express aim of simplifying the EMIR regime to make the compliance burden more proportionate. We set out below the three key things that Irish corporates need to know about EMIR Refit.
1. Immediate requirement to calculate the clearing threshold
EMIR Refit introduces a new method of calculating the clearing threshold for non-financial counterparties (“NFCs”) such as corporates. When determining whether the clearing thresholds have been exceeded, an NFC must calculate its aggregate month-end average notional position in OTC derivatives for the previous 12 months. This is understood to mean the sum of all positions (for the relevant class of derivatives) at the end of each month, divided by 12. In calculating the positions NFCs must include all OTC derivative contracts entered into by any non-financial entities within their worldwide group but excluding contracts which are objectively measurable as reducing risks. EMIR Refit also requires NFCs to be able to demonstrate to the relevant competent authority that their calculation of the clearing threshold does not lead to a systematic underestimation of the position.
On 28 March 2019 ESMA issued a statement explaining that the new clearing threshold requirement will become effective immediately once EMIR Refit comes into force. Therefore, the results of the calculation must be available on 17 June 2019. ESMA stated that NFCs are “expected to collect all the necessary data and information for the calculation in the meantime, in order to be ready for the calculation…”.
This constitutes an onerous obligation for NFCs. NFCs now have a very short window of time to conduct the calculation of the relevant group month-end position for the previous 12 months, ending on 31 May 2019.
If, on 17 June 2019, an Irish corporate either (i) calculates its average notional and determines that it has exceeded one or more clearing thresholds, or (ii) does not perform the relevant calculation, then it must immediately notify ESMA and Central Bank of Ireland. It will become subject to the clearing obligation for the class or classes of OTC derivative contracts in which it has exceeded the threshold or failed to perform the calculation, starting four months following that notification.
2. Financial counterparty now legally liable for EMIR reporting
EMIR Refit amends EMIR to provide that, from 18 June 2020, when an NFC- (meaning an NFC below the clearing thresholds) trades with a financial counterparty (such as a bank / broker dealer) the financial counterparty “shall be responsible, and legally liable” for reporting the details of OTC derivative contracts entered into. This will alter the current position, which is that the both sides are responsible for reporting. The NFC- still remains responsible for providing the financial counterparty with the details which the financial counterparty cannot be reasonably expected to possess and for ensuring that those details are correct.
The Central Bank of Ireland has been focussed on the accuracy of EMIR reporting as indicated by the recent “Dear Director” letter sent to derivatives users, reminding the industry of the potential sanctions which could apply to reporting failures. Against this background the sensible changes to an NFC’s liability for reporting are a welcome relief for the industry. We understand that ISDA, the global industry body representing the derivatives industry, is currently working on revised versions of its standard EMIR Delegated Reporting Agreement to reflect the change in legal liability.
3. Intra-group reporting exemption
EMIR Refit introduces an exemption from the requirement to report intragroup transactions where at least one of the counterparties is a non-financial counterparty or would be qualified as a non-financial counterparty if it were established in the EU. To avail of this:
(a) both counterparties must be included in the same accounting consolidation on a full basis;
(b) both counterparties must be subject to appropriate centralised risk evaluation, measurement and control procedures; and
(c) the ultimate parent undertaking may not be a financial counterparty.
In addition, in order to avail of the exemption the counterparty must notify the Central Bank of Ireland of its intention to apply the exemption, and the Central Bank of Ireland has three months from the date of notification to object.
If you require assistance in calculating the new clearing threshold, making any required notification to ESMA or the Central Bank of Ireland or updating your EMIR policy to reflect the new obligations under EMIR Refit please contact Christian Donagh or any of the Matheson’s Derivatives, Netting and Collateral team.
Also in the series
- What UCITS, AIFs and ManCos need to know.
- What Banks need to know.
- What SPVs need to know.