Swap Execution Facility (SEF)

A Swap Execution Facility (SEF) is a regulated trading platform where participants can buy and sell swaps and other derivatives. SEFs were established under the Dodd-Frank Act in the U.S. to increase transparency and reduce systemic risk in the over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives market. SEFs operate similarly to exchanges, offering a centralized marketplace for swap transactions and providing real-time pricing and trade execution.

Example

A corporation looking to hedge interest rate risk uses an SEF to enter into an interest rate swap with a financial institution, ensuring transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements.