[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 109 (Thursday, June 6, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26486-26488]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-11798]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-85981; File No. SR-FINRA-2019-016]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Financial Industry Regulatory 
Authority, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a 
Proposed Rule Change To Extend the Implementation of FINRA Rule 4240 
(Margin Requirements for Credit Default Swaps)

May 31, 2019.
    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 May 21, 2019, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. 
(``FINRA'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'' 
or ``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, 
II, and III below, which Items have been prepared by FINRA. FINRA has 
designated the proposed rule change as constituting a ``non-
controversial'' rule change under paragraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b-4 under 
the Act,\3\ which renders the proposal effective upon receipt of

[[Page 26487]]

this filing by the Commission. 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\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    FINRA is proposing to extend to July 20, 2020 the implementation of 
FINRA Rule 4240. FINRA Rule 4240 implements an interim pilot program 
with respect to margin requirements for certain transactions in credit 
default swaps that are security based swaps.
    The text of the proposed rule change is available on FINRA's 
website at http://www.finra.org, at the principal office of FINRA 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, FINRA 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. FINRA has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, 
B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements.

A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and 
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

1. Purpose
    On May 22, 2009, the Commission approved FINRA Rule 4240,\4\ which 
implements an interim pilot program (the ``Interim Pilot Program'') 
with respect to margin requirements for certain transactions in credit 
default swaps (``CDS'').\5\ On June 11, 2018, FINRA filed a proposed 
rule change for immediate effectiveness extending the implementation of 
FINRA Rule 4240 to July 18, 2019.\6\
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    \4\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 59955 (May 22, 
2009), 74 FR 25586 (May 28, 2009) (Order Approving File No. SR-
FINRA-2009-012) (``Approval Order'').
    \5\ In March 2012, the SEC approved amendments to FINRA Rule 
4240 that, among other things, limit at this time the rule's 
application to credit default swaps that are security-based swaps. 
See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 66527 (March 7, 2012), 77 FR 
14850 (March 13, 2012) (Order Approving File No. SR-FINRA-2012-015).
    \6\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 83474 (June 20, 
2018), 83 FR 29840 (June 26, 2018) (Notice of Filing and Immediate 
Effectiveness of File No. SR-FINRA-2018-025).
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    As explained in the Approval Order, FINRA Rule 4240, coterminous 
with certain Commission actions, was intended to address concerns 
arising from systemic risk posed by CDS, including, among other things, 
risks to the financial system arising from the lack of a central 
clearing counterparty to clear and settle CDS.\7\ On July 21, 2010, the 
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the ``Dodd-
Frank Act'') was signed into law.\8\ Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act 
established a comprehensive new regulatory framework for swaps and 
security-based swaps,\9\ including certain CDS. The legislation was 
intended, among other things, to enhance the authority of regulators to 
implement new rules designed to reduce risk, increase transparency, and 
promote market integrity with respect to such products.
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    \7\ See Approval Order, 74 FR at 25588-89.
    \8\ See Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection 
Act, Public Law 111-203, 124 Stat. 1376 (2010).
    \9\ The terms ``swap'' and ``security-based swap'' are defined 
in Sections 721 and 761 of the Dodd-Frank Act. The Commodity Futures 
Trading Commission (``CFTC'') and the Commission jointly have 
approved rules to further define these terms. See Securities 
Exchange Act Release No. 67453 (July 18, 2012), 77 FR 48208 (August 
13, 2012) (Joint Final Rule; Interpretations; Request for Comment on 
an Interpretation: Further Definition of ``Swap,'' ``Security-Based 
Swap,'' and ``Security-Based Swap Agreement''; Mixed Swaps; 
Security-Based Swap Agreement Recordkeeping). See also Securities 
Exchange Act Release No. 66868 (April 27, 2012), 77 FR 30596 (May 
23, 2012) (Joint Final Rule; Joint Interim Final Rule; 
Interpretations: Further Definition of ``Swap Dealer,'' ``Security-
Based Swap Dealer,'' ``Major Swap Participant,'' ``Major Security-
Based Swap Participant'' and ``Eligible Contract Participant'').
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    The Commission and the CFTC have proposed or adopted rules with 
respect to swaps and security-based swaps pursuant to Title VII of the 
Dodd-Frank Act.\10\ FINRA believes it is appropriate to extend the 
Interim Pilot Program for a limited period, to July 20, 2020, in light 
of the continuing development of the CDS business and ongoing 
regulatory developments. FINRA is considering proposing additional 
amendments to the Interim Pilot Program.
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    \10\ See, e.g., Securities Exchange Act Release No. 84991 
(January 25, 2019), 84 FR 863 (January 31, 2019) (Order Granting a 
Limited Exemption From the Exchange Act Definition of ``Penny 
Stock'' for Security-Based Swap Transactions Between Eligible 
Contract Participants; Granting a Limited Exemption From the 
Exchange Act Definition of ``Municipal Securities'' for Security-
Based Swaps; and Extending Certain Temporary Exemptions Under the 
Exchange Act in Connection With the Revision of the Definition of 
``Security'' To Encompass Security-Based Swaps); Securities Exchange 
Act Release No. 68071 (October 18, 2012), 77 FR 70214 (November 23, 
2012) (Proposed Rule: Capital, Margin, and Segregation Requirements 
for Security-Based Swap Dealers and Major Security-Based Swap 
Participants and Capital Requirements for Broker-Dealers). See also 
Securities Exchange Act Release No. 71958 (April 17, 2014), 79 FR 
25194 (May 2, 2014) (Proposed Rule: Recordkeeping and Reporting 
Requirements for Security-Based Swap Dealers, Major Security-Based 
Swap Participants, and Broker-Dealers; Capital Rule for Certain 
Security-Based Swap Dealers).
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    FINRA has filed the proposed rule change for immediate 
effectiveness. FINRA is proposing that the implementation date of the 
proposed rule change will be July 18, 2019. The proposed rule change 
will expire on July 20, 2020.
2. Statutory Basis
    FINRA believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the 
provisions of Section 15A(b)(6) of the Act,\11\ which requires, among 
other things, that FINRA rules must be designed to prevent fraudulent 
and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable 
principles of trade, and, in general, to protect investors and the 
public interest. FINRA believes that the proposed rule change is 
consistent with the Act because, in light of the continuing development 
of the CDS business and ongoing regulatory developments, extending the 
implementation of the margin requirements as set forth by FINRA Rule 
4240 will help to stabilize the financial markets.
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    \11\ 15 U.S.C. 78o-3(b)(6).
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B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition

    FINRA does not believe that the proposed rule change will result in 
any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in 
furtherance of the purposes of the Act. FINRA believes that extending 
the implementation of FINRA Rule 4240 for a limited period, to July 20, 
2020, in light of the continuing development of the CDS business and 
ongoing regulatory developments, helps to promote stability in the 
financial markets and regulatory certainty for members.

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

    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

[[Page 26488]]

become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \12\ and 
Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\13\
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    \12\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \13\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, as required under Rule 
19b-4(f)(6)(iii), FINRA provided the Commission with written notice 
of its intent to file the proposed rule change, along with a brief 
description and the text of the proposed rule change, at least five 
business days prior to the date of the filing of the proposed rule 
change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission.
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    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:

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's internet comment form (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an email to [email protected]. Please include 
File Number SR-FINRA-2019-016 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-FINRA-2019-016. 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 (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml). 
Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written 
statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with 
the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed 
rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those 
that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions 
of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for website viewing and printing in 
the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 
20549, on official business days between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 
p.m. Copies of such filing also will be available for inspection and 
copying at the principal office of FINRA. 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-
FINRA-2019-016 and should be submitted on or before June 27, 2019.
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    \14\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\14\
Eduardo A. Aleman,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2019-11798 Filed 6-5-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P