How Does the Legal Documentation Differ between Standardized and Customized Derivatives?

Standardized derivatives rely on brief, uniform contract specifications set by the exchange. Customized OTC derivatives require extensive, bilateral legal agreements, often using a master agreement like the ISDA Master Agreement, supplemented by a Credit Support Annex (CSA), which details the collateral and netting arrangements.

The documentation is a major cost and time factor for OTC trades.

In the Absence of a CCP, How Is Bilateral Counterparty Risk Managed in OTC Derivatives?
What Are the Primary Differences between the ISDA Master Agreement and the GMRA (Global Master Repurchase Agreement)?
What Is a Credit Support Annex (CSA)?
What Is the Significance of the ‘ISDA Master Agreement’ in OTC Derivatives?
What Is the Role of an ISDA Master Agreement in OTC Derivative Transactions?
What Role Does the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) Play in the OTC Market?
How Does the ISDA Master Agreement Standardize the Relationship between a Prime Broker and a Client?
What Is the Role of ISDA in Standardizing OTC Derivatives Documentation?

Glossar