Mastering the Transition to SOFR

Course Introduction

In this course delegates will learn how to navigate the transition from LIBOR to SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate), highlighting the key implications for both cash and futures markets. Each session will cover the theoretical concepts and will be followed by practical exercises using Excel.

After completion of the course, each participant should be able to master the various challenges arising from the transition to SOFR which are relevant to their role. There will be ample opportunity to consult the trainer about firm-specific issues.

Schedule: The course takes place over the following days, comprising three hours teaching on each day between 10:00 and 13:30 (UK time) with a 30 minute break.

Monday, 17 April 2023
Wednesday, 19 April 2023
Friday, 21 April 2023
Monday, 24 April 2023

Please note all sessions are recorded so any that cannot be attended can be taken at a later time.

Course Details
Course Outline


Session 1: SOFR and Cash Lending Markets
Theory

  • From LIBOR to SOFR: background and history
  • Summary of the repo market
  • Calculation of SOFR from the repo market
  • Impact of the Standing Repo Facility
  • Implementation of SOFR in cash lending markets: conventions and challenges
  • CME’s SOFR Term Rate
  • Some scenarios for the further evolution of SOFR cash lending markets

Practical Exercises

  • Calculating SOFR term rates
  • Assessing the impact of different conventions
  • Assessing the impact of yield curve changes

Session 2: SOFR and Derivatives Markets
Theory

  • SOFR 3M and 1M futures: conventions
  • Comparison with eurodollar futures: different situation in the front month
  • Rolling SOFR futures
  • Overview over the STIR future universe
  • Basis between SOFR futures and ED/FF futures: driving forces and modelling
  • SOFR future options: conventions
  • Approaching Asian options

Practical Exercises

  • Calculating SOFR future settlement prices and fair values
  • Calculating strip rates from SOFR futures

Session 3: Modelling and Curve Building
Theory

  • Process selection for SOFR
  • The impact of FOMC meetings
  • Financing bias
  • Convexity
  • Curve building from SOFR futures

Practical Exercises

  • Immunising SOFR future positions against Fed policy changes

Session 4: Hedging
Theory

  • The link between bonds, swaps and futures as basis for hedging
  • Disappearance of dual curves and of the basis in government bond asset swaps
  • Hedging cash loans with SOFR futures
  • Hedging swaps with SOFR futures
  • Hedging government bonds with SOFR futures
  • „Hedging“ caps/floors with SOFR future options in the absence of a pricing model

Practical Exercises

  • Calculating hedge ratios for hedging a swap with SOFR futures
  • Adjusting the hedge ratios over time