1.2 Reverse Repo

This topic describes the reverse repo feature and the properties of reverse repo.

A reverse repo is a repo transaction from the lender's perspective. Therefore, for the lender of the cash, the repurchase agreement is known as the reverse repo. In this example, the bank B is entering into a reverse repo transaction as it is lending the cash.

Table 1-1 Reverse Repo Table

Bank B Repo Reverse Repo
Participant

Borrower

Seller

Cash receiver lender

Buyer

Cash provider

Near leg Sells securities Buys securities
Far leg Buys securities Sells securities

Properties of Repo

  • Details of the cash borrower, who is also providing securities
  • Details of the cash lender, who is also taking the securities
  • Nominal value to be borrowed
  • Start date to borrow the cash
  • Maturity date to return the cash and buy back the securities
  • Haircut to be applied to the value of the security, including initial margin and collateral management details
  • Repo rate is the interest rate that the borrower needs to pay to the seller for the use of cash