Libor and benchmark reform

Global benchmark change is occurring and Australia is not exempt - will you be ready?

A tremendous shift across global financial markets is taking place as legacy benchmarks and interbank offer rates are reformed. The major global change will see the cessation of London Interbank Offer Rate (Libor) publishing at the end of 2021 but all major financial markets, Australia included, will be impacted. Already liquidity is starting to move from legacy (e.g. BBSW) to new (e.g. AONIA) benchmarks. Given the scope of the impact, planning for this transition must start now and begin with establishing a comprehensive strategy for change management. 

Key impacted business and functions include capital markets, superannuation, insurance, corporate treasury, investment management and commercial lending.

Opportunities emerge

As firms start to address the impact of Libor cessation and global benchmark reform some opportunities will become apparent. These opportunities are available if firms can assess then action at a suitable time. Potentially includes:

  • Optimising the transition to new benchmarks considering price, valuations, credit  and market risk, documentation and efficiency of transition
  • Create new and differentiated products

  • Improve customer experiences and increase customer loyalty

  • Make internal improvements in agility, collaboration and decision making

  • Tackle “while you’re at it” projects (e.g. initial margin, data remediation, etc.)

How PwC can help

The practical transition away from Libor and legacy benchmarks is market driven with different geographies preparing on similar, but not aligned, timelines. PwC’s Libor and benchmark reform specialists in territories throughout the globe can help you assess, prepare for, and execute on the transition. We work with you across the entire lifecycle of the transition, including:

  • Program mobilisation and governance

  • Impact assessment and transition planning

  • Contract management and remediation

  • Client and customer outreach and communications

  • Systems & process changes
  • Risk and valuation model changes

  • Managing related tax and accounting implications

Contact us

Alfredo Martinez

Banking and Capital Markets, Partner, PwC Australia

Tel: +61 (2) 8266 5296

Shehan Fonseka

Partner, Treasury Advisory, PwC Australia

Tel: +61 (2) 8266 2000

Manuel Kapsis

Director, PwC Australia

Tel: +61 (2) 8266 6152

Sarah Hickey

Financial Services Tax Leader, PwC Australia

Tel: +61 2 8266 1050

Liam Collins

Partner, Financial Services Leader - Financial Advisory, PwC Australia

Tel: +61 3 8603 3119

Giancarlo Bonato

Director, PwC Australia

Tel: +61 (3) 8603 1573

Andrew Opie

Senior Manager, PwC Australia

Tel: +61 (3) 8603 1157

Lirize Loots

Director, PwC Australia

Tel: +61 (2) 8266 5083

Alastair Findlay

Partner, Assurance, PwC Australia

Tel: +61 (2) 8266 5738

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Contact us

Barry Trubridge

Barry Trubridge

Partner, Financial Services Industry Leader, PwC Australia

Tel: +61 409 564 548

Craig Cummins

Craig Cummins

Superannuation and Asset Management Leader, PwC Australia

Tel: +61 2 8266 7937

Noel Williams

Noel Williams

Partner, FS Emerging Technologies Leader, PwC Australia

Tel: +61 416 661 332

Sam Garland

Sam Garland

Banking and Capital Markets Leader, PwC Australia

Tel: +61 3 8603 0639

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