Rogue trade loses MF Global $141.5 million
Interdealer broker MF Global loses $141.5 million
NEW YORK - Interdealer broker MF Global has lost $141.5 million after it was forced to cover trading losses made by one of its employees.
The broker announced today that an error in its order entry system had allowed the US-based trader to put on massive directional trades in wheat futures on his own account yesterday morning. The trades were noticed and liquidated later that morning, but, as MF Global is responsible, it will have to cover the $141.5 million losses he incurred.
The trader, whose name is not known, has now been fired, MF Global said. It added that client funds had not been affected by the trades. The broker had taken a position of several thousand futures contracts on the Chicago Board of Trade, MF chief executive Kevin Davis said in a conference call today.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) said that it "continues to be in close contact" with MF Global and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, the designated regulator for the broker. "MF Global is currently in compliance with the agency's regulatory capital requirements," the CFTC added.
Wheat prices have been extremely volatile - winter wheat on the CME varied between $10.65 and $13.34 a bushel yesterday, an almost unprecedentedly wide range.
MF Global was formerly Man Financial before being spun off by the parent company in July 2007.
Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.
To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@risk.net or view our subscription options here: http://subscriptions.risk.net/subscribe
You are currently unable to print this content. Please contact info@risk.net to find out more.
You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@risk.net to find out more.
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (point 2.4), printing is limited to a single copy.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@risk.net
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (clause 2.4), an Authorised User may only make one copy of the materials for their own personal use. You must also comply with the restrictions in clause 2.5.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@risk.net
More on Regulation
Foreign banks want level playing field in US Basel III redraft
IHCs say capital charges for op risk and inter-affiliate trades out of line with US-based peers
CFTC’s Mersinger wants new rules for vertical silos
Republican commissioner shares Democrats’ concerns about combined FCMs and clearing houses
Adapting FRTB strategies across Apac markets
As Apac banks face FRTB deadlines, MSCI explores the insights from early adopters that can help them align with requirements
Republican SEC may focus on fixed income – Peirce
Commissioner also wants a revival of finders’ exemption, more guidance for UST clearing
Streamlining shareholding disclosure compliance
Shareholding disclosure compliance is increasingly complex due to a global patchwork of regulations and the challenge of managing vast amounts of data
Banks take aim at Gruenberg’s brokered deposit rule
Regulatory lawyers question need to reverse 2020 rulemaking just four years later
Time running out to backload Emir derivatives reporting
Significant slice of legacy trades still not ready for new formats, as October 26 deadline looms
Gensler to stick to Treasury clearing timetable
SEC chief promises to keep up the pressure for done-away trades
