Self-Regulatory Organizations; Fixed Income Clearing Corporation; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Make Clarifications and Corrections to the Government Securities Division Rulebook, the Mortgage-Backed Securities Division Clearing Rules and the Mortgage-Backed Securities Division EPN Rules, 29355-29359 [2017-13490]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 123 / Wednesday, June 28, 2017 / Notices investors; or (iii) otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved. IV. Solicitation of Comments 2017–59 and should be submitted on or before July 19, 2017. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.11 Eduardo A. Aleman, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2017–13475 Filed 6–27–17; 8:45 am] 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– ISE–2017–59 on the subject line. Paper Comments asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES • 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–ISE–2017–59. 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–ISE– VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:22 Jun 27, 2017 Jkt 241001 BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–80998; File No. SR–IEX– 2017–10] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Investors Exchange LLC; Notice of Designation of a Longer Period for Commission Action on a Proposed Rule Change Related to Auctions in IEX-Listed Securities, Dissemination of Auction-Related Market Data, and Provisions Governing Trading Halts and Pauses June 22, 2017. On April 20, 2017, the Investors Exchange LLC (‘‘IEX’’ or the ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’), pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 a proposed rule change to adopt rules governing auctions conducted on the Exchange for IEXlisted securities, provide for the dissemination of auction-related market data, and add rule provisions governing trading halts and trading pauses in IEXlisted securities pursuant to the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan. The proposed rule change was published for comment in the Federal Register on May 9, 2017.3 The Commission received one comment regarding the proposed rule change.4 The Exchange responded to the comment on June 5, 2017.5 Section 19(b)(2) of the Act 6 provides that within 45 days of the publication of notice of the filing of a proposed rule change, or within such longer period up to 90 days as the Commission may designate if it finds such longer period to be appropriate and publishes its 11 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 80583 (May 3, 2017), 82 FR 21634. 4 See letter to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Commission, from Joan C. Conley, Senior Vice President and Corporate Secretary, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, dated May 30, 2017. 5 See letter to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Commission, from Sophia Lee, General Counsel, IEX, dated June 5, 2017. 6 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2). 1 15 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 29355 reasons for so finding or as to which the self-regulatory organization consents, the Commission shall either approve the proposed rule change, disapprove the proposed rule change, or institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule change should be disapproved. The 45th day after publication of the notice for this proposed rule change is June 23, 2017. The Commission is extending this 45day time period for Commission action on the proposed rule change. The Commission finds that it is appropriate to designate a longer period within which to take action on the proposed rule change so that it has sufficient time to consider the proposed rule change. Accordingly, the Commission, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,7 designates August 7, 2017, as the date by which the Commission shall either approve or disapprove, or institute proceedings to determine whether to disapprove, the proposed rule change (File No. SR–IEX– 2017–10). For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.8 Eduardo A. Aleman, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2017–13474 Filed 6–27–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–81002; File No. SR–FICC– 2017–015] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Fixed Income Clearing Corporation; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Make Clarifications and Corrections to the Government Securities Division Rulebook, the Mortgage-Backed Securities Division Clearing Rules and the Mortgage-Backed Securities Division EPN Rules June 22, 2017. 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 June 16, 2017, Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (‘‘FICC’’) 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 by the clearing agency. FICC filed the 7 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2). CFR 200.30–3(a)(31). 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 8 17 E:\FR\FM\28JNN1.SGM 28JNN1 29356 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 123 / Wednesday, June 28, 2017 / Notices proposal pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 3 and Rule 19b–4(f)(4) thereunder 4 so that the proposal was effective upon filing with the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. I. Clearing Agency’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The proposed rule change would make clarifications and corrections (including the addition of certain new definitions, as described in more detail below) to FICC’s Government Securities Division (‘‘GSD’’) Rulebook (the ‘‘GSD Rules’’), Mortgage-Backed Securities Division (‘‘MBSD’’) Clearing Rules (the ‘‘MBSD Clearing Rules’’) and MBSD EPN Rules (the ‘‘EPN Rules,’’ and collectively with the GSD Rules and the MBSD Clearing Rules, the ‘‘Rules’’), as described in greater detail below.5 II. Clearing Agency’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, the clearing agency 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 clearing agency 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 Proposed Rule Change asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES 1. Purpose The purpose of the proposed rule change is to make certain clarifications and corrections (including the addition of certain new definitions) to the Rules so that the Rules remain consistent and clear. The proposed changes consist only of clarifications and corrections (including the addition of certain new definitions) and do not change any of the rights or obligations of the GSD Members, MBSD Members or EPN Users. (i) Proposed Changes to the GSD Rules FICC is proposing to make the following changes to the GSD Rules: 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(4). 5 Each capitalized term used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meaning set forth in the GSD Rules, MBSD Clearing Rules or the EPN Rules, as applicable, available at https:// www.dtcc.com/legal/rules-and-procedures. 4 17 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:22 Jun 27, 2017 Jkt 241001 A. Proposed Changes to GSD Rule 1— Definitions (1) Delete the incorrect reference to ‘‘Section 1 of Rule 2’’ in the definition of ‘‘Bank Netting Member’’ and replace it with a reference to ‘‘Section 2 of Rule 2A.’’ (2) Correct certain definitions relating to brokers and dealers and add certain defined terms in conjunction with such corrections, as described below (collectively, the changes referred to in this item (2) are referred to as the ‘‘Broker/Dealer Changes’’): (i) FICC has identified that the existing terms ‘‘Registered Government Securities Brokers’’ and ‘‘Registered Government Securities Dealers’’ refer to brokers and dealers registered with the Commission under either Section 15 or Section 15C of the Act, when such terms should only refer to brokers and dealers registered under Section 15C of the Act. The proposed rule change would correct these definitions in this regard. (ii) Two new terms, ‘‘Registered Broker’’ and ‘‘Registered Dealer,’’ would be added to GSD Rule 1 to address brokers and dealers that are registered under Section 15 of the Act. (iii) The term ‘‘Broker,’’ which is defined in part as a ‘‘Registered Government Securities Broker,’’ would be updated to add a reference to a ‘‘Registered Broker.’’ In addition, ‘‘or’’ is being added to reflect that a Broker would include a Registered Broker or a Registered Government Securities Broker. These corrections would make the definition consistent with the manner in which the term ‘‘Broker’’ is used throughout the GSD Rules and consistent with the corrections noted above in clauses (i) and (ii). (iv) The term ‘‘Dealer,’’ which is defined as a ‘‘Registered Government Securities Dealer,’’ would be updated to add a reference to a ‘‘Registered Dealer.’’ In addition, ‘‘or’’ is being added to reflect that a Dealer would include a Registered Dealer or a Registered Government Securities Dealer. These corrections would make the definition consistent with the manner in which the term ‘‘Dealer’’ is used throughout the GSD Rules and consistent with the corrections noted above in clauses (i) and (ii). (3) Delete references to ‘‘Category 1 Inter-Dealer Broker’’ and ‘‘Category 2 Inter-Dealer Broker’’ in the definition of ‘‘Brokered Transaction’’ and replace them with ‘‘Inter-Dealer Broker,’’ make a grammatical change, and change the numbering in the definition to reflect the replacements. The concept of and all other references to Category 1 InterDealer Brokers and Category 2 Inter- PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Dealer Brokers were intended to be removed from the GSD Rules in connection with the Commission’s approval of rule filing SR–FICC–2010– 09,6 however, a few references inadvertently remain in the current version of the GSD Rules. (4) Delete the references to ‘‘Registered Government Securities Broker’’ and ‘‘Registered Government Securities Dealer’’ in the definition of ‘‘Covered Affiliate’’ and replace each reference with ‘‘Broker’’ and ‘‘Dealer,’’ respectively. Currently, ‘‘Covered Affiliate’’ is defined in part to include certain ‘‘Registered Government Securities Brokers’’ and ‘‘Registered Government Securities Dealers,’’ however, this definition should also include certain ‘‘Registered Brokers’’ and ‘‘Registered Dealers,’’ as such terms are proposed to be added in this filing. The revised terms ‘‘Broker’’ and ‘‘Dealer’’ as proposed by this filing would also include Registered Brokers and Registered Dealers. This correction would make the definition consistent with the manner in which the term ‘‘Covered Affiliate’’ is used throughout the GSD Rules and consistent with the Broker/Dealer Changes noted above. (5) Change the definition of the term ‘‘Designated Examining Authority’’ to replace the existing descriptions of brokers and dealers with ‘‘Broker or Dealer, as applicable.’’ The use of the updated terms ‘‘Broker’’ and ‘‘Dealer’’ as proposed above and the addition of ‘‘as applicable’’ would refer to brokers and dealers registered under Section 15 of the Act and under Section 15C of the Act in a more succinct manner, would ensure consistency with the manner in which ‘‘Designated Examining Authority’’ is used throughout the GSD Rules and would be consistent with the Broker/Dealer Changes noted above. (6) Delete the repeated definitions of the terms ‘‘Eligible Letter of Credit’’ and ‘‘Eligible Netting Security.’’ (7) Delete the reference to ‘‘whole percentage’’ and replace it with ‘‘two decimal places’’ in the definition of the term ‘‘Excess Capital Ratio’’ to reflect that the quotient is rounded to the nearest two decimal places. The proposed change would make the GSD Rules consistent with the MBSD Clearing Rules, which would have an equivalent definition. (8) Delete the reference to ‘‘GSCC’’ and replace it with ‘‘the Corporation’’ in the definition of the ‘‘Full-Sized Trade’’ because GSCC is not a defined term that is used in the GSD Rules. GSCC refers 6 Securities Exchange Act Release No. 63986 (February 28, 2011); 76 FR 12144 (March 4, 2011) (SR–FICC–2010–09). E:\FR\FM\28JNN1.SGM 28JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 123 / Wednesday, June 28, 2017 / Notices to GSD’s predecessor, the Government Securities Clearing Corporation.7 (9) Add a new defined term for ‘‘InterDealer Broker’’ consistent with the manner in which the term is currently used in the GSD Rules and consistent with the MBSD Clearing Rules, which have the equivalent definition. (10) Delete the following definitions because they are not used in the GSD Rules: ‘‘Member Brokered Transaction,’’ ‘‘Non-Member Brokered Transaction,’’ and ‘‘Offsetting Position.’’ asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES B. Proposed Changes to GSD Rule 2A— Initial Membership Requirements (1) Delete the references to ‘‘Registered Government Securities Dealer’’ and replace them with ‘‘Dealer’’ in Section 2(a)(ii) to reflect the Broker/ Dealer Changes noted above. (2) Correct two grammatical errors in Section 2(a)(iv). (3) Delete the references to ‘‘Duff & Phelps (‘‘D&P’’)’’ and ‘‘D&P’’ and replace them with ‘‘Fitch Ratings (‘‘Fitch’’)’’ and ‘‘Fitch,’’ respectively, in Section 4 because Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co. was acquired by Fitch IBCA. (4) Delete the incorrect reference to ‘‘Rule 3’’ and replace it with ‘‘this Rule 2A’’ in Section 6. C. Proposed Changes to GSD Rule 3— Ongoing Membership Requirements Add ‘‘Ratio’’ after the reference to ‘‘Excess Capital’’ to read ‘‘Excess Capital Ratio’’ in Section 14. Section 14 requires a Netting Member to make a Clearing Fund deposit if its Excess Capital Ratio exceeds 1.0 because of the perceived risk posed by such Netting Member. Such deposit is calculated to bring the Clearing Fund to a desired level regarding the risk relating to such Netting Member. FICC currently calculates and has historically calculated this deposit using the Excess Capital Ratio as a multiple. Reference to Excess Capital as the multiple in the GSD Rules is incorrect—using Excess Capital as the multiple would result in a deposit requirement for a Netting Member that far exceeds the amount that FICC has determined is needed to increase the Clearing Fund to the desired level. The proposed change would make the GSD Rules consistent with the MBSD Clearing Rules, which have an equivalent formula in MBSD Clearing Rule 3 Section 12. D. Proposed Changes to GSD Rule 4— Clearing Fund and Loss Allocation (1) Delete the incorrect reference to ‘‘Section 8’’ in the first paragraph of 7 FICC 17:22 Jun 27, 2017 Jkt 241001 E. Proposed Changes to GSD Rule 5— Comparison System Capitalize the word ‘‘trades’’ in the phrase ‘‘Full-Sized trades’’ in Section 4 so that it reflects the defined term ‘‘FullSized Trade,’’ which is currently included in GSD Rule 1.9 F. Proposed Changes to GSD Rule 15— Special Provisions for Certain Netting Members (1) Remove a reserved section heading and renumber section headings that currently follow that heading to reflect its removal. (2) Delete the phrase ‘‘or an InterDealer Broker Netting Member’’ in the third sentence in proposed renumbered Section 2 because the term Inter-Dealer Broker Netting Member is inadvertently referenced twice. G. Proposed Changes to GSD Rule 17— Netting and Settlement of NettingEligible Auction Purchases Remove a reserved section heading and renumber section headings that currently follow that heading to reflect its removal. (ii) Proposed Changes to the MBSD Clearing Rules FICC is proposing to make the following changes to the MBSD Clearing Rules: A. Proposed Changes to MBSD Clearing Rule 1—Definitions (1) Add a new defined term for ‘‘Close of Business’’ consistent with the manner in which the term is currently used in the MBSD Clearing Rules and consistent with the GSD Rules which have the equivalent definition. (2) Delete the word ‘‘whole’’ from the phrase ‘‘whole two decimal places’’ in the definition of ‘‘Excess Capital Ratio’’ 8 See supra note 6. Trade’’ means a trade that is submitted to FICC in the full-size dollar amount in which it was executed as opposed to being submitted in an equivalent amount of $50 million pieces and a single tail. See GSD Rule 1, supra note 5. 9 ‘‘Full-Sized resulted from a merger of GSCC and the Mortgage-Backed Securities Clearing Corporation on January 1, 2003. VerDate Sep<11>2014 Section 5 and replace it with ‘‘Section 7.’’ (2) Delete the phrase ‘‘Category 1’’ before the words ‘‘Inter-Dealer Broker Netting Member’’ in Section 5 and make a grammatical change to reflect the deletion. The concept of and all other references to the term Category 1 were intended to be removed from the GSD Rules in connection with the Commission’s approval of rule filing SR–FICC–2010–09,8 however, this reference inadvertently remains in the current version of the GSD Rules. PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 29357 to reflect the standard convention for referencing decimals. B. Proposed Changes to MBSD Clearing Rule 3—Ongoing Membership Requirements Delete the phrase ‘‘close of business’’ and replace it with ‘‘Close of Business’’ in Section 2 so that it reflects the proposed new defined term ‘‘Close of Business,’’ which would be added in MBSD Clearing Rule 1. C. Proposed Changes to MBSD Clearing Rule 4—Clearing Fund and Loss Allocation (1) Delete the references to ‘‘Total Amount’’ and replace them with ‘‘Required Fund Deposit’’ in Section 2(d) because Total Amount is not a defined term and the correct reference in that section should be to the amount a Clearing Member is required to deposit to the Clearing Fund pursuant to MBSD Clearing Rule 4, which is the ‘‘Required Fund Deposit.10 (2) Delete the reference to ‘‘deposit’’ and replace it with ‘‘Required Fund Deposit’’ in Section 3 because the correct reference in that section should be to the amount a Clearing Member is required to deposit to the Clearing Fund pursuant to MBSD Clearing Rule 4, which is the ‘‘Required Fund Deposit.’’ (3) Clarify that the minimum amount of cash a Clearing Member must deposit into its Required Fund Deposit is $100,000 in Section 3. Section 2(d) refers to the same minimum Required Fund Deposit amount and the proposed change would make Section 3 consistent with Section 2(d). (4) Delete the references to ‘‘close of business’’ and replace them with ‘‘Close of Business’’ in Section 5 and Section 8 so that they reflect the proposed new defined term ‘‘Close of Business,’’ which would be added in MBSD Clearing Rule 1. (iii) Proposed Changes to the EPN Rules FICC is proposing to make the following changes to the EPN Rules: A. Proposed Changes to Article 1 EPN Rule 1—Definitions (1) Add a period after ‘‘Rule 1’’ to conform the punctuation in EPN Rule 1 with other EPN Rules. (2) Delete the incorrect cross-reference to ‘‘Article VII’’ and replace it with ‘‘Article II’’ in the definition of ‘‘Account.’’ (3) Delete the incorrect cross-reference to ‘‘Article VI’’ and replace it with 10 ‘‘Required Fund Deposit’’ means the amount a Clearing Member is required to deposit to the Clearing Fund pursuant to MBSD Clearing Rule 4. See MBSD Clearing Rule 1, supra note 5. E:\FR\FM\28JNN1.SGM 28JNN1 29358 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 123 / Wednesday, June 28, 2017 / Notices ‘‘Article I’’ in the definition of ‘‘EPN Eligible Security.’’ (4) Delete the incorrect cross-reference to ‘‘Article X’’ and replace it with ‘‘Article V’’ in the definition of ‘‘EPN Procedures.’’ (5) Delete the incorrect crossreferences to ‘‘Articles VI, VII, VIII, IX and X of the Rules,’’ in the definition of ‘‘EPN Rules.’’ Such references to the Articles are unnecessary. (6) Move the definition of ‘‘EPN Service’’ so that it is in correct alphabetical order. (7) Delete the incorrect cross-reference to ‘‘Article VIII’’ and replace it with ‘‘Article III’’ in the definition of ‘‘EPN User Agreement.’’ (8) Delete the definition of ‘‘Membership and Risk Management Committee’’ because this term is not used in the EPN Rules. (9) Move the definition of ‘‘Messages’’ so that it is in correct alphabetical order. (10) Delete the incorrect crossreference to ‘‘Article VII’’ and replace it with ‘‘Article II’’ in the definition of ‘‘Message Detail Report.’’ (11) Delete the incorrect reference to ‘‘Article VII’’ and replace it with ‘‘Article II’’ in the definition of ‘‘Message Summary Report.’’ (12) Delete the definition of ‘‘Operations and Planning Committee’’ because this term is not used in the EPN Rules. B. Proposed Changes to Article I EPN Rule 2—EPN Eligible Securities Correct a grammatical error and delete the incorrect cross-reference to ‘‘Article X’’ and replace it with ‘‘Article V.’’ C. Proposed Changes to Article II— Messages Processed by the Corporation (1) Add the following language to EPN Rule 1 Section 1: ‘‘The Corporation shall maintain one or more Accounts for each EPN User’’ because this language appears to have been inadvertently deleted from previous versions of the EPN Rules. (2) Delete the term ‘‘Reports’’ and replace it with lowercased ‘‘reports’’ in EPN Rule 2 Section 1 because Reports is not a defined term in the EPN Rules. asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES D. Proposed Changes to Article III—EPN Users (1) Delete the incorrect cross-reference to ‘‘Article X’’ and replace it with ‘‘Article V’’ and correct a grammatical error in EPN Rule 1 Section 5. (2) Delete the incorrect cross-reference to ‘‘Article X’’ and replace it with ‘‘Article V’’ in EPN Rule 1 Section 7. (3) Correct two grammatical errors in EPN Rule 2 Section 1. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:22 Jun 27, 2017 Jkt 241001 (4) Delete the incorrect cross-reference to ‘‘Article VIII’’ and replace it with ‘‘Article III’’ in EPN Rule 3 Section 1. E. Proposed Changes to Article V— Miscellaneous (1) Add ‘‘EPN’’ before each reference to ‘‘Rules’’ because ‘‘EPN Rules’’ is the correct defined term. (2) Remove extra spaces between ‘‘Interested’’ and ‘‘Person’’ in the first paragraph of Rule 7 Section 1 and replace ‘‘a’’ with ‘‘an’’ before the proposed addition of ‘‘EPN’’ in the second paragraph of Rule 7 Section 1 for grammatical correctness. (3) Add ‘‘EPN’’ before each reference to ‘‘Procedures’’ because ‘‘EPN Procedures’’ is the correct defined term. (4) Add a tab space before certain paragraphs throughout Article V to conform the spacing in Article V to the other Articles in the EPN Rules. (5) Delete the reference to ‘‘minor rule violation’’ and replace it with ‘‘Minor Rule Violation’’ in EPN Rule 7 Section 3 so that it reflects the defined term, ‘‘Minor Rule Violation,’’ which is currently included in EPN Rule 7 Section 2, and correct the crossreference in that Section to reflect that the term ‘‘Minor Rule Violation’’ is defined in Section 2 of EPN Rule 7 rather than Section 3.11 (6) Delete the heading ‘‘SEC. 6. FINALITY OF CORPORATION ACTION’’ because it is misplaced, and reorder the numbering for each EPN Rule that currently follows that heading so that each such EPN Rule continues as part of Article V. (7) Correct a grammatical error in proposed renumbered EPN Rule 14(b)(ii). (8) Correct a grammatical error, and delete the incorrect cross-reference to ‘‘Article X’’ and replace it with ‘‘Article V’’ in proposed renumbered EPN Rule 14(c). 2. Statutory Basis Section 17A(b)(3)(F) 12 of the Act requires, in part, that the Rules be designed to promote the prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of securities transactions. FICC believes that the proposed rule change has been designed to promote the prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of securities transactions, consistent with Section 17A(b)(3)(F).13 Specifically, the proposed rule change would clarify the 11 ‘‘Minor Rule Violation’’ means a violation of the EPN Rules for which a fine may be assessed against the Interested Person in an amount not to exceed $5,000. See Article V, EPN Rule 7, Section 2, supra note 5. 12 15 U.S.C. 78q–1(b)(3)(F). 13 Id. PO 00000 Frm 00085 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 meaning of certain provisions of the Rules, correct grammatical errors, correct cross-references and similar technical changes, which ensure that the Rules are consistent and clear. As such, FICC believes the proposed rule change would allow GSD Members, MBSD Members and EPN Users governed by the applicable Rules to have a better understanding of the Rules and thereby assist in promoting the prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of securities transactions. (B) Clearing Agency’s Statement on Burden on Competition FICC does not believe that the proposed rule change will have any impact on competition because the proposed changes to the Rules are clarifications and corrections (including the addition of certain new definitions), which would not change FICC’s current practices or the rights or obligations of the GSD Members, MBSD Members or EPN Users bound by the applicable Rules. Therefore, the proposed changes should have no effect on the GSD Members, MBSD Members or EPN Users that are bound by the applicable Rules other than to foster a better understanding of the applicable Rules by such GSD Members, MBSD Members and EPN Users. (C) Clearing Agency’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others Written comments relating to the proposed rule change have not been solicited or received. FICC will notify the Commission of any written comments received by FICC. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action The foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) 14 of the Act and subparagraph (f)(4) of Rule 19b–4 15 thereunder. At any time within 60 days of the filing of the 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. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views and arguments concerning the foregoing, 14 15 15 17 E:\FR\FM\28JNN1.SGM U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(4). 28JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 123 / Wednesday, June 28, 2017 / Notices including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: DEPARTMENT OF STATE 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– FICC–2017–015 on the subject line. Notice of Determinations; Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition Determinations: ‘‘KLIMT & RODIN: An Artistic Encounter’’ Exhibition asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–FICC–2017–015. 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 FICC and on DTCC’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 Number SR–FICC– 2017–015 and should be submitted on or before July 19, 2017. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.16 Eduardo A. Aleman, Assistant Secretary. [Public Notice: 10042] Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), E.O. 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority No. 236–3 of August 28, 2000 (and, as appropriate, Delegation of Authority No. 257–1 of December 11, 2015), I hereby determine that certain objects to be included in the exhibition ‘‘KLIMT & RODIN: An Artistic Encounter,’’ imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to loan agreements with the foreign owners or custodians. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Legion of Honor, San Francisco, California, from on or about October 14, 2017, until on or about January 28, 2018, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. I have ordered that Public Notice of these Determinations be published in the Federal Register. For further information, including a list of the imported objects, contact the Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs in the Office of the Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State (telephone: 202–632–6471; email: section2459@state.gov). The mailing address is U.S. Department of State, L/ PD, SA–5, Suite 5H03, Washington, DC 20522–0505. Alyson Grunder, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State. [FR Doc. 2017–13493 Filed 6–27–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710–05–P BILLING CODE 8011–01–P CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:22 Jun 27, 2017 Jkt 241001 DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice: 10048] [FR Doc. 2017–13490 Filed 6–27–17; 8:45 am] 16 17 29359 PO 00000 Frm 00086 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Passport Demand Forecasting Survey Notice of request for public comment and submission to OMB of proposed collection of information. ACTION: The Department of State has submitted the information collection described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 we are requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals and organizations. The purpose of this Notice is to allow 30 days for public comment. DATES: Submit comments directly to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) up to July 28, 2017. ADDRESSES: Direct comments to the Department of State Desk Officer in the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). You may submit comments by the following methods: • Email: oira_submission@ omb.eop.gov. You must include the DS form number, information collection title, and the OMB control number in the subject line of your message. • Fax: 202–395–5806. Attention: Desk Officer for Department of State. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Direct requests for additional information regarding the collection listed in this notice, including requests for copies of the proposed collection instrument and supporting documents, to the Office of Passport Services, who may be reached at passportstudy@ state.gov. SUMMARY: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: • Title of Information Collection: Passport Demand Forecasting Survey. • OMB Control Number: 1405–0177. • Type of Request: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection. • Originating Office: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Passport Services. • Form Number: SV–2012–0006. • Respondents: A national representative sample of U.S. citizens, nationals, and any other categories of individuals that are entitled to a U.S. passport product. • Estimated Number of Respondents: 48,000. • Estimated Number of Responses: 48,000. • Average Time per Response: 10 minutes. E:\FR\FM\28JNN1.SGM 28JNN1

Agencies

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 123 (Wednesday, June 28, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29355-29359]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-13490]

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-81002; File No. SR-FICC-2017-015]

Self-Regulatory Organizations; Fixed Income Clearing Corporation;
Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change
To Make Clarifications and Corrections to the Government Securities
Division Rulebook, the Mortgage-Backed Securities Division Clearing
Rules and the Mortgage-Backed Securities Division EPN Rules

June 22, 2017.
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 June 16, 2017, Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (``FICC'') 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 by the clearing agency. FICC filed the

[[Page 29356]]

proposal pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \3\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(4) thereunder \4\ so that the proposal was effective upon filing
with the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to
solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
\3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
\4\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(4).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. Clearing Agency's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the
Proposed Rule Change

The proposed rule change would make clarifications and corrections
(including the addition of certain new definitions, as described in
more detail below) to FICC's Government Securities Division (``GSD'')
Rulebook (the ``GSD Rules''), Mortgage-Backed Securities Division
(``MBSD'') Clearing Rules (the ``MBSD Clearing Rules'') and MBSD EPN
Rules (the ``EPN Rules,'' and collectively with the GSD Rules and the
MBSD Clearing Rules, the ``Rules''), as described in greater detail
below.\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\5\ Each capitalized term used herein and not otherwise defined
shall have the meaning set forth in the GSD Rules, MBSD Clearing
Rules or the EPN Rules, as applicable, available at https://www.dtcc.com/legal/rules-and-procedures.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

II. Clearing Agency's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis
for, the Proposed Rule Change

In its filing with the Commission, the clearing agency 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 clearing agency 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 Proposed Rule Change

1. Purpose
The purpose of the proposed rule change is to make certain
clarifications and corrections (including the addition of certain new
definitions) to the Rules so that the Rules remain consistent and
clear. The proposed changes consist only of clarifications and
corrections (including the addition of certain new definitions) and do
not change any of the rights or obligations of the GSD Members, MBSD
Members or EPN Users.
(i) Proposed Changes to the GSD Rules
FICC is proposing to make the following changes to the GSD Rules:
A. Proposed Changes to GSD Rule 1--Definitions
(1) Delete the incorrect reference to ``Section 1 of Rule 2'' in
the definition of ``Bank Netting Member'' and replace it with a
reference to ``Section 2 of Rule 2A.''
(2) Correct certain definitions relating to brokers and dealers and
add certain defined terms in conjunction with such corrections, as
described below (collectively, the changes referred to in this item (2)
are referred to as the ``Broker/Dealer Changes''):
(i) FICC has identified that the existing terms ``Registered
Government Securities Brokers'' and ``Registered Government Securities
Dealers'' refer to brokers and dealers registered with the Commission
under either Section 15 or Section 15C of the Act, when such terms
should only refer to brokers and dealers registered under Section 15C
of the Act. The proposed rule change would correct these definitions in
this regard.
(ii) Two new terms, ``Registered Broker'' and ``Registered
Dealer,'' would be added to GSD Rule 1 to address brokers and dealers
that are registered under Section 15 of the Act.
(iii) The term ``Broker,'' which is defined in part as a
``Registered Government Securities Broker,'' would be updated to add a
reference to a ``Registered Broker.'' In addition, ``or'' is being
added to reflect that a Broker would include a Registered Broker or a
Registered Government Securities Broker. These corrections would make
the definition consistent with the manner in which the term ``Broker''
is used throughout the GSD Rules and consistent with the corrections
noted above in clauses (i) and (ii).
(iv) The term ``Dealer,'' which is defined as a ``Registered
Government Securities Dealer,'' would be updated to add a reference to
a ``Registered Dealer.'' In addition, ``or'' is being added to reflect
that a Dealer would include a Registered Dealer or a Registered
Government Securities Dealer. These corrections would make the
definition consistent with the manner in which the term ``Dealer'' is
used throughout the GSD Rules and consistent with the corrections noted
above in clauses (i) and (ii).
(3) Delete references to ``Category 1 Inter-Dealer Broker'' and
``Category 2 Inter-Dealer Broker'' in the definition of ``Brokered
Transaction'' and replace them with ``Inter-Dealer Broker,'' make a
grammatical change, and change the numbering in the definition to
reflect the replacements. The concept of and all other references to
Category 1 Inter-Dealer Brokers and Category 2 Inter-Dealer Brokers
were intended to be removed from the GSD Rules in connection with the
Commission's approval of rule filing SR-FICC-2010-09,\6\ however, a few
references inadvertently remain in the current version of the GSD
Rules.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\6\ Securities Exchange Act Release No. 63986 (February 28,
2011); 76 FR 12144 (March 4, 2011) (SR-FICC-2010-09).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(4) Delete the references to ``Registered Government Securities
Broker'' and ``Registered Government Securities Dealer'' in the
definition of ``Covered Affiliate'' and replace each reference with
``Broker'' and ``Dealer,'' respectively. Currently, ``Covered
Affiliate'' is defined in part to include certain ``Registered
Government Securities Brokers'' and ``Registered Government Securities
Dealers,'' however, this definition should also include certain
``Registered Brokers'' and ``Registered Dealers,'' as such terms are
proposed to be added in this filing. The revised terms ``Broker'' and
``Dealer'' as proposed by this filing would also include Registered
Brokers and Registered Dealers. This correction would make the
definition consistent with the manner in which the term ``Covered
Affiliate'' is used throughout the GSD Rules and consistent with the
Broker/Dealer Changes noted above.
(5) Change the definition of the term ``Designated Examining
Authority'' to replace the existing descriptions of brokers and dealers
with ``Broker or Dealer, as applicable.'' The use of the updated terms
``Broker'' and ``Dealer'' as proposed above and the addition of ``as
applicable'' would refer to brokers and dealers registered under
Section 15 of the Act and under Section 15C of the Act in a more
succinct manner, would ensure consistency with the manner in which
``Designated Examining Authority'' is used throughout the GSD Rules and
would be consistent with the Broker/Dealer Changes noted above.
(6) Delete the repeated definitions of the terms ``Eligible Letter
of Credit'' and ``Eligible Netting Security.''
(7) Delete the reference to ``whole percentage'' and replace it
with ``two decimal places'' in the definition of the term ``Excess
Capital Ratio'' to reflect that the quotient is rounded to the nearest
two decimal places. The proposed change would make the GSD Rules
consistent with the MBSD Clearing Rules, which would have an equivalent
definition.
(8) Delete the reference to ``GSCC'' and replace it with ``the
Corporation'' in the definition of the ``Full-Sized Trade'' because
GSCC is not a defined term that is used in the GSD Rules. GSCC refers

[[Page 29357]]

to GSD's predecessor, the Government Securities Clearing
Corporation.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\7\ FICC resulted from a merger of GSCC and the Mortgage-Backed
Securities Clearing Corporation on January 1, 2003.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(9) Add a new defined term for ``Inter-Dealer Broker'' consistent
with the manner in which the term is currently used in the GSD Rules
and consistent with the MBSD Clearing Rules, which have the equivalent
definition.
(10) Delete the following definitions because they are not used in
the GSD Rules: ``Member Brokered Transaction,'' ``Non-Member Brokered
Transaction,'' and ``Offsetting Position.''
B. Proposed Changes to GSD Rule 2A--Initial Membership Requirements
(1) Delete the references to ``Registered Government Securities
Dealer'' and replace them with ``Dealer'' in Section 2(a)(ii) to
reflect the Broker/Dealer Changes noted above.
(2) Correct two grammatical errors in Section 2(a)(iv).
(3) Delete the references to ``Duff & Phelps (``D&P'')'' and
``D&P'' and replace them with ``Fitch Ratings (``Fitch'')'' and
``Fitch,'' respectively, in Section 4 because Duff & Phelps Credit
Rating Co. was acquired by Fitch IBCA.
(4) Delete the incorrect reference to ``Rule 3'' and replace it
with ``this Rule 2A'' in Section 6.
C. Proposed Changes to GSD Rule 3--Ongoing Membership Requirements
Add ``Ratio'' after the reference to ``Excess Capital'' to read
``Excess Capital Ratio'' in Section 14. Section 14 requires a Netting
Member to make a Clearing Fund deposit if its Excess Capital Ratio
exceeds 1.0 because of the perceived risk posed by such Netting Member.
Such deposit is calculated to bring the Clearing Fund to a desired
level regarding the risk relating to such Netting Member. FICC
currently calculates and has historically calculated this deposit using
the Excess Capital Ratio as a multiple. Reference to Excess Capital as
the multiple in the GSD Rules is incorrect--using Excess Capital as the
multiple would result in a deposit requirement for a Netting Member
that far exceeds the amount that FICC has determined is needed to
increase the Clearing Fund to the desired level. The proposed change
would make the GSD Rules consistent with the MBSD Clearing Rules, which
have an equivalent formula in MBSD Clearing Rule 3 Section 12.
D. Proposed Changes to GSD Rule 4--Clearing Fund and Loss Allocation
(1) Delete the incorrect reference to ``Section 8'' in the first
paragraph of Section 5 and replace it with ``Section 7.''
(2) Delete the phrase ``Category 1'' before the words ``Inter-
Dealer Broker Netting Member'' in Section 5 and make a grammatical
change to reflect the deletion. The concept of and all other references
to the term Category 1 were intended to be removed from the GSD Rules
in connection with the Commission's approval of rule filing SR-FICC-
2010-09,\8\ however, this reference inadvertently remains in the
current version of the GSD Rules.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\8\ See supra note 6.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

E. Proposed Changes to GSD Rule 5--Comparison System
Capitalize the word ``trades'' in the phrase ``Full-Sized trades''
in Section 4 so that it reflects the defined term ``Full-Sized Trade,''
which is currently included in GSD Rule 1.\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\9\ ``Full-Sized Trade'' means a trade that is submitted to FICC
in the full-size dollar amount in which it was executed as opposed
to being submitted in an equivalent amount of $50 million pieces and
a single tail. See GSD Rule 1, supra note 5.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

F. Proposed Changes to GSD Rule 15--Special Provisions for Certain
Netting Members
(1) Remove a reserved section heading and renumber section headings
that currently follow that heading to reflect its removal.
(2) Delete the phrase ``or an Inter-Dealer Broker Netting Member''
in the third sentence in proposed renumbered Section 2 because the term
Inter-Dealer Broker Netting Member is inadvertently referenced twice.
G. Proposed Changes to GSD Rule 17--Netting and Settlement of Netting-
Eligible Auction Purchases
Remove a reserved section heading and renumber section headings
that currently follow that heading to reflect its removal.
(ii) Proposed Changes to the MBSD Clearing Rules
FICC is proposing to make the following changes to the MBSD
Clearing Rules:
A. Proposed Changes to MBSD Clearing Rule 1--Definitions
(1) Add a new defined term for ``Close of Business'' consistent
with the manner in which the term is currently used in the MBSD
Clearing Rules and consistent with the GSD Rules which have the
equivalent definition.
(2) Delete the word ``whole'' from the phrase ``whole two decimal
places'' in the definition of ``Excess Capital Ratio'' to reflect the
standard convention for referencing decimals.
B. Proposed Changes to MBSD Clearing Rule 3--Ongoing Membership
Requirements
Delete the phrase ``close of business'' and replace it with ``Close
of Business'' in Section 2 so that it reflects the proposed new defined
term ``Close of Business,'' which would be added in MBSD Clearing Rule
1.
C. Proposed Changes to MBSD Clearing Rule 4--Clearing Fund and Loss
Allocation
(1) Delete the references to ``Total Amount'' and replace them with
``Required Fund Deposit'' in Section 2(d) because Total Amount is not a
defined term and the correct reference in that section should be to the
amount a Clearing Member is required to deposit to the Clearing Fund
pursuant to MBSD Clearing Rule 4, which is the ``Required Fund
Deposit.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\10\ ``Required Fund Deposit'' means the amount a Clearing
Member is required to deposit to the Clearing Fund pursuant to MBSD
Clearing Rule 4. See MBSD Clearing Rule 1, supra note 5.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(2) Delete the reference to ``deposit'' and replace it with
``Required Fund Deposit'' in Section 3 because the correct reference in
that section should be to the amount a Clearing Member is required to
deposit to the Clearing Fund pursuant to MBSD Clearing Rule 4, which is
the ``Required Fund Deposit.''
(3) Clarify that the minimum amount of cash a Clearing Member must
deposit into its Required Fund Deposit is $100,000 in Section 3.
Section 2(d) refers to the same minimum Required Fund Deposit amount
and the proposed change would make Section 3 consistent with Section
2(d).
(4) Delete the references to ``close of business'' and replace them
with ``Close of Business'' in Section 5 and Section 8 so that they
reflect the proposed new defined term ``Close of Business,'' which
would be added in MBSD Clearing Rule 1.
(iii) Proposed Changes to the EPN Rules
FICC is proposing to make the following changes to the EPN Rules:
A. Proposed Changes to Article 1 EPN Rule 1--Definitions
(1) Add a period after ``Rule 1'' to conform the punctuation in EPN
Rule 1 with other EPN Rules.
(2) Delete the incorrect cross-reference to ``Article VII'' and
replace it with ``Article II'' in the definition of ``Account.''
(3) Delete the incorrect cross-reference to ``Article VI'' and
replace it with

[[Page 29358]]

``Article I'' in the definition of ``EPN Eligible Security.''
(4) Delete the incorrect cross-reference to ``Article X'' and
replace it with ``Article V'' in the definition of ``EPN Procedures.''
(5) Delete the incorrect cross-references to ``Articles VI, VII,
VIII, IX and X of the Rules,'' in the definition of ``EPN Rules.'' Such
references to the Articles are unnecessary.
(6) Move the definition of ``EPN Service'' so that it is in correct
alphabetical order.
(7) Delete the incorrect cross-reference to ``Article VIII'' and
replace it with ``Article III'' in the definition of ``EPN User
Agreement.''
(8) Delete the definition of ``Membership and Risk Management
Committee'' because this term is not used in the EPN Rules.
(9) Move the definition of ``Messages'' so that it is in correct
alphabetical order.
(10) Delete the incorrect cross-reference to ``Article VII'' and
replace it with ``Article II'' in the definition of ``Message Detail
Report.''
(11) Delete the incorrect reference to ``Article VII'' and replace
it with ``Article II'' in the definition of ``Message Summary Report.''
(12) Delete the definition of ``Operations and Planning Committee''
because this term is not used in the EPN Rules.
B. Proposed Changes to Article I EPN Rule 2--EPN Eligible Securities
Correct a grammatical error and delete the incorrect cross-
reference to ``Article X'' and replace it with ``Article V.''
C. Proposed Changes to Article II--Messages Processed by the
Corporation
(1) Add the following language to EPN Rule 1 Section 1: ``The
Corporation shall maintain one or more Accounts for each EPN User''
because this language appears to have been inadvertently deleted from
previous versions of the EPN Rules.
(2) Delete the term ``Reports'' and replace it with lowercased
``reports'' in EPN Rule 2 Section 1 because Reports is not a defined
term in the EPN Rules.
D. Proposed Changes to Article III--EPN Users
(1) Delete the incorrect cross-reference to ``Article X'' and
replace it with ``Article V'' and correct a grammatical error in EPN
Rule 1 Section 5.
(2) Delete the incorrect cross-reference to ``Article X'' and
replace it with ``Article V'' in EPN Rule 1 Section 7.
(3) Correct two grammatical errors in EPN Rule 2 Section 1.
(4) Delete the incorrect cross-reference to ``Article VIII'' and
replace it with ``Article III'' in EPN Rule 3 Section 1.
E. Proposed Changes to Article V--Miscellaneous
(1) Add ``EPN'' before each reference to ``Rules'' because ``EPN
Rules'' is the correct defined term.
(2) Remove extra spaces between ``Interested'' and ``Person'' in
the first paragraph of Rule 7 Section 1 and replace ``a'' with ``an''
before the proposed addition of ``EPN'' in the second paragraph of Rule
7 Section 1 for grammatical correctness.
(3) Add ``EPN'' before each reference to ``Procedures'' because
``EPN Procedures'' is the correct defined term.
(4) Add a tab space before certain paragraphs throughout Article V
to conform the spacing in Article V to the other Articles in the EPN
Rules.
(5) Delete the reference to ``minor rule violation'' and replace it
with ``Minor Rule Violation'' in EPN Rule 7 Section 3 so that it
reflects the defined term, ``Minor Rule Violation,'' which is currently
included in EPN Rule 7 Section 2, and correct the cross-reference in
that Section to reflect that the term ``Minor Rule Violation'' is
defined in Section 2 of EPN Rule 7 rather than Section 3.\11\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\11\ ``Minor Rule Violation'' means a violation of the EPN Rules
for which a fine may be assessed against the Interested Person in an
amount not to exceed $5,000. See Article V, EPN Rule 7, Section 2,
supra note 5.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(6) Delete the heading ``SEC. 6. FINALITY OF CORPORATION ACTION''
because it is misplaced, and reorder the numbering for each EPN Rule
that currently follows that heading so that each such EPN Rule
continues as part of Article V.
(7) Correct a grammatical error in proposed renumbered EPN Rule
14(b)(ii).
(8) Correct a grammatical error, and delete the incorrect cross-
reference to ``Article X'' and replace it with ``Article V'' in
proposed renumbered EPN Rule 14(c).
2. Statutory Basis
Section 17A(b)(3)(F) \12\ of the Act requires, in part, that the
Rules be designed to promote the prompt and accurate clearance and
settlement of securities transactions. FICC believes that the proposed
rule change has been designed to promote the prompt and accurate
clearance and settlement of securities transactions, consistent with
Section 17A(b)(3)(F).\13\ Specifically, the proposed rule change would
clarify the meaning of certain provisions of the Rules, correct
grammatical errors, correct cross-references and similar technical
changes, which ensure that the Rules are consistent and clear. As such,
FICC believes the proposed rule change would allow GSD Members, MBSD
Members and EPN Users governed by the applicable Rules to have a better
understanding of the Rules and thereby assist in promoting the prompt
and accurate clearance and settlement of securities transactions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\12\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(F).
\13\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(B) Clearing Agency's Statement on Burden on Competition

FICC does not believe that the proposed rule change will have any
impact on competition because the proposed changes to the Rules are
clarifications and corrections (including the addition of certain new
definitions), which would not change FICC's current practices or the
rights or obligations of the GSD Members, MBSD Members or EPN Users
bound by the applicable Rules. Therefore, the proposed changes should
have no effect on the GSD Members, MBSD Members or EPN Users that are
bound by the applicable Rules other than to foster a better
understanding of the applicable Rules by such GSD Members, MBSD Members
and EPN Users.

Written comments relating to the proposed rule change have not been
solicited or received. FICC will notify the Commission of any written
comments received by FICC.

III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
Commission Action

The foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section
19(b)(3)(A) \14\ of the Act and subparagraph (f)(4) of Rule 19b-4 \15\
thereunder. At any time within 60 days of the filing of the 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\14\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
\15\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(4).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

IV. Solicitation of Comments

Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views and
arguments concerning the foregoing,

[[Page 29359]]

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-FICC-2017-015 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

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

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-FICC-2017-015. 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 FICC and on
DTCC'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 Number SR-FICC-2017-015 and should be
submitted on or before July 19, 2017.

For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\16\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\16\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eduardo A. Aleman,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2017-13490 Filed 6-27-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P

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