Feature
Asian challenge to crude benchmarks
As Asian demand for crude continues to increase, calls are growing for an Asian crude oil benchmark to sit alongside the global benchmarks of WTI and Brent. Jay Maroo investigates the possible alternatives
Energy trading firms keen to improve ETRM reporting
Energy trading and risk management reporting, not always the most effective operation at energy trading firms, is undergoing an efficiency drive across the industry, finds Gillian Carr
The long and winding road to Dodd-Frank
As the Dodd-Frank rule-making process drags on, US energy companies are wondering when they will finally have clarity about the law’s impact on their business. Alexander Osipovich examines some of the key issues being thrashed out in the months to come
Assessing cybersecurity of the US power grid
Threats to the cybersecurity of the US power grid are on the rise and the issue is now on the radars of chief risk officers at utilities, rather than just IT heads. Alexander Osipovich investigates how the industry is responding and assesses the odds of…
Renewable energy projects seek investment alternatives
Investment in renewable energy needs to double if EU targets are to be met. With governments and investment banks reining in lending, the market is looking at alternative sources to plug the gaps. Gillian Carr investigates this and the implications of…
Are alpha commodity index products sustainable?
Investor interest in alpha commodity index products has surged over the past year and banks are hard at work creating more of them. Can these exotic new instruments really provide a sustainable source of absolute return? And is the market getting too…
Managing operational risk at commodity trading firms
Proactive management of operational risk is critical to ensuring an organisation responds effectively to ever-changing market conditions and regulatory environments. Julie Shochat and Kenzel Fallen outline how to align strategy, processes and…
Energy Risk's 2012 Software Survey and Rankings
Tighter budgets and looming regulation are key factors impacting decisions around energy trading and risk management software systems this year, according to Energy Risk’s Software Survey. David Wigan and Stella Farrington analyse the results
Energy Risk Deals of the Year 2012: SG CIB's Russian gas field financing
Société Générale Corporate & Investment Banking arrange €1.1bn financing for gas field in northern Russia
Energy Risk Deals of the Year 2012: Lloyds's financing for Essar
Lloyds Bank organises $1.5bn secured borrowing base facility for Essar Energy
Energy Risk Deals of the Year 2012: Credit Suisse's Urals swap with JKX
Credit Suisse in $50m Urals Med swap with JKX Oil & Gas
Energy Risk Deals of the Year 2012: Carlyle's Plainfield funding
The Carlyle Group rescue Plainfield renewable energy plant with $125m senior debt funding
Energy Risk Deals of the Year 2012: BarCap's VPP deal with Chesapeake
Barclays Capital pioneers new volumetric payment deal with Chesapeake that allows more investors to take part
Energy Risk Deals of the Year 2012: BAML's LNG deal with Gate
Bank of America Merrill Lynch becomes first investment bank to facilitate full commissioning services in its deal with Dutch Gate LNG terminal
Analysing common processes used to model energy prices
Choosing the appropriate process for modelling energy prices is essential for best calculating value, risk and hedging metrics for energy derivatives and assets. In this first article of a six-part series, Carlos Blanco and Michael Pierce discuss some…
How relevant is VAR for energy markets?
Despite its many limitations, value-at-risk (VAR) is still the most commonly used risk profile measuring tool in the energy industry. In this first article in a new series, Chris Strickland discusses why the energy industry’s love affair with VAR could…
Refiners seek innovative tools for risk management
Battered by tight margins and volatile oil markets, refiners are exploring a range of innovative tools to contain costs and improve risk management. Alexander Osipovich reports
UK power market risks losing more liquidity unless structural change introduced
The UK power market risks becoming even more of a closed shop unless initiatives to introduce structural change are successful, according to some market experts. Gillian Carr reports
Commodities correlation with equities, bonds - how long will it last?
Correlations between commodities and other asset classes have risen sharply over the past three years, but investors and academics are divided over the cause, and the outlook for diversification strategies going forward. David Wigan reports
Oil analysts' 2012 price forecasts up slightly on 2011 average
Geopolitical tension is propping up the oil market, even as a shaky global economy threatens to sap demand. Analysts offer Alexander Osipovich their views on oil prices in 2012
Seeking opportunities in coal trading
Coal prices are expected to have better support this year than last, but trading opportunities will lie in relative-value strategies, say market experts. Jay Maroo reports
European power market coupling marches on
Market coupling projects continue to spread across Europe, bringing the market closer to achieving a single power price – but challenges still lie ahead. In the first article in a series focusing on European power markets, Gillian Carr looks at the next…
Credit rating agencies: what are the alternatives for energy markets?
Repeated stumbles by the credit rating agencies have led risk managers to explore new ways of assessing counterparties. Alexander Osipovich examines the alternatives
Is European shale a game-changer for the gas markets?
While shale gas has been a game-changer in the US markets, its impact has been more muted in Europe, with environmental concerns preventing fracking in several countries. Jay Maroo looks at the future of shale gas in Europe and asks how big an impact…