HB - The Legal Corner Magazine - Issue #6

The paradigm shift from the simplistic view of hedging products prevalent in the early to mid-2000s to a contemporary, nuanced understanding is also covered, emphasising the need for borrowers to reassess strategies, focusing on debt serviceability, and adopting a more informed approach to the utilization of these intricate financial products. Beyond the intricacies of hedging, the podcast explores the diverse landscape of interest rate benchmarks such as LIBOR, SONIA (LIBOR is an interest rate benchmark based on interbank lending rates, while SONIA is a benchmark based on actual overnight transactions in the sterling money market) and the Bank of England base rates. The necessity for seeking expert advice, steering away from conventional buy-to-let portfolios towards active asset management and specialized strategies, becomes a focal point of the discussion. A significant aspect underscored in the dialogue is the enduring appeal of the UK as a destination for inward investment, attributed to its robust and reliable legal sector. Finally, listen to the end for interest rate predictions in 2024.

Podcast: Navigating Economic Headwinds in 2024

As the financial world anticipates the challenges and opportunities of the

approaching year, our debut podcast of 2024 offers an insightful roundtable featuring John O'Donovan, Head of Banking and Finance, Abhishek Sachdev, Managing Director of Vedanta Hedging Limited, an independent firm of corporate treasury consultants, and Nimesh Sanghrajka, Managing Director of Mantra Group, debt and insurance specialists. Delving into economic forecasts and their implications for the property market, this engaging conversation provides crucial insights for anyone engaged in the commercial property market. The reasons behind the historical peaks in interest rates, the repercussions of inflation, and the transformative impact on businesses accustomed to an era of remarkably low rates are discussed. Additionally, the conversation

demystifies the concept of hedging, advocating for better education and

understanding for asset owners to leverage these financial tools effectively to better manage costs in an ever-evolving economic environment.

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