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Derivatives in Plain Words by Frederic Lau, with a ... - HKU Libraries

Derivatives in Plain Words by Frederic Lau, with a ... - HKU Libraries

Derivatives in Plain Words by Frederic Lau, with a ... - HKU Libraries

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transaction. For this criterion to be met, at the <strong>in</strong>ception of thehedge and throughout the hedge period, high correlation of changes<strong>in</strong> (a) the market value of the hedg<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>strument and (b) the fair valueof, or <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong>come or expense associated <strong>with</strong>, the hedged itemshall be probable so that the result of the hedg<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>strument willsubstantially offset the effects of price and <strong>in</strong>terest rate changes on theexposed item. However, the account<strong>in</strong>g standard falls short of say<strong>in</strong>gwhat "high correlation" is. The "hedge" <strong>in</strong> our example does not meetthis criterion because when <strong>in</strong>terest rates rise, the values of both thehedg<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>strument and the <strong>in</strong>strument be<strong>in</strong>g hedged decrease.For a transaction qualified as a hedge, the recognition of a change <strong>in</strong> thehedg<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>strument's market value is not required until the report<strong>in</strong>g period<strong>in</strong> which the change <strong>in</strong> market value of the hedged item is ultimatelyrecognised. This account<strong>in</strong>g treatment allows the delay of recognition ofprofits and losses for <strong>in</strong>struments designated as hedge, and opens the doorfor abuses <strong>by</strong> companies which want to hide their derivatives losses. Becausethe traditional account<strong>in</strong>g standards are <strong>in</strong>complete, it is difficult to policeabuses. On the other hand, it is not that difficult to f<strong>in</strong>d some correlationbetween two items <strong>in</strong> a multi-billion dollar assets and liabilities portfoliosand call them a hedge, even though the so called "hedge" may not make anysense to the <strong>in</strong>stitution's exist<strong>in</strong>g asset/liability structure.Several <strong>in</strong>ternational account<strong>in</strong>g bodies, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the Hong Kong Society ofAccountants, are currently address<strong>in</strong>g this issue. Until the new standardsbecome effective, polic<strong>in</strong>g account<strong>in</strong>g abuses <strong>in</strong> derivatives transactionsrema<strong>in</strong>s a difficult job.Hedg<strong>in</strong>g <strong>with</strong> <strong>Derivatives</strong>

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