Document ID: SEC-2021-0451-0001
Agency: sec
Document Type: Notice
Title: Self-Regulatory Organizations; Proposed Rule Changes: The Depository Trust Co.
Posted Date: 2021-04-02T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 62 (Friday, April 2, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17421-17428]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-06777]

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-91429; File No. SR-DTC-2021-004]

Self-Regulatory Organizations; The Depository Trust Company; 
Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change 
To Amend the Recovery & Wind-Down Plan

March 29, 2021.
    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 March 23, 2021, The Depository Trust Company (``DTC'') 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. DTC filed the proposed rule 
change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) 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 \5\ consists of amendments to the R&W Plan 
to (i) reflect business and product developments, (ii) make certain 
changes to improve the clarity of the Plan, (iii) remove provisions 
covering certain ``business-as-usual'' actions, and (iv) make certain 
technical corrections, as described in greater detail below.
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    \5\ Capitalized terms not defined herein are defined in the 
Rules, By-Laws and Organization Certificate of DTC (the ``Rules''), 
available at https://www.dtcc.com/-/media/Files/Downloads/legal/rules/dtc_rules.pdf, or in the Recovery & Wind-down Plan of DTC (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
    The proposed rule change would amend the R&W Plan to (i) reflect 
business and product developments, (ii) make certain changes to improve 
the clarity of the Plan, (iii) remove provisions covering certain 
``business-as-usual'' actions, and (iv) make certain technical 
corrections. Each of the proposed revisions is further described below.
Background
    The R&W Plan was adopted in August 2018 \6\ and is maintained by 
DTC for compliance with Rule 17Ad-22(e)(3)(ii) under the Act.\7\ The 
R&W Plan sets forth the plan to be used by the Board and DTC management 
in the event DTC encounters scenarios that could potentially prevent it 
from being able to provide its critical services as a going concern. 
The R&W Plan is structured as a roadmap that defines the strategy and 
identifies the tools available to DTC to either (i) recover, in the 
event it experiences losses that exceed its prefunded resources (such 
strategies and tools referred to herein as the ``Recovery Plan'') or 
(ii) wind-down its business in a manner designed to permit the 
continuation of DTC's critical services in the event that such recovery 
efforts are not successful (such strategies and tools referred to 
herein as the ``Wind-down Plan''). The recovery tools available to DTC 
are intended to address the risks of (a) uncovered losses or liquidity 
shortfalls resulting from the default of one or more of its 
Participants, and (b) losses arising from non-default events, such as 
damage to DTC's physical assets, a cyber-attack, or custody and 
investment losses, and the strategy for implementation of such tools. 
The R&W Plan also describes the strategy and framework for the orderly 
wind-down of DTC and the transfer of its business in the event the 
implementation of the available recovery tools does not successfully 
return DTC to financial viability.
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    \6\ See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 83972 (August 28, 
2018), 83 FR 44964 (September 4, 2018) (SR-DTC-2017-021); and 83953 
(August 27, 2018), 83 FR 44381 (August 30, 2018) (SR-DTC-2017-803).
    \7\ 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(e)(3)(ii). DTC 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 managed and developed by DTC's parent company, the 
Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (``DTCC''),\8\ and is managed 
by the Office of Recovery & Resolution Planning (referred to in the 
Plan as the ``R&R Team'') on behalf of DTC, with review and oversight 
by the DTCC Management Committee and the Board.
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    \8\ DTCC operates on a shared service model with respect to DTC 
and its other affiliated clearing agencies, National Securities 
Clearing Corporation (``NSCC{ XE ``NSCC'' {time} '') and Fixed 
Income Clearing Corporation (``FICC''). 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 DTC, NSCC{ XE ``NSCC'' {time}  and 
FICC (collectively, the ``Clearing Agencies'').
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Proposed Amendments to the R&W Plan
    The Board, or such committees as may be delegated authority by the 
Board from time to time pursuant to its charter, is required to review 
and approve the R&W Plan biennially.\9\ In connection with the first 
biennial review of the Plan, DTC is proposing the revisions described 
in greater detail below. The proposed rule change is designed to update 
and enhance the clarity of the Plan to ensure it is current in the 
event it is ever necessary to be implemented. None of the proposed 
changes modify DTC'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\ Supra note 6.
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A. Proposed Changes To Reflect Business or Product Developments
1. Updates to DTCC Business Profile, Intercompany Arrangements, FMI 
Links and Governance
    DTC is proposing the following changes to the DTCC Business 
Profile, Intercompany Arrangements, FMI Links and Governance sections 
of the Plan based upon business updates that have occurred since the 
time the Plan was adopted.

[[Page 17422]]

    Section 2.1 (DTCC Business Profile) of the Plan describes that DTCC 
is a user-owned and user-governed holding company for a group of direct 
and indirect subsidiaries and joint ventures. This section includes a 
brief summary of each of the three subsidiaries (DTC, FICC and NSCC) 
that have been designated as systemically important financial market 
utilities (``SIFMUs'') by the Financial Stability Oversight Council. 
The proposed rule change would revise the introductory paragraph of 
this section to remove reference to joint ventures because DTCC 
currently has no joint ventures.
    Section 2.4 (Intercompany Arrangements) of the Plan currently 
describes how corporate support services are provided to DTC from DTCC, 
and to DTCC's other subsidiaries, through intercompany agreements under 
a shared services model. DTC is proposing to update Table 2-A (SIFMU 
Legal Entity Structure and Intercompany Agreements), which delineates 
DTC's affiliates, to reflect the name change of Omgeo Pte Ltd by 
removing ``Omgeo Pte Ltd'' and replacing it with the new name of this 
entity, ``DTCC Singapore Pte. Ltd.'' A related footnote would also be 
added to make clear that the services provided by DTCC Singapore Pte. 
Ltd. are performed through its branch office in Manila, DTCC Manila. 
Additionally, this section includes a separate table, Table 2-B, that 
lists each of the DTCC facilities utilized by the Clearing Agencies and 
indicates whether the facility is owned or leased by DTCC. DTC proposes 
to update this table to add Boston, Massachusetts as an additional 
location of a DTCC facility and to indicate that this facility is 
leased by DTCC.
    Currently, Section 2.5 (FMI Links) of the Plan describes some, but 
not all, of the key financial market infrastructures (``FMIs''), both 
domestic and foreign, that DTC has identified as critical ``links.'' 
\10\ In order to better align with the structure of DTCC's inventory of 
links maintained by DTCC's Systemic Risk Office (``SRO''), which 
includes all of DTC's link relationships, the proposed rule change 
would delete the current FMI Links section of the R&W Plan and replace 
it with a revised version of Section 2.5 that would include an overview 
of DTC's link arrangements, a related footnote to the definition of a 
``link'' under Rule 17Ad-22(a)(8) under the Act, and a table (Table 2-
C: Links) listing all of DTC's FMI link arrangements. The table would 
list the link, the link category (i.e., whether the link is an 
``inbound'' or ``outbound'' link, a central counterparty, or matching 
utility), and a brief description. The proposed rule change would also 
add a table (Table 2-D: Schedule A Relationships) that would identify 
certain critical external service providers that, as determined by 
DTC's management, do not meet the specified criteria of ``link'' but 
nevertheless are subject to the same review process as is conducted for 
links, referred to within DTC as ``Schedule A Relationships,'' and a 
related footnote. This change would align with the structure of SRO's 
inventory of Schedule A Relationships.
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    \10\ 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 4.3 (Recovery and Wind-down Program Governance) of the Plan 
currently contains a paragraph that identifies DTCC's ``R&R Steering 
Group'' as the internal group responsible for ensuring that each of the 
Clearing Agencies observes recovery planning requirements, and that 
recovery planning is integrated into the Clearing Agencies' overall 
governance processes including the preparation, review, and filing of 
the Clearing Agencies' R&W Plans. Pursuant to the proposed rule change, 
DTC would revise Section 4.3 to reflect an internal organizational name 
change. The proposal would change the name of the R&R Steering Group to 
the ``Recovery and Wind-down Planning Council'' to reflect its role as 
an advisory body.\11\ This name change would not change the 
composition, role or responsibilities of this internal group, which 
includes selected members of DTCC's Management Committee and members of 
DTCC's financial and operational risk management, product management, 
legal, and treasury/finance teams that are responsible for providing 
strategic guidance and direction for the recovery and wind-down program 
\12\ and the Plan. Additionally, for purposes of clarification, the 
proposal would add the words ``, where necessary,'' to refer to when 
the council would engage with internal working groups.
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    \11\ In accordance with DTCC's Policy on Governance of Internal 
Committees and Councils, a ``council'' is defined as an advisory 
body that has no decision-making authority. A council may be formed 
by any committee or a Managing Director. Councils will share 
information, discuss topics, and make recommendations to its 
initiating committee or Managing Director. Councils report up to 
their initiating committee or Managing Director.
    \12\ In 2013, DTCC launched its Recovery & Resolution Planning 
Program for DTC, NSCC, and FICC as part of its continued commitment 
to enhancing risk management. The Office of Recovery & Resolution 
Planning was established to manage the program and the development 
of the recovery and wind-down plans for the Clearing Agencies.
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2. Recovery Tool Characteristics, Legal Basis
    Section 7.2 (Effectiveness) of the Plan describes DTC's legal basis 
for executing the ``recovery tools'' \13\ that are outlined in the 
Recovery Plan. The recovery tools are intended to provide DTC with a 
comprehensive set of options to address its material risks and support 
the resiliency of its critical services under a range of stress 
scenarios. Many of the recovery tools are provided for in the Rules. 
Other recovery tools have legal basis in contractual arrangements to 
which DTC is a party.
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    \13\ In addition to existing business-as-usual tools, the R&W 
Plan describes DTC's other principal recovery tools, which include, 
for example, (i) identifying, monitoring and managing general 
business risk and holding sufficient liquid net assets funded by 
equity to cover potential general business losses pursuant to the 
Clearing Agency Policy on Capital Requirements (the ``Capital 
Policy''), (ii) maintaining the Clearing Agency Capital 
Replenishment Plan (the ``Capital Plan'') as a viable plan for the 
replenishment of capital should DTC's equity fall close to or below 
the amount being held pursuant to the Capital Policy, and (iii) the 
process for the allocation of losses among Participants as provided 
in Rule 4.
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    Within this section there is currently a paragraph, under the 
subheading titled ``Basis,'' that includes a description of what a non-
U.S. applicant (a ``foreign applicant'') for DTC membership is required 
to submit as part of the membership application process. The proposed 
rule change would revise the description of the application process for 
foreign applicants due to changes to this process that were approved by 
the Commission pursuant to a previous proposed rule change.\14\ 
Specifically, the proposed rule change would provide that DTC requires 
foreign applicants to pay DTC a fee, as specified in the Rules, 
relating to DTC obtaining an opinion of foreign counsel satisfactory to 
DTC.
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    \14\ Securities Exchange Act Release No. 83544 (June 28, 2018), 
83 FR 31223 (July 3, 2018) (SR-DTC-2018-002). Prior to that rule 
change, as reflected in the current Plan, DTC required foreign 
applicants to submit an acceptable opinion of relevant foreign 
counsel.
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B. Proposal To Make Certain Clarifications to the R&W Plan
1. Critical Services and Indicative Non-Critical Services
    Section 3 (Critical Services) of the Plan defines the criteria for 
classifying certain of DTC's services as ``critical,'' \15\

[[Page 17423]]

and identifies such critical services and the rationale for their 
classification. The identification of DTC's critical services is 
important for evaluating how the recovery tools and the wind-down 
strategy would facilitate and provide for the continuation of DTC's 
critical services to the markets it serves. This section also includes 
a list of indicative non-critical services.
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    \15\ Under the current Plan, the criteria that is used to 
identify a DTC 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 DTC's 
ability to perform its book-entry and settlement services; (3) 
failure of the service could impact DTC's ability to perform its 
payment system functions; 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).
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    As more fully described below, the proposed rule change would 
clarify the description of some of the critical services and indicative 
non-critical services, and revise one of the classification criteria. 
While these changes do not change the classification of the relevant 
service (as being either ``critical'' or ``indicative non-critical''), 
nor impact the existing classification of other services, DTC believes 
these revisions would enhance the clarity of the descriptions of them.
    First, in the table listing the criteria for determining what 
constitutes a critical service, pursuant to the proposed rule change, 
DTC would delete ``Criteria Determinant #2,'' and replace it with a 
description that DTC believes more fully captures what DTC's book-entry 
delivery and settlement services are, and the impact on transaction 
processing if these services were not available. Specifically, the 
language proposed to be deleted provides that, ``Failure/Disruption of 
Book-Entry Delivery and Settlement Services (Impact on Transaction 
Costs): DTC's settlement of equity and debt security transactions in 
the U.S. does not have alternative providers or products.'' The 
proposed rule change would replace the existing language with, 
``Failure/Disruption of Book-Entry Delivery and Settlement Services 
(Impact on Transaction Processing): DTC maintains the books and records 
of ownership for equity and debt securities held and serviced by the 
depository. Failure of this service would result in clients' inability 
to settle transactions through book-entry movement of securities held 
at DTC.''
    Second, in Table 3-B (DTC Critical Services), the description of 
critical service #19, (Cash and Stock Distributions) states that ``As 
the owner of the securities, DTC has an obligation to its Participants 
to distribute principal, interest, dividend payments and other 
distributions received for those securities. No alternative provider is 
available.'' The proposed rule change would revise the first sentence 
of this description to add the phrase ``on the issuer's books and 
records'' after the words ``As owner of the securities.'' DTC believes 
this change to the description, which currently does not include a 
reference to the fact that DTC's obligations with respect to 
distribution of ``Cash and Stock Distributions'' arise from its 
ownership of securities on the books and records of the issuer, is 
necessary to make clear that DTC is not the beneficial owner of the 
securities.
    Third, in Table 3-C (Indicative Non-Critical DTC Services), the 
proposed rule change would amend the description of the last indicative 
non-critical service listed, ``Foreign Tax Relief Service,'' to add 
language to the beginning of the first sentence to clarify that this 
service, which works to reduce taxes withheld on non-U.S. company 
securities to a more favorable rate, is associated with the critical 
services (described in Table 3-B) of ``Cash and Stock Distributions'' 
and ``Mandatory and Voluntary Corporate Actions.''
2. Participant Default Losses Through the Crisis Continuum
    Section 5 (Participant Default Losses through the Crisis Continuum) 
of the Plan is comprised of multiple subsections that identify the risk 
management surveillance, tools, and governance that DTC may employ 
across an increasing stress environment, referred to as the ``Crisis 
Continuum.'' \16\ This section currently identifies, among other 
things, the tools that can be employed by DTC to mitigate losses, and 
mitigate or minimize liquidity needs, as the market environment becomes 
increasingly stressed. As more fully described below, the proposed rule 
change would clarify certain language.
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    \16\ As set forth in the Recovery Plan, the phases of the 
``Crisis Continuum'' include (1) a stable market phase, (2) a 
stressed market phase, (3) a phase commencing with DTC's decision to 
cease to act for a Participant or Affiliated Family of Participants 
(The Plan refers to an ``Affiliated Family'' of Participants as a 
number of affiliated entities that are all Participants of DTC), and 
(4) a recovery phase.
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    Currently, Section 5.1 (Introduction) identifies the financial 
resources available to DTC, pursuant to the Rules, to address losses 
arising out of the default of a DTC Participant. One paragraph contains 
a statement that such losses would be satisfied first by applying a 
Corporate Contribution and then, if necessary, by allocating remaining 
losses to non-defaulting Participants, in accordance with Rule 4.\17\ 
The proposed rule change would add a sentence to the end of this 
paragraph that would provide that, in addition to the tools described 
in Rule 4 (which are to be applied when, and in the order, specified in 
that Rule), DTC may, in extreme circumstances, borrow net credits from 
Participants secured by collateral of the defaulting Participant.\18\ 
DTC believes this additional language is necessary to more clearly set 
forth the full range of actions and tools DTC may employ in response to 
such conditions.
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    \17\ Rule 4 defines the amount DTC would contribute to address a 
loss resulting from either a Participant default or a non-default 
event as the ``Corporate Contribution.'' This amount is 50 percent 
of the ``General Business Risk Capital Requirement,'' which is 
calculated pursuant to the Capital Policy and is an amount 
sufficient to cover potential general business losses so that DTC 
can continue operations and services as a going concern if those 
losses materialize, in compliance with Rule 17Ad-22(e)(15) under the 
Act. See 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(e)(15).
    \18\ As noted in a footnote to Table 5-C of the Plan, each of 
these tools may be used in accordance with their respective terms 
and conditions, whether or not DTC has reached the Recovery Phase, 
in order to complete settlement.
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    Section 5.2.4 (Recovery Corridor and Recovery Phase) outlines the 
early warning indicators to be used by DTC to evaluate its options and 
potentially prepare to enter the ``Recovery Phase,'' which phase refers 
to the actions to be taken by DTC to restore its financial resources 
and avoid a wind-down of its business. Included in this section are 
descriptions of potential stress events that could lead to recovery, 
and several early warning indicators and metrics that DTC 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''),\19\ are calibrated against DTC's financial resources and 
are designed to give DTC the ability to replenish financial resources, 
typically through business as usual (``BAU'') tools applied prior to 
entering the Recovery Phase.
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    \19\ The majority of the Corridor Indicators, as identified in 
the Recovery Plan, relate directly to conditions that may require 
DTC to adjust its strategy for hedging and liquidating collateral 
securities, and any such changes would include an assessment of the 
status of the Corridor Indicators. Corridor Indicators include, for 
example, the effectiveness and speed of DTC's efforts to liquidate 
Collateral securities, and an impediment to the availability of 
DTC's resources to repay any borrowings due to any Participant 
Default. For each Corridor Indicator, the Recovery Plan identifies 
(1) measures of the indicator, (2) evaluations of the status of the 
indicator, (3) metrics for determining the status of the 
deterioration or improvement of the indicator, and (4) ``Corridor 
Actions,'' which are steps that may be taken to improve the status 
of the indicator, as well as management escalations required to 
authorize those steps.
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    Section 5.2.4 also includes language that requires DTC management 
to review the Corridor Indicators and the related metrics at least 
annually and modify these metrics as necessary in

[[Page 17424]]

light of observations from simulation of Participant defaults and other 
analyses. In order to more closely align with the biennial cycle of 
DTCC's multi-member closeout simulation exercise, the proposed rule 
change would shift the timing of management's review of the Corridor 
Indicators and related metrics from annually to biennially. DTC 
believes this change is necessary for consistency with the cycle of the 
multi-member closeout simulation in which the Corridor Indicators and 
metrics are assessed as part of the simulation exercise.
    Also, there is a paragraph in Section 5.2.4 and an associated table 
(Table 5-B: Loss Waterfall Tools) that delineates the liquidity 
resources that DTC may draw upon following a Participant Default and 
subsequent cease to act. The table has four columns (``Order,'' 
``Tool,'' ``Relevant Rules/Documents,'' and ``Responsible Body/
Personnel'') and is organized by the order in which the liquidity 
resources are to be applied by DTC. Currently, the text of this 
paragraph describes that DTC may draw upon the Participants Fund 
Deposit and other collateral of the Participant for which it has ceased 
to act as provided under the Rules, including resources available under 
clearing agency cross guaranty agreements, and apply such resources to 
satisfy any losses that may result from the closeout. In order to be 
consistent with the title of Table 5-B, the proposed rule change would 
add a heading at the beginning this paragraph to be titled, ``Loss 
Waterfall Tools.'' Similarly, consistent with the descriptions and 
order of the tools listed in Table 5-B, the proposed rule change would 
remove the words ``can only be used'' and shift the phrase ``would be 
applied in the order listed'' in the text of the sentence directly 
above Table 5-B. Accordingly, under the proposed rule change, this 
sentence would read, ``These tools would be applied in the order listed 
in accordance with the provisions of Rule 4.'' \20\
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    \20\ Rule 4, supra note 5.
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    Within Table 5-B, Corporate Contribution is the first entry under 
the column labeled ``Tool.'' Currently, the narrative for this entry 
includes a description of Corporate Contribution and delineates that in 
the event of a cease to act, before applying the Participants Fund 
deposits of all other Participants to cover any resulting loss, DTC 
will apply the Corporate Contribution.\21\ The proposed rule change 
would revise the current text of the definition of Corporate 
Contribution in order to more closely align with how this term is 
defined under Rule 4.\22\ Specifically, pursuant to the proposed rule 
change, the definition of Corporate Contribution would be revised to 
state, ``The Corporate Contribution is an amount that is equal to 50% 
of the amount calculated by DTC in respect of its General Business Risk 
Capital Requirement, for losses that occur over any rolling 12 month 
period.'' Similarly, the sentence directly above the definition of 
Corporate Contribution would be revised to remove the words ``applying 
the Participants Fund deposits of all other Participants,'' and replace 
them with ``charging Participants on a pro rata basis (other than the 
Defaulting Participant).''
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    \21\ Supra note 17.
    \22\ Rule 4, supra note 5.
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    Additionally, with respect to the second entry in Table 5-B, ``Loss 
Allocation,'' the descriptive text in the ``Responsible Body/
Personnel'' column would be revised to more closely align with the same 
language contained in Rule 4. The revised text would state, ``The Rules 
provide for loss allocation of any remaining loss following the 
Corporate Contribution (plus any additional amounts that the Board may 
determine to apply). Participants will be obligated to fund loss 
allocations on the second business day after the Corporation issues any 
such notice.''
    Section 5.3 (Liquidity Shortfalls) identifies tools that may be 
used to address foreseeable shortfalls of DTC's liquidity resources 
following a Participant Default. As described in DTC's previous 
proposed rule change adopting the Plan,\23\ the goal in managing DTC's 
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 in a timely 
manner. The proposed rule change would revise the text described below 
to better clarify and enhance the description of the DTC's liquidity 
considerations and the use of its liquidity tools.
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    \23\ Supra note 6.
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    First, the current text of this section provides that, as 
elaborated in the Plan, there is interaction between market and 
liquidity actions on DTC's overall risk exposures. In particular, the 
third and fourth sentences state, ``A longer liquidation horizon could 
lengthen the period that [DTC's] liquidity resources are deployed and 
could increase the strain on the liquidity resources. On the other 
hand, managing the closeout process with an eye toward minimizing 
market disruption may reduce resulting losses.'' In order to more 
specifically reflect the type of risks to DTC posed in these 
circumstances, the proposed rule change would amend this statement to 
add the words ``market risk'' before ``losses.''
    Second, Table 5-C currently lists (i) the liquidity tools intended 
to address foreseeable liquidity shortfalls that would not be covered 
by DTC's existing liquid resources, (ii) the relevant rules/documents 
associated with the applicable tool, and (iii) the process and relevant 
governance required to employ the tool. There is introductory language 
directly above Table 5-C that states, ``The following tools are 
intended to address foreseeable liquidity shortfalls that would not be 
covered by DTC's existing liquid resources and how its existing 
qualifying liquid resources may be replenished (ordered by ease and 
speed to market).'' For purposes of additional clarity, the proposal 
would add the following parenthetical, ``(for example, due to non-
performance of committed lenders),'' after the words ``DTC's existing 
liquid resources,'' and to the existing parenthetical would add the 
word ``again'' before ``ordered by ease and speed to market.''
3. Non-Default Losses
    Section 6 (Non-Default Losses) of the Plan outlines how DTC would 
address losses that result other than from a Participant Default. This 
section provides a roadmap to other documents that describe these 
events in greater detail and outlines DTC's approach to monitoring 
losses that could result from a non-default event. This section also 
includes a description of Rule 38 (Market Disruption and Force 
Majeure), referred to in the Plan as the ``Force Majeure Rule,'' \24\ 
which pertains to how DTC addresses extraordinary events that occur 
outside the control of DTC and its Participants. As more fully 
described below, the proposed rule change would clarify certain 
language.
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    \24\ Id.
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    Section 6.4 (Resources to Cover Non-Default Losses) provides that 
DTC maintains two categories of financial resources to cover losses and 
expenses arising from non-default risks or events: (i) Liquid Net 
Assets Funded by Equity (``LNA''), including, pursuant to Rule 4, the 
required Corporate Contribution,\25\ and (ii) loss-allocation charges 
to

[[Page 17425]]

Participants in accordance with the provisions of Rule 4.\26\ Following 
an overview of the four buckets of LNA, which can be applied towards 
non-default losses,\27\ there is a paragraph under the heading, ``Loss 
Allocation to Participants, backed by the Participants Fund,'' that 
provides that non-default losses could be allocated among Participants 
as provided in Rule 4. There is sentence that describes the timeframe 
in which such losses charged to Participants are required to be paid. 
Currently, this sentence states that losses are to be paid by 
Participants ``within 2 business days of the date of receipt of a 
notice of a loss allocation charge. . . .'' However, this is not the 
same language used to describe this timing in Rule 4. In order to be 
consistent with the language formulation set out in Rule 4, the 
proposed rule change would revise this sentence to state, ``Losses 
charged to Participants are required to be paid by Participants on the 
second business day after the Corporation issues any such notice of a 
loss allocation charge and may be charged to the Participant's 
Settlement Account when due.'' \28\ The following sentence would remain 
as it is under the current Plan: ``If not timely paid by any 
Participant, the Corporation may apply the Participants Fund deposit of 
that Participant to satisfy its loss allocation obligation.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \25\ See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 84426 (October 15, 
2018), 83 FR 53138 (October 19, 2018) (SR-DTC-2018-008); and 89361 
(July 21, 2020), 85 FR 45263 (July 27, 2020) (SR-DTC-2020-010) 
(filings amending the Capital Policy and Capital Plan). The initial 
Capital Policy and Capital Plan were approved by the Commission in 
2017--see Securities Exchange Act Release No. 81105 (July 7, 2017), 
82 FR 32399 (July 13, 2017) (SR-DTC-2017-003, SR-NSCC-2017-004, SR-
FICC-2017-007).
    \26\ Rule 4, supra note 5.
    \27\ As set forth in the Plan, DTC maintains the following four 
buckets of LNA, which can be applied towards a non-default loss: (i) 
General Business Risk Capital as determined in the Capital Policy, 
supra note 25, (ii) the Corporate Contribution, (iii) a ``Buffer,'' 
as described in the Capital Policy, and (iv) excess LNA, which 
refers to any available LNA held at DTC above the required amounts 
for General Business Risk Capital, the Corporate Contribution, and 
Buffer.
    \28\ Rule 4, supra note 5.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Section 6.6 (Market Disruption and Force Majeure Rule) describes 
the Force Majeure Rule. The Force Majeure Rule was adopted at the same 
time as the Plan \29\ and provides an additional resiliency tool 
designed to mitigate the risks caused by market disruption events and 
thereby minimize the risk of financial loss that may result from such 
events. The proposed rule change would remove the following phrase 
after the reference to the Force Majeure Rule in the first paragraph of 
this section, ``, adopted in conjunction with this Plan,'' because it 
is not necessary as both the Plan and the Force Majeure Rule are no 
longer newly adopted. In addition, to remain consistent with the usage 
of ``Force Majeure'' and ``Market Disruption Event'' throughout this 
section, DTC would conform all references to the defined terms ``Force 
Majeure'' and ``Market Disruption Event'' so that they appear as 
capitalized terms.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \29\ Supra note 6.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed rule change would also make revisions to the second 
paragraph of Section 6.6. First, for purposes of clarity and 
readability, the following text would be removed from the beginning of 
the second sentence: ``Most FMIs have rules designed to deal with force 
majeure or market disruption events, and.'' Second, the reference to 
``Superstorm Sandy'' would be removed from the last sentence of this 
paragraph along with the related footnote that references Superstorm 
Sandy as an example of circumstances in which DTC needed to fashion a 
work-around necessitated by a force majeure event. DTC believes 
inclusion of references to Superstorm Sandy are outdated and no longer 
necessary to be included in the Plan.
C. Remove Provisions Covering Certain ``Business-as-Usual'' Actions
    Section 8.6 (Actions and Preparation) of the Plan sets forth the 
legal framework and strategy for the orderly wind-down of DTC if the 
use of the recovery tools described in the Recovery Plan do not 
successfully return DTC to financial viability. This section includes 
an overview of the actions and preparations to be taken by DTC and DTCC 
in connection with executing the wind-down portions of the Plan. 
Section 8.6.1 (Business-as-Usual Actions) describes those actions DTC 
or DTCC may take to prepare for wind-down in the period before DTC 
experiences financial distress.
    Under the current plan, the Business-as-Usual Actions are (i) 
educating the Board to keep them informed of the Plan and the actions 
the Board would need to take to implement it, (ii) engaging in 
discussions with key linked FMIs as to the key elements of DTC's wind-
down strategy and the expected actions of the respective link parties 
should a wind-down be implemented, (iii) developing and maintaining an 
index of internal data that includes the critical, ancillary, and non-
critical services that DTC provides to its membership, the support DTC 
receives from DTCC and from its other affiliates, key third-party 
vendors, key personnel, DTC assets and liabilities, and agreements and 
arrangements DTC has with liquidity providers and with other FMIs, (iv) 
developing administrative wind-down guidance that identifies key Board 
and management actions that would be taken during the Recovery Phase 
and ``Runway Period'' \30\ prior to DTC's failure, and in connection 
with its Chapter 11 proceedings, and (v) preparing constituent 
documents for the Failover Entity \31\ and evaluating capitalization 
options.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \30\ The Wind-down Plan identifies the time period leading up to 
a decision to wind-down DTC as the ``Runway Period.''
    \31\ As set forth in Section 8.4.1 (General Objectives and 
Approach) of the Plan, in the event that no viable or preferable 
third-party transferee timely commits to acquire the business and 
services of DTC, the transfer will be effectuated to a failover 
entity created for that purpose (referred to as the ``Failover 
Entity''), that would be owned by a trust held, to the extent of the 
value of the Failover Entity attributed to DTC's transferred 
business and services, for the benefit of DTC's bankruptcy estate.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Pursuant to the proposed rule change, DTC would remove the 
Business-as-Usual Actions section (currently Section 8.6.1) in its 
entirety because each of the actions outlined have either been 
completed or would be addressed in DTC's internal procedures going 
forward. This includes certain documents necessary to effect the wind-
down aspects of the Plan that were in the process of being finalized 
when the Plan was adopted and have since been completed. Since adoption 
of the Plan,\32\ DTC has completed all necessary internal 
documentation, including DTCC's internal wind-down guidance, the 
constituent documentation for the Failover Entity, and the evaluation 
of DTC's capitalization options. Further, the other actions included in 
this section (e.g., maintaining an index of non-critical services, 
educating the Board on the Plans) would be addressed, going forward, in 
DTCC's Recovery & Resolution Planning Procedures maintained by the R&R 
Team.\33\ As a result of this proposed change, current Section 8.6.2 
(Recovery and Runway Period Actions) would be renumbered as Section 
8.6.1. Also, consistent with the proposed removal of Business-as-Usual 
Actions that have been completed, the proposed rule change would remove 
from the first sentence of proposed Section 8.6.1 (current Section 
8.6.2) the words ``Among other things, the guidance would provide'' and 
replace them with ``The DTCC Clearing Agency Wind-

[[Page 17426]]

down Guidance developed in connection with this Plan provides.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \32\ Supra note 6.
    \33\ The R&R Team is responsible for maintaining the DTCC 
``Office of Recovery & Resolution Planning Procedures'' document. 
The purpose of these procedures is to communicate roles and 
responsibilities, and procedures for the documentation of the R&W 
Plans covering each of the Clearing Agencies, in compliance with 
applicable rules and regulations. These procedures also describe the 
biennial closeout simulation exercise whereby the Plans for each 
clearing agency are tested through the simulation of a multi-member 
default.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

D. Technical Revisions
    The proposal would also make several technical changes and 
corrections to the Plan. DTC believes that these proposed changes would 
not substantively alter the meaning of the applicable sections and 
would improve the overall readability and clarity of the Plan. 
Specifically, DTC is proposing to make the following changes and 
corrections:
    1. In Section 1.3 (Summary), in the list of topics covered under 
the Plan, in the seventh bullet point, add ``Recovery Corridor and'' 
prior to the words ``Recovery Phase'' to correctly state the full name 
of this section of the Plan.
    2. In Section 1.4 (Conventions), in the third paragraph, delete the 
words ``conjunction with'' and replace them with ``support of,'' and 
delete the words ``also adopted'' and replace them with ``maintains.'' 
Accordingly, under the proposed rule change, this paragraph would 
state, ``In support of this Plan, DTC maintains (a) a Market Disruption 
and Force Majeure Rule (the ``Force Majeure Rule{ XE ``Force Majeure 
Rule'' {time} '') and (b) a Wind-down of the Corporation Rule (the 
``Wind-down Rule{ XE Wind-down Rule'' {time} ''), each as described 
herein.''
    3. In Section 2.1 (DTCC Business Profile), under the heading ``DTCC 
SIFMU Subsidiaries'':
     In the description of DTC's affiliated clearing agency, 
NSCC{ XE ``NSCC''{time} , add ``, netting,'' after the word 
``clearing''; and after the words ``exchange-traded,'' delete ``fund 
(``ETF'')'' and replace it with ``products (``ETPs'').''
     In the description of DTC's other affiliated clearing 
agency, FICC { XE ``FICC''{time} , with respect to the Government 
Securities Division (``GSD''), add the word ``netting,'' after 
``clearing.''
     In the description of the Mortgage-Backed Securities 
Division (``MBSD{ XE ``MBSD'' {time} '') of FICC, delete the modifier 
``To-Be-Announced'' before the phrase ``pass-through mortgage-backed 
securities issued by Ginnie Mae, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.''
     In the sentence that describes FICC's publication of the 
GCF Repo[supreg] Index, add the parenthetical ``(``GCF Repos[supreg]{ 
XE ``GCF Repos[supreg]'' {time} '')''after the words ``general 
collateral finance repurchase transactions.''
    4. In Section 3.2 (Criteria Used to Determine Criticality), in the 
second sentence that currently states, ``Each service was assessed for 
criticality to determine the potential systemic impact from a service 
disruption,'' add the word ``resulting'' after the word ``impact.''
    5. In Section 3.3 (DTC Critical Services List), make the following 
changes to Table 3-B (DTC Critical Services): (a) In the column titled 
``Business Unit Activity,'' in the entry for ``8. European Pre-Issuance 
Messaging,'' remove the word ``European'' because this service is not 
specific to European issues, and (b) in the column titled 
``Description,'' in the narrative for ``20. Mandatory and Voluntary 
Corporate Actions,'' remove the capitalization of the words ``Dutch 
Auctions.''
    6. In Section 4.1 (DTCC and SIFMU Governance Structure), in the 
third paragraph, which lists each of the Board committees, delete 
``Board'' before the words ``Risk Committee.'' Additionally, in the 
footnote in this section that provides the citation of a previous 
proposed rule change covering the Clearing Agency Risk Management 
Framework, add a reference to DTC's amended filing published July 9, 
2020.
    7. In Section 4.2 (Recovery Governance), in order to clarify the 
types of loss scenarios referred to, at the beginning of the third 
sentence, after the phrase ``As described throughout Section 5 
(Participant Default Losses through the Crisis Continuum), indicators 
and measures have been defined for,'' add the modifier ``credit/market 
and liquidity'' before ``loss scenarios throughout the Crisis Continuum 
(as hereinafter defined).''
    8. In Section 5.1 (Introduction), in the fourth paragraph, 
capitalize the word ``board.'' Additionally, in the footnote included 
in this section that provides the citation to a previous proposed rule 
change covering the Clearing Agency Liquidity Risk Management 
Framework, add a reference to DTC's amended filing published December 
11, 2020.
    9. In Section 5.2.3 (Participant Default Phase), in the last 
sentence, for the reference to ``Net Credit Reductions'' and the 
related footnote, remove the capitalization of the words ``Credit 
Reductions.''
    10. In Section 5.3 (Liquidity Shortfalls):
     In Table 5-C, which lists the tools that can be used to 
address liquidity shortfalls, in the entry for ``Credit Facility,'' in 
the column titled ``Relevant Rules/Documents,'' (i) delete ``Currently, 
Section 2.03A(h) of the Credit Facility,'' because reference to a 
specific section of the credit facility documentation is not necessary, 
and (ii) for purposes of clarification and readability, revise the text 
of the description to state, ``The terms of the Credit Facility provide 
that any such voluntary loans would be secured on a pari passu basis 
with committed loans under the facility. This should provide comfort to 
such voluntary lenders that make voluntary loans in stress market 
conditions.''
     In the penultimate paragraph and in Table 5-C (in the 
entry for ``Net Credit Reductions,'' in the column titled ``Process and 
relevant governance''), remove the capitalization from the words ``Net 
Credit Reductions'' for purposes of consistency when these words are 
used throughout the Plan.
    11. In Section 5.4 (Scenarios Not on Crisis Continuum), capitalize 
the word ``Phase'' after the words ``Stress Market.''
    12. In Section 6.3 (Risk Mitigation), in the footnote that includes 
the citation to a previous proposed rule change covering the Clearing 
Agency Operational Risk Management Framework, add a reference to DTC's 
amended filing published December 16, 2020.
    13. In Section 6.4 (Resources to Cover Non-Default Losses), in the 
footnote that includes the citation to a previous proposed rule change 
covering the Capital Policy and Capital Plan, add a reference to DTC's 
amended filings published July 27, 2020 with respect to the Capital 
Policy, and October 19, 2018 with respect to the Capital Plan.
    14. In Section 6.6 (Market Disruption and Force Majeure Rule):
     In the second bullet point of the third paragraph, remove 
the quotation marks from the words ``Market Disruption Event'' and 
delete the parenthetical ``(as defined in the Force Majeure Rule)'' 
because Market Disruption Event was defined earlier in this section.
     In the second sentence of the fourth paragraph, for 
purposes of reflecting present tense, delete the word ``would'' before 
the word ``operate,'' and pluralize ``operate.''
     In the first sentence of the second paragraph:
    [cir] For purposes of reflecting present tense and to improve 
readability, (a) remove the word ``currently'' prior to ``the Force 
Majeure Rule'' and (b) remove the words ``is designed to clarify,'' and 
replace them with ``clarifies,'' and
    [cir] in order to correct a typographical error, insert the word 
``and'' in between ``its Participants'' and ``to mitigate.''
    15. In Section 7.1 (Comprehensiveness), for purposes of correcting 
a typographical error, remove the capitalization of the words 
``Critical Services.''
    16. In Section 7.2 (Effectiveness), under the heading 
``Reliability,'' for the

[[Page 17427]]

purpose of correcting typographical errors, (a) move the second 
footnote, currently at the end of the last sentence, to the end of the 
last sentence of the introductory paragraph of Section 7.2 and (b) in 
the text of the other footnote that currently reads, ``See, for 
example, DTCC Whitepaper, CCP Resiliency and Resources, pg. 2, section 
2 (June 2015),'' remove ``, section 2.''
    17. In Section 8.2.1 (Potential Scenarios), in the second sentence 
of the fifth paragraph, replace ``enhancements to the loss allocation 
process are'' with ``the loss allocation process is.'' Accordingly, 
under the proposed rule change this sentence would state, ``As noted 
above, the loss allocation process is designed so that the Participants 
Fund can be applied to losses arising from multiple Participant 
failures that occur during an ``Event Period'', and there can be 
successive rounds of loss allocations to address losses arising with 
respect to a given Event Period.''
    18. In Section 8.4.1 (General Objectives and Approach), in the 
second paragraph, delete the words ``have been amended to'' after the 
words ``the Rules'' in order to more clearly reflect the fact that the 
Wind-down of the Corporation Rule \34\ was adopted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \34\ Supra note 6.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    19. In Section 8.4.2 (Critical Services and FMI Link Arrangements), 
for purposes of addressing a typographical error, in the first 
sentence, after the words ``other information,'' remove the word 
``and.''
    20. In Section 8.4.4 (Rules Adopted in Connection with the Wind-
down Plan), under the heading ``Certain Ex Ante Matters,'' in the first 
sentence add an ``a'' before the second use of the word ``Transferee.''
    21. In Section 8.4.6 (Key Dependencies and Requirements for 
Effectiveness), in the last paragraph under the heading, ``Regulatory 
approvals,'' revise the word ``see'' to ``seek,'' to address a 
typographical error.
    22. In proposed Section 8.6.1 (currently Section 8.6.2) (Recovery 
and Runway Period Actions), capitalize the word ``chapter'' in two 
places where ``chapter 11'' is not capitalized.
    23. In Section 8.7 (Costs and Time to Effectuate Plan), (a) in the 
second sentence of the fifth paragraph, delete the word ``of'' between 
the words ``detailed'' and ``analysis,'' and (b) at the end of the last 
sentence of this section, delete the phrase ``, as provided in the 
Capital Requirements Policy.'' As a result, under the proposed rule 
change, this sentence would state, ``The estimated wind-down costs 
amount will be reviewed and approved by the Board annually.''
    24. In Appendix 1 (Defined Terms), add each of the new defined 
terms based on the addition of such terms to the Plan, and delete the 
defined terms that were removed based on the deletion of these terms 
from the Plan.
2. Statutory Basis
    DTC 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, DTC believes that the 
amendments to the R&W Plan are consistent with Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of 
the Act \35\ and Rule 17Ad-22(e)(3)(ii) under the Act,\36\ for the 
reasons described below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \35\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(F).
    \36\ 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(e)(3)(ii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act requires, in part, that the rules 
of DTC be designed to promote the prompt and accurate clearance and 
settlement of securities transactions.\37\ The Recovery Plan serves to 
promote the prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of securities 
transactions by providing DTC with a roadmap for the actions it may 
employ to mitigate losses, and monitor and, as needed, stabilize DTC's 
financial condition, which would allow it to continue its critical 
clearance and settlement services in stress situations. The Recovery 
Plan is designed to identify the actions and tools that DTC may use to 
address and minimize losses to both DTC and its Participants, and 
provide DTC management and the Board with guidance in this regard by 
identifying the indicators and governance around the use and 
application of such tools to enable them to address stress situations 
in a manner most appropriate for the circumstances. Further, the Wind-
down Plan establishes a framework for the transfer and orderly wind-
down of DTC's business and is designed to facilitate the continuity of 
DTC's critical services. It establishes clear mechanisms for the 
transfer of DTC's critical services and membership as well as clear 
provisions for the transfer of the securities inventory DTC holds in 
fungible bulk for Participants. By doing so, the Wind-down Plan enables 
Participants and Pledgees to maintain access to DTC's services in the 
event DTC defaults or the Wind-down Plan is triggered by the Board.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \37\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(F).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As described above, the proposed rule change would update the R&W 
Plan to (i) reflect business and product developments, (ii) make 
certain clarifications, (iii) remove provisions covering certain 
``business-as-usual'' actions, and (iv) make certain technical 
corrections. By helping to ensure that the R&W Plan reflects current 
business and product developments, and providing additional clarity 
regarding the framework for the transfer and orderly wind-down of DTC's 
business, DTC believes that the proposed rule change would help it 
continue to maintain the Plan in a manner that supports the continuity 
of DTC's critical services and enables its Participants and Pledgees to 
maintain access to DTC's services through the transfer of its 
membership in the event DTC defaults or the Wind-down Plan is ever 
triggered by the Board. Further, by facilitating the continuity of its 
critical clearance and settlement services, DTC believes the Plan and 
the proposed rule change would continue to promote the prompt and 
accurate clearance and settlement of securities transactions. 
Therefore, DTC 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 DTC 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.\38\ The R&W Plan is 
designed to comply with Rule 17Ad-22(e)(3)(ii) and is consistent with 
the Act because it provides plans for the recovery and orderly wind-
down of DTC necessitated by credit losses, liquidity shortfalls, losses 
from general business risk, or any other losses.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \38\ 17 CFR 240.17Ad-22(e)(3)(ii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Specifically, the Recovery Plan defines the risk management 
activities, stress conditions and indicators, and tools that DTC 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 DTC 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 and other non-default

[[Page 17428]]

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 DTC to viability as a going 
concern. Once triggered, the Wind-down Plan sets forth clear mechanisms 
for the transfer of DTC's membership and business, and is designed to 
facilitate continued access to DTC'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 DTC in 
order to facilitate continuous access to its critical services, the 
Wind-down Plan establishes a plan for the orderly wind-down of DTC.
    As described above, the proposed rule change would update the R&W 
Plan to (i) reflect business and product developments, (ii) make 
certain clarifications, (iii) remove provisions covering certain 
``business-as-usual'' actions, and (iv) make certain technical 
corrections. By ensuring that material provisions of the Plan are 
current, clear, and technically correct, DTC 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.\39\ Therefore, 
the proposed changes would help DTC to maintain the Plan in a way that 
continues to be consistent with the requirements of Rule 17Ad-
22(e)(3)(ii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \39\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(B) Clearing Agency's Statement on Burden on Competition

    DTC does not believe that the proposed rule change would have any 
impact, or impose any burden, on competition. DTC does not anticipate 
that the proposal would affect its day-to-day operations under normal 
circumstances, or in the management of a typical Participant default 
scenario or non-default event. The R&W Plan was developed and 
documented in order 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 effect 
any changes to the overall structure or operation of the Plan or DTC's 
recovery and wind-down strategy as set forth under the current Plan. As 
such, DTC 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

    DTC has not received or solicited any written comments relating to 
this proposal. DTC will notify the Commission of any written comments 
received by DTC.

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) \40\ of the Act and paragraph (f) \41\ 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \40\ 15 U.S.C 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \41\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include 
File Number SR-DTC-2021-004 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-DTC-2021-004. 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 10:00 a.m. and 
3:00 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for inspection 
and copying at the principal office of DTC and on DTCC's website 
(http://dtcc.com/legal/sec-rule-filings.aspx). 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-DTC-2021-004 and should be submitted on 
or before April 23, 2021.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\42\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \42\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

J. Matthew DeLesDernier,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2021-06777 Filed 4-1-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P