83_FR_13048 83 FR 12990 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Fixed Income Clearing Corporation; Order Instituting Proceedings To Determine Whether To Approve or Disapprove a Proposed Rule Change To Amend the Loss Allocation Rules and Make Other Changes

83 FR 12990 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Fixed Income Clearing Corporation; Order Instituting Proceedings To Determine Whether To Approve or Disapprove a Proposed Rule Change To Amend the Loss Allocation Rules and Make Other Changes

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 58 (March 26, 2018)

Page Range12990-12992
FR Document2018-06015

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 58 (Monday, March 26, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 58 (Monday, March 26, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12990-12992]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-06015]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-82909; File No. SR-FICC-2017-022]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Fixed Income Clearing Corporation; 
Order Instituting Proceedings To Determine Whether To Approve or 
Disapprove a Proposed Rule Change To Amend the Loss Allocation Rules 
and Make Other Changes

March 20, 2018.

I. Introduction

    On December 18, 2017, Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (``FICC'') 
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission''), 
pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ proposed rule change SR-
FICC-2017-022 to amend the loss allocation rules and make other changes 
(``Proposed Rule Change'').\3\ The Proposed Rule Change was published 
for comment in the Federal Register on January 8, 2018.\4\ The 
Commission did not receive any comments on the Proposed Rule Change. On 
February 8, 2018, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2)(A)(ii)(I) of the Act,\5\ 
the Commission designated a longer period within which to approve, 
disapprove, or institute proceedings to determine whether to approve or 
disapprove the Proposed Rule Change.\6\ This order institutes 
proceedings, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2)(B) of the Act,\7\ to 
determine whether to approve or disapprove the Proposed Rule Change.
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ On December 18, 2017, FICC filed this proposal as an advance 
notice (SR-FICC-2017-806) with the Commission pursuant to Section 
806(e)(1) of the Payment, Clearing, and Settlement Supervision Act 
of 2010 (``Clearing Supervision Act'') and Rule 19b-4(n)(1)(i) of 
the Act (``Advance Notice''). On January 24, 2018, the Commission 
extended the review period of the Advance Notice for an additional 
60 days pursuant to Section 806(e)(1)(H) of the Clearing Supervision 
Act. See 12 U.S.C. 5465(e)(1); 17 CFR 240.19b-4(n)(1)(i); 12 U.S.C. 
5465(e)(1)(H); and Securities Exchange Act Release No. 82583 
(January 24, 2018), 83 FR 4358 (January 30, 2018) (SR-FICC-2017-
806).
    \4\ Securities Exchange Act Release No. 82427 (January 2, 2018), 
83 FR 854 (January 8, 2018) (SR-FICC-2017-022) (``Notice'').
    \5\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(A)(ii)(I).
    \6\ Securities Exchange Act Release No. 82670 (February 8, 
2018), 83 FR 6626 (February 14, 2018) (SR-DTC-2017-022; SR-FICC-
2017-022; SR-NSCC-2017-018).
    \7\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B).
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II. Summary of the Proposed Rule Change \8\
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    \8\ The Commission notes that the Summary of the Proposed Rule 
Change section does not describe the Proposed Rule Change in its 
entirety. Other changes include, but are not limited to, the 
clarification of defined terms, various aspects of the Clearing Fund 
application, and detailed procedures of the loss allocation. The 
complete Proposed Rule Change can be found in the Notice. See 
Notice, supra note 4. In addition, the text of the Proposed Rule 
Change is available at http://www.dtcc.com/legal/rules-and-procedures.aspx.
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    As described in the Notice,\9\ the proposed rule change consists of 
modifications to FICC's Government Securities Division (``GSD'') 
Rulebook (``GSD Rules'') and Mortgage-Backed Securities Division 
(``MBSD'' and, together with GSD, the ``Divisions'' and, each, a 
``Division'') Clearing Rules (``MBSD Rules,'' and collectively with the 
GSD Rules, the ``Rules'') in order to amend provisions in the Rules 
regarding loss allocation as well as make other changes, as described 
in greater detail below.
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    \9\ The description of the Proposed Rule Change herein is based 
on the statements prepared by FICC in the Notice. See Notice, supra 
note 4. Each capitalized term not otherwise defined herein has its 
respective meaning either (i) as set forth in the Rules, available 
at http://www.dtcc.com/legal/rules-and-procedures.aspx, or (ii) as 
set forth in the Notice.
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    FICC proposes to revise the Rules to primarily change (i) the loss 
allocation process,\10\ (ii) the loss allocation governance for 
Declared Non-Default Loss Events,\11\ and (iii) the application of the 
MBSD Clearing Fund.\12\
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    \10\ See Notice, supra note 4, at 855-59.
    \11\ See id. at 859-60.
    \12\ See id. at 860.
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A. Loss Allocation Process

    FICC states that the Divisions would retain the current core loss 
allocation process.\13\ However, FICC proposes to revise Rule 4 
(Clearing Fund and Loss Allocation) of each Division's Rules to make 
five key changes to FICC's loss allocation process.
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    \13\ Id. at 855.
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    First, FICC proposes to replace the calculation of its corporate 
contribution from up to 25 percent of its retained earnings or such 
higher amount as the Board of Directors shall determine to a defined 
Corporate Contribution.\14\ The proposed Corporate Contribution would 
be defined as an amount equal to 50

[[Page 12991]]

percent of FICC's General Business Risk Capital Requirement.\15\ FICC's 
General Business Risk Capital Requirement is, at a minimum, equal to 
the regulatory capital that FICC is required to maintain in compliance 
with Rule 17Ad-22(e)(15) under the Act.\16\ In addition, FICC proposes 
to mandatorily apply Corporate Contribution (i) prior to a loss 
allocation among the applicable Division's members, and (ii) to losses 
arising from both Defaulting Member Events and Declared Non-Default 
Loss Events.\17\
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    \14\ Id. at 856.
    \15\ Id.
    \16\ Id.; 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(e)(15).
    \17\ Notice, supra note 4, at 856.
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    Second, FICC proposes to introduce an Event Period to address the 
allocation of losses and liabilities that may arise from or relate to 
multiple Defaulting Member Events, Declared Non-Default Loss Events, or 
both that arise in quick succession in a Division.\18\ The proposal 
would group together Defaulting Member Events and Declared Non-Default 
Loss Events occurring in a period of 10 Business Days for purposes of 
allocating losses to applicable Tier One Netting Members or Tier One 
Members of the respective Divisions in one or more rounds.\19\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ Id. at 856-57.
    \19\ Id. at 857.
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    Third, FICC proposes to introduce a loss allocation ``round,'' 
which would mean ``a series of loss allocations relating to an Event 
Period, the aggregate amount of which is limited by the sum of the Loss 
Allocation Caps of affected Tier One Netting Members or Tier One 
Members, as applicable.'' \20\ FICC would notify applicable members 
subject to a loss allocation of the amounts being allocated to 
them.\21\ Each applicable member would have five Business Days from the 
issuance of such first Loss Allocation Notice for the round to notify 
FICC of its election to withdraw from membership, and thereby benefit 
from its Loss Allocation Cap.\22\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ Id.
    \21\ Id.
    \22\ Id. at 857-58.
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    Fourth, FICC proposes to revise its ``look-back'' period to 
calculate a member's loss allocation pro rata share and its Loss 
Allocation Cap.\23\ Currently, the Rules calculate, in general, a Tier 
One Netting Member's or a Tier One Member's pro rata share for purposes 
of loss allocation based on the member's average daily Required Fund 
Deposit over the prior 12 months.\24\ FICC proposes to calculate, in 
general, each member's pro rata share of losses and liabilities in any 
round to be equal to (i) the average of a member's Required Fund 
Deposit for 70 Business Days prior to the first day of the applicable 
Event Period (``Average RFD'') divided by (ii) the sum of Average RFD 
amounts for all members that are subject to a loss allocation in such 
round.\25\ Additionally, FICC proposes that each member's Loss 
Allocation Cap would be equal to the greater of (i) its Required Fund 
Deposit on the first day of the applicable Event Period or (ii) its 
Average RFD.\26\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ Id. at 858.
    \24\ Id.
    \25\ Id.
    \26\ Id.
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    Fifth, FICC proposes to revise the cap on a loss allocation and the 
withdrawal process followed by a loss allocation. As proposed, if a 
member provides notice of its withdrawal from membership, in general, 
its maximum amount of losses with respect to any loss allocation round 
would be its Loss Allocation Cap.\27\ FICC further proposes that 
members would have two Business Days after GSD or MBSD issues a first 
round Loss Allocation Notice to pay the amount specified in such 
notice.\28\ Members would have five Business Days from the issuance of 
the first Loss Allocation Notice in any round to decide whether to 
terminate its membership, provided that the member complies with the 
requirements of the proposed withdrawal process.\29\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \27\ Id. at 858-59.
    \28\ Id. at 858.
    \29\ Id.
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B. Loss Allocation Governance for Declared Non-Default Loss Events

    FICC proposes to enhance the governance around Declared Non-Default 
Loss Events that would trigger a loss allocation by specifying that the 
Board of Directors would have to determine that there is a non-default 
loss that (i) may present a significant and substantial loss or 
liability, so as to materially impair the ability of FICC to provide 
clearance and settlement services in an orderly manner, and (ii) will 
potentially generate losses to be mutualized among members in order to 
ensure that FICC may continue to offer clearance and settlement 
services in an orderly manner.\30\ FICC would then be required to 
promptly notify members of this determination.\31\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \30\ Id. at 859.
    \31\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

C. Application of the MBSD Clearing Fund

    FICC proposes to delete language currently in MBSD Rule 4 (Clearing 
Fund and Loss Allocation), Section 5 (Use of Clearing Fund) that limits 
certain uses by FICC of the MBSD Clearing Fund to ``unexpected or 
unusual'' requirements for funds that represent a ``small percentage'' 
of the MBSD Clearing Fund.\32\ Specifically, FICC proposes to delete 
the limiting language with respect to FICC's use of the MBSD Clearing 
Fund to cover losses and liabilities incident to its clearance and 
settlement business outside the context of an MBSD Defaulting Member 
Event so as to not have such language interpreted as impairing FICC's 
ability to access the MBSD Clearing Fund in order to manage non-default 
losses.\33\ FICC also proposes to delete the limiting language with 
respect to FICC's use of the MBSD Clearing Fund to provide liquidity to 
meet its settlement obligation.\34\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \32\ Id. at 860.
    \33\ Id.
    \34\ Id.
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III. Proceedings To Determine Whether To Approve or Disapprove the 
Proposed Rule Change and Grounds for Disapproval Under Consideration

    The Commission is instituting proceedings pursuant to Section 
19(b)(2)(B) of the Act \35\ to determine whether the Proposed Rule 
Change should be approved or disapproved. Institution of proceedings is 
appropriate at this time in view of the legal and policy issues raised 
by the Proposed Rule Change. Institution of proceedings does not 
indicate that the Commission has reached any conclusions with respect 
to any of the issues involved. Rather, the Commission seeks and 
encourages interested persons to comment on the Proposed Rule Change, 
and provide the Commission with arguments to support the Commission's 
analysis as to whether to approve or disapprove the Proposed Rule 
Change.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \35\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(2)(B) of the Act,\36\ the Commission is 
providing notice of the grounds for disapproval under consideration. 
The Commission is instituting proceedings to allow for additional 
analysis of, and input from commenters with respect to, the Proposed 
Rule Change's consistency with Section 17A of the Act,\37\ and the 
rules thereunder, including the following provisions:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \36\ Id.
    \37\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act,\38\ which requires, among 
other things, that the rules of a clearing agency, such as FICC, must 
be designed to promote the prompt and accurate clearance and settlement 
of securities transactions, to

[[Page 12992]]

assure the safeguarding of securities and funds which are in the 
custody or control of the clearing agency or for which it is 
responsible, and to protect investors and the public interest;
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \38\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(F).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Rule 17Ad-22(e)(13) under the Act,\39\ which requires, in 
general, a covered clearing agency, such as FICC, to establish, 
implement, maintain and enforce written policies and procedures 
reasonably designed to ensure the covered clearing agency has the 
authority and operational capacity to take timely action to contain 
losses and liquidity demands and continue to meet its obligations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \39\ 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(e)(13).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Rule 17Ad-22(e)(23)(i) under the Act,\40\ which requires a 
covered clearing agency, such as FICC, to establish, implement, 
maintain and enforce written policies and procedures reasonably 
designed to publicly disclose all relevant rules and material 
procedures, including key aspects of its default rules and procedures.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \40\ 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(e)(23)(i).
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IV. Procedure: Request for Written Comments

    The Commission requests that interested persons provide written 
submissions of their views, data, and arguments with respect to the 
issues identified above, as well as any other concerns they may have 
with the Proposed Rule Change. In particular, the Commission invites 
the written views of interested persons concerning whether the Proposed 
Rule Change is consistent with Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act,\41\ 
Rule 17Ad-22(e)(13) under the Act,\42\ Rule 17Ad-22(e)(23)(i) under the 
Act,\43\ or any other provision of the Act, or the rules and 
regulations thereunder. Although there do not appear to be any issues 
relevant to approval or disapproval that would be facilitated by an 
oral presentation of views, data, and arguments, the Commission will 
consider, pursuant to Rule 19b-4(g) under the Act,\44\ any request for 
an opportunity to make an oral presentation.\45\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \41\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(F).
    \42\ 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(e)(13).
    \43\ 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(e)(23)(i).
    \44\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(g).
    \45\ Section 19(b)(2) of the Act grants to the Commission 
flexibility to determine what type of proceeding--either oral or 
notice and opportunity for written comments--is appropriate for 
consideration of a particular proposal by a self-regulatory 
organization. See Securities Act Amendments of 1975, Senate Comm. on 
Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs, S. Rep. No. 75, 94th Cong., 1st 
Sess. 30 (1975).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and 
arguments regarding whether the Proposed Rule Change should be approved 
or disapproved by April 16, 2018. Any person who wishes to file a 
rebuttal to any other person's submission must file that rebuttal by 
April 30, 2018.
    The Commission asks that commenters address the sufficiency of 
FICC's statements in support of the Proposed Rule Change, which are set 
forth in the Notice,\46\ in addition to any other comments they may 
wish to submit about the Proposed Rule Change.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \46\ See Notice, supra note 4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods:

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's internet comment form (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an email to [email protected]. Please include 
File Number SR-FICC-2017-022 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

     Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities 
and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549-1090.

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-FICC-2017-022. This file 
number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To help 
the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, 
please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on 
the Commission's internet website (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml). 
Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written 
statements with respect to the Proposed Rule Change that are filed with 
the Commission, and all written communications relating to the Proposed 
Rule Change between the Commission and any person, other than those 
that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions 
of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for website viewing and printing in 
the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 
20549 on official business days between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 
3:00 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for inspection 
and copying at the principal office of FICC and on The Depository Trust 
& Clearing Corporation's website (http://dtcc.com/legal/sec-rule-filings.aspx). All comments received will be posted without change. 
Persons submitting comments are cautioned that we do not redact or edit 
personal identifying information from comment submissions. You should 
submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All 
submissions should refer to File Number SR-FICC-2017-022 and should be 
submitted on or before April 16, 2018. Rebuttal comments should be 
submitted by April 30, 2018.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\47\
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    \47\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(57).
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Eduardo A. Aleman,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2018-06015 Filed 3-23-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P



                                                12990                         Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 58 / Monday, March 26, 2018 / Notices

                                                the public interest; (ii) for the protection            should be submitted on or before April                   This order institutes proceedings,
                                                of investors; or (iii) otherwise in                     16, 2018.                                                pursuant to Section 19(b)(2)(B) of the
                                                furtherance of the purposes of the Act.                   For the Commission, by the Division of                 Act,7 to determine whether to approve
                                                If the Commission takes such action, the                Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated               or disapprove the Proposed Rule
                                                Commission shall institute proceedings                  authority.15                                             Change.
                                                to determine whether the proposed rule                  Eduardo A. Aleman,
                                                should be approved or disapproved.                                                                               II. Summary of the Proposed Rule
                                                                                                        Assistant Secretary.                                     Change 8
                                                IV. Solicitation of Comments                            [FR Doc. 2018–06012 Filed 3–23–18; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                                                                                    As described in the Notice,9 the
                                                                                                        BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
                                                  Interested persons are invited to                                                                              proposed rule change consists of
                                                submit written data, views, and                                                                                  modifications to FICC’s Government
                                                arguments concerning the foregoing,                                                                              Securities Division (‘‘GSD’’) Rulebook
                                                                                                        SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
                                                including whether the proposed rule                                                                              (‘‘GSD Rules’’) and Mortgage-Backed
                                                                                                        COMMISSION
                                                change is consistent with the Act.                                                                               Securities Division (‘‘MBSD’’ and,
                                                Comments may be submitted by any of                     [Release No. 34–82909; File No. SR–FICC–                 together with GSD, the ‘‘Divisions’’ and,
                                                the following methods:                                  2017–022]                                                each, a ‘‘Division’’) Clearing Rules
                                                Electronic Comments                                     Self-Regulatory Organizations; Fixed                     (‘‘MBSD Rules,’’ and collectively with
                                                                                                                                                                 the GSD Rules, the ‘‘Rules’’) in order to
                                                  • Use the Commission’s internet                       Income Clearing Corporation; Order
                                                                                                                                                                 amend provisions in the Rules regarding
                                                comment form (http://www.sec.gov/                       Instituting Proceedings To Determine
                                                                                                        Whether To Approve or Disapprove a                       loss allocation as well as make other
                                                rules/sro.shtml); or                                                                                             changes, as described in greater detail
                                                  • Send an email to rule-comments@                     Proposed Rule Change To Amend the
                                                                                                        Loss Allocation Rules and Make Other                     below.
                                                sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–                                                                             FICC proposes to revise the Rules to
                                                NASDAQ–2018–021 on the subject line.                    Changes
                                                                                                                                                                 primarily change (i) the loss allocation
                                                Paper Comments                                          March 20, 2018.                                          process,10 (ii) the loss allocation
                                                   • Send paper comments in triplicate                                                                           governance for Declared Non-Default
                                                                                                        I. Introduction
                                                to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Securities                                                                        Loss Events,11 and (iii) the application
                                                                                                           On December 18, 2017, Fixed Income                    of the MBSD Clearing Fund.12
                                                and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street                   Clearing Corporation (‘‘FICC’’) filed
                                                NE, Washington, DC 20549–1090.                          with the Securities and Exchange                         A. Loss Allocation Process
                                                All submissions should refer to File                    Commission (‘‘Commission’’), pursuant                       FICC states that the Divisions would
                                                Number SR–NASDAQ–2018–021. This                         to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities                    retain the current core loss allocation
                                                file number should be included on the                   Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule                process.13 However, FICC proposes to
                                                subject line if email is used. To help the              19b–4 thereunder,2 proposed rule                         revise Rule 4 (Clearing Fund and Loss
                                                Commission process and review your                      change SR–FICC–2017–022 to amend                         Allocation) of each Division’s Rules to
                                                comments more efficiently, please use                   the loss allocation rules and make other                 make five key changes to FICC’s loss
                                                only one method. The Commission will                    changes (‘‘Proposed Rule Change’’).3                     allocation process.
                                                post all comments on the Commission’s                   The Proposed Rule Change was                                First, FICC proposes to replace the
                                                internet website (http://www.sec.gov/                   published for comment in the Federal                     calculation of its corporate contribution
                                                rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the                         Register on January 8, 2018.4 The                        from up to 25 percent of its retained
                                                submission, all subsequent                              Commission did not receive any                           earnings or such higher amount as the
                                                amendments, all written statements                      comments on the Proposed Rule                            Board of Directors shall determine to a
                                                with respect to the proposed rule                       Change. On February 8, 2018, pursuant                    defined Corporate Contribution.14 The
                                                change that are filed with the                          to Section 19(b)(2)(A)(ii)(I) of the Act,5               proposed Corporate Contribution would
                                                Commission, and all written                             the Commission designated a longer                       be defined as an amount equal to 50
                                                communications relating to the                          period within which to approve,
                                                proposed rule change between the                        disapprove, or institute proceedings to                  (SR–DTC–2017–022; SR–FICC–2017–022; SR–
                                                Commission and any person, other than                   determine whether to approve or                          NSCC–2017–018).
                                                those that may be withheld from the                     disapprove the Proposed Rule Change.6                       7 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B).

                                                public in accordance with the                                                                                       8 The Commission notes that the Summary of the

                                                provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be                       15 17  CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).                            Proposed Rule Change section does not describe the
                                                                                                                                                                 Proposed Rule Change in its entirety. Other changes
                                                available for website viewing and                         1 15  U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
                                                                                                                                                                 include, but are not limited to, the clarification of
                                                printing in the Commission’s Public                       2 17  CFR 240.19b–4.                                   defined terms, various aspects of the Clearing Fund
                                                                                                           3 On December 18, 2017, FICC filed this proposal
                                                Reference Room, 100 F Street NE,                                                                                 application, and detailed procedures of the loss
                                                                                                        as an advance notice (SR–FICC–2017–806) with the         allocation. The complete Proposed Rule Change can
                                                Washington, DC 20549 on official                        Commission pursuant to Section 806(e)(1) of the          be found in the Notice. See Notice, supra note 4.
                                                business days between the hours of                      Payment, Clearing, and Settlement Supervision Act        In addition, the text of the Proposed Rule Change
                                                10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of such                 of 2010 (‘‘Clearing Supervision Act’’) and Rule 19b–     is available at http://www.dtcc.com/legal/rules-and-
                                                filing also will be available for                       4(n)(1)(i) of the Act (‘‘Advance Notice’’). On January   procedures.aspx.
                                                                                                        24, 2018, the Commission extended the review
                                                inspection and copying at the principal                 period of the Advance Notice for an additional 60
                                                                                                                                                                    9 The description of the Proposed Rule Change

                                                office of the Exchange. All comments                    days pursuant to Section 806(e)(1)(H) of the             herein is based on the statements prepared by FICC
                                                                                                        Clearing Supervision Act. See 12 U.S.C. 5465(e)(1);      in the Notice. See Notice, supra note 4. Each
                                                received will be posted without change.                                                                          capitalized term not otherwise defined herein has
                                                                                                        17 CFR 240.19b–4(n)(1)(i); 12 U.S.C. 5465(e)(1)(H);
                                                Persons submitting comments are
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                        and Securities Exchange Act Release No. 82583            its respective meaning either (i) as set forth in the
                                                cautioned that we do not redact or edit                 (January 24, 2018), 83 FR 4358 (January 30, 2018)        Rules, available at http://www.dtcc.com/legal/rules-
                                                personal identifying information from                   (SR–FICC–2017–806).                                      and-procedures.aspx, or (ii) as set forth in the
                                                                                                           4 Securities Exchange Act Release No. 82427           Notice.
                                                comment submissions. You should                                                                                     10 See Notice, supra note 4, at 855–59.
                                                                                                        (January 2, 2018), 83 FR 854 (January 8, 2018) (SR–
                                                submit only information that you wish                   FICC–2017–022) (‘‘Notice’’).                                11 See id. at 859–60.
                                                to make available publicly. All                            5 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(A)(ii)(I).                         12 See id. at 860.

                                                submissions should refer to File                           6 Securities Exchange Act Release No. 82670              13 Id. at 855.

                                                Number SR–NASDAQ–2018–021, and                          (February 8, 2018), 83 FR 6626 (February 14, 2018)          14 Id. at 856.




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                                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 58 / Monday, March 26, 2018 / Notices                                                   12991

                                                percent of FICC’s General Business Risk                  liabilities in any round to be equal to (i)              certain uses by FICC of the MBSD
                                                Capital Requirement.15 FICC’s General                    the average of a member’s Required                       Clearing Fund to ‘‘unexpected or
                                                Business Risk Capital Requirement is, at                 Fund Deposit for 70 Business Days prior                  unusual’’ requirements for funds that
                                                a minimum, equal to the regulatory                       to the first day of the applicable Event                 represent a ‘‘small percentage’’ of the
                                                capital that FICC is required to maintain                Period (‘‘Average RFD’’) divided by (ii)                 MBSD Clearing Fund.32 Specifically,
                                                in compliance with Rule 17Ad–                            the sum of Average RFD amounts for all                   FICC proposes to delete the limiting
                                                22(e)(15) under the Act.16 In addition,                  members that are subject to a loss                       language with respect to FICC’s use of
                                                FICC proposes to mandatorily apply                       allocation in such round.25                              the MBSD Clearing Fund to cover losses
                                                Corporate Contribution (i) prior to a loss               Additionally, FICC proposes that each                    and liabilities incident to its clearance
                                                allocation among the applicable                          member’s Loss Allocation Cap would be                    and settlement business outside the
                                                Division’s members, and (ii) to losses                   equal to the greater of (i) its Required                 context of an MBSD Defaulting Member
                                                arising from both Defaulting Member                      Fund Deposit on the first day of the                     Event so as to not have such language
                                                Events and Declared Non-Default Loss                     applicable Event Period or (ii) its                      interpreted as impairing FICC’s ability
                                                Events.17                                                Average RFD.26                                           to access the MBSD Clearing Fund in
                                                   Second, FICC proposes to introduce                       Fifth, FICC proposes to revise the cap                order to manage non-default losses.33
                                                an Event Period to address the                           on a loss allocation and the withdrawal                  FICC also proposes to delete the limiting
                                                allocation of losses and liabilities that                process followed by a loss allocation. As                language with respect to FICC’s use of
                                                may arise from or relate to multiple                     proposed, if a member provides notice                    the MBSD Clearing Fund to provide
                                                Defaulting Member Events, Declared                       of its withdrawal from membership, in                    liquidity to meet its settlement
                                                Non-Default Loss Events, or both that                    general, its maximum amount of losses                    obligation.34
                                                arise in quick succession in a                           with respect to any loss allocation
                                                Division.18 The proposal would group                     round would be its Loss Allocation                       III. Proceedings To Determine Whether
                                                together Defaulting Member Events and                    Cap.27 FICC further proposes that                        To Approve or Disapprove the
                                                Declared Non-Default Loss Events                         members would have two Business Days                     Proposed Rule Change and Grounds for
                                                occurring in a period of 10 Business                     after GSD or MBSD issues a first round                   Disapproval Under Consideration
                                                Days for purposes of allocating losses to                Loss Allocation Notice to pay the                           The Commission is instituting
                                                applicable Tier One Netting Members or                   amount specified in such notice.28                       proceedings pursuant to Section
                                                Tier One Members of the respective                       Members would have five Business                         19(b)(2)(B) of the Act 35 to determine
                                                Divisions in one or more rounds.19                       Days from the issuance of the first Loss                 whether the Proposed Rule Change
                                                   Third, FICC proposes to introduce a                   Allocation Notice in any round to                        should be approved or disapproved.
                                                loss allocation ‘‘round,’’ which would                   decide whether to terminate its                          Institution of proceedings is appropriate
                                                mean ‘‘a series of loss allocations                      membership, provided that the member                     at this time in view of the legal and
                                                relating to an Event Period, the                         complies with the requirements of the                    policy issues raised by the Proposed
                                                aggregate amount of which is limited by                  proposed withdrawal process.29                           Rule Change. Institution of proceedings
                                                the sum of the Loss Allocation Caps of                                                                            does not indicate that the Commission
                                                affected Tier One Netting Members or                     B. Loss Allocation Governance for
                                                                                                         Declared Non-Default Loss Events                         has reached any conclusions with
                                                Tier One Members, as applicable.’’ 20                                                                             respect to any of the issues involved.
                                                FICC would notify applicable members                       FICC proposes to enhance the
                                                                                                                                                                  Rather, the Commission seeks and
                                                subject to a loss allocation of the                      governance around Declared Non-
                                                                                                                                                                  encourages interested persons to
                                                amounts being allocated to them.21 Each                  Default Loss Events that would trigger a
                                                                                                                                                                  comment on the Proposed Rule Change,
                                                applicable member would have five                        loss allocation by specifying that the
                                                                                                                                                                  and provide the Commission with
                                                Business Days from the issuance of such                  Board of Directors would have to
                                                                                                         determine that there is a non-default                    arguments to support the Commission’s
                                                first Loss Allocation Notice for the
                                                                                                         loss that (i) may present a significant                  analysis as to whether to approve or
                                                round to notify FICC of its election to
                                                                                                         and substantial loss or liability, so as to              disapprove the Proposed Rule Change.
                                                withdraw from membership, and
                                                                                                         materially impair the ability of FICC to                    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(2)(B) of the
                                                thereby benefit from its Loss Allocation
                                                                                                         provide clearance and settlement                         Act,36 the Commission is providing
                                                Cap.22
                                                   Fourth, FICC proposes to revise its                   services in an orderly manner, and (ii)                  notice of the grounds for disapproval
                                                ‘‘look-back’’ period to calculate a                      will potentially generate losses to be                   under consideration. The Commission is
                                                member’s loss allocation pro rata share                  mutualized among members in order to                     instituting proceedings to allow for
                                                and its Loss Allocation Cap.23 Currently,                ensure that FICC may continue to offer                   additional analysis of, and input from
                                                the Rules calculate, in general, a Tier                  clearance and settlement services in an                  commenters with respect to, the
                                                One Netting Member’s or a Tier One                       orderly manner.30 FICC would then be                     Proposed Rule Change’s consistency
                                                Member’s pro rata share for purposes of                  required to promptly notify members of                   with Section 17A of the Act,37 and the
                                                loss allocation based on the member’s                    this determination.31                                    rules thereunder, including the
                                                average daily Required Fund Deposit                                                                               following provisions:
                                                over the prior 12 months.24 FICC
                                                                                                         C. Application of the MBSD Clearing                         • Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act,38
                                                                                                         Fund                                                     which requires, among other things, that
                                                proposes to calculate, in general, each
                                                member’s pro rata share of losses and                      FICC proposes to delete language                       the rules of a clearing agency, such as
                                                                                                         currently in MBSD Rule 4 (Clearing                       FICC, must be designed to promote the
                                                  15 Id.                                                 Fund and Loss Allocation), Section 5                     prompt and accurate clearance and
                                                  16 Id.; 17 CFR 240.17Ad–22(e)(15).                     (Use of Clearing Fund) that limits                       settlement of securities transactions, to
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                                                  17 Notice,  supra note 4, at 856.
                                                  18 Id. at 856–57.                                        25 Id.                                                   32 Id.   at 860.
                                                  19 Id. at 857.                                           26 Id.                                                   33 Id.

                                                  20 Id.                                                   27 Id.                                                   34 Id.
                                                                                                                    at 858–59.
                                                  21 Id.                                                   28 Id.                                                   35 15    U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B).
                                                                                                                    at 858.
                                                  22 Id. at 857–58.                                        29 Id.                                                   36 Id.
                                                  23 Id. at 858.                                           30 Id.   at 859.                                         37 15    U.S.C. 78q–1.
                                                  24 Id.                                                   31 Id.                                                   38 15    U.S.C. 78q–1(b)(3)(F).



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                                                12992                         Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 58 / Monday, March 26, 2018 / Notices

                                                assure the safeguarding of securities and               Proposed Rule Change should be                         information that you wish to make
                                                funds which are in the custody or                       approved or disapproved by April 16,                   available publicly. All submissions
                                                control of the clearing agency or for                   2018. Any person who wishes to file a                  should refer to File Number SR–FICC–
                                                which it is responsible, and to protect                 rebuttal to any other person’s                         2017–022 and should be submitted on
                                                investors and the public interest;                      submission must file that rebuttal by                  or before April 16, 2018. Rebuttal
                                                   • Rule 17Ad–22(e)(13) under the                      April 30, 2018.                                        comments should be submitted by April
                                                Act,39 which requires, in general, a                      The Commission asks that                             30, 2018.
                                                covered clearing agency, such as FICC,                  commenters address the sufficiency of                    For the Commission, by the Division of
                                                to establish, implement, maintain and                   FICC’s statements in support of the                    Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
                                                enforce written policies and procedures                 Proposed Rule Change, which are set                    authority.47
                                                reasonably designed to ensure the                       forth in the Notice,46 in addition to any              Eduardo A. Aleman,
                                                covered clearing agency has the                         other comments they may wish to
                                                                                                                                                               Assistant Secretary.
                                                authority and operational capacity to                   submit about the Proposed Rule Change.
                                                                                                          Comments may be submitted by any                     [FR Doc. 2018–06015 Filed 3–23–18; 8:45 am]
                                                take timely action to contain losses and
                                                liquidity demands and continue to meet                  of the following methods:                              BILLING CODE 8011–01–P

                                                its obligations.                                        Electronic Comments
                                                   • Rule 17Ad–22(e)(23)(i) under the
                                                Act,40 which requires a covered clearing                  • Use the Commission’s internet                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
                                                agency, such as FICC, to establish,                     comment form (http://www.sec.gov/                      COMMISSION
                                                implement, maintain and enforce                         rules/sro.shtml); or
                                                written policies and procedures                           • Send an email to rule-comments@                    [Release No. 34–82906; File No. SR–
                                                                                                        sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–                CboeBZX–2017–012]
                                                reasonably designed to publicly disclose
                                                all relevant rules and material                         FICC–2017–022 on the subject line.
                                                                                                                                                               Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe
                                                procedures, including key aspects of its                Paper Comments                                         BZX Exchange, Inc.; Order Approving
                                                default rules and procedures.
                                                                                                           • Send paper comments in triplicate                 a Proposed Rule Change, as Modified
                                                IV. Procedure: Request for Written                      to Secretary, Securities and Exchange                  by Amendment No. 2, To List and
                                                Comments                                                Commission, 100 F Street NE,                           Trade Shares of the LHA Market State®
                                                  The Commission requests that                          Washington, DC 20549–1090.                             Tactical U.S. Equity ETF, a Series of
                                                interested persons provide written                      All submissions should refer to File                   the ETF Series Solutions, Under Rule
                                                submissions of their views, data, and                   Number SR–FICC–2017–022. This file                     14.11(i), Managed Fund Shares
                                                arguments with respect to the issues                    number should be included on the                       March 20, 2018.
                                                identified above, as well as any other                  subject line if email is used. To help the
                                                concerns they may have with the                         Commission process and review your                     I. Introduction
                                                Proposed Rule Change. In particular, the                comments more efficiently, please use                     On December 7, 2017, Cboe BZX
                                                Commission invites the written views of                 only one method. The Commission will                   Exchange, Inc. (‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘BZX’’)
                                                interested persons concerning whether                   post all comments on the Commission’s                  filed with the Securities and Exchange
                                                the Proposed Rule Change is consistent                  internet website (http://www.sec.gov/                  Commission (‘‘Commission’’), pursuant
                                                with Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act,41                 rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the                        to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities
                                                Rule 17Ad–22(e)(13) under the Act,42                    submission, all subsequent                             Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Exchange
                                                Rule 17Ad–22(e)(23)(i) under the Act,43                 amendments, all written statements                     Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 a
                                                or any other provision of the Act, or the               with respect to the Proposed Rule                      proposed rule change to list and trade
                                                rules and regulations thereunder.                       Change that are filed with the                         the shares (‘‘Shares’’) of the LHA Market
                                                Although there do not appear to be any                  Commission, and all written                            State® Tactical U.S. Equity ETF
                                                issues relevant to approval or                          communications relating to the                         (‘‘Fund’’), a Series of the ETF Series
                                                disapproval that would be facilitated by                Proposed Rule Change between the                       Solutions (‘‘Trust’’). The proposed rule
                                                an oral presentation of views, data, and                Commission and any person, other than                  change was published for comment in
                                                arguments, the Commission will                          those that may be withheld from the                    the Federal Register on December 28,
                                                consider, pursuant to Rule 19b–4(g)                     public in accordance with the                          2017.3 On January 31, 2018, the
                                                under the Act,44 any request for an                     provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be                    Exchange filed Amendment No. 1 to the
                                                opportunity to make an oral                             available for website viewing and                      proposed rule change.4 On February 6,
                                                presentation.45                                         printing in the Commission’s Public                    2018, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the
                                                   Interested persons are invited to                    Reference Room, 100 F Street NE,                       Exchange Act,5 the Commission
                                                submit written data, views, and                         Washington, DC 20549 on official                       designated a longer period within which
                                                arguments regarding whether the                         business days between the hours of                     to approve the proposed rule change,
                                                                                                        10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the                 disapprove the proposed rule change, or
                                                  39 17 CFR 240.17Ad–22(e)(13).                         filing also will be available for                      institute proceedings to determine
                                                  40 17 CFR 240.17Ad–22(e)(23)(i).                      inspection and copying at the principal                whether to disapprove the proposed
                                                  41 15 U.S.C. 78q–1(b)(3)(F).
                                                                                                        office of FICC and on The Depository
                                                  42 17 CFR 240.17Ad–22(e)(13).
                                                                                                        Trust & Clearing Corporation’s website                   47 17  CFR 200.30–3(a)(57).
                                                  43 17 CFR 240.17Ad–22(e)(23)(i).
                                                                                                        (http://dtcc.com/legal/sec-rule-                         1 15  U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
                                                  44 17 CFR 240.19b–4(g).
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                                                  45 Section 19(b)(2) of the Act grants to the
                                                                                                        filings.aspx). All comments received                      2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.

                                                Commission flexibility to determine what type of        will be posted without change. Persons                    3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 82379

                                                proceeding—either oral or notice and opportunity        submitting comments are cautioned that                 (Dec. 21, 2017), 82 FR 61608.
                                                                                                                                                                  4 Amendment No. 1, which amended and
                                                for written comments—is appropriate for                 we do not redact or edit personal
                                                consideration of a particular proposal by a self-                                                              replaced the proposed rule change in its entirety,
                                                                                                        identifying information from comment                   is available on the Commission’s website at: https://
                                                regulatory organization. See Securities Act
                                                Amendments of 1975, Senate Comm. on Banking,            submissions. You should submit only                    www.sec.gov/comments/sr-cboebzx-2017-012/
                                                Housing & Urban Affairs, S. Rep. No. 75, 94th                                                                  cboebzx2017012-3002921-161895.pdf.
                                                Cong., 1st Sess. 30 (1975).                               46 See   Notice, supra note 4.                          5 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).




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Document Created: 2018-03-24 01:00:05
Document Modified: 2018-03-24 01:00:05
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
FR Citation83 FR 12990 

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