TP ICAP, the worlds largest interdealer broker, has launched two distinct and differentiated data packages for derivatives linked to the Secured Overnight Financial Rate (SOFR) index, through its Data & Analytics division. These two data products have been sourced from TP ICAPs competing broking businesses – Tullett Prebonand ICAP- using their separate liquidity pools.
Developed from volume observations, modelling and data capture, the new offerings mark a milestone for derivatives trading around the index. Since launch in April 2018, volumes for derivatives tied to SOFR – the LIBOR alternative published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York – have steadily increased. As the list of major banks, asset managers and other institutions using these derivatives grows, the need for an institutional-grade infrastructure to support trading has emerged.
The two data packages have been designed to provide a comprehensive view of the SOFR-linked derivatives markets to support enhanced trading, risk management and analytics, with the twoseparatedata sets providing an overarching picture of the market.
Eric Sinclair, CEO of TP ICAPs Data & Analytics division, said: After Tullett Prebon arranged and executed the first SOFR v Fed Funds Basis Swap in July, both businesses have seen an uptick in volumes as institutions interested in the USD interest rate swap market begin to prepare for an upswing in these trades. We are uniquely positioned to offer separate data sets from two of the major liquidity pools for these OTC derivatives, and the pairing of these data sets provides a holistic view of the market at any given time.
Both offerings include indicative curves, delivered in real-time or end-of-day, for Basis Swaps (SOFR vs 3M $ LIBOR, SOFR vs $ Fed Funds Compounded) and Fixed vs SOFR.
Sinclair continued: We made the decision to launch these two data products because, from experience, all signs are pointing to the emergence of a robust market. In an OTC marketplace, the more variety and depth that an institution can have using trade data, the more accurate their pricing and modelling becomes. Here, our competing brokerage model serves as a strength in that these two products can be used together to deliver the first comprehensive view into how this market is unfolding.
