Securities Financing Transactions Regulation (SFTR) - Financial definition
Country
: European Union
Concise definition of the term Securities Financing Transactions Regulation
Securities Financing Transactions Regulation (SFTR) is a European regulation that requires market participants to report their securities financing transactions to enhance transparency and mitigate risks in the financial system. It aims to provide authorities with better oversight of the use of securities for financing and collateral purposes.
Comprehensive definition of the term Securities Financing Transactions Regulation
The Securities Financing Transactions Regulation (SFTR) was introduced by the European Union to establish a comprehensive reporting framework for various types of securities financing transactions, including repurchase agreements (repos), securities lending, and margin lending. The regulation mandates that financial institutions and certain non-financial counterparties report the details of these transactions to a trade repository within a specified timeframe.
This increased transparency is designed to help regulators monitor systemic risks, understand liquidity flows, and improve market integrity, especially in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. For instance, banks engaged in repo transactions must report the identity of the parties involved, the amount, the type of securities, and the maturity of the transaction. SFTR is aligned with other regulatory frameworks like the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II) and the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR), which aim to create a more stable financial environment.