Define: Forward-Rate Agreement

Forward-Rate Agreement
Forward-Rate Agreement
Quick Summary of Forward-Rate Agreement

A contract known as a forward-rate agreement specifies the interest rate that will apply on a future date, akin to committing to a specific amount of money to be received for lending funds to someone at a later time.

Full Definition Of Forward-Rate Agreement

A forward-rate agreement (FRA) is a contract that establishes the interest rate for a future obligation. For instance, a company may utilise an FRA to secure a specific interest rate for a loan it intends to acquire in six months. This allows the company to mitigate risk by safeguarding against potential interest rate hikes. In the given scenario, the company enters into an FRA to secure a 5% interest rate for a $1 million loan it plans to obtain in six months. Even if interest rates rise to 6% during that period, the company will still only be required to pay 5% on the loan. Conversely, a bank may enter into an FRA with a customer to protect itself from potential interest rate declines. If interest rates fall below the agreed-upon rate, the customer will be responsible for paying the bank the difference. These examples demonstrate how FRAs can be utilised to manage risk and shield against potential fluctuations in interest rates.

Forward-Rate Agreement FAQ'S

A Forward-Rate Agreement (FRA) is a financial contract between two parties to exchange a fixed interest rate for a variable interest rate on a specified future date. It is commonly used to hedge against interest rate fluctuations.

In a Forward-Rate Agreement, one party agrees to pay a fixed interest rate, while the other party agrees to pay a variable interest rate based on a reference rate, such as LIBOR. The settlement amount is determined by the difference between the agreed-upon fixed rate and the prevailing variable rate at the time of settlement.

Yes, Forward-Rate Agreements are legally binding contracts between the parties involved. They are enforceable in a court of law if either party fails to fulfill their obligations as outlined in the agreement.

Yes, Forward-Rate Agreements can be customized to suit the specific needs of the parties involved. The terms, such as the notional amount, maturity date, and reference rate, can be negotiated and agreed upon by both parties.

If one party fails to fulfill their obligations under a Forward-Rate Agreement, it may result in a default. The non-defaulting party may seek legal remedies, such as damages or specific performance, to recover any losses incurred due to the default.

Yes, Forward-Rate Agreements can be canceled or terminated before the maturity date if both parties agree to do so. However, there may be certain conditions or penalties outlined in the agreement for early termination.

The regulatory requirements for Forward-Rate Agreements may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the parties involved. It is advisable to consult with legal and financial professionals to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Yes, Forward-Rate Agreements can be used for speculative purposes, such as betting on future interest rate movements. However, it is important to note that speculative activities may involve higher risks and should be approached with caution.

The tax implications of Forward-Rate Agreements may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances. It is recommended to consult with tax professionals to understand the potential tax consequences of entering into such agreements.

Yes, Forward-Rate Agreements can be traded on exchanges, such as futures exchanges. Trading on exchanges provides liquidity and standardized terms for these agreements, making it easier for market participants to buy and sell FRAs.

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This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 16th April 2024.

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