83_FR_560 83 FR 557 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; LCH SA; Order Granting Accelerated Approval of a Proposed Rule Change Relating to the Implementation of the Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation

83 FR 557 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; LCH SA; Order Granting Accelerated Approval of a Proposed Rule Change Relating to the Implementation of the Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 3 (January 4, 2018)

Page Range557-562
FR Document2017-28492

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 3 (Thursday, January 4, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 3 (Thursday, January 4, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 557-562]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-28492]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-82421; File No. SR-LCH SA-2017-010]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; LCH SA; Order Granting Accelerated 
Approval of a Proposed Rule Change Relating to the Implementation of 
the Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation

December 29, 2017.

I. Introduction

    On November 21, 2017, Banque Centrale de Compensation, which 
conducts business under the name LCH SA (``LCH SA''), filed with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'' or ``Commission''), 
pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ a proposed rule change to 
make conforming and clarifying changes necessary to implement certain 
provisions of the European Union's Markets in Financial Instruments 
Regulation (``MiFIR'').\3\ The proposed rule change was published for 
comment in the Federal Register on December 7, 2017.\4\ The Commission 
received no comment letters regarding the proposed rule change. For the 
reasons discussed below, the Commission is approving the proposed rule 
change on an accelerated basis.
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 of the European Parliament and 
of the Council of 15 May 2014 on markets in financial instruments 
and amending Regulation (EU) No 648/2012.
    \4\ Securities Exchange Act Release No. 34-82194 (December 1, 
2017), 82 FR 57803 (December 7, 2017) (SR-LCH-2017-010) 
(``Notice'').
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II. Description of the Proposed Rule Change

a. Overview

    The principal purpose of this proposed rule change is to amend LCH 
SA's CDS Clearing Rulebook (the ``Rulebook'') and CDS Clearing 
Procedures (the ``Procedures'') to implement provisions of MiFIR that 
are applicable to central counterparties (``CCPs'') authorized under 
the European Markets Infrastructure Regulation (``EMIR'') \5\ (each 
such CCP, an ``authorized CCP'').\6\ In particular, the proposed rule 
changes are intended to implement Article 29 of MiFIR, which the 
Commission understands requires authorized CCPs to establish effective 
systems, procedures and arrangements to ensure that cleared derivatives 
transactions are submitted and accepted for clearing on a straight-
through processing (``STP'') basis,\7\ and Article 30 of MiFIR, which 
the Commission understands requires authorized CCPs to establish 
indirect clearing arrangements with respect to exchange-traded 
derivatives (``ETDs'') that are of ``equivalent effect'' to the 
corresponding requirements under EMIR.\8\
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    \5\ Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and 
of the Council of 4 July 2012 on OTC derivatives, central 
counterparties and trade reporting.
    \6\ Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the 
meanings ascribed to them in the Rulebook.
    \7\ In this context, the Commission understands STP to mean that 
an authorized CCP must have systems, procedures, and arrangements in 
place to ensure derivatives are cleared as quickly as 
technologically practicable using automated systems. Notice, 82 FR 
at 57804. The Commission understands that RTS 26 provides detailed 
additional requirements regarding the transfer of information and 
related authorized CCP rulebook requirements, as well as timelines 
for the transfer of information, among other things. See id. at 
57803 & n.5 (citing RTS 26).
    \8\ Notice, 82 FR at 57803.
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    In addition, the Commission understands that the European 
Commission has adopted regulatory technical standards to set more 
specific requirements that authorized CCPs must meet in order to comply 
with MiFIR. The regulatory technical standards for straight-through 
processing (``RTS 26'') were adopted in 2016.\9\ More recently, the 
European Commission adopted regulatory technical standards, which align 
the indirect clearing requirements under EMIR and MiFIR (``Indirect 
Clearing RTS'').\10\ MiFIR takes effect January 3, 2018 and it is 
expected that the Indirect Clearing RTS will also take effect on the 
same date.
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    \9\ Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/582 of 29.6.2016 
supplementing Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 of the European Parliament 
and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards 
specifying the obligation to clear derivatives traded on regulated 
markets and timing of acceptance for clearing.
    \10\ Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) of 22.9.2017 amending 
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 149/2013 with regard to 
regulatory technical standards on indirect clearing arrangements. A 
separate, but identical, set of RTS apply to indirect clearing of 
exchange-traded derivatives. See, Commission Delegated Regulation 
(EU) of 22.9.2017 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 with 
regard to regulatory technical standards on indirect clearing 
arrangements.
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b. Straight-Through Processing

    The Commission understands that RTS 26 establishes the specific 
requirements with which authorized CCPs, trading venues,\11\ and 
clearing

[[Page 558]]

members \12\ must comply in order to ensure that transactions in 
cleared derivatives are submitted and accepted for clearing ``as soon 
as technologically practicable using automated systems,'' as required 
by Article 29(2) of MiFIR. LCH SA stated that it must comply with the 
RTS 26 requirements applicable to authorized CCPs.\13\ These 
requirements can be conceptually divided as: (i) A CCP's information 
requirements; (ii) cleared derivatives transactions concluded on a 
trading venue; (iii) cleared derivatives transactions concluded 
bilaterally; (iv) resubmission of cleared derivatives transactions in 
the event of clerical error or technical problems; and (v) backloading 
transactions.
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    \11\ The Commission understands that the term ``trading venue,'' 
as used in RTS 26, refers to EU-based venues only (i.e., regulated 
markets, multilateral trading facilities and organized trading 
facilities). LCH SA therefore represents that third-country venues 
(e.g., U.S. swap execution facilities, security-based swap execution 
facilities, designated contract markets and national securities 
exchanges) are not required to comply with the RTS 26 provisions 
applicable to trading venues. Notwithstanding this definition, LCH 
SA explains that it proposes to apply the STP amendments described 
herein with respect to all derivatives transactions concluded on 
swap execution facilities and designated contract markets registered 
with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (``CFTC'') and 
the definition of the term ``Trading Venue'' in the Rulebook has 
been amended accordingly (See Section 1.1.1 of the Rulebook). 
Notice, 82 FR at 57803, n. 7.
    \12\ The Commission understands that the term ``clearing 
member'' is not defined in RTS 26. However, Article 29 of MiFIR 
refers to ``investment firms which act as clearing members in 
accordance with'' EMIR. LCH SA represents that the term ``investment 
firm'' refers only to those EU firms which are required to be 
authorized under the revised Markets in Financial Instruments 
Directive (``MiFID II'') and, therefore, third-country firms that 
are clearing members of authorized CCPs (e.g., SEC-registered broker 
dealers (``BDs'') and futures commission merchants (``FCM'') 
registered with the CFTC) are not required to comply with the RTS 26 
provisions applicable to clearing members. In any event, LCH SA 
proposes to apply the STP requirements discussed herein to all 
derivatives transactions submitted for clearing by any Clearing 
Member, including a Clearing Member that is a BD or FCM. Notice, 82 
FR at 57804, n. 8.
    \13\ Notice, 82 FR at 57803-04.
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i. CCP Information Requirements
    Article 1(2) of RTS 26 requires an authorized CCP to detail in its 
rules the information it needs from trading venues and counterparties 
to clear derivatives transactions, and the format such information must 
take, in order for the authorized CCP to accept that transaction for 
clearing.\14\
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    \14\ Id. at 57804.
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    The Commission understands that the Rulebook currently provides 
that all clearing members must be participants of at least one Approved 
Trade Source System, i.e., a middleware provider, which receives 
Original Transaction Data relating to Intraday Transactions from the 
relevant Clearing Members or the relevant Trading Venue. The Approved 
Trade Source System is then responsible for ensuring that this data is 
then submitted to LCH SA. To give effect to the CCP information 
requirements of Article 1(2) of RTS 26, LCH SA proposed to amend 
Article 3.1.4.1 of the Rulebook to confirm that the data relating to 
such submission must be made in a format acceptable to, or required by, 
the relevant Approved Trade Source System.\15\
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    \15\ Id.
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ii. Cleared Derivatives Transactions Concluded on a Trading Venue
    Article 3(4) of RTS 26 requires an authorized CCP to accept or 
reject a cleared derivatives transaction concluded on a trading venue 
for clearing within 10 seconds of receipt of the relevant information 
from the trading venue.\16\ Where the authorized CCP determines to 
reject the transaction for clearing, it is required to inform the 
clearing member and the trading venue on a real-time basis.\17\
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    \16\ LCH SA represents that as a CFTC-registered derivatives 
clearing organization, LCH SA is currently subject to this same 
requirement in connection with its CDS Clearing Service. See, 17 CFR 
39.12(b)(7); CFTC Staff Guidance of Straight-Through Processing, 
dated September 26, 2013, available at http://www.cftc.gov/idc/groups/public/@newsroom/documents/file/stpguidance.pdf. Notice, 82 
FR at 57804, n. 9.
    \17\ Notice, 82 FR at 57804.
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    LCH SA noted that it has traditionally imposed a series of controls 
on Intraday Transactions, including the following:
     Eligibility Controls, which verify the completeness of the 
information relating to the Original Transaction and to determine 
whether the Original Transaction meets LCH SA's Eligibility 
Requirements;
     Client Transaction Checks, which verify whether, in 
respect of an Original Transaction that is a Client Transaction, the 
relevant Clearing Member has consented to the registration of the trade 
on behalf of its Client; and
     Notional and Collateral Checks, which verify whether 
accepting the trade for clearing would exceed the relevant Clearing 
Member's Maximum Notional Amount and/or whether the Clearing Member has 
sufficient collateral available to satisfy the margin requirement 
associated with clearing the trade.\18\
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    \18\ Id.
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    LCH SA proposed to amend Section 5.3 of the Procedures to confirm 
that, in accordance with Article 3(4) of RTS 26, the relevant Clearing 
Member(s) are not required to provide their consent to the acceptance 
of a Trading Venue Transaction for clearing.\19\ LCH SA noted that it 
will, however, apply the Notional and Collateral Checks to Trading 
Venue Transactions.\20\ LCH SA also proposed to amend Article 3.1.4.5 
of the Rulebook to make clear that all stages of the intraday clearing 
process must occur within the timeframe required by Applicable Law, 
meaning that LCH SA must perform the Notional and Collateral Checks 
within the 10 second time-frame prescribed by Article 3(4) of RTS 
26.\21\
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    \19\ Id.
    \20\ Id.
    \21\ Id.
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    Finally, LCH SA proposed to amend Article 3.1.5.1 of the Rulebook 
to clarify that notice of a Rejected Transaction will be provided to 
the relevant Trading Venue and/or Approved Trade Source System in 
accordance with Applicable Law.\22\
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    \22\ Id.
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iii. Cleared Derivatives Transactions Concluded Bilaterally
    The Commission understands that Article 4(2) of RTS 26 requires an 
authorized CCP to send information concerning a cleared derivatives 
transaction concluded bilaterally between counterparties it receives 
from such counterparties to the relevant clearing member(s) within 60 
seconds of receipt of such information. Moreover, LCH SA stated that 
Article 4(3) of RTS 26 requires the authorized CCP to accept or reject 
such a bilateral transaction for clearing within 10 seconds of receipt 
of the acceptance or non-acceptance by such clearing member(s), and 
where the authorized CCP determines to reject the transaction for 
clearing it is required to inform the clearing member on a real-time 
basis.\23\
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    \23\ Id.
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    LCH SA proposed to amend Section 5.3 of the Procedures to clarify 
that cleared derivatives transactions concluded bilaterally will be 
subject to the Client Transaction Checks referred to above. In 
particular, LCH SA proposed that, upon successful completion of the 
Eligibility Controls, it will send a Consent Request to the relevant 
Clearing Member(s). Pursuant to Article 3.1.4.5 of the Rulebook, LCH SA 
is required to send each such Consent Request in accordance with the 
timeframe required by Applicable Law (i.e., 60 seconds).\24\
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    \24\ Id.
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    Once LCH SA has delivered a Consent Request, a Clearing Member then 
has a choice regarding how to respond. It may opt for a so-called 
``Automatic Take-Up Process,'' whereby the Clearing Member effectively 
pre-approves specific Clients for automatic acceptance of Consent 
Requests; in such circumstances, the Clearing Member will not be 
required to

[[Page 559]]

respond to the Consent Request.\25\ A Clearing Member may also opt for 
a ``Manual Take-Up Process,'' whereby it must affirmatively respond 
within the time frame required by Applicable Law (i.e., 60 seconds) or 
otherwise by the end of the real-time clearing session on that day, as 
set forth in the amendments proposed by LCH SA.\26\ The proposed 
changes would then require LCH SA to accept or reject the trade, and 
make the relevant notifications, within the timeframe required under 
Applicable Law.\27\
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    \25\ Id.
    \26\ Id.
    \27\ Id.
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    Finally, LCH SA proposed to amend Article 3.1.5.1 of the Rulebook 
to clarify that notice of a Rejected Transaction will be provided to 
the relevant Clearing Member and/or Approved Trade Source System in 
accordance with Applicable Law.\28\
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    \28\ Id.
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iv. Resubmission
    Where the non-acceptance of a cleared derivatives transaction for 
clearing is due to a clerical or technical error, Article 5(3) of RTS 
26 permits the trade to be resubmitted within one hour, provided the 
original counterparties to the trade agree to such resubmission.\29\ 
Accordingly, LCH SA proposed to amend Article 3.1.5.1 of the Rulebook 
to state that a Rejected Transaction may be resubmitted for clearing in 
accordance with Applicable Law.
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    \29\ Id. at 57805.
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v. Treatment of Backloading Transactions
    The Commission understands that STP requirements apply to ``cleared 
derivatives transactions,'' which are defined in Article 29(2) of MiFIR 
to include derivatives that are concluded on an EU-regulated market, 
all OTC derivatives that are subject to an EMIR mandatory clearing 
requirement, and all other derivatives which are agreed by the relevant 
counterparties to be cleared.\30\ LCH SA proposed to amend the Rulebook 
to designate Backloading Transactions as outside of the scope of 
MiFIR's STP requirements. Specifically, Article 3.1.6.3 would be 
amended to provide that LCH SA is entitled to assume that any 
Backloading Transaction submitted for clearing by LCH SA was either 
entered into prior to the effective date of MiFIR (i.e., January 3, 
2018) or is otherwise not subject to an EMIR mandatory clearing 
requirement and that the parties to the Backloading Transaction did not 
agree at the time of execution for the Backloading Transaction to be 
subject to clearing.\31\
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    \30\ Id.
    \31\ Id.
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c. Indirect Clearing Arrangements
i. Indirect Clearing RTS
    The Commission understands that Article 4(3) of EMIR requires that 
indirect clearing arrangements should not increase counterparty risk 
and ensure protections that are of ``equivalent effect'' to the 
protections for client clearing set out in Articles 39 and 48 of 
EMIR.\32\ For these purposes, the term ``indirect clearing 
arrangement'' refers to a set of relationships--also called a 
``chain''--where at least two intermediaries are interposed between an 
end-client and the relevant authorized CCP. The most basic indirect 
clearing chain therefore involves the following four entities: An 
authorized CCP; a clearing member of the authorized CCP; the client of 
the Clearing Member that is itself an intermediary (``Direct Client''); 
and the client of such Direct Client (``Indirect Client''). The 
Commission also understands that longer chains are permitted in certain 
circumstances. \33\
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    \32\ Id.
    \33\ Id.
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    LCH SA noted that the majority of the obligations under the 
Indirect Clearing RTS fall to Clearing Members and Direct Clients, but 
that authorized CCPs must comply with certain new requirements relating 
to account structures, default management, and risk management.\34\ 
Because indirect clearing was a concept introduced in EMIR, LCH SA 
stated that its Rulebook already had a number of features implementing 
the initial set of indirect clearing requirements. LCH SA proposed the 
following conforming amendments to reflect the updated requirements of 
the Indirect Clearing RTS.\35\
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    \34\ LCH SA represented that the indirect clearing arrangements 
for OTC derivatives described herein, in particular, the 
requirements relating to account structures and default management, 
generally will not be applicable to Clearing Members that are FCM 
Clearing Members or U.S. Clearing Members, i.e., BDs. LCH SA further 
represented that, in connection with the CDS Clearing Service, FCM 
Clearing Members will continue to be required to maintain cleared 
swaps customer accounts in accordance with the segregation 
requirements set out in Section 4d(f) of the Commodity Exchange Act 
and Part 22 of the CFTC's rules, 17 CFR 22.1 et seq. Similarly, LCH 
SA explained that a U.S. Clearing Member that is not also an FCM 
Clearing Member will be required to maintain customer security-based 
swap accounts in accordance with 17 CFR 240.15c3-3. See Notice, 82 
FR at 57805.
    \35\ Notice, 82 FR at 57805.
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ii. Indirect Client Account Structures
    An authorized CCP must permit a clearing member to open and 
maintain at least the following two types of accounts for its Direct 
Client(s) that have Indirect Client(s):
     One omnibus segregated account for all Indirect Clients of 
all such Direct Clients (``CCP OSA''); and
     one gross (position and margin) segregated account per 
Direct Client for all Indirect Clients of that Direct Client that 
choose gross segregation (a ``CCP GOSA'').
    Therefore, an authorized CCP is expected to maintain at least: (i) 
One CCP OSA per clearing member; plus (ii) the requisite number of 
Direct Client-specific CCP GOSAs per clearing member.\36\
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    \36\ Id.
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    The principal indirect clearing-related amendment to the Rulebook 
that LCH SA proposed is the introduction of two new account structures 
that are putatively designed to reflect the requirements of the 
Indirect Clearing RTS. Specifically, LCH SA proposed to introduce a new 
CCM Indirect Client Net Segregated Account Structure (i.e., a CCP OSA) 
as well as a new CCM Indirect Client Gross Segregated Account Structure 
(i.e., a CCP GOSA), collectively referred to as CCM Indirect Client 
Segregated Account Structures.\37\
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    \37\ Id.
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    LCH SA also proposed to amend Title V, Chapter 2 of the Rulebook to 
specify the circumstances in which such Account Structures may be 
opened. In particular, Article 5.2.1.3 would be amended to clarify that 
a given CCM Client that provides indirect clearing services to CCM 
Indirect Clients must be allocated to one CCM Indirect Client Net 
Segregated Account Structure but may, upon request, be allocated to one 
CCM Indirect Client Gross Segregated Account Structure.\38\
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    \38\ Id. at 57805-06.
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iii. Default Management
    LCH SA noted that the Indirect Clearing RTS primarily addresses a 
Clearing Member's default management of an insolvent Direct Client and 
therefore does not specifically address an authorized CCP's treatment 
of CCP OSAs and CCP GOSAs in the event of a Clearing Member default. 
Nevertheless, LCH SA stated that it believes that these accounts should 
be held, to the extent possible, in accordance with the requirements of 
EMIR Articles 39 and 48.\39\ As a result, LCH SA proposed the following 
amendments to the Rulebook to address the treatment of CCM Indirect 
Client Segregated Account Structures in the

[[Page 560]]

event of the default of the CCM, the CCM Client and of LCH SA itself:
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    \39\ Id. at 57806.
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CCM Default
     In the event of a CCM default, Clause 4.3 of the CDS 
Default Management Process would be amended to provide that LCH SA will 
attempt, in the first instance, to port the Client Cleared Transactions 
of a CCM Indirect Gross Segregated Account Client to a single Backup 
Clearing Member, provided that certain conditions are met, including 
that the Backup Clearing Member has unconditionally agreed to act as 
Backup Clearing Member and that the instruction is received within the 
prescribed timeframe--referred to as the ``Porting Window''--
established by LCH SA for this purpose. If these conditions are not 
met, LCH SA proposed to liquidate the existing Client Cleared 
Transactions and re-establish them with the Backup Clearing Member. LCH 
SA also proposed, upon instruction, to transfer the associated 
Collateral to the Backup Clearing Member.
     In respect of Client Cleared Transactions in a CCM 
Indirect Client Net Segregated Account Structure (or where porting is 
not achieved in respect of Client Cleared Transactions in a in a CCM 
Indirect Client Gross Segregated Account Structure), LCH SA proposed to 
amend Clause 4.4.3 of the CDS Default Management Process, which 
requires LCH SA to calculate an amount--called the ``CDS Client 
Clearing Entitlement''--equal to: (1) The pro rata share of the 
liquidation of the Non-Ported Cleared Transactions; plus (2) the pro 
rata share of the liquidation value of the Client Assets recorded in 
the relevant Client Collateral Account; minus (3) the pro rata share of 
the costs of any hedging undertaken; minus (4) the pro rata share of 
the costs, expenses and liabilities of LCH SA in implementing the CDS 
Client Default Management Process, in each case where such pro rata 
share is attributable to a given CCM Indirect Client to reference 
Indirect Client Segregated Account Structures.
     Upon a CCM default, LCH SA proposed to amend Article 
4.3.3.1 of the Rulebook to clarify that CCM Indirect Clients belonging 
to a CCM Indirect Client Gross Segregated Account Structure bear no 
fellow-customer risk: Only the value of the Collateral referable to a 
given CCM Indirect Client--called the ``CCM Indirect Client Gross 
Account Balance''--will be available to satisfy any Damages 
attributable to the liquidation of any Non-Ported Cleared Transactions 
referable to such CCM Indirect Client.\40\
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    \40\ Id.
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CCM Client Default
    In the event of the default of a CCM Client that has CCM Indirect 
Clients, LCH SA's normal default management arrangements for CCMs will 
not apply. Instead, LCH SA proposed that the defaulting CCM Client will 
be default managed by the CCM, which will determine whether to 
liquidate the Client Cleared Transactions registered in the relevant 
CCM Indirect Client Segregated Account Structures or to attempt to port 
the Client Cleared Transactions of the CCM Indirect Clients belonging 
to a CCM Indirect Client Gross Segregated Account Structure to a Backup 
Client. LCH SA also proposed amendments that provide that porting may 
occur on a consolidated basis, i.e., where all the CCM Indirect Clients 
appoint a single Backup Client, or on a per-CCM Client Trade Account 
basis, i.e., where a given CCM Indirect Client appoints a single Backup 
Client specific to that CCM Indirect Client. LCH SA proposed to amend 
Article 5.4.1.3 of the Rulebook to provide that LCH SA will make the 
relevant transfers in its records at the instruction of the CCM 
undertaking the default management of its defaulting CCM Client.\41\
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    \41\ Id.
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LCH SA Default
    LCH SA proposed to amend Article 1.3.1.9 of the Rulebook to clarify 
that, following a default by LCH SA, CCMs shall calculate a separate 
CCM Client Termination Amount in respect of each CCM Indirect Client 
Net Segregated Account Structure and each CCM Indirect Client Gross 
Segregated Account Structure it holds with LCH SA.\42\
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    \42\ Id.
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iv. Miscellaneous
    The Commission understands that Article 3(3) of the Indirect 
Clearing RTS requires an authorized CCP to identify, monitor and manage 
any ``material risks'' arising from the provision of indirect clearing 
services that may affect the resilience of the authorized CCP to 
adverse market developments, and Article 2(3) of the Indirect Clearing 
RTS states that an authorized CCP may not ``prevent the conclusion of'' 
indirect clearing arrangements that are entered into on reasonable 
commercial terms.\43\ Based on these requirements, LCH SA proposed to 
amend Article 5.1.3.1 of the Rulebook to clarify that a CCM may permit 
its CCM Clients to offer clearing services to their CCM Indirect 
Clients, provided certain conditions are met. Specifically, the 
proposed amendments would clarify that the contractual terms of the 
indirect clearing arrangements must comply with the relevant 
requirements of EMIR and MiFIR and must further provide for the 
establishment of CCM Indirect Client Segregated Account Structures 
(described in greater detail above), in accordance with the wishes of 
the relevant CCM Indirect Clients.\44\
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    \43\ Id.
    \44\ Id.
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    Furthermore, LCH SA proposed to amend Article 5.2.1.1 of the 
Rulebook to include an express recognition that a given CCM Client may 
be acting in the capacity of clearing its own proprietary transactions 
as well as in the capacity of providing clearing services to its CCM 
Indirect Clients. Finally, LCH SA proposed amendments to Title V, 
Chapter 3 of the Rulebook to provide for non-default transfers of all 
Client Cleared Transactions in a given CCM Indirect Client Segregated 
Account Structure (accompanied by the associated Client Assets upon 
request) or partial transfers of Client Cleared Transactions in a given 
CCM Indirect Client Segregated Account Structure (without the 
associated Client Assets) to the relevant accounts of a Receiving 
Clearing Member.\45\
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    \45\ Id. at 57806-07.
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d. Certain Clarifying Amendments
    LCH SA also proposed certain clarifying revisions to the Rulebook, 
Procedures, and Clearing Notice as described below.
i. Auction Member Representation
    LCH SA proposed amendments to various provisions of the CDS Default 
Management Process (Annex 1 of the Rulebook) to clarify the 
responsibilities between a Non-Defaulting Clearing Member and the 
Auction Member Representative appointed by the Non-Defaulting Clearing 
Member to act in such Clearing Member's place in the competitive 
bidding process as described in Clause 5.4 of the CDS Default 
Management Process.\46\
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    \46\ Id. at 57807.
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ii. Member Uncovered Risk
    LCH SA proposed to replace the definition of ``Member Uncovered 
Risk'' with ``Group Member Uncovered Risk'' to take into account the 
relevant LCH Group Risk Policy, which considers whether Clearing 
Members belong to the same group for purposes of the relevant

[[Page 561]]

risk calculations, including calculation of margin and Default Fund 
requirements. The proposed revisions are set out in Section 4.4.1.2 and 
Section 4.4.1.8 of the Rulebook and Sections 2.12, 2.16, and 6.4 of the 
Procedures.\47\
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    \47\ Id.
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iii. Calculation of Contributed Prices
    LCH SA proposed amendments to Section 5.18.2 of the Procedures to 
reflect changes made to the methodology with regard to the application 
of the bid-ask restraint in the calculation of contributed prices. In 
addition, LCH SA proposed to remove the references to a particular time 
in the Rulebook regarding the price contribution process. Consequently, 
the definition of ``End of Day'' would be removed from the Rulebook. 
LCH SA proposed to amend Article 4.2.7.7 of the Rulebook and Section 
5.18.5 (b) and (d) of Procedure 5 accordingly.\48\
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    \48\ Id.
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iv. New Approved Trade Source System
    LCH SA proposed to amend Clearing Notice no. 2017/064 regarding the 
Approved Trade Source Systems to add a new Approved Trade Source 
System, Bloomberg Trade Facility Ltd.\49\
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    \49\ Id.
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III. Commission's Findings and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of 
the Proposed Rule Change

    Section 19(b)(2)(C) of the Act directs the Commission to approve a 
proposed rule change of a self-regulatory organization if it finds that 
such proposed rule change is consistent with the requirements of the 
Act and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to such 
organization.\50\ Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act requires, among other 
things, that the rules of a clearing agency be designed to promote the 
prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of securities transactions 
and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest.\51\ Rule 
17Ad-22(e)(1) requires that each covered clearing agency establish, 
implement, maintain and enforce written policies and procedures 
reasonably designed to provide for a well-founded, clear, transparent, 
and enforceable legal basis for each aspect of its activities in all 
relevant jurisdictions.\52\ Rule 17Ad-22(e)(4) requires, in relevant 
part, that each covered clearing agency establish, implement, maintain 
and enforce written policies and procedures reasonably designed to 
effectively identify, measure, monitor, and manage its credit exposures 
to participants.\53\ Rule 17Ad-22(e)(6) requires, in relevant part, a 
covered clearing agency that provides central counterparty services to 
establish, implement, maintain and enforce written policies and 
procedures reasonably designed to cover its credit exposures to its 
participants by establishing a risk-based margin system that, at a 
minimum, considers, and produces margin levels commensurate with, the 
risks and particular attributes of each relevant product, portfolio, 
and market.\54\ For the reasons discussed below, the Commission finds 
that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 17A of the Act 
and Rule 17Ad-22(e) thereunder.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \50\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(C).
    \51\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(F).
    \52\ 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(e)(1).
    \53\ 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(e)(4).
    \54\ 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(e)(6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

a. Straight-Through Processing

    The Commission understands that MiFIR and RTS 26 require LCH SA to 
implement the provisions described above regarding STP. By so amending 
its Rulebook and Clearing Procedures, LCH SA indicated that it will be 
able to better ensure that transactions are submitted, accepted, and 
cleared without undue delay. As a result, the Commission finds that the 
proposed rule change regarding STP promotes the prompt and accurate 
clearance and settlement of securities transactions consistent with the 
requirements of Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act.\55\ Moreover, the 
Commission further finds the proposed rule change protects investors 
and the public interest, consistent with Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the 
Act \56\ because the expeditious processing of transactions in cleared 
derivatives reduces the possibility of those transactions being 
disrupted by intervening events, such as a technological breakdown or a 
reduction in the financial condition of one of the counterparties.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \55\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(F).
    \56\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, because these amendments will maintain the consistency 
of LCH SA's Rulebook and Procedures with MiFIR and RTS 26, the 
Commission finds the provisions with regard to STP will help ensure 
that LCH SA's policies and procedures provide for a well-founded, 
clear, transparent, and enforceable legal basis for each aspect of its 
activities in all relevant jurisdictions, consistent with Rule 17Ad-
22(e)(1).

b. Indirect Clearing

    The Commission similarly finds that the portions of the proposed 
rule change that seek to implement MiFIR and the Indirect Clearing RTS 
are consistent with Rule 17Ad-22(e)(1). As noted above, the Commission 
understands that MiFIR and the Indirect Clearing RTS require LCH SA to 
implement provisions regarding indirect clearing, which include 
establishing two types of indirect clearing accounts and establishing 
the process for handling the assets of indirect clearing clients in the 
event of the default of the CCM, the CCM Client, or LCH SA. 
Furthermore, as noted above, LCH SA has clarified the changes relating 
to indirect client clearing will not be applicable to LCH SA's FCM 
Clearing Members or its U.S. Clearing Members, i.e. broker-dealers 
registered with the Commission. LCH SA has explained that FCM Clearing 
Members ``will continue to be required to maintain cleared swaps 
customer accounts in accordance with the segregation requirements set 
out in Section 4d(f) of the Commodity Exchange Act and Part 22 of the 
CFTC's rules, 17 CFR 22.1 et seq.'' \57\ Similarly, LCH SA explained 
that a U.S. Clearing Member that is not also an FCM Clearing Member 
will be required to maintain customer security-based swap accounts in 
accordance with Commission Rule 15c3-3.\58\ The Commission relies on 
these particular representations and explanations by LCH SA, and notes 
that it does not expect LCH SA to create CCP OSAs or CCP GOSAs for its 
FCM Clearing Members or U.S. Clearing Members. Instead, accounts for 
LCH SA's FCM Clearing Members or U.S. Clearing Members will be subject 
to the applicable provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act and the 
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and/or the Act and the 
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \57\ See supra note 34.
    \58\ 17 CFR 240.15c-3-3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission further understands that the proposed amendments to 
LCH SA's Rulebook and Procedures will bring LCH SA into compliance with 
the indirect clearing requirements of MiFIR and the related Indirect 
Clearing RTS while at the same time leaving unmodified the account 
structure used for LCH SA's FCM Clearing Members and its U.S. Clearing 
Members. Therefore, the Commission finds the provisions with regard to 
STP will help ensure that LCH SA's policies and procedures provide for 
a well-founded, clear, transparent, and enforceable legal basis for 
each aspect of its activities in

[[Page 562]]

all relevant jurisdictions, consistent with Rule 17Ad-22(e)(1).\59\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \59\ 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(e)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

c. Other Provisions

    With respect to the proposed rule change replacing the definition 
of ``Member Uncovered Risk'' with ``Group Member Uncovered Risk,'' the 
Commission believes the proposed changes will improve LCH SA's ability 
to identify and measure the risks associated with clearing processes by 
taking into account the relevant LCH Group Risk Policy and considering 
whether Clearing Members belong to the same group for purposes of the 
relevant risk calculations As a result, the Commission believes that 
LCH SA will be better situated to collect the level of resources 
commensurate with the risks associated with affiliated Clearing Members 
and will thereby be able to more appropriately cover its credit 
exposures to its participants. Therefore, the Commission finds that the 
proposed rule change regarding the definition of Group Member Uncovered 
Risk will further the protection of investors and the public interest, 
consistent with Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act.\60\ For the same 
reasons, the Commission also finds that the proposed rule change 
regarding the definition of Group Member Uncovered Risk is consistent 
with the applicable requirements of Rules 17Ad-22(e)(4) and (e)(6).\61\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \60\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(F).
    \61\ 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(e)(4) and (6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed rule change also revises LCH SA's CDS Default 
Management Process to clarify the responsibilities between a Non-
Defaulting Clearing Member and the Auction Member Representative 
appointed by the Non-Defaulting Clearing Member to act in such Clearing 
Member's place in the competitive bidding process. In doing so, the 
Commission finds the proposed rule change facilitates LCH SA's CDS 
Default Management Process, thereby enabling LCH SA to limit its 
exposures to potential losses from defaults by its participants and the 
exposures of non-defaulting participants to losses that they cannot 
anticipate or control. As a result, the Commission finds that the 
proposed rule change regarding the responsibilities between a Non-
Defaulting Clearing Member and the Auction Member Representative 
appointed by the Non-Defaulting Clearing Member further the protection 
of investors and the public interest consistent with Section 
17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act.\62\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \62\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(F).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In its filing, LCH SA requested that the Commission grant 
accelerated approval of the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 
19(b)(2)(C)(iii) of the Exchange Act.\63\ Under Section 
19(b)(2)(C)(iii) of the Act,\64\ the Commission may grant accelerated 
approval of a proposed rule change if the Commission finds good cause 
for doing so. LCH SA believes that accelerated approval is warranted 
because the proposed rule change is required as of January 3, 2018 in 
order to comply with the requirements of MiFIR.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \63\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(C)(iii).
    \64\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission finds good cause, pursuant to Section 
19(b)(2)(C)(iii) of the Act,\65\ for approving the proposed rule change 
on an accelerated basis, prior to the 30th day after the date of 
publication of notice in the Federal Register, because the proposed 
rule change is required as of January 3, 2018 in order to facilitate 
LCH SA's efforts to comply with MiFIR, RTS 26, and the Indirect 
Clearing RTS. Additionally, the Commission notes that the proposed 
changes regarding indirect clearing do not apply to U.S. customers, and 
that LCH SA has represented that amending its Rulebook and Procedures 
to comply with requirements regarding indirect clearing do not impede 
compliance with relevant U.S. law, including Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of 
the Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \65\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

IV. Conclusion

    On the basis of the foregoing, the Commission finds that the 
proposal is consistent with the requirements of the Act and in 
particular with the requirements of Section 17A of the Act \66\ and the 
rules and regulations thereunder.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \66\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    It is therefore ordered pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act 
\67\ that the proposed rule change (SR-LCH SA-2017-010) be, and hereby 
is, approved on an accelerated basis.\68\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \67\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
    \68\ In approving the proposed rule change, the Commission 
considered the proposal's impact on efficiency, competition, and 
capital formation. 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\69\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \69\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert W. Errett,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2017-28492 Filed 1-3-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P



                                                                                Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 3 / Thursday, January 4, 2018 / Notices                                                        557

                                               Electronic Comments                                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE                                which the Commission understands
                                                                                                         COMMISSION                                             requires authorized CCPs to establish
                                                  • Use the Commission’s internet                                                                               effective systems, procedures and
                                               comment form (http://www.sec.gov/                         [Release No. 34–82421; File No. SR–LCH
                                                                                                         SA–2017–010]
                                                                                                                                                                arrangements to ensure that cleared
                                               rules/sro.shtml); or                                                                                             derivatives transactions are submitted
                                                  • Send an email to rule-comments@                      Self-Regulatory Organizations; LCH                     and accepted for clearing on a straight-
                                               sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–                   SA; Order Granting Accelerated                         through processing (‘‘STP’’) basis,7 and
                                               CboeEDGX–2017–008 on the subject                          Approval of a Proposed Rule Change                     Article 30 of MiFIR, which the
                                               line.                                                     Relating to the Implementation of the                  Commission understands requires
                                                                                                         Markets in Financial Instruments                       authorized CCPs to establish indirect
                                               Paper Comments                                            Regulation                                             clearing arrangements with respect to
                                                                                                                                                                exchange-traded derivatives (‘‘ETDs’’)
                                                 • Send paper comments in triplicate                     December 29, 2017.                                     that are of ‘‘equivalent effect’’ to the
                                               to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Securities
                                                                                                         I. Introduction                                        corresponding requirements under
                                               and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street
                                                                                                                                                                EMIR.8
                                               NE, Washington, DC 20549–1090.                               On November 21, 2017, Banque
                                                                                                                                                                   In addition, the Commission
                                                                                                         Centrale de Compensation, which
                                               All submissions should refer to File                                                                             understands that the European
                                                                                                         conducts business under the name LCH
                                               Number SR–CboeEDGX–2017–008. This                                                                                Commission has adopted regulatory
                                                                                                         SA (‘‘LCH SA’’), filed with the
                                               file number should be included on the                                                                            technical standards to set more specific
                                                                                                         Securities and Exchange Commission
                                               subject line if email is used. To help the                                                                       requirements that authorized CCPs must
                                                                                                         (‘‘SEC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’), pursuant to
                                               Commission process and review your                                                                               meet in order to comply with MiFIR.
                                                                                                         Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities
                                               comments more efficiently, please use                                                                            The regulatory technical standards for
                                                                                                         Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’),1 and
                                               only one method. The Commission will                                                                             straight-through processing (‘‘RTS 26’’)
                                                                                                         Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 a proposed rule
                                               post all comments on the Commission’s                                                                            were adopted in 2016.9 More recently,
                                                                                                         change to make conforming and
                                               internet website (http://www.sec.gov/                                                                            the European Commission adopted
                                                                                                         clarifying changes necessary to
                                               rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the                                                                                  regulatory technical standards, which
                                                                                                         implement certain provisions of the
                                               submission, all subsequent                                                                                       align the indirect clearing requirements
                                                                                                         European Union’s Markets in Financial
                                               amendments, all written statements                                                                               under EMIR and MiFIR (‘‘Indirect
                                                                                                         Instruments Regulation (‘‘MiFIR’’).3 The
                                                                                                                                                                Clearing RTS’’).10 MiFIR takes effect
                                               with respect to the proposed rule                         proposed rule change was published for
                                                                                                                                                                January 3, 2018 and it is expected that
                                               change that are filed with the                            comment in the Federal Register on
                                                                                                                                                                the Indirect Clearing RTS will also take
                                               Commission, and all written                               December 7, 2017.4 The Commission
                                                                                                                                                                effect on the same date.
                                               communications relating to the                            received no comment letters regarding
                                               proposed rule change between the                          the proposed rule change. For the                      b. Straight-Through Processing
                                               Commission and any person, other than                     reasons discussed below, the                             The Commission understands that
                                               those that may be withheld from the                       Commission is approving the proposed                   RTS 26 establishes the specific
                                               public in accordance with the                             rule change on an accelerated basis.                   requirements with which authorized
                                               provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be                       II. Description of the Proposed Rule                   CCPs, trading venues,11 and clearing
                                               available for website viewing and                         Change
                                               printing in the Commission’s Public                                                                                 7 In this context, the Commission understands

                                               Reference Room, 100 F Street NE,                          a. Overview                                            STP to mean that an authorized CCP must have
                                                                                                                                                                systems, procedures, and arrangements in place to
                                               Washington, DC 20549, on official                            The principal purpose of this                       ensure derivatives are cleared as quickly as
                                               business days between the hours of                        proposed rule change is to amend LCH                   technologically practicable using automated
                                               10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the                    SA’s CDS Clearing Rulebook (the                        systems. Notice, 82 FR at 57804. The Commission
                                               filing also will be available for                         ‘‘Rulebook’’) and CDS Clearing                         understands that RTS 26 provides detailed
                                                                                                                                                                additional requirements regarding the transfer of
                                               inspection and copying at the principal                   Procedures (the ‘‘Procedures’’) to                     information and related authorized CCP rulebook
                                               office of the Exchange. All comments                      implement provisions of MiFIR that are                 requirements, as well as timelines for the transfer
                                               received will be posted without change.                   applicable to central counterparties                   of information, among other things. See id. at 57803
                                               Persons submitting comments are                           (‘‘CCPs’’) authorized under the                        & n.5 (citing RTS 26).
                                                                                                                                                                   8 Notice, 82 FR at 57803.
                                               cautioned that we do not redact or edit                   European Markets Infrastructure
                                                                                                                                                                   9 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/
                                               personal identifying information from                     Regulation (‘‘EMIR’’) 5 (each such CCP,                582 of 29.6.2016 supplementing Regulation (EU) No
                                               comment submissions. You should                           an ‘‘authorized CCP’’).6 In particular,                600/2014 of the European Parliament and of the
                                               submit only information that you wish                     the proposed rule changes are intended                 Council with regard to regulatory technical
                                                                                                         to implement Article 29 of MiFIR,                      standards specifying the obligation to clear
                                               to make available publicly. All                                                                                  derivatives traded on regulated markets and timing
                                               submissions should refer to File                                                                                 of acceptance for clearing.
                                                                                                           1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
                                               Number SR–CboeEDGX–2017–008 and                             2 17
                                                                                                                                                                   10 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) of
                                                                                                                CFR 240.19b–4.                                  22.9.2017 amending Commission Delegated
                                               should be submitted on or before                            3 Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 of the European
                                                                                                                                                                Regulation (EU) No 149/2013 with regard to
                                               January 25, 2018.                                         Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on        regulatory technical standards on indirect clearing
                                                                                                         markets in financial instruments and amending          arrangements. A separate, but identical, set of RTS
                                                 For the Commission, by the Division of                  Regulation (EU) No 648/2012.                           apply to indirect clearing of exchange-traded
                                               Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated                  4 Securities Exchange Act Release No. 34–82194
                                                                                                                                                                derivatives. See, Commission Delegated Regulation
                                               authority.22
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                                                                                                         (December 1, 2017), 82 FR 57803 (December 7,           (EU) of 22.9.2017 supplementing Regulation (EU)
                                               Robert W. Errett,                                         2017) (SR–LCH–2017–010) (‘‘Notice’’).                  No 600/2014 with regard to regulatory technical
                                                                                                           5 Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European        standards on indirect clearing arrangements.
                                               Deputy Secretary.                                         Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on           11 The Commission understands that the term

                                               [FR Doc. 2017–28495 Filed 1–3–18; 8:45 am]                OTC derivatives, central counterparties and trade      ‘‘trading venue,’’ as used in RTS 26, refers to EU-
                                                                                                         reporting.                                             based venues only (i.e., regulated markets,
                                               BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
                                                                                                           6 Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein     multilateral trading facilities and organized trading
                                                                                                         have the meanings ascribed to them in the              facilities). LCH SA therefore represents that third-
                                                 22 17   CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).                            Rulebook.                                                                                          Continued




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                                               558                             Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 3 / Thursday, January 4, 2018 / Notices

                                               members 12 must comply in order to                        responsible for ensuring that this data is            Trading Venue Transactions.20 LCH SA
                                               ensure that transactions in cleared                       then submitted to LCH SA. To give                     also proposed to amend Article 3.1.4.5
                                               derivatives are submitted and accepted                    effect to the CCP information                         of the Rulebook to make clear that all
                                               for clearing ‘‘as soon as technologically                 requirements of Article 1(2) of RTS 26,               stages of the intraday clearing process
                                               practicable using automated systems,’’                    LCH SA proposed to amend Article                      must occur within the timeframe
                                               as required by Article 29(2) of MiFIR.                    3.1.4.1 of the Rulebook to confirm that               required by Applicable Law, meaning
                                               LCH SA stated that it must comply with                    the data relating to such submission                  that LCH SA must perform the Notional
                                               the RTS 26 requirements applicable to                     must be made in a format acceptable to,               and Collateral Checks within the 10
                                               authorized CCPs.13 These requirements                     or required by, the relevant Approved                 second time-frame prescribed by Article
                                               can be conceptually divided as: (i) A                     Trade Source System.15                                3(4) of RTS 26.21
                                               CCP’s information requirements; (ii)                                                                              Finally, LCH SA proposed to amend
                                                                                                         ii. Cleared Derivatives Transactions
                                               cleared derivatives transactions                                                                                Article 3.1.5.1 of the Rulebook to clarify
                                                                                                         Concluded on a Trading Venue
                                               concluded on a trading venue; (iii)                                                                             that notice of a Rejected Transaction
                                               cleared derivatives transactions                             Article 3(4) of RTS 26 requires an                 will be provided to the relevant Trading
                                               concluded bilaterally; (iv) resubmission                  authorized CCP to accept or reject a                  Venue and/or Approved Trade Source
                                               of cleared derivatives transactions in the                cleared derivatives transaction                       System in accordance with Applicable
                                               event of clerical error or technical                      concluded on a trading venue for                      Law.22
                                               problems; and (v) backloading                             clearing within 10 seconds of receipt of
                                               transactions.                                             the relevant information from the                     iii. Cleared Derivatives Transactions
                                                                                                         trading venue.16 Where the authorized                 Concluded Bilaterally
                                               i. CCP Information Requirements                           CCP determines to reject the transaction                 The Commission understands that
                                                  Article 1(2) of RTS 26 requires an                     for clearing, it is required to inform the            Article 4(2) of RTS 26 requires an
                                               authorized CCP to detail in its rules the                 clearing member and the trading venue                 authorized CCP to send information
                                               information it needs from trading                         on a real-time basis.17                               concerning a cleared derivatives
                                               venues and counterparties to clear                           LCH SA noted that it has traditionally             transaction concluded bilaterally
                                               derivatives transactions, and the format                  imposed a series of controls on Intraday              between counterparties it receives from
                                               such information must take, in order for                  Transactions, including the following:                such counterparties to the relevant
                                               the authorized CCP to accept that                            • Eligibility Controls, which verify               clearing member(s) within 60 seconds of
                                               transaction for clearing.14                               the completeness of the information                   receipt of such information. Moreover,
                                                  The Commission understands that the                    relating to the Original Transaction and              LCH SA stated that Article 4(3) of RTS
                                               Rulebook currently provides that all                      to determine whether the Original                     26 requires the authorized CCP to accept
                                               clearing members must be participants                     Transaction meets LCH SA’s Eligibility                or reject such a bilateral transaction for
                                               of at least one Approved Trade Source                     Requirements;                                         clearing within 10 seconds of receipt of
                                               System, i.e., a middleware provider,                         • Client Transaction Checks, which                 the acceptance or non-acceptance by
                                               which receives Original Transaction                       verify whether, in respect of an Original             such clearing member(s), and where the
                                               Data relating to Intraday Transactions                    Transaction that is a Client Transaction,             authorized CCP determines to reject the
                                               from the relevant Clearing Members or                     the relevant Clearing Member has                      transaction for clearing it is required to
                                               the relevant Trading Venue. The                           consented to the registration of the trade            inform the clearing member on a real-
                                               Approved Trade Source System is then                      on behalf of its Client; and                          time basis.23
                                                                                                            • Notional and Collateral Checks,                     LCH SA proposed to amend Section
                                               country venues (e.g., U.S. swap execution facilities,     which verify whether accepting the                    5.3 of the Procedures to clarify that
                                               security-based swap execution facilities, designated      trade for clearing would exceed the
                                               contract markets and national securities exchanges)                                                             cleared derivatives transactions
                                               are not required to comply with the RTS 26                relevant Clearing Member’s Maximum                    concluded bilaterally will be subject to
                                               provisions applicable to trading venues.                  Notional Amount and/or whether the                    the Client Transaction Checks referred
                                               Notwithstanding this definition, LCH SA explains          Clearing Member has sufficient                        to above. In particular, LCH SA
                                               that it proposes to apply the STP amendments              collateral available to satisfy the margin
                                               described herein with respect to all derivatives                                                                proposed that, upon successful
                                               transactions concluded on swap execution facilities       requirement associated with clearing the              completion of the Eligibility Controls, it
                                               and designated contract markets registered with the       trade.18                                              will send a Consent Request to the
                                               U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission                    LCH SA proposed to amend Section
                                               (‘‘CFTC’’) and the definition of the term ‘‘Trading                                                             relevant Clearing Member(s). Pursuant
                                                                                                         5.3 of the Procedures to confirm that, in
                                               Venue’’ in the Rulebook has been amended                                                                        to Article 3.1.4.5 of the Rulebook, LCH
                                               accordingly (See Section 1.1.1 of the Rulebook).          accordance with Article 3(4) of RTS 26,
                                                                                                                                                               SA is required to send each such
                                               Notice, 82 FR at 57803, n. 7.                             the relevant Clearing Member(s) are not
                                                                                                                                                               Consent Request in accordance with the
                                                  12 The Commission understands that the term
                                                                                                         required to provide their consent to the
                                               ‘‘clearing member’’ is not defined in RTS 26.                                                                   timeframe required by Applicable Law
                                                                                                         acceptance of a Trading Venue
                                               However, Article 29 of MiFIR refers to ‘‘investment                                                             (i.e., 60 seconds).24
                                               firms which act as clearing members in accordance         Transaction for clearing.19 LCH SA                       Once LCH SA has delivered a Consent
                                               with’’ EMIR. LCH SA represents that the term              noted that it will, however, apply the                Request, a Clearing Member then has a
                                               ‘‘investment firm’’ refers only to those EU firms         Notional and Collateral Checks to                     choice regarding how to respond. It may
                                               which are required to be authorized under the
                                               revised Markets in Financial Instruments Directive          15 Id.
                                                                                                                                                               opt for a so-called ‘‘Automatic Take-Up
                                               (‘‘MiFID II’’) and, therefore, third-country firms that
                                                                                                           16 LCH SA represents that as a CFTC-registered
                                                                                                                                                               Process,’’ whereby the Clearing Member
                                               are clearing members of authorized CCPs (e.g., SEC-                                                             effectively pre-approves specific Clients
                                               registered broker dealers (‘‘BDs’’) and futures           derivatives clearing organization, LCH SA is
                                               commission merchants (‘‘FCM’’) registered with the        currently subject to this same requirement in         for automatic acceptance of Consent
                                                                                                         connection with its CDS Clearing Service. See, 17
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                                               CFTC) are not required to comply with the RTS 26                                                                Requests; in such circumstances, the
                                               provisions applicable to clearing members. In any         CFR 39.12(b)(7); CFTC Staff Guidance of Straight-
                                                                                                         Through Processing, dated September 26, 2013,
                                                                                                                                                               Clearing Member will not be required to
                                               event, LCH SA proposes to apply the STP
                                               requirements discussed herein to all derivatives          available at http://www.cftc.gov/idc/groups/public/
                                                                                                                                                                 20 Id.
                                               transactions submitted for clearing by any Clearing       @newsroom/documents/file/stpguidance.pdf.
                                               Member, including a Clearing Member that is a BD          Notice, 82 FR at 57804, n. 9.                           21 Id.

                                               or FCM. Notice, 82 FR at 57804, n. 8.                       17 Notice, 82 FR at 57804.                            22 Id.

                                                  13 Notice, 82 FR at 57803–04.                            18 Id.                                                23 Id.
                                                  14 Id. at 57804.                                         19 Id.                                                24 Id.




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                                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 3 / Thursday, January 4, 2018 / Notices                                               559

                                               respond to the Consent Request.25 A                           at the time of execution for the                       at least the following two types of
                                               Clearing Member may also opt for a                            Backloading Transaction to be subject to               accounts for its Direct Client(s) that
                                               ‘‘Manual Take-Up Process,’’ whereby it                        clearing.31                                            have Indirect Client(s):
                                               must affirmatively respond within the
                                                                                                             c. Indirect Clearing Arrangements                         • One omnibus segregated account for
                                               time frame required by Applicable Law                                                                                all Indirect Clients of all such Direct
                                               (i.e., 60 seconds) or otherwise by the                        i. Indirect Clearing RTS                               Clients (‘‘CCP OSA’’); and
                                               end of the real-time clearing session on                         The Commission understands that                        • one gross (position and margin)
                                               that day, as set forth in the amendments                      Article 4(3) of EMIR requires that                     segregated account per Direct Client for
                                               proposed by LCH SA.26 The proposed                            indirect clearing arrangements should                  all Indirect Clients of that Direct Client
                                               changes would then require LCH SA to                          not increase counterparty risk and                     that choose gross segregation (a ‘‘CCP
                                               accept or reject the trade, and make the                      ensure protections that are of                         GOSA’’).
                                               relevant notifications, within the                            ‘‘equivalent effect’’ to the protections for              Therefore, an authorized CCP is
                                               timeframe required under Applicable                           client clearing set out in Articles 39 and             expected to maintain at least: (i) One
                                               Law.27                                                        48 of EMIR.32 For these purposes, the                  CCP OSA per clearing member; plus (ii)
                                                  Finally, LCH SA proposed to amend                          term ‘‘indirect clearing arrangement’’                 the requisite number of Direct Client-
                                               Article 3.1.5.1 of the Rulebook to clarify                    refers to a set of relationships—also                  specific CCP GOSAs per clearing
                                               that notice of a Rejected Transaction                         called a ‘‘chain’’—where at least two                  member.36
                                               will be provided to the relevant Clearing                     intermediaries are interposed between                     The principal indirect clearing-related
                                               Member and/or Approved Trade Source                           an end-client and the relevant                         amendment to the Rulebook that LCH
                                               System in accordance with Applicable                          authorized CCP. The most basic indirect                SA proposed is the introduction of two
                                               Law.28                                                        clearing chain therefore involves the                  new account structures that are
                                                                                                             following four entities: An authorized                 putatively designed to reflect the
                                               iv. Resubmission
                                                                                                             CCP; a clearing member of the                          requirements of the Indirect Clearing
                                                  Where the non-acceptance of a                              authorized CCP; the client of the                      RTS. Specifically, LCH SA proposed to
                                               cleared derivatives transaction for                           Clearing Member that is itself an                      introduce a new CCM Indirect Client
                                               clearing is due to a clerical or technical                    intermediary (‘‘Direct Client’’); and the              Net Segregated Account Structure (i.e.,
                                               error, Article 5(3) of RTS 26 permits the                     client of such Direct Client (‘‘Indirect               a CCP OSA) as well as a new CCM
                                               trade to be resubmitted within one hour,                      Client’’). The Commission also                         Indirect Client Gross Segregated
                                               provided the original counterparties to                       understands that longer chains are                     Account Structure (i.e., a CCP GOSA),
                                               the trade agree to such resubmission.29                       permitted in certain circumstances. 33                 collectively referred to as CCM Indirect
                                               Accordingly, LCH SA proposed to                                  LCH SA noted that the majority of the
                                                                                                                                                                    Client Segregated Account Structures.37
                                               amend Article 3.1.5.1 of the Rulebook to                      obligations under the Indirect Clearing
                                                                                                             RTS fall to Clearing Members and Direct                   LCH SA also proposed to amend Title
                                               state that a Rejected Transaction may be
                                                                                                             Clients, but that authorized CCPs must                 V, Chapter 2 of the Rulebook to specify
                                               resubmitted for clearing in accordance
                                                                                                             comply with certain new requirements                   the circumstances in which such
                                               with Applicable Law.
                                                                                                             relating to account structures, default                Account Structures may be opened. In
                                               v. Treatment of Backloading                                   management, and risk management.34                     particular, Article 5.2.1.3 would be
                                               Transactions                                                  Because indirect clearing was a concept                amended to clarify that a given CCM
                                                  The Commission understands that                            introduced in EMIR, LCH SA stated that                 Client that provides indirect clearing
                                               STP requirements apply to ‘‘cleared                           its Rulebook already had a number of                   services to CCM Indirect Clients must be
                                               derivatives transactions,’’ which are                         features implementing the initial set of               allocated to one CCM Indirect Client Net
                                               defined in Article 29(2) of MiFIR to                          indirect clearing requirements. LCH SA                 Segregated Account Structure but may,
                                               include derivatives that are concluded                        proposed the following conforming                      upon request, be allocated to one CCM
                                               on an EU-regulated market, all OTC                            amendments to reflect the updated                      Indirect Client Gross Segregated
                                               derivatives that are subject to an EMIR                       requirements of the Indirect Clearing                  Account Structure.38
                                               mandatory clearing requirement, and all                       RTS.35                                                 iii. Default Management
                                               other derivatives which are agreed by                         ii. Indirect Client Account Structures
                                               the relevant counterparties to be                                                                                      LCH SA noted that the Indirect
                                               cleared.30 LCH SA proposed to amend                              An authorized CCP must permit a                     Clearing RTS primarily addresses a
                                               the Rulebook to designate Backloading                         clearing member to open and maintain                   Clearing Member’s default management
                                               Transactions as outside of the scope of                                                                              of an insolvent Direct Client and
                                               MiFIR’s STP requirements. Specifically,
                                                                                                               31 Id.                                               therefore does not specifically address
                                               Article 3.1.6.3 would be amended to
                                                                                                               32 Id.
                                                                                                                                                                    an authorized CCP’s treatment of CCP
                                                                                                               33 Id.
                                               provide that LCH SA is entitled to                                                                                   OSAs and CCP GOSAs in the event of
                                                                                                                34 LCH SA represented that the indirect clearing

                                               assume that any Backloading                                   arrangements for OTC derivatives described herein,
                                                                                                                                                                    a Clearing Member default.
                                               Transaction submitted for clearing by                         in particular, the requirements relating to account    Nevertheless, LCH SA stated that it
                                               LCH SA was either entered into prior to                       structures and default management, generally will      believes that these accounts should be
                                                                                                             not be applicable to Clearing Members that are FCM     held, to the extent possible, in
                                               the effective date of MiFIR (i.e., January                    Clearing Members or U.S. Clearing Members, i.e.,
                                               3, 2018) or is otherwise not subject to                       BDs. LCH SA further represented that, in               accordance with the requirements of
                                               an EMIR mandatory clearing                                    connection with the CDS Clearing Service, FCM          EMIR Articles 39 and 48.39 As a result,
                                               requirement and that the parties to the
                                                                                                             Clearing Members will continue to be required to       LCH SA proposed the following
                                                                                                             maintain cleared swaps customer accounts in            amendments to the Rulebook to address
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                                               Backloading Transaction did not agree                         accordance with the segregation requirements set
                                                                                                             out in Section 4d(f) of the Commodity Exchange Act     the treatment of CCM Indirect Client
                                                 25 Id.                                                      and Part 22 of the CFTC’s rules, 17 CFR 22.1 et seq.   Segregated Account Structures in the
                                                 26 Id.                                                      Similarly, LCH SA explained that a U.S. Clearing
                                                 27 Id.
                                                                                                             Member that is not also an FCM Clearing Member           36 Id.
                                                                                                             will be required to maintain customer security-
                                                 28 Id.                                                                                                               37 Id.
                                                                                                             based swap accounts in accordance with 17 CFR
                                                 29 Id.   at 57805.                                          240.15c3–3. See Notice, 82 FR at 57805.                  38 Id.   at 57805–06.
                                                 30 Id.                                                         35 Notice, 82 FR at 57805.                            39 Id.   at 57806.



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                                               560                           Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 3 / Thursday, January 4, 2018 / Notices

                                               event of the default of the CCM, the                    Transactions referable to such CCM                     Rulebook to clarify that a CCM may
                                               CCM Client and of LCH SA itself:                        Indirect Client.40                                     permit its CCM Clients to offer clearing
                                                                                                                                                              services to their CCM Indirect Clients,
                                               CCM Default                                             CCM Client Default
                                                                                                                                                              provided certain conditions are met.
                                                                                                          In the event of the default of a CCM                Specifically, the proposed amendments
                                                  • In the event of a CCM default,
                                                                                                       Client that has CCM Indirect Clients,                  would clarify that the contractual terms
                                               Clause 4.3 of the CDS Default
                                                                                                       LCH SA’s normal default management                     of the indirect clearing arrangements
                                               Management Process would be amended
                                                                                                       arrangements for CCMs will not apply.                  must comply with the relevant
                                               to provide that LCH SA will attempt, in
                                                                                                       Instead, LCH SA proposed that the                      requirements of EMIR and MiFIR and
                                               the first instance, to port the Client
                                                                                                       defaulting CCM Client will be default                  must further provide for the
                                               Cleared Transactions of a CCM Indirect                  managed by the CCM, which will
                                               Gross Segregated Account Client to a                                                                           establishment of CCM Indirect Client
                                                                                                       determine whether to liquidate the                     Segregated Account Structures
                                               single Backup Clearing Member,                          Client Cleared Transactions registered                 (described in greater detail above), in
                                               provided that certain conditions are                    in the relevant CCM Indirect Client                    accordance with the wishes of the
                                               met, including that the Backup Clearing                 Segregated Account Structures or to                    relevant CCM Indirect Clients.44
                                               Member has unconditionally agreed to                    attempt to port the Client Cleared                        Furthermore, LCH SA proposed to
                                               act as Backup Clearing Member and that                  Transactions of the CCM Indirect                       amend Article 5.2.1.1 of the Rulebook to
                                               the instruction is received within the                  Clients belonging to a CCM Indirect                    include an express recognition that a
                                               prescribed timeframe—referred to as the                 Client Gross Segregated Account                        given CCM Client may be acting in the
                                               ‘‘Porting Window’’—established by LCH                   Structure to a Backup Client. LCH SA                   capacity of clearing its own proprietary
                                               SA for this purpose. If these conditions                also proposed amendments that provide                  transactions as well as in the capacity of
                                               are not met, LCH SA proposed to                         that porting may occur on a                            providing clearing services to its CCM
                                               liquidate the existing Client Cleared                   consolidated basis, i.e., where all the                Indirect Clients. Finally, LCH SA
                                               Transactions and re-establish them with                 CCM Indirect Clients appoint a single                  proposed amendments to Title V,
                                               the Backup Clearing Member. LCH SA                      Backup Client, or on a per-CCM Client                  Chapter 3 of the Rulebook to provide for
                                               also proposed, upon instruction, to                     Trade Account basis, i.e., where a given               non-default transfers of all Client
                                               transfer the associated Collateral to the               CCM Indirect Client appoints a single                  Cleared Transactions in a given CCM
                                               Backup Clearing Member.                                 Backup Client specific to that CCM                     Indirect Client Segregated Account
                                                  • In respect of Client Cleared                       Indirect Client. LCH SA proposed to                    Structure (accompanied by the
                                               Transactions in a CCM Indirect Client                   amend Article 5.4.1.3 of the Rulebook to               associated Client Assets upon request)
                                               Net Segregated Account Structure (or                    provide that LCH SA will make the                      or partial transfers of Client Cleared
                                               where porting is not achieved in respect                relevant transfers in its records at the               Transactions in a given CCM Indirect
                                               of Client Cleared Transactions in a in a                instruction of the CCM undertaking the                 Client Segregated Account Structure
                                               CCM Indirect Client Gross Segregated                    default management of its defaulting                   (without the associated Client Assets) to
                                               Account Structure), LCH SA proposed                     CCM Client.41                                          the relevant accounts of a Receiving
                                               to amend Clause 4.4.3 of the CDS                        LCH SA Default                                         Clearing Member.45
                                               Default Management Process, which                                                                              d. Certain Clarifying Amendments
                                                                                                         LCH SA proposed to amend Article
                                               requires LCH SA to calculate an                         1.3.1.9 of the Rulebook to clarify that,                 LCH SA also proposed certain
                                               amount—called the ‘‘CDS Client                          following a default by LCH SA, CCMs                    clarifying revisions to the Rulebook,
                                               Clearing Entitlement’’—equal to: (1) The                shall calculate a separate CCM Client                  Procedures, and Clearing Notice as
                                               pro rata share of the liquidation of the                Termination Amount in respect of each                  described below.
                                               Non-Ported Cleared Transactions; plus                   CCM Indirect Client Net Segregated
                                               (2) the pro rata share of the liquidation               Account Structure and each CCM                         i. Auction Member Representation
                                               value of the Client Assets recorded in                  Indirect Client Gross Segregated                          LCH SA proposed amendments to
                                               the relevant Client Collateral Account;                 Account Structure it holds with LCH                    various provisions of the CDS Default
                                               minus (3) the pro rata share of the costs               SA.42                                                  Management Process (Annex 1 of the
                                               of any hedging undertaken; minus (4)                                                                           Rulebook) to clarify the responsibilities
                                               the pro rata share of the costs, expenses               iv. Miscellaneous                                      between a Non-Defaulting Clearing
                                               and liabilities of LCH SA in                               The Commission understands that                     Member and the Auction Member
                                               implementing the CDS Client Default                     Article 3(3) of the Indirect Clearing RTS              Representative appointed by the Non-
                                               Management Process, in each case                        requires an authorized CCP to identify,                Defaulting Clearing Member to act in
                                               where such pro rata share is attributable               monitor and manage any ‘‘material                      such Clearing Member’s place in the
                                               to a given CCM Indirect Client to                       risks’’ arising from the provision of                  competitive bidding process as
                                               reference Indirect Client Segregated                    indirect clearing services that may affect             described in Clause 5.4 of the CDS
                                               Account Structures.                                     the resilience of the authorized CCP to                Default Management Process.46
                                                  • Upon a CCM default, LCH SA                         adverse market developments, and
                                                                                                       Article 2(3) of the Indirect Clearing RTS              ii. Member Uncovered Risk
                                               proposed to amend Article 4.3.3.1 of the
                                               Rulebook to clarify that CCM Indirect                   states that an authorized CCP may not                     LCH SA proposed to replace the
                                                                                                       ‘‘prevent the conclusion of’’ indirect                 definition of ‘‘Member Uncovered Risk’’
                                               Clients belonging to a CCM Indirect
                                                                                                       clearing arrangements that are entered                 with ‘‘Group Member Uncovered Risk’’
                                               Client Gross Segregated Account
                                                                                                       into on reasonable commercial terms.43                 to take into account the relevant LCH
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                                               Structure bear no fellow-customer risk:
                                                                                                       Based on these requirements, LCH SA                    Group Risk Policy, which considers
                                               Only the value of the Collateral referable
                                                                                                       proposed to amend Article 5.1.3.1 of the               whether Clearing Members belong to the
                                               to a given CCM Indirect Client—called
                                                                                                                                                              same group for purposes of the relevant
                                               the ‘‘CCM Indirect Client Gross Account                   40 Id.
                                               Balance’’—will be available to satisfy                    41 Id.                                                 44 Id.
                                               any Damages attributable to the                           42 Id.                                                 45 Id.   at 57806–07.
                                               liquidation of any Non-Ported Cleared                     43 Id.                                                 46 Id.   at 57807.



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                                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 3 / Thursday, January 4, 2018 / Notices                                               561

                                               risk calculations, including calculation                identify, measure, monitor, and manage                 that seek to implement MiFIR and the
                                               of margin and Default Fund                              its credit exposures to participants.53                Indirect Clearing RTS are consistent
                                               requirements. The proposed revisions                    Rule 17Ad–22(e)(6) requires, in relevant               with Rule 17Ad–22(e)(1). As noted
                                               are set out in Section 4.4.1.2 and                      part, a covered clearing agency that                   above, the Commission understands that
                                               Section 4.4.1.8 of the Rulebook and                     provides central counterparty services                 MiFIR and the Indirect Clearing RTS
                                               Sections 2.12, 2.16, and 6.4 of the                     to establish, implement, maintain and                  require LCH SA to implement
                                               Procedures.47                                           enforce written policies and procedures                provisions regarding indirect clearing,
                                               iii. Calculation of Contributed Prices                  reasonably designed to cover its credit                which include establishing two types of
                                                                                                       exposures to its participants by                       indirect clearing accounts and
                                                  LCH SA proposed amendments to                        establishing a risk-based margin system
                                               Section 5.18.2 of the Procedures to                                                                            establishing the process for handling the
                                                                                                       that, at a minimum, considers, and                     assets of indirect clearing clients in the
                                               reflect changes made to the                             produces margin levels commensurate
                                               methodology with regard to the                                                                                 event of the default of the CCM, the
                                                                                                       with, the risks and particular attributes              CCM Client, or LCH SA. Furthermore, as
                                               application of the bid-ask restraint in                 of each relevant product, portfolio, and
                                               the calculation of contributed prices. In                                                                      noted above, LCH SA has clarified the
                                                                                                       market.54 For the reasons discussed
                                               addition, LCH SA proposed to remove                                                                            changes relating to indirect client
                                                                                                       below, the Commission finds that the
                                               the references to a particular time in the                                                                     clearing will not be applicable to LCH
                                                                                                       proposed rule change is consistent with
                                               Rulebook regarding the price                                                                                   SA’s FCM Clearing Members or its U.S.
                                                                                                       Section 17A of the Act and Rule 17Ad–
                                               contribution process. Consequently, the                 22(e) thereunder.                                      Clearing Members, i.e. broker-dealers
                                               definition of ‘‘End of Day’’ would be                                                                          registered with the Commission. LCH
                                               removed from the Rulebook. LCH SA                       a. Straight-Through Processing                         SA has explained that FCM Clearing
                                               proposed to amend Article 4.2.7.7 of the                   The Commission understands that                     Members ‘‘will continue to be required
                                               Rulebook and Section 5.18.5 (b) and (d)                 MiFIR and RTS 26 require LCH SA to                     to maintain cleared swaps customer
                                               of Procedure 5 accordingly.48                           implement the provisions described                     accounts in accordance with the
                                               iv. New Approved Trade Source System                    above regarding STP. By so amending                    segregation requirements set out in
                                                                                                       its Rulebook and Clearing Procedures,                  Section 4d(f) of the Commodity
                                                 LCH SA proposed to amend Clearing                     LCH SA indicated that it will be able to               Exchange Act and Part 22 of the CFTC’s
                                               Notice no. 2017/064 regarding the                       better ensure that transactions are                    rules, 17 CFR 22.1 et seq.’’ 57 Similarly,
                                               Approved Trade Source Systems to add                    submitted, accepted, and cleared                       LCH SA explained that a U.S. Clearing
                                               a new Approved Trade Source System,                     without undue delay. As a result, the                  Member that is not also an FCM
                                               Bloomberg Trade Facility Ltd.49                         Commission finds that the proposed                     Clearing Member will be required to
                                               III. Commission’s Findings and Order                    rule change regarding STP promotes the                 maintain customer security-based swap
                                               Granting Accelerated Approval of the                    prompt and accurate clearance and                      accounts in accordance with
                                               Proposed Rule Change                                    settlement of securities transactions                  Commission Rule 15c3–3.58 The
                                                  Section 19(b)(2)(C) of the Act directs               consistent with the requirements of                    Commission relies on these particular
                                               the Commission to approve a proposed                    Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act.55                     representations and explanations by
                                               rule change of a self-regulatory                        Moreover, the Commission further finds                 LCH SA, and notes that it does not
                                               organization if it finds that such                      the proposed rule change protects                      expect LCH SA to create CCP OSAs or
                                               proposed rule change is consistent with                 investors and the public interest,                     CCP GOSAs for its FCM Clearing
                                               the requirements of the Act and the                     consistent with Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of                Members or U.S. Clearing Members.
                                               rules and regulations thereunder                        the Act 56 because the expeditious                     Instead, accounts for LCH SA’s FCM
                                               applicable to such organization.50                      processing of transactions in cleared                  Clearing Members or U.S. Clearing
                                               Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act requires,               derivatives reduces the possibility of
                                                                                                                                                              Members will be subject to the
                                               among other things, that the rules of a                 those transactions being disrupted by
                                                                                                                                                              applicable provisions of the Commodity
                                               clearing agency be designed to promote                  intervening events, such as a
                                                                                                                                                              Exchange Act and the rules and
                                               the prompt and accurate clearance and                   technological breakdown or a reduction
                                                                                                       in the financial condition of one of the               regulations promulgated thereunder
                                               settlement of securities transactions                                                                          and/or the Act and the rules and
                                               and, in general, to protect investors and               counterparties.
                                                                                                          In addition, because these                          regulations promulgated thereunder.
                                               the public interest.51 Rule 17Ad–
                                               22(e)(1) requires that each covered                     amendments will maintain the                             The Commission further understands
                                               clearing agency establish, implement,                   consistency of LCH SA’s Rulebook and                   that the proposed amendments to LCH
                                               maintain and enforce written policies                   Procedures with MiFIR and RTS 26, the                  SA’s Rulebook and Procedures will
                                               and procedures reasonably designed to                   Commission finds the provisions with                   bring LCH SA into compliance with the
                                               provide for a well-founded, clear,                      regard to STP will help ensure that LCH                indirect clearing requirements of MiFIR
                                               transparent, and enforceable legal basis                SA’s policies and procedures provide                   and the related Indirect Clearing RTS
                                               for each aspect of its activities in all                for a well-founded, clear, transparent,                while at the same time leaving
                                               relevant jurisdictions.52 Rule 17Ad–                    and enforceable legal basis for each                   unmodified the account structure used
                                               22(e)(4) requires, in relevant part, that               aspect of its activities in all relevant               for LCH SA’s FCM Clearing Members
                                               each covered clearing agency establish,                 jurisdictions, consistent with Rule                    and its U.S. Clearing Members.
                                               implement, maintain and enforce                         17Ad–22(e)(1).                                         Therefore, the Commission finds the
                                               written policies and procedures                         b. Indirect Clearing                                   provisions with regard to STP will help
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                                               reasonably designed to effectively                                                                             ensure that LCH SA’s policies and
                                                                                                          The Commission similarly finds that
                                                                                                       the portions of the proposed rule change               procedures provide for a well-founded,
                                                 47 Id.
                                                 48 Id.
                                                                                                                                                              clear, transparent, and enforceable legal
                                                 49 Id.                                                  53 17  CFR 240.17Ad–22(e)(4).                        basis for each aspect of its activities in
                                                 50 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(C).                              54 17  CFR 240.17Ad–22(e)(6).
                                                 51 15 U.S.C. 78q–1(b)(3)(F).                            55 15 U.S.C. 78q–1(b)(3)(F).                           57 See   supra note 34.
                                                 52 17 CFR 240.17Ad–22(e)(1).                            56 Id.                                                 58 17   CFR 240.15c–3–3.



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                                               562                           Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 3 / Thursday, January 4, 2018 / Notices

                                               all relevant jurisdictions, consistent                     In its filing, LCH SA requested that                    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
                                               with Rule 17Ad–22(e)(1).59                              the Commission grant accelerated                           COMMISSION
                                                                                                       approval of the proposed rule change
                                               c. Other Provisions                                                                                                [Release No. 34–82416; File No. SR–
                                                                                                       pursuant to Section 19(b)(2)(C)(iii) of                    CboeBYX–2017–004]
                                                  With respect to the proposed rule                    the Exchange Act.63 Under Section
                                               change replacing the definition of                      19(b)(2)(C)(iii) of the Act,64 the                         Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe
                                               ‘‘Member Uncovered Risk’’ with ‘‘Group                  Commission may grant accelerated                           BYX Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing
                                               Member Uncovered Risk,’’ the                            approval of a proposed rule change if                      and Immediate Effectiveness of a
                                               Commission believes the proposed                        the Commission finds good cause for                        Proposed Rule Change Related to
                                               changes will improve LCH SA’s ability                   doing so. LCH SA believes that                             Market Data Fees
                                               to identify and measure the risks                       accelerated approval is warranted
                                               associated with clearing processes by                   because the proposed rule change is                        December 28, 2017.
                                               taking into account the relevant LCH                    required as of January 3, 2018 in order                       Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the
                                               Group Risk Policy and considering                       to comply with the requirements of                         Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
                                               whether Clearing Members belong to the                  MiFIR.                                                     ‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2
                                               same group for purposes of the relevant                                                                            notice is hereby given that on December
                                                                                                          The Commission finds good cause,                        15, 2017, Cboe BYX Exchange, Inc.
                                               risk calculations As a result, the                      pursuant to Section 19(b)(2)(C)(iii) of
                                               Commission believes that LCH SA will                                                                               (‘‘BYX’’ or the ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with
                                                                                                       the Act,65 for approving the proposed                      the Securities and Exchange
                                               be better situated to collect the level of              rule change on an accelerated basis,
                                               resources commensurate with the risks                                                                              Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the
                                                                                                       prior to the 30th day after the date of                    proposed rule change as described in
                                               associated with affiliated Clearing                     publication of notice in the Federal
                                               Members and will thereby be able to                                                                                Items I, II and III below, which Items
                                                                                                       Register, because the proposed rule                        have been prepared by the Exchange.
                                               more appropriately cover its credit                     change is required as of January 3, 2018
                                               exposures to its participants. Therefore,                                                                          The Exchange has designated the
                                                                                                       in order to facilitate LCH SA’s efforts to                 proposed rule change as one
                                               the Commission finds that the proposed                  comply with MiFIR, RTS 26, and the
                                               rule change regarding the definition of                                                                            establishing or changing a member due,
                                                                                                       Indirect Clearing RTS. Additionally, the                   fee, or other charge imposed by the
                                               Group Member Uncovered Risk will                        Commission notes that the proposed
                                               further the protection of investors and                                                                            Exchange under Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii)
                                                                                                       changes regarding indirect clearing do                     of the Act 3 and Rule 19b–4(f)(2)
                                               the public interest, consistent with                    not apply to U.S. customers, and that
                                               Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act.60 For                                                                             thereunder,4 which renders the
                                                                                                       LCH SA has represented that amending                       proposed rule change effective upon
                                               the same reasons, the Commission also
                                                                                                       its Rulebook and Procedures to comply                      filing with the Commission. The
                                               finds that the proposed rule change
                                                                                                       with requirements regarding indirect                       Commission is publishing this notice to
                                               regarding the definition of Group
                                                                                                       clearing do not impede compliance with                     solicit comments on the proposed rule
                                               Member Uncovered Risk is consistent
                                                                                                       relevant U.S. law, including Section                       change from interested persons.
                                               with the applicable requirements of
                                                                                                       17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act.
                                               Rules 17Ad–22(e)(4) and (e)(6).61                                                                                  I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                  The proposed rule change also revises                IV. Conclusion                                             Statement of the Terms of Substance of
                                               LCH SA’s CDS Default Management                                                                                    the Proposed Rule Change
                                                                                                         On the basis of the foregoing, the
                                               Process to clarify the responsibilities                                                                               The Exchange filed a proposal to
                                               between a Non-Defaulting Clearing                       Commission finds that the proposal is
                                                                                                       consistent with the requirements of the                    amend the Market Data section of its fee
                                               Member and the Auction Member                                                                                      schedule to lower the Internal
                                               Representative appointed by the Non-                    Act and in particular with the
                                                                                                       requirements of Section 17A of the                         Distribution fees and to adopt per User
                                               Defaulting Clearing Member to act in                                                                               fees for the Cboe One Summary Feed.
                                               such Clearing Member’s place in the                     Act 66 and the rules and regulations
                                                                                                       thereunder.                                                   The text of the proposed rule change
                                               competitive bidding process. In doing                                                                              is available at the Exchange’s website at
                                               so, the Commission finds the proposed                     It is therefore ordered pursuant to                      www.markets.cboe.com, at the principal
                                               rule change facilitates LCH SA’s CDS                    Section 19(b)(2) of the Act 67 that the                    office of the Exchange, and at the
                                               Default Management Process, thereby                     proposed rule change (SR–LCH SA–                           Commission’s Public Reference Room.
                                               enabling LCH SA to limit its exposures                  2017–010) be, and hereby is, approved
                                               to potential losses from defaults by its                on an accelerated basis.68                                 II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                               participants and the exposures of non-                                                                             Statement of the Purpose of, and
                                                                                                         For the Commission, by the Division of
                                               defaulting participants to losses that                                                                             Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
                                                                                                       Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
                                               they cannot anticipate or control. As a                                                                            Change
                                                                                                       authority.69
                                               result, the Commission finds that the                   Robert W. Errett,                                            In its filing with the Commission, the
                                               proposed rule change regarding the                                                                                 Exchange included statements
                                               responsibilities between a Non-                         Deputy Secretary.
                                                                                                                                                                  concerning the purpose of and basis for
                                               Defaulting Clearing Member and the                      [FR Doc. 2017–28492 Filed 1–3–18; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                                                                                  the proposed rule change and discussed
                                               Auction Member Representative                           BILLING CODE 8011–01–P                                     any comments it received on the
                                               appointed by the Non-Defaulting                                                                                    proposed rule change. The text of these
                                               Clearing Member further the protection                    63 15    U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(C)(iii).                       statements may be examined at the
                                               of investors and the public interest                      64 Id.
                                                                                                                                                                  places specified in Item IV below. The
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                                                                                                         65 Id.
                                               consistent with Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of                                                                            Exchange has prepared summaries, set
                                                                                                         66 15  U.S.C. 78q–1.
                                               the Act.62                                                67 15
                                                                                                                                                                  forth in Sections A, B, and C below, of
                                                                                                                U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
                                                                                                          68 In approving the proposed rule change, the
                                                 59 17 CFR 240.17Ad–22(e)(1).                                                                                       1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
                                                                                                       Commission considered the proposal’s impact on
                                                 60 15 U.S.C. 78q–1(b)(3)(F).                                                                                       2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
                                                                                                       efficiency, competition, and capital formation. 15
                                                 61 17 CFR 240.17Ad–22(e)(4) and (6).                  U.S.C. 78c(f).                                               3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii).
                                                 62 15 U.S.C. 78q–1(b)(3)(F).                             69 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).                                4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2).




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Document Created: 2018-01-04 02:02:11
Document Modified: 2018-01-04 02:02:11
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 557 

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