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Your ultimate step-by-step practical guide to understanding and negotiating the ISDA® Master Agreements

What is ISDA Lab™?

The ISDA Master Agreement (“ISDA”) is the most frequently used trading agreement for documenting over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives. It is used by banks, hedge funds, corporates and even individuals who meet the required eligibility criteria. Despite its popularity, the ISDA is commonly taught in-house, with only a few courses available on the market.

ISDA Lab is designed to provide you with a full overview of the most important aspects of negotiating ISDAs. It is the first online course that provides a holistic, practical approach to the ISDA documentation, including explaining the structure of the agreement and providing an overview of the most frequently negotiated provisions.

Promise

ISDA Lab is a step-by-step practical ISDA knowledge guide and negotiation course, designed to:

Help you understand what is ISDA, how it’s structured and why we need it

Give you an overview of the entire agreement and its key concepts

Provide you with a summary of the most frequently negotiated provisions

Give you some practical examples that you may immediately use in your own negotiations

Giving you the tools to negotiate with full confidence

ISDA Lab is taught in short, digestible lessons, to allow you to pick, choose and consume content as you want and need it. All in the comfort of your own home and at your own pace. If you decide to take the course, you will gain access to a wealth of practical knowledge and experience, including real examples, drafting modifications and negotiation tips.

With over a decade of experience in the financial services industry, I’ve taken everything I’ve seen and learnt, from managing an international team of paralegals and ISDA negotiators for Credit Suisse in Poland, to heading a busy team of lawyers at Man Group in London, and turned it into ISDA Lab – our first signature course.

Think of it as your ultimate ISDA roadmap and key resource for “all things ISDA”, to help you understand the main features of the agreement and give you the tools to negotiate it with full confidence!

The Course

Module 1

Building Your ISDA Foundation

Inside of module one, I will walk you through what is ISDA, how it works, its key features and benefits and why do we use it. We will talk about the close-out netting mechanism and the importance of legal opinions. I will also explain the overall ISDA documentation architecture. This module gives you a unique perspective on the fundamentals of the world of ISDA.

Module 2

Understanding the 2002 ISDA Master Agreement Documentation

In module two, we will discuss the 2002 ISDA in more detail and I will present a section-by-section overview of the entire agreement. I will also provide you with a summary of the main differences between the 1992 and 2002 versions of the ISDA and share some tips on how to decide which version to use. This module will leave you prepared for the ISDA negotiations ahead!

Module 3

Unlocking the Schedule to the 2002 ISDA Master Agreement

In module three, we will discuss the structure of the ISDA Schedule, explain the main elections and some of the typical changes made by counterparties. In this module you will learn how to look at the ISDA Schedule though the lens of the ISDA pre-print.

Module 4

Negotiating the 2002 ISDA Schedule - My Industry Secrets

Inside of module four, I will walk you through the most frequently negotiated provisions in the ISDA Schedule, including sharing some practical examples of the commonly requested amendments, with the main focus on the termination events. I will share my top drafting tips and tell you how to make sure that your negotiation is always a success story!

Why choose ISDA Lab?

If you have ever come across me, you will know that I am very passionate about what I do. I’m a dual qualified derivatives lawyer who has a well-rounded, and over a decade long experience within the financial services industry, ranging from working in private practice, on the sell-side and the buy-side.

I’m a subject matter expert who has gained experience whilst working at companies such as Credit Suisse and Man Group plc. Having left the corporate world to start my own consultancy business - Fit Legal, I have launched this course to share my unique ISDA negotiation know-how with you!

ISDA Lab is the only online course on the market that covers end-to-end processes involved in negotiating ISDAs. This course not only explains the structure of the ISDA documentation and the commonly negotiated provisions, but also explains the negotiation and on-boarding processes and provides you with some real drafting tips and examples.

If the course does not live up to our promise, we will provide you with a 100% refund within 7 days of purchase. This is because I firmly believe in the value of the content. You can find out more about our returns policy in the Terms of Use.

ISDA Lab is perfect for you if you are…

From graduates to existing industry professionals - there is room for you at the table!

A student or a graduate, trying to figure out your next career move, especially if you’re considering joining the banking and finance industry.

An existing ISDA negotiator, wanting to either brush up on your knowledge or take your expertise to the next level.

A paralegal or a training solicitor, working in a busy in-house environment or for a law firm, trying to upskill and increase your knowledge to take your career to the next level.

An in-house lawyer, legal executive or a trading documentation specialist who has experimented with the ISDA in the past (or keeps coming across it), but hasn’t quite mastered the art of the ISDA negotiations.

A credit office, collateral management or an on-boarding or project management specialist, who wants to gain a good working understanding of the ISDA to enhance your existing skill set.

A curious individual, who is seeking to pursue and develop a new career in ISDA documentation and banking / financial services industry.

Ready to get started?

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