00-21498. Minimum Financial Requirements for Futures Commission Merchants and Introducing Brokers; Amendments to the Provisions Governing Subordination Agreements Included in the Net Capital of a Futures Commission Merchant or Independent ...

AGENCY:

Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“Commission” or “CFTC”) is amending Regulation 1.17(h), which governs the net capital treatment of subordination agreements. Currently, futures commission merchants (“FCMs”) and independent introducing brokers (“IBIs”) that are members of a self-regulatory organization (“SRO”—i.e., a contract market or the National Futures Association) and that are securities brokers or dealers registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) are required to obtain the approval of both a futures SRO and a securities designated examining authority (“DEA”) for any proposed subordination agreement, proposed prepayment of a subordinated loan, or proposed reduction in the outstanding principal balance of a secured demand note. The Commission is amending its regulations to permit a futures SRO, subject to the conditions set forth below, to rely on a securities DEA's review and approval of a proposed subordination agreement, a proposed prepayment of a subordinated loan, or a proposed reduction in the outstanding principal balance of a secured demand note submitted to the DEA and SRO by an FCM or IBI.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

September 25, 2000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Thomas J. Smith, Special Counsel, Division of Trading and Markets, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20581; telephone [phone]; electronic mail [e-mail]; or Henry J. Matecki, Financial Audit and Review Branch, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, 300 S. Riverside Plaza, Room 1600-N, Chicago, IL 60606; telephone [phone]; electronic mail [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Proposed Rules

On June 2, 2000, the Commission published for comment proposed amendments to Rule 1.17(h), which governs an FCM's or IBI's net capital treatment of subordination agreements.^[1] Commission Regulation 1.17 requires FCMs and IBIs to maintain minimum levels of adjusted net capital.^[2] In computing adjusted net capital, FCMs and IBIs are permitted to exclude from liabilities funds received which are subordinated to the claims of all general creditors of the FCM or IBI pursuant to a “satisfactory subordination agreement,” as defined in Regulation 1.17(h).^[3]

Subordination agreements may take the form of either subordinated loan agreements or secured demand notes. Subordinated loan agreements are agreements evidencing a subordinated borrowing of cash by the FCM or IBI. Secured demand notes are agreements evidencing or governing the contribution of a secured demand note to an FCM or IBI and the pledge of securities and/or cash as collateral to secure payment of such note. The outstanding principal balances of a subordinated loan and a secured demand note are recorded as liabilities of an FCM or IBI.^[4]

Regulation 1.17(h) sets forth several minimum requirements for the subordination agreements and other conditions that must be met in order for the agreements to qualify as “satisfactory” subordination agreements.^[5] One condition, set forth in Regulation 1.17(h)(3)(vi), provides that an FCM or IBI may not treat any subordination agreement as a “satisfactory” subordination agreement for net capital purposes until the FCM's or the IBI's designated-self regulatory organization (“DSRO”), or the Commission if the FCM or the IBI is not a member of a DSRO, has reviewed the agreement and determined that it satisfies the minimum requirements set forth in Regulation 1.17(h).

Commission regulations also impose restrictions on an FCM's or IBI's ability to make a payment on a subordinated loan prior to the scheduled maturity date of such loan or to effect a full or partial reduction in the outstanding principal balance of a secured demand note. In this regard, Regulation 1.17(h)(2)(vii)(C) requires an FCM or IBI to obtain the written approval of its DSRO, or the Commission if the FCM or IBI is not a member of a SRO, prior to making a prepayment on a subordinated loan or prior to effecting a full or partial reduction in the outstanding principal balance of a secured demand note.

The Commission's regulations governing subordination agreements, including the provisions cited above, are consistent with requirements imposed by the SEC on registered securities brokers or dealers. In this regard, SEC Rule 15c3-1d(c)(6)(i) (17 CFR 240.15c3-1d(c)(6)(i)) is consistent with CFTC Regulation 1.17(h)(3)(vi) in that it requires a registered securities broker or dealer to file copies of any proposed subordination agreement with its DEA prior to the effective date of the agreement.^[6] The rule further provides that no subordination agreement shall be deemed a “satisfactory” subordination agreement for capital purposes until the DEA has determined that the agreement satisfies the minimum requirements for a satisfactory subordination agreement as set forth in the SEC's rules.^[7]

In addition, SEC Rule 15c3-1d(b)(7) (17 CFR 240.15c3-1d(b)(7)) is consistent with CFTC Regulation 1.17(h)(2)(vii)(C) in that it requires a broker or dealer to obtain the written approval of its DEA prior to making a prepayment of a subordinated loan before the scheduled maturity date of the payment and prior to effecting a reduction in the outstanding principal balance of a secured demand note. Therefore, registered FCMs and IBIs that are also registered as securities brokers or dealers with the SEC (hereinafter referred to as “dually-registered” FCMs or IBIs) are required to obtain the approvals of a futures market SRO and a securities market DEA prior to excluding subordination agreements from liabilities in computing net capital or prior to making a prepayment on a subordinated loan or effecting a reduction in the outstanding principal balance of a secured demand note.

II. Final Rules

The National Futures Association submitted a letter to the Commission in support of the proposed amendments. This was the only comment received.

After considering the issues, the Commission is amending Regulations 1.17(h)(2)(vii)(C) and 1.17(h)(3)(vi) as proposed. The amendments provide that a DSRO may rely on a DEA's review of a proposed subordination agreement or a request to make a prepayment on a subordinated loan or to reduce the outstanding principal balance of a secured demand note, provided that the dually-registered FCM or IBI files signed copies of the proposals with its applicable DEA, in the manner and form provided by the DEA, prior to the proposed effective dates. The rule also directs the FCM or IBI to file copies of the proposals with its DSRO prior to the respective effective dates and to file copies of the DEA's approval of the transactions with the DSRO immediately upon receipt of such approval.

The requirement that the FCM or IBI file copies of the proposals with its DSRO provides the DSRO with an opportunity to review the transactions to ensure compliance with Commission regulations prior to the effective dates. The amendments further provide that the DEA's review and approval of the proposals is deemed, absent objection by the DSRO, a finding by the DSRO that the proposals meet the minimum requirements and conditions set forth in Commission Regulation 1.17(h). The final responsibility for ensuring that the proposals satisfy the minimum Commission requirements, however, remains with the DSROs.

III. Related Matters

A. Regulatory Flexibility Act

The Regulatory Flexibility Act (“RFA”), 5 U.S.C. 601-611, requires that agencies, in adopting rules, consider the impact of those rules on small businesses. The rule amendments discussed herein would affect FCMs and IBIs. The Commission has previously determined that, based upon the fiduciary nature of FCM/customer relationships, as well as the requirement that FCMs meet minimum financial requirements, FCMs should be excluded from the definition of small entity.^[8]

With respect to IBIs, the Commission stated that it is appropriate to evaluate within the context of a particular rule whether some or all introducing brokers should be considered to be small entities and, if so, to analyze the economic impact on such entities at that time.^[9] The amendments to Regulations 1.17(h)(2)(vii)(C) and 1.17(h)(3)(vi) do not impose additional requirements on an IBI. Thus, on behalf of the Commission, the Chairman certifies that the proposed rule amendments will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

B. Paperwork Reduction Act

The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. (Supp. I 1995), imposes certain requirements on federal agencies (including the Commission) to review rules and rule amendments to evaluate the information collection burden that they impose on the public. The Commission believes that the amendments to Regulation 1.17(h) do not impose an information collection burden on the public.

List of Subjects in 17 CFR Part 1

• Brokers
• Commodity futures

In consideration of the foregoing and pursuant to the authority contained in the Commodity Exchange Act and, in particular, Sections 4f, 4g and 8a(5) thereof, 7 U.S.C. 6d, 6g and 12a(5), the Commission hereby amends Chapter I of Title 17 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

PART 1—GENERAL REGULATIONS UNDER THE COMMODITY EXCHANGE ACT

1. The authority citation for part 1 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1a, 2, 2a, 4, 4a, 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i, 6j, 6k, 6l, 6m, 6n, 6o, 6p, 7, 7a, 7b, 8, 9, 12, 12a, 12c, 13a, 13a-1, 16, 16a, 19, 21, 23, and 24.

2. Section 1.17 is amended by revising paragraphs (h)(2)(vii)(C) and (h)(3)(vi) to read as follows:

§ 1.17

Minimum financial requirements for futures commission merchants and introducing brokers.

* * * * *

(h)* * *

(2)* * *

(vii)* * *

(C)(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (h)(2)(vii)(A) and (h)(2)(vii)(B) of this section, in the case of an applicant, no prepayment or special prepayment shall occur without the prior written approval of the National Futures Association; in the case of a registrant, no prepayment or special prepayment shall occur without the prior written approval of the designated self-regulatory organization, if any, or of the Commission if the registrant is not a member of a self-regulatory organization.

(2) A registrant may make a prepayment or special prepayment without the prior written approval of the designated self-regulatory organization: Provided, That the registrant: Is a securities broker or dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission; files a request to make a prepayment or special prepayment with its applicable securities designated examining authority, as defined in Rule 15c3-1(c)(12) of the Securities and Exchange Commission (17 CFR 240.15c3-1(c)(12)), in the form and manner prescribed by the designated examining authority; files a copy of the prepayment request or special prepayment request with the designated self-regulatory organization at the time it files such request with the designated examining authority in the form and manner prescribed by the designated self-regulatory organization; and files a copy of the designated examining authority's approval of the prepayment or special prepayment with the designated self-regulatory organization immediately upon receipt of such approval. The approval of the prepayment or special prepayment by the designated examining authority will be deemed approval by the designated self-regulatory organization, unless the designated self-regulatory organization notifies the registrant that the designated examining authority's approval shall not constitute designated self-regulatory organization approval.

(3) The designated self-regulatory organization shall immediately provide the Commission with a copy of any notice of approval issued where the requested prepayment or special prepayment will result in the reduction of the registrant's net capital by 20 percent or more or the registrant's excess adjusted net capital by 30 percent or more.

* * * * *

(3) * * *

(vi) Filing. An applicant shall file a signed copy of any proposed subordination agreement (including nonconforming subordination agreements) with the National Futures Association at least ten days prior to the proposed effective date of the agreement or at such other time as the National Futures Association for good cause shall accept such filing. A registrant that is not a member of any designated self-regulatory organization shall file two signed copies of any proposed subordination agreement (including nonconforming subordination agreements) with the regional office of the Commission nearest the principal place of business of the registrant (except that a registrant under the jurisdiction of the Commission's Western Regional Office shall file such copies with the Commission's Southwestern Regional Office) at least ten days prior to the proposed effective date of the agreement or at such other time as the Commission for good cause shall accept such filing. A registrant that is a member of a designated self-regulatory organization shall file signed copies of any proposed subordination agreement (including nonconforming subordination agreements) with the designated self-regulatory organization in such quantities and at such time as the designated self-regulatory organization may require prior to the effective date. The applicant or registrant shall also file with said parties a statement setting forth the name and address of the lender, the business relationship of the lender to the applicant or registrant and whether the applicant or registrant carried funds or securities for the lender at or about the time the proposed agreement was so filed. A proposed agreement filed by an applicant with the National Futures Association shall be reviewed by the National Futures Association, and no such agreement shall be a satisfactory subordination agreement for the purposes of this section unless and until the National Futures Association has found the agreement acceptable and such agreement has become effective in the form found acceptable. A proposed agreement filed by a registrant shall be reviewed by the designated self-regulatory organization with whom such an agreement is required to be filed prior to its becoming effective or, if the registrant is not a member of any designated self-regulatory organization, by the regional office of the Commission where the agreement is required to be filed prior to its becoming effective. No proposed agreement shall be a satisfactory subordination agreement for the purposes of this section unless and until the designated self-regulatory organization or, if a registrant is not a member of any designated self-regulatory organization, the Commission, has found the agreement acceptable and such agreement has become effective in the form found acceptable: Provided, however, That a proposed agreement shall be a satisfactory subordination agreement for purpose of this section if the registrant: is a securities broker or dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission; files signed copies of the proposed subordination agreement with the applicable securities designated examining authority, as defined in Rule 15c3-1(c)(12) of the Securities and Exchange Commission (17 CFR 240.15c3-1(c)(12)), in the form and manner prescribed by the designated examining authority; files signed copies of the proposed subordination agreement with the designated self-regulatory organization at the time it files such copies with the designated examining authority in the form and manner prescribed by the designated self-regulatory organization; and files a copy of the designated examining authority's approval of the proposed subordination agreement with the designated self-regulatory organization immediately upon receipt of such approval. The designated examining authority's determination that the proposed subordination agreement satisfies the requirements for a satisfactory subordination agreement will be deemed a like finding by the designated self-regulatory organization, unless the designated self-regulatory organization notifies the registrant that the designated examining authority's determination shall not constitute a like finding by the designated self-regulatory organization.

* * * * *

Issued in Washington D.C. on August 17, 2000 by the Commission.

Jean A. Webb,

Secretary of the Commission.

Footnotes

1.  65 FR 35304 (June 2, 2000).

2.  Commission regulations cited herein may be found at 17 CFR Ch. I (2000).

Adjusted net capital is generally defined as current assets less liabilities. See Regulation 1.17(c)(5).

Regulation 1.17(a)(1)(i) requires FCMs to maintain minimum adjusted net capital of the greatest of: (1) $250,000; (2) four percent of the customer funds required to be segregated and set aside pursuant to the Act and the regulations, less the market value of commodity options purchased by customers on or subject to the rules of a contract market or a foreign board of trade for which the full premiums have been paid provided that the deduction for each customer is limited to the amount of customer funds in such customer's account(s); (3) the amount of adjusted net capital required by a registered futures association of which the FCM is a member; or (4) for securities brokers and dealers, the amount of net capital required by SEC Rule 15c3-1(a) (17 CFR 240.15c3-1(a)).

Regulation 1.17(a)(1)(ii) requires IBIs to maintain minimum adjusted net capital of the greatest of: (A) $30,000; (B) the amount of adjusted net capital required by a registered futures associated of which the IBI is a member; or (C) for securities brokers and dealers, the amount of net capital required by SEC Rule 15c3-1(a).

3.  Regulation 1.17(c)(4)(i).

4.  See Regulation 1.17(h)(1).

5.  A contract market may impose, or an FCM or IBI may require, conditions or restrictions in addition to those established by the Commission provided that such conditions or restrictions do not cause the subordination agreement to fail to meet the minimum requirements of Regulation 1.17(h).

6.  Rule 15c3-1(c)(12) of the SEC, 17 CFR 240.15c3-1(c)(12), defines DEA as the national securities exchange or the national securities association of which the broker or dealer is a member, or if the broker or dealer is member of more than one such exchange or association, the exchange or association designated by the SEC as the examining authority of the broker or dealer.

7.  The SEC's minimum requirements for a satisfactory subordination agreement are set forth in Rule 15c3-1d(2) (17 CFR 240.15c3-1d(2)) and are comparable to the minimum requirements established by the Commission in Regulation 1.17(h)(2).

8.  47 FR 18618, 18619-18620 (April 30, 1982).

9.  48 FR 35248, 35275-78 (August 3, 1983).