Guidance · ESMA · 19 Jul 2019
The European Securities and Markets Authority issued updated guidelines establishing common reference parameters for stress tests that Money Market Fund managers must conduct under the MMF Regulation. These guidelines specify calibration values for liquidity, credit risk, interest rates, and redemption scenarios to ensure consistent regulatory reporting via Article 37 templates. Fund managers are required to implement these scenarios and submit the resulting stress test data to national competent authorities starting with their first quarterly reports in Q1 2020.
19 July 2019 | ESM34-49-164
Final Report
Guidelines on stress test scenarios under the MMF Regulation
Central Bank of Ireland -
ESMA • CS 60747 – 103 rue de Grenelle • 75345 Paris Cedex 07 • France • Tel. +33 (0) 1 58 36 43 21 • www.esma.europa.eu Date: 19 July 2019 ESMA34-49-164
Table of Contents
1 Executive Summary ....................................................................................................... 5
2 Feedback on the consultation......................................................................................... 7
3 Annexes ........................................................................................................................20
3.1 Annex I...................................................................................................................20
3.2 Annex II (updates in red indicate additional text added which constitutes the 2019
update to the ESMA34-49-115 Guidelines).......................................................................33
1 Scope............................................................................................................................33
2 Purpose.........................................................................................................................34
3 Compliance and reporting obligations............................................................................35
3.1 Status of the guidelines ..........................................................................................35
3.2 Reporting requirements..........................................................................................35
4 Guidelines on stress test scenarios under Article 28 of the MMF Regulation (Financial market participants are not required to report results of stress tests referred to in sections 4.1
to 4.7 below).........................................................................................................................36
4.1 Guidelines on certain general features of the stress test scenarios of MMF ...........36
4.2 Guidelines on stress test scenarios in relation to hypothetical changes in the level of
liquidity of the assets held in the portfolio of the MMF .......................................................39
4.3 Guidelines on stress test scenarios in relation to hypothetical changes in the level of
credit risk of the assets held in the portfolio of the MMF, including credit events and rating events40
4.4 Guidelines on stress test scenarios in relation to hypothetical movements of the
interest rates and exchange rates .....................................................................................41
4.5 Guidelines on stress test scenarios in relation to hypothetical levels of redemption41
4.6 Guidelines on stress test scenarios in relation to hypothetical widening or narrowing
of spreads among indexes to which interest rates of portfolio securities are tied...............43
4.7 Guidelines on stress test scenarios in relation to hypothetical macro systemic shocks
affecting the economy as a whole.....................................................................................43
4.8 Guidelines on the establishment of additional common reference stress test scenarios
(the results of which should be included in the reporting template mentioned in Article 37(4)
of the MMF Regulation) ....................................................................................................43
4.8.1 Level of changes of liquidity ........................................................................44
4.8.2 Level of change of credit risk.......................................................................45
4.8.3 Levels of change of the interest rates and exchange rates and levels of
widening or narrowing of spreads among indices to which interest rates of portfolio
securities are tied........................................................................................................46
4.8.4 Levels of redemption ....................................................................................48
4.8.5 Macro-systemic shocks affecting the economy as a whole.......................51
5 Calibration for 2019.......................................................................................................53
5.1 Common reference parameters of the stress test scenarios in relation to hypothetical
changes in the level of liquidity of the assets held in the portfolio of the MMF ...................54
5.2 Common reference parameters of the stress test scenarios in relation to hypothetical
changes in the level of credit risk of the assets held in the portfolio of the MMF, including
credit events and rating events .........................................................................................56
5.3 Common reference parameters of the stress test scenarios in relation to hypothetical
movements of the interest rates........................................................................................59
5.4 Common reference parameters of the stress test scenarios in relation to hypothetical
movements of the exchange rates ....................................................................................62
5.5 Common reference parameters of the stress test scenarios in relation to hypothetical
widening or narrowing of spreads among indexes to which interest rates of portfolio
securities are tied..............................................................................................................65
5.6 Common reference parameters of the stress test scenarios in relation to hypothetical
levels of redemption..........................................................................................................66
5.7 Common reference parameters of the stress test scenarios in relation to hypothetical
macro systemic shocks affecting the economy as a whole................................................68
6 Appendix .......................................................................................................................69
1 Executive Summary
Reasons for publication
Article 28 of the MMF Regulation provides that ESMA shall develop guidelines with a view
to establishing common reference parameters of the stress test scenarios to be included in the stress tests that MMFs or managers of MMFs are required to conduct. These guidelines will be updated at least every year taking into account the latest market developments. ESMA published the first set of these guidelines on 21 March 2018 (“the 2017 Guidelines” also referred to as ESMA34-49-1151 ). With respect to section 4.8 of the 2017 Guidelines (Guidelines on the establishment of common reference stress test scenarios the results of which should be included in the reporting template mentioned in article 37(4) of the MMF Regulation), ESMA indicated that “This section will in particular be updated so that managers of MMFs have the information needed to fill in the corresponding fields in the reporting template mentioned in article 37 of the MMF Regulation. This information will include specifications on the type of the stress tests mentioned in this section 4.8 and their calibration, as well as the way to report their results in the reporting template mentioned in article 37(4) of the MMF Regulation”. This final report contains updated guidelines, including:
and send the results to NCAs with their first quarterly reports required by Article 37, scheduled in Q1 2020.
https://www.esma.europa.eu/sites/default/files/library/esma34-49-115_mmf_guidelines_on_stress_tests.pdf Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/708 of 17 April 2018 laying down implementing technical standards with regard to the template to be used by managers of money market funds when reporting to competent authorities as stipulated by Article 37 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1131 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L119, 15.5.2018, p. 5).
2 Feedback on the consultation
Most adverse scenarios affect the entire financial sector. Therefore, ESMA generally seeks consistency with the ESAs and the ESRB. The parameters used for the first update of the guidelines are based on a joint ESMA/EIOPA scenario transmitted by the ESRB. However, the methodology and most of the parameters consider MMFs specificities. In particular, the Guidelines include a section on the 2019 calibration for the MMF stress tests the results of which have to be reported in accordance with Article 37 of the MMF Regulation. The ECB, in collaboration with the ESRB and ESMA, has developed the narrative and has calibrated the adverse scenario which has been approved by the ESRB General Board and transmitted to ESMA. Managers are invited to consult this adverse scenario on the ESRB website3 . The calibration included in these Guidelines is similar to the scenario approved by the ESRB General Board with the following specificities:
(a) only relevant parameters are included in the Guidelines. For that reason, shocks applying to instruments with a maturity higher than 2 years were removed from all tables. (b) If managers need a parameter that is not indicated in the Guidelines, they are invited to consult the adverse scenario on the ESRB website. (c) ESMA carried out some intermediate calculation to facilitate the implementation. Especially, shocks to credit spreads are the difference between the bond yields and the swap yield curve. Certain values were adjusted by ESMA on very limited occasions, for example when the result was a negative shock. (d) ESMA provided some additional calibration where necessary.
ESMA Response:
The responses generally support the draft proposal. The opportunity to add specific assumptions for the treatment of the collateral will be considered in future revisions of the guidelines. Q5: Do you agree that a consistent approach between the ESAs should be attained? Where appropriate, which risk parameters need to be significantly different?
11. The majority of respondents consider that a consistent approach between the ESAs is
not necessary. They argued that the purpose of the ESMA stress tests is different to that of the other ESA stress tests (assessing capital adequacy for instance). Therefore, they should be tailored to the risks faced by MMFs and not require the same complexity as other entities such as banks.
12. Some respondents see merit in having a consistent approach provided that it takes into
account risks specific to MMFs: typically banks extensively use leverage while MMFs cannot. Similarly, respondents do not agree with using the Basel 3 Liquid Coverage Ratio approach (LCR) to measure the ability to redeem holding at the request of investors in a short period of time. ESMA Response:
See response in the introductory comments. For the first revision of the guidelines the ESRB and the ECB have produced a single scenario for MMFs and pension funds. However, the list of risk factors which are considered in the two stress tests is different. In particuilar, the MMF exercise focuses on short maturities (between 1 month and 2 years) while the pension funds’ focuses on long maturities (beyond 10 years). As previously mentioned, future revisions of the guidelines will focus on improving the consideration of MMFs specificities. Q6. Do you have views on which factors are relevant for the determination/calibration of shocks? Q7. Do you have a preference between the two proposed options: calibrated discount factor on bid prices; multiple quoted bid-ask spread? Q8. What is your view on how to stress underlying assets not mentioned above (i.e. assets other than corporate and government bonds)? In your opinion are there asset classes not mentioned above that should be excluded from a quantitative assessment? Regarding the relevant factors for the determination/calibration of shocks
13. Two respondents propose to simplify the model by using a fixed parameter (e.g. a fixed
factor of 2) to widen the shocks. Other respondents evidence that the market practice is to stress all assets with a parallel shift in liquidity spread. Two respondents argue that the proposals should be taken as examples and not as an obligation. One respondent advocates for a more dynamic approach to option 1. Regarding the proposed options
14. Only two respondents provide an explicit preference, one for option 1 and one for option
2. The other participants express reservation for both options. Two respondents
evidence a possible cliff-edge effect for instruments with maturity close to 365 days for option 1. More granularity is requested both in terms of maturity and of countries for government bonds.
15. As regards option 2, most respondents argue that bid ask spread observed in the
markets do not reflect market liquidity. Moreover, respondents point out data availability constraints, database cost and the discretion left to managers. One respondent considers that both option are not suitable for a standard MMF investing in primary offering of instruments and with very low trading activity on secondary markets. As a general remark, the respondents evidence a preference for the use of the market price instead of the valuation price. Regarding assets other than corporate and government bonds
16. Respondents consider that highly liquid and non-transferable securities (cash, repos,
deposits) should not be subjected to the quantitative assessment. Only one respondent believes that non-bond money market instruments should be stressed, subject to data availability. ESMA Response:
ESMA will proceed with option 1 which limits the risk of inconsistency compared to option 2. MMFR ask for a cautious valuation which is consistent with the use of the valuation price, in line with Article 29(3)(a). ESMA shares the view that some highly liquid and non-transferable securities may not face liquidity issues in most cases. However, in a stress test context, it seems relevant to assess the impact on assets that are generally liquid. The opportunity to include an assumption on the impact of volume will be considered in future revisions of the guidelines. Q9. With reference to Option 2, do you think that the adoption of fixed stress factors for different asset classes is in line with practices? If so, which values for the fixed factors could be considered appropriate and plausible to capture stress on asset liquidity? Which elements should be identified and used to define the appropriate stress factor for each asset class? Is the reference to an “active market” clear enough or would you propose other criteria to define bid-ask spread observed? Q10. Do you think that the volume of an asset held by the fund should be considered for the proposed stress factors (esp. the value of assets held compared with the underlying market)? Do you have any views on the methodology?
17. Three participants affirm that the use of fixed factors for the calibration of different asset
classes is in line with market practices. On the other hand, three respondents disagree with the use of fixed factors as liquidity varies from issuer to issuer. Two respondents point out the fact that the use of historical data is misleading as a basis for a forward looking test.
18. Although most respondents identify the importance of volume to monitor liquidity, they
agree that it should not be considered as part of the liquidity stress test. The main reason adduced is the need to keep the stress testing exercise simple. ESMA Response:
See previous response to Q6, Q7, Q8.
Q11. Do you have views on which factors are relevant for the determination/calibration of shocks? Q12. Do you have a preference between the two proposed options: spreads multiplied by a factor or ESMA credit spread parameter? Q13. Do you see specific issues (e.g. implementation, non-standardisation, or similar) with either of the two options? Q14. Do you agree with having an additional credit stress simulating the default of the fund’s two main exposures? Q15. The additional stress simulates the default of the fund two main exposures: when an exposure is collateralised, do you think that additional assumptions on the value of the collateral are necessary (i.e. if the defaulting counterparty is fully collateralised, and the value of the collateral is unchanged, there will be no impact)? Q16. Do you think that additional assumptions are needed to calculate the loss given default in the additional scenario? Regarding the factors for the determination/calibration of shocks
19. Most respondents raise concerns about using CDS to measure credit spreads because
they do not reflect the short-term maturity of the MMF instruments or are not available. Some respondents suggest using the process used by Short Term money market funds that constructs sensitivity tables considering the impact of stepped changes in generic interest rates and generic credit spreads for different levels of investor redemptions. Regarding the two options
20. There are concerns for both options and a general disagreement to choose only one
calibration method. Option 1 requires calculating credit spread and rely on CDS spreads. Option 2 is considered as difficult to implement and relies on credit ratings from agencies.
21. Respondents ask to clarify which exposure is subject to the stress test (i.e.
counterparty, issuer or issue exposure) and the formula to assess credit risk impact. At least one respondent suggests measuring portfolio credit risk by looking at data on yield spreads of different asset classes (bank CDs, commercial paper, asset-backed commercial paper, smaller governments and agency notes) against high quality government securities of the same term issued by the government in whose currency the MMF shares are denominated, during periods of market liquidity and periods of
market stress, and further modifying these stress test factors based on the spreads for particular issuers or issuer types held in portfolio by the particular MMF.
22. Most respondents are against using several CRA ratings and in favour of retaining only
one. An option on simple credit spread widening (parallel shift) should be available. Some respondents suggest that all the factors should be provided by ESMA. Regarding the additional credit stress simulating the default of the fund’s two main exposures
23. Generally respondents do not consider that it is necessary to measure the default of
the two main exposures. Defaulting the two main exposures could be a simplistic assumption because neither the waterfall effects nor the case where the MMF is authorised to invest up to 100 % of its assets in government bonds are taken into consideration.
24. Respondents do not see the need to stress test collateral. They argue that all
collateralized instruments have high quality counterparties, e.g. high quality government bonds or cash. Moreover, there is extensive regulation regarding collaterals and their characteristics. Regarding the loss given default
25. The respondents state in majority that ESMA should provide the recovery rate to apply
uniformly across MMFs. One respondent stated that the quality of the collateral or guarantor should be taken into consideration and not only the size when choosing which positions to stress test. ESMA Response:
Under option 2 ESMA is providing detailed parameters taking into account the characteristics of the MMF portfolio, including very short maturities when data are available. Details on the implementation (e.g. loss given default) have been included in the revised guidelines. The possibility to use more granular asset classes (e.g. bank CDs, commercial paper, assetbacked commercial paper, smaller governments and agency notes) and sensitivity tables (provided the latter can be used for a stress test and in a consistent manner) will be considered in future revisions of these Guidelines. However, ESMA considers these Guidelines strike the appropriate balance at this stage. Furthermore, ESMA also takes into account implementation costs as several respondents expressed concerns about future methodology changes. Regarding the collateral, see the previous answer. Q17. Do you have views on which factors are relevant for the determination/calibration of shocks? Q18. Do you consider that the parameters used for the 2018 EBA scenario cover all the parameters needed for the purpose of the MMF scenario on interest rates and exchange rates, and the scenario on hypothetical widening or narrowing of spreads among indices to which interest rates of portfolio securities are tied? If not, which parameters should be added?
Four respondents highlight the redundancy of the weekly liquidity stress test with
the provisions of Articles 24 and 25 of the MMF Regulation and the potential confusion with the weekly maturing assets requirements. One respondent considers that a simple comparison between the weekly maturing assets and the potential weekly outflow could be used to stress test redemptions.
Regarding the “bucketing” approach, several respondents highlight that it was a
structural choice of the MMF Regulation to deal with the issues of liquidity in another manner than a banking bucketing approach. Three respondents are disappointed with the use of CRA ratings. One respondent considers that the bucketing approach does not consider the tradable amount of each asset over a certain time horizon and limits the types of asset to be considered to the weekly liquid assets. Similarly, one respondent considers that reintroducing factors like credit quality or maturity that are stress tested independently does not bring clarity.
Three respondents consider that the methodology may induce unnecessary costs,
potentially leading to outsourcing the calculation to third parties.
between CNAV, LVNAV and VNAV; it considers the entire portfolio (e.g. no cap on the highly liquid assets); it includes an additional rating requirement for redeemable assets (the so-called “bucketing”), thus reducing the room for self-assessment. The reverse stress test was adjusted to make it more flexible and in line with the real scenarios. For that reason, ESMA removed the requirement for MMFs to keep the composition of their portfolio intact and request that they only distort their portfolios “to an extent acceptable”. To do so, a manager will assess their capability to comply with the regulatory requirements, including diversification (Article 17), concentration (Article 18) and portfolio rules for short-term MMFs (Article 24) and portfolio rules for standard MMFs (Article 25). Regarding the latter, ESMA considered the “double-counting” argument. However, the aim of the stress test is to assess the capacity of the fund to comply with the rules under adverse conditions. Therefore, it should include the portfolio rules requirement. Finally, the stress tests will be conducted at least twice a year according to the MMF Regulation and not on a weekly basis. Q21. Reverse stress test: do you have views on how to assess the capacity to comply with the weekly liquid assets requirements specified in Article 24(1)?
32. Several respondents do not agree with the proposal and consider that the requirements
of Articles 24(1) and 25(1) are sufficient, that the proposed stress test does not add value or can lead to confusion. Another respondent considers that definitions should at least be aligned with the definitions applicable to the Level 1 requirements. Three respondents explicitly consider that the MMF Regulation does not make reverse stress testing mandatory and, therefore, that such stress test should not be included in the Guidelines. Another respondent suggests that the methodology should be aligned with the current industry practice of short-term money market funds that constructs sensitivity tables gauging the impact of stepped changes in generic interest rates and credit spreads for different levels of investor redemptions.
33. More specifically, one respondent is in favour of a stress test exercise that takes into
consideration: i) all assets, and not only those complying with Article 24(1) or Article 25(1); and ii) an estimate of the tradable amount and the impact on the price. The same respondent considers that a limit on transaction costs should be specified. Otherwise, almost any amount can be liquidated. One respondent reiterates that the slicing approach is not relevant, as the manager should have the discretion to distort its portfolio. On the contrary, another respondent agrees with the pro-rata approach, provided that there is some flexibility which allows funds to change the proportion by a negligible amount to avoid that a small illiquid position becomes the bottleneck.
34. Regarding the implementation, three respondents consider that the approach is in
practice too complex to implement. One respondent fears a duplication of effort for managers already stress testing redemption risk by type of investor.
Regarding the scope, one respondent asked about the inclusion of standard MMFs in
the stress test.
ESMA Response:
The reverse stress test has been revised (see response to question 20). Standard MMFs are in scope of this scenario. Q22. Do you think there should be differentiated outflows assumptions for retail and institutional investors (e.g. higher outflows from institutional investors)? What is your view on the outflow factors calibrated by ESMA?
Half of the respondents agree with the assumption that retail and institutional investors
differ under stressed market conditions, with higher outflows for institutional investors. Some respondents disagree and ask for more evidence to support this assumption. One respondent considers that the stress test should focus on the units held by the largest investors, irrespective of whether they qualify as retail or institutional.
In terms of feasibility, one respondent considers that the manager should be able to
establish the percentage in each of the two categories. On the contrary, another respondent considers that this is a substantial administrative burden.
In terms of calibration, views expressed are mixed: one respondent considers that the
proposed figures are higher than the historical record; another respondent considers that a stress as high as 30% can be considered in a reporting context. At least two respondents consider that the outflows should be tailored to each fund taking into account past experience and investor base.
Finally, one respondent advocates the adoption of the current industry practice of shortterm money market funds that construct sensitivity tables gauging the impact of
stepped changes in generic interest rates and credit spreads for different levels of investor redemptions. ESMA Response:
Several respondents confirmed that retail and professional investors have different behaviours. The Guidelines thus include assumption by investor type (retail and professional) calibrated on market data. Among the alternative approaches proposed by the respondents, ESMA considers that there is already a scenario focusing on the units held by the largest investors. Finally, sensitivity tables (provided the latter can be used for a stress test and in a consistent manner) will be considered in future revisions of these Guidelines. Q24. Do you agree with the additional stress test scenario simulating outflows from the two main investors
Three respondents explicitly support the proposal to simulate outflows from the two
largest investors. While some respondents explicitly disagree, other respondents express reservations.
Two respondents highlight the potential redundancy with the other stress test scenario,
depending on the calibration of the outflow figures.
Three respondents consider that the assumptions are too simplistic. One respondent
considers that the stress would not be meaningful if MMF clients are investors of the same group. One respondent calls for more discretion granted to the MMF in defining this scenario.
In terms of implementation, two respondents consider that some AM may not have a
sufficient knowledge of its investors to perform the scenario.
ESMA Response:
ESMA believes that a concentrated investor base is a risk that should be tested. It differs from other scenarios which only consider investor nature (retail or professional). ESMA agrees that some assumptions may be more granular. However, the methodology is purposefully kept simple to minimise inconsistency and implementation costs, which may not be negligible according to the response received. Q25: Do you agree that for the first update of the Guidelines, MMF managers could be asked to combine the impact of the different risk scenarios, including the liquidity shock?
The majority of respondents agree with the proposal to combine the impact of the
different risk scenarios. However, at least two respondents consider that market stress tests and liquidity stress tests should be treated separately and independently.
Several respondents highlight the complexity of this exercise and suggest postponing
this scenario (for example in order to benefit from several iterations of the other scenarios) or to give very detailed specification and enough time to perform the stress tests. One respondent considers that ESMA should communicate the reported results, so that these figures could be used in future by the MMF manager for identifying the effect of macro-systemic shocks affecting the economy as a whole. As long as these figures do not exist, the stress test should not be mandatory.
In relation to the complexity, one respondent asks to keep the methodology consistent
over time, in order to reduce the risk of error.
Regarding the assumptions, two respondents suggest to make the scenario consistent
with global best practices and standards. One respondent recommends to give the freedom to tailor the stress test to the type of MMF and the type of portfolio in order to make it more relevant. Another respondent suggests to invert the sequencing of events (i.e. where redemptions are followed by worsening market prices), in line with market practices. ESMA Response:
The methodology has been be revised to address issues related to the redemption component of the scenario, including the sequencing.
For the first exercise, it is important to keep this scenario simple and to promote a consistent implementation. The delay to report the results of the first exercise will depend on the implementation of the MMF reporting and managers will not have to report the results before the rest of the reporting.
3 Annexes
3.1 Annex I
Cost-benefit analysis
1. Introduction
1. The MMF Regulation sets out a comprehensive framework for the regulation of MMFs within
Europe. MMFs are AIFs or UCITS that are managed by alternative investment fund managers (AIFMs) or UCITS management companies or investment companies.
2. The MMF Regulation establishes uniform rules regarding MMFs. It mandates ESMA to
develop guidelines on stress tests scenarios, to be updated at least yearly. This update is described above in this report, in relation to the stress tests the results of which shall be reported under the reporting template referred to in Article 37 of the MMF Regulation.
2. Technical options
3. The following options were identified and analysed by ESMA to address the policy
objectives of each of the Guidelines required under the MMF Regulation.
4. In identifying the options set out below and choosing the preferred ones, ESMA was guided
by the relevant MMF Regulation rules. In particular, Article 27(1) of the MMF Regulation requires MMFs or their managers to regularly conduct stresst testing for different possible scenarios. These stress tests shall be based on objective criteria and consider the effects of severe, but plausible scenarios. The stress test scenarios shall at least take into consideration the risk factors described further below, on which ESMA is to develop Guidelines with a view to establishing common reference parameters under Article 27(7) of the MMF Regulation. These Guidelines must be updated at least every year, taking into account the latest market developments.
2.1. Guidelines under Article 28(1)(a) of the MMF Regulation (hypothetical
changes in the level of liquidity of the assets held in the portfolio of the MMF) Policy Objective The MMF Regulation specifies that one of the risk factors that must be taken into consideration in the stress test scenarios is:
a. hypothetical changes in the level of liquidity of the assets held in the portfolio of the MMF Baseline scenario The baseline scenario should be understood for this CBA as the application of the requirements in the Level 1 Regulation (i.e. the provisions of Article 28 of the MMF Regulation) without any
further specification, except those mentioned in sections 4.1 to
4.6 of the published Guidelines on MMF stress tests. This would
leave discretion to managers of MMF to determine the definition of risk factors, calculation methodologies and presentation of results of the stress tests in the reporting template referred to in
Article 37 of the MMF Regulation. This could clearly lead to a lack
of harmonisation in the application of the provisions of the MMF Regulation across the MMF industry on a potentially sensitive issue. Indeed, uncertainty on the abovementioned requirement could lead to a situation where some MMFs or competent authorities of Member States would apply a stricter approach than others on the choice of the calculation methodologies and on the presentation of results of the stress tests, leading to greater uncertainty for investors of MMFs in the different Member States and lack of comparability of results. Options With respect to hypothetical changes in the level of liquidity of the assets held in the portfolio, the two options that are suggested could include:
Option 1: Calibrated discount factor
𝑨𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒌 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕 (%) = 𝑹𝒆𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑵𝑨𝑽 − 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑵𝑨𝑽 𝑹𝒆𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑵𝑨𝑽 ∗ 𝟏𝟎𝟎 Option 2: Multiple quoted bid-ask spread
Policy Objective b. The MMF Regulation specifies that one of the risk factors that must be taken into consideration in the stress test scenarios is:hypothetical changes in the level of credit risk of the assets held in the portfolio of the MMF, including credit events and rating events; Options With respect to hypothetical changes in the level of credit risk of the assets held in the portfolio of the MMF, including credit events and rating events, the two options that are suggested could include:
Option 1: Base the stress test on credit spread to the extent possible:
2.3. Guidelines under Article 28(1)(c)(e) of the MMF Regulation (hypothetical
movements of the interest rates and exchange rates and hypothetical widening or narrowing of spreads) Policy Objective c. The MMF Regulation specifies that one of the risk factors that must be taken into consideration in the stress test scenarios is:hypothetical movements of the interest rates and exchange rates; e. hypothetical widening or narrowing of spreads among indices to which interest rates of portfolio securities are tied Options With respect to hypothetical movements of the interest rates and exchange rates, and the hypothetical widening or narrowing of spreads among indices to which interest rates of portfolio securities are tied, managers of MMFs should apply stressed market parameters, according to the following rules:
among indices to which interest rates of portfolio securities are tied” scenario may be identical.
2.4. Guidelines under Article 28(1)(d) of the MMF Regulation (hypothetical
levels of redemption)
Policy Objective d. The MMF Regulation specifies that one of the risk factors that must be taken into consideration in the stress test scenarios is:hypothetical levels of redemption; Options With respect to hypothetical levels of redemption, the two options that are suggested could include:
Option 1: MMF faces high weekly redemption requests from both institutional investors and retail investors. The stress test will assess the ability of the fund to meet the redemption pressures in two ways:
1) Reverse liquidity stress test: self-assessment of the
maximum size of outflows the fund can face without distorting portfolio allocation. 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭 (%) = 𝐒𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬 ∗ 𝟏𝟎𝟎 In that scenario:
Additional option: The MMF faces net redemption of its two main investors. The impact of the stress test should be assessed according to the reverse liquidity stress test and the weekly liquidity stress test methodology. Preferred Option ESMA will proceed with option 1 and the additional option. Nevertheless, the methodology of the weekly liquidity stress test has been revised to be more consistent with existing provisions (e.g. by using definitions from Articles 24 and 25) to facilitate the implementation and consistency of the stress test. Based on the consultation, the reverse stress test was also adjusted to be more flexible. In particular, ESMA has removed the requirement for MMFs to keep the composition of their portfolio intact and request that they can only distort their portfolios to the extent that they respect regulatory requirements.
2.5. Guidelines under Article 28(1)(f) of the MMF Regulation (hypothetical
macro systemic shocks affecting the economy as a whole) Policy Objective e. The MMF Regulation specifies that one of the risk factors that must be taken into consideration in the stress test scenarios is:hypothetical macro systemic shocks affecting the economy as a whole; Option With respect to hypothetical macro systemic shocks affecting the economy as a whole, managers should:
The methodology has been revised to address issues related to the redemption component of the scenario, including the sequencing.
3. Assessment of the impact of the various options
Costs Respondents point out data availability constraints and database cost. ESMA believes this cost is more associated with option 2. Option 1 is unlikely to lead to significant implementation costs to the extent that the discount is provided by ESMA and the implementation requires little computation. Option 2 Qualitative description Benefits The two methods proposed are both implicitly based on the assumption that an asset can be liquidated by paying to the liquidity provider a price for immediacy, i.e. a fair discount. The liquidity discount is an increasing function of the transaction costs and a decreasing function of the average holding period. However, the first factor plays a more relevant role as the MMFs and short-term MMFs portfolios are composed of short-term instruments. The use of the prevailing bid-ask spread considers the current market conditions, thus improving the plausibility of the scenario. Costs Compared to option 1, option 2 may lead to some additional costs in the form of data collection and computation based on internal models. In addition, there is a higher risk of inconsistency compared to option 1 which may incur additional cost for supervisors and reporting entities to achieve compliance.
2. Hypothetical changes in the level of credit risk of the assets held in the portfolio of the
MMF, including credit events and rating events Option 1 Qualitative description Benefits Credit spreads represent the price of credit risk on the market. Thus, they can measure the short-term value loss of a portfolio.
Using a multiplying factor considers the current market conditions and thus reflect the risks prevailing at the moment of the stress. Costs The proposed approach may lead to some additional costs in the form of computation based on internal models, with a risk of heterogeneity of the results. Eventually, inconsistent results may incur additional cost for supervisors and reporting entities to achieve compliance. Option 2 Qualitative description Benefits Credit spreads represent the price of credit risk on the market. Thus, they can measure the short-term value loss of a portfolio. ESMA may provide the credit spreads for a wide range of securities, thus improving the consistency of the approach. Costs ESMA is providing detailed parameters for governments (by country and residual maturity) and corporate (by sector and rating) assets. In terms of cost it implies that the cost of acquiring additional data should be reduced. The proposed approach may lead to some additional costs in the form of computation based on internal models. However, the scenario remains simple with only one parameter to input. Additional option Qualitative description Benefits Assessing the default of the two main counterparties would add a dimension of concentration risk to the scenario. It will especially assess risks related to concentration and credit risk stemming from assets which do not have a credit spread. Costs The proposed approach is unlikely to lead to significant additional costs due to the simplicity of the assumption.
3. Hypothetical movements of the interest rates and exchange rates. Hypothetical
widening or narrowing of spreads among indices to which interest rates of portfolio securities are tied
Option 1 Qualitative description
Benefits MMFs are exposed to interest rates risks, exchange rate and the movement of indices to which interest rates of portfolio securities are tied. Moreover, the scenario approved by the ESRB allows testing specifically the impact of a movement in the short part of the swap curve to which MMFs are exposed. Assessing such risks is therefore relevant in the context of MMF stress tests. Costs The proposed approach may lead to some additional costs in the form of computation based on internal models. However, the scenarios remain simple with only one parameter to input. Moreover, when the impact of the interest rate scenario and the “widening or narrowing of spreads among indices to which interest rates of portfolio securities are tied” scenario are identical managers will be allowed not to report the result of the “widening or narrowing of spreads among indices to which interest rates of portfolio securities are tied” scenario, thus reducing the cost of implementation.
4. Hypothetical levels of redemption
Option 1 Qualitative description
Benefits Specifying outflows over a certain time horizon challenges MMFs capability to face redemption pressures in a short period of time. Liquidating positions without distorting portfolio allocation requires a technique known as slicing, whereby the same percentage of each asset type (or each liquidity class if the assets are categorised according to their liquidity, also known as bucketing) is sold, rather than selling the most liquid assets first. Using a reverse stress test and a weekly liquidity stress test captures both the slicing and bucketing approaches. Finally, using a self-assessment for the reverse stress test compensate for the weights imposed in the weekly liquidity stress test, and vice-versa. Costs The weekly liquidity stress test is a new approach for managers, thus potentially generating implementation costs. Following the
consultation, the methodology of the weekly liquidity stress test has been revised to be more consistent with existing provisions (e.g. by using definitions from articles 24 and 25) to facilitate the implementation and consistency of the stress test. Improving consistency with existing definitions should also reduce the implementation cost. The self-assessment of the reverse stress test may lead to some additional costs. Following the consultation, the reverse stress test was adjusted to make it more flexible and in line with the reality. For that reason, we have removed the requirement for MMFs to keep the composition of their portfolio intact and request that they only distort their portfolios “to an extent acceptable”. Additional option Qualitative description Benefits MMFs may face difficulties if their investor base is concentrated. Assessing the redemption from the two main investors would add a dimension of concentration risk to the scenario Costs The proposed approach should not lead to significant additional costs due to the simplicity of the assumption.
5. Hypothetical macro systemic shocks affecting the economy as a whole.
Option 1 Qualitative description
Benefits Considering that a macro systemic shock may spread to all risk factors, ESMA proposes to keep the methodology simple for the first version of the guidelines and to ask the managers to report the combined impact of the different risk scenarios, including the redemption shock. In other words, they would be asked to use the same parameters they used for the different scenarios, but in a combined fashion.
In future version of the guidelines, ESMA may develop an ad hoc multi-variate scenario, with stressed parameters different from the individual scenarios. It may especially include a narrative, i.e. simulate the impact of a stress event. Costs The hypothetical macro systemic shock is the most sophisticated scenario since the combined impact is expected to be different from the sum of the stress test results of all individual risk factors. It shall rely on internal models. To minimize the cost of implementation and the risk of inconsistency, the scenario has been kept simple. Moreover, managers will have more time for the first reporting of the results.
3.2 Annex II (updates in red indicate additional text added which
constitutes the 2019 update to the ESMA34-49-115 Guidelines) 1 Scope Who?
Regulation (EU) 2017/1131 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 on money market funds (OJ L 169, 30.06.2017, p. 8).
2 Purpose
4. The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure common, uniform and consistent
application of the provisions in Article 28 of the MMF Regulation. In particular, and as specified in Article 28(7) of the MMF Regulation, they establish common reference parameters of the stress test scenarios to be included in the stress tests taking into account the following factors specified in Article 28(1) of the MMF Regulation:
a) hypothetical changes in the level of liquidity of the assets held in the portfolio of the MMF; b) hypothetical changes in the level of credit risk of the assets held in the portfolio of the MMF, including credit events and rating events; c) hypothetical movements of the interest rates and exchange rates; d) hypothetical levels of redemption; e) hypothetical widening or narrowing of spreads among indexes to which interest rates of portfolio securities are tied; f) hypothetical macro systemic shocks affecting the economy as a whole.
5. In accordance with Article 28(7) MMF Regulation, these guidelines will be updated at
least every year taking into account the latest market developments. In 2019, the section
4.8 of these guidelines is in particular updated so that managers of MMFs have the
information needed to fill in the corresponding fields in the reporting template referred to mentioned in Article 37 of the MMF Regulation, as specified by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/7085 . This information includes specifications on the types of the stress tests mentioned in this section 4.8 and their calibration
3 Compliance and reporting obligations
3.1 Status of the guidelines
6. In accordance with Article 16(3) of the ESMA Regulation, competent authorities and
financial market participants must make every effort to comply with these guidelines.
7. Competent authorities to which these guidelines apply should comply by incorporating
them into their national legal and/or supervisory frameworks as appropriate, including where particular guidelines are directed primarily at financial market participants. In this case, competent authorities should ensure through their supervision that financial market participants comply with the guidelines.
3.2 Reporting requirements
8. Within two months of the date of publication of the guidelines on ESMA’s website in all
EU official languages, competent authorities to which these guidelines apply must notify ESMA whether they (i) comply, (ii) do not comply, but intend to comply, or (iii) do not comply and do not intend to comply with the guidelines.
9. In case of non-compliance, competent authorities must also notify ESMA within two
months of the date of publication of the guidelines on ESMA’s website in all EU official languages of their reasons for not complying with the guidelines.
10. A template for notifications is available on ESMA’s website. Once the template has
been filled in, it shall be transmitted to ESMA.
4 Guidelines on stress test scenarios under Article 28 of the MMF Regulation (Financial market participants are not required to report results of stress tests referred to in sections 4.1 to 4.7 below)
4.1 Guidelines on certain general features of the stress test scenarios of
MMF
Scope of the effects on the MMF of the proposed stress test scenarios
11. Article 28(1) of the MMF Regulation requires MMFs to put in place “sound stress testing
processes that identify possible events or future changes in economic conditions which could have unfavourable effects on the MMF”.
12. This leaves room for interpretation on the exact meaning of the “effects on the MMF”,
such as:
The wording of Article 28(1) of the MMF Regulation should include various possible
definitions. In particular, the stress test scenarios referred to in Article 28 of the MMF Regulation should test the impact of the various factors listed in Article 28(1) of the MMF Regulation on both i) the portfolio or net asset value of the MMF and ii) the liquidity bucket(s) of the MMF and/or the ability of the manager of the MMF to meet investors’ redemption requests. This broad interpretation is in line with the stress-testing framework of the AIFMD, which includes both meanings in its Articles 15(3)(b) and 16(1). The specifications included in the following sections 4.2 to 4.7 therefore apply to stress test scenarios on both aspects mentioned above.
With respect to liquidity, it is to be noted that liquidity risk may result from: (i) significant
redemptions; (ii) deterioration of the liquidity of assets; or (iii) a combination of the two. Historical scenarios and hypothetical scenarios
With respect to both stress test scenarios on i) the portfolio or net asset value of the
MMF and ii) the liquidity bucket(s) of the MMF and/or the ability of the manager of the MMF to meet investors’ redemption requests, managers could use the factors specified in sections 4.2 to 4.7 using historical and hypothetical scenarios.
Historical scenarios reproduce the parameters of previous event or crises and
extrapolate the impact they would have had on the present portfolio of the MMF.
While using historical scenarios, managers should vary the time windows in order to
process several scenarios and avoid getting stress test results that depend overly on an arbitrary time window (e.g. one period with low interest rates and another with higher rates). By way of example, some commonly used scenarios refer to junk bonds in 2001, subprime mortgages in 2007, the Greek crisis in 2009 and the Chinese stock market crash in 2015. These scenarios may include independent or correlated shocks depending on the model.
Hypothetical scenarios are aimed at anticipating a specific event or crisis by setting its
parameters and predicting its impact on the MMF. Examples of hypothetical scenarios include those based on economic and financial shocks, country or business risk (e.g. bankruptcy of a sovereign state or crash in an industrial sector). This type of scenario may require the creation of a dashboard of all changed risk factors, a correlation matrix and a choice of financial behaviour model. It also includes probabilistic scenarios based on implied volatility.
Such scenarios may be single-factor or multi-factor scenarios. Factors can be
uncorrelated (fixed income, equity, counterparty, forex, volatility, correlation, etc.) or correlated: a particular shock may spread to all risk factors, depending on the correlation table used. Aggregation of stress tests
In certain circumstances, in addition, managers could use aggregate stress test
scenarios on a range of MMFs or even on all the MMFs managed by the manager.
Aggregating results would provide an overview and could show, for example, the total volume of assets held by all the MMFs of the manager in a particular position, and the potential impact of several portfolios selling out of that position at the same time during a liquidity crisis. Reverse stress testing
21. In addition to the stress test scenarios discussed in this section, the inclusion of reverse
stress testing may also be of benefit. The intention behind a reverse stress test is to subject the MMF to stress testing scenarios to the point of failure, including the point where the regulatory thresholds set up in the MMF Regulation, such as those included in its Article 37(3)(a) would be breached. This would allow the manager of a MMF to have another tool to explore any vulnerabilities, pre-empt, and resolve such risks. Combination of the various factors mentioned in the following sections 4.2 to 4.7 with investors’ redemption requests
22. All factors mentioned in the following sections 4.2 to 4.7 should be tested against
several levels of redemption. This is not to say that at first, managers should not also test them separately (without combining them with tests against levels of redemption), in order to be able to identify the corresponding respective impacts. The way this combination of the various factors mentioned in the following sections 4.2 to 4.7 with investors’ redemption requests could be carried out is further specified in each of these sections.
23. In that context, some hypothesis on the behaviour of the manager with regard to
honouring the redemption requests could be required.
24. A practical example of one possible implementation is given in Appendix.
Stress tests in the case of CNAV and LVNAV MMFs
25. Article 28(2) of the MMF Regulation indicates that in addition to the stress test criteria
as set out in Article 28(1), CNAV and LVNAV MMFs shall estimate for different scenarios, the difference between the constant NAV per unit or share and the NAV per unit or share. While estimating this difference, and if the manager of the MMF is of the view that this would be useful additional information, it may also be relevant to estimate
the impact of the relevant factors included in sections 4.2 to 4.7 on the volatility of the portfolio or on the volatility of the net asset value of the fund. Non-exhaustiveness of the factors mentioned in the following sections 4.2 to 4.7
26. The factors set out in the following sections 4.2 to 4.7 are minimum requirements. The
manager would be expected to tailor the approach to the specificities of its MMFs and add any factors or requirements that it would deem useful to the stress test exercise. Examples of other factors that could be taken into account include the repo rate considering MMFs are a significant player in that market.
27. More generally the manager should build a number of scenarios, with different levels
of severity, which would combine all the relevant factors (which is to say that there should not just be separate stress tests for each factor – please also refer to the following sections 4.2 to 4.7).
4.2 Guidelines on stress test scenarios in relation to hypothetical changes
in the level of liquidity of the assets held in the portfolio of the MMF
28. With respect to the level of changes of liquidity of the assets mentioned in Article
28(1)(a) of the MMF Regulation, managers could consider such parameters as:
4.3 Guidelines on stress test scenarios in relation to hypothetical changes
in the level of credit risk of the assets held in the portfolio of the MMF, including credit events and rating events
30. With respect to the levels of changes in credit risk of the asset mentioned in Article
28(1)(b), guidance on this factor should not be too prescriptive because the widening or narrowing of credit spreads is usually based on quickly evolving market conditions.
31. However, managers could, for example, consider:
4.4 Guidelines on stress test scenarios in relation to hypothetical
movements of the interest rates and exchange rates
35. With respect to the levels of change of the interest rates and exchange rates mentioned
in Article 28(1)(c) of the MMF Regulation, managers could consider stress testing of parallel shifts of a certain level. More specifically, managers could consider depending on the specific nature of their strategy:
i. an increase in the level of short term interest rates with 1-month and 3-month treasury
rates going up simultaneously while assuming a certain redemption rate;
ii. a gradual increase in the long term interest rates for sovereign bonds;
iii. a parallel and/or non parallel shift in the interest rate curve that would change short,
medium and long interest rate;
iv. movements of the FX rate (base currency vs other currencies).
36. The manager could also consider a stress test scenario that would reflect an extreme
event of increased interest rates that would combine an increase in short-term interest rates with a certain redemption rate. The manager could also consider a matrix of interest rates / credit spreads.
4.5 Guidelines on stress test scenarios in relation to hypothetical levels
of redemption
37. With respect to the levels of redemption mentioned in Article 28(1)(d) of the MMF
Regulation, managers could consider redemption stress tests following from historical or hypothetical redemption levels or with the redemption being the maximum of either a certain percentage of the NAV or an opt-out redemption option exercised by the most important investors.
38. Stress tests on redemptions should include the specific measures which the MMF has
the constitutional power to activate (for instance, gates and redemption notice).
39. The simulation of redemptions should be calibrated based on stability analysis of the
liabilities (i.e. the capital), which itself depends on the type of investor (institutional, retail, private bank, etc.) and the concentration of the liabilities. The particular characteristics of the liabilities and any cyclical changes to redemptions would need to be taken into account when establishing redemption scenarios. However, there are
many ways to test liabilities and redemptions. Examples of significant redemption scenarios include i) redemptions of a percentage of the liabilities ii) redemptions equal to the largest redemptions ever seen iii) redemptions based on an investor behaviour model.
40. Redemptions of a percentage of the liabilities could be defined based on the frequency
of calculating the net asset value, any redemption notice period and the type of investors.
41. It is to be noted that liquidating positions without distorting portfolio allocation requires
a technique known as slicing, whereby the same percentage of each asset type (or each liquidity class if the assets are categorised according to their liquidity, also known as bucketing) is sold, rather than selling the most liquid assets first. The design and execution of the stress test should take into account and specify whether to apply a slicing approach or by contrast a waterfall approach (i.e. selling the most liquid assets first).
42. In the case of redemption of units by the largest investor(s), rather than defining an
arbitrary redemption percentage as in the previous case, managers could use information about the investor base of the MMF to refine the stress test. Specifically, the scenario involving redemption of units by the largest investors should be calibrated based on the concentration of the fund’s liabilities and the relationships between the manager and the principal investors of the MMF (and the extent to which investors’ behaviour is deemed volatile).
43. Managers could also stress test scenarios involving redemptions equal to the largest
redemptions ever seen in a group of similar (geographically or in terms of fund type) MMFs or across all the funds managed by the manager. However, the largest redemptions witnessed in the past are not necessarily a reliable indicator of the worst redemptions that may occur in the future.
44. A practical example of one possible implementation is given in Appendix.
4.6 Guidelines on stress test scenarios in relation to hypothetical
widening or narrowing of spreads among indexes to which interest rates of portfolio securities are tied
45. With respect to the extent of a widening or narrowing of spreads among indexes to
which interest rates of portfolio securities are tied as mentioned in Article 28(1)(e) of the MMF Regulation, managers could consider the widening of spreads in various sectors to which the portfolio of the MMF is exposed, in combination with various increase in shareholder redemptions. Managers could in particular consider a widening of spreads going up.
4.7 Guidelines on stress test scenarios in relation to hypothetical macro
systemic shocks affecting the economy as a whole
46. With respect to the identification of macro-systemic shocks affecting the economy as a
whole mentioned in Article 28(1)(f) of the MMF Regulation, guidance on this item should not be prescriptive because the choice of hypothetical macro systemic shocks will depend to a large extent on the latest developments in the market.
47. However, ESMA is of the view that managers could use an adverse scenario in relation
to the GDP. Managers could also replicate macro systemic shocks that affected the economy as a whole in the past.
48. Examples of such global stress test scenarios that the manager could consider are
provided in Appendix.
4.8 Guidelines on the establishment of additional common reference
stress test scenarios (the results of which should be included in the reporting template mentioned in Article 37(4) of the MMF Regulation)
49. In addition to the stress tests managers of MMFs conduct taking into account sections
4.1 to 4.7 of these guidelines, managers of MMFs should conduct the following
common reference stress test scenarios. the results of which should be included in the reporting template mentioned in Article 37(4) of the MMF Regulation.
4.8.1 Level of changes of liquidity
50. With respect to the level of changes of liquidity of the assets mentioned in Article
28(1)(a) of the MMF Regulation:
The discount factor is calibrated on bid-ask spreads.
4.8.2 Level of change of credit risk
51. With respect to the levels of change of credit risk of the assets held in the portfolio of
the MMF, including credit events and rating events, in accordance with Article 28(1)(b) of the MMF Regulation:
1) Credit spread stress test
52. Managers of MMFs should measure the impact of an increase in credit spread,
according to the following specifications:
4.8.3 Levels of change of the interest rates and exchange rates and levels of
widening or narrowing of spreads among indices to which interest rates of portfolio securities are tied
54. With respect to the levels of change of the interest rates and exchange rates referred
to in Article 28(1)(c) of the MMF Regulation, managers of MMFs should apply the following stressed market parameters using the parameters specified in section 5 of the guidelines in respect of (a) interest rate yield shocks which correspond to movements of the interest rates; and (b)FX shocks which corresponds to movements of the exchange rates.
1) Levels of change of the interest rates
55. With respect to the levels of change of the interest rates, managers of MMFs should
use the same reference rate curve for all instruments denominated in a given currency and the reference rate tenor should align with the residual maturity of the instrument. For floating rate instruments, instruments may be contractually linked to a particular reference rate, in which case this rate is considered moving in parallel with the reference rate curve. If the table does not provide the tenor corresponding to the residual maturity of the instrument, managers of MMFs should use the most appropriate parameter in the table (e.g. the closest).
2) Levels of change of the exchange rates
56. With respect to the levels of change of the exchange rates, two scenarios should be
used in the calculations: appreciation of the EUR against the USD; depreciation of the EUR against the USD.
3) Levels of widening or narrowing of spreads among indices to which interest rates of
portfolio securities are tied
57. With respect to the levels of widening or narrowing of spreads among indices to which
interest rates of portfolio securities are tied referred to in Article 28(1)(e) of the MMF Regulation, managers of MMFs should apply stressed market parameters, according to the following specifications:
4.8.4 Levels of redemption
59. With respect to the levels of redemption referred to in Article 28(1)(d) of the MMF
Regulation, managers of MMFs should apply the following stressed redemption scenarios: a reverse liquidity stress test, a weekly liquidity stress test and a concentration stress test.
1) Reverse liquidity stress test
60. The reverse liquidity stress test comprises the following steps:
For its definition, see the Guidelines on reporting obligations under Articles 3(3)(d) and 24(1), (2) and (4) of the AIFMD
Maximum weighted average maturity (WAM); Maximum weighted average life (WAL), daily maturing assets; and weekly maturing assets.
8 Money market instruments issued or guaranteed separately or jointly by the Union, the national, regional and local administrations of the Member States or their central banks, the European Central Bank, the European Investment Bank, the European Investment Fund, the European Stability Mechanism, the European Financial Stability Facility, a central authority or central bank of a third country, the International Monetary Fund, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Council of Europe Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Bank for International Settlements, or any other relevant international financial institution or organisation to which one or more Member States belong.
4.8.5 Macro-systemic shocks affecting the economy as a whole
63. With respect to the identification of macro-systemic shocks affecting the economy as a
whole referred to in Article 28(1)(f) of the MMF Regulation, managers of MMFs should take the following steps:
use their internal models to measure the combined impact. The calibration of the shock is based on a macro scenario provided by ESMA and the ESRB and combining shocks from the other scenarios.
5 Calibration for 2019
64. The following section includes the 2019 calibration for the MMF stress tests the results
of which have to be reported in accordance with Article 37 of the MMF Regulation, and which are detailed in section 4.8 above.
65. If managers need a parameter that is not indicated in this section, they may consult the
adverse scenario on the ESRB website10
.
5.1 Common reference parameters of the stress test scenarios in relation to hypothetical changes in the
level of liquidity of the assets held in the portfolio of the MMF MMFR Typical assets Liquidity Eligible assets Stressed Parameters (a) money market instruments -Certificate of deposit (CD) Yes Table 3 -Commercial Paper (CP) Yes Table 3 -Government bonds, treasury and local authority bills Yes Table 1,2 -Corporate bonds Yes Table 3 (b) eligible securitisations and asset-backed commercial paper (ABCPs) -Eligible securitisations Yes Table 3 -ABCPs Yes Table 3 (c) deposits with credit institutions -Deposits, of which time deposits No (d) financial derivative instruments -Financial derivative instruments dealt in on a regulated market No -Financial derivative instruments dealt OTC No (e) repurchase agreements -Repos No (f) reverse repurchase agreements -Reverse repos No (g) units or shares of other MMFs -Shares issued by other MMFs Yes Extrapolation of the results to shares issued by other MMFs
Table 1 Table 2
Liquidity discount factor - Sovereign bonds by residual maturity - Reference countries (in %) Liquidity discount factor - Sovereign bonds by rating and residual maturity (in %) 3M 6M 1Y 1.5Y 2Y 3M 6M 1Y 1.5Y 2Y DE 0.06 0.14 0.20 AAA 0.05 0.09 0.18 0.19 0.20 ES 0.23 0.44 0.70 0.72 0.75 AA 0.07 0.18 0.32 0.42 0.53 FR 0.05 0.10 0.19 0.24 0.30 A 0.13 0.25 0.70 0.72 0.75 IT 0.47 0.62 0.63 0.64 0.65 BBB 0.47 0.55 0.70 0.72 0.75 NL 0.04 0.04 0.15 0.18 0.20 Below BBB or unrated 0.61 0.72 0.82 0.94 0.98
Table 3
Liquidity discount factor - Corporate bonds by rating and residual maturity (in %) 3M 6M 1Y 1.5Y 2Y AAA 0.15 0.28 0.56 0.60 0.64 AA 0.23 0.56 1.02 1.35 1.69 A 0.43 0.79 2.24 2.32 2.40 BBB 1.50 1.77 2.24 2.32 2.40 Below BBB or unrated 1.96 2.30 2.91 2.95 2.99
5.2 Common reference parameters of the stress test scenarios in relation to hypothetical changes in the
level of credit risk of the assets held in the portfolio of the MMF, including credit events and rating events MMFR Typical assets Credit (credit spreads) Credit (2 main counterparties) Eligible assets Stressed Parameters Stressed Parameters (a) money market instruments -Certificate of deposit (CD) Yes Table 5 Yes Table 6 -Commercial Paper (CP) Yes Table 5 Yes Table 6 -Government bonds, treasury and local authority bills Yes Table 4 Yes Table 6 -Corporate bonds Yes Table 5 Yes Table 6 (b) eligible securitisations and assetbacked commercial paper (ABCPs) -Eligible securitisations Yes Table 5 Yes Table 6 -ABCPs Yes Table 5 Yes Table 6 (c) deposits with credit institutions -Deposits, of which time deposits No No (d) financial derivative instruments -Financial derivative instruments dealt in on a regulated market No No -Financial derivative instruments dealt OTC No No (e) repurchase agreements -Repos No No (f) reverse repurchase agreements -Reverse repos No No (g) units or shares of other MMFs -Shares issued by other MMFs Yes Extrapolation of the results to shares issued by other MMFs Yes Extrapolation of the results to shares issued by other MMFs
Table 4: Shocks to government bond credit spreads
Credit Spread by residual maturity - Government bonds (basis points) Geographic Area Country 3M 6M 1Y 2Y EU Austria 12 13 16 20 EU Belgium 11 12 14 22 EU Croatia 3 4 EU Cyprus 49 55 71 71 EU Czech Republic 85 95 125 125 EU Denmark 12 13 16 17 EU Finland 8 8 9 13 EU France 13 14 17 23 EU Germany 5 EU Greece 67 75 98 114 EU Hungary 69 77 101 121 EU Ireland 56 62 81 84 EU Italy 58 65 85 102 EU Latvia 3 19 EU Lithuania 9 9 11 24 EU Malta 24 26 33 41 EU Netherlands 9 10 12 15 EU Poland 85 95 125 125 EU Portugal 23 25 31 66 EU Romania 23 26 32 48 EU Slovakia 21 23 30 34 EU Slovenia 35 39 50 58 EU Spain 65 73 95 113 EU Sweden 42 46 60 60 EU United Kingdom 38 42 54 79 EA (weighted averages) EA (weighted averages) 25 27 35 42 EU (weighted averages) EU (weighted averages) 30 33 42 44 EEA EEA (including Switzerland) 30 33 42 44 US United States 44 48 61 75 JP Japan 85 95 127 141 Other advanced economies Other advanced economies 42 52 77 78 Emerging markets Emerging markets 50 85 161 161
Table 5: Shocks to corporate bond and ABS credit spreads (all maturities)
Corporate credit spreads (basis points)
Rating Non-financial Financial covered Financial ABS AAA 39 44 57 76 AA 40 52 63 96 A 41 113 124 116 BBB 66 163 180 160 BB 78 188 204 208 B 91 213 234 238 Below B or unrated 103 237 269 270
Table 6: Loss given default
Loss given default (%)
Senior exposure 45
Subordinated exposure 75
5.3 Common reference parameters of the stress test scenarios in relation to hypothetical movements of
the interest rates
MMFR
Typical assets
IR
(Interest rate swap)
Eligible assets Stressed Parameters
(a) money market instruments
-Certificate of deposit (CD) Yes Table 6, 7
-Commercial Paper (CP) Yes Table 6, 7
-Government bonds, treasury and local authority bills Yes Table 6, 7 -Corporate bonds Yes Table 6, 7 (b) eligible securitisations and asset-backed commercial paper (ABCPs) -Eligible securitisations Yes Table 6, 7 -ABCPs Yes Table 6, 7 (c) deposits with credit institutions -Deposits, of which time deposits Yes Table 6, 7 (d) financial derivative instruments -Financial derivative instruments dealt in on a regulated market Yes Table 6, 7 -Financial derivative instruments dealt OTC Yes Table 6, 7 (e) repurchase agreements -Repos No (f) reverse repurchase agreements -Reverse repos Yes Table 6, 7 (g) units or shares of other MMFs -Shares issued by other MMFs Yes Extrapolation of the results to shares issued by other MMFs
Table 6: Shocks to swap rates
Interest rate yield shocks absolute changes (basis points) Geographic Area Country Description 1M 3M 6M 1Y 2Y EU Euro Area Interest rate SWAP on the EUR (Euro) 53 53 60 80 71 EU Croatia Interest rate SWAP on the HRK (Croatian Kuna) 53 53 60 80 71 EU Czech Republic Interest rate SWAP on the CZK (Czech Koruna) -4 -5 3 EU Denmark Interest rate SWAP on the DKK (Danish Krone) 53 53 60 80 71 EU Hungary Interest rate SWAP on the HUF (Hungarian Forint) 74 74 83 111 119 EU Poland Interest rate SWAP on the PLN (Polish Zloty) 25 25 28 37 53 EU Romania Interest rate SWAP on the RON (Romanian Leu) 153 153 172 229 217 EU Sweden Interest rate SWAP on the SEK (Swedish Krona) 26 26 30 40 55 EU United Kingdom Interest rate SWAP on the GBP (British Pound) 98 98 110 146 130 Rest of Europe Norway Interest rate SWAP on the NOK (Norwegian Krone) 20 20 22 30 39 Rest of Europe Russia Interest rate SWAP on the RUB (Russian Ruble) 122 122 137 183 184 Rest of Europe Switzerland Interest rate SWAP on the CHF (Swiss Franc) 31 31 35 46 54 Rest of Europe Turkey Interest rate SWAP on the TRY (Turkish Lira) 197 197 221 295 307 North America Canada Interest rate SWAP on the CAD (Canadian Dollar) 46 46 51 68 70 North America US Interest rate SWAP on the USD (US Dollar) 93 93 105 140 125 Australia and Pacific Australia Interest rate SWAP on the AUD (Australian Dollar) 33 33 37 50 62 South and central America Chile Interest rate SWAP on the CLP (Chilean Peso) 206 206 232 309 376 South and central America Colombia Interest rate SWAP on the COP (Colombian Peso) 162 162 183 243 276 South and central America Mexico Interest rate SWAP on the MXN (Mexican Peso) 245 245 276 368 360 Asia China Interest rate SWAP on the CNY (Chinese Yuan) 13 13 14 19 17 Asia Hong Kong Interest rate SWAP on the HKD (Hong Kong Dollar) 208 208 235 313 320 Asia India Interest rate SWAP on the INR (Indian Rupee) 263 263 296 395 394 Asia Japan Interest rate SWAP on the JPY (Japanese Yen) 9 9 10 14 19 Asia Korea Interest rate SWAP on the KRW (South Korean Won) 134 134 150 200 209 Asia Malaysia Interest rate SWAP on the MYR (Malaysian Ringgit) 90 90 101 134 153 Asia Singapore Interest rate SWAP on the SGD (Singapore Dollar) 116 116 130 173 176 Asia Thailand Interest rate SWAP on the THB (Thai Baht) 164 164 184 245 257 Africa South Africa Interest rate SWAP on the ZAR (South African Rand) 10 10 11 14 25
Table 7 Shocks to swap rates (default values for countries not included in table 6)
Interest rate yield shocks absolute changes (basis points) Geographic Area Description 1M 3M 6M 1Y 2Y EU Default value for countries not included in table 6 59 59 66 89 88 Other advanced economies Default value for countries not included in table 6 39 39 44 59 66 Other emerging markets Default value for countries not included in table 6 231 231 260 346 363
5.4 Common reference parameters of the stress test scenarios in relation to hypothetical movements of
the exchange rates
MMFR
Typical assets
FX
(Appreciation of the EUR)
FX
(Depreciation of the EUR)
Eligible assets Stressed Parameters Stressed Parameters (a) money market instruments -Certificate of deposit (CD) Yes Table 8 Yes Table 9 -Commercial Paper (CP) Yes Table 8 Yes Table 9 -Government bonds, treasury and local authority bills Yes Table 8 Yes Table 9 -Corporate bonds Yes Table 8 Yes Table 9 (b) eligible securitisations and assetbacked commercial paper (ABCPs) -Eligible securitisations Yes Table 8 Yes Table 9 -ABCPs Yes Table 8 Yes Table 9 (c) deposits with credit institutions -Deposits, of which time deposits Yes Table 8 Yes Table 9 (d) financial derivative instruments -Financial derivative instruments dealt in on a regulated market Yes Table 8 Yes Table 9 -Financial derivative instruments dealt OTC Yes Table 8 Yes Table 9 (e) repurchase agreements -Repos No No (f) reverse repurchase agreements -Reverse repos Yes Table 8 Yes Table 9 (g) units or shares of other MMFs -Shares issued by other MMFs Yes Extrapolation of the results to shares issued by other MMFs Yes Extrapolation of the results to shares issued by other MMFs
Table 8
FX shocks (appreciation of the EUR against the USD) relative changes (%) Geographic Area Description Exchange rate name Shock EU USDBGN represents 1 USD per x BGN (Bulgarian Lev) USDBGN -25.4 EU EURCZK represents 1 EUR per x CZK (Czech Koruna) EURCZK -2.2 EU EURGBP represents 1 EUR per x GBP (British Pound) EURGBP 11.1 EU EURHRK represents 1 EUR per x HRK (Croatian Kune) EURHRK 0.1 EU EURHUF represents 1 EUR per x HUF (Hungarian Forints) EURHUF -5.2 EU USDNOK represents 1 USD per x NOK (Norwegian Krone) USDNOK -23.2 EU EURPLN represents 1 EUR per x PLN (Polish Zloty) EURPLN -1.5 EU EURRON represents 1 EUR per x RON (Romanian Leu ) EURRON 0.0 EU EURRSD represents 1 EUR per x RSD (Serbian Dinar ) EURRSD -1.9 EU USDSEK represents 1 USD per x SEK (Swedish Krona) USDSEK -25.4 Rest of Europe EURCHF represents 1 EUR per x CHF (Swiss Franc) EURCHF 3.7 Rest of Europe EURRUB represents 1 EUR per x RUB (Russian Ruble) EURRUB 10.1 Rest of Europe EURTRY represents 1 EUR per x TRY (Turkish Lira) EURTRY 13.5 North America USDCAD represents 1 USD per x CAD (Canadian dollar) USDCAD -13.0 North America EURUSD represents 1 EUR per x USD (US Dollar) EURUSD 25.4 Australia and Pacific AUDUSD represents 1 AUD per x USD (Australian Dollar) AUDUSD 17.5 Australia and Pacific NZDUSD represents 1 NZD per x USD (New Zealand Dollar) NZDUSD 18.0 South and central America USDARS represents 1 USD per x ARS (Argentine Peso) USDARS -0.8 South and central America USDBRL represents 1 USD per x BRL (Brazilian Real) USDBRL -12.2 South and central America USDMXN represents 1 USD per x MXN (Mexican Peso) USDMXN -7.9 Asia USDCNY represents 1 USD per x CNY (Chinese Yuan Renminbi) USDCNY -0.7 Asia USDHKD represents 1 USD per x HKD (Hong Kong Dollar) USDHKD -0.1 Asia USDINR represents 1 USD per x INR (Indian Rupee) USDINR -2.5 Asia USDJPY represents 1 USD per x JPY (Japanese Yen) USDJPY -8.7 Asia USDKRW represents 1 USD per x KRW (South Korean Won) USDKRW -2.1 Asia USDMYR represents 1 USD per x MYR (Malaysian Ringgit) USDMYR -2.3 Asia USDSGD represents 1 USD per x SGD (Singapore Dollar) USDSGD -10.4 Asia USDTHB represents 1 USD per x THB (Thai Baht) USDTHB -2.3 Africa USDZAR represents 1 USD per x ZAR (South African Rand) USDZAR -14.0
Table 9
FX shocks (depreciation of the EUR against the USD) relative changes (%) Geographic Area Description Exchange rate name Shock EU USDBGN represents 1 USD per x BGN (Bulgarian Lev) USDBGN 17.0 EU EURCZK represents 1 EUR per x CZK (Czech Koruna) EURCZK 2.4 EU EURGBP represents 1 EUR per x GBP (British Pound) EURGBP -6.5 EU EURHRK represents 1 EUR per x HRK (Croatian Kune) EURHRK -0.4 EU EURHUF represents 1 EUR per x HUF (Hungarian Forints) EURHUF 4.0 EU USDNOK represents 1 USD per x NOK (Norwegian Krone) USDNOK 17.7 EU EURPLN represents 1 EUR per x PLN (Polish Zloty) EURPLN 3.6 EU EURRON represents 1 EUR per x RON (Romanian Leu ) EURRON 0.8 EU EURRSD represents 1 EUR per x RSD (Serbian Dinar ) EURRSD -1.5 EU USDSEK represents 1 USD per x SEK (Swedish Krona) USDSEK 18.4 Rest of Europe EURCHF represents 1 EUR per x CHF (Swiss Franc) EURCHF -3.6 Rest of Europe EURRUB represents 1 EUR per x RUB (Russian Ruble) EURRUB -9.6 Rest of Europe EURTRY represents 1 EUR per x TRY (Turkish Lira) EURTRY -5.5 North America USDCAD represents 1 USD per x CAD (Canadian dollar) USDCAD 8.9 North America EURUSD represents 1 EUR per x USD (US Dollar) EURUSD -17.0 Australia and Pacific AUDUSD represents 1 AUD per x USD (Australian Dollar) AUDUSD -13.3 Australia and Pacific NZDUSD represents 1 NZD per x USD (New Zealand Dollar) NZDUSD -13.6 South and central America USDARS represents 1 USD per x ARS (Argentine Peso) USDARS 1.3 South and central America USDBRL represents 1 USD per x BRL (Brazilian Real) USDBRL 9.1 South and central America USDMXN represents 1 USD per x MXN (Mexican Peso) USDMXN 7.1 Asia USDCNY represents 1 USD per x CNY (Chinese Yuan Renminbi) USDCNY 0.4 Asia USDHKD represents 1 USD per x HKD (Hong Kong Dollar) USDHKD 0.1 Asia USDINR represents 1 USD per x INR (Indian Rupee) USDINR 2.3 Asia USDJPY represents 1 USD per x JPY (Japanese Yen) USDJPY 4.5 Asia USDKRW represents 1 USD per x KRW (South Korean Won) USDKRW 3.0 Asia USDMYR represents 1 USD per x MYR (Malaysian Ringgit) USDMYR 1.5 Asia USDSGD represents 1 USD per x SGD (Singapore Dollar) USDSGD 6.1 Asia USDTHB represents 1 USD per x THB (Thai Baht) USDTHB 1.6 Africa USDZAR represents 1 USD per x ZAR (South African Rand) USDZAR 14.4
5.5 Common reference parameters of the stress test scenarios in relation to hypothetical widening or
narrowing of spreads among indexes to which interest rates of portfolio securities are tied MMFR Typical assets IR (Interest rate swap) Eligible assets Stressed Parameters (a) money market instruments -Certificate of deposit (CD) Yes Table 6, 7 -Commercial Paper (CP) Yes Table 6, 7 -Government bonds, treasury and local authority bills Yes Table 6, 7 -Corporate bonds Yes Table 6, 7 (b) eligible securitisations and asset-backed commercial paper (ABCPs) -Eligible securitisations Yes Table 6, 7 -ABCPs Yes Table 6, 7 (c) deposits with credit institutions -Deposits, of which time deposits Yes Table 6, 7 (d) financial derivative instruments -Financial derivative instruments dealt in on a regulated market Yes Table 6, 7 -Financial derivative instruments dealt OTC Yes Table 6, 7 (e) repurchase agreements -Repos No (f) reverse repurchase agreements -Reverse repos Yes Table 6, 7 (g) units or shares of other MMFs -Shares issued by other MMFs Yes Extrapolation of the results to shares issued by other MMFs
5.6 Common reference parameters of the stress test scenarios in relation to hypothetical levels of
redemption
MMFR
Typical assets
Redemption
(reverse liquidity ST)
Redemption
(weekly liquidity ST
Redemption
(2 main investors)
Eligible assets Stressed Parameters Stressed Parameters Stressed Parameters (a) money market instruments -Certificate of deposit (CD) Yes Selfassessment Yes Table 10, 11 Yes Table 10 -Commercial Paper (CP) Yes Selfassessment Yes Table 10, 11 Yes Table 10 -Government bonds, treasury and local authority bills Yes Selfassessment Yes Table 10, 11 Yes Table 10 -Corporate bonds Yes Selfassessment Yes Table 10, 11 Yes Table 10 (b) eligible securitisations and asset-backed commercial paper (ABCPs) -Eligible securitisations Yes Selfassessment Yes Table 10, 11 Yes Table 10 -ABCPs Yes Selfassessment Yes Table 10, 11 Yes Table 10 (c) deposits with credit institutions -Deposits, of which time deposits Yes Selfassessment Yes Table 10, 11 Yes Table 10 (d) financial derivative instruments -Financial derivative instruments dealt in on a regulated market Yes Selfassessment Yes Table 10, 11 Yes Table 10 -Financial derivative instruments dealt OTC Yes Selfassessment Yes Table 10, 11 Yes Table 10 (e) repurchase agreements -Repos Yes Selfassessment No Table 10, 11 No Table 10 (f) reverse repurchase agreements -Reverse repos Yes Selfassessment Yes Table 10, 11 Yes Table 10 (g) units or shares of other MMFs -Shares issued by other MMFs Yes Selfassessment Yes Table 10, 11 Yes Table 10
Table 10 Table 11
Assets Article CQS Net outflows (%)
Assets referred to in Article 17(7)[1] which are highly liquid and can be redeemed and settled within one working day and have a residual maturity of up to 190 days 24 (e) 1 Professional investor 25 Cash which is able to be withdrawn by giving prior notice of five working days without penalty 24 (e) Retail investor 15 25 (d) Weekly maturing assets 24 (e) 25 (d) Reverse repurchase agreements which are able to be terminated by giving prior notice of five working days 24 (e) 25 (d) x100% = Weekly liquid assets (bucket 1) Assets referred to in Article 17(7) which can be redeemed and settled within one working week 17(7) 1,2 Money market instruments or units or shares of other MMFs which they are able to be redeemed and settled within five working days 24 (e) 1,2 25 (e) Eligible securitisations and asset-backed commercial paper (ABCPs) 9(1)(b) 1 x85% = Weekly liquid assets (bucket 2)
5.7 Common reference parameters of the stress test scenarios in relation to hypothetical macro systemic
shocks affecting the economy as a whole
MMFR
Typical assets
Macro
Eligible assets Stressed Parameters
(a) money market instruments
-Certificate of deposit (CD) Yes Tables 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,11 -Commercial Paper (CP) Yes Tables 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,11 -Government bonds, treasury and local authority bills Yes Tables 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,11 -Corporate bonds Yes Tables 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,11 (b) eligible securitisations and asset-backed commercial paper (ABCPs) -Eligible securitisations Yes Tables 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,11 -ABCPs Yes Tables 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,11 (c) deposits with credit institutions -Deposits, of which time deposits Yes Tables 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,11 (d) financial derivative instruments -Financial derivative instruments dealt in on a regulated market Yes Tables 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,11 -Financial derivative instruments dealt OTC Yes Tables 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,11 (e) repurchase agreements -Repos No Tables 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,11 (f) reverse repurchase agreements -Reverse repos Yes Tables 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,11 (g) units or shares of other MMFs -Shares issued by other MMFs Yes Tables 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,11
6 Appendix
A.
Example of stress combining the various factors mentioned in sections 4.2 to 4.7 with investors’ redemption requests A practical example of one possible implementation of the section “Combination of the various factors mentioned in the following sections 4.2 to 4.7 with investors’ redemption requests” is given below. The table below estimates the losses incurred by the MMF in the event of redemptions or market stress (credit or interest rate shocks). First scenario: credit premium shock of 25 bps Second scenario: interest rate shock of 25 bps Three largest investors (25%) ↓ Very stable investors (15%) ↓ Redemptions 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% Initial portfolio 2 bps 3 bps 5 bps 6 bps 8 bps 9 bps 11 bps bps First scenario 7 bps 9 bps 13 bps bps bps bps bps bps bps bps Second scenario 3 bps 4 bps 6 bps 9 bps 12 bps bps bps bps bps bps WAL (days) 105 117 131 149 169 192 219 249 290 320 This stress test shows that a redemption by the three largest investors (25% of net assets) would push the weighted average life (WAL) beyond the 120-day regulatory threshold (for a short-term money market fund) and cause the portfolio to lose in the region of 2-3 bps under normal conditions. The same level of cumulative redemptions with a 25 bps rise in credit premium would cause a loss of around 13-18 bps. B.
Example of Redemptions based on an investor behaviour model, in accordance with the breakdown of liabilities by investor category. This implies the simulation of the behaviour of each type of investor and establishes a simulation based on the composition of the liabilities of the MMF. Example of investor classification and simulation of their behaviour (the figures shown are not real): Investor type Record redemptions for this investor type Over one day Over one week Over one month Large institutional 25% 75% 100% Group entity (bank, insurance, own account) 20% 40% 40% Investment fund 20% 65% 100% Small institutional 10% 25% 40% Private banking network 15% 40% 75% Retail investor with distributor A 5% 10% 20% Retail investor with distributor B 7% 15% 20% Stressed redemptions for this investor category Large institutional 75% Group entity (bank, insurance, own account) 0% (in agreement with the AMC) Investment fund 65% Small institutional 25% Private banking network 40% Retail investor with distributor A 10% Retail investor with distributor B 15% In order to build such a simulation of this kind, the manager needs to make assumptions about the behaviour of each investor type, based in part on historical redemptions. In the example above, the manager has noted that the retail investors who invested through distributor A are historically slower to exit in the event of difficulty, but that they exhibit the same behaviour over one month as retail investors who invested through distributor B. This fictitious example shows a possible classification that the manager may use based on the data available on the liabilities of the MMF and the behaviour of its investors. C.
66. Examples of global stress test scenarios that the manager could consider:
67.
i. the Lehman Brothers’ event with the calibration of all relevant factors one month
ahead of the failure of this firm;
ii. A) a scenario including a combination of the 3 following factors: i) a parallel shift in
interest rate (x) ii) a shift in credit spreads (y) and iii) a redemption stress (z));
iii. B) a scenario including a combination of the 3 following factors: i) a parallel shift in
interest rate (x) ii) a shift in credit spreads (y) and iii) a redemption stress (z)) Variables x, y and z being the worst figures/shifts experienced by the fund, on an independent basis, for the last 12 months.
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“ESMA published the first set of these guidelines on 21 March 2018 (“the 2017 Guidelines” also referred to as ESMA34-49-115).”
“send the results to NCAs with their first quarterly reports required by Article 37, scheduled in Q1 2020. ... set out in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/708”
This document supersedes: Guidelines on stress tests scenarios under Article 28 of the MMF Regulation
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