SFA jointly filed an amicus brief with the Chamber of Commerce, SIFMA, ISDA, BPI, and LSTA, in the case of McCarthy v. Intercontinental Exchange, Inc., in the Northern District of California. The case has significant implications for the LIBOR transition and global financial markets. The plaintiffs in McCarthy v. Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. are requesting to bring the publication of the U.S. LIBOR benchmark rate to an immediate halt, threatening to disrupt financial transactions all over the world and undermine years of planning for an orderly transition from LIBOR.

Growing ESG in securitization: 81% of issuers incorporate ESG in their overall business operations, 73% within asset origination/underwriting practices, and 56% sponsoring or developing ESG-focused ABS/MBS programs. “Client Demand” is #1 factor motivating ESG for Institutional Investors in securitization. View the results and takeaways of SFA ESG Engagement survey.

The transition away from LIBOR to SOFR is due to become a reality by year-end 2021. With the impact of COVID-19 still evolving, some have questioned whether more uncertainty should be introduced into the market. We look at recent developments and their potential impacts.