A total return swap (TRS) is a form of financial transaction where two parties agree to exchange the total return of a security or other asset. Generally, one party pays a fixed interest rate (which may be referred to as the “receive rate”) while the other party pays a fixed rate plus or minus the total return of the security or other asset (which may be referred to as the “deliver rate”).
TRSs are often used to hedge the credit risk of a security or other asset, but they can also be used to create synthetic exposure to a wide range of assets. For example, a TRS can be used to create synthetic ownership of a security or other asset without actually owning the underlying asset. Similarly, a TRS can be used to replicate index returns or to gain exposure to foreign assets.
TRSs can also be used to transfer market risk from one party to another. For example, a TRS may be used to transfer the market risk of a security from a party who owns the underlying asset to another party who is willing to assume the risk for a fee. This type of transaction may be referred to as a “total return swap layering”.
The parties to a TRS transaction may also agree to modify the agreed upon delivery rate based on predetermined criteria. For example, if the parties agree to a fixed interest rate plus or minus the total return of a security or other asset, they may agree to modify the delivery rate based on predetermined market conditions.
TRSs are generally used by sophisticated investors and require substantial due diligence to ensure compliance with applicable regulation. As with any financial transaction, the parties should take into account the risks associated with the transaction, such as counterparty risk, market risk, and legal and regulatory risk.
In summary, a total return swap is a form of financial transaction where two parties agree to exchange the total return of a security or other asset. The terms of the transaction can be modified to fit the specific needs of the parties and can be used to hedge credit risk or transfer market risk from one party to another. However, parties engaging in such transactions should ensure that they understand the risk associated with the transaction, as well as any applicable regulation.