The report sets out the findings and conclusions of the review of the impact of storage infrastructures on the integrity of the price formation process of physically-delivered commodity derivatives contracts traded on regulated exchanges.

The price formation process for commodity derivatives is complex and is affected by many factors, not just the traditional elements of supply and demand. Rail cars, grain silos, oil tankers and metal warehouses are all fundamental components of a delivery system that ensures derivatives contracts can be fulfilled and commodities are delivered. Physical delivery and storage infrastructure can therefore have a profound impact on the economics of the futures markets, such as the cost of carrying the derivatives contract, convergence between the derivative and the physical market prices, and the premiums for each of the contract’s delivery points.

The report concludes that IOSCO’s Principles for the Regulation and Supervision of Commodity Derivatives Markets, published in September 2011, provide an adequate framework for implementing effective oversight, governance and operational controls of storage infrastructure and did not require additional principles or revision of the existing principles.

These conclusions were based on a research review, an industry survey and a public roundtable conducted by IOSCO´s Committee 7 on Commodities Derivatives Markets.

However, the report identified certain practices surrounding storage infrastructure that have the potential, if not addressed by appropriate policies and procedures, to affect derivatives pricing and affect efficient market operation. These practices can potentially increase uncertainty among market participants. Some practices also may hinder financial regulators and exchanges from identifying emerging problems and working toward resolution once problems have been identified. These practices could potentially cause market disruption, affect market efficiency and impair the price convergence process.
Bringing greater awareness of these practices and their potential effects on pricing and market operations may encourage the parties involved in storage infrastructure to anticipate, identify and address potential issues at an early stage in order to avert problems and avoid the need for regulatory involvement.

Accordingly, the report recommends that IOSCO conduct further work to develop guidance in the form of Good or Sound Practices with respect to the operation and oversight of storage infrastructures. This guidance should also address the concerns identified by the IOSCO review.