As explained earlier, arbitrage CDOs are categorized as either cash flow or market value transactions. The objective of the asset manager in a cash flow transaction is to generate cash flow for CDO tranches without the active trading of collateral. Because the cash flows from the structure are designed to accomplish the objective for each tranche, restrictions are imposed on the asset manager. The asset manager is limited in his or her authority to buy and sell bonds. The conditions for disposing of issues held are specified and are usually driven by credit risk management. Also,in assembling the portfolio, the asset manager must meet certain requirements set
forth by the rating agency or agencies that rate the deal. Below we review cash flow
transactions. Specifically, we look at the distribution of the cash flows, restrictions
imposed on the asset manager to protect the noteholders, and the key factors considered by rating agencies in rating tranches of a cash flow transaction.