Bonds

ECB Amends Eligibility Criteria for Unsecured Bank Bonds

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On October 5, 2016, the European Central Bank (“ECB”) stated that it will be making changes to its collateral framework by revising the collateral eligibility criteria and risk control measures in relation to senior unsecured debt instruments issued by credit institutions or investment firms (unsecured bank bonds or UBBs).

Under the current rules, UBBs will, except for these new changes, become ineligible on January 1, 2017. The ECB’s revisions to its collateral framework are aimed at temporarily maintaining the eligibility of UBBs (including the eligibility of statutorily subordinated UBBs that are not also contractually subordinated), beyond January 1, 2017.

Furthermore, UBBs will also be subject to additional risk control measures to remain eligible. The ECB has decided to reduce, as of January 1, 2017, the usage limit for uncovered bank bonds from 5% to 2.5%. The reduction will not apply where:

  • the value of such assets is equal to or less than €50 million (net of any applicable haircut); or
  • such assets are guaranteed (by a public sector entity that has the right to levy taxes) by way of a guarantee that complies with the provisions of Article 114 of the ECB Guideline on the implementation of the Eurosystem monetary policy framework.

The changes are expected to come into effect from January 1, 2017.

Rating Agency Developments

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On August 16, Moody’s supplemented its approach to rating residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) in China. Report.

On August 16, Fitch updated its country ceilings cross-sector criteria report. Report.

On August 16, Fitch updated its criteria for rating sukuk. Report.

On August 15, Moody’s updated its rating methodology for U.S. charter schools. Report.

On August 12, Fitch published its U.S. residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) non-performing loans rating criteria. Report.

On August 12, Fitch updated its solid waste revenue bond rating criteria. Report.

On August 11, Fitch updated its criteria for rating currency swap obligations of an SPV in structured finance transactions and covered bonds. Report.

On August 11, Fitch updated its criteria for rating tolled roads, bridges and tunnels. Report.

On August 11, Moody’s updated its approach to rating securities backed by FFELP student loans. Report.

Rating Agency Developments

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On December 5, DBRS released its master European structured finance surveillance methodology.  DBRS Report.

On December 4, Fitch released its criteria for U.S. wireless tower transactions.  Fitch Report.

On December 4, Fitch updated its guidelines for rating prerefunded U.S. municipal bonds.  Fitch Report

On November 30, S&P released its methodology for assigning ratings to bonds in the U.S. based on escrowed collateral.  S&P Release.　

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MSRB Request for Comment on Retail Order Period Proposal

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On March 6, the MSRB requested comments on rule amendments that would govern the responsibilities of dealers in the conduct of retail order periods.  The proposed rule changes seek to address concerns about dealers’ disregard of municipal securities issuers’ terms and conditions for bond sales.  Comments are due by April 13.  MSRB Release.  Request for Comment.

Rating Agency Developments – Week of February 6, 2012

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On February 3, Fitch updated its global criteria report for non-performing loan transactions. Fitch Report.

On February 2, DBRS released its methodology for North American CRE non-performing loan liquidating trusts. DBRS Report.

On February 1, DBRS released its methodology for Canadian HELOCs. DBRS Report.

On January 31, Fitch updated its private student loan ABS criteria. Fitch Report.

On January 31, Fitch answered frequently asked questions about UK RMBS master trusts. Fitch Report.

On January 30, Fitch updated its criteria on legal uncertainty in emerging market securitizations. Fitch Report. 

On January 30, Moody’s released its methodology for municipal bonds and commercial paper supported by a borrower’s self-liquidity. Moody’s Report.

On January 30, Moody’s released its pre-2005 RMBS surveillance methodology. Moody’s Report.

On January 30, DBRS released its methodologies for Canadian auto lease and auto loan securitizations. DBRS Auto Lease Report. DBRS Auto Loan Report.

On January 26, S&P gave advance notice of proposed changes to its U.S. local government general obligation bond criteria. S&P Report.

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