· 

Funding Value Adjustment (FVA) in Simple Terms

Funding valuation adjustment reflects the funding cost of uncollateralised derivatives above the risk-free rate of return, which is typically €STR or OIS (*) in Europe.
To illustrate FVA, let’s consider an uncollateralized swap between a bank and a client. In this swap agreement, the bank and the client exchange cash flows based on different interest rates. Importantly, no collateral is posted by either party to secure the future obligations of the swap. A bank enters into a swap with a client, exchanging cash flows based on different interest rates.This swap is uncollateralized, meaning the client does not post any guarantee to secure the swap.

 

To manage the risk associated with this swap, the bank enters into a second swap with another financial institution in the market. This second swap is collateralized, meaning both parties post collateral to cover future obligations.

Suppose the swap between the bank and the client has a positive value for the bank (i.e., the bank is expected to receive net payments from the client). Consequently, the hedging swap in the market has a negative value for the bank (i.e., the bank will need to make net payments to the market counterparty).

 

Under the collateralized agreement, if the value of the swap decreases (becomes more negative) for the bank, the bank must post additional collateral remunerated at a benchmark rate such as the Euro short-term rate (€STR) to secure the hedging swap.If the swap with the client were also collateralized, the bank would have a symmetrical arrangement, receiving a margin call if the client swap decreases in value and needing to pay a margin call if the value increases. However, since the client swap is uncollateralized, the bank must finance the margin call for the hedging swap at its internal funding rate, which is typically higher than the €STR.

 

The difference between the cost of financing the margin call and what the bank would have received if the client swap were collateralized results in a loss (negative margin).

 

When the bank must finance a margin call at a higher internal rate than the rate specified by the CSA (Credit Support Annex), this creates an accounting loss, recorded as a negative FVA.

Conversely, if the situation is reversed (the client derivative has a negative value and is uncollateralized, while the market derivative has a positive value and is collateralized), the bank may gain a positive margin, recorded as a positive FVA, i.e a funding benefit adjustment (FBA).

 

(*) OIS (Overnight Index Swap) reflects the overnight interbank rate through derivatives, while ESTER or €STR (Euro Short-Term Rate) is based on actual overnight borrowing costs in the euro area. A bank's funding rate, is often higher than benchmarks like €STR due to added risk premiums.

Write a comment

Comments: 0

About the Author

 

 Florian Campuzan is a graduate of Sciences Po Paris (Economic and Financial section) with a degree in Economics (Money and Finance). A CFA charterholder, he began his career in private equity and venture capital as an investment manager at Natixis before transitioning to market finance as a proprietary trader.

 

In the early 2010s, Florian founded Finance Tutoring, a specialized firm offering training and consulting in market and corporate finance. With over 12 years of experience, he has led finance training programs, advised financial institutions and industrial groups on risk management, and prepared candidates for the CFA exams.

 

Passionate about quantitative finance and the application of mathematics, Florian is dedicated to making complex concepts intuitive and accessible. He believes that mastering any topic begins with understanding its core intuition, enabling professionals and students alike to build a strong foundation for success.