ISDA releases FpML 4.1 recommendation

FpML is the XML-based, freely licensed, e-commerce standard supporting trading of privately negotiated financial derivatives.

Version 4.1 of the standard includes enhancements most notably to the equity derivatives and credit derivatives areas by supporting basket and index trading respectively. It builds on Version 4.0, the first version of the standard to cover interest rate, FX, credit and equity derivatives. The messaging framework and validation rules have been further expanded and additions have been made in the area of pricing and risk reporting.

"Ongoing enhancement of the FpML standard is testament to the ceaseless innovation in the derivatives industry," said Robert Pickel, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, ISDA. "FpML plays a central role in the industry's focus on increased automation in the post-trade space."

Recommendation status is the final step in the development process of a version of the standard. It reflects consensus within the FpML community and bears the FpML Standards Committee stamp of approval. The FpML Standards Committee considers the ideas and technology specified by a Recommendation as appropriate for widespread deployment. Recommendation additionally means that feedback has been incorporated and users are actively implementing the version. The full text of the Recommendation is available at the FpML web site (fpml.org).

Work on version 4.2 has been initiated. A first working draft was published May 4, with additional support in the area of messaging, interest rate derivatives and credit derivatives. Future versions of FpML will support commodity and commodity derivatives trade.

ISDA has also launched a newly designed FpML web site, fpml.org. The new web site offers enhanced functionality and better access to the specifications. A bug tracking system has been integrated into the website and can be consulted by all users. The site uses modular and extensible plug-in architecture and is based on open source technology.