Meaning
Financial audits of asset-backed projects track the legal and collateral status of outstanding swaps and hedges to ensure regulatory compliance. The derivative standing defines this legal position, establishing whether a hedge is collateralized or subject to margin calls. It marks the boundaries of a project’s exposure to volatile financial markets that could drain operating cash.
This status determines whether the project is vulnerable to sudden liquidations.
Collateral Position
Clearinghouses demand daily valuation updates to adjust the margin requirements for active contracts. To maintain a strong derivative standing, a borrower must deposit cash or highly liquid bonds to cover any paper losses. Failing to meet these margin calls can result in the immediate termination of the hedge.
This termination exposes the project to unhedged interest rate or currency risks.
Credit Assessment
Lenders evaluate the hedge counterparty’s credit rating to ensure the swap remains a viable risk-reduction tool. If the counterparty’s credit rating falls, the derivative standing of the contract changes, which may require the borrower to find a replacement swap provider. This process secures the underlying finance.
Default Prevention
The project agreement must link derivative defaults to the main credit facility to prevent cross-defaults. It protects the company.