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Art. 23 Definitions
1The terms below are defined as follows: - a.
- «basic type of derivative»:
- 1.
- a call or put option, the expiration value of which is linearly dependent on the positive or negative difference between the market value of the underlying and the strike price and is zero if the difference is preceded by the opposite algebraic sign,
- 2.
- a credit default swap (CDS),
- 3.
- a swap, the payments of which are dependent on the value of the underlying or on an absolute amount in both a linear and a path-independent manner,
- 4.
- a future or forward transaction the value of which is linearly dependent on the value of the underlying;
- b.
- «exposure-increasing»: derivative exposure, the financial effect of which is similar to the purchase of an underlying (e.g. the purchase of a call option, purchase of a future, sale of a put option, exchanging of variable for fixed interest payments or the conclusion of a credit default swap as protection seller);
- c.
- «exposure-reducing»: a derivative exposure the financial effect of which is similar to the sale of an underlying (in particular, the sale of a call option, sale of a future, purchase of a put option, exchanging of fixed for variable interest payments or the conclusion of a credit default swap as secured party);
- d.
- «exotic derivative» means a derivative with a mode of operation that cannot be described as a basic form of derivative or a combination of basic forms of derivatives (for instance, a path-dependent option, an option with several factors or an option with contract modifications);
- e.
- «contract size»: number of underlying securities or nominal value of a derivative contract;
- f.
- «contract value»:
- 1.
- in the case of a swap, the product of the nominal value of the underlying and the contract size,
- 2.
- in the case of all other derivatives, the product of the underlying's market value and the contract size;
- g.
- «OTC (over the counter)»: the conclusion of transactions off an exchange or any other regulated market which is open to the public;
- h.
- «synthetic liquidity»: underlyings whose market risk and potential credit risk are hedged with derivatives that have a symmetric payment profile;
- i.
- «overall exposure»: exposure to the fund’s net assets, the net overall exposure to derivatives and investment techniques under Article 55 CISA, including short-selling;
- j.
- «gross overall exposure to derivatives»: total amount of capital requirements eligible from derivatives, including derivative components;
- k.
- «net overall exposure to derivatives»: total amount of capital requirements eligible from derivatives, including derivative components, taking account of permissible netting, hedging transactions and other rules set out in Articles 35 and 36;
- l.
- «leverage»: effect of derivatives, derivative components investment techniques, including short-selling on the fund’s net assets, by building up over-proportionally high positions in an underlying when compared to the capital invested.
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Art. 24 Principles
Derivatives may be used only where, even in exceptional market conditions, the effect of using derivatives does not result in a deviation from the investment objectives set out in the fund regulations, prospectus and important information for investors, or in a change in the investment character of the securities fund.
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Art. 25 Umbrella funds
The provisions in this section apply to the individual securities funds or, in the case of an umbrella fund, to each individual sub-fund.
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Art. 26 Structured products, derivative components and warrants
1In order to comply with the statutory and regulatory provisions for risk diversification, the underlying and the issue of a structured product must be taken into account. 2If a structured product has one or more derivative components, these must be treated in accordance with the provisions in this section. 3To establish the amount eligible for the overall exposure and the risk diversification requirements, the structured product is to be broken down into its components, if it has leverage. The components are to be considered individually. The breakdown is to be documented. 4If structured products that cannot be broken down are used as a not negligible part of the fund’s assets, the model approach as a risk measurement procedure is to be applied. 5Derivative components of a financial instrument must be taken into account in compliance with statutory and regulatory risk diversification provisions, and are eligible for the overall exposure to derivatives. 6Warrants must be treated as derivatives in accordance with the provisions of this section. An option belonging to a warrant bond is deemed a warrant.
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Art. 27 Credit derivatives
1As defined in Article 77 paragraph 1 letter a CISO1, an exposure-increasing credit derivative is not deemed a guarantee. 2The debtor of reference of a credit derivative must have outstanding equity or debt securities or rights to equity or debts that are traded on an exchange or another regulated market open to the public.
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Art. 28 Exotic derivatives
1The fund management company or SICAV may only use an exotic derivative if: - a.
- it can calculate the minimum and the maximum delta across the entire price spectrum of the underlyings; and
- b.
- it understands the derivative's mode of operation, as well as the factors that influence its pricing.
2In the case of securities funds, where the commitment approach II is applied, the exotic derivative must be weighted according to its maximum possible delta (absolute value) when converted to its underlying equivalent pursuant to Article 35 paragraph 2. 3The risk assessment model used risk must be capable of reflecting the exotic derivative in accordance with its risk. 4If the maximum delta of the exotic derivative is positive, it must be weighted by such maximum delta in order to comply with the statutory and regulatory maximum limits. If the minimum delta is negative, it must be weighted by this minimum delta in order to comply with the regulatory minimum limits.
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Art. 29 Conclusion of the contract
1The fund management company or SICAV shall conclude derivative transactions on an exchange or other regulated market which is open to the public. 2Transactions with OTC derivatives (OTC transactions) are permitted, provided the conditions stipulated in Articles 30 and 31 are met.
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Art. 30 OTC transactions
1OTC transactions may only be concluded on the basis of a standardised framework agreement which complies with the pertinent international standards. 2The counterparty must: - a.
- be a regulated financial intermediary specialised in such types of transactions;
- b.
- ensure proper execution of the contract; and
- c.
- meet the credit rating requirements stipulated in Article 31 paragraph 1.
3It must be possible to reliably and verifiably value an OTC derivative on a daily basis and to sell or close out the derivative at market value at any time. 4If the market price for an OTC derivative is not available, it must be possible at all times to determine the price at any time using appropriate valuation models that are recognised in practice, based on the market value of the underlyings from which the derivative was derived; 5Before concluding a contract for a derivative under paragraph 4, specific offers must be obtained from at least two potential counterparties. The contract is to be concluded with the counterparty providing the most favourable offer in terms of price. A deviation from this principle is possible for reasons relating to risk diversification, or where other parts of the contract such as credit rating or the range of services offered by the counterparties in another offer seem are more advantageous overall for the investors. 6If it is in the investors’ best interests, obtaining offers from at least two potential counterparties may be dispensed with. The reasons for doing so must be clearly documented. 7The conclusion of the transaction and pricing must be clearly documented.
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Art. 31 Credit rating
1In the case of OTC transactions, the counterparty or its guarantor shall have a high credit rating. 2This requirement does not apply to the custodian bank of the securities fund.
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Art. 32 Valuation
1Derivatives for which market prices are available shall be valued at the current prices paid on the main market. Prices are to be obtained from an external source specialising in this type of transaction and which operates independently of the fund management company or SICAV and its agents. 2If no current market price is available for derivatives, it must be possible to determine the price at any time using appropriate valuation models that are recognised in practice, based on the market value of the underlyings. Valuations are to be documented clearly.
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Art. 33 Risk measurement procedure
1The fund management company or SICAV shall apply commitment approach I or II, or the model approach. 2The model approach requires the approval of FINMA. 3The fund management company or SICAV shall align the risk assessment process selected with the investment objectives. 4The model approach must be used where: - a.
- the overall exposure of the securities fund using commitment approach I or II cannot be appropriately recorded and measured;
- b.
- a not negligible amount is being invested in exotic derivatives; or
- c.
- complex investment strategies of a not negligible amount are being used.
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Art. 34 Commitment approach I
1For a securities fund applying commitment approach I, only basic derivative types are permitted. They may only be used where account is taken of the necessary coverage set out in this article and their use does not result in a leverage effect on the fund’s assets nor does it involve short-selling. 2Exposure-reducing derivatives must at all times be covered by the relevant underlyings. If the delta has been calculated, it may be taken into account when calculating the necessary underlyings. Article 44 paragraph 3 also applies mutatis mutandis. 3Covering with other investments is permitted if the exposure-reducing derivative is indexed by an independent external office. The index must be representative of the underlyings and there must be an adequate correlation between the index and such investments. 4The underlying equivalents (Art. 35 para. 2) of exposure-increasing derivatives must at all times be covered by highly liquid assets. 5The following assets are considered highly liquid: - a.
- liquid assets as defined in Article 75 CISO1;
- b.
- money market instruments as defined in Article 74 CISO;
- c.
- collective investment schemes which invest exclusively in liquid assets or money market instruments;
- d.
- debt securities and rights with a time remaining till maturity of maximum twelve months and the issuer or guarantor have a high credit rating;
- e.
- synthetic liquidity;
- f.
- credit limits accorded to, but not used by, the securities fund, in line with the statutory and regulatory maximum investment limits;
- g.
- withholding tax credits as confirmed by the Swiss Federal Tax Administration.
6Account can be taken of permitted netting rules and hedging transactions under Article 36 paragraphs 1, 2 and 4. Covered hedging transactions by interest derivatives are permitted. Convertible bonds do not have to be taken into account when calculating the overall exposure to derivatives.
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Art. 35 Commitment approach II: determination of the overall exposure
1To establish the overall exposure of a securities fund using commitment approach II, the fund management company shall determine the individual conversion amounts of the respective derivatives and derivative components as well as the conversion amounts arising from investment techniques. 2In the case of basic types of derivatives, the conversion amount for the overall exposure arising from derivatives is normally the underlying equivalent, based on the market value of the underlying assets of the derivatives. The underlying equivalents are calculated in accordance with Annex 1. The nominal value or the forward price of futures contracts calculated on each trading day may be taken as the basis, if the result is a more conservative calculation. 3The conversion amount for the overall exposure is the basic commitment from the net fund assets and the sum of the following absolute values: - a.
- conversion amounts of the individual derivatives and derivative components pursuant to Annex 1 that are not included in netting pursuant to Article 36;
- b.
- conversion amounts after permitted netting pursuant to Article 36; and
- c.
- conversion amounts from permitted investment techniques.
4The following transactions may be disregarded when determining the conversion amount for the overall exposure arising from derivatives pursuant to paragraph 3: - a.
- swaps by means of which the performance of the underlyings directly held by the securities fund is swapped with the performance of other underlyings (total return swaps), provided that:
- 1.
- the market risk of the swapped underlyings is completely eliminated from the securities fund so that these assets have no impact on the change in the value of the securities fund, and
- 2.
- the swap does not grant option rights or contain leverage or other additional market risks that exceed those of a direct investment in the relevant underlyings;
- b.
- derivatives to which corresponding highly liquid assets are assigned so that the combination of derivative and highly liquid assets is equivalent to a direct investment in the underlying asset and neither an additional market risk nor leverage is generated. The highly liquid assets used to cover the derivative position may not be used for more than one combination simultaneously.
5Securities lending and repurchase transactions must be taken into account when calculating the overall exposure if these generate leverage on the fund assets through the reinvestment of collateral. Where collateral is reinvested in financial assets that provide a return in excess of the risk-free interest rate, the amount received must be included when determining the overall exposure if cash collateral is held.
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Art. 36 Commitment approach II: rules on netting and hedging transactions
1Counter positions in derivatives based on the same underlying as well as counter positions in derivatives and in investments in the same underlying may be netted, irrespective of the maturity date of the derivatives, provided that: - a.
- the derivative transaction was concluded with the sole purpose of eliminating the risks associated with the derivatives or investments acquired;
- b.
- no material risks are disregarded in the process; and
- c.
- the conversion amount of the derivatives is determined pursuant to Article 35.
2If the derivatives in hedging transactions do not relate to the same underlying as the asset that is to be hedged, the following additional conditions must be met for netting: - a.
- The derivative transaction is not based on an investment strategy that serves to generate a profit.
- b.
- The derivative results in a demonstrable reduction in the risk of the securities fund.
- c.
- The general and special risks of the derivative are balanced out.
- d.
- The derivatives, underlyings or assets that are to be netted relate to the same class of financial instruments.
- e.
- The hedging strategy remains effective even under exceptional market conditions.
3Where interest rate derivatives are predominantly used, the amount to be included in the overall exposure arising from derivatives can be determined using internationally recognised duration-netting rules provided that: - a.
- the rules result in a correct determination of the risk profile of the securities fund;
- b.
- the material risks are taken into account;
- c.
- the use of these rules does not generate an unjustified level of leverage;
- d.
- no interest rate arbitrage strategies are pursued; and
- e.
- the leverage of the securities fund is not increased either by applying these rules or through investments in short-term positions.
4Notwithstanding paragraph 2, derivatives that are used solely for currency hedging purposes and do not result in leverage or contain additional market risks may be netted when calculating the overall exposure arising from derivatives.
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Art. 37 Commitment approach II: documentation requirements
All calculations under Articles 35 and 36 must be clearly documented.
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Art. 38 Model approach: principles of value-at-risk (VaR)
1Applying the model approach, the fund management company or SICAV shall estimate the risks for a securities fund as value-at-risk (VaR). 2The model must be fully documented. The documentation must in particular provide information about the specification of the risk assessment model, back-testing and stress tests. 3The fund management company or SICAV shall verify the suitability of the model on a periodic basis, but at least once a year. The results must be clearly documented. 4The VaR of a securities fund may at no time exceed twice the VaR of the benchmark portfolio of such securities fund (relative VaR limits) 5When using the model approach, the fund management or the SICAV must ensure a periodical calculation of the gross overall exposure to derivatives of the securities fund in question.
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Art. 39 Model approach: calculation of VaR
1The VaR may be determined using variance/covariance models, historical simulations and Monte-Carlo simulations. When selecting the model, the investment strategy is to be taken into account. 2The VaR must be calculated daily on the basis of the previous day's positions using the following parameters: - a.
- a 99th percentile, one-tailed confidence interval;
- b.
- a holding period of 20 trading days;
- c.
- an effective historical observation period of at least one year (250 bank working days).
3The VaR factors in interest rate risk, currency risk, share price risk and commodity risks. The following must also be taken into account: - a.
- gamma and vega risks in the case of option positions;
- b.
- specific risks in the form of residual risks;
- c.
- event, default and liquidity risks as part of stress tests.
4The calculations must be clearly documented. 5Variance from the confidence interval, the holding period or the observation period is possible owing to exceptional market circumstances, and must have the prior approval of FINMA.
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Art. 40 Model approach: benchmark portfolio
1The benchmark portfolio of a securities fund is assets without any leverage and generally without any derivatives. 2The composition of the benchmark portfolio corresponds to the information in the fund regulations, prospectus and information necessary for the securities fund’s investors, specifically concerning its investment objectives, investment policy and limits. 3It must be reviewed periodically, but at least once a quarter. The respective composition and any changes thereto must be documented clearly. 4Where a benchmark, such as an equity index for benchmark portfolios, is defined in the fund regulations or in the prospectus and information necessary for the securities fund’s investors, it may be used for calculating the VaR of the benchmark portfolios. The benchmark must be: - a.
- derivative-free and not have any leverage;
- b.
- calculated by an independent, external office; and
- c.
- representative of the investment objectives, investment policy and limits of the securities fund.
- 5The benchmark portfolio may include derivatives, where:
- a.
- according to the fund regulations or prospectus, the securities fund is implementing a long/short strategy, and in the benchmark portfolio the short exposure is shown as derivatives;
- b.
- according to the fund regulations or prospectus, the securities fund is implementing a currency hedge investment policy and a currency hedge benchmark portfolio is used as a benchmark.
6If it is not possible to construct a representative benchmark portfolio on the basis of the specific investment objectives and investment policy of a securities fund, a VaR limit may be agreed upon with FINMA (absolute VaR limit). This must be stated in the prospectus.
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Art. 41 Model approach: reviewing the risk assessment model
1In the case of a securities fund, the forecast quality of the risk assessment model must be examined by comparing the actual changes in the value of its net assets during the course of a trading day with the relevant one-day VaR (back-testing). 2The comparison must be documented clearly. 3The sample to be used must be compiled from the previous 250 observations. 4If back-testing shows the risk assessment model to be impracticable, the audit company and FINMA must be notified forthwith. 5If back-testing produces more than six anomalies, the practicability of the risk assessment model must be examined in depth and the audit company and FINMA notified forthwith. 6If the model is impracticable, FINMA may demand a swift rectification of any shortcomings of the model and order tighter restrictions on the risk.
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Art. 42 Model approach: stress tests
1In the case of securities funds, extreme market circumstances must be simulated periodically, but at least monthly (stress tests). 2Stress tests must also be conducted where significant changes to the results of the stress test owing to changes in the value or the composition of the securities fund’s assets, or to changes in the market circumstances cannot be excluded. 3Stress tests include all risk factors which may have a material influence on the market value of the securities fund. Special attention must be paid to risk factors which are not or only insufficiently taken into account by the risk assessment model. 4The results of the conducted stress tests and any necessary resulting measures must be clearly documented
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Art. 43 Model approach: changes under the model approach
1FINMA may allow variances from the requirements stipulated in Articles 39- 43. 2It may permit the use of other risk assessment models, provided they afford an appropriate degree of protection. 3If changes are made to the risk assessment model, back-testing or stress tests, these changes must be submitted to FINMA for approval in advance.
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Art. 44 Cover for a physical delivery obligation of an underlying
1If the fund management company or SICAV enters into a physical delivery obligation in respect of a derivative, this derivative must be covered by the corresponding underlyings. 2Cover of such an obligation with other investments is permitted if the investments and the underlyings are highly liquid and, if delivery is requested, they may be purchased or sold at any time. 3The fund management company or SICAV must have unrestricted access to these underlyings or investments at all times.
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Art. 45 Covering a payment obligation
1If the fund management company or SICAV enters into a payment obligation in respect of a derivative, this payment obligation must at all times be covered by highly liquid assets as defined in Article 34 paragraph 5. 2In the case of securities funds applying commitment approach II or the model approach, the following shall additionally be recognised as cover: - a.
- debt securities and rights the remaining time to maturity of which is more than twelve months and whose issuer or guarantor has a high credit rating;
- b.
- shares traded on an exchange or another regulated market open to the public.
3It must be possible at all times to turn collateral as defined in paragraph 2 into liquid assets within seven banking days. 4Shares may only be included as cover at market value less a security margin. This security margin must take account of the volatility of the corresponding share and must amount to at least 15 percent. 5If an investment may require an additional payment, it is deemed an obligation to pay.
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Art. 46 General provisions for inclusion of investment restrictions
1In complying with the statutory and regulatory investment restrictions on determining maximum and minimum limits, the following must be taken into account: - a.
- investments, including derivatives, in accordance with Article 70 CISO1;
- b.
- liquid assets as defined in Article 75 CISO;
- c.
- claims against counterparties arising from OTC transactions.
2Pursuant to Article 82 CISO, exceptions may be made for index funds. 3Any overrun of an investment limit due to a change in the delta must be rectified within three banking days; the rectification must ensure that the investors’ interests remain safeguarded.
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Art. 47 Inclusion of derivatives
1In complying with the statutory and regulatory maximum and minimum limits, and in particular the regulations on risk diversification, underlying equivalents as set out in Annex 1 are decisive. 2A minimum limit may be temporarily undercut with exposure-reducing derivatives purchased as part of a hedging strategy if the interests of investors remain safeguarded. 3Derivative components are to be taken into account with the capital requirement under Article 35.
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Art. 48 Inclusion of claims against counterparties at the maximum limits
1Claims against counterparties arising from derivative transactions must be calculated on the basis of the current positive replacement values. 2Positive and negative replacement values arising from transactions in derivatives with the same counterparty may be netted if a netting agreement exists that meets the current legal requirements and is legally enforceable. 3Claims arising from derivative transactions against a central counterparty of an exchange or another regulated market open to the public must not be taken into account if: - a.
- such a unit is subject to an appropriate supervisory body; and
- b.
- the derivatives and collateral are subject to daily marking to market and daily margining.
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Art. 49 Disclosure
1If the use of derivatives is permitted for the management of a securities fund, such derivatives must be described in the fund regulations and the prospectus. 2The prospectus must indicate whether the derivatives are used as part of the investment strategy or solely to hedge investment positions. In addition, the prospectus must explain how the use of derivatives affects the risk profile of the securities fund. 3The fund regulations and prospectus must state which risk assessment process is applied to the securities fund. The risk assessment process must also be described in the prospectus. If the model approach is used, the gross overall exposure to derivatives must be shown. If the relative VaR approach is used, the benchmark portfolio must be disclosed in the prospectus. 4If a securities fund exhibits increased volatility or leverage due to the use of derivatives, special reference must be made to this in the prospectus and advertising material. 5Reference must be made to the counterparty risks of derivatives in the prospectus.
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