Collateral Cycles

Abstract

Using supervisory data from UK central counterparties (CCPs), our paper uncovers persistent collateral cycles in which cash goes back and forth from financial markets to CCPs. In the onward phase of the cycle, clearing members provide cash to CCPs to meet margin requirements. This pattern is procyclical as the pledged collateral increases with market volatility and places upward pressure on repurchase agreement (repo) rates. In the backward phase, CCPs return the cash to the financial markets via reverse repos and bond purchases, in compliance with regulation that requires CCPs to invest their cash holdings in safe assets. The cash given back by CCPs generates downward pressure on repo rates in a countercyclical manner.

Keywords: Central clearing, Collateral, Margin procyclicality, Repurchase agreement, Regulation.

JEL Classification: G10, G12, G14