Merrill Lynch's Credit Risk

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the trading policies of Merrill Lynch depend on the integrated management of its client-driven accurate positions, together with the associated hedging and financing; moreover, several trading habits make Merrill Lynch susceptible to market, credit, liquidity, process and other threats, which are practical and need exhaustive controls and supervision. The author points out that where suitable, credit risk alleviation methods comprise of the prerogative to need start-up collateral or margin, the privilege to cease transaction or get guarantees in case any untoward incidents happen, the prerogative to ask for the guarantee in the event when some exposure ceilings are crossed and the purchase of credit default safeguards. The paper stresses that, to respond in a better fashion to credit risk management, Merrill Lynch needs guarantees mainly from U.S. government and agencies securities, on several derivative business deals.

From the Paper:

"Liabilities in favor of other brokers and dealers linked to outstanding dealings are booked at the amount for which the securities were purchased, and the deal is squared off on the receipt of the securities from other brokers or dealers. As regards long-standing securities failed-to-receive, Merrill Lynch might buy the basic security in the market and look for payback for losses from the counterparty. Merrill Lynch has time-tested policies and measures for extenuating credit risk on principal dealings, inclusive of appraisal and setting up ceiling for credit exposure, maintaining collateral, and persistently evaluating the creditworthiness of counterparties."

More papers on Merrill Lynch's Credit Risk:

• Case Study # 121176 : "Merrill Lynch in Japan"
• Case Study # 71915 : "Case Study: Merrill Lynch"
• Analytical Essay # 125501 : "Strategic Issues at Merrill Lynch"

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