Self-Regulatory Organizations; The Depository Trust Company; Order Approving Proposed Rule Change Regarding the Discontinuance of the Distribution of Fractional Shares in Respect of Corporate Actions for New Issues in DTC's System, 44178-44179 [2015-18135]

Download as PDF 44178 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 142 / Friday, July 24, 2015 / Notices asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES under sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the ‘‘Act’’) exempting applicants from section 17(a) of the Act. The order permits certain registered management investment companies to engage in certain primary and secondary market transactions in fixed-income securities on a principal basis with certain brokerdealers and banks that are affiliated persons of the registered management investment companies solely by virtue of non-controlling ownership interests in such investment companies. On June 24, 2015, a notice of the filing of the application was issued (Investment Company Act Release No. 31697). The notice gave interested persons an opportunity to request a hearing and stated that an order granting the application would be issued unless a hearing was ordered. No request for a hearing has been filed, and the Commission has not ordered a hearing. The matter has been considered and it is found, on the basis of the information set forth in the application, as amended, that granting the requested exemption is appropriate in the public interest and consistent with the protection of investors and the purposes fairly intended by the policy and provisions of the Act. It is also found that the terms of the proposed transactions, including the consideration to be paid or received, are reasonable and fair and do not involve overreaching on the part of any person concerned, and that the proposed transactions are consistent with the policy of each registered investment company concerned and with the general purposes of the Act. Accordingly, It is ordered, under sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Act, that the relief requested by Cash Trust Series Inc., et al. (File No. 812–13875–47) is granted, effective immediately, subject to the conditions contained in the application, as amended. For the Commission, by the Division of Investment Management, under delegated authority. Robert W. Errett, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2015–18127 Filed 7–23–15; 8:45 am] 19:59 Jul 23, 2015 [Release No. 34–75487; File No. SR–DTC– 2015–007] Self-Regulatory Organizations; The Depository Trust Company; Order Approving Proposed Rule Change Regarding the Discontinuance of the Distribution of Fractional Shares in Respect of Corporate Actions for New Issues in DTC’s System July 20, 2015. I. Introduction On May 27, 2015, The Depository Trust Company (‘‘DTC’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) proposed rule change SR–DTC–2015–007 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 discontinue the option offered by DTC to issuers that allows for the distribution of fractional shares of securities in DTC’s system, when DTC is handling fractional dispositions of shares resulting from corporate actions, for new issues, as more fully described below. The proposed rule change was published for comment in the Federal Register on June 8, 2015.3 The Commission did not receive comment letters regarding the proposed change. For the reasons discussed below, the Commission is granting approval of the proposed rule change. II. Description of the Proposed Rule Change The following is a description of the proposed rule change, as provided by DTC: DTC’s purpose with the proposed rule change is to discontinue the option offered by DTC to issuers that allows for the distribution of fractional shares of securities in DTC’s system, when DTC is handling fractional dispositions of shares resulting from corporate actions, for new issues, as more fully described below.4 Jkt 235001 system resulting from a corporate action for the issue. The issuer may: (i) Round up to the next full share or drop fractions, (ii) pay ‘‘cash-in-lieu’’ of fractional shares, or (iii) issue the fractional shares into an identifying number (‘‘Fractional Identifier’’) generated by DTC.5 The assets comprising the disposition of fractional shares, whether in the form of shares or cash, once received from the issuer’s transfer or paying agent, are credited by DTC in proportional amounts to the respective accounts of Participants depending on the amount shares of the issue they have on deposit. Participants then distribute credits on their own books, as applicable, to their customers that hold beneficial interests in those shares. The first two options for handling the disposition of fractional shares are specified in the DTC Distributions Service Guide (‘‘Guide’’) 6 and DTC’s Operational Arrangements (‘‘OA’’).7 Distributions of fractional shares in DTC’s system under the third option are delivered to Participants in accordance with the provisions of DTC Rule 6 that are applicable to DTC services related to Deposited Securities.8 Proposal Fractional shares are not tradable. The distribution of fractional shares in respect of corporate actions reduces efficiencies for investors in an issue, including with respect to the value and transferability of assets delivered, as investors are required to wait for an extended period for the aggregation of fractional shares into a full share that may be traded. Tracking, processing and reporting of fractional shares separately from the associated CUSIP, which are necessitated by this process, increases costs to DTC and the industry. In order to improve efficiencies for investors and reduce costs for DTC and the industry, DTC has proposed to discontinue the option for issuers to distribute any fractional shares for new issues into DTC’s system. DTC will continue to allow issuers undergoing a corporate action with a choice between: Background When a securities issue is made eligible at DTC, DTC has offered three options to the issuer for handling the disposition of fractional shares in DTC’s 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. 3 Securities Exchange Act Release No. 75094 (June 2, 2015), 80 FR 32425 (June 8, 2015) (File No. SR–DTC–2015–007). 4 Terms not otherwise defined herein have the meaning set forth in the DTC Rules and Procedures (‘‘DTC Rules’’), available at https://www.dtcc.com/ legal/rules-and-procedures.aspx. 2 17 BILLING CODE 8011–01–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PO 00000 Frm 00160 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 5 The Fractional Identifier generated for the third option above has been separate from the CUSIP® identifier (‘‘CUSIP’’) that is universally recognized by the marketplace. 6 See the Guide, p. 31, available at https:// www.dtcc.com/∼/media/Files/Downloads/legal/ service-guides/Distributions%20 Service%20Guide%20FINAL%20November% 202014.pdf. 7 See the OA, p. 31, available at https:// www.dtcc.com/∼/media/Files/Downloads/legal/ issue-eligibility/eligibility/operationalarrangements.pdf. 8 See DTC Rules (Rule 6 (Services)), p. 45, available at https://www.dtcc.com/∼/media/Files/ Downloads/legal/rules/dtc_rules.pdf. E:\FR\FM\24JYN1.SGM 24JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 142 / Friday, July 24, 2015 / Notices (i) the rounding up and dropping of fractions, and (ii) the payment of cashin-lieu of fractional shares. DTC will maintain the Fractional Identifiers previously designated for existing fractional shares within DTC, and continue to perform corporate actions processing with respect to those Fractional Identifiers. Implementation The effective date of the proposed rule change will be announced via a DTC Important Notice. requirements of section 17A of the Act 13 and the rules and regulations thereunder. It is therefore ordered, pursuant to section 19(b)(2) of the Act, that proposed rule change SR–DTC–2015– 007 be, and hereby is, approved.14 For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.15 Robert W. Errett, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2015–18135 Filed 7–23–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P III. Discussion and Commission Findings Section 19(b)(2)(C) of the Act 9 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 rules and regulations thereunder applicable to such organization. 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, as well as, in general, protect investors and the public interest.10 The Commission finds the proposed rule change consistent with the Act. More specifically, the Commission finds that the proposed rule change is consistent with section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act.11 By eliminating the distribution of fractional shares for new issues within DTC’s system, the proposed rule change should, as represented by DTC, improve efficiencies for investors relating to the disposition of fractional shares in corporate-action events, as well as reduce the costs for DTC and the industry relating to DTC tracking, processing and reporting on separate Fractional Identifiers for those issues, consistent with the provisions of section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act which require that the rules of the clearing agency be designed, among other things, to promote the prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of securities transactions, as well as, in general, to protect investors and the public interest.12 asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 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 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(C). 10 15 U.S.C. 78q–1(b)(3)(F). 11 Id. 12 Id. VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:15 Jul 23, 2015 Jkt 235001 Bossier, Caddo, Grant, Natchitoches, Red River. The Interest Rates are: Percent For Physical Damage: Non-Profit Organizations With Credit Available Elsewhere ... Non-Profit Organizations Without Credit Available Elsewhere ..................................... For Economic Injury: Non-Profit Organizations Without Credit Available Elsewhere ..................................... 2.625 2.625 2.625 [Disaster Declaration #14371 and #14372] The number assigned to this disaster for physical damage is 14371B and for economic injury is 14372B. Louisiana Disaster #LA–00009 (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers 59002 and 59008) U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. Lisa Lopez-Suarez, Acting Associate Administrator for Disaster Assistance. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AGENCY: [FR Doc. 2015–18186 Filed 7–23–15; 8:45 am] This is a Notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Louisiana (FEMA–4228– DR), dated 07/13/2015. Incident: Severe Storms and Flooding. Incident Period: 05/18/2015 through 06/20/2015. DATES: Effective Date: 07/13/2015. Physical Loan Application Deadline Date: 09/11/2015. Economic Injury (EIDL) Loan Application Deadline Date: 04/13/2016. ADDRESSES: Submit completed loan applications to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A. Escobar, Office of Disaster Assistance, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street SW., Suite 6050, Washington, DC 20416. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that as a result of the President’s major disaster declaration on 07/13/2015, Private Non-Profit organizations that provide essential services of governmental nature may file disaster loan applications at the address listed above or other locally announced locations. The following areas have been determined to be adversely affected by the disaster: Primary Parishes: SUMMARY: 13 15 U.S.C. 78q–1. approving the proposed rule change, the Commission considered the proposal’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). 15 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). 14 In 9 15 44179 PO 00000 Frm 00161 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 BILLING CODE 8025–01–P SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration #14344 and #14345] Oklahoma Disaster Number OK–00081 U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Amendment 5. AGENCY: This is an amendment of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Oklahoma (FEMA–4222– DR), dated 06/04/2015. Incident: Severe storms, tornadoes, straight line winds, and flooding. Incident Period: 05/05/2015 through 06/04/2015. DATES: Effective Date: 07/10/2015. Physical Loan Application Deadline Date: 08/03/2015. Economic Injury (EIDL) Loan Application Deadline Date: 03/04/2016. ADDRESSES: Submit completed loan applications to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A Escobar, Office of Disaster Assistance, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street SW., Suite 6050, Washington, DC 20416. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The notice of the President’s major disaster declaration for Private Non-Profit organizations in the State of Oklahoma, dated 06/04/2015, is hereby amended to SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\24JYN1.SGM 24JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 142 (Friday, July 24, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44178-44179]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-18135]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-75487; File No. SR-DTC-2015-007]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; The Depository Trust Company; 
Order Approving Proposed Rule Change Regarding the Discontinuance of 
the Distribution of Fractional Shares in Respect of Corporate Actions 
for New Issues in DTC's System

July 20, 2015.

I. Introduction

    On May 27, 2015, The Depository Trust Company (``DTC'') filed with 
the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') proposed rule 
change SR-DTC-2015-007 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 discontinue the option offered by DTC to 
issuers that allows for the distribution of fractional shares of 
securities in DTC's system, when DTC is handling fractional 
dispositions of shares resulting from corporate actions, for new 
issues, as more fully described below. The proposed rule change was 
published for comment in the Federal Register on June 8, 2015.\3\ The 
Commission did not receive comment letters regarding the proposed 
change. For the reasons discussed below, the Commission is granting 
approval of the proposed rule change.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ Securities Exchange Act Release No. 75094 (June 2, 2015), 80 
FR 32425 (June 8, 2015) (File No. SR-DTC-2015-007).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

II. Description of the Proposed Rule Change

    The following is a description of the proposed rule change, as 
provided by DTC:
    DTC's purpose with the proposed rule change is to discontinue the 
option offered by DTC to issuers that allows for the distribution of 
fractional shares of securities in DTC's system, when DTC is handling 
fractional dispositions of shares resulting from corporate actions, for 
new issues, as more fully described below.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ Terms not otherwise defined herein have the meaning set 
forth in the DTC Rules and Procedures (``DTC Rules''), available at 
https://www.dtcc.com/legal/rules-and-procedures.aspx.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Background

    When a securities issue is made eligible at DTC, DTC has offered 
three options to the issuer for handling the disposition of fractional 
shares in DTC's system resulting from a corporate action for the issue. 
The issuer may: (i) Round up to the next full share or drop fractions, 
(ii) pay ``cash-in-lieu'' of fractional shares, or (iii) issue the 
fractional shares into an identifying number (``Fractional 
Identifier'') generated by DTC.\5\ The assets comprising the 
disposition of fractional shares, whether in the form of shares or 
cash, once received from the issuer's transfer or paying agent, are 
credited by DTC in proportional amounts to the respective accounts of 
Participants depending on the amount shares of the issue they have on 
deposit. Participants then distribute credits on their own books, as 
applicable, to their customers that hold beneficial interests in those 
shares.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ The Fractional Identifier generated for the third option 
above has been separate from the CUSIP[supreg] identifier 
(``CUSIP'') that is universally recognized by the marketplace.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The first two options for handling the disposition of fractional 
shares are specified in the DTC Distributions Service Guide (``Guide'') 
\6\ and DTC's Operational Arrangements (``OA'').\7\ Distributions of 
fractional shares in DTC's system under the third option are delivered 
to Participants in accordance with the provisions of DTC Rule 6 that 
are applicable to DTC services related to Deposited Securities.\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ See the Guide, p. 31, available at https://www.dtcc.com/~/
media/Files/Downloads/legal/service-guides/
Distributions%20Service%20Guide%20FINAL%20November%202014.pdf.
    \7\ See the OA, p. 31, available at https://www.dtcc.com/~/media/
Files/Downloads/legal/issue-eligibility/eligibility/operational-
arrangements.pdf.
    \8\ See DTC Rules (Rule 6 (Services)), p. 45, available at 
https://www.dtcc.com/~/media/Files/Downloads/legal/rules/
dtc_rules.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Proposal

    Fractional shares are not tradable. The distribution of fractional 
shares in respect of corporate actions reduces efficiencies for 
investors in an issue, including with respect to the value and 
transferability of assets delivered, as investors are required to wait 
for an extended period for the aggregation of fractional shares into a 
full share that may be traded. Tracking, processing and reporting of 
fractional shares separately from the associated CUSIP, which are 
necessitated by this process, increases costs to DTC and the industry.
    In order to improve efficiencies for investors and reduce costs for 
DTC and the industry, DTC has proposed to discontinue the option for 
issuers to distribute any fractional shares for new issues into DTC's 
system. DTC will continue to allow issuers undergoing a corporate 
action with a choice between:

[[Page 44179]]

(i) the rounding up and dropping of fractions, and (ii) the payment of 
cash-in-lieu of fractional shares. DTC will maintain the Fractional 
Identifiers previously designated for existing fractional shares within 
DTC, and continue to perform corporate actions processing with respect 
to those Fractional Identifiers.

Implementation

    The effective date of the proposed rule change will be announced 
via a DTC Important Notice.

III. Discussion and Commission Findings

    Section 19(b)(2)(C) of the Act \9\ 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 rules and regulations thereunder applicable 
to such organization. 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, as well as, in general, protect investors and the public 
interest.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(C).
    \10\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(F).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission finds the proposed rule change consistent with the 
Act. More specifically, the Commission finds that the proposed rule 
change is consistent with section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act.\11\ By 
eliminating the distribution of fractional shares for new issues within 
DTC's system, the proposed rule change should, as represented by DTC, 
improve efficiencies for investors relating to the disposition of 
fractional shares in corporate-action events, as well as reduce the 
costs for DTC and the industry relating to DTC tracking, processing and 
reporting on separate Fractional Identifiers for those issues, 
consistent with the provisions of section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act which 
require that the rules of the clearing agency be designed, among other 
things, to promote the prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of 
securities transactions, as well as, in general, to protect investors 
and the public interest.\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ Id.
    \12\ 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 \13\ and the 
rules and regulations thereunder.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    It is therefore ordered, pursuant to section 19(b)(2) of the Act, 
that proposed rule change SR-DTC-2015-007 be, and hereby is, 
approved.\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ 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.\15\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert W. Errett,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2015-18135 Filed 7-23-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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