For instruments that deviate from the structures described in Paragraphs CA-10.1.2 and CA-10.1.3, or which could be considered complex, each conventional bank licensees must agree on a written policy statement with the CBB about the intended treatment, on a case-by-case basis. In some circumstances, the treatment of an instrument may be uncertain, for example bonds whose coupon payments are linked to equity indices. The position risk of such instruments must be broken down into its components and allocated appropriately between the equity, interest rate and foreign exchange risk categories. Advice must be sought from the CBB in cases of doubt, particularly when a conventional bank licensee is trading an instrument for the first time.
January 2015