97-24140. Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change by National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Relating to the Electronic Delivery of Information Between Members and Their Customers  

  • [Federal Register Volume 62, Number 176 (Thursday, September 11, 1997)]
    [Notices]
    [Pages 47858-47862]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 97-24140]
    
    
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    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
    
    [Release No. 34-39025; File No. SR-NASD-97-57]
    
    
    Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule 
    Change by National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Relating to 
    the Electronic Delivery of Information Between Members and Their 
    Customers
    
    September 5, 1997.
        Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
    (``Act''),\1\ notice is hereby given that on July 30, 1997,\2\ the 
    National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (``NASD'' or 
    ``Association'') 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 NASD 
    Regulation, Inc. (``NASD Regulation'' or ``NASDR'').\3\ 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\ On August 27, 1997, the NASD Regulation amended its NTM 
    attached as Exhibit A to this notice. See letter from Mary N. 
    Revell, Associate General Counsel, NASD Regulation, Inc., to 
    Katherine A. England, Assistant Director, Division of Market 
    Regulation, SEC, dated August 26, 1997.
        \3\ The Board of Governors reviewed the proposed rule change at 
    its meeting on August 7, 1997. See letter from Mary N. Revell, 
    Assistant General Counsel, NASD Regulation, Inc., to Katherine A. 
    England, Assistant Director, Division of Market Regulation, SEC, 
    dated August 11, 1997.
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    I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
    of the Proposed Rule Change
    
        NASDR has filed a Notice to Members (``NTM'') setting forth the 
    policy of NASDR applicable to the electronic delivery of information 
    between members and their customers.
    
    II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of and 
    Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
    
        In its filing with the Commission, NASDR 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. NASDR 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
        The Commission, in Release Nos. 34-37182 \4\ and 33-723,\5\ set 
    forth guidelines establishing a framework under which broker-dealers 
    and others may use electronic media as an
    
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    alternative to paper-based media to satisfy delivery obligations under 
    federal securities laws. The Commission also indicated in the releases 
    that an electronic communication from a customer to a broker-dealer 
    generally would satisfy the requirements for written consent or 
    acknowledgment under these laws.
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        \4\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 37182, May 9, 1996; 
    61 FR 24644, May 15, 1996, (Commission's interpretation concerning 
    the delivery of the information through electronic media in 
    satisfaction of broker-dealer and transfer agent requirements to 
    deliver information under the Act and the rules thereunder) (``May 
    1996 Release'').
        \5\ See Securities Act Release No. 7233, Oct. 6, 1995; 60 FR 
    53458, Oct. 13, 1995, (Commission's interpretation concerning the 
    use of electronic media as a means of delivering information 
    required to be disseminated pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, 
    the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Investment Company Act 
    of 1940).
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        The NTM, attached as Exhibit A, establishes NASD Regulation policy 
    regarding the use by members of electronic media to electronically 
    transmit documents that they are required or permitted to furnish to 
    customers under Association rules and to receive electronic 
    communications from customers.\6\ The Notice states that use of 
    electronic media is permitted provided members comply with the 
    standards contained in the Commission releases. The Notice summarizes 
    these standards, which address, among other things, notice, access, 
    evidence to show delivery, communication of personal financial 
    information, and consent.
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        \6\ In the May 1966 Release, the Commission stated that broker-
    dealers should be cognizant of their responsibilities to prevent, 
    and the potential liability associated with, unauthorized 
    transactions when ``receiving'' or ``obtaining'' electronic 
    responses from their customers. The Commission therefore requests 
    comment on what types of security measures broker-dealers employ or 
    will employ to reasonably assure themselves that the responses they 
    receive electronically from customers are authentic. See, e.g., NASD 
    Rules 3110(g) (2) and (3), (requiring members to obtain written 
    customer authorization before obtaining a check drawn on a 
    customer's account), attached as Exhibit A.
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        The Notice also contains a list of current Association rules that 
    require or permit communications between members and their customers 
    for which electronic delivery may be used in accordance with the 
    standards contained in the Commission releases. The Notice states that 
    electronic delivery also may be used for a new rule or an amendment to 
    an existing Rule that requires or permits communications between 
    members and their customers unless NASDR specifies otherwise at the 
    time of adoption of the rule or amendment.
        NASDR believes that use of electronic media to satisfy delivery 
    requirements under Association rules will be beneficial to both members 
    and their customers, particularly when conducted in accordance with 
    Commission standards.
    2. Statutory Basis
        The proposed rule change is consistent with the requirements of 
    Section 15A(b)(6).\7\ The NASDR believes that providing standards that 
    allow members to effectively and efficiently supply required documents 
    to customers is consistent with this requirement.
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        \7\ Section 15A(b)(6) requires that the rules of the Association 
    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.
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    B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition
    
        NASDR 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.
    
    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. The proposed 
    rule change was reviewed by the NASDR Executive and Membership 
    Committees. The members of these Committees were in favor of the 
    proposed rule change.
    
    III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for 
    Commission Action
    
        Within 35 days of the date of publication of this notice in the 
    Federal Register or within such longer period (i) as the Commission may 
    designate up to 90 days of such date if it finds such longer period to 
    be appropriate and publishes its reasons for so finding or (ii) as to 
    which the self-regulatory organization consents, the Commission will:
        A. By order approve such proposed rule change, or
        B. Institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule 
    change should be disapproved.
    
    IV. Solicitation of Comments
    
        Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and 
    arguments concerning the foregoing. Persons making written submissions 
    should file six copies thereof with the Secretary, Securities and 
    Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. 
    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 inspection and copying in the 
    Commission's Public Reference Room. Copies of such filing will also be 
    available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the 
    NASD. All submissions should refer to the file number in the caption 
    above and should be submitted by October 2, 1997.
    
        For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, 
    pursuant to delegated authority, 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
    Margaret H. McFarland,
    Deputy Secretary.
    
    Exhibit A--NASD Notice to Members
    
    Electronic Delivery of Information Between Members and Their Customers
    
    Executive Summary
    
        This Notice sets forth the policy of NASD Regulation, Inc. (NASD 
    Regulation) applicable to electronic delivery of information between 
    members and their customers as required or permitted by National 
    Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) Rules.
    
    Discussion
    
    Background
    
        On May 9, 1996, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC or 
    Commission) issued an interpretive release publishing its views on 
    the use of electronic media by broker-dealers for delivery of 
    information.\1\ The SEC stated that broker-dealers and others may 
    satisfy their delivery obligations under federal securities laws by 
    using electronic media as an alternative to paper-based media within 
    the framework established in its October 1995 interpretive release 
    on the use of electronic media for delivery purposes.\2\ The SEC 
    also indicated that an electronic communication from a customer to a 
    broker-dealer generally would satisfy the requirements for written 
    consent or acknowledgment under the federal securities laws.
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        \1\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 37182, May 9, 1996; 
    61 FR 24644 (May 15, 1996) (May 1996 Release). The release also 
    contained a list of current Rules to which broker-dealers apply the 
    guidance provided in the interpretation.
        \2\ See Securities Act Release No. 7233, Oct. 6, 1995; 60 FR 
    53458 (October 13, 1995) (October 1995 Release).
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        NASD Regulation will permit members that wish to electronically 
    transmit documents that they are required or permitted to furnish to 
    customers under NASD Rules to do so, provided they adhere to the 
    standards contained in the SEC Releases summarized below. Members 
    also may receive electronic communications from customers. Members 
    are urged to review the May 1996 and October 1995 Releases in their 
    entirety to ensure they comply with all aspects of the SEC's 
    electronic delivery requirements.
    
    SEC Releases
    
        According to the standards established by the SEC, broker-
    dealers may use electronic media to satisfy their delivery 
    obligations, provided the electronic communication satisfies the 
    following principles:
    
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        Notice: The electronic communication should provide timely and 
    adequate notice to customers that the information is available 
    electronically. If necessary, broker-dealers should consider 
    supplementing the electronic communication with another 
    communication that would provide notice similar to that provided by 
    delivery in paper through the postal mail that information has been 
    sent that the recipient may wish to review.
        Access: Customers who are provided information through 
    electronic delivery should have access to that information 
    substantially equivalent to that which would be provided if the 
    information were delivered in paper form (i.e., the electronically 
    transmitted document must convey all material and required 
    information). For instance, if a paper document is required to 
    present information in a certain order, then the information 
    delivered electronically should be in substantially the same order. 
    The use of a particular electronic medium should not be so 
    burdensome that intended recipients cannot effectively access the 
    information provided. A recipient should have the opportunity to 
    retain the information through the selected medium or have ongoing 
    access equivalent to personal retention.\3\ Also, as a matter of 
    policy, the SEC believes that a person who has a right to receive a 
    document under the federal securities laws and chooses to receive it 
    electronically should be provided with a paper version of the 
    document if consent to receive documents electronically is revoked 
    or upon specific request.\4\
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        \3\ The SEC stated that the ability to download the document or 
    print from the electronic medium would be sufficient to satisfy this 
    need.
        \4\ See May 1996 Release, n.17.
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        Evidence to Show Delivery: Broker-dealers must have reason to 
    believe that electronically delivered information will result in the 
    satisfaction of the delivery requirements under the federal security 
    laws. Broker-dealers should consider the need to establish 
    procedures to ensure that applicable delivery obligations are met, 
    and should take reasonable precautions to ensure that information 
    transmitted using either electronic or paper media is delivered as 
    intended. Broker-dealers may be able to evidence satisfaction of 
    delivery obligations, for example, by:
        (1) Obtaining the intended recipient's informed consent \5\ to 
    delivery through a specified electronic medium, and ensuring that 
    the recipient has appropriate notice and access;
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        \5\ The SEC described an informed consent as one that specifies 
    the electronic medium or source through which the information will 
    be delivered and the period during which the consent will be 
    effective, and describes the information that will be delivered 
    using such means. Except where manual consent is required under the 
    Penny Stock Rules (see discussion infra), broker-dealers may obtain 
    consents either manually or electronically. See May 1996 Release, 
    n.23.
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        (2) Obtaining evidence that the intended recipient actually 
    received the information, such as by an electronic mail return-
    receipt or by confirmation that the information was accessed, 
    downloaded, or printed; or
        (3) Disseminating information through certain facsimile methods.
        The SEC also made the following statements regarding the 
    communication of personal financial information (e.g., confirmations 
    and account statements).
        Confidentiality and Security: Broker-dealers sending personal 
    financial information through electronic means or in paper form 
    should take reasonable precautions to ensure the integrity, 
    confidentiality, and security of that information. Broker-dealers 
    transmitting personal financial information electronically must 
    tailor those precautions to the medium used in order to ensure that 
    the information is reasonably secure from tampering or alteration.
        Consent: Prior to delivering personal financial information 
    electronically, the broker-dealer must notify the intended recipient 
    that the information will be delivered electronically and obtain the 
    recipient's informed consent. The customer's consent may be made 
    either by a manual signature or by electronic means.
        The SEC also stated that an electronic communication from a 
    customer to a broker-dealer will satisfy requirements under certain 
    Commission Rules to receive or obtain written customer consent or 
    acknowledgment.\6\ Further, the SEC reminded broker-dealers that 
    they must reasonably supervise firm personnel to prevent violations, 
    and suggested that firms should evaluate the need for systems and 
    procedures to deter or detect misconduct by firm personnel in 
    connection with the delivery of information, whether by electronic 
    or paper means.
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        \6\ The SEC, however, cautioned broker-dealers that they should 
    be aware of their responsibilities to prevent unauthorized 
    transactions. In this regard, the Commission stated its belief that 
    broker-dealers should have reasonable assurance that the response 
    received from a customer is authentic. The SEC also will continue to 
    require broker-dealers to obtain the manual signature of customers 
    on certain disclosure documents required under the Penny Stock 
    Rules. See May 1996 Release, nn.23, 29, & 50.
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        The SEC release stated that the above standards are intended to 
    permit broker-dealers to comply with their delivery obligations 
    under the federal securities laws when using electronic media. While 
    compliance with the guidelines is not mandatory for the electronic 
    delivery of non-required information that, in some cases, is being 
    provided voluntarily to customers, NASD Regulation believes 
    adherence to the guidelines should be considered, especially with 
    respect to documents furnished pursuant to agreements or other 
    specific arrangements with customers.
    
    Conclusion
    
        A list of current NASD Conduct Rules, Marketplace Rules, and 
    Procedural Rules that require or permit communications between 
    members and their customers for which electronic delivery may be 
    used in accordance with the standards set forth in the SEC May 1996 
    and October 1995 Releases is set forth below. The summary of 
    delivery obligations provided is intended for reference only, and is 
    not intended to be a statement of all requirements under the Rules 
    listed. NASD Regulation believes this list is complete. The 
    interpretation set forth in this Notice also will apply to a new 
    Rule or an amendment to an existing Rule that requires or permits 
    communications between members and their customers unless NASD 
    Regulation specifies otherwise at the time of adoption of the Rule 
    or amendment.
    
    NASD Rules That Require or Permit Delivery of Information Between Firms 
    and Customers
    
    Conduct Rules
    
        Rule 2210(d)(2)(B) (i), (ii), and (iv) (Communications with the 
    Public; Standards Applicable to Communications with the Public; 
    Specific Standards; Recommendations) requires a member to disclose 
    certain ``conflicts of interest'' situations, if applicable, when 
    making a recommendation; requires a member to provide, or offer to 
    furnish upon request to the customer, available investment 
    information to support a recommendation; and allows a member to 
    offer to furnish a list of all recommendations made within the past 
    year or over longer periods of time.
        Rule 2220(d)(2)(D)(i) (Options Communications with the Public; 
    Standards Applicable to Communications with the Public; Specific 
    Standards) requires a member to state in sales literature pertaining 
    to options that supporting documentation for any claims, 
    comparisons, recommendations, statistics, or other technical data 
    will be supplied upon request.
        Rule 2230 (Confirmations) requires a member at or before the 
    completion of each transaction to give or send to a customer written 
    notification disclosing the member's role and other facts in 
    connection with the transaction. In addition, if the member was 
    acting as a broker for the customer, the member must disclose from 
    whom the security was purchased or to whom it was sold or the fact 
    that such information will be furnished upon request of the 
    customer.
        IM-2230 (``Third Market'' Confirmations) requires a member that 
    acts as a broker for customers in listed securities in the ``third 
    market'' to provide certain disclosures in a legend on the 
    confirmation to the customer.
        Rule 2240 (Disclosure of Control Relationship with Issuer) 
    requires a member who has a control relationship with the issuer of 
    the security being purchased or sold to provide written disclosure 
    of the relationship to the customer at or before the completion of 
    the transaction.
        Rule 2250 (Disclosure of Participation or Interest in Primary or 
    Secondary Distribution) requires a member to provide written 
    disclosure to the customer at or before completion of a transaction 
    in a primary or secondary distribution of the security, if the 
    member is participating or has an interest in the distribution.
        Rule 2260 (Forwarding of Proxy and Other Materials) requires a 
    member to forward proxy materials, annual reports, information 
    statements, and other material to each beneficial owner of shares of 
    a stock held by the member.
        Rule 2270(a) (Disclosure of Financial Condition to Customers) 
    requires that, upon
    
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    request, a member must make available to inspection by any bona fide 
    regular customer financial condition information disclosed in its 
    most recent balance sheet.
        Rule 2310 (a) and (b) (Recommendations to Customers 
    (Suitability)) requires a member to make a suitability determination 
    based on information disclosed by the customer as to his other 
    security holdings and his financial situation and need and requires 
    a member to make reasonable efforts to obtain specified information 
    concerning non-institutional customers.
        IM-2310-2(e) (Fair Dealing with Customers with Regard to 
    Derivative Products or New Financial Products) requires a member to 
    make every effort to make customers aware of the pertinent 
    information regarding certain products. To meet this obligation, 
    members may deliver written documents to the customer under certain 
    circumstances.
        Rule 2330(c) (Customers' Securities or Funds; Authorization to 
    Lend) requires a member to obtain from a customer a written 
    authorization permitting the lending of securities carried by the 
    member.
        Rule 2330(f)(2) (D) and (G) (Customer's Securities or Funds; 
    Sharing in Accounts; Extent Permissible) requires that a 
    compensation arrangement to share profits in an account must be set 
    forth in a written agreement executed by the customer and the 
    member, and that the member must disclose to the customer all 
    material information relating to the arrangement, including the 
    method of compensation and potential conflicts of interest that may 
    result from the compensation formula.
        Rule 2340(a) (Customer Account Statements) requires delivery of 
    a statement of account containing a description of any securities 
    positions, money balances, or account activity to each customer 
    whose account had a security position, money balance, or account 
    activity during the period since the last statement was sent to the 
    customer (See May 1996 Release which covers confirmations of 
    transactions pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 10b-10).
        Rule 2510(b) (Discretionary Accounts; Authorization and 
    Acceptance of Account) requires the customer's prior written 
    authorization before a member may exercise discretionary power in a 
    customer's account.
        Rule 2510(d) (Discretionary Accounts; Exceptions) allows an 
    exception from the requirements of the rule under certain 
    circumstances for members utilizing negative response letters for 
    bulk exchanges of net asset value of money market mutual funds.
        Rule 2710(c)(8)(A) (Corporate Financing Rule--Underwriting Terms 
    and Arrangements; Underwriting Compensation and Arrangements; 
    Conflicts of Interest) requires disclosure of conflicts of interest 
    and the name of the qualified independent underwriter assuming the 
    role of pricing the offering and conducting due diligence.
        Rule 2720 (d) and (h) (Distributions of Securities of Members 
    and Affiliates--Conflicts of Interest; Disclosure and Periodic 
    Reports) requires a member to make certain disclosures in the 
    registration statement, offering circular, or similar document and 
    requires a member that makes a distribution to the public of its 
    securities pursuant to this Rule to send to each of its shareholders 
    or investors: (1) quarterly, a summary statement of its operations 
    and (2) annually, independently audited and certified financial 
    statements.
        Rule 2720(k) (Distributions of Securities of Members and 
    Affiliates--Conflicts of Interest; Suitability) requires a member 
    underwriting an issue of securities where a conflict of interest 
    exists to make a suitability determination based on information 
    furnished concerning the customer's investment objectives, financial 
    situation, and needs.
        Rule 2720(l) (Distributions of Securities of Members and 
    Affiliates--Conflicts of Interest; Discretionary Accounts) requires 
    specific written approval of the customer prior to execution in a 
    discretionary account of a transaction in securities issued by a 
    member or an affiliate of a member, or by a company with which a 
    member has a conflict of interest.
        Rule 2730(b) (Securities Taken in Trade) defines the term 
    ``taken in trade'' as a purchase by a member as principal, or as 
    agent for the account of another, of a security from a customer 
    pursuant to an agreement or understanding that the customer purchase 
    securities from the member which are part of a fixed price offering.
        Rule 2810(b)(2) (Direct Participation Programs; Requirements; 
    Suitability) requires a member to obtain information from a 
    participant concerning his investment objectives, other investments, 
    financial situation, and needs before making a recommendation.
        Rule 2810(b)(3)(D) (Direct Participation Programs; Requirements; 
    Disclosure) requires that prior to executing a purchase transaction 
    in a direct participation program, a member must inform the 
    prospective participant of all pertinent facts relating to the 
    liquidity and marketability of the program during the term of the 
    investment.
        Rule 2830(n) (Investment Company Securities; Disclosure of 
    Deferred Sales Charges) requires, in addition to the disclosures 
    required by Rule 2230, additional disclosure on written 
    confirmations if the transaction involves the purchase of shares of 
    any investment company that imposes a deferred sales charge on 
    redemption. In addition, a specified legend on the confirmation is 
    required.
        Rule 2845 (Discretionary Accounts) requires a customer's prior 
    written authorization for trading of warrants in a discretionary 
    account, pursuant to the requirements of Options Rule 2860(b)(18).
        Rule 2848 (Communications with the Public and Customers 
    Concerning Index Warrants, Currency Index Warrants, and Currency 
    Warrants). The requirements of Rule 2220(d)(2)(D)(i) apply to 
    communications to the public and customers concerning warrants. Rule 
    2848, therefore, requires the member to state in its sales 
    literature that supporting documentation for any claims on behalf of 
    the warrants will be supplied upon request.
        Rule 2860(b)(11) (Options; Requirements; Delivery of Current 
    Disclosure Document) requires delivery of the appropriate Options 
    Clearing Corporation disclosure document to each customer at or 
    prior to the time the customer's account is approved for options 
    trading. Thereafter, delivery must be made to each customer of 
    amendments or revisions to the disclosure document.
        Rule 2860(b)(12) (Options; Requirements; Confirmations) requires 
    members to promptly furnish customers with a written confirmation of 
    each transaction in option contracts.
        Rule 2860(b)(15) (Options; Requirements; Statements of Account) 
    requires a member to send monthly statements to options account 
    holders.
        Rule 2860(b)(16)(A) (Options; Requirements; Opening of Accounts: 
    Approval Required) prohibits a member from accepting an options 
    order from a customer or from approving a customer's account for 
    options trading unless the broker-dealer has furnished to the 
    customer the appropriate options disclosure document(s).
        Rule 2860(b)(16)(B) (Options; Requirements; Opening of Accounts; 
    Diligence in Opening Accounts) requires a member to exercise due 
    diligence to ascertain the essential facts relative to a customer 
    before approving a customer's account for options trading.
        Rule 2860(b)(16)(C) (Options; Requirements; Opening of Accounts: 
    Verification of Customer Background and Financial Information) 
    requires that background and financial information on every new 
    options account natural person customer be sent to the customer for 
    verification within fifteen days after the account is approved for 
    options trading.
        Rule 2860(b)(16)(D) (Options; Requirements; Opening of Accounts; 
    Account Agreement) requires a member to obtain from the customer a 
    written agreement that the customer is aware of and agrees to be 
    bound by the NASD Rules applicable to the trading of option 
    contracts within fifteen days after a customer's account has been 
    approved for trading of options contracts.
        Rule 2860(b)(16)(E)(v) (Options; Requirements; Opening of 
    Accounts: Uncovered Short Option Contracts) requires that a short 
    written description of the risks inherent in writing uncovered short 
    option transactions must be furnished to applicable customers.
        IM-2860-2 (Diligence in Opening Options Accounts)
        Paragraph (a) requires members to seek to obtain certain 
    information at a minimum with respect to options customers who are 
    natural persons in order to fulfill their obligations under Rule 
    28860(b)(16)(b).
        Paragraph (c) recommends that members consider utilizing a 
    standard account approval form so as to ensure the receipt of all 
    required information.
        Paragraph (e) states that the requirements of Rule 
    2860(b)(16)(C), regarding initial and subsequent verification of 
    customer background and financial information, can be satisfied by 
    sending to the customer the information required in paragraphs 
    (a)(1) through (a)(6) of IM-2860-2 and providing the customer with 
    an opportunity to correct or complete the information.
        Rule 2860(b)(18)(A) (Options; Requirements; Discretionary 
    Accounts;
    
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    Authorization and Approval) requires the written authorization of a 
    customer before a member may exercise any discretionary power with 
    respect to trading an options contract in a customer account.
        Rule 2860(b)(19) (Options; Requirements; Suitability) prohibits 
    a member from recommending an options transaction unless the member 
    has reasonable grounds to believe based on the information furnished 
    by the customer that the recommended transaction is not unsuitable 
    for the customer.
        Rule 2860(b)(23)(C)(i) (Options; Requirements; Tendering 
    Procedures for Exercise of Options; Allocation of Exercise 
    Assignment Notices) requires notification to customers of the method 
    used to allocate exercise notices to its customers' accounts.
        Rule 3110(c) (Books and Records; Customer Account Information) 
    requires members to obtain specified customer information.
        Rule 3110(f)(3) (Books and Records; Requirements when Using 
    Predispute Arbitration Agreements with Customers) requires that a 
    copy of the agreement containing a predispute arbitration clause 
    must be given to the customer, who must acknowledge receipt on the 
    agreement or on a separate document.
        Rule 3110(g)(2) and (3) (Books and Records; Telemarketing 
    Requirements) requires members to obtain written customer 
    authorization before obtaining a check drawn on a customer's 
    account.
        Rule 3230(d) (Clearing Agreements) requires notification upon 
    the opening of an account to each customer whose account is 
    introduced on a full disclosed basis of the existence of the 
    clearing or carrying agreement.
    
    Marketplace Rules: The Nasdaq Stock Market Rules
    
        Rule 4643 (Customer Confirmations) prohibits members from 
    effecting transactions in Nasdaq SmallCap Market securities unless, 
    at or before completion of the transaction, the member gives or 
    sends the customer written notification disclosing specified 
    information.
    
    Procedural Rules: Compliants, Investigations and Sanctions
    
        Rule 8110 (Availability to Customers of Certificate, By-Laws and 
    Rules) requires a member to provide customer access to copies of the 
    NASD Certificate of Incorporation, By-Laws, and Rules.
    
    Procedural Rules: Uniform Practice Code
    
        Rule 11860(a)(3) and (4) (Acceptance and Settlement of COD 
    Orders) requires a member to deliver to the customer a confirmation, 
    or all relevant data customarily contained in a confirmation not 
    later than the close of business on the next business day after any 
    such execution and to obtain an agreement from the customer to 
    furnish instructions regarding the receipt or delivery of the 
    securities involved in the transaction.
        Rule 11870(c) (Customer Account Transfer Contracts; Transfer 
    Instructions): customers must be informed of the conditions for 
    account transfer and must authorize the transfer.
    * * * * *
        Questions concerning this Notice may be directed to Mary Revell, 
    Assistant General Counsel, NASD Regulation, at (202) 728-8203.
    
    [FR Doc. 97-24140 Filed 9-10-97; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 8010-01-M
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
09/11/1997
Department:
Securities and Exchange Commission
Entry Type:
Notice
Document Number:
97-24140
Pages:
47858-47862 (5 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Release No. 34-39025, File No. SR-NASD-97-57
PDF File:
97-24140.pdf