What Is Fixed-for-Floating Swap: Definition, Uses, and Example

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Will Kenton
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Will Kenton is an expert on the economy and investing laws and regulations. He previously held senior editorial roles at Investopedia and Kapitall Wire and holds a MA in Economics from The New School for Social Research and Doctor of Philosophy in English literature from NYU.
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Updated January 29, 2021
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Janet Berry-Johnson
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Reviewed by Janet Berry-Johnson
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Janet Berry-Johnson is a CPA with 10 years of experience in public accounting and writes about income taxes and small business accounting.
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What Is a Fixed-for-Floating Swap?

A fixed-for-floating swap is a contractual arrangement between two parties in which one party swaps the interest cash flows of fixed-rate loan(s) with those of floating-rate loan(s) held by another party. The principal of the underlying loans is not exchanged.

Key Takeaways

  • A fixed-for-floating swap occurs when one party swaps the interest cash flow of a fixed-rate loan with those of a floating-rate loan held by another party.
  • Doing the swap reduces interest expense by swapping for a floating rate if it is lower than the fixed-rate currently being paid.
  • A fixed-for-floating swap allows you to better match assets and liabilities that are sensitive to interest rate movements.

Understanding Fixed-for-Floating Swap

There are a few main motivations for a loan holder to execute a fixed-for-floating swap:

  • Reduce interest expense by swapping for a floating rate if it is lower than the fixed-rate currently being paid;
  • Better match assets and liabilities that are sensitive to interest rate movements;
  • Diversify risks in a total loan portfolio by exchanging a portion of a fixed rate to floating rate; and/or
  • Perform a financial hedge with an expectation that market interest rates will decline.

Example of a Fixed-for-Floating Swap

Suppose Company X carries a $100 million loan at a fixed rate of 6.5%. Company X expects that the general direction of interest rates over the near or intermediate-term is down. Company Y, carrying a $100 million loan at London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) + 3.50% (floating rate loan), has the opposite view; it believes interest rates are on the rise. Company X and Company Y wish to swap. With the fixed-for-floating swap Company X will pay the floating rate, and thus benefit if in fact interest rates drop, and Company Y will assume payments for the fixed-rate loan. Company Y will stand to benefit if interest rates rise. Swap transactions are facilitated by a swap dealer, who will act as the required counterparty for a fee.