Centralizing trade as a factor for success
The mobility of international trading operations is well known and leads to the large trading houses being courted by jurisdictions that use tax incentives to attract international business. Location...
View ArticleSwitzerland determined to stay No. 1 in commodities trading
On March 27th, the Swiss government issued a report containing analysis and 17 recommendations aimed at preserving an attractive business environment for the commodity trading industry, whilst at the...
View ArticleInternational regulation and commodities trading
Some new regulations intended primarily for the financial industry may also have a significant impact on the capital-intensive commodities trading industry. Among these are the Markets in Financial...
View ArticleCommodity trading firms challenged by MiFID II
New EU financial market rules on the financial industry are likely to impact commodity trading companies. One of the most relevant in this regards is MiFID II. The post Commodity trading firms...
View ArticleRisk management and financial reporting for commodity trading
Trading commodities has been the foundation of human economic activity through the ages, fundamental for our survival as individuals and fundamental for the sustainability of our economic and social...
View ArticleThe value of transparency for commodity traders
The economic crisis of 2008 has already led to a significant increase in the regulation of financial and corporate activity, particularly regarding governance, accountability and transparency. What are...
View ArticleFATCA – Implications for Non-Financial Groups? – New Deadline
Although FATCA’s primary impact is on foreign financial institutions (FFIs), non-financial groups and entities are also subject to FATCA in their role as a US payor/withholding agent or as a foreign...
View ArticleEnergy and natural resources industry falling behind in risk management...
Risk management is at the top of the global executive agenda as companies face an array of threats that grow more complex every day. The risks are vast and ever-present and those companies that fail to...
View ArticleeWindow deals – Are indirect tax consequences properly considered?
The lack of information regarding deals concluded via trading platforms may lead to negative consequences in regard to indirect taxes. Such deals must therefore be carefully considered. The post...
View ArticleImpact of the Swiss new accounting law on trading companies
On 23 December 2011 the Swiss Parliament enacted the new accounting law, which became effective on 1 January 2013. The new accounting law includes some changes that are relevant for commodity trading...
View Article8 risk indicators in commodity trading companies
Increased competition, the growing sophistication of customers and investors have forced many organizations to introduce more complex trading products and strategies. With this increase in complexity...
View ArticleThe crude oil “roller coaster”
After the financial meltdown of 2008/2009, oil prices recovered rapidly until 2010/2011, followed by a long lasting sideways phase. The last four years have witnessed an increase in price volatility...
View ArticleSwiss Commodity Sector under Regulatory Scrutiny
The commodities sector contributes 3.5% to Switzerland's gross domestic product (GDP). Its economic importance is essentially based on Switzerland’s long tradition in the commodity industry. The...
View ArticleIs your trading organization ready to fulfil all relevant requirements of REMIT?
REMIT (Regulation on Wholesale Energy Market Integrity and Transparency) entered into force on 7 January 2015. Commodity market participants are no longer immune to regulation and need to take...
View ArticleThe role of commodities trading in global economy
Commodity trading companies today operate in a highly competitive and dynamic environment. Richard Sharman summarizes the current challenges facing the industry, talks about Switzerland as a business...
View ArticleRegulation trends impacting the commodity trading sector
On 19 November 2014, the United States Senate Permanent Sub-Committee on Investigations published a nearly 400-page-long report on Wall Street banks and their involvement in physical commodities...
View ArticleFreundliches Klima für Investitionen in Energieinfrastrukturen
Bis vor kurzem war auch der Energiesektor für direkte Infrastrukturinvestitionen grösstenteils geschlossen. Der steigende Energiebedarf und die ambitionierte Schweizer „Energiestrategie 2050“ haben die...
View ArticleFinancial Market Infrastructure Act: Possible impacts for corporates
Companies involved in derivative transactions need to determine whether they are in scope of the upcoming Swiss regulation Financial Market Infrastructure Act, and need to understand which obligations...
View ArticleThe Swiss commodities sector: What’s new and what’s left to do?
Taking strong measures to combat corruption and increase transparency are just some of the steps Switzerland is taking to ensure it’s commodities sector remains competitive. Compliance with CTRIII is...
View ArticleWhat is the fundamental challenge for the commodities industry?
One of the biggest challenges the commodities trading industry is facing is a dual one: the need to meet rising demand for energy and natural resources while at the same time reducing carbon emissions....
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