Self-Regulatory Organizations; Fixed Income Clearing Corporation; Order Approving Proposed Rule Change To Correct Certain References and Provide Transparency to Existing Processes in the Mortgage-Backed Securities Division Electronic Pool Notification Rules, 49445-49449 [2018-21235]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 190 / Monday, October 1, 2018 / Notices 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 website (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 website 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 a.m. and 3 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. Persons submitting comments are cautioned that we do not redact or edit personal identifying information from comment submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR– NYSEArca–2018–69, and should be submitted on or before October 22,2018. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.19 Eduardo A. Aleman, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2018–21232 Filed 9–28–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–84278; File No. SR–FICC– 2018–007] amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES Self-Regulatory Organizations; Fixed Income Clearing Corporation; Order Approving Proposed Rule Change To Correct Certain References and Provide Transparency to Existing Processes in the Mortgage-Backed Securities Division Electronic Pool Notification Rules September 25, 2018. On August 3, 2018, Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (‘‘FICC’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) proposed 19 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:50 Sep 28, 2018 Jkt 247001 rule change SR–FICC–2018–007 pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder.2 The proposed rule change was published for comment in the Federal Register on August 15, 2018.3 The Commission did not receive any comment letters on the proposed rule change. For the reasons discussed below, the Commission approves the proposed rule change. I. Description of the Proposed Rule Change The proposed rule change would amend FICC’s Mortgage-Backed Securities Division’s (‘‘MSBD’’) electronic pool notification (‘‘EPN’’) service (‘‘EPN Service’’) rules (‘‘EPN Rules’’).4 A. Background EPN Service provides an automated manner for market participants with an obligation to deliver pools of mortgages to transmit mortgage pool information to their counterparties in real time.5 Market participants that wish to use the EPN Service (i.e., become ‘‘EPN Users’’) are required to submit an application to MBSD.6 The application process and the use of the EPN Service are governed by the EPN Rules.7 MBSD’s clearing members (‘‘Clearing Members’’) are required to be EPN Users; however, one can be an EPN User and not a Clearing Member.8 B. Proposed Changes To Correct the EPN Rules’ Article I (‘‘Definitions and General Provisions’’) FICC proposes to delete three defined terms from Article I of the EPN Rules: (i) EPN Procedures, (ii) Comparison Only System, and (iii) Par Amount.9 FICC proposes to delete the term ‘‘EPN Procedures’’ because FICC does not maintain EPN Procedures.10 Relatedly, 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. 3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 83808 (August 9, 2018), 83 FR 40611 (August 15, 2018) (SR–FICC–2018–007) (‘‘Notice’’). 4 MBSD maintains two sets of rulebooks: The EPN Rules and the MSBD rules (‘‘MBSD Rules’’). Notice, 83 FR at 40611. The EPN Rules govern MBSD’s EPN Service, and the MBSD Clearing Rules (the ‘‘MBSD Rules’’) govern MBSD’s clearance and settlement service. Id. The EPN Rules are available at https:// www.dtcc.com/∼/media/Files/Downloads/legal/ rules/ficc_mbsd_epnrules.pdf. The MBSD Rules are available at https://www.dtcc.com/∼/media/Files/ Downloads/legal/rules/ficc_mbsd_rules.pdf. 5 Notice, 83 FR at 40612. 6 Id. 7 Id. 8 Id. 9 Id. 10 EPN Rules’ Article V, Rule 11 empowers FICC to adopt EPN Procedures as FICC ‘‘deems necessary 2 17 PO 00000 Frm 00093 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 49445 FICC proposes to amend the definitions of ‘‘EPN Service’’ and ‘‘EPN User Profile’’ in order to delete references to ‘‘EPN Procedures’’ in those definitions.11 FICC also proposes to make a grammatical correction to the ‘‘EPN User Profile’’ definition. Specifically, FICC would replace the word ‘‘in’’ with ‘‘by’’ so the definition reads, ‘‘the EPN User Profile would be on a form specified ‘by’ FICC.’’ 12 FICC also proposes to delete the term ‘‘Comparison Only System’’ from the definition of ‘‘Interested Person’’ because MBSD does not maintain a ‘‘Comparison Only System.’’ 13 Similarly, FICC proposes to delete the term ‘‘Par Amount’’ from Article I because the term is not otherwise referred to in the EPN Rules.14 FICC states that the inclusion of these two terms in the EPN Rules was an error.15 C. Proposed Changes To Correct the EPN Rules’ Article III (‘‘EPN Users’’) FICC proposes revisions to Article III of the EPN Rules to remove references to ‘‘EPN Procedures,’’ as well as to revise the deadlines to process EPN message (‘‘Messages’’). 1. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules, Article III, Rule 1, Section 3 (‘‘Requirements Applicable to EPN Users’’) EPN Rules, Article III, Rule 1, Section 3 lists terms required for application to the EPN Service.16 This list states, in part, that an applicant shall agree (i) to abide by and be bound by the EPN Rules and EPN Procedures, (ii) that the EPN Rules and EPN Procedures are incorporated into every contract or Message, (iii) that the EPN User shall pay fines that are imposed in accordance with the EPN Rules and EPN Procedures, and (iv) that the applicant is bound by any amendment to the EPN Rules and EPN Procedures.17 FICC proposes to delete all references to the EPN Procedures in this list, as FICC does not maintain such procedures.18 The same Section 3 also states that, in the event of an EPN Service disruption and an extension of the cut-off times for communicating pool allocation information pursuant to the Securities or desirable.’’ Supra note 4. FICC states that when FICC instituted the EPN Service and the related EPN Rules, EPN Procedures were not adopted at that time. Notice, 83 FR at 40612. 11 Notice, 83 FR at 40612. 12 Id. 13 Id. 14 Id. 15 Id. 16 Id. 17 Id. 18 Id. E:\FR\FM\01OCN1.SGM 01OCN1 49446 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 190 / Monday, October 1, 2018 / Notices Industry and Financial Markets Association (‘‘SIFMA’’) guidelines (‘‘SIFMA Guidelines’’), EPN Users ‘‘will’’ be relieved of their obligation to process Messages through the EPN Service until the beginning of the next Business Day after the EPN Service has been recovered.19 FICC proposes to amend this provision to state that EPN Users ‘‘may’’ be relieved of their obligation to process Messages through the EPN Service until ‘‘later in the Business Day or’’ the beginning of the next Business Day after the EPN Service has been recovered.20 FICC states that this change would accommodate the nature of specific EPN Service disruptions and MBSD’s ability to fix such disruptions promptly.21 FICC states that the specific disruption determines whether the cut-off time would be extended to later in the Business Day or the next Business Day.22 amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES 2. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules, Article III, Rule 1, Section 5 (‘‘EPN Users Bound by EPN Rules, EPN Procedures and Applicable Laws’’) EPN Rules, Article III, Rule 1, Section 5 states, in part, that the use of FICC’s facilities by an EPN User shall constitute such EPN User’s agreement with FICC and with all other EPN Users to be bound by the provisions of, and by any action taken or order issued by FICC pursuant to the EPN Rules and any amendment thereto, and to such EPN Procedures that FICC from time to time may adopt.23 FICC proposes to amend the title of this section and the paragraph in this section to delete all references to EPN Procedures, as FICC does not maintain such procedures.24 3. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules, Article III, Rule 1, Section 6 (‘‘EPN Rules and EPN Procedures Incorporated in EPN User Messages’’) EPN Rules, Article III, Rule 1, Section 6 states that the EPN Rules and the EPN Procedures adopted from time to time by FICC shall be deemed to be incorporated in each Message that occurs through the EPN Service. This section also states that if the terms contained in any other agreement between EPN Users are inconsistent with the provisions of the EPN Rules or the EPN Procedures, the EPN Rules and the EPN Procedures shall be controlling.25 FICC proposes to amend the title of this section and the paragraph in this section to delete all references to EPN Procedures, as FICC does not maintain such procedures.26 4. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules’ Article III, Rule 3, Section 1 (‘‘When the Corporation Declines To Act for an EPN User’’) EPN Rules, Article III, Rule 3, Section 1 states that FICC may, at any time, cease to act for an EPN User if the EPN User has (i) failed to perform its obligations to FICC or other EPN Users under the EPN Rules or the EPN Procedures or (ii) materially violated any of the EPN Rules, EPN Procedures, or any agreement with FICC.27 FICC proposes to amend this section to delete all references to the EPN Procedures, as FICC does not maintain such procedures.28 5. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules’ Article III, Rule 4 (‘‘Admission to Premises of Corporation; Powers of Attorney’’) EPN Rules, Article III, Rule 4 states that no person shall be permitted to enter FICC’s premises as the representative of any EPN User unless ‘‘he’’ has first been approved by FICC.29 FICC proposes to delete the reference to ‘‘he’’ and replace it with ‘‘such person’’ because FICC believes that it would be more appropriate to use gender neutral terminology.30 D. Proposed Changes to Correct the EPN Rules’ Article V (‘‘Miscellaneous’’) FICC proposes revisions to Article V of the EPN Rules to replace outdated references to ‘‘Vice President,’’ and to remove references to EPN Procedures. 1. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules’ Article V, Rule 1 (‘‘Action by the Corporation’’) EPN Rules, Article V, Rule 1 states that, except where action by FICC’s Board of Directors (‘‘Board’’), or any committee of the Board, is specifically required by FICC’s By-Laws or the EPN Rules, FICC may act by its President, any Managing Director, or any Vice President or by such person as may be designated from time to time by the Board.31 FICC proposes to amend this sentence to delete the reference to Vice President and replace it with Executive Director because FICC no longer uses the title ‘‘Vice President.’’ 32 2. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules’ Article V, Rule 3 (‘‘Fines and Other Sanctions’’) EPN Rules, Article V, Rule 3 states that FICC may impose a fine on an EPN User for violating EPN Rules or EPN Procedures.33 FICC proposes to amend this section to delete the reference to EPN Procedures, as FICC does not maintain such procedures.34 3. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules’ Article V, Rule 4 (‘‘Communications’’) EPN Rules, Article V, Rule 4 states that each EPN User maintaining an account must maintain such data processing and communications equipment as FICC may specify in the EPN Procedures.35 FICC proposes to delete the reference to EPN Procedures, as FICC does not maintain such procedures, and amend this sentence to state that each EPN User maintaining an account shall be required to maintain such data processing and communications equipment as FICC may specify from time-to-time.36 FICC states that this proposed change is consistent with FICC’s existing practice of providing data processing and communications equipment requirements to all approved applicants during the membership onboarding process.37 4. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules’ Article V, Rule 7 (‘‘Hearings’’) EPN Rules, Article V, Rule 4, Section 1 states that if an individual’s written statement contests FICC’s determination that such individual has violated an EPN Rule or EPN Procedure, the statement must specifically admit or deny each violation alleged and detail the reasons why the EPN Rules or EPN Procedures alleged to have been violated are being contested.38 FICC proposes to amend this sentence to delete all references to the EPN Procedures, as FICC does not maintain such procedures.39 5. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules’ Article V, Rule 11 (‘‘EPN Procedures’’) FICC proposes to delete this entire rule because FICC does not maintain EPN Procedures.40 FICC would reserve this rule for future use and this rule would be entitled ‘‘Reserved for Future Use.’’ 41 33 Id. 34 Id. 19 Notice, 83 FR at 40612–13. 20 Notice, 83 FR at 40613. 21 Id. 22 Id. 23 Id. 24 Id. 25 Id. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:50 Sep 28, 2018 Jkt 247001 26 Id. 35 Id. 27 Id. 36 Id. 28 Id. 37 Id. 29 Id. 38 Id. 30 Id. 39 Id. 31 Id. 40 Id. 32 Id. 41 Notice, PO 00000 Frm 00094 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\01OCN1.SGM See also supra note 10. 83 FR at 40614. 01OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 190 / Monday, October 1, 2018 / Notices 6. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules’ Article V, Rule 12 (‘‘Waivers, Etc.’’) EPN Rules, Article V, Rule 12 states that the Board or any FICC officer (having a rank of Vice President or higher) may extend, waive, or suspend timeframes under the EPN Rules, the EPN Procedures, or any regulations issued by FICC whenever such extension, waiver or suspension is necessary or expedient.42 FICC proposes to amend this sentence to delete all references to EPN Procedures, as FICC does not maintain such procedures, and ‘‘regulations issued by FICC.’’ 43 FICC also proposes to replace the reference to ‘‘Vice President’’ with ‘‘Executive Director’’ because FICC no longer uses the title ‘‘Vice President.’’ 44 7. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules’ Article V, Rule 17 (‘‘Forms’’) EPN Rules, Article V, Rule 17 states that any information required to be delivered to FICC by use of any such forms may be delivered by the use of any media, as shall be prescribed in the EPN Procedures or by FICC from time to time.45 FICC proposes to delete the reference to EPN Procedures, as FICC does not maintain such procedures.46 E. Proposed Changes to Provide Enhances Transparency to the EPN Rules FICC proposes to provide transparency to various provisions in the EPN Rules, as described below.47 1. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules’ Article I, Rule 1 (‘‘Definitions’’) FICC proposes to amend the term ‘‘Message’’ in Rule 1 to define this term as all electronic messages sent and received by an EPN User through the EPN Service, and to delete the reference to EPN Procedures, as FICC does not maintain such procedures.48 2. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules’ Article II, Rule 1 (‘‘Accounts’’) amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES EPN Rules’ Article II, Rule 1, Section 2 states that FICC may specify in the EPN Procedures that certain Messages between EPN Users are not eligible for the EPN Service.49 FICC proposes to amend this section to delete the reference to EPN procedures and state that certain Messages may be ineligible if FICC determines that such Messages are not submitted in a manner that is consistent with the communication links, formats, timeframes, and deadlines established by FICC.50 3. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules’ Article II, Rule 2 (‘‘Reports’’) EPN Rules’ Article II, Rule 2, Section 1 states that the Message detail report (‘‘Message Detail Report’’) and the Message summary report (‘‘Message Summary Report’’) are available at a time specified in the EPN Procedures.51 FICC proposes to amend this section to delete the reference to EPN procedures and state that these reports would be available at a time specified in the time schedule posted on FICC’s website.52 EPN Rules’ Article II, Rule 2, Section 2 states that the Message Detail Report shall list the contents of each Message as described in the EPN Procedures.53 FICC proposes to delete the reference to EPN Procedures, as FICC does not maintain such procedures, and amend this section to state that for each EPN eligible security (‘‘Eligible Security’’), the Message Detail Report would include, but would not be limited to, the pool number, original face value, current face value, maturity date, pool factor, Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures number (‘‘CUSIP Number’’), issue date, principal and interest, and total net money.54 In connection with this change, FICC proposes to amend Article I, EPN Rule 1 (Definitions) to include a defined term for ‘‘CUSIP Number.’’ 55 FICC would define this term as the Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures identifying number for an EPN Eligible Security.56 The proposed change to this section would be consistent with the information that is currently included in the Message Detail Report.57 EPN Rules’ Article II, Rule 2, Section 3 states that the Message Summary Report shall list the contents of each Message as described in the EPN Procedures.58 FICC proposes to delete the reference to EPN Procedures, as FICC does not maintain such procedures, and amend this section to state that for each Eligible Security, the Message Summary Report would include, but would not be limited to, the total original face value, total net money, CUSIP Number, and summary of 51 Id. 43 Id. 52 Id. 44 Id. 53 Id. 45 Id. 54 Id. 46 Id. 55 Id. 47 Id. 56 Id. 48 Id. 57 Id. 49 Id. 58 Id. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:50 Sep 28, 2018 Jkt 247001 PO 00000 Frm 00095 the number and type of Messages.59 The proposed change to this section would be consistent with the information that is currently included in the Message Summary Report.60 EPN Rules’ Article II, Rule 2, Section 5 states that each EPN Message shall include one or more time stamps, one of which will include a good delivery time stamp as described in the EPN Procedures.61 FICC proposes to delete the reference to ‘‘EPN’’ in the term ‘‘EPN Message’’ because while ‘‘EPN Message’’ is not a defined term, ‘‘Message’’ is a defined term.62 FICC also proposes to delete the reference to EPN Procedures, as FICC does not maintain such procedures.63 FICC also proposes to amend this section to state that the good delivery time stamp would be referred to as ‘‘T2’’ and that the application of this time stamp would determine good delivery among EPN Users pursuant to the SIFMA Guidelines.64 The proposed change also would state that the remainder of the time stamps would be for the EPN Service’s operational, processing, and reporting purposes.65 4. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules’ Article III, Rule 5 (‘‘Use of EPN Service’’) EPN Rules’ Article III, Rule 5 states that all EPN Users will use the EPN Service for EPN Eligible Securities in a manner set forth in the EPN Procedures and that this shall be accomplished by providing (for each Message that an EPN User sends or receives) the pricing and other descriptive information, in the manner, and by the cut-off times, specified in the EPN Procedures.66 FICC proposes to delete the references to EPN Procedures, as FICC does not maintain such procedures, and amend this rule to state that the EPN User will use the EPN Service as set forth in the EPN Rules and that this shall be accomplished by providing (for each Message that an EPN User sends or receives) the pricing and other descriptive information, in the manner, and by the times, specified on FICC’s website.67 FICC states that this information is communicated to all 59 Id. 60 Id. 61 Id. 50 Id. 42 Id. 49447 62 Id. 63 Id. 64 Id. FICC notes that the reference to ‘‘T2’’ does not relate to the two business days settlement cycle for broker-deal securities transactions, known as ‘‘T+2.’’ See Notice 83 FR at 40611. 65 Notice, 83 FR at 40614. 66 Notice, 83 FR at 40615. 67 Id. Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\01OCN1.SGM 01OCN1 49448 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 190 / Monday, October 1, 2018 / Notices approved applicants during the membership onboarding process.68 F. Proposed Changes to the EPN Service’s Processing of the Good Delivery T2 Time Stamp for Pool Substitutions FICC states that, if a pool seller decides to substitute a mortgage pool for which pool information has already been provided, the pool seller must submit a cancel and correct Message by 12:15 p.m. on any Business Day prior to the delivery of the mortgage pool.69 Upon receipt of the pool seller’s Message, the EPN Service applies a T2 time stamp to the Message to reflect the time that the EPN Service and the time the pool buyer received the pool seller’s Message.70 The T2 time stamp on the pool buyer’s Message establishes whether good delivery has occurred for purposes of the pool seller’s pool substitution.71 In the event that the T2 time stamp on the pool buyer’s Message reflects a time after 12:15 p.m., FICC is responsible for financing the mortgage pools that are associated with the Message until the next Business Day.72 FICC proposes to establish a single good delivery T2 time stamp that reflects the same processing time on the pool seller’s Message and the pool buyer’s Message, respectively.73 This time stamp would determine whether the 12:15 p.m. cut-off time has been met for purposes of establishing good delivery of the pool buyer’s pool substitution.74 As a result of this change, in the event that the T2 time stamp reflects a time that does not meet the 12:15 p.m. cut-off time, the financing of the mortgage pools, if any, would be the responsibility of the counterparties to the Message, as determined by such parties in accordance with the SIFMA Guidelines.75 FICC states that it is proposing this change because it would be consistent with the SIFMA Guidelines, which FICC states reflects industry best practices.76 Further, FICC states that the parties to the Message are best positioned to ensure that the Message meets the good delivery requirements.77 FICC states that the proposed change would be consistent with FICC’s proposal to refer to the good delivery time stamp as ‘‘T2,’’ 68 Id. amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES 69 Id. as discussed above. 78 Additionally, FICC states that the application of this time stamp would determine good delivery among EPN Users, pursuant to the SIFMA Guidelines.79 FICC states that the proposed change would not affect FICC’s guarantee and novation of transactions submitted by Clearing Members through MBSD’s Clearing System.80 II. Discussion and Commission Findings Section 19(b)(2)(C) of the Act 81 directs the Commission to approve a proposed rule change of a selfregulatory 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. The Commission believes the proposal is consistent with the Act, specifically Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act and Rule 17Ad–22(e)(23)(i) under the Act, as discussed below.82 A. Consistency With Section 17A(b)(3)(F) Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act 83 requires, inter alia, that the rules of the clearing agency be designed to promote the prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of securities transactions. First, as described above, FICC proposes to make several clarifying changes to the EPN Rules. Specifically, the proposed changes would correct the EPN Rules by removing inaccurate or inapplicable terms from the Rules. The proposed changes also are designed to provide transparency to the EPN Rules by more accurately describing the EPN Service’s current practices. By improving the EPN Rules in this way, the Commission believes the proposed changes would help clarify the EPN Users’ rights and obligations under those practices. By better understand their rights and obligations regarding the EPN Service, EPN Users are more likely to act in accordance with the EPN Rules, which the Commission believes would promote the prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of securities transactions. Second, as described above, FICC proposes to establish a single good delivery T2 time stamp. This proposed change is designed to be consistent with the SIFMA Guidelines, which reflect industry best practices. Additionally, by 70 Id. 71 Id. 78 Id. 72 Id. 79 Id. 73 Id. 80 Id. 74 Id. 81 15 75 Id. 82 15 76 Notice, 77 Notice, 83 FR at 40616. 83 FR at 40615. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:50 Sep 28, 2018 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(C). U.S.C. 78q–1(b)(3)(F); 17 CFR 240.17Ad– 22(20). 83 15 U.S.C. 78q–1(b)(3)(F). Jkt 247001 PO 00000 Frm 00096 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 making the counterparties responsible for the financing the mortgage pools if the 12:15 p.m. deadline is not met, the proposal would encourage EPN Users to adhere to the deadline for substitutions. By ensuring that the EPN Services comport with industry best practices and encouraging EPN Users to abide by processing deadlines, the Commission believes that the proposed changes would help the processing of transactions through the EPN Service, thus promoting the prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of such securities transactions. As each of the aforementioned changes is designed to promote the prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of securities transactions, the Commission finds that the proposal and is consistent with the requirements of Section 17A(b)(3)(F). B. Consistency With Rule 17Ad– 22(e)(23)(i) Rule 17Ad–22(e)(23)(i) under the Act requires, inter alia, a covered clearing agency 84 to establish, implement, maintain and enforce written policies and procedures reasonably designed to provide for publicly disclosing all relevant rules and material procedures.85 As described above, the proposed rule changes would (i) correct the EPN Rules by removing inappropriate terminology, (ii) provide transparency to the EPN Rules by ensuring the EPN Rules match the EPN Service’s current practices, and (iii) amend the EPN Service’s processing of T2 time stamps for pool substitutions. Each of these proposed changes would assist FICC in publicly disclosing all relevant and material procedures regarding the EPN Service to EPN Users. Therefore, the Commission finds that the proposal is consistent Rule 17Ad– 22(e)(23)(i) under the Act. III. Conclusion On the basis of the foregoing, the Commission finds that the proposal is consistent with the requirements of the Act, in particular the requirements of 84 A ‘‘covered clearing agency’’ means, among other things, a clearing agency registered with the Commission under Section 17A of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78q–1 et seq.) that is designated systemically important by the Financial Stability Oversight Counsel (‘‘FSOC’’) pursuant to the Payment, Clearing, and Settlement Supervision Act of 2010 (12 U.S.C. 5461 et seq.). See 17 CFR 240.17Ad–22(a)(5)–(6). On July 18, 2012, FSOC designated FICC as systemically important. U.S. Department of the Treasury, ‘‘FSOC Makes First Designations in Effort to Protect Against Future Financial Crises,’’ available at https:// www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/ Pages/tg1645.asp. Therefore, FICC is a covered clearing agency. 85 17 CFR 240.17Ad–22(e)(23)(i). E:\FR\FM\01OCN1.SGM 01OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 190 / Monday, October 1, 2018 / Notices Section 17A of the Act 86 and the rules and regulations thereunder. It Is Therefore Ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act, that proposed rule change SR–FICC–2018– 007 be, and hereby is, APPROVED.87 For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.88 Eduardo A. Aleman, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2018–21235 Filed 9–28–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and the Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change [Release No. 34–84285; File No. SR– NYSEAMER–2018–44] Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE American LLC; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change To Modify Rule 961 Regarding the Give Up of a Clearing Member by ATP Holders and Conforming Changes to Rule 933NY September 25, 2018. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) 1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’) 2 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,3 notice is hereby given that, on September 11, 2018, NYSE American LLC (the ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘NYSE American’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II below, which Items have been prepared by the self-regulatory organization. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES The Exchange proposes to modify Rule 961 regarding the Give Up of a Clearing Member by ATP Holders and proposes conforming changes to Rule 933NY. The proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s website at www.nyse.com, at the principal office of the Exchange, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. 86 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). 88 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 15 U.S.C. 78a. 3 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 87 In VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:50 Sep 28, 2018 Jkt 247001 II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, the self-regulatory organization 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 those statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant parts of such statements. 1. Purpose The purpose of this filing is to modify Rule 961 regarding the Give Up of a Clearing Member 4 by ATP Holders and to make conforming changes to Rule 933NY. Rule 961: Current Process To Give Up a Clearing Member In 2015, the Exchange adopted its current ‘‘give up’’ procedure for ATP Holders executing transactions on the Exchange.5 Per Rule 961, an ATP Holder may give up a ‘‘Designated Give Up’’ or its ‘‘Guarantor,’’ as defined in the Rule and described below. The Rule defines ‘‘Designated Give Up’’ as any Clearing Member that an ATP Holder (other than a Market Maker 6) identifies to the Exchange, in writing, as a Clearing Member the ATP Holder requests the ability to give up. To designate a ‘‘Designated Give Up,’’ an ATP Holder must submit written notification to the Exchange. Specifically, the Exchange uses a standardized form (‘‘Notification Form’’). An ATP Holder may currently designate any Clearing Member as a Designated Give Up. Additionally, there is no minimum or maximum number of Designated Give Ups that an ATP 4 Rule 900.2NY(11) defines ‘‘Clearing Member’’ as an Exchange ATP Holder which has been admitted to membership in the Options Clearing Corporation pursuant to the provisions of the Rules of the Options Clearing Corporation. 5 See Securities and Exchange Act Release No. 75642 (August 7, 2015), 80 FR 48594 (August 13, 2015) (SR–NYSEMKT–2015–55). 6 For purposes of this rule, references to ‘‘Market Maker’’ refer to ATP Holders acting in the capacity of a Market Maker and include all Exchange Market Maker capacities e.g., Lead Market Makers. As explained below, Market Makers give up Guarantors that have executed a Letter of Guarantee on behalf of the Marker Maker, pursuant to Rule 932NY; Market Makers need not give up Designated Give Ups. PO 00000 Frm 00097 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 49449 Holder must identify. Similarly, should an ATP Holder no longer want the ability to give up a particular Designated Give Up, the ATP Holder informs the Exchange in writing. Rule 961 also requires that the Exchange notify a Clearing Member, in writing and as soon as practicable, of each ATP Holder that has identified it as a Designated Give Up. However, the Exchange will not accept any instructions from a Clearing Member to prohibit an ATP Holder from designating the Clearing Member as a Designated Give Up. Additionally, there is no subjective evaluation of an ATP Holder’s list of Designated Give Ups by the Exchange. The Rule does, however, provide that a Designated Give Up may determine to not accept a trade on which its name was given up so long as it believes in good faith that it has a valid reason not to accept the trade.7 The Rule defines ‘‘Guarantor’’ as a Clearing Member that has issued a Letter of Guarantee or Letter of Authorization for the executing ATP Holder, pursuant to Rules of the Exchange 8 that is in effect at the time of the execution of the applicable trade. An executing ATP Holder may give up its Guarantor without such Guarantor being a ‘‘Designated Give Up.’’ Additionally, Rule 924NY provides that a Letter of Guarantee is required to be issued and filed by each Clearing Member through which a Market Maker clears transactions. Accordingly, a Market Maker is enabled to give up only a Guarantor that had executed a Letter of Guarantee on its behalf pursuant to Rule 924NY; a Market Maker does not need to identify any Designated Give Ups. Like Designated Give Ups, Guarantors likewise have the ability to reject a trade.9 Beginning in early 2018, certain Clearing Firms (in conjunction with the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (‘‘SIFMA’’)) expressed concerns related to the process by which executing brokers on U.S. options exchanges (the ‘‘Exchanges’’) are allowed to designate or ‘give up’ a clearing firm for purposes of clearing particular transactions. The SIFMA-affiliated Clearing Members indicated that the Federal Reserve has 7 See Rule 961(f)(1) (setting forth procedures for rejecting a trade). An example of a valid reason to reject a trade may be that the Designated Give Up does not have a customer for that particular trade. 8 See Rule 924NY (Letters of Guarantees); Rule 932NY (Letters of Authorization). 9 See Rule 961(f)(2) (providing that a Guarantor may ‘‘change the give up to another Clearing Member that has agreed to be the give up on the subject trade, provided such Clearing Member has notified the Exchange and the executing ATP Holder in writing of its intent to accept the trade’’). E:\FR\FM\01OCN1.SGM 01OCN1

Agencies

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 190 (Monday, October 1, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49445-49449]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-21235]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-84278; File No. SR-FICC-2018-007]

Self-Regulatory Organizations; Fixed Income Clearing Corporation;
Order Approving Proposed Rule Change To Correct Certain References and
Provide Transparency to Existing Processes in the Mortgage-Backed
Securities Division Electronic Pool Notification Rules

September 25, 2018.
On August 3, 2018, Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (``FICC'')
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'')
proposed rule change SR-FICC-2018-007 pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4
thereunder.\2\ The proposed rule change was published for comment in
the Federal Register on August 15, 2018.\3\ The Commission did not
receive any comment letters on the proposed rule change. For the
reasons discussed below, the Commission approves the proposed rule
change.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
\3\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 83808 (August 9,
2018), 83 FR 40611 (August 15, 2018) (SR-FICC-2018-007)
(``Notice'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. Description of the Proposed Rule Change

The proposed rule change would amend FICC's Mortgage-Backed
Securities Division's (``MSBD'') electronic pool notification (``EPN'')
service (``EPN Service'') rules (``EPN Rules'').\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\4\ MBSD maintains two sets of rulebooks: The EPN Rules and the
MSBD rules (``MBSD Rules''). Notice, 83 FR at 40611. The EPN Rules
govern MBSD's EPN Service, and the MBSD Clearing Rules (the ``MBSD
Rules'') govern MBSD's clearance and settlement service. Id. The EPN
Rules are available at https://www.dtcc.com/~/media/Files/Downloads/
legal/rules/ficc_mbsd_epnrules.pdf. The MBSD Rules are available at
https://www.dtcc.com/~/media/Files/Downloads/legal/rules/
ficc_mbsd_rules.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

A. Background

EPN Service provides an automated manner for market participants
with an obligation to deliver pools of mortgages to transmit mortgage
pool information to their counterparties in real time.\5\ Market
participants that wish to use the EPN Service (i.e., become ``EPN
Users'') are required to submit an application to MBSD.\6\ The
application process and the use of the EPN Service are governed by the
EPN Rules.\7\ MBSD's clearing members (``Clearing Members'') are
required to be EPN Users; however, one can be an EPN User and not a
Clearing Member.\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\5\ Notice, 83 FR at 40612.
\6\ Id.
\7\ Id.
\8\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Proposed Changes To Correct the EPN Rules' Article I (``Definitions
and General Provisions'')

FICC proposes to delete three defined terms from Article I of the
EPN Rules: (i) EPN Procedures, (ii) Comparison Only System, and (iii)
Par Amount.\9\ FICC proposes to delete the term ``EPN Procedures''
because FICC does not maintain EPN Procedures.\10\ Relatedly, FICC
proposes to amend the definitions of ``EPN Service'' and ``EPN User
Profile'' in order to delete references to ``EPN Procedures'' in those
definitions.\11\ FICC also proposes to make a grammatical correction to
the ``EPN User Profile'' definition. Specifically, FICC would replace
the word ``in'' with ``by'' so the definition reads, ``the EPN User
Profile would be on a form specified `by' FICC.'' \12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\9\ Id.
\10\ EPN Rules' Article V, Rule 11 empowers FICC to adopt EPN
Procedures as FICC ``deems necessary or desirable.'' Supra note 4.
FICC states that when FICC instituted the EPN Service and the
related EPN Rules, EPN Procedures were not adopted at that time.
Notice, 83 FR at 40612.
\11\ Notice, 83 FR at 40612.
\12\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

FICC also proposes to delete the term ``Comparison Only System''
from the definition of ``Interested Person'' because MBSD does not
maintain a ``Comparison Only System.'' \13\ Similarly, FICC proposes to
delete the term ``Par Amount'' from Article I because the term is not
otherwise referred to in the EPN Rules.\14\ FICC states that the
inclusion of these two terms in the EPN Rules was an error.\15\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\13\ Id.
\14\ Id.
\15\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

C. Proposed Changes To Correct the EPN Rules' Article III (``EPN
Users'')

FICC proposes revisions to Article III of the EPN Rules to remove
references to ``EPN Procedures,'' as well as to revise the deadlines to
process EPN message (``Messages'').
1. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules, Article III, Rule 1, Section 3
(``Requirements Applicable to EPN Users'')
EPN Rules, Article III, Rule 1, Section 3 lists terms required for
application to the EPN Service.\16\ This list states, in part, that an
applicant shall agree (i) to abide by and be bound by the EPN Rules and
EPN Procedures, (ii) that the EPN Rules and EPN Procedures are
incorporated into every contract or Message, (iii) that the EPN User
shall pay fines that are imposed in accordance with the EPN Rules and
EPN Procedures, and (iv) that the applicant is bound by any amendment
to the EPN Rules and EPN Procedures.\17\ FICC proposes to delete all
references to the EPN Procedures in this list, as FICC does not
maintain such procedures.\18\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\16\ Id.
\17\ Id.
\18\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The same Section 3 also states that, in the event of an EPN Service
disruption and an extension of the cut-off times for communicating pool
allocation information pursuant to the Securities

[[Page 49446]]

Industry and Financial Markets Association (``SIFMA'') guidelines
(``SIFMA Guidelines''), EPN Users ``will'' be relieved of their
obligation to process Messages through the EPN Service until the
beginning of the next Business Day after the EPN Service has been
recovered.\19\ FICC proposes to amend this provision to state that EPN
Users ``may'' be relieved of their obligation to process Messages
through the EPN Service until ``later in the Business Day or'' the
beginning of the next Business Day after the EPN Service has been
recovered.\20\ FICC states that this change would accommodate the
nature of specific EPN Service disruptions and MBSD's ability to fix
such disruptions promptly.\21\ FICC states that the specific disruption
determines whether the cut-off time would be extended to later in the
Business Day or the next Business Day.\22\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\19\ Notice, 83 FR at 40612-13.
\20\ Notice, 83 FR at 40613.
\21\ Id.
\22\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules, Article III, Rule 1, Section 5 (``EPN
Users Bound by EPN Rules, EPN Procedures and Applicable Laws'')
EPN Rules, Article III, Rule 1, Section 5 states, in part, that the
use of FICC's facilities by an EPN User shall constitute such EPN
User's agreement with FICC and with all other EPN Users to be bound by
the provisions of, and by any action taken or order issued by FICC
pursuant to the EPN Rules and any amendment thereto, and to such EPN
Procedures that FICC from time to time may adopt.\23\ FICC proposes to
amend the title of this section and the paragraph in this section to
delete all references to EPN Procedures, as FICC does not maintain such
procedures.\24\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\23\ Id.
\24\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules, Article III, Rule 1, Section 6 (``EPN
Rules and EPN Procedures Incorporated in EPN User Messages'')
EPN Rules, Article III, Rule 1, Section 6 states that the EPN Rules
and the EPN Procedures adopted from time to time by FICC shall be
deemed to be incorporated in each Message that occurs through the EPN
Service. This section also states that if the terms contained in any
other agreement between EPN Users are inconsistent with the provisions
of the EPN Rules or the EPN Procedures, the EPN Rules and the EPN
Procedures shall be controlling.\25\ FICC proposes to amend the title
of this section and the paragraph in this section to delete all
references to EPN Procedures, as FICC does not maintain such
procedures.\26\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\25\ Id.
\26\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules' Article III, Rule 3, Section 1
(``When the Corporation Declines To Act for an EPN User'')
EPN Rules, Article III, Rule 3, Section 1 states that FICC may, at
any time, cease to act for an EPN User if the EPN User has (i) failed
to perform its obligations to FICC or other EPN Users under the EPN
Rules or the EPN Procedures or (ii) materially violated any of the EPN
Rules, EPN Procedures, or any agreement with FICC.\27\ FICC proposes to
amend this section to delete all references to the EPN Procedures, as
FICC does not maintain such procedures.\28\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\27\ Id.
\28\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules' Article III, Rule 4 (``Admission to
Premises of Corporation; Powers of Attorney'')
EPN Rules, Article III, Rule 4 states that no person shall be
permitted to enter FICC's premises as the representative of any EPN
User unless ``he'' has first been approved by FICC.\29\ FICC proposes
to delete the reference to ``he'' and replace it with ``such person''
because FICC believes that it would be more appropriate to use gender
neutral terminology.\30\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\29\ Id.
\30\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

D. Proposed Changes to Correct the EPN Rules' Article V
(``Miscellaneous'')

FICC proposes revisions to Article V of the EPN Rules to replace
outdated references to ``Vice President,'' and to remove references to
EPN Procedures.
1. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules' Article V, Rule 1 (``Action by the
Corporation'')
EPN Rules, Article V, Rule 1 states that, except where action by
FICC's Board of Directors (``Board''), or any committee of the Board,
is specifically required by FICC's By-Laws or the EPN Rules, FICC may
act by its President, any Managing Director, or any Vice President or
by such person as may be designated from time to time by the Board.\31\
FICC proposes to amend this sentence to delete the reference to Vice
President and replace it with Executive Director because FICC no longer
uses the title ``Vice President.'' \32\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\31\ Id.
\32\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules' Article V, Rule 3 (``Fines and Other
Sanctions'')
EPN Rules, Article V, Rule 3 states that FICC may impose a fine on
an EPN User for violating EPN Rules or EPN Procedures.\33\ FICC
proposes to amend this section to delete the reference to EPN
Procedures, as FICC does not maintain such procedures.\34\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\33\ Id.
\34\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules' Article V, Rule 4
(``Communications'')
EPN Rules, Article V, Rule 4 states that each EPN User maintaining
an account must maintain such data processing and communications
equipment as FICC may specify in the EPN Procedures.\35\ FICC proposes
to delete the reference to EPN Procedures, as FICC does not maintain
such procedures, and amend this sentence to state that each EPN User
maintaining an account shall be required to maintain such data
processing and communications equipment as FICC may specify from time-
to-time.\36\ FICC states that this proposed change is consistent with
FICC's existing practice of providing data processing and
communications equipment requirements to all approved applicants during
the membership onboarding process.\37\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\35\ Id.
\36\ Id.
\37\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules' Article V, Rule 7 (``Hearings'')
EPN Rules, Article V, Rule 4, Section 1 states that if an
individual's written statement contests FICC's determination that such
individual has violated an EPN Rule or EPN Procedure, the statement
must specifically admit or deny each violation alleged and detail the
reasons why the EPN Rules or EPN Procedures alleged to have been
violated are being contested.\38\ FICC proposes to amend this sentence
to delete all references to the EPN Procedures, as FICC does not
maintain such procedures.\39\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\38\ Id.
\39\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules' Article V, Rule 11 (``EPN
Procedures'')
FICC proposes to delete this entire rule because FICC does not
maintain EPN Procedures.\40\ FICC would reserve this rule for future
use and this rule would be entitled ``Reserved for Future Use.'' \41\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\40\ Id. See also supra note 10.
\41\ Notice, 83 FR at 40614.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 49447]]

6. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules' Article V, Rule 12 (``Waivers,
Etc.'')
EPN Rules, Article V, Rule 12 states that the Board or any FICC
officer (having a rank of Vice President or higher) may extend, waive,
or suspend timeframes under the EPN Rules, the EPN Procedures, or any
regulations issued by FICC whenever such extension, waiver or
suspension is necessary or expedient.\42\ FICC proposes to amend this
sentence to delete all references to EPN Procedures, as FICC does not
maintain such procedures, and ``regulations issued by FICC.'' \43\ FICC
also proposes to replace the reference to ``Vice President'' with
``Executive Director'' because FICC no longer uses the title ``Vice
President.'' \44\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\42\ Id.
\43\ Id.
\44\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

7. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules' Article V, Rule 17 (``Forms'')
EPN Rules, Article V, Rule 17 states that any information required
to be delivered to FICC by use of any such forms may be delivered by
the use of any media, as shall be prescribed in the EPN Procedures or
by FICC from time to time.\45\ FICC proposes to delete the reference to
EPN Procedures, as FICC does not maintain such procedures.\46\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\45\ Id.
\46\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

E. Proposed Changes to Provide Enhances Transparency to the EPN Rules

FICC proposes to provide transparency to various provisions in the
EPN Rules, as described below.\47\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\47\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules' Article I, Rule 1 (``Definitions'')
FICC proposes to amend the term ``Message'' in Rule 1 to define
this term as all electronic messages sent and received by an EPN User
through the EPN Service, and to delete the reference to EPN Procedures,
as FICC does not maintain such procedures.\48\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\48\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules' Article II, Rule 1 (``Accounts'')
EPN Rules' Article II, Rule 1, Section 2 states that FICC may
specify in the EPN Procedures that certain Messages between EPN Users
are not eligible for the EPN Service.\49\ FICC proposes to amend this
section to delete the reference to EPN procedures and state that
certain Messages may be ineligible if FICC determines that such
Messages are not submitted in a manner that is consistent with the
communication links, formats, timeframes, and deadlines established by
FICC.\50\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\49\ Id.
\50\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules' Article II, Rule 2 (``Reports'')
EPN Rules' Article II, Rule 2, Section 1 states that the Message
detail report (``Message Detail Report'') and the Message summary
report (``Message Summary Report'') are available at a time specified
in the EPN Procedures.\51\ FICC proposes to amend this section to
delete the reference to EPN procedures and state that these reports
would be available at a time specified in the time schedule posted on
FICC's website.\52\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\51\ Id.
\52\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

EPN Rules' Article II, Rule 2, Section 2 states that the Message
Detail Report shall list the contents of each Message as described in
the EPN Procedures.\53\ FICC proposes to delete the reference to EPN
Procedures, as FICC does not maintain such procedures, and amend this
section to state that for each EPN eligible security (``Eligible
Security''), the Message Detail Report would include, but would not be
limited to, the pool number, original face value, current face value,
maturity date, pool factor, Committee on Uniform Securities
Identification Procedures number (``CUSIP Number''), issue date,
principal and interest, and total net money.\54\ In connection with
this change, FICC proposes to amend Article I, EPN Rule 1 (Definitions)
to include a defined term for ``CUSIP Number.'' \55\ FICC would define
this term as the Committee on Uniform Securities Identification
Procedures identifying number for an EPN Eligible Security.\56\ The
proposed change to this section would be consistent with the
information that is currently included in the Message Detail
Report.\57\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\53\ Id.
\54\ Id.
\55\ Id.
\56\ Id.
\57\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

EPN Rules' Article II, Rule 2, Section 3 states that the Message
Summary Report shall list the contents of each Message as described in
the EPN Procedures.\58\ FICC proposes to delete the reference to EPN
Procedures, as FICC does not maintain such procedures, and amend this
section to state that for each Eligible Security, the Message Summary
Report would include, but would not be limited to, the total original
face value, total net money, CUSIP Number, and summary of the number
and type of Messages.\59\ The proposed change to this section would be
consistent with the information that is currently included in the
Message Summary Report.\60\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\58\ Id.
\59\ Id.
\60\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

EPN Rules' Article II, Rule 2, Section 5 states that each EPN
Message shall include one or more time stamps, one of which will
include a good delivery time stamp as described in the EPN
Procedures.\61\ FICC proposes to delete the reference to ``EPN'' in the
term ``EPN Message'' because while ``EPN Message'' is not a defined
term, ``Message'' is a defined term.\62\ FICC also proposes to delete
the reference to EPN Procedures, as FICC does not maintain such
procedures.\63\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\61\ Id.
\62\ Id.
\63\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

FICC also proposes to amend this section to state that the good
delivery time stamp would be referred to as ``T2'' and that the
application of this time stamp would determine good delivery among EPN
Users pursuant to the SIFMA Guidelines.\64\ The proposed change also
would state that the remainder of the time stamps would be for the EPN
Service's operational, processing, and reporting purposes.\65\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\64\ Id. FICC notes that the reference to ``T2'' does not relate
to the two business days settlement cycle for broker-deal securities
transactions, known as ``T+2.'' See Notice 83 FR at 40611.
\65\ Notice, 83 FR at 40614.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Proposed Changes to EPN Rules' Article III, Rule 5 (``Use of EPN
Service'')
EPN Rules' Article III, Rule 5 states that all EPN Users will use
the EPN Service for EPN Eligible Securities in a manner set forth in
the EPN Procedures and that this shall be accomplished by providing
(for each Message that an EPN User sends or receives) the pricing and
other descriptive information, in the manner, and by the cut-off times,
specified in the EPN Procedures.\66\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\66\ Notice, 83 FR at 40615.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

FICC proposes to delete the references to EPN Procedures, as FICC
does not maintain such procedures, and amend this rule to state that
the EPN User will use the EPN Service as set forth in the EPN Rules and
that this shall be accomplished by providing (for each Message that an
EPN User sends or receives) the pricing and other descriptive
information, in the manner, and by the times, specified on FICC's
website.\67\ FICC states that this information is communicated to all

[[Page 49448]]

approved applicants during the membership onboarding process.\68\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\67\ Id.
\68\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

F. Proposed Changes to the EPN Service's Processing of the Good
Delivery T2 Time Stamp for Pool Substitutions

FICC states that, if a pool seller decides to substitute a mortgage
pool for which pool information has already been provided, the pool
seller must submit a cancel and correct Message by 12:15 p.m. on any
Business Day prior to the delivery of the mortgage pool.\69\ Upon
receipt of the pool seller's Message, the EPN Service applies a T2 time
stamp to the Message to reflect the time that the EPN Service and the
time the pool buyer received the pool seller's Message.\70\ The T2 time
stamp on the pool buyer's Message establishes whether good delivery has
occurred for purposes of the pool seller's pool substitution.\71\ In
the event that the T2 time stamp on the pool buyer's Message reflects a
time after 12:15 p.m., FICC is responsible for financing the mortgage
pools that are associated with the Message until the next Business
Day.\72\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\69\ Id.
\70\ Id.
\71\ Id.
\72\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

FICC proposes to establish a single good delivery T2 time stamp
that reflects the same processing time on the pool seller's Message and
the pool buyer's Message, respectively.\73\ This time stamp would
determine whether the 12:15 p.m. cut-off time has been met for purposes
of establishing good delivery of the pool buyer's pool
substitution.\74\ As a result of this change, in the event that the T2
time stamp reflects a time that does not meet the 12:15 p.m. cut-off
time, the financing of the mortgage pools, if any, would be the
responsibility of the counterparties to the Message, as determined by
such parties in accordance with the SIFMA Guidelines.\75\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\73\ Id.
\74\ Id.
\75\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

FICC states that it is proposing this change because it would be
consistent with the SIFMA Guidelines, which FICC states reflects
industry best practices.\76\ Further, FICC states that the parties to
the Message are best positioned to ensure that the Message meets the
good delivery requirements.\77\ FICC states that the proposed change
would be consistent with FICC's proposal to refer to the good delivery
time stamp as ``T2,'' as discussed above. \78\ Additionally, FICC
states that the application of this time stamp would determine good
delivery among EPN Users, pursuant to the SIFMA Guidelines.\79\ FICC
states that the proposed change would not affect FICC's guarantee and
novation of transactions submitted by Clearing Members through MBSD's
Clearing System.\80\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\76\ Notice, 83 FR at 40616.
\77\ Notice, 83 FR at 40615.
\78\ Id.
\79\ Id.
\80\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

II. Discussion and Commission Findings

Section 19(b)(2)(C) of the Act \81\ 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. The Commission believes the proposal is
consistent with the Act, specifically Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act
and Rule 17Ad-22(e)(23)(i) under the Act, as discussed below.\82\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\81\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(C).
\82\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(F); 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(20).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

A. Consistency With Section 17A(b)(3)(F)

Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act \83\ requires, inter alia, that the
rules of the clearing agency be designed to promote the prompt and
accurate clearance and settlement of securities transactions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\83\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(F).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

First, as described above, FICC proposes to make several clarifying
changes to the EPN Rules. Specifically, the proposed changes would
correct the EPN Rules by removing inaccurate or inapplicable terms from
the Rules. The proposed changes also are designed to provide
transparency to the EPN Rules by more accurately describing the EPN
Service's current practices. By improving the EPN Rules in this way,
the Commission believes the proposed changes would help clarify the EPN
Users' rights and obligations under those practices. By better
understand their rights and obligations regarding the EPN Service, EPN
Users are more likely to act in accordance with the EPN Rules, which
the Commission believes would promote the prompt and accurate clearance
and settlement of securities transactions.
Second, as described above, FICC proposes to establish a single
good delivery T2 time stamp. This proposed change is designed to be
consistent with the SIFMA Guidelines, which reflect industry best
practices. Additionally, by making the counterparties responsible for
the financing the mortgage pools if the 12:15 p.m. deadline is not met,
the proposal would encourage EPN Users to adhere to the deadline for
substitutions. By ensuring that the EPN Services comport with industry
best practices and encouraging EPN Users to abide by processing
deadlines, the Commission believes that the proposed changes would help
the processing of transactions through the EPN Service, thus promoting
the prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of such securities
transactions.
As each of the aforementioned changes is designed to promote the
prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of securities
transactions, the Commission finds that the proposal and is consistent
with the requirements of Section 17A(b)(3)(F).

B. Consistency With Rule 17Ad-22(e)(23)(i)

Rule 17Ad-22(e)(23)(i) under the Act requires, inter alia, a
covered clearing agency \84\ to establish, implement, maintain and
enforce written policies and procedures reasonably designed to provide
for publicly disclosing all relevant rules and material procedures.\85\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\84\ A ``covered clearing agency'' means, among other things, a
clearing agency registered with the Commission under Section 17A of
the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78q-1 et seq.) that is designated
systemically important by the Financial Stability Oversight Counsel
(``FSOC'') pursuant to the Payment, Clearing, and Settlement
Supervision Act of 2010 (12 U.S.C. 5461 et seq.). See 17 CFR
240.17Ad-22(a)(5)-(6). On July 18, 2012, FSOC designated FICC as
systemically important. U.S. Department of the Treasury, ``FSOC
Makes First Designations in Effort to Protect Against Future
Financial Crises,'' available at https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg1645.asp. Therefore, FICC is a covered
clearing agency.
\85\ 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(e)(23)(i).
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As described above, the proposed rule changes would (i) correct the
EPN Rules by removing inappropriate terminology, (ii) provide
transparency to the EPN Rules by ensuring the EPN Rules match the EPN
Service's current practices, and (iii) amend the EPN Service's
processing of T2 time stamps for pool substitutions. Each of these
proposed changes would assist FICC in publicly disclosing all relevant
and material procedures regarding the EPN Service to EPN Users.
Therefore, the Commission finds that the proposal is consistent Rule
17Ad-22(e)(23)(i) under the Act.

III. Conclusion

On the basis of the foregoing, the Commission finds that the
proposal is consistent with the requirements of the Act, in particular
the requirements of

[[Page 49449]]

Section 17A of the Act \86\ and the rules and regulations thereunder.
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\86\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1.
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It Is Therefore Ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,
that proposed rule change SR-FICC-2018-007 be, and hereby is,
APPROVED.\87\
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\87\ 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).
\88\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).

For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\88\
Eduardo A. Aleman,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2018-21235 Filed 9-28-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P

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