The (FCA) has today sent out a letter to the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of asset management firms, urging them to prepare now for the end of the .
The LIBOR benchmark interest rate is set to terminate at the end of 2021. Therefore, the regulator has said that .
“We are writing to all UK regulated asset management firms as we wish to set out our expectations for your firm as it prepares for the end of LIBOR,” the FCA said in the letter sent out today.
“We expect your firm to take all reasonable steps to ensure the end of LIBOR does not lead to markets being disrupted or harm to consumers, and to support industry initiatives to ensure a smooth transition.”
Furthermore, the British watchdog highlights that firms in the asset management sector have a responsibility to facilitate and contribute to the orderly end to LIBOR.
Recommendations from the FCA
So what recommendations has the regulator provided? Namely, the FCA states that firms should consider switching from LIBOR swaps to SONIA swaps now for new positions, where possible.
Furthermore, asset management companies should not make new investments in GBP LIBOR based cash products maturing beyond 2021 by end Q3 2020. The FCA has also urged companies to have a transition plan in place.
This plan should:
“It is essential that you reflect on the points raised in this letter and act as appropriate. LIBOR ending is a market event and the transition to alternatives is market-led,” the regulator explained in the letter.
“We expect you to take proactive steps now where appropriate and not to wait for instructions from clients. Firms should not expect or base their transition plans on future regulatory relief or guidance or on legislative solutions.”
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