As readers of JIBFL will be well aware, it is expected that LIBOR will no longer be available after the end of 2021, with the exception of certain tenors for USD LIBOR that will be published until the end of June 2023 and, potentially, a synthetic LIBOR for certain currency-tenor settings. While EUR LIBOR will cease to be available, there are no current plans to discontinue EURIBOR. With the Swiss franc (CHF) being one of the five LIBOR currencies and CHF LIBOR being used as reference rate for the calculation of interest in virtually every CHF denominated syndicated credit facility agreement, LIBOR transition poses an immense challenge to the Swiss syndicated loan market. Although we have seen the first pathfinder transactions using risk free rates,1 the Swiss market is yet to experience a big shift.
1 MAR 2021Author Dr Markus Winkler, CFA is counsel with Baker McKenzie Zurich. Email: markus.winkler@bakermckenzie.com
1 OCT 2021Lenders and their legal advisors carefully check the capacity of obligors, and the due authorisation of their signatories, at the commencement of a deal. In this In Practice article, we consider the issues arising when consents are needed from obligors during the life of a facility. The recent case of CRF I Ltd v Banco Nacional De Cuba and another [2023] EWHC 774 (Comm) is a cautionary reminder of the consequences of failing to obtain required obligor approvals going forward.
1 OCT 2023