Written options as a hedging instrument Why a written option cannot be used as a hedging instrument? The objective of hedging is to minimise the risk and/or to protect the unrealised profits. A hedging instrument should typically restrict the exposure to loses while at the same time provide scope for…

Interest rate swap as a hedging instrument An interest rate swap is usually designated as a hedging instrument in spite of the fact that the fair value of an interest rate swap oscillates between positive and negative fair values. Explain the anomaly. At the outset, it may seem rather strange…

Hedge ratio in hedge accounting requirements What is meant by hedge ratio and how it is helpful in meeting the hedge accounting requirements? Hedge ratio refers to the number of units that are used as hedging instrument for the purpose of hedging a hedged item. Usually, the ratio is 1:1…

Existing asset or liability as a hedged item Only an existing asset or liability can be designated as a hedged item in a fair value hedge. Do you agree? This statement is not correct, as the hedged item in a fair value hedge can be in addition to the above…

Foreign currency risk in a firm commitment as a fair value hedge Foreign currency risk associated with a firm commitment can be designated as a fair value hedge only. Explain. No. A hedge of the foreign currency risk associated with such firm commitments may be designated as a cash flow…

Accounting for a fair value hedge How do you account for a fair value hedge? A fair value hedge is accounted for as follows: The gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognised in profit or loss. If the hedging instrument hedges an equity instrument classified as FVOCI, then…

Time value of forward points in hedge accounting How is the time value of forward points in a derivative contract treated in hedge accounting? An entity is allowed to designate only the change in the intrinsic value of an option contract in a hedging instrument. Similarly, an entity can also…

Rebalancing to achieve hedge effectiveness What do you mean by rebalancing and how does it help achieve hedge effectiveness? Rebalancing is a new concept introduced by a major amendment to IFRS 9 during November 2013. Rebalancing means adjustments made to the quantities of the hedged item or the hedging instrument…

Voluntary discontinuation of hedge accounting Can a hedge accounting be voluntarily discontinued and why? As per the new requirements, hedge accounting cannot be voluntarily discontinued. Hedge accounting can be discontinued only if the hedge effectiveness requirements are not met or that the hedging instrument is liquidated. Even when the hedge…

Cash flow hedge Vs fair value hedge What is a cash flow hedge and how is it different from a fair value hedge? A cash flow hedge is a hedge of the exposure to variability in cash flows attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognised asset or liability…

Is hedge accounting mandatory? Is hedge accounting mandatory or optional? Hedge accounting is not mandatory. However, considering the benefits of complying with hedge accounting, entities would want to follow hedge accounting when they are in a position to comply with the requirements for hedge accounting. The biggest benefit of hedge…

Accounting for a cash flow hedge How would you account for a cash flow hedge? Get the lower of the cumulative fair value changes to the hedging instrument and the fair value of the hedged item, viz, the present value of expected cash flows. The amount calculated in step 1…

Difference between hedging and speculation What is the basic difference between hedging and speculation? If an investor takes a derivative position by holding the corresponding underlying, it is called hedging. The derivative position should be in the opposite direction of the underlying position, eg, if a person holds 100 shares…

Rebalancing and discontinuation of cash flow hedge Briefly explain rebalancing and discontinuation of cash flow hedge. If the hedge effectiveness requirements are not met, the entity should adjust the hedge ratio by a process known as ‘rebalancing’ so long as the hedging relationship continues to meet the risk management objective…

Difference between speculation and gambling Is there any difference between speculation and gambling? Both speculation and gambling involves taking a position in the derivative segment without having any corresponding underlying. In the case of speculation, the open interest does not exceed the sum total of the underlying outstanding. However, in…

Link between hedge accounting & risk management objective What is the link between hedge accounting and the risk management objective of an entity? The objective of hedge accounting is to manage the risk that an entity faces. In the context of hedge accounting, the entity manages effectively the risk by…

Risk management objective & risk management strategy Explain the relationship between risk management objective and risk management strategy of an entity. The risk management strategy of an entity should be distinguished from its risk management objective. The risk management strategy is established at the highest level at which an entity…

Can hedging instrument be a non-derivative A hedging instrument should necessarily be a derivative. Do you agree? Hedging instrument need not necessarily be a derivative instrument even though mostly derivative instruments are used as hedging instruments. The key feature of a derivative instrument should be that it should help minimise…