Self-Regulatory Organizations; National Securities Clearing Corporation; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend the Recovery and Wind-Down Plan, 63180-63184 [2023-19840]

Download as PDF 63180 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 177 / Thursday, September 14, 2023 / Notices with the rules of other options exchanges.18 While this proposal continues to limit the intervals of strikes listed on the Exchange, the Exchange continues to balance the needs of market participants by continuing to offer a number of strikes to meet a market participant’s investment objective. The Exchange’s Strike Interval Proposal does not impose an undue burden on intermarket competition as this Strike Interval Proposal does not impact the listings available at another self-regulatory organization. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others The Exchange neither solicited nor received comments on the proposed rule change. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not: (i) significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative for 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become effective pursuant to section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 19 and Rule 19b– 4(f)(6) thereunder.20 A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b–4(f)(6) 21 normally does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii),22 the Commission may designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has requested that the Commission waive the 30-day operative delay so that the proposed rule change may become operative upon filing. The proposed rule change is substantially similar to those of other currently operating options exchanges.23 The Exchange states that it intends to launch MEMX Options on September 13, 2023 and that waiver of the 30-day operative delay would allow 18 Id. 19 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). In addition, Rule 19b–4(f)(6) requires a self-regulatory organization to give the Commission written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change at least five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. The Exchange has satisfied this requirement. 21 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 22 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). 23 See supra note 6. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 20 17 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:47 Sep 13, 2023 Jkt 259001 the Exchange to implement the proposed change to amend its rules as set forth above prior to launch, thus ensuring consistency of strike rules between the Exchange and other options exchanges. For these reasons, and because the proposed rule change does not raise any novel legal or regulatory issues, the Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. Therefore, the Commission hereby waives the 30-day operative delay and designates the proposal operative upon filing.24 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 change should be approved or disapproved. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an email to rule-comments@ sec.gov. Please include file number SR– MEMX–2023–18 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–MEMX–2023–18. 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 24 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, the Commission has also considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). PO 00000 Frm 00131 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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. Do not include personal identifiable information in submissions; you should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. We may redact in part or withhold entirely from publication submitted material that is obscene or subject to copyright protection. All submissions should refer to file number SR–MEMX–2023–18 and should be submitted on or before October 5, 2023. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.25 Sherry R. Haywood, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2023–19846 Filed 9–13–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–98328; File No. SR–NSCC– 2023–008] Self-Regulatory Organizations; National Securities Clearing Corporation; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend the Recovery and Wind-Down Plan September 8, 2023. 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 1, 2023, National Securities Clearing Corporation (‘‘NSCC’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II and III below, which Items have been prepared by the clearing agency. NSCC filed the proposed rule change pursuant to section 19(b)(3)(A) 25 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12), (59). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 1 15 E:\FR\FM\14SEN1.SGM 14SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 177 / Thursday, September 14, 2023 / Notices of the Act 3 and Rule 19b–4(f)(4) thereunder.4 The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. I. Clearing Agency’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The proposed rule change consists of amendments to the Recovery and Winddown Plan to reflect business and product developments that have taken place since the time it was last amended, and make certain changes to improve the clarity of the Plan and make other updates and technical revisions, as described in greater detail below.5 II. Clearing Agency’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, the clearing agency included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The clearing agency has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. (A) Clearing Agency’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose Executive Summary The R&W Plan was adopted in August 2018 6 and is maintained by NSCC for compliance with Rule 17Ad–22(e)(3)(ii) under the Act.7 This section of the Act requires registered clearing agencies to, in short, establish, implement and maintain plans for the recovery and orderly wind-down of the covered clearing agency necessitated by credit losses, liquidity shortfalls, losses from general business risk, or any other losses. The Plan is intended to be used by the Board and NSCC management in 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(4). 5 Capitalized terms not defined herein are defined in the Rules and Procedures of NSCC (the ‘‘Rules’’), available at www.dtcc.com/∼/media/Files/ Downloads/legal/rules/nscc_rules.pdf, or in the Recovery & Wind-down Plan of NSCC (the ‘‘R&W Plan’’ or ‘‘Plan’’). 6 See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 83974 (Aug. 28, 2018), 83 FR 44988 (Sep. 4, 2018), (SR– NSCC–2017–017); and 83955 (Aug. 27, 2018), 83 FR 44340 (Aug. 30, 2018) (SR–NSCC–2017–805). 7 17 CFR 240.17Ad–22(e)(3)(ii). NSCC is a ‘‘covered clearing agency’’ as defined in Rule 17Ad–22(a)(5) under the Act and must comply with paragraph (e) of Rule 17Ad–22. the event NSCC encounters scenarios that could potentially prevent it from being able to provide its critical services to the marketplace as a going concern. The R&W Plan is comprised of two primary sections: (i) the ‘‘Recovery Plan,’’ that sets out the tools and strategies to enable NSCC to recover, in the event it experiences losses that exceed its prefunded resources, and (ii) the ‘‘Wind-down Plan,’’ that describes the tools and strategies to be used to conduct an orderly wind-down of NSCC’s business in a manner designed to permit the continuation of NSCC’s critical services in the event that its recovery efforts are not successful. The purpose of the rule proposal is to amend the R&W Plan to reflect business and product developments that have taken place since the time it was last amended,8 make certain changes to improve the clarity of the Plan and make other updates and technical revisions. NSCC believes that by helping to ensure that the R&W Plan reflects current business and product developments, providing additional clarity, and making necessary grammatical corrections, that the proposed rule change would help it continue to maintain the Plan in a manner that supports the continuity of NSCC’s critical services and enables its Members and Limited Members to maintain access to NSCC’s services through the transfer of its membership in the event NSCC defaults or the Winddown Plan is ever triggered by the Board. Background The R&W Plan is managed by the Office of Recovery & Resolution Planning (referred to in the Plan as the ‘‘R&R Team’’) of NSCC’s parent company, the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (‘‘DTCC’’),9 on behalf of NSCC, with review and oversight by the DTCC Management Committee and the Board. In accordance with the SEC’s Approval Order covering the Plan,10 the Board, or such committees as may be delegated authority by the Board from time to lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 4 17 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:47 Sep 13, 2023 Jkt 259001 8 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 91428 (Mar. 29, 2021), 86 FR 17440 Apr. 2, 2021 (SR– NSCC–2021–004). 9 DTCC operates on a shared service model with respect to NSCC and its other affiliated clearing agencies, Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (‘‘FICC’’) and The Depository Trust Company (‘‘DTC’’). Most corporate functions are established and managed on an enterprise-wide basis pursuant to intercompany agreements under which it is generally DTCC that provides relevant services to NSCC, FICC and DTC (collectively, the ‘‘Clearing Agencies’’). 10 Supra note 6. PO 00000 Frm 00132 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 63181 time, is required to review and approve the R&W Plan biennially and would also review and approve any changes that are proposed to the R&W Plan outside of the biennial review. NSCC completed its most recent biennial review in 2022. The proposed rule change reflects amendments proposed to the Plans resulting from that review, which are described in greater detail below. None of the proposed changes modify NSCC’s general objectives and approach with respect to its recovery and wind-down strategy as set forth under the current Plan. A. Proposed Amendments to the R&W Plan NSCC is proposing the changes to the following sections of the Plan based upon business updates and product developments that have occurred since the Plan was last amended.11 Section 2.2 (NSCC Guaranteed Services Summary) describes those services in which NSCC in its role as a clearing agency and a central counterparty, provides clearing, netting, and settlement service and a guarantee of completion for broker-to-broker equity, corporate and municipal debt, exchange-traded products and unit investment trust transactions executed on exchanges and other trading venues in the U.S. NSCC proposes to update this section to add a description of a new service, the Securities Financing Transaction (‘‘SFT’’) clearing service, which was approved by the Commission in 2022.12 The SFT service is a central clearing and settlement infrastructure for overnight borrows and loans of equity securities (collectively, securities financing transactions or ‘‘SFTs’’). The SFT clearing service supports the central clearing of clients’ SFTs intermediated by Sponsoring Members or Agent Clearing Members as well as the central clearing of SFTs between NSCC full-service Members. The SFT clearing service also allows lenders and borrowers to submit pre-established bilaterally-settled SFTs for clearing. Section 2.4 (Intercompany Arrangements) describes how corporate support services are provided to NSCC 11 Supra note 8. Securities Exchange Act Release No. 95011 (May 31, 2022), 87 FR 34339 (Jun. 6, 2022) (SR– NSCC–2022–003) (Order Approving Proposed Rule Change to Introduce Central Clearing for Securities Financing Transaction Clearing Service). NSCC also filed the proposal as advance notice SR–NSCC– 2022–801. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 94998 (May 27, 2022), 87 FR 33528 (Jun. 2, 2022) (SR–NSCC–2022–801) (Notice of No Objection to Advance Notice to Introduce Central Clearing for Securities Financing Transaction Clearing Service). (Securities Exchange Release No. 34–95011 (May 31, 2022), 87 FR 34339 (Jun. 6, 2022) (SR–NSCC– 2022–003). 12 See E:\FR\FM\14SEN1.SGM 14SEN1 63182 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 177 / Thursday, September 14, 2023 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 from DTCC and DTCC’s other subsidiaries, through intercompany agreements under a shared services model. This section includes a table, (Facilities, Table 2–B), that lists each of the DTCC facilities utilized by the Clearing Agencies and indicates whether the facility is owned or leased. NSCC proposes to update this table to add Washington DC, London, UK, and McLean, Virginia as additional DTCC facility locations. Section 2.5 (FMI Links) 13 describes some of the key financial market infrastructures (‘‘FMIs’’), both domestic and foreign, that NSCC has identified as critical ‘‘links.’’ 14 As set out in this section of the Plan, the inventory of NSCC’s links is maintained by DTCC’s Systemic Risk Office (‘‘SRO’’) and the SRO has set forth a set of practices and protocols for managing and reviewing the various risks and controls associated with clearing agency links. Based on a change to the SRO Clearing Agency Links-Risk Review Procedures, the proposal would clarify that in addition to approval by the Chief Systemic Risk Officer, the inventory of clearing agency links is also subject to the approval of a Deputy General Counsel of the General Counsel’s Office. In addition, for purposes of completeness, the proposed rule change would add a footnote to the table included in this section of the Plan, (Table 2–C, Links), making clear that under SRO’s Clearing Agency Links-Risk Review Procedures, trading market links, such as equity alternative trading systems and regulated securities exchanges are also subject to the links risk review process; however, given the large number of these links, they have not been separately delineated in Table 2–C, Links. Section 3 (Critical Services) defines the criteria for classifying certain of NSCC’s services as ‘‘critical,’’ 15 and 13 For purposes of consistency, under the proposed rule change all references to ‘‘FMI Links’’ would be revised to refer to these as ‘‘Clearing Agency Links.’’ 14 As defined in Rule 17Ad–22(a)(8) under the Act, a link ‘‘means, for purposes of paragraph (e)(20) of Rule 17Ad–22, a set of contractual and operational arrangements between two or more clearing agencies, financial market utilities, or trading markets that connect them directly or indirectly for the purposes of participating in settlement, cross margining, expanding their services to additional instruments or participants, or for any other purposes material to their business.’’ 17 CFR 240.17Ad–22(a)(8). 15 The criteria that is used to identify an NSCC service or function as critical includes consideration as to whether (1) there is a lack of alternative providers or products; (2) failure of the service could impact NSCC’s ability to perform its central counterparty services; (3) failure of the service could impact NSCC’s ability to perform its netting services, and, as such, the availability of market liquidity; and (4) the service is VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:47 Sep 13, 2023 Jkt 259001 identifies such critical services and the rationale for their classification. The identification of NSCC’s critical services is important for evaluating how the recovery tools and the wind-down strategy would facilitate and provide for the continuation of NSCC’s critical services to the markets it serves. There is also a table (Table 3–B: NSCC Critical Services) that lists each of the services, functions or activities that NSCC has identified as ‘‘critical’’ based on the applicability of the criteria. In addition, there is a table (Table 3–C: Indicative Non-Critical NSCC Services) that identifies indicative non-critical services of NSCC, which list is not exhaustive. The proposed rule change would clarify the description of the Account Information Transmission (‘‘AIT’’) service 16 by making clear that AIT can support transmissions for the bulk account transfer initiative, which is an industry effort to prepare carrying broker-dealers for an emergency mass transfer of large quantities of customer accounts and assets from a distressed broker to a financially secure brokerdealer and that in the absence of this service, Members/Limited Members can process and settle their investments manually, as transaction volumes are currently low enough to handle manually, or outside of AIP. Section 5.2.4 (Recovery Corridor and Recovery Phase) outlines the early warning indicators to be used by NSCC to evaluate its options and potentially prepare to enter the ‘‘Recovery Phase,’’ which phase refers to the actions to be taken by NSCC to restore its financial resources and avoid a wind-down of its business. This section contains descriptions of potential stress events that could lead to recovery, and several early warning indicators and metrics that NSCC has established to evaluate its options and potentially prepare to enter the Recovery Phase. These indicators, which are referred to in the Recovery Plan as recovery corridor indicators (‘‘Corridor Indicators’’ or ‘‘Indicator(s)’’),17 are calibrated against interconnected with other participants and processes within the U.S. financial system (for example, with other FMIs, settlement banks, brokerdealers, and exchanges). 16 As set forth in NSCC Rule 59 (Account Information Transmission Service), AIT enables Members to transmit account related information between themselves on an automated basis in respect of the movement of correspondent accounts between Members, or other material events that result in the bulk movement of accounts between Members. 17 The majority of the Corridor Indicators, as identified in the Recovery Plan, relate directly to conditions that may require NSCC to adjust its strategy for hedging and liquidating a defaulting Member’s portfolio, and any such changes would PO 00000 Frm 00133 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 NSCC’s financial resources and are designed to give NSCC the ability to replenish financial resources, typically through business-as-usual tools applied prior to entering the Recovery Phase. Included in this section is a table (Table 5–A: Corridor Indicators) that identifies for each Indicator (i) how it is measured, (ii) the basis for the evaluation of the status of the Indicator, (iii) the type of metrics used for determining the status of the deterioration or improvement of the Indicator, and (iv) ‘‘Corridor Actions & Escalation,’’ which are those steps that may be taken to improve the status of the Indicator and the management escalations required to authorize those steps. The proposed rule change would provide the following clarifications to Table 5–A. First, for purposes of providing additional context on the applicable measurement, the proposed rule change would clarify the entry for the ‘‘Hedge Effectiveness’’ Indicator 18 set out in Table 5–A. Specifically, the language in the measurement column for this Indicator would be revised to clarify that if the hedge effectiveness measures are outside of the designated metrics due to certain types of factors (e.g., mismatch in portfolio profit and loss (‘‘P&L’’) and hedge P&L due to timing of initiating the hedge or the portfolio), management would document the performance and only escalate to the Board Risk Committee and Management Risk Committee if the measurement status deteriorates in a material respect. Second, regarding ‘‘Commercial Paper/Extendible Notes,’’ 19 the description of when the applicable metrics for this Indicator reflect a deterioration would be revised to remove the specific dollar threshold (currently, the inability to source at least $1.0 billion) and replace it with a general statement regarding NSCC’s inability to source additional funding via issuance of commercial paper when needed. The description of the improvement metric would be revised similarly to remove the specific dollar threshold (currently, an ability to source at least $2.5 billion) and replace it with a general statement of NSCC’s ability to source additional funding via issuance of commercial paper. The dollar thresholds would be removed to provide include an assessment of the status of the Corridor Indicators. 18 Hedging is a risk management strategy that would be employed when executing the liquidation of a defaulting Member’s portfolio to potentially help reduce the risk of loss of an existing position. 19 The Commercial Paper/Extendible Notes indicator measures the ability of NSCC to roll-over and potentially increase issuance of its commercial paper. E:\FR\FM\14SEN1.SGM 14SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 177 / Thursday, September 14, 2023 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 discretion and flexibility to evaluate this indicator and take actions, as needed. Additionally, under ‘‘Corridor Actions’’ for purposes of consistency with the language formulation used for the other Indicators, the statement that currently reads ‘‘If this indicator has been triggered, and if less than 50% of overall liquidity resources are available, NSCC would evaluate the liquidation speeds and potential price impacts of increased liquidation speeds—particularly for large positions,’’ would be revised to remove the phrase, ‘‘and if less than 50% of overall liquidity resources are available.’’ Third, for the ‘‘Retirements/Trade Volume Reductions’’ Indicator,20 a clarification would be made to identify Client Account Management and NSCC Global Business Operations as the internal groups responsible for measurement of the applicable deterioration and improvement Indicator metrics. Section 5.3 (Liquidity Shortfalls) identifies tools that may be used to address foreseeable shortfalls in NSCC’s liquidity resources following a Member default. The goal in managing NSCC’s qualifying liquidity resources is to maximize resource availability in an evolving stress situation, to maintain flexibility in the order and use of sources of liquidity, and to repay any third-party lenders of liquidity in a timely manner. This section includes a table (Table 5–C) that lists NSCC liquidity tools and resources.21 The proposed rule change would make the following clarifications to Table 5–C: (i) under the entry for the ‘‘Unissued Commercial Paper’’ liquidity resource, the language would be revised to clarify that unissued commercial paper capacity could be deployed, but remove the existing language that it could be increased within 2 weeks depending on market conditions, since this timeframe could be adjusted depending on the overall circumstances, and (ii) under the description of the NSCC’s ‘‘NonQualifying Liquid Resources,’’ for the current language specifying a one-to two week timeframe for NSCC to enter into new Master Repurchase Agreements would be removed because more flexibility of time is needed for NSCC to establish new agreements. Thus, the 20 The Retirements/Transaction Reductions indicator measures Member terminations or curtailment of transactions that impact the financial viability of NSCC. 21 Table 5–C lists the following NSCC liquidity tools: Utilize short-settling liquidating trades, Increase the speed of portfolio asset sales, Credit Facility, Unissued Commercial Paper, NonQualifying Liquid Resources, and Uncommitted stock loan and equity repos. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:47 Sep 13, 2023 Jkt 259001 updated language would state that ‘‘NSCC would utilize existing Master Repurchase Agreements or establish new Master Repurchase Agreements utilizing standard agreements.’’ B. Other Updates, Clarifications and Technical Revisions NSCC is also proposing to make other updates and technical revisions to the Plan. These technical revisions would, for example, make grammatical corrections, update the names of certain NSCC internal groups, and clarify the description of internal organizations, without changing the substantive statements being revised. For example, in Section 2.4, Table 2– A (SIFMU Legal Entity Structure and Intercompany Agreements), for purposes of clarifying the full scope of services provided by NSCC’s affiliate, DTC, the description of DTC’s services would be revised from ‘‘Underwriting, Securities Processing, Corporate Actions,’’ to ‘‘Asset Services.’’ Some other examples include: (i) a revision would be made throughout the Plan to reflect an internal name change from DTCC’s ‘‘Operational Risk Management’’ to ‘‘Operational Risk,’’ and add a new internal organization, ‘‘Embedded Risk Management,’’ 22 (ii) all references to ‘‘FMI Links’’ would be revised to refer to these as ‘‘Clearing Agency Links,’’ (iii) in the table listing NSCC’s liquidity tools (Table 5–C) replacing the terms ‘‘medium-term notes’’ and ‘‘term debt’’ with ‘‘senior debt’’ to more accurately identify the instrument consistent with how DTCC Treasury identifies these, and (iv) in the section covering DTCC facilities, the name of the DTCC legal entity that is the holder of the lease for the Manila location would be changed from ‘‘DTCC’’ to ‘‘DTCC Manila.’’ NSCC believes the proposed updates and technical revisions would improve the clarity and accuracy of the Plan and, therefore, would help facilitate the execution of Plan, if necessary. 2. Statutory Basis NSCC believes that the proposal is consistent with the requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to a registered clearing agency. In particular, NSCC believes that the amendments to the R&W Plan are consistent with section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act 23 and Rule 22 The Embedded Risk Management group supports the R&R Team. For example, they may assist in the identification of new initiatives, processes, or product developments that may impact NSCC’s R&W Plan. 23 15 U.S.C. 78q–1(b)(3)(F). PO 00000 Frm 00134 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 63183 17Ad–22(e)(3)(ii) under the Act,24 for the reasons described below. Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act requires, in part, that the rules of NSCC be designed to promote the prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of securities transactions. As described above, the proposed rule change would update the R&W Plan to reflect business and product developments and make certain technical corrections. By helping to ensure that the R&W Plan reflects current business and product developments, and providing additional clarity, NSCC believes that the proposed rule change would help it continue to maintain the Plan in a manner that supports the continuity of NSCC’s critical services and enables its Members and Limited Members to maintain access to NSCC’s services through the transfer of its membership in the event NSCC defaults or the Winddown Plan is ever triggered by the Board. Further, by facilitating the continuity of its critical clearance and settlement services, NSCC believes the Plan and the proposed rule change would continue to promote the prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of securities transactions. Therefore, NSCC believes the proposed amendments to the R&W Plan are consistent with the requirements of section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act. Rule 17Ad–22(e)(3)(ii) under the Act requires NSCC to establish, implement, maintain and enforce written policies and procedures reasonably designed to maintain a sound risk management framework for comprehensively managing legal, credit, liquidity, operational, general business, investment, custody, and other risks that arise in or are borne by the covered clearing agency, which includes plans for the recovery and orderly wind-down of the covered clearing agency necessitated by credit losses, liquidity shortfalls, losses from general business risk, or any other losses.25 Specifically, the Recovery Plan defines the risk management activities, stress conditions and indicators, and tools that NSCC may use to address stress scenarios that could eventually prevent it from being able to provide its critical services as a going concern. Through the framework of the Crisis Continuum, the Recovery Plan addresses measures that NSCC may take to address risks of credit losses and liquidity shortfalls, and other losses that could arise from a Participant default. The Recovery Plan also addresses the management of general business risks 24 17 CFR 240.17Ad–22(e)(3)(ii). 25 Id. E:\FR\FM\14SEN1.SGM 14SEN1 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 63184 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 177 / Thursday, September 14, 2023 / Notices and other non-default risks that could lead to losses. The Wind-down Plan would be triggered by a determination by the Board that recovery efforts have not been, or are unlikely to be, successful in returning NSCC to viability as a going concern. Once triggered, the Wind-down Plan sets forth clear mechanisms for the transfer of NSCC’s membership and business and is designed to facilitate continued access to NSCC’s critical services and to minimize market impact of the transfer. By establishing the framework and strategy for the execution of the transfer and wind-down of NSCC in order to facilitate continuous access to its critical services, the Wind-down Plan establishes a plan for the orderly winddown of NSCC. As described above, the proposed rule change would update the R&W Plan to reflect business and product developments and make certain technical corrections. By ensuring that material provisions of the Plan are current, clear, and technically correct, NSCC believes that the proposed amendments are designed to support the maintenance of the Plan for the recovery and orderly wind-down of the covered clearing agency necessitated by credit losses, liquidity shortfalls, losses from general business risk, or any other losses, and, as such, meets the requirements of Rule 17Ad–22(e)(3)(ii) under the Act.26 Therefore, the proposed changes would help NSCC to maintain the Plan in a way that continues to be consistent with the requirements of Rule 17Ad–22(e)(3)(ii). impact, or impose any burden, on competition. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: (C) Clearing Agency’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others Electronic Comments (B) Clearing Agency’s Statement on Burden on Competition III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change, and Timing for Commission Action NSCC does not believe that the proposed rule change would have any impact, or impose any burden, on competition. NSCC does not anticipate that the proposal would affect its dayto-day operations under normal circumstances, or in the management of a typical Member default scenario or non-default event. The R&W Plan was developed and documented to satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, as discussed above. The proposal is intended to enhance and update the Plan to ensure it is clear and remains current in the event it is ever necessary to be implemented. The proposed revisions would not affect any changes to the overall structure or operation of the Plan or NSCC’s recovery and winddown strategy as set forth under the current Plan. As such, NSCC believes the proposal would not have any NSCC has not received or solicited any written comments relating to this proposal. If any written comments are received, NSCC will amend this filing to publicly file such comments as an Exhibit 2 to this filing, as required by Form 19b–4 and the General Instructions thereto. Persons submitting written comments are cautioned that, according to Section IV (Solicitation of Comments) of the Exhibit 1A in the General Instructions to Form 19b–4, the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from comment submissions. Commenters should submit only information that they wish to make available publicly, including their name, email address, and any other identifying information. All prospective commenters should follow the Commission’s instructions on How to Submit Comments, available at www.sec.gov/regulatory-actions/how-tosubmit-comments. General questions regarding the rule filing process or logistical questions regarding this filing should be directed to the Main Office of the Commission’s Division of Trading and Markets at tradingandmarkets@sec.gov or 202– 551–5777. NSCC reserves the right to not respond to any comments received. The foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to section 19(b)(3)(A) 27 of the Act and paragraph (f) 28 of Rule 19b–4 thereunder. At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. • 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– NSCC–2023–008 on the subject line. Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549. All submissions should refer to file number SR–NSCC–2023–008. 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 and 3 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of NSCC and on DTCC’s website (https://dtcc.com/legal/ sec-rule-filings.aspx). Do not include personal identifiable information in submissions; you should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. We may redact in part or withhold entirely from publication submitted material that is obscene or subject to copyright protection. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NSCC–2023–008 and should be submitted on or before October 5, 2023. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.29 Sherry R. Haywood, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2023–19840 Filed 9–13–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P 27 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). 28 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f). 26 Id. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:47 Sep 13, 2023 Jkt 259001 PO 00000 Frm 00135 Fmt 4703 29 17 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\14SEN1.SGM CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). 14SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 177 (Thursday, September 14, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 63180-63184]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-19840]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-98328; File No. SR-NSCC-2023-008]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; National Securities Clearing 
Corporation; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed 
Rule Change To Amend the Recovery and Wind-Down Plan

September 8, 2023.
    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 1, 2023, National Securities Clearing Corporation 
(``NSCC'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II 
and III below, which Items have been prepared by the clearing agency. 
NSCC filed the proposed rule change pursuant to section 19(b)(3)(A)

[[Page 63181]]

of the Act \3\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(4) thereunder.\4\ The Commission is 
publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change 
from interested persons.
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \4\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(4).
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I. Clearing Agency's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the 
Proposed Rule Change

    The proposed rule change consists of amendments to the Recovery and 
Wind-down Plan to reflect business and product developments that have 
taken place since the time it was last amended, and make certain 
changes to improve the clarity of the Plan and make other updates and 
technical revisions, as described in greater detail below.\5\
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    \5\ Capitalized terms not defined herein are defined in the 
Rules and Procedures of NSCC (the ``Rules''), available at 
www.dtcc.com/~/media/Files/Downloads/legal/rules/nscc_rules.pdf, or 
in the Recovery & Wind-down Plan of NSCC (the ``R&W Plan'' or 
``Plan'').
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II. Clearing Agency's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis 
for, the Proposed Rule Change

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

(A) Clearing Agency's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis 
for, the Proposed Rule Change

1. Purpose
Executive Summary
    The R&W Plan was adopted in August 2018 \6\ and is maintained by 
NSCC for compliance with Rule 17Ad-22(e)(3)(ii) under the Act.\7\ This 
section of the Act requires registered clearing agencies to, in short, 
establish, implement and maintain plans for the recovery and orderly 
wind-down of the covered clearing agency necessitated by credit losses, 
liquidity shortfalls, losses from general business risk, or any other 
losses. The Plan is intended to be used by the Board and NSCC 
management in the event NSCC encounters scenarios that could 
potentially prevent it from being able to provide its critical services 
to the marketplace as a going concern.
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    \6\ See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 83974 (Aug. 28, 
2018), 83 FR 44988 (Sep. 4, 2018), (SR-NSCC-2017-017); and 83955 
(Aug. 27, 2018), 83 FR 44340 (Aug. 30, 2018) (SR-NSCC-2017-805).
    \7\ 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(e)(3)(ii). NSCC is a ``covered clearing 
agency'' as defined in Rule 17Ad-22(a)(5) under the Act and must 
comply with paragraph (e) of Rule 17Ad-22.
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    The R&W Plan is comprised of two primary sections: (i) the 
``Recovery Plan,'' that sets out the tools and strategies to enable 
NSCC to recover, in the event it experiences losses that exceed its 
prefunded resources, and (ii) the ``Wind-down Plan,'' that describes 
the tools and strategies to be used to conduct an orderly wind-down of 
NSCC's business in a manner designed to permit the continuation of 
NSCC's critical services in the event that its recovery efforts are not 
successful.
    The purpose of the rule proposal is to amend the R&W Plan to 
reflect business and product developments that have taken place since 
the time it was last amended,\8\ make certain changes to improve the 
clarity of the Plan and make other updates and technical revisions.
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    \8\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 91428 (Mar. 29, 
2021), 86 FR 17440 Apr. 2, 2021 (SR-NSCC-2021-004).
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    NSCC believes that by helping to ensure that the R&W Plan reflects 
current business and product developments, providing additional 
clarity, and making necessary grammatical corrections, that the 
proposed rule change would help it continue to maintain the Plan in a 
manner that supports the continuity of NSCC's critical services and 
enables its Members and Limited Members to maintain access to NSCC's 
services through the transfer of its membership in the event NSCC 
defaults or the Wind-down Plan is ever triggered by the Board.
Background
    The R&W Plan is managed by the Office of Recovery & Resolution 
Planning (referred to in the Plan as the ``R&R Team'') of NSCC's parent 
company, the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (``DTCC''),\9\ on 
behalf of NSCC, with review and oversight by the DTCC Management 
Committee and the Board. In accordance with the SEC's Approval Order 
covering the Plan,\10\ the Board, or such committees as may be 
delegated authority by the Board from time to time, is required to 
review and approve the R&W Plan biennially and would also review and 
approve any changes that are proposed to the R&W Plan outside of the 
biennial review. NSCC completed its most recent biennial review in 
2022. The proposed rule change reflects amendments proposed to the 
Plans resulting from that review, which are described in greater detail 
below. None of the proposed changes modify NSCC's general objectives 
and approach with respect to its recovery and wind-down strategy as set 
forth under the current Plan.
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    \9\ DTCC operates on a shared service model with respect to NSCC 
and its other affiliated clearing agencies, Fixed Income Clearing 
Corporation (``FICC'') and The Depository Trust Company (``DTC''). 
Most corporate functions are established and managed on an 
enterprise-wide basis pursuant to intercompany agreements under 
which it is generally DTCC that provides relevant services to NSCC, 
FICC and DTC (collectively, the ``Clearing Agencies'').
    \10\ Supra note 6.
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A. Proposed Amendments to the R&W Plan

    NSCC is proposing the changes to the following sections of the Plan 
based upon business updates and product developments that have occurred 
since the Plan was last amended.\11\
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    \11\ Supra note 8.
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    Section 2.2 (NSCC Guaranteed Services Summary) describes those 
services in which NSCC in its role as a clearing agency and a central 
counterparty, provides clearing, netting, and settlement service and a 
guarantee of completion for broker-to-broker equity, corporate and 
municipal debt, exchange-traded products and unit investment trust 
transactions executed on exchanges and other trading venues in the U.S. 
NSCC proposes to update this section to add a description of a new 
service, the Securities Financing Transaction (``SFT'') clearing 
service, which was approved by the Commission in 2022.\12\ The SFT 
service is a central clearing and settlement infrastructure for 
overnight borrows and loans of equity securities (collectively, 
securities financing transactions or ``SFTs''). The SFT clearing 
service supports the central clearing of clients' SFTs intermediated by 
Sponsoring Members or Agent Clearing Members as well as the central 
clearing of SFTs between NSCC full-service Members. The SFT clearing 
service also allows lenders and borrowers to submit pre-established 
bilaterally-settled SFTs for clearing.
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    \12\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 95011 (May 31, 
2022), 87 FR 34339 (Jun. 6, 2022) (SR-NSCC-2022-003) (Order 
Approving Proposed Rule Change to Introduce Central Clearing for 
Securities Financing Transaction Clearing Service). NSCC also filed 
the proposal as advance notice SR-NSCC-2022-801. See Securities 
Exchange Act Release No. 94998 (May 27, 2022), 87 FR 33528 (Jun. 2, 
2022) (SR-NSCC-2022-801) (Notice of No Objection to Advance Notice 
to Introduce Central Clearing for Securities Financing Transaction 
Clearing Service). (Securities Exchange Release No. 34-95011 (May 
31, 2022), 87 FR 34339 (Jun. 6, 2022) (SR-NSCC-2022-003).
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    Section 2.4 (Intercompany Arrangements) describes how corporate 
support services are provided to NSCC

[[Page 63182]]

from DTCC and DTCC's other subsidiaries, through intercompany 
agreements under a shared services model. This section includes a 
table, (Facilities, Table 2-B), that lists each of the DTCC facilities 
utilized by the Clearing Agencies and indicates whether the facility is 
owned or leased. NSCC proposes to update this table to add Washington 
DC, London, UK, and McLean, Virginia as additional DTCC facility 
locations.
    Section 2.5 (FMI Links) \13\ describes some of the key financial 
market infrastructures (``FMIs''), both domestic and foreign, that NSCC 
has identified as critical ``links.'' \14\ As set out in this section 
of the Plan, the inventory of NSCC's links is maintained by DTCC's 
Systemic Risk Office (``SRO'') and the SRO has set forth a set of 
practices and protocols for managing and reviewing the various risks 
and controls associated with clearing agency links. Based on a change 
to the SRO Clearing Agency Links-Risk Review Procedures, the proposal 
would clarify that in addition to approval by the Chief Systemic Risk 
Officer, the inventory of clearing agency links is also subject to the 
approval of a Deputy General Counsel of the General Counsel's Office. 
In addition, for purposes of completeness, the proposed rule change 
would add a footnote to the table included in this section of the Plan, 
(Table 2-C, Links), making clear that under SRO's Clearing Agency 
Links-Risk Review Procedures, trading market links, such as equity 
alternative trading systems and regulated securities exchanges are also 
subject to the links risk review process; however, given the large 
number of these links, they have not been separately delineated in 
Table 2-C, Links.
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    \13\ For purposes of consistency, under the proposed rule change 
all references to ``FMI Links'' would be revised to refer to these 
as ``Clearing Agency Links.''
    \14\ As defined in Rule 17Ad-22(a)(8) under the Act, a link 
``means, for purposes of paragraph (e)(20) of Rule 17Ad-22, a set of 
contractual and operational arrangements between two or more 
clearing agencies, financial market utilities, or trading markets 
that connect them directly or indirectly for the purposes of 
participating in settlement, cross margining, expanding their 
services to additional instruments or participants, or for any other 
purposes material to their business.'' 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(a)(8).
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    Section 3 (Critical Services) defines the criteria for classifying 
certain of NSCC's services as ``critical,'' \15\ and identifies such 
critical services and the rationale for their classification. The 
identification of NSCC's critical services is important for evaluating 
how the recovery tools and the wind-down strategy would facilitate and 
provide for the continuation of NSCC's critical services to the markets 
it serves. There is also a table (Table 3-B: NSCC Critical Services) 
that lists each of the services, functions or activities that NSCC has 
identified as ``critical'' based on the applicability of the criteria. 
In addition, there is a table (Table 3-C: Indicative Non-Critical NSCC 
Services) that identifies indicative non-critical services of NSCC, 
which list is not exhaustive. The proposed rule change would clarify 
the description of the Account Information Transmission (``AIT'') 
service \16\ by making clear that AIT can support transmissions for the 
bulk account transfer initiative, which is an industry effort to 
prepare carrying broker-dealers for an emergency mass transfer of large 
quantities of customer accounts and assets from a distressed broker to 
a financially secure broker-dealer and that in the absence of this 
service, Members/Limited Members can process and settle their 
investments manually, as transaction volumes are currently low enough 
to handle manually, or outside of AIP.
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    \15\ The criteria that is used to identify an NSCC service or 
function as critical includes consideration as to whether (1) there 
is a lack of alternative providers or products; (2) failure of the 
service could impact NSCC's ability to perform its central 
counterparty services; (3) failure of the service could impact 
NSCC's ability to perform its netting services, and, as such, the 
availability of market liquidity; and (4) the service is 
interconnected with other participants and processes within the U.S. 
financial system (for example, with other FMIs, settlement banks, 
broker-dealers, and exchanges).
    \16\ As set forth in NSCC Rule 59 (Account Information 
Transmission Service), AIT enables Members to transmit account 
related information between themselves on an automated basis in 
respect of the movement of correspondent accounts between Members, 
or other material events that result in the bulk movement of 
accounts between Members.
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    Section 5.2.4 (Recovery Corridor and Recovery Phase) outlines the 
early warning indicators to be used by NSCC to evaluate its options and 
potentially prepare to enter the ``Recovery Phase,'' which phase refers 
to the actions to be taken by NSCC to restore its financial resources 
and avoid a wind-down of its business. This section contains 
descriptions of potential stress events that could lead to recovery, 
and several early warning indicators and metrics that NSCC has 
established to evaluate its options and potentially prepare to enter 
the Recovery Phase. These indicators, which are referred to in the 
Recovery Plan as recovery corridor indicators (``Corridor Indicators'' 
or ``Indicator(s)''),\17\ are calibrated against NSCC's financial 
resources and are designed to give NSCC the ability to replenish 
financial resources, typically through business-as-usual tools applied 
prior to entering the Recovery Phase. Included in this section is a 
table (Table 5-A: Corridor Indicators) that identifies for each 
Indicator (i) how it is measured, (ii) the basis for the evaluation of 
the status of the Indicator, (iii) the type of metrics used for 
determining the status of the deterioration or improvement of the 
Indicator, and (iv) ``Corridor Actions & Escalation,'' which are those 
steps that may be taken to improve the status of the Indicator and the 
management escalations required to authorize those steps. The proposed 
rule change would provide the following clarifications to Table 5-A.
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    \17\ The majority of the Corridor Indicators, as identified in 
the Recovery Plan, relate directly to conditions that may require 
NSCC to adjust its strategy for hedging and liquidating a defaulting 
Member's portfolio, and any such changes would include an assessment 
of the status of the Corridor Indicators.
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    First, for purposes of providing additional context on the 
applicable measurement, the proposed rule change would clarify the 
entry for the ``Hedge Effectiveness'' Indicator \18\ set out in Table 
5-A. Specifically, the language in the measurement column for this 
Indicator would be revised to clarify that if the hedge effectiveness 
measures are outside of the designated metrics due to certain types of 
factors (e.g., mismatch in portfolio profit and loss (``P&L'') and 
hedge P&L due to timing of initiating the hedge or the portfolio), 
management would document the performance and only escalate to the 
Board Risk Committee and Management Risk Committee if the measurement 
status deteriorates in a material respect.
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    \18\ Hedging is a risk management strategy that would be 
employed when executing the liquidation of a defaulting Member's 
portfolio to potentially help reduce the risk of loss of an existing 
position.
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    Second, regarding ``Commercial Paper/Extendible Notes,'' \19\ the 
description of when the applicable metrics for this Indicator reflect a 
deterioration would be revised to remove the specific dollar threshold 
(currently, the inability to source at least $1.0 billion) and replace 
it with a general statement regarding NSCC's inability to source 
additional funding via issuance of commercial paper when needed. The 
description of the improvement metric would be revised similarly to 
remove the specific dollar threshold (currently, an ability to source 
at least $2.5 billion) and replace it with a general statement of 
NSCC's ability to source additional funding via issuance of commercial 
paper. The dollar thresholds would be removed to provide

[[Page 63183]]

discretion and flexibility to evaluate this indicator and take actions, 
as needed. Additionally, under ``Corridor Actions'' for purposes of 
consistency with the language formulation used for the other 
Indicators, the statement that currently reads ``If this indicator has 
been triggered, and if less than 50% of overall liquidity resources are 
available, NSCC would evaluate the liquidation speeds and potential 
price impacts of increased liquidation speeds--particularly for large 
positions,'' would be revised to remove the phrase, ``and if less than 
50% of overall liquidity resources are available.''
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    \19\ The Commercial Paper/Extendible Notes indicator measures 
the ability of NSCC to roll-over and potentially increase issuance 
of its commercial paper.
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    Third, for the ``Retirements/Trade Volume Reductions'' 
Indicator,\20\ a clarification would be made to identify Client Account 
Management and NSCC Global Business Operations as the internal groups 
responsible for measurement of the applicable deterioration and 
improvement Indicator metrics.
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    \20\ The Retirements/Transaction Reductions indicator measures 
Member terminations or curtailment of transactions that impact the 
financial viability of NSCC.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Section 5.3 (Liquidity Shortfalls) identifies tools that may be 
used to address foreseeable shortfalls in NSCC's liquidity resources 
following a Member default. The goal in managing NSCC's qualifying 
liquidity resources is to maximize resource availability in an evolving 
stress situation, to maintain flexibility in the order and use of 
sources of liquidity, and to repay any third-party lenders of liquidity 
in a timely manner. This section includes a table (Table 5-C) that 
lists NSCC liquidity tools and resources.\21\ The proposed rule change 
would make the following clarifications to Table 5-C: (i) under the 
entry for the ``Unissued Commercial Paper'' liquidity resource, the 
language would be revised to clarify that unissued commercial paper 
capacity could be deployed, but remove the existing language that it 
could be increased within 2 weeks depending on market conditions, since 
this timeframe could be adjusted depending on the overall 
circumstances, and (ii) under the description of the NSCC's ``Non-
Qualifying Liquid Resources,'' for the current language specifying a 
one-to two week timeframe for NSCC to enter into new Master Repurchase 
Agreements would be removed because more flexibility of time is needed 
for NSCC to establish new agreements. Thus, the updated language would 
state that ``NSCC would utilize existing Master Repurchase Agreements 
or establish new Master Repurchase Agreements utilizing standard 
agreements.''
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    \21\ Table 5-C lists the following NSCC liquidity tools: Utilize 
short-settling liquidating trades, Increase the speed of portfolio 
asset sales, Credit Facility, Unissued Commercial Paper, Non-
Qualifying Liquid Resources, and Uncommitted stock loan and equity 
repos.
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B. Other Updates, Clarifications and Technical Revisions
    NSCC is also proposing to make other updates and technical 
revisions to the Plan. These technical revisions would, for example, 
make grammatical corrections, update the names of certain NSCC internal 
groups, and clarify the description of internal organizations, without 
changing the substantive statements being revised.
    For example, in Section 2.4, Table 2-A (SIFMU Legal Entity 
Structure and Intercompany Agreements), for purposes of clarifying the 
full scope of services provided by NSCC's affiliate, DTC, the 
description of DTC's services would be revised from ``Underwriting, 
Securities Processing, Corporate Actions,'' to ``Asset Services.'' Some 
other examples include: (i) a revision would be made throughout the 
Plan to reflect an internal name change from DTCC's ``Operational Risk 
Management'' to ``Operational Risk,'' and add a new internal 
organization, ``Embedded Risk Management,'' \22\ (ii) all references to 
``FMI Links'' would be revised to refer to these as ``Clearing Agency 
Links,'' (iii) in the table listing NSCC's liquidity tools (Table 5-C) 
replacing the terms ``medium-term notes'' and ``term debt'' with 
``senior debt'' to more accurately identify the instrument consistent 
with how DTCC Treasury identifies these, and (iv) in the section 
covering DTCC facilities, the name of the DTCC legal entity that is the 
holder of the lease for the Manila location would be changed from 
``DTCC'' to ``DTCC Manila.''
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    \22\ The Embedded Risk Management group supports the R&R Team. 
For example, they may assist in the identification of new 
initiatives, processes, or product developments that may impact 
NSCC's R&W Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NSCC believes the proposed updates and technical revisions would 
improve the clarity and accuracy of the Plan and, therefore, would help 
facilitate the execution of Plan, if necessary.
2. Statutory Basis
    NSCC believes that the proposal is consistent with the requirements 
of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to a 
registered clearing agency. In particular, NSCC believes that the 
amendments to the R&W Plan are consistent with section 17A(b)(3)(F) of 
the Act \23\ and Rule 17Ad-22(e)(3)(ii) under the Act,\24\ for the 
reasons described below.
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    \23\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(F).
    \24\ 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(e)(3)(ii).
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    Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act requires, in part, that the rules 
of NSCC be designed to promote the prompt and accurate clearance and 
settlement of securities transactions. As described above, the proposed 
rule change would update the R&W Plan to reflect business and product 
developments and make certain technical corrections. By helping to 
ensure that the R&W Plan reflects current business and product 
developments, and providing additional clarity, NSCC believes that the 
proposed rule change would help it continue to maintain the Plan in a 
manner that supports the continuity of NSCC's critical services and 
enables its Members and Limited Members to maintain access to NSCC's 
services through the transfer of its membership in the event NSCC 
defaults or the Wind-down Plan is ever triggered by the Board. Further, 
by facilitating the continuity of its critical clearance and settlement 
services, NSCC believes the Plan and the proposed rule change would 
continue to promote the prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of 
securities transactions. Therefore, NSCC believes the proposed 
amendments to the R&W Plan are consistent with the requirements of 
section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act.
    Rule 17Ad-22(e)(3)(ii) under the Act requires NSCC to establish, 
implement, maintain and enforce written policies and procedures 
reasonably designed to maintain a sound risk management framework for 
comprehensively managing legal, credit, liquidity, operational, general 
business, investment, custody, and other risks that arise in or are 
borne by the covered clearing agency, which includes plans for the 
recovery and orderly wind-down of the covered clearing agency 
necessitated by credit losses, liquidity shortfalls, losses from 
general business risk, or any other losses.\25\
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    \25\ Id.
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    Specifically, the Recovery Plan defines the risk management 
activities, stress conditions and indicators, and tools that NSCC may 
use to address stress scenarios that could eventually prevent it from 
being able to provide its critical services as a going concern. Through 
the framework of the Crisis Continuum, the Recovery Plan addresses 
measures that NSCC may take to address risks of credit losses and 
liquidity shortfalls, and other losses that could arise from a 
Participant default. The Recovery Plan also addresses the management of 
general business risks

[[Page 63184]]

and other non-default risks that could lead to losses. The Wind-down 
Plan would be triggered by a determination by the Board that recovery 
efforts have not been, or are unlikely to be, successful in returning 
NSCC to viability as a going concern. Once triggered, the Wind-down 
Plan sets forth clear mechanisms for the transfer of NSCC's membership 
and business and is designed to facilitate continued access to NSCC's 
critical services and to minimize market impact of the transfer. By 
establishing the framework and strategy for the execution of the 
transfer and wind-down of NSCC in order to facilitate continuous access 
to its critical services, the Wind-down Plan establishes a plan for the 
orderly wind-down of NSCC.
    As described above, the proposed rule change would update the R&W 
Plan to reflect business and product developments and make certain 
technical corrections. By ensuring that material provisions of the Plan 
are current, clear, and technically correct, NSCC believes that the 
proposed amendments are designed to support the maintenance of the Plan 
for the recovery and orderly wind-down of the covered clearing agency 
necessitated by credit losses, liquidity shortfalls, losses from 
general business risk, or any other losses, and, as such, meets the 
requirements of Rule 17Ad-22(e)(3)(ii) under the Act.\26\ Therefore, 
the proposed changes would help NSCC to maintain the Plan in a way that 
continues to be consistent with the requirements of Rule 17Ad-
22(e)(3)(ii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \26\ Id.
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(B) Clearing Agency's Statement on Burden on Competition

    NSCC does not believe that the proposed rule change would have any 
impact, or impose any burden, on competition. NSCC does not anticipate 
that the proposal would affect its day-to-day operations under normal 
circumstances, or in the management of a typical Member default 
scenario or non-default event. The R&W Plan was developed and 
documented to satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, as discussed 
above. The proposal is intended to enhance and update the Plan to 
ensure it is clear and remains current in the event it is ever 
necessary to be implemented. The proposed revisions would not affect 
any changes to the overall structure or operation of the Plan or NSCC's 
recovery and wind-down strategy as set forth under the current Plan. As 
such, NSCC believes the proposal would not have any impact, or impose 
any burden, on competition.

(C) Clearing Agency's Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change 
Received From Members, Participants, or Others

    NSCC has not received or solicited any written comments relating to 
this proposal. If any written comments are received, NSCC will amend 
this filing to publicly file such comments as an Exhibit 2 to this 
filing, as required by Form 19b-4 and the General Instructions thereto.
    Persons submitting written comments are cautioned that, according 
to Section IV (Solicitation of Comments) of the Exhibit 1A in the 
General Instructions to Form 19b-4, the Commission does not edit 
personal identifying information from comment submissions. Commenters 
should submit only information that they wish to make available 
publicly, including their name, email address, and any other 
identifying information.
    All prospective commenters should follow the Commission's 
instructions on How to Submit Comments, available at www.sec.gov/regulatory-actions/how-to-submit-comments.
    General questions regarding the rule filing process or logistical 
questions regarding this filing should be directed to the Main Office 
of the Commission's Division of Trading and Markets at 
[email protected] or 202-551-5777.
    NSCC reserves the right to not respond to any comments 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) \27\ of the Act and paragraph (f) \28\ of Rule 19b-4 
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.
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    \27\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \28\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f).
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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-NSCC-2023-008 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

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

All submissions should refer to file number SR-NSCC-2023-008. 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 
and 3 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for inspection 
and copying at the principal office of NSCC and on DTCC's website 
(https://dtcc.com/legal/sec-rule-filings.aspx). Do not include personal 
identifiable information in submissions; you should submit only 
information that you wish to make available publicly. We may redact in 
part or withhold entirely from publication submitted material that is 
obscene or subject to copyright protection. All submissions should 
refer to File Number SR-NSCC-2023-008 and should be submitted on or 
before October 5, 2023.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\29\
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    \29\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Sherry R. Haywood,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2023-19840 Filed 9-13-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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