Self-Regulatory Organizations; LCH SA; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment No. 1, Relating to the CDSClear CCP Switch Programme, 57931-57933 [2022-20501]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 183 / Thursday, September 22, 2022 / Notices
not impose an undue burden on
competition as the proposal does not
amend the current pricing. This
proposed change is a not a competitive
proposal but rather is designed to
update the list of MIAX Select Symbols
contained in the PCRP in order to avoid
potential confusion on the part of
market participants and other
competing options exchanges.
C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement on Comments on the
Proposed Rule Change Received From
Members, Participants, or Others
Written comments were neither
solicited nor received.
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)(ii) of the Act,12 and Rule
19b–4(f)(2) 13 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. 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
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:
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with NOTICES
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 SR–MIAX–
2022–29 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–MIAX–2022–29. 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 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
10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of such
filing also will be available for
inspection and copying at the principal
office of the Exchange. All comments
received will be posted without change.
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–MIAX–2022–29 and should
be submitted on or before October 13,
2022.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.14
J. Matthew DeLesDernier,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2022–20505 Filed 9–21–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–95808; File No. SR–LCH
SA–2022–005]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; LCH
SA; Notice of Filing and Immediate
Effectiveness of Proposed Rule
Change, as Modified by Amendment
No. 1, Relating to the CDSClear CCP
Switch Programme
September 16, 2022.
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
September 9, 2022, Banque Centrale de
Compensation, which conducts
business under the name LCH SA (‘‘LCH
14 17
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
12 15
U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii).
13 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2).
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57931
SA’’), filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’)
the proposed rule change described in
Items I, II, and III below, which Items
have been prepared primarily by LCH
SA. LCH SA filed the proposed rule
change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)
of the Act,3 and Rule 19b–4(f)(2) 4
thereunder, so that the proposal was
effective upon filing with the
Commission. On September 14, 2022,
LCH SA filed Amendment No. 1 to the
proposed rule change.5 The Commission
is publishing this notice to solicit
comments on the proposed rule change,
as modified by Amendment No. 1
(hereafter, the ‘‘proposed rule change
change’’), from interested persons.6
I. Clearing Agency’s Statement of the
Terms of Substance of the Proposed
Rule Change
(a) LCH SA is proposing to offer an
incentive fee programme to existing and
new potential clearing member and
clients of CDSClear service (the
‘‘Proposed Rule Change’’).
The text of the Proposed Rule Change
is in Exhibit 5 [sic].7
The implementation of the Proposed
Rule Change will be contingent on LCH
SA’s receipt of all necessary regulatory
approvals.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) Not applicable.
II. Clearing Agency’s Statement of the
Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the
Proposed Rule Change
In its filing with the Commission,
LCH SA 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. LCH SA has prepared
summaries, set forth in sections A, B,
and C below, of the most significant
aspects of these statements.
A. Clearing Agency’s Statement of the
Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the
Proposed Rule Change
(a) Purpose
Following an announcement made at
the end of June by an alternate credit
CCP that it would cease clearing all
3 15
U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2).
5 In Amendment No. 1, LCH SA deleted a
sentence from Item II.B that was not applicable to
the filing.
6 References to the proposed rule change from
this point forward refer to the proposed rule change
as modified by Amendment No. 1.
7 All capitalized terms not defined herein have
the same definition as in the CDS Clearing Rule
Book, Supplement or Procedures, as applicable.
4 17
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57932
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 183 / Thursday, September 22, 2022 / Notices
classes of CDS contracts by the end of
March 2023,8 but also in light of the
upcoming extension of CDSClear
products, LCH SA CDSClear expects a
number of clients and clearing members
of alternate credit CCPs to choose to
move their CDS portfolios to LCH SA
CDSClear.
Within this context, the purpose of
the Proposed Rule Change is for
CDSClear to offer Clearing Members and
clients acting through a Clearing
Member, who have, directly or through
a Clearing Member as applicable, signed
up to the CCP Switch Programme 9 as
specified in Exhibit 5 [sic], the
opportunity to move their cleared index
and single name credit default swap
(‘‘CDS’’) or Index Swaption transactions
from alternate credit CCPs to LCH SA at
no cost (the ‘‘CCP Switch Programme’’).
As detailed in the CDSClear Circular
attached as Exhibit 5 [sic] and also to be
published on the LCH website, LCH SA
CDSClear is proposing to implement the
CCP Switch Programme that would be
offered to all CDSClear Clearing
Members and clients (the ‘‘Switch
Programme Participants’’) once
effective.
The CCP Switch Programme will
apply to all ‘‘Eligible Cleared
Transactions’’ which include cleared
transactions where there is no unlimited
tariff available for the Switch
Programme Participant or the cleared
transaction would attract a non-zero
clearing fee. This includes all CDS
transactions for Select Members, but not
Index Swaption transactions where an
unlimited tariff is available. It includes
all CDS transactions for clients of
Clearing Members, but not Index
Swaption transactions in 2022, where a
full discount of client variable fees is
being applied. It currently does not
include any transactions for General
Members. General Members have an
unlimited tariff available for CDS apart
from sovereign single names. Sovereign
single names are subject to a full
discount of clearing fees for General
Members for 1 year from the go-live
date. An unlimited tariff is available to
General Members for Index Swaptions,
which excludes these from being an
Eligible Cleared Transaction also.
To assist Switch Programme
Participants in efficiently closing
positions at alternate credit CCPs and
reopening the same positions at the LCH
SA CDSClear service, LCH SA is
proposing to allow Switch Programme
8 Circular C22/076 ‘‘Cessation of clearing of CDS
Contracts’’ published by ICE Clear Europe on 30
June 2022 (C22076.pdf (theice.com).
9 Clearing Members and clients will be able to
enter into the CCP Switch Programme by
completing a written form.
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17:32 Sep 21, 2022
Jkt 256001
Participants to complete these
transactions for zero CCP clearing fees.
In order to facilitate this, LCH SA
CDSClear would charge no clearing fees
to enter into the Eligible Cleared
Transaction on CDSClear, known as the
‘‘the CDSClear Transaction Leg’’.
Correspondingly, LCH SA would
provide a Credit Note for the Assumed
Cost of entering into the close out
transaction at the alternate CDS CCP,
known as the ‘‘Alternate CCP
Transaction Leg.
The Credit Note would be applied to
all non-CCP Switch Eligible Cleared
Transactions of a Switch Programme
Participant for a period of six (6) months
beginning at the ‘‘Programme Entry
Date’’, mentioned in the relevant Switch
Programme registration form provided
to LCH SA. This will effectively make
the CCP Switch free of any clearing fees
at either CCP. At the end of the six
months period, any unused portion of
the Credit Note would be forfeited.
Fees for both the CCP Switch and any
transactions which would have the
Credit Note applied would be charged
as normal, then rebated at the end of
each month.
(b) Statutory Basis
Section 17A(b)(3)(D) of the Act
requires that the rules of a clearing
agency provide for the equitable
allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and
other charges.10
LCH SA believes that its clearing fee
change proposal is consistent with the
requirements of Section 17A of the
Act 11 and the regulations thereunder
applicable to it, and in particular
provides for the equitable allocation of
reasonable fees, dues, and other charges
among clearing members and market
participants by ensuring that clearing
members and clients pay reasonable fees
and dues for the services provided by
LCH SA, within the meaning of Section
17A(b)(3)(D) of the Act.12
Indeed, there is no change on the
tariffs on which LCH SA CDSClear has
existing activity (i.e. Corporates and
Financials Index and Single Names,
General Members Unlimited and
Introductory tariffs for Index Options).
Rather the Proposed Rule Change
provides for a fee rebate to Switch
Programme Participants who choose to
switch CDS positions from an alternate
CCP to the LCH SA CDSClear service,
effectively allowing these switch
transactions to have no cost impact to
Switch Programme Participants.
Additionally, in no case will the
10 15
U.S.C. 78q–1(b)(3)(D).
U.S.C. 78q–1.
12 15 U.S.C. 78q–1(b)(3)(D).
Proposed Rule Change cause an increase
to any fees charged by LCH SA. As such,
LCH SA believes that the Proposed Rule
Change consistent with Section
17A(b)(3)(D) and is designed to offer
Clearing Members and clients with
cleared CDS and Index Swaption
positions, especially those that may
become ineligible to remain at their
current CCP, the ability to move their
positions to LCH SA free of charge. LCH
SA does not plan to offer the CCP
Switch Programme for cleared
transactions where there is an unlimited
tariff available to Switch Programme
Participants or where cleared
transactions would not attract a fee.
For all the reasons stated above, LCH
SA believes that the proposed changes
to the LCH SA fee grid are reasonable
and appropriate.
B. Clearing Agency’s Statement on
Burden on Competition
Section 17A(b)(3)(I) of the Act
requires that the rules of a clearing
agency not impose any burden on
competition not necessary or
appropriate in furtherance of the
purposes of the Act.13
LCH SA does not believe that the
Proposed Rule Change would impose
any burden on competition that is not
necessary or appropriate in furtherance
of the purposes of the Act because the
CCP Switch Programme is meant to
facilitate competition and movement
between CCPs by accommodating such
positions transfers and reducing the
barrier potentially created by high fees
associated with transferring
corresponding positions between
clearing houses. LCH SA is offering the
possibility for all CDSClear Clearing
Members and clients to utilize the CCP
Switch Programme without prejudice
and on identical terms. The Proposed
Rule Change would not affect the ability
of Clearing Members or other market
participants generally to engage in
cleared transactions or to access clearing
services.
Additionally, the clearing fee
conditions remain transparent and
equally applicable to any eligible
participant wishing to access the
CDSClear clearing service including
those transactions that are not
mandatory for clearing.
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. LCH SA will
11 15
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U.S.C. 78q–1(b)(3)(I).
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 183 / Thursday, September 22, 2022 / Notices
notify the Commission of any written
comments received by LCH SA.
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with NOTICES
III. Date of Effectiveness of the
Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
Commission Action
The foregoing proposed rule change
has become effective upon filing
pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) 14 of the
Act and Rule 19b–4(f)(2) 15 thereunder
because it establishes a fee or other
charge imposed by LCH SA on its
Clearing Members. At any time within
60 days of the filing of the proposed rule
change, the Commission summarily may
temporarily suspend such proposed 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.
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
10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the
filing also will be available for
inspection and copying at the principal
office of LCH SA and on LCH SA’s
website at: https://www.lch.com/
resources/rulebooks/proposed-rulechanges. 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–LCH
SA–2022–005 and should be submitted
on or before October 13, 2022.
57933
technology migration to enhanced
Nasdaq, Inc. (‘‘Nasdaq’’) functionality.
The text of the proposed rule change
is available on the Exchange’s website at
https://listingcenter.nasdaq.com/
rulebook/mrx/rules, at the principal
office of the Exchange, and at the
Commission’s Public Reference Room.
II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of the Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
Change
In its filing with the Commission, the
Exchange included statements
concerning the purpose of and basis for
the proposed rule change and discussed
any comments it received on the
proposed rule change. The text of these
statements may be examined at the
places specified in Item IV below. The
Exchange has prepared summaries, set
forth in sections A, B, and C below, of
the most significant aspects of such
statements.
IV. Solicitation of Comments
Interested persons are invited to
submit written data, views, and
arguments concerning the foregoing,
including whether the proposed rule
change is consistent with the Act.
Comments may be submitted by any of
the following methods:
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.16
J. Matthew DeLesDernier,
Deputy Secretary.
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of the Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
Change
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–
LCH SA–2022–005 on the subject line.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
1. Purpose
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–LCH SA–2022–005. 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 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
[FR Doc. 2022–20501 Filed 9–21–22; 8:45 am]
[Release No. 34–95807; File No. SR–MRX–
2022–16]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq
MRX, LLC; Notice of Filing and
Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed
Rule Change To Amend Certain Rules
in Connection With a Technology
Migration to Enhanced Nasdaq
Functionality
September 16, 2022.
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
September 9, 2022, Nasdaq MRX, LLC
(‘‘MRX’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission
(‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule
change as described in Items I and II
below, which Items have been prepared
by the Exchange. The Commission is
publishing this notice to solicit
comments on the proposed rule change
from interested persons.
I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of the Terms of Substance of
the Proposed Rule Change
The Exchange proposes to amend
certain rules in connection with a
16 17
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
2 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
14 15
U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
15 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2).
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In connection with a technology
migration to enhanced Nasdaq
functionality that will result in higher
performance, scalability, and more
robust architecture, the Exchange
proposes to amend its rules to adopt
certain trading functionality currently
utilized at Nasdaq BX, Inc. (‘‘BX’’). As
further discussed below, the Exchange
is proposing to adopt such functionality
substantially in the same form as
currently on BX, while retaining certain
intended differences between it and its
affiliates.
The Exchange intends to begin
implementation of the proposed rule
change in Q4 2022. MRX would
commence its implementation with a
limited symbol migration and continue
to migrate symbols over several weeks.
The Exchange will issue an Options
Trader Alert to Members to provide
notification of the symbols that will
migrate and the relevant dates.
Re-Pricing
In connection with the technology
migration, the Exchange proposes to
adopt re-pricing functionality in
Options 3, Section 4 and Section 5 for
certain orders and quotes that lock or
cross an away market’s price. The
proposed functionality will be
materially identical to current BX
E:\FR\FM\22SEN1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 183 (Thursday, September 22, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57931-57933]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-20501]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
[Release No. 34-95808; File No. SR-LCH SA-2022-005]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; LCH SA; Notice of Filing and
Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by
Amendment No. 1, Relating to the CDSClear CCP Switch Programme
September 16, 2022.
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 September 9, 2022, Banque Centrale de Compensation, which conducts
business under the name LCH SA (``LCH SA''), filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') the proposed rule change
described in Items I, II, and III below, which Items have been prepared
primarily by LCH SA. LCH SA filed the proposed rule change pursuant to
Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act,\3\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(2) \4\ thereunder,
so that the proposal was effective upon filing with the Commission. On
September 14, 2022, LCH SA filed Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule
change.\5\ The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments
on the proposed rule change, as modified by Amendment No. 1 (hereafter,
the ``proposed rule change change''), from interested persons.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\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)(2).
\5\ In Amendment No. 1, LCH SA deleted a sentence from Item II.B
that was not applicable to the filing.
\6\ References to the proposed rule change from this point
forward refer to the proposed rule change as modified by Amendment
No. 1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. Clearing Agency's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the
Proposed Rule Change
(a) LCH SA is proposing to offer an incentive fee programme to
existing and new potential clearing member and clients of CDSClear
service (the ``Proposed Rule Change'').
The text of the Proposed Rule Change is in Exhibit 5 [sic].\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\7\ All capitalized terms not defined herein have the same
definition as in the CDS Clearing Rule Book, Supplement or
Procedures, as applicable.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The implementation of the Proposed Rule Change will be contingent
on LCH SA's receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) Not applicable.
II. Clearing Agency's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis
for, the Proposed Rule Change
In its filing with the Commission, LCH SA 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. LCH SA has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A,
B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of these statements.
A. Clearing Agency's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis
for, the Proposed Rule Change
(a) Purpose
Following an announcement made at the end of June by an alternate
credit CCP that it would cease clearing all
[[Page 57932]]
classes of CDS contracts by the end of March 2023,\8\ but also in light
of the upcoming extension of CDSClear products, LCH SA CDSClear expects
a number of clients and clearing members of alternate credit CCPs to
choose to move their CDS portfolios to LCH SA CDSClear.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\8\ Circular C22/076 ``Cessation of clearing of CDS Contracts''
published by ICE Clear Europe on 30 June 2022 (C22076.pdf
(theice.com).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Within this context, the purpose of the Proposed Rule Change is for
CDSClear to offer Clearing Members and clients acting through a
Clearing Member, who have, directly or through a Clearing Member as
applicable, signed up to the CCP Switch Programme \9\ as specified in
Exhibit 5 [sic], the opportunity to move their cleared index and single
name credit default swap (``CDS'') or Index Swaption transactions from
alternate credit CCPs to LCH SA at no cost (the ``CCP Switch
Programme'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\9\ Clearing Members and clients will be able to enter into the
CCP Switch Programme by completing a written form.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
As detailed in the CDSClear Circular attached as Exhibit 5 [sic]
and also to be published on the LCH website, LCH SA CDSClear is
proposing to implement the CCP Switch Programme that would be offered
to all CDSClear Clearing Members and clients (the ``Switch Programme
Participants'') once effective.
The CCP Switch Programme will apply to all ``Eligible Cleared
Transactions'' which include cleared transactions where there is no
unlimited tariff available for the Switch Programme Participant or the
cleared transaction would attract a non-zero clearing fee. This
includes all CDS transactions for Select Members, but not Index
Swaption transactions where an unlimited tariff is available. It
includes all CDS transactions for clients of Clearing Members, but not
Index Swaption transactions in 2022, where a full discount of client
variable fees is being applied. It currently does not include any
transactions for General Members. General Members have an unlimited
tariff available for CDS apart from sovereign single names. Sovereign
single names are subject to a full discount of clearing fees for
General Members for 1 year from the go-live date. An unlimited tariff
is available to General Members for Index Swaptions, which excludes
these from being an Eligible Cleared Transaction also.
To assist Switch Programme Participants in efficiently closing
positions at alternate credit CCPs and reopening the same positions at
the LCH SA CDSClear service, LCH SA is proposing to allow Switch
Programme Participants to complete these transactions for zero CCP
clearing fees.
In order to facilitate this, LCH SA CDSClear would charge no
clearing fees to enter into the Eligible Cleared Transaction on
CDSClear, known as the ``the CDSClear Transaction Leg''.
Correspondingly, LCH SA would provide a Credit Note for the Assumed
Cost of entering into the close out transaction at the alternate CDS
CCP, known as the ``Alternate CCP Transaction Leg.
The Credit Note would be applied to all non-CCP Switch Eligible
Cleared Transactions of a Switch Programme Participant for a period of
six (6) months beginning at the ``Programme Entry Date'', mentioned in
the relevant Switch Programme registration form provided to LCH SA.
This will effectively make the CCP Switch free of any clearing fees at
either CCP. At the end of the six months period, any unused portion of
the Credit Note would be forfeited.
Fees for both the CCP Switch and any transactions which would have
the Credit Note applied would be charged as normal, then rebated at the
end of each month.
(b) Statutory Basis
Section 17A(b)(3)(D) of the Act requires that the rules of a
clearing agency provide for the equitable allocation of reasonable
dues, fees, and other charges.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\10\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(D).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
LCH SA believes that its clearing fee change proposal is consistent
with the requirements of Section 17A of the Act \11\ and the
regulations thereunder applicable to it, and in particular provides for
the equitable allocation of reasonable fees, dues, and other charges
among clearing members and market participants by ensuring that
clearing members and clients pay reasonable fees and dues for the
services provided by LCH SA, within the meaning of Section 17A(b)(3)(D)
of the Act.\12\
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\11\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1.
\12\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(D).
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Indeed, there is no change on the tariffs on which LCH SA CDSClear
has existing activity (i.e. Corporates and Financials Index and Single
Names, General Members Unlimited and Introductory tariffs for Index
Options). Rather the Proposed Rule Change provides for a fee rebate to
Switch Programme Participants who choose to switch CDS positions from
an alternate CCP to the LCH SA CDSClear service, effectively allowing
these switch transactions to have no cost impact to Switch Programme
Participants. Additionally, in no case will the Proposed Rule Change
cause an increase to any fees charged by LCH SA. As such, LCH SA
believes that the Proposed Rule Change consistent with Section
17A(b)(3)(D) and is designed to offer Clearing Members and clients with
cleared CDS and Index Swaption positions, especially those that may
become ineligible to remain at their current CCP, the ability to move
their positions to LCH SA free of charge. LCH SA does not plan to offer
the CCP Switch Programme for cleared transactions where there is an
unlimited tariff available to Switch Programme Participants or where
cleared transactions would not attract a fee.
For all the reasons stated above, LCH SA believes that the proposed
changes to the LCH SA fee grid are reasonable and appropriate.
B. Clearing Agency's Statement on Burden on Competition
Section 17A(b)(3)(I) of the Act requires that the rules of a
clearing agency not impose any burden on competition not necessary or
appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.\13\
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\13\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(I).
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LCH SA does not believe that the Proposed Rule Change would impose
any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in
furtherance of the purposes of the Act because the CCP Switch Programme
is meant to facilitate competition and movement between CCPs by
accommodating such positions transfers and reducing the barrier
potentially created by high fees associated with transferring
corresponding positions between clearing houses. LCH SA is offering the
possibility for all CDSClear Clearing Members and clients to utilize
the CCP Switch Programme without prejudice and on identical terms. The
Proposed Rule Change would not affect the ability of Clearing Members
or other market participants generally to engage in cleared
transactions or to access clearing services.
Additionally, the clearing fee conditions remain transparent and
equally applicable to any eligible participant wishing to access the
CDSClear clearing service including those transactions that are not
mandatory for clearing.
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. LCH SA will
[[Page 57933]]
notify the Commission of any written comments received by LCH SA.
III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
Commission Action
The foregoing proposed rule change has become effective upon filing
pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) \14\ of the Act and Rule 19b-4(f)(2)
\15\ thereunder because it establishes a fee or other charge imposed by
LCH SA on its Clearing Members. At any time within 60 days of the
filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may
temporarily suspend such proposed 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.
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\14\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
\15\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(2).
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IV. Solicitation of Comments
Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and
arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule
change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of
the following methods:
Electronic Comments
Use the Commission's internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
Send an email to [email protected]. Please include
File Number SR-LCH SA-2022-005 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-LCH SA-2022-005. 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 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 10:00 a.m. and
3:00 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for inspection
and copying at the principal office of LCH SA and on LCH SA's website
at: https://www.lch.com/resources/rulebooks/proposed-rule-changes. 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-LCH SA-2022-005 and should
be submitted on or before October 13, 2022.
For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\16\
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\16\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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J. Matthew DeLesDernier,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2022-20501 Filed 9-21-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P