Frequently asked questions on the Basel III leverage ratio framework

Our Ref.: B1/15C B9/143C 20 July 2015 The Chief Executive All locally incorporated authorized institutions Dear Sir / Madam, Frequently asked questions on the Basel III leverage ratio framework To promote consistent global implementation of the Basel III leverage ratio requirements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (“BCBS”) has recently published a document1 setting out a number of frequently asked questions (“FAQs”) that provides technical elaboration and interpretative guidance relating to various areas of the Basel III leverage ratio framework, including: (i) criteria for the recognition of cash variation margin associated with derivative exposures; (ii) calculation of centrally cleared client derivative exposures; (iii) calculation of exposures and netting of securities financing transactions (SFTs); (iv) treatment of netting of SFTs and derivatives under a cross-product netting agreement; (v) exposure measure under the additional treatment for credit derivatives; and (vi) treatment of long settlement transactions and failed trades. For the purpose of completing the HKMA’s Quarterly Template on Leverage Ratio (which involves institutions calculating their leverage ratio according to the BCBS methodology under Basel III outlined in Annex 1 of the reporting package released on 1 Please see http://www.bis.org/bcbs/publ/d327.pdf

2 19 May 2014), institutions are expected to take into account the guidance set out in the FAQs in calculating their leverage ratio. Yours faithfully, Karen Kemp Executive Director (Banking Policy) c.c. The Chairperson, The Hong Kong Association of Banks The Chairman, The DTC Association FSTB (Attn. Mr Jackie Liu)