Counterparty Credit Risk

Derivatives are financial instruments that derive their value from the performance of assets, interest or currency exchange rates, or indexes. They may include structured debt obligations and deposits, swaps, futures, options, caps, floors, collars, and forwards, either singly or in various combinations.

A bank's loan portfolio is typically its largest asset and predominate source of revenue. Consequently, it is also one of the greatest sources of risk, making effective portfolio management a key factor in bank safety and soundness.

References

Credit Derivatives—Guidelines for National Banks (OCC 1996-43, August 1996)
Covers derivative products and provides guidance on supervisory issues related to participation in the credit derivative market

Risk Management of Financial Derivatives (BC 277, October 1993)
Covers financial institutions' policies, procedures, and risk management systems for financial derivatives

Risk Management of Financial Derivatives and Bank Trading Activities—Supplemental Guidance (OCC 1999-2, January 1999)
Summarizes key lessons and fundamental control issues reaffirmed by experiences of financial institutions since mid-1997