Self-Regulatory Organizations; The Options Clearing Corporation; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Clarify OCC's Existing Policy Regarding Use of Clearing Fund Assets in Anticipation of a Clearing Member Default, 72135-72137 [2013-28721]
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 231 / Monday, December 2, 2013 / Notices
it appears to the Commission that such
action is necessary or appropriate in the
public interest, for the protection of
investors, or otherwise in furtherance of
the purposes of the Act.
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES
III. Date of Effectiveness of the
Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
Commission Action
Because the foregoing proposed rule
change does not: (i) Significantly affect
the protection of investors or the public
interest; (ii) impose any significant
burden on competition; and (iii) become
operative for 30 days from the date on
which it was filed, or such shorter time
as the Commission may designate, it has
become effective pursuant to 19(b)(3)(A)
of the Act 10 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) 11
thereunder.
A proposed rule change filed under
Rule 19b–4(f)(6) 12 normally does not
become operative prior to 30 days after
the date of the filing. However, pursuant
to Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii),13 the
Commission may designate a shorter
time if such action is consistent with the
protection of investors and the public
interest. The Exchange has asked the
Commission to waive the 30-day
operative delay so that the proposal may
become operative immediately upon
filing. The Exchange notes that waiving
the 30-day operative delay would allow
more TPHs to start quoting on Twitter
immediately, thereby providing greater
volume and more trading activity in that
product. The Commission believes that
waiving the 30-day operative delay is
consistent with the protection of
investors and the public interest, as it
will allow CBOE to respond without
delay to what it has identified to be
current market demand for increased
quoting capacity in options overlying
Twitter stock and thereby will help
accommodate current market interest.
Further, the Exchange has represented
that it has the systems capacity to
accommodate the additional quotation
activity. Accordingly, the Commission
designates the proposed rule change to
be operative upon filing with the
Commission.14
At any time within 60 days of the
filing of the proposed rule change, the
Commission summarily may
temporarily suspend such rule change if
U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6).
12 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6).
13 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii).
14 For purposes only of waiving the operative
delay for this proposal, the Commission has
considered the proposed rule’s impact on
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See
15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
11 17
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20:41 Nov 29, 2013
Jkt 232001
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.15
Kevin M. O’Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
IV. Solicitation of Comments
C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement on Comments on the
Proposed Rule Change Received From
Members, Participants, or Others
The Exchange neither solicited nor
received comments on the proposed
rule change.
10 15
72135
[FR Doc. 2013–28722 Filed 11–29–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
Interested persons are invited to
submit written data, views, and
arguments concerning the foregoing,
including whether the proposed rule
change is consistent with the Act.
Comments may be submitted by any of
the following methods:
Electronic Comments
• Use the Commission’s Internet
comment form (https://www.sec.gov/
rules/sro.shtml); or
• Send an email to rule-comments@
sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–
CBOE–2013–112 on the subject line.
Paper Comments
• Send paper comments in triplicate
to Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary,
Securities and Exchange Commission,
100 F Street NE., Washington, DC
20549–1090.
All submissions should refer to File
Number SR–CBOE–2013–112. This file
number should be included on the
subject line if email is used. To help the
Commission process and review your
comments more efficiently, please use
only one method. The Commission will
post all comments on the Commission’s
Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/
rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the
submission, all subsequent
amendments, all written statements
with respect to the proposed rule
change that are filed with the
Commission, and all written
communications relating to the
proposed rule change between the
Commission and any person, other than
those that may be withheld from the
public in accordance with the
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be
available for Web site viewing and
printing in the Commission’s Public
Reference Room, 100 F Street NE.,
Washington, DC 20549, on official
business days between the hours of
10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the
filing also will be available for
inspection and copying at the principal
office of the Exchange. All comments
received will be posted without change;
the Commission does not edit personal
identifying information from
submissions. You should submit only
information that you wish to make
available publicly. All submissions
should refer to File Number SR–CBOE–
2013–112 and should be submitted on
or before December 23, 2013.
PO 00000
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Fmt 4703
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–70935; File No. SR–OCC–
2013–20]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; The
Options Clearing Corporation; Notice
of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness
of Proposed Rule Change To Clarify
OCC’s Existing Policy Regarding Use
of Clearing Fund Assets in
Anticipation of a Clearing Member
Default
November 25, 2013.
Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2
notice is hereby given that, on
November 15, 2013, The Options
Clearing Corporation (‘‘OCC’’) filed with
the Securities and Exchange
Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the
proposed rule change as described in
Items I, II and III below, which Items
have been prepared primarily by OCC.
OCC filed the proposed rule change
pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(i) 3 of
the Act and Rule 19b–4(f)(4)(1) 4
thereunder, so that the proposal was
effective upon filing with the
Commission. The Commission is
publishing this notice to solicit
comments on the rule change from
interested parties.
I. Clearing Agency’s Statement of the
Terms of Substance of the Proposed
Rule Change
The purpose of this proposed rule
change is to clarify OCC’s existing
policy regarding use of clearing fund
assets in anticipation of a clearing
member default. Specifically, OCC
proposes to add an interpretation and
policy to Article VIII, Section 5 of OCC’s
By-Laws to make clear that OCC has the
authority to use cash or securities
deposited by clearing members in OCC’s
clearing fund to borrow, or to otherwise
obtain, funds from third parties in
anticipation of a potential default by, or
suspension of, a clearing member.
15 17
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(i).
4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(1).
1 15
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72136
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 231 / Monday, December 2, 2013 / Notices
II. Clearing Agency’s Statement of the
Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the
Proposed Rule Change
In its filing with the Commission,
OCC included statements concerning
the purpose of and basis for the
proposed rule change and discussed any
comments it received on the proposed
rule change. The text of these statements
may be examined at the places specified
in Item IV below. OCC has prepared
summaries, set forth in sections (A), (B),
and (C) below, of the most significant
aspects of these statements.
(A) Clearing Agency’s Statement of the
Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the
Proposed Rule Change
(1) Purpose
The purpose of this proposed rule
change is to clarify OCC’s existing
policy regarding use of clearing fund
assets in anticipation of a clearing
member default. Specifically, OCC is
proposing to add an interpretation and
policy to Article VIII, Section 5 of its
By-Laws to provide greater transparency
for clearing members and others
regarding an existing by-law and to
clarify its authority to use cash or
securities deposited by clearing
members in OCC’s clearing fund to
borrow, or otherwise obtain, funds from
third parties in anticipation of a clearing
member default.5
Article VIII, Section 5 of OCC’s ByLaws concerns application of OCC’s
clearing fund. Section 5(e)(i) permits
OCC to use assets in the clearing fund
to borrow, or otherwise obtain, funds
from third parties in the event that OCC
deems it necessary or advisable to meet
obligations arising out of the default or
suspension of a Clearing Member or any
action taken by OCC pursuant to
Chapter XI of the Rules or otherwise.6
OCC has interpreted Article VIII,
Section 5(e)(i) to provide OCC with the
authority to use clearing fund assets to
borrow, or otherwise obtain, funds from
third parties in anticipation of a clearing
member default or suspension should
OCC deem such use of assets necessary
or advisable to meet obligations that
may arise from such potential clearing
member default or suspension.7
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES
5 OCC,
in connection with the renewal of its
credit facility, represented to the Commission that
it will add such a clarification to its By-Laws. See
Exchange Act Release No. 34–70596 (October 2,
2013), 78 FR 62719 (October 22, 2013), (SR–OCC–
2013–806).
6 Chapter XI sets out rules pertaining to
suspension of OCC Clearing Members.
7 OCC has long believed that it should not have
to make the decision to suspend a clearing member
as a precondition to borrowing against the clearing
fund. Accordingly, in 2004, OCC amended Article
VIII, Section 5(e) to clarify that OCC may use
VerDate Mar<15>2010
20:41 Nov 29, 2013
Jkt 232001
However, OCC believes that it would be
helpful to clarify such authority and,
accordingly, proposes to add
Interpretation and Policy .06 to Article
VIII, Section 5. Interpretation and Policy
.06 will clarify that OCC’s authority
under Section 5(e)(i) of Article VIII
applies to both situations in which a
clearing member default or suspension
that has already occurred, and in
anticipation of potential default or
suspension of a clearing member.
(2) Statutory Basis
OCC believes the proposed rule
change is consistent with Section
17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act 8 and the rules
and regulations thereunder because it
will increase the protection of investors
and the public interest by allowing OCC
to use clearing fund assets to borrow or
otherwise obtain funds from third
parties in anticipation of a clearing
member default or suspension, in
addition to a default or suspension that
actually occurred, and thereby limit
systemic risk. In addition, OCC believes
that the proposed rule is consistent with
Rule 17Ad–22(b)(3) 9 because by
providing additional flexibility with
respect to the timing of borrowings it
will enhance OCC’s ability to maintain
sufficient financial resources to
withstand a significant clearing member
default. The proposed rule change is not
inconsistent with the existing rules of
OCC, including any other rules
proposed to be amended.
(B) Clearing Agency’s Statement on
Burden on Competition
OCC does not believe that the
proposed rule change would impose any
burden on competition that is not
necessary or appropriate in furtherance
of the purposes of the Act.10 This
proposed rule change clarifies long
standing policy regarding the conditions
under which OCC may use securities or
cash that clearing members deposit in
OCC’s clearing fund, and will apply to
all clearing members. Accordingly, OCC
believes that the proposed modifications
would not disadvantage or favor any
clearing fund assets as collateral for loans whenever
OCC deems such borrowings to be necessary or
advisable in order to meet obligations arising out of
the default or suspension of a clearing member or
any action taken by OCC in connection therewith
pursuant to Chapter XI of its Rules or otherwise
(emphasis added). OCC has consistently interpreted
the ‘‘or otherwise’’ language in the preceding
sentence that was added to the By-Laws in 2004 to
allow OCC to borrow against the clearing fund prior
to a clearing member default or suspension. See
Securities Exchange Act Release No. 34–50526
(October 13, 2004), 69 FR 61701 (October 20, 2004),
(SR–OCC–2004–13).
8 15 U.S.C. 78q–1(b)(3)(F).
9 17 CFR 240.17Ad–22(b)(3).
10 15 U.S.C. 78q–1(b)(3)(I).
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Frm 00077
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
particular user in relationship to
another user.
For the foregoing reasons, OCC
believes that the proposed rule change
is in the public interest, would be
consistent with the requirements of the
Act applicable to clearing agencies, and
would not impose a burden on
competition that not necessary or
appropriate in furtherance of the
purposes of the Act.
(C) Clearing Agency’s Statement on
Comments on the Proposed Rule
Change Received From Members,
Participants or Others
Written comments on the proposed
rule change were not and are not
intended to be solicited with respect to
the proposed rule change and none have
been received.
III. Date of Effectiveness of the
Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
Commission Action
Pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(i) of
the Act 11 and Rule 19b–4(f)(1) 12
thereunder, the proposed rule change is
filed for immediate effectiveness
because it constitutes a stated policy,
practice or interpretation with respect to
the meaning, administration or
enforcement of an existing rule.
Notwithstanding the foregoing,
implementation of this rule change will
be delayed until it is deemed certified
under CFTC Regulation § 40.6. At any
time within 60 days of the filing of such
rule change, the Commission summarily
may temporarily suspend such rule
change if it appears to the Commission
that such action is necessary or
appropriate in the public interest, for
the protection of investors, or otherwise
in furtherance of the purposes of the
Act.13
IV. Solicitation of Comments
Interested persons are invited to
submit written data, views, and
arguments concerning the foregoing,
including whether the proposed rule
change is consistent with the Act.
Comments may be submitted by any of
the following methods:
Electronic Comments
• Use the Commission’s Internet
comment form (https://www.sec.gov/
rules/sro.shtml); or
• Send an email to rule-comments@
sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–
OCC–2013–20 on the subject line.
11 15
U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(i).
CFR 240.19b–4(f)(1).
13 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(C).
12 17
E:\FR\FM\02DEN1.SGM
02DEN1
72137
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 231 / Monday, December 2, 2013 / Notices
Paper Comments
• Send paper comments in triplicate
to Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary,
Securities and Exchange Commission,
100 F Street NE., Washington, DC
20549–1090.
All submissions should refer to File
Number SR–OCC–2013–20. This file
number should be included on the
subject line if email is used. To help the
Commission process and review your
comments more efficiently, please use
only one method of submission. The
Commission will post all comments on
the Commission’s Internet Web site
(https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml).
Copies of the submission, all subsequent
amendments, all written statements
with respect to the proposed rule
change that are filed with the
Commission, and all written
communications relating to the
proposed rule change between the
Commission and any person, other than
those that may be withheld from the
public in accordance with the
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be
available for Web site viewing and
printing in the Commission’s Public
Reference Section, 100 F Street NE.,
Washington, DC 20549, on official
business days between the hours of
10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of such
filing also will be available for
inspection and copying at the principal
office of OCC and on OCC’s Web site at
https://www.theocc.com/components/
docs/legal/rules_and_bylaws/sr_occ_13_
20.pdf. All comments received will be
posted without change; the Commission
does not edit personal identifying
information from submissions. You
Maker
Maker
Maker
Maker
Maker
(adds
(adds
(adds
(adds
(adds
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.14
Kevin M. O’Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2013–28721 Filed 11–29–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–70943; File No. SR–CBOE–
2013–115]
Self-Regulatory Organizations;
Chicago Board Options Exchange,
Incorporated; Notice of Filing and
Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed
Rule Change To Amend the CBSX Fees
Schedule
November 25, 2013.
Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2
notice is hereby given that on November
21, 2013, Chicago Board Options
Exchange, Incorporated (the ‘‘Exchange’’
or ‘‘CBOE’’) filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the
‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule
change as described in Items I, II, and
III below, which Items have been
prepared by the Exchange. The
Commission is publishing this notice to
solicit comments on the proposed rule
change from interested persons.
I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of the Terms of Substance of
the Proposed Rule Change
The Exchange proposes to amend the
Fees Schedule of its CBOE Stock
Exchange. The text of the proposed rule
change is available on the Exchange’s
Web site (https://www.cboe.com/
AboutCBOE/
CBOELegalRegulatoryHome.aspx), at
the Exchange’s Office of the Secretary,
and at the Commission’s Public
Reference Room.
II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of the Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
Change
In its filing with the Commission, the
Exchange included statements
concerning the purpose of and basis for
the proposed rule change and discussed
any comments it received on the
proposed rule change. The text of these
statements may be examined at the
places specified in Item IV below. The
Exchange has prepared summaries, set
forth in sections A, B, and C below, of
the most significant aspects of such
statements.
A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of the Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
Change
1. Purpose
CBSX proposes to amend its Maker
fees for transactions in all other
securities (securities other than the
‘‘Select Symbols’’, of which there
currently are none) priced $1 or greater.
Currently, such fees are assessed on the
following scale: 3
less than 0.08% of TCV of liquidity in one day) (1)(5) ............................................................................
at least 0.08% but less than 0.16% of TCV of liquidity in one day) (1)(5) ..............................................
at least 0.16% but less than 0.24% of TCV of liquidity in one day) (1)(5) ..............................................
at least 0.24% but less than 0.42% of TCV of liquidity in one day) (1)(5) ..............................................
0.42% or more of TCV of liquidity in one day) (1)(5) ..............................................................................
The Exchange proposes to break up
the 0.24%–0.42% tier into two separate
tiers at 0.33%, with Maker transactions
in the 0.33%–0.42% tier being assessed
a lower fee of $0.0014 per share
(currently, Maker transactions in such
tier would be assessed the same fee as
14 17
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
3 The parentheticals (1) and (5) in the scale refer
to footnotes in the CBSX Fees Schedule. Footnote
(1) reads:
These rates apply to all transactions in securities
priced $1 or greater made by the same market
participant in any day in which such participant
adds (for Makers) or removes (for Takers) the
1
VerDate Mar<15>2010
should submit only information that
you wish to make available publicly.
All submissions should refer to File
Number SR–OCC–2013–20 and should
be submitted on or before December 23,
2013.
20:41 Nov 29, 2013
Jkt 232001
$0.0018
$0.0017
$0.0016
$0.0015
$0.0014
per
per
per
per
per
share
share
share
share
share
in the 0.24%–0.33% tier, which is
$0.0015 per share). The Exchange also
proposes to add a 0.42%–0.52% tier,
with Maker transactions in that tier
being assessed a fee of $0.0013 per share
(which is lower than the $0.0014 per
share fee that Maker transactions in that
tier currently are assessed). Finally, the
Exchange proposes to add a tier for
Makers who add 0.52% of TCV of
liquidity in one day or more, with such
transactions being assessed a lower fee
of $0.0012 per share (which is lower
than the $0.0014 per share fee that
established amount of shares (or percentage of TCV,
as applicable) or more of liquidity that is
determined in the chart above for each tier. Market
participants who share a trading acronym or MPID
may aggregate their trading activity for purposes of
these rates. Qualification for these rates will require
that a market participant appropriately indicate his
trading acronym and/or MPID in the appropriate
field on the order.
Footnote (5) reads:
‘‘TCV’’ means total consolidated volume
calculated as the volume reported by all exchanges
and trade reporting facilities to a consolidated
transaction reporting plan. Volume from Maker
executions in the Select Symbols (priced $1 or
greater) will count towards a market participant’s %
of TCV.
The Exchange does not propose to amend either
Footnotes (1) or (5).
PO 00000
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 231 (Monday, December 2, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 72135-72137]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-28721]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
[Release No. 34-70935; File No. SR-OCC-2013-20]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; The Options Clearing Corporation;
Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To
Clarify OCC's Existing Policy Regarding Use of Clearing Fund Assets in
Anticipation of a Clearing Member Default
November 25, 2013.
Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given
that, on November 15, 2013, The Options Clearing Corporation (``OCC'')
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') the
proposed rule change as described in Items I, II and III below, which
Items have been prepared primarily by OCC. OCC filed the proposed rule
change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(i) \3\ of the Act and Rule 19b-
4(f)(4)(1) \4\ thereunder, so that the proposal was effective upon
filing with the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to
solicit comments on the rule change from interested parties.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
\3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(i).
\4\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. Clearing Agency's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the
Proposed Rule Change
The purpose of this proposed rule change is to clarify OCC's
existing policy regarding use of clearing fund assets in anticipation
of a clearing member default. Specifically, OCC proposes to add an
interpretation and policy to Article VIII, Section 5 of OCC's By-Laws
to make clear that OCC has the authority to use cash or securities
deposited by clearing members in OCC's clearing fund to borrow, or to
otherwise obtain, funds from third parties in anticipation of a
potential default by, or suspension of, a clearing member.
[[Page 72136]]
II. Clearing Agency's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis
for, the Proposed Rule Change
In its filing with the Commission, OCC included statements
concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and
discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The
text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in
Item IV below. OCC has prepared summaries, set forth in sections (A),
(B), and (C) below, of the most significant aspects of these
statements.
(A) Clearing Agency's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis
for, the Proposed Rule Change
(1) Purpose
The purpose of this proposed rule change is to clarify OCC's
existing policy regarding use of clearing fund assets in anticipation
of a clearing member default. Specifically, OCC is proposing to add an
interpretation and policy to Article VIII, Section 5 of its By-Laws to
provide greater transparency for clearing members and others regarding
an existing by-law and to clarify its authority to use cash or
securities deposited by clearing members in OCC's clearing fund to
borrow, or otherwise obtain, funds from third parties in anticipation
of a clearing member default.\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ OCC, in connection with the renewal of its credit facility,
represented to the Commission that it will add such a clarification
to its By-Laws. See Exchange Act Release No. 34-70596 (October 2,
2013), 78 FR 62719 (October 22, 2013), (SR-OCC-2013-806).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article VIII, Section 5 of OCC's By-Laws concerns application of
OCC's clearing fund. Section 5(e)(i) permits OCC to use assets in the
clearing fund to borrow, or otherwise obtain, funds from third parties
in the event that OCC deems it necessary or advisable to meet
obligations arising out of the default or suspension of a Clearing
Member or any action taken by OCC pursuant to Chapter XI of the Rules
or otherwise.\6\ OCC has interpreted Article VIII, Section 5(e)(i) to
provide OCC with the authority to use clearing fund assets to borrow,
or otherwise obtain, funds from third parties in anticipation of a
clearing member default or suspension should OCC deem such use of
assets necessary or advisable to meet obligations that may arise from
such potential clearing member default or suspension.\7\ However, OCC
believes that it would be helpful to clarify such authority and,
accordingly, proposes to add Interpretation and Policy .06 to Article
VIII, Section 5. Interpretation and Policy .06 will clarify that OCC's
authority under Section 5(e)(i) of Article VIII applies to both
situations in which a clearing member default or suspension that has
already occurred, and in anticipation of potential default or
suspension of a clearing member.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\ Chapter XI sets out rules pertaining to suspension of OCC
Clearing Members.
\7\ OCC has long believed that it should not have to make the
decision to suspend a clearing member as a precondition to borrowing
against the clearing fund. Accordingly, in 2004, OCC amended Article
VIII, Section 5(e) to clarify that OCC may use clearing fund assets
as collateral for loans whenever OCC deems such borrowings to be
necessary or advisable in order to meet obligations arising out of
the default or suspension of a clearing member or any action taken
by OCC in connection therewith pursuant to Chapter XI of its Rules
or otherwise (emphasis added). OCC has consistently interpreted the
``or otherwise'' language in the preceding sentence that was added
to the By-Laws in 2004 to allow OCC to borrow against the clearing
fund prior to a clearing member default or suspension. See
Securities Exchange Act Release No. 34-50526 (October 13, 2004), 69
FR 61701 (October 20, 2004), (SR-OCC-2004-13).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Statutory Basis
OCC believes the proposed rule change is consistent with Section
17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act \8\ and the rules and regulations thereunder
because it will increase the protection of investors and the public
interest by allowing OCC to use clearing fund assets to borrow or
otherwise obtain funds from third parties in anticipation of a clearing
member default or suspension, in addition to a default or suspension
that actually occurred, and thereby limit systemic risk. In addition,
OCC believes that the proposed rule is consistent with Rule 17Ad-
22(b)(3) \9\ because by providing additional flexibility with respect
to the timing of borrowings it will enhance OCC's ability to maintain
sufficient financial resources to withstand a significant clearing
member default. The proposed rule change is not inconsistent with the
existing rules of OCC, including any other rules proposed to be
amended.
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\8\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(F).
\9\ 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(b)(3).
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(B) Clearing Agency's Statement on Burden on Competition
OCC does not believe that the proposed rule change would impose any
burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in
furtherance of the purposes of the Act.\10\ This proposed rule change
clarifies long standing policy regarding the conditions under which OCC
may use securities or cash that clearing members deposit in OCC's
clearing fund, and will apply to all clearing members. Accordingly, OCC
believes that the proposed modifications would not disadvantage or
favor any particular user in relationship to another user.
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\10\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(I).
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For the foregoing reasons, OCC believes that the proposed rule
change is in the public interest, would be consistent with the
requirements of the Act applicable to clearing agencies, and would not
impose a burden on competition that not necessary or appropriate in
furtherance of the purposes of the Act.
(C) Clearing Agency's Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change
Received From Members, Participants or Others
Written comments on the proposed rule change were not and are not
intended to be solicited with respect to the proposed rule change and
none have been received.
III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
Commission Action
Pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(i) of the Act \11\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(1) \12\ thereunder, the proposed rule change is filed for
immediate effectiveness because it constitutes a stated policy,
practice or interpretation with respect to the meaning, administration
or enforcement of an existing rule. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
implementation of this rule change will be delayed until it is deemed
certified under CFTC Regulation Sec. 40.6. At any time within 60 days
of the filing of such rule change, the Commission summarily may
temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission
that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest,
for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the
purposes of the Act.\13\
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\11\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(i).
\12\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(1).
\13\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(C).
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IV. Solicitation of Comments
Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and
arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule
change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of
the following methods:
Electronic Comments
Use the Commission's Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
Send an email to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include
File Number SR-OCC-2013-20 on the subject line.
[[Page 72137]]
Paper Comments
Send paper comments in triplicate to Elizabeth M. Murphy,
Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE.,
Washington, DC 20549-1090.
All submissions should refer to File Number SR-OCC-2013-20. This file
number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To help
the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently,
please use only one method of submission. The Commission will post all
comments on the Commission's Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments,
all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that
are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating
to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person,
other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance
with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site
viewing and printing in the Commission's Public Reference Section, 100
F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between
the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of such filing also will
be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of OCC
and on OCC's Web site at https://www.theocc.com/components/docs/legal/rules_and_bylaws/sr_occ_13_20.pdf. All comments received will be
posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal
identifying information from submissions. You should submit only
information that you wish to make available publicly.
All submissions should refer to File Number SR-OCC-2013-20 and
should be submitted on or before December 23, 2013.
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\14\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\14\
Kevin M. O'Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2013-28721 Filed 11-29-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P