The ISDA Master Agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions for over-the-counter (OTC) derivative transactions between two parties. The agreement is used globally and is recognized as the industry standard for OTC derivatives.

Central clearing, on the other hand, is a process that involves a central clearinghouse acting as an intermediary between two parties to a transaction, thereby reducing counterparty credit risk. Instead of two parties directly trading with each other, the clearinghouse becomes the counterparty to both parties. This means that if one party defaults, the other party will not suffer any losses because the clearinghouse will take on the defaulting party`s obligation.

The ISDA Master Agreement is often used in conjunction with central clearing. This is because central clearing requires the use of standardized contracts, which the ISDA Master Agreement provides. Additionally, the ISDA Master Agreement contains provisions that address central clearing, such as changes to the termination events and transfer provisions.

The use of central clearing has become increasingly important in the OTC derivatives market, particularly after the 2008 financial crisis. The crisis highlighted the risks associated with bilateral trading and the need for a more centralized and regulated market.

Today, many regulators require certain types of OTC derivatives to be centrally cleared. For example, the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR) mandates central clearing for certain classes of OTC derivatives in Europe. Similarly, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act requires mandatory clearing for certain OTC derivatives in the United States.

In conclusion, the ISDA Master Agreement is a crucial component of the OTC derivatives market, providing a standardized legal framework for derivative transactions. Central clearing is an important risk mitigation tool that is increasingly being mandated by regulators. The two are often used together, with the ISDA Master Agreement providing the necessary provisions for central clearing.