The transition away from the use of LIBOR as a benchmark for variable rate transactions is well
underway and LTi Technology Solutions is pleased to confirm support for the transition to SOFR
with all versions of our flagship product, ASPIRE v5.
By using ASPIRE’s variable rate functionality in combination with SOFR Compounded Average or
SOFR Index rates provided by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (NY Fed), contracts can be
modified on a batch basis to recalculate the payment schedule and recognize the impact of
benchmark rate changes at whatever frequency required by the agreement. Because daily SOFR,
the basis for the Compounded Average and Index rates mentioned above, is a backward-looking
rate, the effective date for rate changes must be set to a past date. This allows the contract
amortization to be calculated on a forward-looking basis while ensuring the new benchmark rate
covers the period for which the rate is hedged.
ASPIRE’s rate change functionality also allows for simple implementation of the spread
adjustment methodology recommended by the NY Fed Alternative Reference Rates Committee
(ARRC) by allowing for a spread and benchmark change at a specified effective date by contract.
Looking to the future, LTi is monitoring the development of an IOSCO-compliant forward looking term rate. Per ARRC’s Paced Transition Plan, a goal has been set to establish an
administrator for forward-looking term SOFR with the initial rate published by the end of the
first half of 2021.
This forward-looking term rate would remove the operational risks of not knowing the prevailing
rate for a contract until the rate period is effectively over while taking advantage of the
fundamentals of SOFR as a risk-free rate. Users of ASPIRE would still leverage ASPIRE’s variable
rate functionality, without the need to back-date the effective date of the rate change.