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LIBOR, which is an acronym of London Interbank Offer Rate, refers to the interest rate that UK banks charge other financial institutions for short-term loans. The loan maturities vary from one day to one year. LIBOR acts as a benchmarking base for short-term interest rates for prices of securities such as currency swaps, interest rate swaps, or mortgages.
The London Interbank Offer Rate is an important measure in assessing the health of different financial systems. When the rate is weak, the UK economy is usually underperforming. When the rate is higher, it usually indicates the economy is doing well. It is commonly used by various central banks as a reference in crafting policies affecting interest rates in other countries.
In the earlier days, before the great scandal of 2008-2012, the London Interbank Offer Rate was known as BBA (British Bankers Association) LIBOR). During this period, the BBA became involved in a scandal when it was found to be guilty of interest rate manipulations. Therefore, to eliminate the bad memories and put a fresh face on things, BBA LIBOR was renamed ICE (Intercontinental Exchange) LIBOR. Thus, ICE LIBOR is the same as LIBOR.
LIBOR rates are mere benchmarks instead of tradable rates. Therefore, throughout the day, banks may trade at different rates than the LIBOR rate listed early in the morning, usually at 11 AM (London Time). The maturity period of these rates may vary from a single day to a stretch of 12 months. Overall, LIBOR comprises seven maturities, quoted for deposits of each of five major currencies – CHF (Swiss Franc), EUR (Euro), GBP (Pound Sterling), JPY (Japanese Yen), and USD (US Dollar).
To produce 35 rates on every business day, the ICE Benchmark committee maintains an administration panel of between 11 to 16 bank contributors.
The LIBOR is watched closely by not only banks and financial institution but also by private institutions and individuals. Below are some of the key benefits of watching the LIBOR rates.
The London Interbank Offer Rate provides a stable pool of 35 rates calculated daily under a monitored environment. As a result, fluctuations in the rate are not tied to a single market but to the global market. Despite past controversies, it’s important to acknowledge the LIBOR’s intentions to bring stability in lending rates.
As a general rule, during difficult economic times, many conservative investors will opt in LIBOR to create a safe-haven investment to reduce their investment risks.
In early 2014, the ICE took the oversight function from the BBA and started working to restore the reputation of the LIBOR. One noticeable change was to change the way it calculates the interbank rate. Earlier along, BBA calculated its interest estimates from 200-odd member banks. Unfortunately, to favor some few individuals, the interest rates were manipulated under the watch of the then BBA chairman. Therefore, ICE now calculates its LIBOR from respected reference banks, which number less than 20.
The activities are under the watch of a robust governing committee of IBA that embodies honesty. The committee is comprised of benchmark submitters, independent non-executive directors, benchmark users, and other relevant experts, such as financial analysts. Therefore, LIBOR, under the watch of ICE, is considered safer than it used to be prior to 2014.
In July 2017, the FCA expressed its dissatisfaction by declaring that USD LIBOR is unsustainable and undesirable due to lack of active markets to base its benchmark on. As a result, the future of the USD LIBOR stands on shaky ground. In fact, the FCA and its panel will support its rate until 2021. Afterward, the Secured Overnight Financing Rate will replace it and the Alternative Reference Rates Committee will oversee it.
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