Latest articles from Staff

IASB defends one-size-fits-all approach

The former head of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chris Cox has told the SEC that full-scale adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is no longer possible in the US. “This is not a prognosis. It’s just a statement of fact,” he said.

Did Barclays hide predatory trading?

In a lawsuit filed on June 25 New York attorney general Eric Schneiderman has claimed that Barclays gave false statements to clients about how, and for whose benefit, the firm operates its dark pool. Mr Schneiderman accused Barclays of processing market data so slowly as to allow high-frequency traders to engage in predatory activity.

Feds wade into captive insurance debate

The Financial Stability Oversight Council is concerned over the use of captive reinsurance to finance reserves for life annuities.

Europe prepares for new scrutiny of risk weights

The European Banking Authority has revealed its intention to conduct annual benchmarking of risk weights modelled internally by banks. This follows studies in 2013 that revealed the extent of variation in results for market and credit risk-weighted assets calculated using the internal ratings-based approach. 

UK turns governance focus onto insurance

Insurance firms are the latest institutions to be scrutinised by UK regulators under newly introduced regulations.

US steps up criticism of Basel risk weights

Federal agencies increasingly voice a preference for using the leverage ratio and stress testing as an alternative to Basel risk-weighted capital, writes Philip Alexander.

CFTC’s O’Malia calls for cross-border data agreement

The CFTC commissioner wants to bring the US and EU together to resolve data quality issues in derivatives reporting standards, reports Charles Piggott.

US seeks right route on high-frequency trading

With high-frequency trading attracting attention, the US is considering two approaches to curb potential abuses, finds Michael Marray.

Markets await clarification on sovereign ratings rules

EU regulations governing credit rating agencies appear to be promoting stability in the sovereign debt market, but there are still elements of confusion, says Philip Alexander.

Decision time for trading platforms as key US exemptions expire

European trading facilities are weighing their options to be able to continue handling US clients, writes Philip Alexander.