Search Results for keywords:"financial stability"

The Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) has proposed a rule change to adjust its fee schedule, specifically focusing on the Operational Loss Fee, to ensure it aligns with their Capital Management Policy. This change aims to enable the OCC to replenish its capital efficiently if their equity falls below a certain level. The updated fee structure would see clearing members potentially share the cost if OCC's assets drop below required thresholds, with the aim of maintaining stability and fulfilling their obligations. The OCC believes this adjustment is fair and necessary to support their Recovery and Orderly Wind-Down Plan, complying with regulatory requirements.

CME Securities Clearing, Inc. (CMESC) is seeking to register as a clearing agency with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. If registered, CMESC would provide central counterparty clearing services for transactions involving U.S. Treasury securities and related agreements. The application details CMESC’s structure, including its board and risk management framework, and outlines its plans for ensuring financial stability and resilience. The Commission is requesting public comments on whether the application meets the requirements of the Exchange Act.

The Postal Regulatory Commission is seeking public input on potential new regulations to improve the effectiveness of the Market Dominant ratemaking system in accordance with the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (PAEA). This process aims to address challenges such as increasing efficiency, reducing costs, maintaining high-quality service standards, and assuring financial stability. To gather opinions and discuss potential changes, comments are invited until April 15, 2021, and reply comments until May 17, 2021. The Commission is also exploring how performance-based regulations and financial incentives might guide the Postal Service towards desired improvements.

The Securities and Exchange Commission approved proposed changes to the investment policies of the Depository Trust Company, Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, and National Securities Clearing Corporation. These changes are intended to align their policies with new rules for managing U.S. Treasury securities transactions and safeguarding customer margins. The proposal includes a process to keep proprietary and customer funds separate and independently managed, which aims to enhance the stability and security of these financial transactions. The updated policies are meant to ensure that funds are secure and properly managed even in the event of a financial default.

The Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) is proposing changes to its rules and policies to introduce a persistent minimum amount of its own financial resources, known as "skin-in-the-game," to be used in covering losses if any member defaults. The OCC's new proposal aims to ensure this minimum amount is always available before tapping into members' clearing fund contributions. This effort is part of their broader plan to enhance financial stability and align their operations with global standards. Additionally, the changes are intended to improve risk management processes and ensure the OCC meets its regulatory obligations.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has proposed a new rule introducing liquidity and funding requirements for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, addressing weaknesses revealed during the 2008 financial crisis. These requirements aim to ensure the companies have enough liquid assets to cover short-term and long-term financial needs, reducing the risk that they will require taxpayer bailouts. The rule also includes reporting obligations for the companies, mandating that their liquidity positions and management strategies be shared with FHFA and the public. The proposal invites public comments and suggests adjustments to liquidity requirements during economic stress.

ICE Clear Credit LLC (ICC) has filed a proposed rule change with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to update its Treasury Operations Policies and Procedures. The main purpose is to formally document their intraday margin call procedures, which are important for managing cash and collateral to ensure financial stability in volatile market conditions. These changes aim to enhance transparency without altering current practices, aligning with SEC regulations that require a risk-based margin system. The SEC is seeking public comments on this proposal.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is considering a proposed rule change by the Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (FICC) to introduce a "Volatility Event Charge." This charge is designed to help FICC manage and reduce its risk during periods of significant market upheaval, like major elections or economic announcements, that could cause large market movements. The proposed change is aimed at ensuring FICC has enough financial resources to protect against potential losses if a clearing member defaults during such volatile times. The SEC invites public comments on this proposal, which would add more stability to financial markets by proactively managing associated risks.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve Board, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation have finalized a rule called the Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR). This rule is designed to ensure large banking organizations maintain stable funding over a one-year period to support their various financial activities. By requiring stable funding, the rule aims to reduce liquidity risks, ensuring banks can continue to operate smoothly even in challenging economic conditions. This rule applies to large U.S. banks and some foreign banks with significant assets, enhancing the overall stability of the financial system.

In the Federal Register, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced it has no objections to the Fixed Income Clearing Corporation's (FICC) proposal to enhance its system for settling trades in U.S. Treasury securities. The proposal includes expanding FICC's central counterparty services to cover both the start and end of same-day repurchase agreements known as "repos," which aims to reduce settlement fails and improve efficiency. Additionally, FICC introduced a Pair-Off Service to help members settle their failed obligations more efficiently, minimizing market risks by allowing them to resolve these by the end of each day. The changes are expected to support financial stability by reducing systemic risks and promoting effective risk management.