Self-Regulatory Organizations; National Securities Clearing Corporation; Notice of Filing of Advance Notice To Enhance NSCC's Existing Parametric Value-at-Risk Margining Model, 22174-22177 [2014-08972]

Download as PDF 22174 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 76 / Monday, April 21, 2014 / Notices ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition In accordance with Section 6(b)(8) of the Act,10 the Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The Exchange believes that the proposed fee change reduces the burden on competition because it takes into account the value that various market participants add to the marketplace, as discussed above. The increases in Take Liquidity fees will impact all Customer transactions in Penny Pilot issues at the same rate. The proposed changes to the Customer Monthly Posting Credit Tiers, and the proposed modification to the Customer Incentives are designed to attract additional volume, in particular posted electronic Customer executions, to the Exchange, which would promote price discovery and transparency in the securities markets thereby benefitting competition in the industry. As stated above, the Exchange believes that the proposed change would impact all similarly situated OTP Holders and OTP Firms that post electronic Customer executions on the Exchange equally, and as such, the proposed change would not impose a disparate burden on competition either among or between classes of market participants. In addition, providing and modifying an alternative qualification basis for certain tiers by including volume from affiliates allows a firm with a diverse business structure, but not a concentration on Customer orders only, to earn a higher credit for their Customers by posting order flow that improves the overall market quality, and encourages posting competitive prices, which result in better available markets for Customer orders. Finally, the Exchange notes that it operates in a highly competitive market in which market participants can readily favor competing venues if they deem fee levels at a particular venue to be excessive. In such an environment, the Exchange must continually review, and consider adjusting, its fees and credits to remain competitive with other exchanges. For the reasons described above, the Exchange believes that the proposed rule change reflects this competitive environment. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others No written comments were solicited or received with respect to the proposed rule change. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action The foregoing rule change is effective upon filing pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) 11 of the Act and subparagraph (f)(2) of Rule 19b–4 12 thereunder, because it establishes a due, fee, or other charge imposed by the Exchange. At any time within 60 days of the filing of such proposed 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. If the Commission takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings under Section 19(b)(2)(B) 13 of the Act to determine whether the proposed rule change should be approved or disapproved. 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– NYSEArca–2014–35 on the subject line. Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NYSEArca–2014–35. 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/ For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.14 Kevin M. O’Neill, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2014–08973 Filed 4–18–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–71945; File No. SR–NSCC– 2014–802] Self-Regulatory Organizations; National Securities Clearing Corporation; Notice of Filing of Advance Notice To Enhance NSCC’s Existing Parametric Value-at-Risk Margining Model April 15, 2014. Pursuant to Section 806(e)(1) of the Payment, Clearing, and Settlement Supervision Act of 2010 (‘‘Clearing Supervision Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b– 4(n)(1)(i) 2 thereunder, notice is hereby given that on March 28, 2014, National Securities Clearing Corporation (‘‘NSCC’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) advance notice SR–NSCC–2014–802 (‘‘Advance Notice’’) as described in Item I, II and III below, which Items have been prepared primarily by NSCC. The 11 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(8). VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:19 Apr 18, 2014 Jkt 232001 14 17 12 17 10 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2). 13 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B). 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 20549–1090, 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 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– NYSEArca–2014–35, and should be submitted on or before May 12, 2014. 1 12 PO 00000 Frm 00095 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 5465(e)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4(n)(i). E:\FR\FM\21APN1.SGM 21APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 76 / Monday, April 21, 2014 / Notices Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the Advance Notice from interested persons. I. Clearing Agency’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Advance Notice The Advance Notice is filed by NSCC in connection with a proposed adjustment to NSCC’s existing parametric Value-at-Risk (‘‘VaR’’) margining model, as more fully described below. II. Clearing Agency’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Advance Notice In its filing with the Commission, NSCC included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the Advance Notice and discussed any comments it received on the Advance Notice. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. NSCC has prepared summaries, set forth in sections (A), (B), and (C) below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. (A) Clearing Agency’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Advance Notice ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 1. Purpose In connection with its on-going assessment of the performance of its margining models, NSCC is proposing to enhance its existing parametric VaR model by supplementing the assumption of normal distribution underlying the current model with a family of Student’s t-distributions. Currently, NSCC’s parametric VaR methodology is based on the assumption that the underlying securities portfolio return distribution is normal. In an effort to enhance its parametric VaR model, NSCC has reviewed prevalent academic research and data analyses which show that the empirical distributions of securities portfolio returns in the equities markets have ‘‘fatter tails’’ than what the normal distribution implies, and VaR margin computed based only on the normality assumption may underestimate the tail risk that is observed during market volatility (‘‘fat-tail’’ risk). NSCC has evaluated a number of possible approaches to enhance its parametric VaR model in order to better accommodate fat-tail risks, and is proposing to apply an approach that is most appropriate for NSCC and its circumstances. As such, the proposed enhancement would utilize NSCC’s existing parametric VaR model, and would supplement the normal distribution underlying the model with VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:19 Apr 18, 2014 Jkt 232001 a factor that utilizes the degrees of freedom (‘‘DOF’’) derived from a family of Student’s t-distributions. The factor will help adjust the normal-based VaR model to better reflect the distribution of actual observed historical returns. Further, the existing normal distribution in the parametric VaR model will operate as a floor to the proposed adjustments. 2. Statutory Basis The proposed change is being filed pursuant to Section 806(e)(1) of the Clearing Supervision Act, and is consistent with Rule 17Ad–22(b)(2), promulgated thereunder, which requires a registered clearing agency to ‘‘use margin requirements to limit its credit exposures to participants under normal market conditions and use risk-based models and parameters to set margin requirements.’’ 3 Specifically, the adjustment is expected to allow NSCC’s parametric VaR model to remain above its 99% coverage target during market volatility, and to more appropriately calculate and collect margin, which better enables NSCC to respond in the event that a Member defaults and minimizes potential losses to NSCC and its non-defaulting Members. As such, NSCC believes that the proposal promotes robust risk management and the safety and soundness of NSCC’s operations, which reduce systemic risk and support the stability of the broader financial system, consistent with the requirements of Rule 17Ad–22(b)(2), cited above. (B) Clearing Agency’s Statement on Comments on the Advance Notice Received From Members, Participants, or Others In November 2013, NSCC distributed a White Paper to its Members that described the proposed enhancement to the parametric VaR model and the results of an impact study showing the potential impact of this proposal on Members’ Clearing Fund required deposits. NSCC did not receive any written comments relating to the enhancement to the parametric VaR model in response to this White Paper. NSCC will notify the Commission of any written comments received by NSCC. (C) Advance Notice Filed Pursuant to Section 806(e) of the Payment, Clearing and Settlement Supervision Act 1. Description of Change (i) Overview A primary objective of NSCC’s Clearing Fund is to have on deposit 3 17 PO 00000 CFR 240.17Ad–22(b)(2). Frm 00096 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 22175 from each applicable Member assets sufficient to satisfy losses that may otherwise be incurred by NSCC as the result of the default of the Member and the resultant close out of that Member’s unsettled positions under NSCC’s trade guaranty. Each Member’s Clearing Fund required deposit is calculated daily pursuant to a formula set forth in Procedure XV of the NSCC’s Rules and Procedures (‘‘Rules’’) designed to provide sufficient funds to cover this risk of loss. The Clearing Fund formula accounts for a variety of risk factors through the application of a number of components, each described in Procedure XV. The VaR component is a core component of this formula and is designed to calculate the amount of money that may be lost on a portfolio over a given period of time assumed necessary to liquidate the portfolio, within a given level of confidence. Parametric VaR models utilized in the equities markets have historically computed risk on the assumption that the underlying securities portfolio return distribution is normal. The increased frequency of market volatility in recent years has stressed the performance of parametric VaR models throughout the financial services industry. Analyses of these events and VaR models have shown that ‘‘fat-tail’’ risk may not be properly addressed by parametric VaR models that are based only on the normal distribution assumption. As such, it has become market practice to move away from the use of normal distribution assumptions in parametric VaR models and to instead use distributions, such as Student’s t-distributions, that better accommodate these fat-tail risk events. NSCC conducts back tests to measure the performance of Members’ portfolios against the calculated VaR margin requirements for those portfolios. Over the past few years, these back tests have shown that, while NSCC’s VaR margin component has remained mostly above its 99% coverage target when tested over a longer time horizon (a 12-month rolling window), coverage fell below the 99% target in a few instances in which back tests were conducted over shorter time frames (1-month windows). Therefore, and in connection with its on-going assessment of the performance of its margining models, NSCC has evaluated various possible approaches to enhance its parametric VaR model, and is proposing to apply an approach that incorporates Student’s tdistributions into that model in a way that is appropriate for NSCC and its circumstances. The proposal would enhance NSCC’s existing parametric VaR model, which is E:\FR\FM\21APN1.SGM 21APN1 22176 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 76 / Monday, April 21, 2014 / Notices used as part of the calculation of the VaR component, by supplementing the assumption of normal distribution underlying the current model with a factor that utilizes the DOF derived from a family of Student’s t-distributions. The proposal is expected to improve NSCC’s back-testing performance over shorter time horizons, particularly during more volatile market environments, and should enable the model to better account for the higher degree of fat-tail risk observed in equities markets. ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES (ii) Adjustment to Existing Parametric VaR Model The proposed enhancement would utilize NSCC’s current parametric VaR model, and would supplement the current normal distribution underlying the parametric VaR model with a factor that utilizes the DOF derived from a family of Student’s t-distributions, which are more representative of the historically observed distributions in the equities markets. The Student’s tdistributions would introduce an additional statistical parameter, the DOF factor, to the model. Following this enhancement, NSCC would estimate the DOF factor of the empirical tdistribution in the model periodically by using daily return data from the S&P 500 over a historical window no shorter than 12-months. NSCC would then compute a multiplication factor that represents the magnitude of increase of t-distribution-based parametric VaR from the normal-based parametric VaR. This multiplication factor would be applied to Members’ VaR margin requirement. NSCC has considered various alternatives to enhance its parametric VaR model, and its internal studies have shown that this proposed enhancement is an appropriate approach to addressing tail risks at NSCC, and may be a more effective enhancement to the model than other possible adjustments, including the augmented volatility model (AVM), which NSCC has also considered. In 2012, NSCC designed AVM to protect NSCC from elevated levels of volatility that were not captured in historical data by incorporating the CBOE VIX, a forwardlooking measure of volatility, into the model. While both this proposal and AVM would improve NSCC’s ability to meet its back-testing coverage target, the proposed enhancement to NSCC’s parametric VaR model described in this filing is expected to be a more stable adjustment to Members’ VaR margin components than AVM, while still improving the model’s back-test performances. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:19 Apr 18, 2014 Jkt 232001 2. Anticipated Effect on and Management of Risks NSCC believes that the proposed enhancement to its current parametric VaR model would improve NSCC’s risk management by enabling the model to remain above its 99% coverage target during market volatility, and to more appropriately calculate and collect margin, which better enables NSCC to respond in the event that a Member defaults. Further, incorporation of the DOF factor into NSCC’s existing parametric VaR model should more accurately capture the fat-tail characteristics of stock market return distributions. Additionally, NSCC has conducted extended outreach with its Members regarding the proposed enhancement, describing the proposed change, the reasoning for the change, and the potential impact of the change—both the expected impact on Members’ Clearing Fund required deposits as well as the improvement to NSCC’s risk management. This outreach included the publication of a White Paper to impacted Members in November 2013 as well as individual outreach to Members to discuss the results of impact studies. The proposed enhancement is expected to have a relatively low impact on Members’ VaR margin components and thus a minimal impact on Members’ overall Clearing Fund required deposits. NSCC did not receive any objections to the proposed change from Members in response to this outreach. NSCC believes that the proposed change should allow it to collect margin that covers to a greater degree of certainty the risk that it may face during market volatility or even extreme market environments. While this change would impact NSCC’s Members’ Clearing Fund requirements, as stated above, NSCC’s Members are aware of the proposed change and the potential impact on their Clearing Fund required deposits. Further, prior to implementation of the proposed changes, NSCC will run a parallel period during which Members would be able to further review the possible impact. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Advance Notice, and Timing for Commission Action The proposed change may be implemented if the Commission does not object to the proposed change within 60 days of the later of (i) the date that the proposed change was filed with the Commission or (ii) the date that any additional information requested by the Commission is received. NSCC shall not PO 00000 Frm 00097 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 implement the proposed change if the Commission has any objection to the proposed change. The Commission may extend the period for review by an additional 60 days if the proposed change raises novel or complex issues, subject to the Commission or the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System providing NSCC with prompt written notice of the extension. A proposed change may be implemented in less than 60 days from the date the advance notice is filed, or the date further information requested by the Commission is received, if the Commission notifies NSCC in writing that it does not object to the proposed change and authorizes NSCC to implement the proposed change on an earlier date, subject to any conditions imposed by the Commission. NSCC shall post notice on its Web site of proposed changes that are implemented. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the Advance Notice is consistent with the Clearing Supervision 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 No. SR– NSCC–2014–802 on the subject line. Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File No. SR–NSCC–2014–802. 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 Advance Notice that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the Advance Notice 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 E:\FR\FM\21APN1.SGM 21APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 76 / Monday, April 21, 2014 / Notices 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 NSCC and on NSCC’s Web site (https://dtcc.com/legal/sec-rulefilings.aspx). 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 No. SR–NSCC– 2014–802 and should be submitted on or before May 12, 2014. By the Commission. Kevin M. O’Neill, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2014–08972 Filed 4–18–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 8702] ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy; Notice of Meeting The U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy will hold a public meeting from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., Thursday, May 8, 2014 in Room B12 of The George Washington University’s Elliot School of International Affairs at 1957 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20052. The meeting’s topic will be on ‘‘Defining the Role of Arts and Culture in National Security’’ and will feature Rick Ruth, Senior Advisor in the Education and Cultural Affairs Bureau at the U.S. Department of State, and Molly Fannon, Director of the Office of International Relations and Programs at The Smithsonian Institution. Other official representatives involved in arts and cultural diplomacy will also be in attendance. This meeting is open to the public, Members and staff of Congress, the State Department, Defense Department, the media, and other governmental and non-governmental organizations. To attend and make any requests for reasonable accommodation, email pdcommission@state.gov by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2014. Please arrive for the meeting by 9:45 a.m. to allow for a prompt meeting start. The United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy appraises U.S. Government activities intended to understand, inform, and influence foreign publics. The Advisory VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:19 Apr 18, 2014 Jkt 232001 Commission may conduct studies, inquiries, and meetings, as it deems necessary. It may assemble and disseminate information and issue reports and other publications, subject to the approval of the Chairperson, in consultation with the Executive Director. The Advisory Commission may undertake foreign travel in pursuit of its studies and coordinate, sponsor, or oversee projects, studies, events, or other activities that it deems desirable and necessary in fulfilling its functions. The Commission consists of seven members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The members of the Commission shall represent the public interest and shall be selected from a cross section of educational, communications, cultural, scientific, technical, public service, labor, business, and professional backgrounds. Not more than four members shall be from any one political party. The President designates a member to chair the Commission. The current members of the Commission are: Mr. William Hybl of Colorado, Chairman; Ambassador Lyndon Olson of Texas, Vice Chairman; Mr. Sim Farar of California, Vice Chairman; Ambassador Penne KorthPeacock of Texas; Ms. Lezlee Westine of Virginia; and Anne Terman Wedner of Illinois. One seat on the Commission is currently vacant. The following individual has been nominated to the Commission but awaits Senate confirmation as of this writing: Alfredo Balsera of Florida. To request further information about the meeting or the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy, you may contact its Executive Director, Katherine Brown, at BrownKA4@ state.gov. Dated: April 14, 2014. Katherine Brown, Executive Director, Department of State. [FR Doc. 2014–09013 Filed 4–18–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710–11–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Proposed Part 139 Operating Certificate and Related Actions at Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00098 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 22177 Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Assessment and notice of opportunity for public comment. ACTION: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is announcing its intent to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 and its implementing regulations for the application by Paulding County Airport Authority (PCAA) for certification of Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport (PUJ) under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 139. The EA will also address connected actions related to the introduction of scheduled commercial air carrier service at PUJ. The purpose of the EA is to consider and evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the proposed actions and alternatives, including the no-action alternative. DATES: FAA invites comments on the contents of EA during a 30-day comment period that will be initiated upon publication of this Notice. Please submit any written comments you may have on the content of the EA May 21, 2014. ADDRESSES: Please submit any written comments you may have on the content of the EA to Atlanta Airports District Office, Attn: Lisa Favors, Env. Program Manager, 1701 Columbia Ave., Suite 2– 260, Atlanta, GA 30337–2747. Comments may also be submitted by email to Lisa.Favors@faa.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisa Favors, Environmental Program Manager, Atlanta Airports District Office, 1701 Columbia Ave., Suite 2– 260, Atlanta, GA 30337–2747, (404) 305–7145, Lisa.Favors@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport (PUJ or airport) is located outside Atlanta, Georgia in the town of Dallas, Georgia. It is owned by Paulding County and the PCAA and operated by PCAA. It is designated as a general aviation airport. In 2013, the PCAA submitted an application to the FAA requesting a Part 139 Operating Certificate. A Part 139 Operating Certificate allows the airport to accommodate scheduled passengercarrying operations, frequently referred to as ‘‘commercial service.’’ The FAA plans to prepare an EA in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1E, Policies and Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts and FAA Order 5050.4B, National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Instructions For Airport Actions. It is anticipated that the EA will consider the potential environmental impacts associated with the following SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\21APN1.SGM 21APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 76 (Monday, April 21, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22174-22177]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-08972]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-71945; File No. SR-NSCC-2014-802]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; National Securities Clearing 
Corporation; Notice of Filing of Advance Notice To Enhance NSCC's 
Existing Parametric Value-at-Risk Margining Model

April 15, 2014.
    Pursuant to Section 806(e)(1) of the Payment, Clearing, and 
Settlement Supervision Act of 2010 (``Clearing Supervision Act'') \1\ 
and Rule 19b-4(n)(1)(i) \2\ thereunder, notice is hereby given that on 
March 28, 2014, National Securities Clearing Corporation (``NSCC'') 
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') 
advance notice SR-NSCC-2014-802 (``Advance Notice'') as described in 
Item I, II and III below, which Items have been prepared primarily by 
NSCC. The

[[Page 22175]]

Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the Advance 
Notice from interested persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 12 U.S.C. 5465(e)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(n)(i).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. Clearing Agency's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Advance 
Notice

    The Advance Notice is filed by NSCC in connection with a proposed 
adjustment to NSCC's existing parametric Value-at-Risk (``VaR'') 
margining model, as more fully described below.

II. Clearing Agency's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis 
for, the Advance Notice

    In its filing with the Commission, NSCC included statements 
concerning the purpose of and basis for the Advance Notice and 
discussed any comments it received on the Advance Notice. The text of 
these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV 
below. NSCC has prepared summaries, set forth in sections (A), (B), and 
(C) below, of the most significant aspects of such statements.

(A) Clearing Agency's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis 
for, the Advance Notice

1. Purpose
    In connection with its on-going assessment of the performance of 
its margining models, NSCC is proposing to enhance its existing 
parametric VaR model by supplementing the assumption of normal 
distribution underlying the current model with a family of Student's t-
distributions. Currently, NSCC's parametric VaR methodology is based on 
the assumption that the underlying securities portfolio return 
distribution is normal. In an effort to enhance its parametric VaR 
model, NSCC has reviewed prevalent academic research and data analyses 
which show that the empirical distributions of securities portfolio 
returns in the equities markets have ``fatter tails'' than what the 
normal distribution implies, and VaR margin computed based only on the 
normality assumption may underestimate the tail risk that is observed 
during market volatility (``fat-tail'' risk).
    NSCC has evaluated a number of possible approaches to enhance its 
parametric VaR model in order to better accommodate fat-tail risks, and 
is proposing to apply an approach that is most appropriate for NSCC and 
its circumstances. As such, the proposed enhancement would utilize 
NSCC's existing parametric VaR model, and would supplement the normal 
distribution underlying the model with a factor that utilizes the 
degrees of freedom (``DOF'') derived from a family of Student's t-
distributions. The factor will help adjust the normal-based VaR model 
to better reflect the distribution of actual observed historical 
returns. Further, the existing normal distribution in the parametric 
VaR model will operate as a floor to the proposed adjustments.
2. Statutory Basis
    The proposed change is being filed pursuant to Section 806(e)(1) of 
the Clearing Supervision Act, and is consistent with Rule 17Ad-
22(b)(2), promulgated thereunder, which requires a registered clearing 
agency to ``use margin requirements to limit its credit exposures to 
participants under normal market conditions and use risk-based models 
and parameters to set margin requirements.'' \3\ Specifically, the 
adjustment is expected to allow NSCC's parametric VaR model to remain 
above its 99% coverage target during market volatility, and to more 
appropriately calculate and collect margin, which better enables NSCC 
to respond in the event that a Member defaults and minimizes potential 
losses to NSCC and its non-defaulting Members. As such, NSCC believes 
that the proposal promotes robust risk management and the safety and 
soundness of NSCC's operations, which reduce systemic risk and support 
the stability of the broader financial system, consistent with the 
requirements of Rule 17Ad-22(b)(2), cited above.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(b)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(B) Clearing Agency's Statement on Comments on the Advance Notice 
Received From Members, Participants, or Others

    In November 2013, NSCC distributed a White Paper to its Members 
that described the proposed enhancement to the parametric VaR model and 
the results of an impact study showing the potential impact of this 
proposal on Members' Clearing Fund required deposits. NSCC did not 
receive any written comments relating to the enhancement to the 
parametric VaR model in response to this White Paper. NSCC will notify 
the Commission of any written comments received by NSCC.

(C) Advance Notice Filed Pursuant to Section 806(e) of the Payment, 
Clearing and Settlement Supervision Act

1. Description of Change
(i) Overview
    A primary objective of NSCC's Clearing Fund is to have on deposit 
from each applicable Member assets sufficient to satisfy losses that 
may otherwise be incurred by NSCC as the result of the default of the 
Member and the resultant close out of that Member's unsettled positions 
under NSCC's trade guaranty. Each Member's Clearing Fund required 
deposit is calculated daily pursuant to a formula set forth in 
Procedure XV of the NSCC's Rules and Procedures (``Rules'') designed to 
provide sufficient funds to cover this risk of loss. The Clearing Fund 
formula accounts for a variety of risk factors through the application 
of a number of components, each described in Procedure XV. The VaR 
component is a core component of this formula and is designed to 
calculate the amount of money that may be lost on a portfolio over a 
given period of time assumed necessary to liquidate the portfolio, 
within a given level of confidence.
    Parametric VaR models utilized in the equities markets have 
historically computed risk on the assumption that the underlying 
securities portfolio return distribution is normal. The increased 
frequency of market volatility in recent years has stressed the 
performance of parametric VaR models throughout the financial services 
industry. Analyses of these events and VaR models have shown that 
``fat-tail'' risk may not be properly addressed by parametric VaR 
models that are based only on the normal distribution assumption. As 
such, it has become market practice to move away from the use of normal 
distribution assumptions in parametric VaR models and to instead use 
distributions, such as Student's t-distributions, that better 
accommodate these fat-tail risk events.
    NSCC conducts back tests to measure the performance of Members' 
portfolios against the calculated VaR margin requirements for those 
portfolios. Over the past few years, these back tests have shown that, 
while NSCC's VaR margin component has remained mostly above its 99% 
coverage target when tested over a longer time horizon (a 12-month 
rolling window), coverage fell below the 99% target in a few instances 
in which back tests were conducted over shorter time frames (1-month 
windows). Therefore, and in connection with its on-going assessment of 
the performance of its margining models, NSCC has evaluated various 
possible approaches to enhance its parametric VaR model, and is 
proposing to apply an approach that incorporates Student's t-
distributions into that model in a way that is appropriate for NSCC and 
its circumstances.
    The proposal would enhance NSCC's existing parametric VaR model, 
which is

[[Page 22176]]

used as part of the calculation of the VaR component, by supplementing 
the assumption of normal distribution underlying the current model with 
a factor that utilizes the DOF derived from a family of Student's t-
distributions. The proposal is expected to improve NSCC's back-testing 
performance over shorter time horizons, particularly during more 
volatile market environments, and should enable the model to better 
account for the higher degree of fat-tail risk observed in equities 
markets.
(ii) Adjustment to Existing Parametric VaR Model
    The proposed enhancement would utilize NSCC's current parametric 
VaR model, and would supplement the current normal distribution 
underlying the parametric VaR model with a factor that utilizes the DOF 
derived from a family of Student's t-distributions, which are more 
representative of the historically observed distributions in the 
equities markets. The Student's t-distributions would introduce an 
additional statistical parameter, the DOF factor, to the model. 
Following this enhancement, NSCC would estimate the DOF factor of the 
empirical t-distribution in the model periodically by using daily 
return data from the S&P 500 over a historical window no shorter than 
12-months. NSCC would then compute a multiplication factor that 
represents the magnitude of increase of t-distribution-based parametric 
VaR from the normal-based parametric VaR. This multiplication factor 
would be applied to Members' VaR margin requirement.
    NSCC has considered various alternatives to enhance its parametric 
VaR model, and its internal studies have shown that this proposed 
enhancement is an appropriate approach to addressing tail risks at 
NSCC, and may be a more effective enhancement to the model than other 
possible adjustments, including the augmented volatility model (AVM), 
which NSCC has also considered. In 2012, NSCC designed AVM to protect 
NSCC from elevated levels of volatility that were not captured in 
historical data by incorporating the CBOE VIX, a forward-looking 
measure of volatility, into the model. While both this proposal and AVM 
would improve NSCC's ability to meet its back-testing coverage target, 
the proposed enhancement to NSCC's parametric VaR model described in 
this filing is expected to be a more stable adjustment to Members' VaR 
margin components than AVM, while still improving the model's back-test 
performances.
2. Anticipated Effect on and Management of Risks
    NSCC believes that the proposed enhancement to its current 
parametric VaR model would improve NSCC's risk management by enabling 
the model to remain above its 99% coverage target during market 
volatility, and to more appropriately calculate and collect margin, 
which better enables NSCC to respond in the event that a Member 
defaults. Further, incorporation of the DOF factor into NSCC's existing 
parametric VaR model should more accurately capture the fat-tail 
characteristics of stock market return distributions.
    Additionally, NSCC has conducted extended outreach with its Members 
regarding the proposed enhancement, describing the proposed change, the 
reasoning for the change, and the potential impact of the change--both 
the expected impact on Members' Clearing Fund required deposits as well 
as the improvement to NSCC's risk management. This outreach included 
the publication of a White Paper to impacted Members in November 2013 
as well as individual outreach to Members to discuss the results of 
impact studies. The proposed enhancement is expected to have a 
relatively low impact on Members' VaR margin components and thus a 
minimal impact on Members' overall Clearing Fund required deposits. 
NSCC did not receive any objections to the proposed change from Members 
in response to this outreach.
    NSCC believes that the proposed change should allow it to collect 
margin that covers to a greater degree of certainty the risk that it 
may face during market volatility or even extreme market environments. 
While this change would impact NSCC's Members' Clearing Fund 
requirements, as stated above, NSCC's Members are aware of the proposed 
change and the potential impact on their Clearing Fund required 
deposits. Further, prior to implementation of the proposed changes, 
NSCC will run a parallel period during which Members would be able to 
further review the possible impact.

III. Date of Effectiveness of the Advance Notice, and Timing for 
Commission Action

    The proposed change may be implemented if the Commission does not 
object to the proposed change within 60 days of the later of (i) the 
date that the proposed change was filed with the Commission or (ii) the 
date that any additional information requested by the Commission is 
received. NSCC shall not implement the proposed change if the 
Commission has any objection to the proposed change.
    The Commission may extend the period for review by an additional 60 
days if the proposed change raises novel or complex issues, subject to 
the Commission or the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System 
providing NSCC with prompt written notice of the extension. A proposed 
change may be implemented in less than 60 days from the date the 
advance notice is filed, or the date further information requested by 
the Commission is received, if the Commission notifies NSCC in writing 
that it does not object to the proposed change and authorizes NSCC to 
implement the proposed change on an earlier date, subject to any 
conditions imposed by the Commission.
    NSCC shall post notice on its Web site of proposed changes that are 
implemented.

IV. Solicitation of Comments

    Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and 
arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the Advance 
Notice is consistent with the Clearing Supervision 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 No. SR-NSCC-2014-802 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

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

All submissions should refer to File No. SR-NSCC-2014-802. 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 Advance Notice that are filed 
with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the 
Advance Notice 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

[[Page 22177]]

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 NSCC and on 
NSCC's Web site (https://dtcc.com/legal/sec-rule-filings.aspx). 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 No. SR-NSCC-2014-802 and should be 
submitted on or before May 12, 2014.

    By the Commission.
Kevin M. O'Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2014-08972 Filed 4-18-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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