New rules require that many such trades occur more transparently, on exchanges where regulators can see them. But /*Geithner*/ is exempting certain contracts used by companies to hedge currency rates.
The new financial overhaul law authorized Geithner to carve out such an exemption to stricter regulation.
Business groups argue that tighter oversight of such contracts would be costly and unnecessary. But critics, including some regulators, counter that the entire market for financial contracts called over-the-counter derivatives should face stricter supervision.
The value of derivatives hinges on an underlying investment, such as currencies, stocks or mortgages. Speculators using over-the-counter derivatives helped fuel the 2008 financial crisis.
