Theoretical incentives vs. perceived motives for using interest rate derivatives in Swedish corporations

Sammanfattning: The purpose of this research is to highlight if contemporary practices for using interest rate derivatives in large non-financial Swedish corporations are consistent with theoretical incentives for using such derivative instruments. Most theoretical incentives were developed before the financial crisis of 2007-08. The introduction of new regulations, accounting practices and pricing methods has changed the prices of derivatives and the administrative burden related to hedging. Traditional academic literature commonly gives eight incentives for why corporations use interest rate derivatives (described further in the thesis). Following surveys and interviews with 13 relevant corporate professionals, the study finds that three of the theoretical incentives strongly motivate corporate managers’ use of interest rate derivatives. Four other theoretical incentives are found to partially explain motives for corporate managers’ hedging practices, whilst one of the theoretical incentives is found to be an irrelevant motive for corporate managers in practice.   In addition to the tested incentives, the study finds that Swedish corporations which occasionally raise capital in non-functional currencies actively use cross-currency swaps to convert outstanding non-functional debt currency to the company’s functional currency. The practice is commonly recognised amongst industry professionals but not widely cited in academia.   Compared to 10-15 years ago, treasury functions in Swedish corporations are found to require more knowledge in accounting and administration and less market savvy. During this period, the number of dealers in Swedish corporate treasury departments has been reduced significantly, as corporations have effectively outsourced part of their market operations to banks.