242 — Regulation SE — Registration and Regulation of Security-Based Swap Execution Facilities

(2) A security-based swap execution facility shall, at a minimum, offer an order book.

(3) A security-based swap execution facility is not required to provide an order book under this section for transactions defined in § 242.815(d)(2), (3), and (4) except that a security-based swap execution facility must provide an order book under this section for Required Transactions that are components of transactions defined in § 242.815(d)(2), (3), and (4) when such Required Transactions are not executed as components of transactions defined in § 242.815(d)(2), (3), and (4).

(b) Procedures for full registration. (1) Request to register. An entity requesting registration as a security-based swap execution facility shall:

(i) File electronically a complete Form SBSEF (referenced in § 249.1701), or any successor forms, and all information and documentation described in such forms with the Commission using the EDGAR system and, for the information specified in the Registration Instructions to Form SBSEF, as an Interactive Data File in accordance with § 232.405 of this chapter; and

(ii) Provide to the Commission, upon the Commission's request, any additional information and documentation necessary to review an application.

(2) Request for confidential treatment. (i) An applicant requesting registration as a security-based swap execution facility shall identify with particularity any information in the application that will be subject to a request for confidential treatment pursuant to § 240.24b–2 of this chapter.

(ii) As set forth in § 242.808, certain information provided in an application shall be made publicly available.

(3) Amendment of application prior to full registration. An applicant amending a pending application for registration as a security-based swap execution facility or requesting an amendment to an order of registration shall file an amended application electronically with the Commission using the EDGAR system and, for the information specified in the Registration Instructions to Form SBSEF, as an Interactive Data File in accordance with § 232.405 of this chapter.

(4) Effect of incomplete application. If an application is incomplete pursuant to paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the Commission shall notify the applicant that its application will not be deemed to have been submitted for purposes of the Commission's review.

(5) Commission review period. The Commission shall approve or deny an application for registration as a security-based swap execution facility within 180 days of the filing of the application. If the Commission notifies the person that its application is materially incomplete and specifies the deficiencies in the application, the running of the 180-day period shall be stayed from the time of such notification until the application is resubmitted in completed form, provided that the Commission shall have not less than 60 days to approve or deny the application from the time the application is resubmitted in completed form.

(6) Commission determination. (i) The Commission shall issue an order granting registration upon a Commission determination, in its own discretion, that the applicant has demonstrated compliance with the Act and the Commission's rules applicable to security-based swap execution facilities. If deemed appropriate, the Commission may issue an order granting registration subject to conditions.

(ii) The Commission may issue an order denying registration upon a Commission determination, in its own discretion, that the applicant has not demonstrated compliance with the Act and the Commission's rules applicable to security-based swap execution facilities. If the Commission denies an application, it shall specify the grounds for the denial.

(c) Reinstatement of dormant registration. A dormant security-based swap execution facility may reinstate its registration under the procedures of paragraph (b) of this section. The applicant may rely upon previously submitted materials if such materials accurately describe the dormant security-based swap execution facility's conditions at the time that it applies for reinstatement of its registration.

(d) Request for transfer of registration. (1) A security-based swap execution facility seeking to transfer its registration from its current legal entity to a new legal entity as a result of a corporate change shall file a request for approval to transfer such registration with the Commission in the form and manner specified by the Commission.

(2) A request for transfer of registration shall be filed no later than three months prior to the anticipated corporate change; or in the event that the security-based swap execution facility could not have known of the anticipated change three months prior to the anticipated change, as soon as it knows of such change.

(3) The request for transfer of registration shall include the following:

(i) The underlying agreement that governs the corporate change;

(ii) A description of the corporate change, including the reason for the change and its impact on the security-based swap execution facility, including its governance and operations, and its impact on the rights and obligations of members;

(iii) A discussion of the transferee's ability to comply with the Act, including the core principles applicable to security-based swap execution facilities and the Commission's rules thereunder;

(iv) The governing documents of the transferee, including, but not limited to, articles of incorporation and bylaws;

(v) The transferee's rules marked to show changes from the current rules of the security-based swap execution facility;

(vi) A representation by the transferee that it:

(A) Will be the surviving entity and successor-in-interest to the transferor security-based swap execution facility and will retain and assume, without limitation, all of the assets and liabilities of the transferor;

(B) Will assume responsibility for complying with all applicable provisions of the Act and the Commission's rules thereunder;

(C) Will assume, maintain, and enforce all rules implementing and complying with the core principles applicable to security-based swap execution facilities, including the adoption of the transferor's rulebook, as amended in the request, and that any such amendments will be submitted to the Commission pursuant to § 242.806 or § 242.807;

(D) Will comply with all regulatory responsibilities except if otherwise indicated in the request, and will maintain and enforce all regulatory programs; and

(E) Will notify members of all changes to the transferor's rulebook prior to the transfer and will further notify members of the concurrent transfer of the registration to the transferee upon Commission approval and issuance of an order permitting this transfer.

(vii) A representation by the transferee that upon the transfer:

(A) It will assume responsibility for and maintain compliance with core principles for all security-based swaps previously made available for trading through the transferor, whether by certification or approval; and

(B) None of the proposed rule changes will affect the rights and obligations of any member.

(4) Upon review of a request for transfer of registration, the Commission, as soon as practicable, shall issue an order either approving or denying the request.

(e) Request for withdrawal of application for registration. An applicant for registration as a security-based swap execution facility may withdraw its application submitted pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section by filing a withdrawal request electronically with the Commission using the EDGAR system. Withdrawal of an application for registration shall not affect any action taken or to be taken by the Commission based upon actions, activities, or events occurring during the time that the application was pending with the Commission.

(f) Request for vacation of registration. A security-based swap execution facility may request that its registration be vacated by filing a vacation request electronically with the Commission using the EDGAR system at least 90 days prior to the date that the vacation is requested to take effect. Upon receipt of such request, the Commission shall promptly order the vacation to be effective upon the date named in the request and send a copy of the request and its order to all other security-based swap execution facilities, SBS exchanges, and registered clearing agencies that clear security-based swaps. Vacation of registration shall not affect any action taken or to be taken by the Commission based upon actions, activities, or events occurring during the time that the security-based swap execution facility was registered by the Commission. From and after the date upon which the vacation became effective the said security-based swap execution facility can thereafter be registered again by applying to the Commission in the manner provided in paragraph (b) of this section for an original application.

(1) The security-based swap execution facility has filed its submission electronically with the Commission using the EFFS system;

(2) The Commission has received the submission by the open of business on the business day that is 10 business days preceding the product's listing; and

(3) The submission includes:

(i) A copy of the submission cover sheet in accordance with the instructions therein;

(ii) A copy of the product's rules, including all rules related to its terms and conditions;

(iii) The intended listing date;

(iv) A certification by the security-based swap execution facility that the product to be listed complies with the Act and the Commission's rules thereunder;

(v) A concise explanation and analysis of the product and its compliance with applicable provisions of the Act, including core principles, and the Commission's rules thereunder. This explanation and analysis shall either be accompanied by the documentation relied upon to establish the basis for compliance with applicable law, or incorporate information contained in such documentation, with appropriate citations to data sources;

(vi) A certification that the security-based swap execution facility posted a notice of pending product certification with the Commission and a copy of the submission, concurrent with the filing of a submission with the Commission, on the security-based swap execution facility's website. Information that the security-based swap execution facility seeks to keep confidential may be redacted from the documents published on the security-based swap execution's website but must be republished consistent with any determination made pursuant to § 240.24b–2 of this chapter; and

(vii) A request for confidential treatment, if appropriate, as permitted under § 240.24b–2 of this chapter.

(b) Additional information. If requested by Commission staff, a security-based swap execution facility shall provide any additional evidence, information, or data that demonstrates that the security-based swap meets, initially or on a continuing basis, the requirements of the Act or the Commission's rules or policies thereunder.

(c) Stay of certification of product. (1) General. The Commission may stay the certification of a product submitted pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section by issuing a notification informing the security-based swap execution facility that the Commission is staying the certification of the product on the grounds that the product presents novel or complex issues that require additional time to analyze, the product is accompanied by an inadequate explanation, or the product is potentially inconsistent with the Act or the Commission's rules thereunder. The Commission will have an additional 90 days from the date of the notification to conduct the review.

(2) Public comment. The Commission shall provide a 30-day comment period within the 90-day period in which the stay is in effect, as described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. The Commission shall publish a notice of the 30-day comment period on the Commission's website. Comments from the public shall be submitted as specified in that notice.

(3) Expiration of a stay of certification of product. A product subject to a stay pursuant to this paragraph shall become effective, pursuant to the certification, at the expiration of the 90-day review period described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, unless the Commission withdraws the stay prior to that time, or the Commission notifies the security-based swap execution facility during the 90-day time period that it objects to the proposed certification on the grounds that the product is inconsistent with the Act or the Commission's rules.

(1) Be filed electronically with the Commission using the EFFS system;

(2) Include a copy of the submission cover sheet in accordance with the instructions therein;

(3) Include a copy of the rules that set forth the security-based swap's terms and conditions;

(4) Include an explanation and analysis of the product and its compliance with applicable provisions of the Act, including the core principles and the Commission's rules thereunder. This explanation and analysis shall either be accompanied by the documentation relied upon to establish the basis for compliance with the applicable law, or incorporate information contained in such documentation, with appropriate citations to data sources;

(5) Describe any agreements or contracts entered into with other parties that enable the security-based swap execution facility to carry out its responsibilities;

(6) Include, if appropriate, a request for confidential treatment as permitted under § 240.24b–2 of this chapter;

(7) Certify that the security-based swap execution facility posted a notice of its request for Commission approval of the new product and a copy of the submission, concurrent with the filing of a submission with the Commission, on the security-based swap execution facility's website. Information that the security-based swap execution facility seeks to keep confidential may be redacted from the documents published on the security-based swap execution facility's website but must be republished consistent with any determination made pursuant to § 240.24b–2 of this chapter; and

(8) Include, if requested by Commission staff, additional evidence, information, or data demonstrating that the security-based swap meets, initially or on a continuing basis, the requirements of the Act, or other requirement for registration under the Act, or the Commission's rules or policies thereunder. The security-based swap execution facility shall submit the requested information by the open of business on the date that is two business days from the date of request by Commission staff, or at the conclusion of such extended period agreed to by Commission staff after timely receipt of a written request from the security-based swap execution facility.

(b) Standard for review and approval. The Commission shall approve a new product unless the terms and conditions of the product violate the Act or the Commission's rules thereunder.

(c) Forty-five-day review. A product submitted for Commission approval under this paragraph shall be deemed approved by the Commission 45 days after receipt by the Commission, or at the conclusion of an extended period as provided under paragraph (d) of this section, unless notified otherwise within the applicable period, if:

(1) The submission complies with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section; and

(2) The submitting security-based swap execution facility does not amend the terms or conditions of the product or supplement the request for approval, except as requested by the Commission or for correction of typographical errors, renumbering, or other non-substantive revisions, during that period. Any voluntary, substantive amendment by the security-based swap execution facility will be treated as a new submission under this section.

(d) Extension of time. The Commission may extend the 45-day review period in paragraph (c) of this section for:

(1) An additional 45 days, if the product raises novel or complex issues that require additional time to analyze, in which case the Commission shall notify the security-based swap execution facility within the initial 45-day review period and shall briefly describe the nature of the specific issue(s) for which additional time for review is required; or

(2) Any extended review period to which the security-based swap execution facility agrees in writing.

(e) Notice of non-approval. The Commission, at any time during its review under this section, may notify the security-based swap execution facility that it will not, or is unable to, approve the product. This notification will briefly specify the nature of the issues raised and the specific provision of the Act or the Commission's rules thereunder, including the form or content requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, that the product violates, appears to violate, or potentially violates but which cannot be ascertained from the submission.

(f) Effect of non-approval. (1) Notification to a security-based swap execution facility under paragraph (e) of this section of the Commission's determination not to approve a product does not prejudice the security-based swap execution facility from subsequently submitting a revised version of the product for Commission approval, or from submitting the product as initially proposed pursuant to a supplemented submission.

(2) Notification to a security-based swap execution facility under paragraph (e) of this section of the Commission's refusal to approve a product shall be presumptive evidence that the security-based swap execution facility may not truthfully certify under § 242.804 that the same, or substantially the same, product does not violate the Act or the Commission's rules thereunder.

(1) Be filed electronically with the Commission using the EFFS system;

(2) Include a copy of the submission cover sheet in accordance with the instructions therein;

(3) Set forth the text of the rule or rule amendment (in the case of a rule amendment, deletions and additions must be indicated);

(4) Describe the proposed effective date of the rule or rule amendment and any action taken or anticipated to be taken to adopt the proposed rule by the security-based swap execution facility or by its governing board or by any committee thereof, and cite the rules of the security-based swap execution facility that authorize the adoption of the proposed rule;

(5) Provide an explanation and analysis of the operation, purpose, and effect of the proposed rule or rule amendment and its compliance with applicable provisions of the Act, including the core principles relating to security-based swap execution facilities and the Commission's rules thereunder and, as applicable, a description of the anticipated benefits to market participants or others, any potential anticompetitive effects on market participants or others, and how the rule fits into the security-based swap execution facility's framework of regulation;

(6) Certify that the security-based swap execution facility posted a notice of the pending rule with the Commission and a copy of the submission, concurrent with the filing of a submission with the Commission, on the security-based swap execution facility's website. Information that the security-based swap execution facility seeks to keep confidential may be redacted from the documents published on the security-based swap execution facility's website but must be republished consistent with any determination made pursuant to § 240.24b–2 of this chapter;

(7) Provide additional information which may be beneficial to the Commission in analyzing the new rule or rule amendment. If a proposed rule affects, directly or indirectly, the application of any other rule of the security-based swap execution facility, the pertinent text of any such rule must be set forth and the anticipated effect described;

(8) Provide a brief explanation of any substantive opposing views expressed to the security-based swap execution facility by governing board or committee members, members of the security-based swap execution facility, or market participants that were not incorporated into the rule, or a statement that no such opposing views were expressed; and

(9) As appropriate, include a request for confidential treatment as permitted under § 240.24b–2 of this chapter.

(b) Standard for review and approval. The Commission shall approve a new rule or rule amendment unless the rule or rule amendment is inconsistent with the Act or the Commission's rules thereunder.

(c) Forty-five-day review. A rule or rule amendment submitted for Commission approval under paragraph (a) of this section shall be deemed approved by the Commission 45 days after receipt by the Commission, or at the conclusion of such extended period as provided under paragraph (d) of this section, unless the security-based swap execution facility is notified otherwise within the applicable period, if:

(1) The submission complies with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section;

(2) The security-based swap execution facility does not amend the proposed rule or supplement the submission, except as requested by the Commission, during the pendency of the review period, other than for correction of typographical errors, renumbering, or other non- substantive revisions. Any amendment or supplementation not requested by the Commission will be treated as the submission of a new filing under this section.

(d) Extension of time for review. The Commission may further extend the review period in paragraph (c) of this section for:

(1) An additional 45 days, if the proposed rule or rule amendment raises novel or complex issues that require additional time for review or is of major economic significance, the submission is incomplete, or the requestor does not respond completely to Commission questions in a timely manner, in which case the Commission shall notify the submitting security-based swap execution facility within the initial 45-day review period and shall briefly describe the nature of the specific issues for which additional time for review shall be required; or

(2) Any period, beyond the additional 45 days provided in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, to which the security-based swap execution facility agrees in writing.

(e) Notice of non-approval. Any time during its review under this section, the Commission may notify the security-based swap execution facility that it will not, or is unable to, approve the new rule or rule amendment. This notification will briefly specify the nature of the issues raised and the specific provision of the Act or the Commission's rules thereunder, including the form or content requirements of this section, with which the new rule or rule amendment is inconsistent or appears to be inconsistent with the Act or the Commission's rules thereunder.

(f) Effect of non-approval. (1) Notification to a security-based swap execution facility under paragraph (e) of this section does not prevent the security-based swap execution facility from subsequently submitting a revised version of the proposed rule or rule amendment for Commission review and approval or from submitting the new rule or rule amendment as initially proposed in a supplemented submission. The revised submission will be reviewed without prejudice.

(2) Notification to a security-based swap execution facility under paragraph (e) of this section of the Commission's determination not to approve a proposed rule or rule amendment shall be presumptive evidence that the security-based swap execution facility may not truthfully certify the same, or substantially the same, proposed rule or rule amendment under § 242.807(a).

(g) Expedited approval. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section, changes to a proposed rule or a rule amendment, including changes to terms and conditions of a product that are consistent with the Act and the Commission's rules thereunder, may be approved by the Commission at such time and under such conditions as the Commission shall specify in the written notification; provided, however, that the Commission may, at any time, alter or revoke the applicability of such a notice to any particular product or rule amendment.

(1) The security-based swap execution facility has filed its submission electronically with the Commission using the EFFS system.

(2) The security-based swap execution facility has provided a certification that it posted a notice of pending certification with the Commission and a copy of the submission, concurrent with the filing of a submission with the Commission, on the security-based swap execution facility's website. Information that the security-based swap execution facility seeks to keep confidential may be redacted from the documents published on the security-based swap execution facility's website, but it must be republished consistent with any determination made pursuant to § 240.24b–2 of this chapter.

(3) The Commission has received the submission not later than the open of business on the business day that is 10 business days prior to the security-based swap execution facility's implementation of the rule or rule amendment.

(4) The Commission has not stayed the submission pursuant to § 242.807(c).

(5) A new rule or rule amendment that establishes standards for responding to an emergency shall be submitted pursuant to § 242.807(a). A rule or rule amendment implemented under procedures of the governing board to respond to an emergency shall, if practicable, be filed with the Commission prior to implementation or, if not practicable, be filed with the Commission at the earliest possible time after implementation, but in no event more than 24 hours after implementation. Any such submission shall be subject to the certification and stay provisions of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section.

(6) The rule submission shall include:

(i) A copy of the submission cover sheet in accordance with the instructions therein (in the case of a rule or rule amendment that responds to an emergency, “Emergency Rule Certification” should be noted in the description section of the submission cover sheet);

(ii) The text of the rule (in the case of a rule amendment, deletions and additions must be indicated);

(iii) The date of intended implementation;

(iv) A certification by the security-based swap execution facility that the rule complies with the Act and the Commission's rules thereunder;

(v) A concise explanation and analysis of the operation, purpose, and effect of the proposed rule or rule amendment and its compliance with applicable provisions of the Act, including core principles relating to security-based swap execution facilities and the Commission's rules thereunder;

(vi) A brief explanation of any substantive opposing views expressed to the security-based swap execution facility by governing board or committee members, members of the security-based swap execution facility, or market participants, that were not incorporated into the rule, or a statement that no such opposing views were expressed; and

(vii) As appropriate, a request for confidential treatment pursuant to the procedures provided in § 240.24b–2 of this chapter.

(7) The security-based swap execution facility shall provide, if requested by Commission staff, additional evidence, information, or data that may be beneficial to the Commission in conducting a due diligence assessment of the filing and the security-based swap execution facility's compliance with any of the requirements of the Act or the Commission's rules or policies thereunder.

(b) Review by the Commission. The Commission shall have 10 business days to review the new rule or rule amendment before the new rule or rule amendment is deemed certified and can be made effective, unless the Commission notifies the security-based swap execution facility during the 10-business-day review period that it intends to issue a stay of the certification under paragraph (c) of this section.

(c) Stay. (1) Stay of certification of new rule or rule amendment. The Commission may stay the certification of a new rule or rule amendment submitted pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section by issuing a notification informing the security-based swap execution facility that the Commission is staying the certification of the rule or rule amendment on the grounds that the rule or rule amendment presents novel or complex issues that require additional time to analyze, the rule or rule amendment is accompanied by an inadequate explanation, or the rule or rule amendment is potentially inconsistent with the Act or the Commission's rules thereunder. The Commission will have an additional 90 days from the date of the notification to conduct the review.

(2) Public comment. The Commission shall provide a 30-day comment period within the 90-day period in which the stay is in effect, as described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. The Commission shall publish a notice of the 30-day comment period on the Commission website. Comments from the public shall be submitted as specified in that notice.

(3) Expiration of a stay of certification of new rule or rule amendment. A new rule or rule amendment subject to a stay pursuant to this paragraph shall become effective, pursuant to the certification, at the expiration of the 90-day review period described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, unless the Commission withdraws the stay prior to that time, or the Commission notifies the security-based swap execution facility during the 90-day time period that it objects to the proposed certification on the grounds that the proposed rule or rule amendment is inconsistent with the Act or the Commission's rules thereunder.

(d) Notification of rule amendments. Notwithstanding the rule certification requirement of paragraph (a) of this section, a security-based swap execution facility may place the following rules or rule amendments into effect without certification to the Commission if the following conditions are met:

(1) The security-based swap execution facility provides to the Commission at least weekly a summary notice of all rule amendments made effective pursuant to this paragraph during the preceding week. Such notice must be labeled “Weekly Notification of Rule Amendments” and need not be filed for weeks during which no such actions have been taken. One copy of each such submission shall be furnished electronically using the EFFS system; and

(2) The rule governs:

(i) Non-substantive revisions. Corrections of typographical errors, renumbering, periodic routine updates to identifying information about the security-based swap execution facility, and other such non-substantive revisions of a product's terms and conditions that have no effect on the economic characteristics of the product;

(ii) Fees. Fees or fee changes, other than fees or fee changes associated with market making or trading incentive programs, that:

(A) Total $1.00 or more per contract, and

(B) Are established by an independent third party or are unrelated to delivery, trading, clearing, or dispute resolution.

(iii) Survey lists. Changes to lists of banks, brokers, dealers, or other entities that provide price or cash market information to an independent third party and that are incorporated by reference as product terms;

(iv) Approved brands. Changes in lists of approved brands or markings pursuant to previously certified or Commission approved standards or criteria;

(v) Trading months. The initial listing of trading months, which may qualify for implementation without notice pursuant to paragraph (d)(3)(ii)(F) of this section, within the currently established cycle of trading months; or

(vi) Minimum tick. Reductions in the minimum price fluctuation (or “tick”).

(3) Notification of rule amendments not required. Notwithstanding the rule certification requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, a security-based swap execution facility may place the following rules or rule amendments into effect without certification or notice to the Commission if the following conditions are met:

(i) The security-based swap execution facility maintains documentation regarding all changes to rules; and

(ii) The rule governs:

(A) Transfer of membership or ownership. Procedures and forms for the purchase, sale, or transfer of membership or ownership, but not including qualifications for membership or ownership, any right or obligation of membership or ownership, or dues or assessments;

(B) Administrative procedures. The organization and administrative procedures of a security-based swap execution facility's governing bodies such as a governing board, officers, and committees, but not voting requirements, governing board, or committee composition requirements or procedures, decision-making procedures, use or disclosure of material non-public information gained through the performance of official duties, or requirements relating to conflicts of interest;

(C) Administration. The routine daily administration, direction, and control of employees, requirements relating to gratuity and similar funds, but not guaranty, reserves, or similar funds; declaration of holidays; and changes to facilities housing the market, trading floor, or trading area;

(D) Standards of decorum. Standards of decorum or attire or similar provisions relating to admission to the floor, badges, or visitors, but not the establishment of penalties for violations of such rules;

(E) Fees. Fees or fee changes, other than fees or fee changes associated with market making or trading incentive programs, that:

( 1) Are less than $1.00; or

( 2) Relate to matters such as dues, badges, telecommunication services, booth space, real-time quotations, historical information, publications, software licenses, or other matters that are administrative in nature; and

(F) Trading months. The initial listing of trading months which are within the currently established cycle of trading months.

(1) Transmittal letter and first page of the application cover sheet;

(2) Exhibit C;

(3) Exhibit G;

(4) Exhibit L; and

(5) Exhibit M.

(b) The Commission shall make publicly available on its website, unless confidential treatment is obtained pursuant to § 240.24b–2 of this chapter, a security-based swap execution facility's filing of new products pursuant to the self-certification procedures of § 242.804, new products for Commission review and approval pursuant to § 242.805, new rules and rule amendments for Commission review and approval pursuant to § 242.806, and new rules and rule amendments pursuant to the self-certification procedures of § 242.807.

(c) The terms and conditions of a product submitted to the Commission pursuant to § 242.804, 242.805, 242.806, or 242.807 shall be made publicly available at the time of submission unless confidential treatment is obtained pursuant to § 240.24b–2 of this chapter.

(b) The Commission shall provide the security-based swap execution facility with a written notice of the stay or tolling pending issuance of a joint interpretation.

(c) The stay shall be withdrawn, or the approval review period shall resume, if a joint interpretation finding that the Commission has jurisdiction over the product is issued.

(b) Any security-based swap terms and conditions or rules submitted as part of a security-based swap execution facility's application for registration shall be considered for approval by the Commission at the time the Commission issues the security-based swap execution facility's order of registration.

(c) After the Commission issues the order of registration, the security-based swap execution facility shall submit a security-based swap's terms and conditions, including amendments to such terms and conditions, new rules, or rule amendments pursuant to the procedures in §§ 242.804, 242.805, 242.806, and 242.807.

(d) Any security-based swap terms and conditions or rules submitted as part of an application to reinstate the registration of a dormant security-based swap execution facility shall be considered for approval by the Commission at the time the Commission approves the reinstatement of registration of the dormant security-based swap execution facility.

(b) Demonstration of compliance. Upon the Commission's request, a security-based swap execution facility shall file with the Commission a written demonstration, containing supporting data, information, and documents, that it is in compliance with one or more core principles or with its other obligations under the Act or the Commission's rules thereunder, as the Commission specifies in its request. The security-based swap execution facility shall file such written demonstration in the form and manner, and within the timeframe, specified by the Commission.

(c) Equity interest transfer. (1) Equity interest transfer notification. A security-based swap execution facility shall file with the Commission a notification of any transaction involving the direct or indirect transfer of 50 percent or more of the equity interest in the security-based swap execution facility. The Commission may, upon receiving such notification, request supporting documentation of the transaction.

(2) Timing of notification. The equity interest transfer notice described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall be filed with the Commission in a form and manner specified by the Commission at the earliest possible time, but in no event later than the open of business 10 business days following the date upon which the security-based swap execution facility enters into a firm obligation to transfer the equity interest.

(3) Rule filing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any aspect of an equity interest transfer described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section requires a security-based swap execution facility to file a rule, the security-based swap execution facility shall comply with the applicable rule filing requirements of § 242.806 or § 242.807.

(4) Certification. Upon an equity interest transfer described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the security-based swap execution facility shall file with the Commission, in a form and manner specified by the Commission, a certification that the security-based swap execution facility meets all of the requirements of section 3D of the Act and the Commission rules thereunder, no later than two business days following the date on which the equity interest of 50 percent or more was acquired.

(d) Pending legal proceedings. (1) A security-based swap execution facility shall submit to the Commission a copy of the complaint, any dispositive or partially dispositive decision, any notice of appeal filed concerning such decision, and such further documents as the Commission may thereafter request filed in any material legal proceeding to which the security-based swap execution facility is a party or its property or assets is subject.

(2) A security-based swap execution facility shall submit to the Commission a copy of the complaint, any dispositive or partially dispositive decision, any notice of appeal filed concerning such decision, and such further documents as the Commission may thereafter request filed in any material legal proceeding instituted against any officer, director, or other official of the security-based swap execution facility from conduct in such person's capacity as an official of the security-based swap execution facility and alleging violations of:

(i) The Act or any rule, regulation, or order under the Act;

(ii) The constitution, bylaws, or rules of the security-based swap execution facility; or

(iii) The applicable provisions of State law relating to the duties of officers, directors, or other officials of business organizations.

(3) All documents required by this paragraph (d) to be submitted to the Commission shall be submitted electronically in a form and manner specified by the Commission within 10 days after the initiation of the legal proceedings to which they relate, after the date of issuance, or after receipt by the security-based swap execution facility of the notice of appeal, as the case may be.

(4) For purposes of this paragraph (d), a “material legal proceeding” includes but is not limited to actions involving alleged violations of the Act or the Commission rules thereunder. However, a legal proceeding is not “material” for the purposes of this rule if the proceeding is not in a Federal or State court or if the Commission is a party.

(b) A security-based swap execution facility shall, as soon as technologically practicable after the time of execution of a transaction entered into on or pursuant to the rules of the facility, provide a written record to each counterparty of all of the terms of the transaction that were agreed to on the facility, which shall legally supersede any previous agreement regarding such terms.

(b) A national securities exchange shall, to the extent that the exchange also operates a security-based swap execution facility and uses the same electronic trade execution system for listing and executing trades of security-based swaps on or through the exchange and the facility, identify whether electronic trading of such security-based swaps is taking place on or through the national securities exchange or the security-based swap execution facility.

(2) Execution methods. (i) Each Required Transaction that is not a block trade shall be executed on a security-based swap execution facility in accordance with one of the following methods of execution, except as provided in paragraph (d) or (e) of this section:

(A) An order book; or

(B) A request-for-quote system that operates in conjunction with an order book.

(ii) In providing either one of the execution methods set forth in paragraph (a)(2)(i)(A) or (B) of this section, a security-based swap execution facility may for purposes of execution and communication use any means of interstate commerce, including, but not limited to, the mail, internet, email, and telephone, provided that the chosen execution method satisfies the requirements for order books in § 242.802 of this chapter or in paragraph (a)(3) of this section for request-for-quote systems.

(3) Request-for-quote system means a trading system or platform in which a market participant transmits a request for a quote to buy or sell a specific instrument to no less than three market participants in the trading system or platform, to which all such market participants may respond. The three market participants shall not be affiliates of or controlled by the requester and shall not be affiliates of or controlled by each other. A security-based swap execution facility that offers a request-for-quote system in connection with Required Transactions shall provide the following functionality:

(i) At the same time that the requester receives the first responsive bid or offer, the security-based swap execution facility shall communicate to the requester any firm bid or offer pertaining to the same instrument resting on any of the security-based swap execution facility's order books;

(ii) The security-based swap execution facility shall provide the requester with the ability to execute against such firm resting bids or offers along with any responsive orders; and

(iii) The security-based swap execution facility shall ensure that its trading protocols provide each of its market participants with equal priority in receiving requests for quotes and in transmitting and displaying for execution responsive orders.

(b) Time delay requirement for Required Transactions on an order book. (1) Time delay requirement. With regard to Required Transactions, a security-based swap execution facility shall require that a broker or dealer who seeks to either execute against its customer's order or execute two of its customers' orders against each other through the security-based swap execution facility's order book, following some form of pre-arrangement or pre-negotiation of such orders, be subject to at least a 15-second time delay between the entry of those two orders into the order book, such that one side of the potential transaction is disclosed and made available to other market participants before the second side of the potential transaction, whether for the broker's or dealer's own account or for a second customer, is submitted for execution.

(2) Adjustment of time delay requirement. A security-based swap execution facility may adjust the time period of the 15-second time delay requirement described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, based upon a security-based swap's liquidity or other product-specific considerations; however, the time delay shall be set for a sufficient period of time so that an order is exposed to the market and other market participants have a meaningful opportunity to execute against such order.

(c) Execution methods for Permitted Transactions. (1) Permitted Transaction means any transaction not involving a security-based swap that is subject to the trade execution requirement in section 3C(h) of the Act.

(2) Execution methods. A security-based swap execution facility may offer any method of execution for each Permitted Transaction.

(d) Exceptions to required methods of execution for package transactions. (1) For purposes of this paragraph, a package transaction consists of two or more component transactions executed between two or more counterparties where:

(i) At least one component transaction is a Required Transaction;

(ii) Execution of each component transaction is contingent upon the execution of all other component transactions; and

(iii) The component transactions are priced or quoted together as one economic transaction with simultaneous or near-simultaneous execution of all components.

(2) A Required Transaction that is executed as a component of a package transaction that includes a component security-based swap that is subject exclusively to the Commission's jurisdiction, but is not subject to the clearing requirement under section 3C of the Act and is not intended to be cleared, may be executed on a security-based swap execution facility in accordance with paragraph (c)(2) of this section as if it were a Permitted Transaction;

(3) A Required Transaction that is executed as a component of a package transaction that includes a component that is not a security-based swap may be executed on a security-based swap execution facility in accordance with paragraph (c)(2) of this section as if it were a Permitted Transaction. This provision shall not apply to:

(i) A Required Transaction that is executed as a component of a package transaction in which all other non-security-based swap components are U.S. Treasury securities;

(ii) A Required Transaction that is executed as a component of a package transaction in which all other non-security-based swap components are contracts for the purchase or sale of a commodity for future delivery;

(iii) A Required Transaction that is executed as a component of a package transaction in which all other non-security-based swap components are agency mortgage-backed securities;

(iv) A Required Transaction that is executed as a component of a package transaction that includes a component transaction that is the issuance of a bond in a primary market; and

(v) A Required Transaction that is executed as a component of a package transaction in which all other non-security-based swap components are swaps that are subject to a trade execution requirement under 17 CFR 37.9.

(4) A Required Transaction that is executed as a component of a package transaction that includes a component security-based swap that is not exclusively subject to the Commission's jurisdiction may be executed on a security-based swap in accordance with paragraph (c)(2) of this section as if it were a Permitted Transaction.

(e) Resolution of operational and clerical error trades. (1) A security-based swap execution facility shall maintain rules and procedures that facilitate the resolution of error trades. Such rules shall be fair, transparent, and consistent; allow for timely resolution; require members to provide prompt notice of an error trade—and, as applicable, offsetting and correcting trades—to the security-based swap execution facility; and permit members to:

(i) Execute a correcting trade, in accordance with paragraph (c)(2) of this section, regardless of whether it is a Required or Permitted Transaction, for an error trade that has been rejected from clearing as soon as technologically practicable, but no later than one hour after a registered clearing agency provides notice of the rejection; or

(ii) Execute an offsetting trade and a correcting trade, in accordance with paragraph (c)(2) of this section, regardless of whether it is a Required or Permitted Transaction, for an error trade that was accepted for clearing as soon as technologically practicable, but no later than three days after the error trade was accepted for clearing at a registered clearing agency.

(2) If a correcting trade is rejected from clearing, then the security-based swap execution facility shall not allow the counterparties to execute another correcting trade.

(f) Counterparty anonymity. (1) Except as otherwise required under the Act or the Commission's rules thereunder, a security-based swap execution facility shall not directly or indirectly, including through a third-party service provider, disclose the identity of a counterparty to a security-based swap that is executed anonymously and intended to be cleared.

(2) A security-based swap execution facility shall establish and enforce rules that prohibit any person from directly or indirectly, including through a third-party service provider, disclosing the identity of a counterparty to a security-based swap that is executed anonymously and intended to be cleared.

(3) For purposes of paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) of this section, “executed anonymously” shall include a security-based swap that is pre-arranged or pre-negotiated anonymously, including by a member of the security-based swap execution facility.

(4) For a package transaction that includes a component transaction that is not a security-based swap intended to be cleared, disclosing the identity of a counterparty shall not violate paragraphs (f)(1) or (2) of this section. For purposes of this paragraph (f), a “package transaction” consists of two or more component transactions executed between two or more counterparties where:

(i) Execution of each component transaction is contingent upon the execution of all other component transactions; and

(ii) The component transactions are priced or quoted together as one economic transaction with simultaneous or near-simultaneous execution of all components.

(g) Transactions not accepted for clearing. A security-based swap execution facility shall establish and enforce rules that provide that a security-based swap that is intended to be cleared at the time of the transaction, but is not accepted for clearing at a registered clearing agency, shall be void ab initio.

(2) Listing requirement. A security-based swap execution facility that makes a security-based swap available to trade must demonstrate that it lists or offers that security-based swap for trading on its trading system or platform.

(b) Factors to consider. To make a security-based swap available to trade for purposes of section 3C(h) of the Act, a security-based swap execution facility shall consider, as appropriate, the following factors with respect to such security-based swap:

(1) Whether there are ready and willing buyers and sellers;

(2) The frequency or size of transactions;

(3) The trading volume;

(4) The number and types of market participants;

(5) The bid/ask spread; or

(6) The usual number of resting firm or indicative bids and offers.

(c) Applicability. Upon a determination that a security-based swap is available to trade on a security-based swap execution facility or national securities exchange, all other security-based swap execution facilities and SBS exchanges shall comply with the requirements of section 3C(h) of the Act in listing or offering such security-based swap for trading.

(d) Removal. The Commission may issue a determination that a security-based swap is no longer available to trade upon determining that no security-based swap execution facility or SBS exchange lists such security-based swap for trading.

(e) Exemptions to trade execution requirement. (1) A security-based swap transaction that is executed as a component of a package transaction that also includes a component transaction that is the issuance of a bond in a primary market is exempt from the trade execution requirement in section 3C(h) of the Act. For purposes of paragraph (e) of this section, a package transaction consists of two or more component transactions executed between two or more counterparties where:

(i) At least one component transaction is subject to the trade execution requirement in section 3C(h) of the Act;

(ii) Execution of each component transaction is contingent upon the execution of all other component transactions; and

(iii) The component transactions are priced or quoted together as one economic transaction with simultaneous or near-simultaneous execution of all components.

(2) Section 3C(h) of the Act does not apply to a security-based swap transaction that qualifies for an exception under section 3C(g) of the Act, or any exemption from the clearing requirement that is granted by the Commission, for which the associated requirements are met.

(3)(i) Section 3C(h) of the Act does not apply to a security-based swap transaction that is executed between counterparties that qualify as “eligible affiliate counterparties,” as defined below.

(ii) For purposes of this paragraph (e)(3), counterparties will be “eligible affiliate counterparties” if:

(A) One counterparty, directly or indirectly, holds a majority ownership interest in the other counterparty, and the counterparty that holds the majority interest in the other counterparty reports its financial statements on a consolidated basis under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles or International Financial Reporting Standards, and such consolidated financial statements include the financial results of the majority-owned counterparty; or

(B) A third party, directly or indirectly, holds a majority ownership interest in both counterparties, and the third party reports its financial statements on a consolidated basis under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles or International Financial Reporting Standards, and such consolidated financial statements include the financial results of both of the counterparties.

(iii) For purposes of this paragraph (e)(3), a counterparty or third party directly or indirectly holds a majority ownership interest if it directly or indirectly holds a majority of the equity securities of an entity, or the right to receive upon dissolution, or the contribution of, a majority of the capital of a partnership.

(1) A determination by the Commission that the security-based swap is required to be cleared as set forth in section 3C(a) or any later compliance date that the Commission may establish as a term or condition of such determination or following a stay and review of such determination pursuant to section 3C(c) of the Act and § 240.3Ca–1 of this chapter thereunder; and

(2) Thirty days after the available-to-trade determination submission or certification for that security-based swap is, respectively, deemed approved under § 242.806 or deemed certified under § 242.807.

(b) Nothing in this section shall prohibit any counterparty from complying voluntarily with the requirements of section 3C(h) of the Act sooner than as provided in paragraph (a) of this section.

(b) Reasonable discretion of security-based swap execution facility. Unless otherwise determined by the Commission, by rule or regulation, a security-based swap execution facility described in paragraph (a) of this section shall have reasonable discretion in establishing the manner in which it complies with the core principles described in section 3D of the Act.

(1) Establish and enforce compliance with any rule established by such security-based swap execution facility, including the terms and conditions of the security-based swaps traded or processed on or through the facility, and any limitation on access to the facility;

(2) Establish and enforce trading, trade processing, and participation rules that will deter abuses and have the capacity to detect, investigate, and enforce those rules, including means to provide market participants with impartial access to the market and to capture information that may be used in establishing whether rule violations have occurred; and

(3) Establish rules governing the operation of the facility, including rules specifying trading procedures to be used in entering and executing orders traded or posted on the facility.

(b) Operation of security-based swap execution facility and compliance with rules. (1) A security-based swap execution facility shall establish rules governing the operation of the security-based swap execution facility, including, but not limited to, rules specifying trading procedures to be followed by members when entering and executing orders traded or posted on the security-based swap execution facility.

(2) A security-based swap execution facility shall establish and impartially enforce compliance with the rules of the security-based swap execution facility, including, but not limited to:

(i) The terms and conditions of any security-based swaps traded or processed on or through the security-based swap execution facility;

(ii) Access to the security-based swap execution facility;

(iii) Trade practice rules;

(iv) Audit trail requirements;

(v) Disciplinary rules; and

(vi) Mandatory trading requirements.

(c) Access requirements. (1) Impartial access to markets and market services. A security-based swap execution facility shall provide any eligible contract participant and any independent software vendor with impartial access to its market(s) and market services, including any indicative quote screens or any similar pricing data displays, provided that the facility has:

(i) Criteria governing such access that are impartial, transparent, and applied in a fair and non-discriminatory manner;

(ii) Procedures whereby eligible contract participants provide the security-based swap execution facility with written or electronic confirmation of their status as eligible contract participants, as defined by the Act and Commission rules thereunder, prior to obtaining access; and

(iii) Comparable fee structures for eligible contract participants and independent software vendors receiving comparable access to, or services from, the security-based swap execution facility.

(2) Jurisdiction. Prior to granting any eligible contract participant access to its facilities, a security-based swap execution facility shall require that the eligible contract participant consent to its jurisdiction.

(3) Limitations on access. A security-based swap execution facility shall establish and impartially enforce rules governing any decision to allow, deny, suspend, or permanently bar an eligible contract participant's access to the security-based swap execution facility, including when a decision is made as part of a disciplinary or emergency action taken by the security-based swap execution facility.

(4) Commission review with respect to a denial or limitation of access to any service or a denial or conditioning of membership. (i) In general. An application for review by the Commission may be filed by any person who is aggrieved by a determination of a security-based swap execution facility with respect to any final action with respect to a denial or limitation of access to any service offered by the security-based swap execution facility or any final action with respect to a denial or conditioning of membership, as defined in § 242.835(b)(2) of this chapter (Rule 835(b)(2)), in accordance with § 201.442 of this chapter (Rule of Practice 442).

(ii) Standard to govern Commission review. In reviewing such a determination, if the Commission finds that the specific grounds on which such denial, limitation, or conditioning is based exist in fact, that such denial, limitation, or conditioning is in accordance with the rules of the security-based swap execution facility, and that such rules are, and were applied in a manner, consistent with the purposes of the Exchange Act, the Commission, by order, shall dismiss the proceeding. If the Commission does not make any such finding or if it finds that such denial, limitation, or conditioning imposes any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Exchange Act, the Commission, by order, shall set aside the action of the security-based swap execution facility and require it to admit such person to membership or participation or grant such person access to services offered by the security-based swap execution facility.

(d) Rule enforcement program. A security-based swap execution facility shall establish and enforce trading, trade processing, and participation rules that will deter abuses and it shall have the capacity to detect, investigate, and enforce those rules.

(1) Abusive trading practices prohibited. A security-based swap execution facility shall prohibit abusive trading practices on its markets by members. A security-based swap execution facility that permits intermediation shall prohibit customer-related abuses including, but not limited to, trading ahead of customer orders, trading against customer orders, accommodation trading, and improper cross trading. Specific trading practices that shall be prohibited include front-running, wash trading, pre-arranged trading (except for transactions approved by or certified to the Commission pursuant § 242.806 or § 242.807, respectively), fraudulent trading, money passes, and any other trading practices that a security-based swap execution facility deems to be abusive. A security-based swap execution facility shall also prohibit any other manipulative or disruptive trading practices prohibited by the Act or by the Commission pursuant to Commission regulation.

(2) Capacity to detect and investigate rule violations. A security-based swap execution facility shall have arrangements and resources for effective enforcement of its rules. Such arrangements shall include the authority to collect information and documents on both a routine and non-routine basis, including the authority to examine books and records kept by the security-based swap execution facility's members and by persons under investigation. A security-based swap execution facility's arrangements and resources shall also facilitate the direct supervision of the market and the analysis of data collected to determine whether a rule violation has occurred.

(3) Compliance staff and resources. A security-based swap execution facility shall establish and maintain sufficient compliance staff and resources to ensure that it can conduct effective audit trail reviews, trade practice surveillance, market surveillance, and real-time market monitoring. The security-based swap execution facility's compliance staff shall also be sufficient to address unusual market or trading events as they arise, and to conduct and complete investigations in a timely manner, as set forth in paragraph (d)(6) of this section.

(4) Automated trade surveillance system. A security-based swap execution facility shall maintain an automated trade surveillance system capable of detecting potential trade practice violations. The automated trade surveillance system shall load and process daily orders and trades no later than 24 hours after the completion of the trading day. The automated trade surveillance system shall have the capability to detect and flag specific trade execution patterns and trade anomalies; compute, retain, and compare trading statistics; reconstruct the sequence of market activity; perform market analyses; and support system users to perform in-depth analyses and ad hoc queries of trade-related data.

(5) Real-time market monitoring. A security-based swap execution facility shall conduct real-time market monitoring of all trading activity on its system(s) or platform(s) to identify any market or system anomalies. A security-based swap execution facility shall have the authority to adjust trade prices or cancel trades when necessary to mitigate market disrupting events caused by malfunctions in its system(s) or platform(s) or errors in orders submitted by members. Any trade price adjustments or trade cancellations shall be transparent to the market and subject to standards that are clear, fair, and publicly available.

(6) Investigations and investigation reports. (i) Procedures. A security-based swap execution facility shall establish and maintain procedures that require its compliance staff to conduct investigations of possible rule violations. An investigation shall be commenced upon the receipt of a request from Commission staff or upon the discovery or receipt of information by the security-based swap execution facility that indicates a reasonable basis for finding that a violation may have occurred or will occur.

(ii) Timeliness. Each compliance staff investigation shall be completed in a timely manner. Absent mitigating factors, a timely manner is no later than 12 months after the date that an investigation is opened. Mitigating factors that may reasonably justify an investigation taking longer than 12 months to complete include the complexity of the investigation, the number of firms or individuals involved as potential wrongdoers, the number of potential violations to be investigated, and the volume of documents and data to be examined and analyzed by compliance staff.

(iii) Investigation reports when a reasonable basis exists for finding a violation. Compliance staff shall submit a written investigation report for disciplinary action in every instance in which compliance staff determines from surveillance or from an investigation that a reasonable basis exists for finding a rule violation. The investigation report shall include the reason the investigation was initiated; a summary of the complaint, if any; the relevant facts; compliance staff's analysis and conclusions; and a recommendation as to whether disciplinary action should be pursued.

(iv) Investigation reports when no reasonable basis exists for finding a violation. If after conducting an investigation, compliance staff determines that no reasonable basis exists for finding a rule violation, it shall prepare a written report including the reason the investigation was initiated; a summary of the complaint, if any; the relevant facts; and compliance staff's analysis and conclusions.

(v) Warning letters. The rules of a security-based swap execution facility may authorize its compliance staff to issue a warning letter to a person or entity under investigation or to recommend that a disciplinary panel take such an action. No more than one warning letter may be issued to the same person or entity found to have committed the same rule violation within a rolling 12-month period.

(e) Regulatory services provided by a third party. (1) Use of regulatory service provider permitted. A security-based swap execution facility may choose to contract with a registered futures association (under section 17 of the Commodity Exchange Act), a board of trade designated as a contract market (under section 5 of the Commodity Exchange Act), a national securities exchange, a national securities association, or another security-based swap execution facility (each a “regulatory service provider”), for the provision of services to assist in complying with the Act and Commission rules thereunder, as approved by the Commission. A security-based swap execution facility that chooses to contract with a regulatory service provider shall ensure that such provider has the capacity and resources necessary to provide timely and effective regulatory services, including adequate staff and automated surveillance systems. A security-based swap execution facility shall at all times remain responsible for the performance of any regulatory services received, for compliance with the security-based swap execution facility's obligations under the Act and Commission rules thereunder, and for the regulatory service provider's performance on its behalf.

(2) Duty to supervise regulatory service provider. A security-based swap execution facility that elects to use the service of a regulatory service provider shall retain sufficient compliance staff to supervise the quality and effectiveness of the regulatory services provided on its behalf. Compliance staff of the security-based swap execution facility shall hold regular meetings with the regulatory service provider to discuss ongoing investigations, trading patterns, market participants, and any other matters of regulatory concern. A security-based swap execution facility shall also conduct periodic reviews of the adequacy and effectiveness of services provided on its behalf. Such reviews shall be documented carefully and made available to the Commission upon request.

(3) Regulatory decisions required from the security-based swap execution facility. A security-based swap execution facility that elects to use the service of a regulatory service provider shall retain exclusive authority in all substantive decisions made by its regulatory service provider, including, but not limited to, decisions involving the cancellation of trades, the issuance of disciplinary charges against members, and denials of access to the trading platform for disciplinary reasons. A security-based swap execution facility shall document any instances where its actions differ from those recommended by its regulatory service provider, including the reasons for the course of action recommended by the regulatory service provider and the reasons why the security-based swap execution facility chose a different course of action.

(f) Audit trail. A security-based swap execution facility shall establish procedures to capture and retain information that may be used in establishing whether rule violations have occurred.

(1) Audit trail required. A security-based swap execution facility shall capture and retain all audit trail data necessary to detect, investigate, and prevent customer and market abuses. Such data shall be sufficient to reconstruct all indications of interest, requests for quotes, orders, and trades within a reasonable period of time and to provide evidence of any violations of the rules of the security-based swap execution facility. An acceptable audit trail shall also permit the security-based swap execution facility to track a customer order from the time of receipt through execution on the security-based swap execution facility.

(2) Elements of an acceptable audit trail program. (i) Original source documents. A security-based swap execution facility's audit trail shall include original source documents. Original source documents include unalterable, sequentially identified records on which trade execution information is originally recorded, whether recorded manually or electronically. Records for customer orders (whether filled, unfilled, or cancelled, each of which shall be retained or electronically captured) shall reflect the terms of the order, an account identifier that relates back to the account's owner(s), the time of order entry, and the time of trade execution. A security-based swap execution facility shall require that all orders, indications of interest, and requests for quotes be immediately captured in the audit trail.

(ii) Transaction history database. A security-based swap execution facility's audit trail program shall include an electronic transaction history database. An adequate transaction history database shall include a history of all indications of interest, requests for quotes, orders, and trades entered into a security-based swap execution facility's trading system or platform, including all order modifications and cancellations. An adequate transaction history database shall also include:

(A) All data that are input into the trade entry or matching system for the transaction to match and clear;

(B) The customer type indicator code; and

(C) Timing and sequencing data adequate to reconstruct trading.

(iii) Electronic analysis capability. A security-based swap execution facility's audit trail program shall include electronic analysis capability with respect to all audit trail data in the transaction history database. Such electronic analysis capability shall ensure that the security-based swap execution facility has the ability to reconstruct indications of interest, requests for quotes, orders, and trades, and identify possible trading violations with respect to both customer and market abuse.

(iv) Safe-storage capability. A security-based swap execution facility's audit trail program shall include the capability to safely store all audit trail data retained in its transaction history database. Such safe-storage capability shall include the capability to store all data in the database in a manner that protects it from unauthorized alteration, as well as from accidental erasure or other loss. Data shall be retained in accordance with the recordkeeping requirements of § 242.826 (Core Principle 9).

(3) Enforcement of audit trail requirements. (i) Annual audit trail and recordkeeping reviews. A security-based swap execution facility shall enforce its audit trail and recordkeeping requirements through at least annual reviews of all members and persons and firms subject to the security-based swap execution facility's recordkeeping rules to verify their compliance with the security-based swap execution facility's audit trail and recordkeeping requirements. Such reviews shall include, but are not limited to, reviews of randomly selected samples of front-end audit trail data for order routing systems; a review of the process by which user identifications are assigned and user identification records are maintained; a review of usage patterns associated with user identifications to monitor for violations of user identification rules; and reviews of account numbers and customer type indicator codes in trade records to test for accuracy and improper use.

(ii) Enforcement program required. A security-based swap execution facility shall establish a program for effective enforcement of its audit trail and recordkeeping requirements. An effective program shall identify members, persons, and firms subject to the security-based swap execution facility's recordkeeping rules that have failed to maintain high levels of compliance with such requirements, and impose meaningful sanctions when deficiencies are found. Sanctions shall be sufficient to deter recidivist behavior. No more than one warning letter shall be issued to the same person or entity found to have committed the same violation of audit trail or recordkeeping requirements within a rolling 12-month period.

(g) Disciplinary procedures and sanctions. A security-based swap execution facility shall establish trading, trade processing, and participation rules that will deter abuses and have the capacity to enforce such rules through prompt and effective disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion of members that violate the rules of the security-based swap execution facility.

(1) Enforcement staff. (i) A security-based swap execution facility shall establish and maintain sufficient enforcement staff and resources to effectively and promptly prosecute possible rule violations within the disciplinary jurisdiction of the security-based swap execution facility.

(ii) The enforcement staff of a security-based swap execution facility shall not include members or other persons whose interests conflict with their enforcement duties.

(iii) A member of the enforcement staff shall not operate under the direction or control of any person or persons with trading privileges at the security-based swap execution facility.

(iv) The enforcement staff of a security-based swap execution facility may operate as part of the security-based swap execution facility's compliance department.

(2) Disciplinary panels. A security-based swap execution facility shall establish one or more disciplinary panels that are authorized to fulfill their obligations under the rules of this section. Disciplinary panels shall meet the composition requirements of § 242.834(d), and shall not include any members of the security-based swap execution facility's compliance staff or any person involved in adjudicating any other stage of the same proceeding.

(3) Notice of charges. If compliance staff authorized by a security-based swap execution facility or disciplinary panel thereof determines that a reasonable basis exists for finding a violation and adjudication is warranted, it shall direct that the person or entity alleged to have committed the violation be served with a notice of charges. A notice of charges shall adequately state the acts, conduct, or practices in which the respondent is alleged to have engaged; state the rule or rules alleged to have been violated (or about to be violated); advise the respondent that it is entitled, upon request, to a hearing on the charges; and prescribe the period within which a hearing on the charges may be requested. If the rules of the security-based swap execution facility so provide, a notice may also advise:

(i) That failure to request a hearing within the period prescribed in the notice, except for good cause, may be deemed a waiver of the right to a hearing; and

(ii) That failure to answer or to deny expressly a charge may be deemed to be an admission of such charge.

(4) Right to representation. Upon being served with a notice of charges, a respondent shall have the right to be represented by legal counsel or any other representative of its choosing in all succeeding stages of the disciplinary process, except by any member of the security-based swap execution facility's governing board or disciplinary panel, any employee of the security-based swap execution facility, or any person substantially related to the underlying investigations, such as a material witness or respondent.

(5) Answer to charges. A respondent shall be given a reasonable period of time to file an answer to a notice of charges. The rules of a security-based swap execution facility governing the requirements and timeliness of a respondent's answer to a notice of charges shall be fair, equitable, and publicly available.

(6) Admission or failure to deny charges. The rules of a security-based swap execution facility may provide that, if a respondent admits or fails to deny any of the charges, a disciplinary panel may find that the violations alleged in the notice of charges for which the respondent admitted or failed to deny any of the charges have been committed. If the security-based swap execution facility's rules so provide, then:

(i) The disciplinary panel may impose a sanction for each violation found to have been committed;

(ii) The disciplinary panel shall promptly notify the respondent in writing of any sanction to be imposed and shall advise the respondent that the respondent may request a hearing on such sanction within the period of time, which shall be stated in the notice; and

(iii) The rules of a security-based swap execution facility may provide that, if a respondent fails to request a hearing within the period of time stated in the notice, the respondent will be deemed to have accepted the sanction.

(7) Denial of charges and right to hearing. Where a respondent has requested a hearing on a charge that is denied, or on a sanction set by the disciplinary panel, the respondent shall be given an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with the rules of the security-based swap execution facility.

(8) Settlement offers. (i) The rules of a security-based swap execution facility may permit a respondent to submit a written offer of settlement at any time after an investigation report is completed. The disciplinary panel presiding over the matter may accept the offer of settlement, but may not alter the terms of a settlement offer unless the respondent agrees.

(ii) The rules of a security-based swap execution facility may provide that, in its discretion, a disciplinary panel may permit the respondent to accept a sanction without either admitting or denying the rule violations upon which the sanction is based.

(iii) If an offer of settlement is accepted, the panel accepting the offer shall issue a written decision specifying the rule violations it has reason to believe were committed, including the basis or reasons for the panel's conclusions, and any sanction to be imposed, which shall include full customer restitution where customer harm is demonstrated, except where the amount of restitution or to whom it should be provided cannot be reasonably determined. If an offer of settlement is accepted without the agreement of the enforcement staff, the decision shall adequately support the disciplinary panel's acceptance of the settlement. Where applicable, the decision shall also include a statement that the respondent has accepted the sanctions imposed without either admitting or denying the rule violations.

(iv) The respondent may withdraw its offer of settlement at any time before final acceptance by a disciplinary panel. If an offer is withdrawn after submission, or is rejected by a disciplinary panel, the respondent shall not be deemed to have made any admissions by reason of the offer of settlement and shall not be otherwise prejudiced by having submitted the offer of settlement.

(9) Hearings. A security-based swap execution facility shall adopt rules that provide for the following minimum requirements for any hearing:

(i) The hearing shall be fair, shall be conducted before members of the disciplinary panel, and shall be promptly convened after reasonable notice to the respondent. A security-based swap execution facility need not apply the formal rules of evidence for a hearing; nevertheless, the procedures for the hearing may not be so informal as to deny a fair hearing;

(ii) No member of the disciplinary panel for the hearing may have a financial, personal, or other direct interest in the matter under consideration;

(iii) In advance of the hearing, the respondent shall be entitled to examine all books, documents, or other evidence in the possession or under the control of the security-based swap execution facility. The security-based swap execution facility may withhold documents that are privileged or constitute attorney work product; were prepared by an employee of the security-based swap execution facility but will not be offered in evidence in the disciplinary proceedings; may disclose a technique or guideline used in examinations, investigations, or enforcement proceedings; or disclose the identity of a confidential source;

(iv) The security-based swap execution facility's enforcement and compliance staffs shall be parties to the hearing, and the enforcement staff shall present their case on those charges and sanctions that are the subject of the hearing;

(v) The respondent shall be entitled to appear personally at the hearing, to cross-examine any persons appearing as witnesses at the hearing, to call witnesses, and to present such evidence as may be relevant to the charges;

(vi) The security-based swap execution facility shall require persons within its jurisdiction who are called as witnesses to participate in the hearing and produce evidence. The security-based swap execution facility shall make reasonable efforts to secure the presence of all other persons called as witnesses whose testimony would be relevant. The rules of a security-based swap execution facility may provide that a sanction may be summarily imposed upon any person within its jurisdiction whose actions impede the progress of a hearing; and

(vii) If the respondent has requested a hearing, a copy of the hearing shall be made and shall become a part of the record of the proceeding. The record shall not be required to be transcribed unless:

(A) The transcript is requested by Commission staff or the respondent;

(B) The decision is appealed pursuant to the rules of the security-based swap execution facility; or

(C) The decision is reviewed by the Commission pursuant to § 201.442 of this chapter. In all other instances, a summary record of a hearing is permitted.

(10) Decisions. Promptly following a hearing conducted in accordance with the rules of the security-based swap execution facility, the disciplinary panel shall render a written decision based upon the weight of the evidence contained in the record of the proceeding and shall provide a copy to the respondent. The decision shall include:

(i) The notice of charges or a summary of the charges;

(ii) The answer, if any, or a summary of the answer;

(iii) A summary of the evidence produced at the hearing or, where appropriate, incorporation by reference of the investigation report;

(iv) A statement of findings and conclusions with respect to each charge and a complete explanation of the evidentiary and other basis for such findings and conclusions with respect to each charge;

(v) An indication of each specific rule that the respondent was found to have violated; and

(vi) A declaration of all sanctions imposed against the respondent, including the basis for such sanctions and the effective date of such sanctions.

(11) Emergency disciplinary actions. (i) A security-based swap execution facility may impose a sanction, including suspension, or take other summary action against a person or entity subject to its jurisdiction upon a reasonable belief that such immediate action is necessary to protect the best interest of the market place.

(ii) Any emergency disciplinary action shall be taken in accordance with a security-based swap execution facility's procedures that provide for the following:

(A) If practicable, a respondent should be served with a notice before the action is taken, or otherwise at the earliest possible opportunity. The notice shall state the action, briefly state the reasons for the action, and state the effective time and date, and the duration of the action.

(B) The respondent shall have the right to be represented by legal counsel or any other representative of its choosing in all proceedings subsequent to the emergency action taken. The respondent shall be given the opportunity for a hearing as soon as reasonably practicable and the hearing shall be conducted before the disciplinary panel pursuant to the rules of the security-based swap execution facility.

(C) Promptly following the hearing, the security-based swap execution facility shall render a written decision based upon the weight of the evidence contained in the record of the proceeding and shall provide a copy to the respondent. The decision shall include a description of the summary action taken; the reasons for the summary action; a summary of the evidence produced at the hearing; a statement of findings and conclusions; a determination that the summary action should be affirmed, modified, or reversed; and a declaration of any action to be taken pursuant to the determination, and the effective date and duration of such action.

(12) Right to appeal. The rules of a security-based swap execution facility may permit the parties to a proceeding to appeal promptly an adverse decision of a disciplinary panel in all or in certain classes of cases. Such rules may require a party's notice of appeal to be in writing and to specify the findings, conclusions, or sanctions to which objection are taken. If the rules of a security-based swap execution facility permit appeals, then both the respondent and the enforcement staff shall have the opportunity to appeal and:

(i) The security-based swap execution facility shall establish an appellate panel that is authorized to hear appeals. The rules of the security-based swap execution facility may provide that the appellate panel may, on its own initiative, order review of a decision by a disciplinary panel within a reasonable period of time after the decision has been rendered;

(ii) The composition of the appellate panel shall be consistent with § 242.834(d) and shall not include any members of the security-based swap execution facility's compliance staff or any person involved in adjudicating any other stage of the same proceeding. The rules of a security-based swap execution facility shall provide for the appeal proceeding to be conducted before all of the members of the appellate panel or a panel thereof;

(iii) Except for good cause shown, the appeal or review shall be conducted solely on the record before the disciplinary panel, the written exceptions filed by the parties, and the oral or written arguments of the parties; and

(iv) Promptly following the appeal or review proceeding, the appellate panel shall issue a written decision and shall provide a copy to the respondent. The decision issued by the appellate panel shall adhere to all the requirements of paragraph (g)(10) of this section to the extent that a different conclusion is reached from that issued by the disciplinary panel.

(13) Disciplinary sanctions. (i) In general. All disciplinary sanctions imposed by a security-based swap execution facility or its disciplinary panels shall be commensurate with the violations committed and shall be clearly sufficient to deter recidivism or similar violations by other members. All disciplinary sanctions, including sanctions imposed pursuant to an accepted settlement offer, shall take into account the respondent's disciplinary history. In the event of demonstrated customer harm, any disciplinary sanction shall also include full customer restitution, except where the amount of restitution or to whom it should be provided cannot be reasonably determined.

(ii) Summary fines for violations of rules regarding timely submission of records. A security-based swap execution facility may adopt a summary fine schedule for violations of rules relating to the failure to timely submit accurate records required for clearing or verifying each day's transactions. A security-based swap execution facility may permit its compliance staff, or a designated panel of security-based swap execution facility officials, to summarily impose minor sanctions against persons within the security-based swap execution facility's jurisdiction for violating such rules. A security-based swap execution facility's summary fine schedule may allow for warning letters to be issued for first-time violations or violators. If adopted, a summary fine schedule shall provide for progressively larger fines for recurring violations.

(14) Commission review of a disciplinary sanction. (i) In general. An application for review by the Commission may be filed by any person who is aggrieved by a determination of a security-based swap facility with respect to any final disciplinary action, as defined in § 242.835(b)(1) of this chapter (Rule 835(b)(1)), in accordance with § 201.442 of this chapter (Rule of Practice 442).

(ii) Standard to govern Commission review. (A) In reviewing such a determination, if the Commission finds that such person has engaged in such acts or practices, or has omitted such acts, as the security-based swap execution facility has found him to have engaged in or omitted, that such acts or practices, or omissions to act, are in violation of the Exchange Act, the rules or regulations thereunder, or the rules of the security-based swap execution facility, and that such provisions are, and were applied in a manner, consistent with the purposes of Exchange Act, the Commission, by order, shall so declare and, as appropriate, affirm the sanction imposed by the security-based swap execution facility, modify the sanction in accordance with paragraph (C) of this subsection, or remand to the security-based swap execution facility for further proceedings; or

(B) if the Commission does not make any such finding it shall, by order, set aside the sanction imposed by the security-based swap execution facility and, if appropriate, remand to the security-based swap execution facility for further proceedings.

(C) If the Commission, having due regard for the public interest and the protection of investors, finds that a sanction imposed by a security-based swap execution facility upon such person imposes any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Exchange Act or is excessive or oppressive, the Commission may cancel, reduce, or require the remission of such sanction.

(h) Activities of security-based swap execution facility's employees, governing board members, committee members, and consultants. (1) Definitions. The following definitions shall apply only in this paragraph (h):

(i) Covered interest, with respect to a security-based swap execution facility, means:

(A) A security-based swap that trades on the security-based swap execution facility;

(B) A security of an issuer that has issued a security that underlies a security-based swap that is listed on that facility; or

(C) A derivative based on a security that falls within paragraph (h)(1)(i)(B) of this section.

(ii) Pooled investment vehicle means an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 in which no covered interest constitutes more than 10 percent of the investment company's assets.

(2) Required rules. A security-based swap execution facility must maintain in effect rules which have been submitted to the Commission pursuant to § 242.806 or § 242.807 that, at a minimum, prohibit an employee of the security-based swap execution facility from:

(i) Trading, directly or indirectly, any covered interest; and

(ii) Disclosing to any other person any material, non-public information which such employee obtains as a result of their employment at the security-based swap execution facility, where such employee has or should have a reasonable expectation that the information disclosed may assist another person in trading any covered interest; provided, however, that such rules shall not prohibit disclosures made in the course of an employee's duties, or disclosures made to another security-based swap execution facility, court of competent jurisdiction, or representative of any agency or department of the Federal or State government acting in their official capacity.

(3) Possible exemptions. A security-based swap execution facility may adopt rules, which must be submitted to the Commission pursuant to § 242.806 or § 242.807, which set forth circumstances under which exemptions from the trading prohibition contained in paragraph (h)(2)(i) of this section may be granted; such exemptions are to be administered by the security-based swap execution facility on a case-by-case basis. Specifically, such circumstances may include:

(i) Participation by an employee in a pooled investment vehicle where the employee has no direct or indirect control with respect to transactions executed for or on behalf of such vehicle;

(ii) Trading by an employee in a derivative based on a pooled investment vehicle that falls within paragraph (h)(3)(i) of this section;

(iii) Trading by an employee in a derivative based on an index in which no covered interest constitutes more than 10 percent of the index; and

(iv) Trading by an employee under circumstances enumerated by the security-based swap execution facility in rules which the security-based swap execution facility determines are not contrary to applicable law, the public interest, or just and equitable principles of trade.

(4) Prohibited conduct. (i) No employee, governing board member, committee member, or consultant of a security-based swap execution facility shall:

(A) Trade for such person's own account, or for or on behalf of any other account, in any covered interest on the basis of any material, non-public information obtained through special access related to the performance of such person's official duties as an employee, governing board member, committee member, or consultant; or

(B) Disclose for any purpose inconsistent with the performance of such person's official duties as an employee, governing board member, committee member, or consultant any material, non-public information obtained through special access related to the performance of such duties.

(ii) No person shall trade for such person's own account, or for or on behalf of any other account, in any covered interest on the basis of any material, non-public information that such person knows was obtained in violation of this paragraph (h)(4) from an employee, governing board member, committee member, or consultant.

(i) Service on security-based swap execution facility governing boards or committees by persons with disciplinary histories. (1) A security-based swap execution facility shall maintain in effect rules which have been submitted to the Commission pursuant to § 242.806 or § 242.807 that render a person ineligible to serve on its disciplinary committees, arbitration panels, oversight panels, or governing board who:

(i) Was found within the prior three years by a final decision of a security-based swap execution facility, a self-regulatory organization, an administrative law judge, a court of competent jurisdiction, or the Commission to have committed a disciplinary offense;

(ii) Entered into a settlement agreement with a security-based swap execution facility, a court of competent jurisdiction, or the Commission within the prior three years in which any of the findings or, in the absence of such findings, any of the acts charged included a disciplinary offense;

(iii) Currently is suspended from trading on any security-based swap execution facility, is suspended or expelled from membership with a self-regulatory organization, is serving any sentence of probation, or owes any portion of a fine imposed pursuant to:

(A) A finding by a final decision of a security-based swap execution facility, a self-regulatory organization, an administrative law judge, a court of competent jurisdiction, or the Commission that such person committed a disciplinary offense; or

(B) A settlement agreement with a security-based swap execution facility, a court of competent jurisdiction, or the Commission in which any of the findings or, in the absence of such findings, any of the acts charged included a disciplinary offense;

(iv) Currently is subject to an agreement with the Commission, a security-based swap execution facility, or a self-regulatory organization not to apply for registration with the Commission or membership in any self-regulatory organization;

(v) Currently is subject to or has had imposed on him or her within the prior three years a Commission registration revocation or suspension in any capacity for any reason, or has been convicted within the prior three years of any felony; or

(vi) Currently is subject to a denial, suspension, or disqualification from serving on a disciplinary committee, arbitration panel, or governing board of any security-based swap execution facility or self-regulatory organization.

(2) No person may serve on a disciplinary committee, arbitration panel, oversight panel or governing board of a security-based swap execution facility if such person is subject to any of the conditions listed in paragraphs (i)(1)(i) through (vi) of this section.

(3) A security-based swap execution facility shall submit to the Commission a schedule listing all those rule violations which constitute disciplinary offenses and, to the extent necessary to reflect revisions, shall submit an amended schedule within 30 days of the end of each calendar year. A security-based swap execution facility shall maintain and keep current the schedule required by this section, and post the schedule on the security-based swap execution facility's website so that it is in a public place designed to provide notice to members and otherwise ensure its availability to the general public.

(4) A security-based swap execution facility shall submit to the Commission within 30 days of the end of each calendar year a certified list of any persons who have been removed from its disciplinary committees, arbitration panels, oversight panels, or governing board pursuant to the requirements of this section during the prior year.

(5) Whenever a security-based swap execution facility finds by final decision that a person has committed a disciplinary offense and such finding makes such person ineligible to serve on that security-based swap execution facility's disciplinary committees, arbitration panels, oversight panels, or governing board, the security-based swap execution facility shall inform the Commission of that finding and the length of the ineligibility in a form and manner specified by the Commission.

(6) For purposes of this paragraph:

(i) Arbitration panel means any person or panel empowered by a security-based swap execution facility to arbitrate disputes involving the security-based swap execution facility's members or their customers.

(ii) Disciplinary offense means:

(A) Any violation of the rules of a security-based swap execution facility, except a violation resulting in fines aggregating to less than $5,000 within a calendar year involving:

( 1) Decorum or attire;

( 2) Financial requirements; or

( 3) Reporting or recordkeeping;

(B) Any rule violation which involves fraud, deceit, or conversion or results in a suspension or expulsion;

(C) Any violation of the Act or the Commission's rules thereunder; or

(D) Any failure to exercise supervisory responsibility when such failure is itself a violation of either the rules of the security-based swap execution facility, the Act, or the Commission's rules thereunder.

(E) A disciplinary offense must arise out of a proceeding or action which is brought by a security-based swap execution facility, the Commission, any Federal or State agency, or other governmental body.

(iii) Final decision means:

(A) A decision of a security-based swap execution facility which cannot be further appealed within the security-based swap execution facility, is not subject to the stay of the Commission or a court of competent jurisdiction, and has not been reversed by the Commission or any court of competent jurisdiction; or

(B) Any decision by an administrative law judge, a court of competent jurisdiction, or the Commission which has not been stayed or reversed.

(j) Notification of final disciplinary action involving financial harm to a customer.

(1) Upon any final disciplinary action in which a security-based swap execution facility finds that a member has committed a rule violation that involved a transaction for a customer, whether executed or not, and that resulted in financial harm to the customer:

(i) The security-based swap execution facility shall promptly provide written notice of the disciplinary action to the member; and

(ii) The security-based swap execution facility shall have established a rule pursuant to § 242.806 or § 242.807 that requires a member that receives such a notice to promptly provide written notice of the disciplinary action to the customer, as disclosed on the member's books and records.

(2) A written notice required by paragraph (j)(1) of this section must include the principal facts of the disciplinary action and a statement that the security-based swap execution facility has found that the member has committed a rule violation that involved a transaction for the customer, whether executed or not, and that resulted in financial harm to the customer.

(3) Solely for purposes of this paragraph (j):

(i) Customer means a person that utilizes an agent in connection with trading on a security-based swap execution facility.

(ii) Final disciplinary action means any decision by or settlement with a security-based swap execution facility in a disciplinary matter which cannot be further appealed at the security-based swap execution facility, is not subject to the stay of the Commission or a court of competent jurisdiction, and has not been reversed by the Commission or any court of competent jurisdiction.

(k) Designation of agent for non-U.S. member. (1) A security-based swap execution facility that admits a non-U.S. person as a member shall be deemed to be the agent of the non-U.S. member with respect to any security-based swaps executed by the non-U.S. member. Service or delivery of any communication issued by or on behalf of the Commission to the security-based swap execution facility shall constitute valid and effective service upon the non-U.S. member. The security-based swap execution facility which has been served with, or to which there has been delivered, a communication issued by or on behalf of the Commission to a non-U.S. member shall transmit the communication promptly and in a manner which is reasonable under the circumstances, or in a manner specified by the Commission in the communication, to the non-U.S. member.

(2) It shall be unlawful for a security-based swap execution facility to permit a non-U.S. member to execute security-based swaps on the facility unless the security-based swap execution facility prior thereto informs the non-U.S. member in writing of the requirements of this section.

(3) The requirements of paragraphs (k)(1) and (2) of this section shall not apply if the non-U.S. member has duly executed and maintains in effect a written agency agreement in compliance with this paragraph with a person domiciled in the United States and has provided a copy of the agreement to the security-based swap execution facility prior to effecting any transaction on the security-based swap execution facility. This agreement must authorize the person domiciled in the United States to serve as the agent of the non-U.S. member for purposes of accepting delivery and service of all communications issued by or on behalf of the Commission to the non-U.S. member and must provide an address in the United States where the agent will accept delivery and service of communications from the Commission. This agreement must be filed with the Commission by the security-based swap execution facility prior to permitting the non-U.S. member to effect any transactions in security-based swaps. Such agreements shall be filed in a manner specified by the Commission.

(4) A non-U.S. member shall notify the Commission immediately if the written agency agreement is terminated, revoked, or is otherwise no longer in effect. If the security-based swap execution facility knows or should know that the agreement has expired, been terminated, or is no longer in effect, the security-based swap execution facility shall notify the Commission immediately.

(1) Establish and enforce rules or terms and conditions defining, or specifications detailing:

(i) Trading procedures to be used in entering and executing orders traded on or through the facilities of the security-based swap execution facility; and

(ii) Procedures for trade processing of security-based swaps on or through the facilities of the security-based swap execution facility; and

(2) Monitor trading in security-based swaps to prevent manipulation, price distortion, and disruptions of the delivery or cash settlement process through surveillance, compliance, and disciplinary practices and procedures, including methods for conducting real-time monitoring of trading and comprehensive and accurate trade reconstructions.

(b) Market oversight obligations. A security-based swap execution facility shall:

(1) Collect and evaluate data on its members' market activity on an ongoing basis in order to detect and prevent manipulation, price distortions, and, where possible, disruptions of the physical-delivery or cash-settlement process;

(2) Monitor and evaluate general market data in order to detect and prevent manipulative activity that would result in the failure of the market price to reflect the normal forces of supply and demand;

(3) Demonstrate an effective program for conducting real-time monitoring of trading for the purpose of detecting and resolving abnormalities. A security-based swap execution facility shall employ automated alerts to detect abnormal price movements and unusual trading volumes in real time and instances or threats of manipulation, price distortion, and disruptions on at least a T + 1 basis. The T + 1 detection and analysis should incorporate any additional data that becomes available on a T + 1 basis, including the trade reconstruction data;

(4) Demonstrate the ability to comprehensively and accurately reconstruct daily trading activity for the purpose of detecting instances or threats of manipulation, price distortion, and disruptions; and

(5) Have rules in place that allow it to intervene to prevent or reduce market disruptions. Once a threatened or actual disruption is detected, the security-based swap execution facility shall take steps to prevent the market disruption or reduce its severity.

(c) Monitoring of physical-delivery security-based swaps. For physical-delivery security-based swaps, the security-based swap execution facility shall demonstrate that it:

(1) Monitors a security-based swap's terms and conditions as they relate to the underlying asset market; and

(2) Monitors the availability of the supply of the asset specified by the delivery requirements of the security-based swap.

(d) Additional requirements for cash-settled security-based swaps. (1) For cash-settled security-based swaps, the security-based swap execution facility shall demonstrate that it monitors the pricing of the reference price used to determine cash flows or settlement.

(2) For cash-settled security-based swaps listed on the security-based swap execution facility where the reference price is formulated and computed by the security-based swap execution facility, the security-based swap execution facility shall demonstrate that it monitors the continued appropriateness of its methodology for deriving that price and shall promptly amend any methodologies that result, or are likely to result, in manipulation, price distortions, or market disruptions, or impose new methodologies to resolve the threat of disruptions or distortions.

(3) For cash-settled security-based swaps listed on the security-based swap execution facility where the reference price relies on a third-party index or instrument, including an index or instrument traded on another venue, the security-based swap execution facility shall demonstrate that it monitors for pricing abnormalities in the index or instrument used to calculate the reference price and shall conduct due diligence to ensure that the reference price is not susceptible to manipulation.

(e) Ability to obtain information. (1) A security-based swap execution facility shall demonstrate that it has access to sufficient information to assess whether trading in security-based swaps listed on its market, in the index or instrument used as a reference price, or in the underlying asset for its listed security-based swaps is being used to affect prices on its market. The security-based swap execution facility shall demonstrate that it can obtain position and trading information directly from members that conduct substantial trading on its facility or through an information-sharing agreement with other venues or a third-party regulatory service provider. If the position and trading information is not available directly from its members but is available through information-sharing agreements with other trading venues or a third-party regulatory service provider, the security-based swap execution facility should cooperate in such information-sharing agreements.

(2) A security-based swap execution facility shall have rules that require its members to keep records of their trading, including records of their activity in the underlying asset, and related derivatives markets, and make such records available, upon request, to the security-based swap execution facility or, if applicable, to its regulatory service provider and the Commission. The security-based swap execution facility may limit the application of this requirement to only those members that conduct substantial trading on its facility.

(f) Risk controls for trading. A security-based swap execution facility shall establish and maintain risk control mechanisms to prevent and reduce the potential risk of market disruptions, including, but not limited to, market restrictions that pause or halt trading under market conditions prescribed by the security-based swap execution facility. Such risk control mechanisms shall be designed to avoid market disruptions without unduly interfering with that market's price discovery function. The security-based swap execution facility may choose from among controls that include: pre-trade limits on order size, price collars or bands around the current price, message throttles, daily price limits, and intraday position limits related to financial risk to the clearing member, or design other types of controls, as well as clear error-trade and order-cancellation policies. Within the specific array of controls that are selected, the security-based swap execution facility shall set the parameters for those controls, so that the specific parameters are reasonably likely to serve the purpose of preventing market disruptions and price distortions.

(g) Trade reconstruction. A security-based swap execution facility shall have the ability to comprehensively and accurately reconstruct all trading on its facility. All audit-trail data and reconstructions shall be made available to the Commission in a form, manner, and time that is acceptable to the Commission.

(h) Regulatory service provider. A security-based swap execution facility shall comply with the rules in this section through a dedicated regulatory department or by contracting with a regulatory service provider pursuant to § 242.819(e).

(1) Establish and enforce rules that will allow the facility to obtain any necessary information to perform any of the functions described in section 3D of the Act;

(2) Provide the information to the Commission on request; and

(3) Have the capacity to carry out such international information-sharing agreements as the Commission may require.

(b) Establish and enforce rules. A security-based swap execution facility shall establish and enforce rules that will allow the security-based swap execution facility to have the ability and authority to obtain sufficient information to allow it to fully perform its operational, risk management, governance, and regulatory functions and any requirements under this section, including the capacity to carry out international information-sharing agreements as the Commission may require.

(c) Collection of information. A security-based swap execution facility shall have rules that allow it to collect information on a routine basis, allow for the collection of non-routine data from its members, and allow for its examination of books and records kept by members on its facility.

(d) Provide information to the Commission. A security-based swap execution facility shall provide information in its possession to the Commission upon request, in a form and manner specified by the Commission.

(e) Information-sharing agreements. A security-based swap execution facility shall share information with other regulatory organizations, data repositories, and third-party data reporting services as required by the Commission or as otherwise necessary and appropriate to fulfill its regulatory and reporting responsibilities. Appropriate information-sharing agreements can be established with such entities, or the Commission can act in conjunction with the security-based swap execution facility to carry out such information sharing.

(b) Required clearing. Transactions executed on or through the security-based swap execution facility that are required to be cleared under section 3C(a)(1) of the Act or are voluntarily cleared by the counterparties shall be cleared through a registered clearing agency or a clearing agency that has obtained an exemption from clearing agency registration to provide central counterparty services for security-based swaps.

(c) General financial integrity. A security-based swap execution facility shall provide for the financial integrity of its transactions:

(1) By establishing minimum financial standards for its members, which shall, at a minimum, require that each member qualify as an eligible contract participant;

(2) For transactions cleared by a registered clearing agency:

(i) By ensuring that the security-based swap execution facility has the capacity to route transactions to the registered clearing agency in a manner acceptable to the clearing agency for purposes of clearing; and

(ii) By coordinating with each registered clearing agency to which it submits transactions for clearing, in the development of rules and procedures to facilitate prompt and efficient transaction processing.

(d) Monitoring for financial soundness. A security-based swap execution facility shall monitor its members to ensure that they continue to qualify as eligible contract participants.

(b) To comply with this core principle, a security-based swap execution facility shall adopt rules that are reasonably designed to:

(1) Allow the security-based swap execution facility to intervene as necessary to maintain markets with fair and orderly trading and to prevent or address manipulation or disruptive trading practices, whether the need for intervention arises exclusively from the security-based swap execution facility's market or as part of a coordinated, cross-market intervention;

(2) Have the flexibility and independence to address market emergencies in an effective and timely manner consistent with the nature of the emergency, as long as all such actions taken by the security-based swap execution facility are made in good faith to protect the integrity of the markets;

(3) Take market actions as may be directed by the Commission, including, in situations where a security-based swap is traded on more than one platform, emergency action to liquidate or transfer open interest as directed, or agreed to, by the Commission or the Commission's staff;

(4) Include procedures and guidelines for decision-making and implementation of emergency intervention that avoid conflicts of interest;

(5) Include alternate lines of communication and approval procedures to address emergencies associated with real-time events; and

(6) Allow the security-based swap execution facility, to address perceived market threats, to impose or modify position limits, impose or modify price limits, impose or modify intraday market restrictions, impose special margin requirements, order the liquidation or transfer of open positions in any contract, order the fixing of a settlement price, extend or shorten the expiration date or the trading hours, suspend or curtail trading in any contract, transfer customer contracts and the margin, or alter any contract's settlement terms or conditions, or, if applicable, provide for the carrying out of such actions through its agreements with its third-party provider of clearing or regulatory services.

(c) A security-based swap execution facility shall promptly notify the Commission of its exercise of emergency authority, explaining its decision-making process, the reasons for using its emergency authority, and how conflicts of interest were minimized, including the extent to which the security-based swap execution facility considered the effect of its emergency action on the underlying markets and on markets that are linked or referenced to the contracts traded on its facility, including similar markets on other trading venues. Information on all regulatory actions carried out pursuant to a security-based swap execution facility's emergency authority shall be included in a timely submission of a certified rule pursuant to § 242.807.

(2) The security-based swap execution facility shall be required to have the capacity to electronically capture and transmit and disseminate trade information with respect to transactions executed on or through the facility.

(b) A security-based swap execution facility shall report security-based swap transaction data as required by §§ 242.900 through 242.909 (Regulation SBSR).

(c) A security-based swap execution facility shall make available a “Daily Market Data Report” containing the information required in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this section in a manner and timeframe required by this section.

(1) Contents. The Daily Market Data Report of a security-based swap execution facility for a business day shall contain the following information for each tenor of each security-based swap traded on that security-based swap execution facility during that business day:

(i) The trade count (excluding error trades, correcting trades, and offsetting trades);

(ii) The total notional amount traded (excluding error trades, correcting trades, and offsetting trades);

(iii) The total notional amount of block trades, after such time as the Commission adopts a definition of “block trade” in § 242.802 of this chapter (Rule 802);

(iv) The opening and closing price;

(v) The price that is used for settlement purposes, if different from the closing price; and

(vi) The lowest price of a sale or offer, whichever is lower, and the highest price of a sale or bid, whichever is higher, that the security-based swap execution facility reasonably determines accurately reflects market conditions. Bids and offers vacated or withdrawn shall not be used in making this determination. A bid is vacated if followed by a higher bid or price and an offer is vacated if followed by a lower offer or price.

(2) Additional information. A security-based swap execution facility must record the following information with respect to security-based swaps on that reporting market:

(i) The method used by the security-based swap execution facility in determining nominal prices and settlement prices; and

(ii) If discretion is used by the security-based swap execution facility in determining the opening and/or closing ranges or the settlement prices, an explanation that certain discretion may be employed by the security-based swap execution facility and a description of the manner in which that discretion may be employed. Discretionary authority must be noted explicitly in each case in which it is applied (for example, by use of an asterisk or footnote).

(3) Form of publication. A security-based swap execution facility shall publicly post the Daily Market Data Report on its website:

(i) In a downloadable and machine-readable format using the most recent versions of the associated XML schema and PDF renderer as published on the Commission's website;

(ii) Without fees or other charges;

(iii) Without any encumbrances on access or usage restrictions; and

(iv) Without requiring a user to agree to any terms before being allowed to view or download the Daily Market Data Report, such as by waiving any requirements of this paragraph (c)(3). Any such waiver agreed to by a user shall be null and void.

(4) Timing of publication. A security-based swap execution facility shall publish the Daily Market Data Report on its website as soon as reasonably practicable on the next business day after the day to which the information pertains, but in no event later than 7 a.m. on the next business day.

(5) Duration. A security-based swap execution facility shall keep each Daily Market Data Report available on its website in the same location as all other Daily Market Data Reports for no less than one year after the date of first publication.

(i) Maintain records of all activities relating to the business of the facility, including a complete audit trail, in a form and manner acceptable to the Commission for a period of five years; and

(ii) Report to the Commission, in a form and manner acceptable to the Commission, such information as the Commission determines to be necessary or appropriate for the Commission to perform the duties of the Commission under the Act.

(2) The Commission shall adopt data collection and reporting requirements for security-based swap execution facilities that are comparable to corresponding requirements for clearing agencies and security-based swap data repositories.

(b) Required records. A security-based swap execution facility shall keep full, complete, and systematic records, together with all pertinent data and memoranda, of all activities relating to its business with respect to security-based swaps. Such records shall include, without limitation, the audit trail information required under § 242.819(f) and all other records that a security-based swap execution facility is required to create or obtain under §§ 242.800 through 242.835 (Regulation SE).

(c) Duration of retention. (1) A security-based swap execution facility shall keep records of any security-based swap from the date of execution until the termination, maturity, expiration, transfer, assignment, or novation date of the transaction, and for a period of not less than five years, the first two years in an easily accessible place, after such date.

(2) A security-based swap execution facility shall keep each record other than the records described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section for a period of not less than five years, the first two years in an easily accessible place, from the date on which the record was created.

(d) Record retention. (1) A security-based swap execution facility shall retain all records in a form and manner that ensures the authenticity and reliability of such records in accordance with the Act and the Commission's rules thereunder.

(2) A security-based swap execution facility shall, upon request of any representative of the Commission, promptly furnish to the representative legible, true, complete, and current copies of any records required to be kept and preserved pursuant to this section.

(3)(i) An electronic record shall be retained in a form and manner that allows for prompt production at the request of any representative of the Commission.

(ii) A security-based swap execution facility maintaining electronic records shall establish appropriate systems and controls that ensure the authenticity and reliability of electronic records, including, without limitation:

(A) Systems that maintain the security, signature, and data as necessary to ensure the authenticity of the information contained in electronic records and to monitor compliance with the Act and the Commission's rules thereunder;

(B) Systems that ensure that the security-based swap execution facility is able to produce electronic records in accordance with this section, and ensure the availability of such electronic records in the event of an emergency or other disruption of the security-based swap execution facility's electronic record retention systems; and

(C) The creation and maintenance of an up-to-date inventory that identifies and describes each system that maintains information necessary for accessing or producing electronic records.

(e) Record examination. All records required to be kept by a security-based swap execution facility pursuant to this section are subject to examination by any representative of the Commission pursuant to section 17(b) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78q).

(f) Records of non-U.S. members. A security-based swap execution facility shall keep a record in permanent form, which shall show the true name, address, and principal occupation or business of any non-U.S. member that executes transactions on the facility. Upon request, the security-based swap execution facility shall provide to the Commission information regarding the name of any person guaranteeing such transactions or exercising any control over the trading of such non-U.S. member.

(a) Adopt any rules or take any actions that result in any unreasonable restraint of trade; or

(b) Impose any material anticompetitive burden on trading or clearing.

(1) Establish and enforce rules to minimize conflicts of interest in its decision-making process; and

(2) Establish a process for resolving the conflicts of interest.

(b) A security-based swap execution facility shall comply with the requirements of § 242.834.

(2) The financial resources of a security-based swap execution facility shall be considered to be adequate if the value of the financial resources:

(i) Enables the organization to meet its financial obligations to its members notwithstanding a default by a member creating the largest financial exposure for that organization in extreme but plausible market conditions; and

(ii) Exceeds the total amount that would enable the security-based swap execution facility to cover the operating costs of the security-based swap execution facility for a one-year period, as calculated on a rolling basis.

(b) General requirements. A security-based swap execution facility shall maintain financial resources on an ongoing basis that are adequate to enable it to comply with the core principles set forth in section 3D of the Act and any applicable Commission rules. Financial resources shall be considered adequate if their value exceeds the total amount that would enable the security-based swap execution facility to cover its projected operating costs necessary for the security-based swap execution facility to comply with section 3D of the Act and applicable Commission rules for a one-year period, as calculated on a rolling basis pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section.

(c) Types of financial resources. Financial resources available to satisfy the requirements of this section may include:

(1) The security-based swap execution facility's own capital, meaning its assets minus its liabilities calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States; and

(2) Any other financial resource deemed acceptable by the Commission.

(d) Liquidity of financial resources. The financial resources allocated by a security-based swap execution facility to meet the ongoing requirements of paragraph (b) of this section shall include unencumbered, liquid financial assets ( i.e., cash and/or highly liquid securities) equal to at least the greater of three months of projected operating costs, as calculated on a rolling basis, or the projected costs needed to wind down the security-based swap execution facility's operations, in each case as determined under paragraph (e) of this section. If a security-based swap execution facility lacks sufficient unencumbered, liquid financial assets to satisfy its obligations under this section, the security-based swap execution facility may satisfy this requirement by obtaining a committed line of credit or similar facility in an amount at least equal to such deficiency.

(e) Computation of costs to meet financial resources requirement. (1) A security-based swap execution facility shall, each fiscal quarter, make a reasonable calculation of its projected operating costs and wind-down costs in order to determine its applicable obligations under this section. The security-based swap execution facility shall have reasonable discretion in determining the methodologies used to compute such amounts.

(i) Calculation of projected operating costs. A security-based swap execution facility's calculation of its projected operating costs shall be deemed reasonable if it includes all expenses necessary for the security-based swap execution facility to comply with the core principles set forth in section 3D of the Act and any applicable Commission rules, and if the calculation is based on the security-based swap execution facility's current level of business and business model, taking into account any projected modification to its business model ( e.g., the addition or subtraction of business lines or operations or other changes), and any projected increase or decrease in its level of business over the next 12 months. A security-based swap execution facility may exclude the following expenses (“excludable expenses”) from its projected operating cost calculations:

(A) Costs attributable solely to sales, marketing, business development, product development, or recruitment and any related travel, entertainment, event, or conference costs;

(B) Compensation and related taxes and benefits for personnel who are not necessary to ensure that the security-based swap execution facility is able to comply with the core principles set forth in section 3D of the Act and any applicable Commission rules;

(C) Costs for acquiring and defending patents and trademarks for security-based swap execution facility products and related intellectual property;

(D) Magazine, newspaper, and online periodical subscription fees;

(E) Tax preparation and audit fees;

(F) The variable commissions that a voice-based security-based swap execution facility may pay to its trading specialists, calculated as a percentage of transaction revenue generated by the voice-based security-based swap execution facility; and

(G) Any non-cash costs, including depreciation and amortization.

(ii) Prorated expenses. A security-based swap execution facility's calculation of its projected operating costs shall be deemed reasonable if an expense is prorated and the security-based swap execution facility:

(A) Maintains sufficient documentation that reasonably shows the extent to which an expense is partially attributable to an excludable expense;

(B) Identifies any prorated expense in the financial reports that it submits to the Commission pursuant to paragraph (g) of this section; and

(C) Sufficiently explains why it prorated any expense. Common allocation methodologies that may be used include actual use, headcount, or square footage. A security-based swap execution facility may provide documentation, such as copies of service agreements, other legal documents, firm policies, audit statements, or allocation methodologies to support its determination to prorate an expense.

(iii) Expenses allocated among affiliates. A security-based swap execution facility's calculation of its projected operating costs shall be deemed reasonable if it prorates any shared expense that the security-based swap execution facility pays for, but only to the extent that such shared expense is attributable to an affiliate and for which the security-based swap execution facility is reimbursed. To prorate a shared expense, the security-based swap execution facility shall:

(A) Maintain sufficient documentation that reasonably shows the extent to which the shared expense is attributable to and paid for by the security-based swap execution facility and/or affiliated entity. The security-based swap execution facility may provide documentation, such as copies of service agreements, other legal documents, firm policies, audit statements, or allocation methodologies, that reasonably shows how expenses are attributable to, and paid for by, the security-based swap execution facility and/or its affiliated entities to support its determination to prorate an expense;

(B) Identify any shared expense in the financial reports that it submits to the Commission pursuant to paragraph (g) of this section; and

(C) Sufficiently explain why it prorated the shared expense.

(2) Notwithstanding any provision of paragraph (e)(1) of this section, the Commission may review the methodologies and require changes as appropriate.

(f) Valuation of financial resources. No less than each fiscal quarter, a security-based swap execution facility shall compute the current market value of each financial resource used to meet its obligations under this section. Reductions in value to reflect market and credit risk (“haircuts”) shall be applied as appropriate.

(g) Reporting to the Commission. (1) Each fiscal quarter, or at any time upon Commission request, a security-based swap execution facility shall provide a report to the Commission that includes:

(i) The amount of financial resources necessary to meet the requirements of this section, computed in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (e) of this section, and the market value of each available financial resource, computed in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (f) of this section; and

(ii) Financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows of the security-based swap execution facility.

(A) The financial statements shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, prepared in English, and denominated in U.S. dollars.

(B) The financial statements of a security-based swap execution facility that is not domiciled in the United States, and is not otherwise required to prepare financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, may satisfy the requirement in paragraph (g)(1)(ii)(A) of this section if such financial statements are prepared in accordance with either International Financial Reporting Standards issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, or a comparable international standard as the Commission may otherwise accept in its discretion.

(2) The calculations required by this paragraph (g) shall be made as of the last business day of the security-based swap execution facility's applicable fiscal quarter.

(3) With each report required under paragraph (g) of this section, the security-based swap execution facility shall also provide the Commission with sufficient documentation explaining the methodology used to compute its financial requirements under this section. Such documentation shall:

(i) Allow the Commission to reliably determine, without additional requests for information, that the security-based swap execution facility has made reasonable calculations pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section; and

(ii) Include, at a minimum:

(A) A total list of all expenses, without any exclusion;

(B) All expenses and the corresponding amounts, if any, that the security-based swap execution facility excluded or prorated when determining its operating costs, calculated on a rolling basis, required under this section, and the basis for any determination to exclude or prorate any such expenses;

(C) Documentation demonstrating the existence of any committed line of credit or similar facility relied upon for the purpose of meeting the requirements of this section ( e.g., copies of agreements establishing or amending a credit facility or similar facility); and

(D) All costs that a security-based swap execution facility would incur to wind down its operations, the projected amount of time for any such wind-down period, and the basis of its determination for the estimation of its costs and timing.

(4) The reports and supporting documentation required by this section shall be filed not later than 40 calendar days after the end of the security-based swap execution facility's first three fiscal quarters, and not later than 90 calendar days after the end of the security-based swap execution facility's fourth fiscal quarter, or at such later time as the Commission may permit, in its discretion, upon request by the security-based swap execution facility.

(5) A security-based swap execution facility shall provide notice to the Commission no later than 48 hours after it knows or reasonably should know that it no longer meets its obligations under paragraphs (b) and (d) of this section.

(6) A security-based swap execution facility shall provide the report and documentation required by this section to the Commission electronically using the EDGAR system as an Interactive Data File in accordance with § 232.405 of this chapter.

(1) Establish and maintain a program of risk analysis and oversight to identify and minimize sources of operational risk, through the development of appropriate controls and procedures, and automated systems, that:

(i) Are reliable and secure; and

(ii) Have adequate scalable capacity;

(2) Establish and maintain emergency procedures, backup facilities, and a plan for disaster recovery that allow for:

(i) The timely recovery and resumption of operations; and

(ii) The fulfillment of the responsibilities and obligations of the security-based swap execution facility; and

(3) Periodically conduct tests to verify that the backup resources of the security-based swap execution facility are sufficient to ensure continued:

(i) Order processing and trade matching;

(ii) Price reporting;

(iii) Market surveillance; and

(iv) Maintenance of a comprehensive and accurate audit trail.

(b) Requirements. (1) A security-based swap execution facility's program of risk analysis and oversight with respect to its operations and automated systems shall address each of the following categories of risk analysis and oversight:

(i) Enterprise risk management and governance. This category includes, but is not limited to: Assessment, mitigation, and monitoring of security and technology risk; security and technology capital planning and investment; governing board and management oversight of technology and security; information technology audit and controls assessments; remediation of deficiencies; and any other elements of enterprise risk management and governance included in generally accepted best practices.

(ii) Information security. This category includes, but is not limited to, controls relating to: Access to systems and data (including least privilege, separation of duties, account monitoring, and control); user and device identification and authentication; security awareness training; audit log maintenance, monitoring, and analysis; media protection; personnel security and screening; automated system and communications protection (including network port control, boundary defenses, and encryption); system and information integrity (including malware defenses and software integrity monitoring); vulnerability management; penetration testing; security incident response and management; and any other elements of information security included in generally accepted best practices.

(iii) Business continuity-disaster recovery planning and resources. This category includes, but is not limited to: Regular, periodic testing and review of business continuity-disaster recovery capabilities; the controls and capabilities described in paragraphs (b)(3) and (10) of this section; and any other elements of business continuity-disaster recovery planning and resources included in generally accepted best practices.

(iv) Capacity and performance planning. This category includes, but is not limited to: Controls for monitoring the security-based swap execution facility's systems to ensure adequate scalable capacity (including testing, monitoring, and analysis of current and projected future capacity and performance, and of possible capacity degradation due to planned automated system changes); and any other elements of capacity and performance planning included in generally accepted best practices.

(v) Systems operations. This category includes, but is not limited to: System maintenance; configuration management (including baseline configuration, configuration change and patch management, least functionality, and inventory of authorized and unauthorized devices and software); event and problem response and management; and any other elements of system operations included in generally accepted best practices.

(vi) Systems development and quality assurance. This category includes, but is not limited to: Requirements development; pre-production and regression testing; change management procedures and approvals; outsourcing and vendor management; training in secure coding practices; and any other elements of systems development and quality assurance included in generally accepted best practices.

(vii) Physical security and environmental controls. This category includes, but is not limited to: Physical access and monitoring; power, telecommunication, and environmental controls; fire protection; and any other elements of physical security and environmental controls included in generally accepted best practices.

(2) In addressing the categories of risk analysis and oversight required under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, a security-based swap execution facility shall follow generally accepted standards and best practices with respect to the development, operation, reliability, security, and capacity of automated systems.

(3) A security-based swap execution facility shall maintain a business continuity-disaster recovery plan and business continuity-disaster recovery resources, emergency procedures, and back-up facilities sufficient to enable timely recovery and resumption of its operations and resumption of its ongoing fulfillment of its responsibilities and obligations as a security-based swap execution facility following any disruption of its operations. Such responsibilities and obligations include, without limitation: Order processing and trade matching; transmission of matched orders to a registered clearing agency for clearing, where appropriate; price reporting; market surveillance; and maintenance of a comprehensive audit trail. A security-based swap execution facility's business continuity-disaster recovery plan and resources generally should enable resumption of trading and clearing of security-based swaps executed on or pursuant to the rules of the security-based swap execution facility during the next business day following the disruption. A security-based swap execution facility shall update its business continuity-disaster recovery plan and emergency procedures at a frequency determined by an appropriate risk analysis, but at a minimum no less frequently than annually.

(4) A security-based swap execution facility satisfies the requirement to be able to resume its operations and resume its ongoing fulfillment of its responsibilities and obligations during the next business day following any disruption of its operations by maintaining either:

(i) Infrastructure and personnel resources of its own that are sufficient to ensure timely recovery and resumption of its operations and resumption of its ongoing fulfillment of its responsibilities and obligations as a security-based swap execution facility following any disruption of its operations; or

(ii) Contractual arrangements with other security-based swap execution facilities or disaster recovery service providers, as appropriate, that are sufficient to ensure continued trading and clearing of security-based swaps executed on the security-based swap execution facility, and ongoing fulfillment of all of the security-based swap execution facility's responsibilities and obligations with respect to such security-based swaps, in the event that a disruption renders the security-based swap execution facility temporarily or permanently unable to satisfy this requirement on its own behalf.

(5) A security-based swap execution facility shall notify Commission staff promptly of all:

(i) Electronic trading halts and material system malfunctions;

(ii) Cyber-security incidents or targeted threats that actually or potentially jeopardize automated system operation, reliability, security, or capacity; and

(iii) Activations of the security-based swap execution facility's business continuity-disaster recovery plan.

(6) A security-based swap execution facility shall provide Commission staff timely advance notice of all material:

(i) Planned changes to automated systems that may impact the reliability, security, or adequate scalable capacity of such systems; and

(ii) Planned changes to the security-based swap execution facility's program of risk analysis and oversight.

(7) As part of a security-based swap execution facility's obligation to produce books and records in accordance with § 242.826 (Core Principle 9), the security-based swap execution facility shall provide to the Commission the following system-safeguards-related books and records, promptly upon the request of any Commission representative:

(i) Current copies of its business continuity-disaster recovery plans and other emergency procedures;

(ii) All assessments of its operational risks or system safeguards-related controls;

(iii) All reports concerning system safeguards testing and assessment required by this chapter, whether performed by independent contractors or by employees of the security-based swap execution facility; and

(iv) All other books and records requested by Commission staff in connection with Commission oversight of system safeguards pursuant to the Act or Commission rules, or in connection with Commission maintenance of a current profile of the security-based swap execution facility's automated systems.

(v) Nothing in paragraph (b)(7) of this section shall be interpreted as reducing or limiting in any way a security-based swap execution facility's obligation to comply with § 242.826 (Core Principle 9).

(8) A security-based swap execution facility shall conduct regular, periodic, objective testing and review of its automated systems to ensure that they are reliable, secure, and have adequate scalable capacity. A security-based swap execution facility shall also conduct regular, periodic testing and review of its business continuity-disaster recovery capabilities. Such testing and review shall include, without limitation, all of the types of testing set forth in this paragraph (b)(8).

(i) Definitions. As used in this paragraph (b)(8):

Controls means the safeguards or countermeasures employed by the security-based swap execution facility to protect the reliability, security, or capacity of its automated systems or the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its data and information, and to enable the security-based swap execution facility to fulfill its statutory and regulatory responsibilities.

Controls testing means assessment of the security-based swap execution facility's controls to determine whether such controls are implemented correctly, are operating as intended, and are enabling the security-based swap execution facility to meet the requirements of this section.

Enterprise technology risk assessment means a written assessment that includes, but is not limited to, an analysis of threats and vulnerabilities in the context of mitigating controls. An enterprise technology risk assessment identifies, estimates, and prioritizes risks to security-based swap execution facility operations or assets, or to market participants, individuals, or other entities, resulting from impairment of the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and information or the reliability, security, or capacity of automated systems.

External penetration testing means attempts to penetrate the security-based swap execution facility's automated systems from outside the systems' boundaries to identify and exploit vulnerabilities. Methods of conducting external penetration testing include, but are not limited to, methods for circumventing the security features of an automated system.

Internal penetration testing means attempts to penetrate the security-based swap execution facility's automated systems from inside the systems' boundaries, to identify and exploit vulnerabilities. Methods of conducting internal penetration testing include, but are not limited to, methods for circumventing the security features of an automated system.

Security incident means a cybersecurity or physical security event that actually jeopardizes or has a significant likelihood of jeopardizing automated system operation, reliability, security, or capacity, or the availability, confidentiality or integrity of data.

Security incident response plan means a written plan documenting the security-based swap execution facility's policies, controls, procedures, and resources for identifying, responding to, mitigating, and recovering from security incidents, and the roles and responsibilities of its management, staff, and independent contractors in responding to security incidents. A security incident response plan may be a separate document or a business continuity-disaster recovery plan section or appendix dedicated to security incident response.

Security incident response plan testing means testing of a security-based swap execution facility's security incident response plan to determine the plan's effectiveness, identify its potential weaknesses or deficiencies, enable regular plan updating and improvement, and maintain organizational preparedness and resiliency with respect to security incidents. Methods of conducting security incident response plan testing may include, but are not limited to, checklist completion, walk-through or table-top exercises, simulations, and comprehensive exercises.

Vulnerability testing means testing of a security-based swap execution facility's automated systems to determine what information may be discoverable through a reconnaissance analysis of those systems and what vulnerabilities may be present on those systems.

(ii) Vulnerability testing. A security-based swap execution facility shall conduct vulnerability testing of a scope sufficient to satisfy the requirements set forth in paragraph (b)(10) of this section.

(A) A security-based swap execution facility shall conduct such vulnerability testing at a frequency determined by an appropriate risk analysis.

(B) Such vulnerability testing shall include automated vulnerability scanning, which shall follow generally accepted best practices.

(C) A security-based swap execution facility shall conduct vulnerability testing by engaging independent contractors or by using employees of the security-based swap execution facility who are not responsible for development or operation of the systems or capabilities being tested.

(iii) External penetration testing. A security-based swap execution facility shall conduct external penetration testing of a scope sufficient to satisfy the requirements set forth in paragraph (b)(10) of this section.

(A) A security-based swap execution facility shall conduct such external penetration testing at a frequency determined by an appropriate risk analysis.

(B) A security-based swap execution facility shall conduct external penetration testing by engaging independent contractors or by using employees of the security-based swap execution facility who are not responsible for development or operation of the systems or capabilities being tested.

(iv) Internal penetration testing. A security-based swap execution facility shall conduct internal penetration testing of a scope sufficient to satisfy the requirements set forth in paragraph (b)(10) of this section.

(A) A security-based swap execution facility shall conduct such internal penetration testing at a frequency determined by an appropriate risk analysis.

(B) A security-based swap execution facility shall conduct internal penetration testing by engaging independent contractors, or by using employees of the security-based swap execution facility who are not responsible for development or operation of the systems or capabilities being tested.

(v) Controls testing. A security-based swap execution facility shall conduct controls testing of a scope sufficient to satisfy the requirements set forth in paragraph (b)(10) of this section.

(A) A security-based swap execution facility shall conduct controls testing, which includes testing of each control included in its program of risk analysis and oversight, at a frequency determined by an appropriate risk analysis. Such testing may be conducted on a rolling basis.

(B) A security-based swap execution facility shall conduct controls testing by engaging independent contractors or by using employees of the security-based swap execution facility who are not responsible for development or operation of the systems or capabilities being tested.

(vi) Security incident response plan testing. A security-based swap execution facility shall conduct security incident response plan testing sufficient to satisfy the requirements set forth in paragraph (b)(10) of this section.

(A) A security-based swap execution facility shall conduct such security incident response plan testing at a frequency determined by an appropriate risk analysis.

(B) A security-based swap execution facility's security incident response plan shall include, without limitation, the security-based swap execution facility's definition and classification of security incidents, its policies and procedures for reporting security incidents and for internal and external communication and information sharing regarding security incidents, and the hand-off and escalation points in its security incident response process.

(C) A security-based swap execution facility may coordinate its security incident response plan testing with other testing required by this section or with testing of its other business continuity-disaster recovery and crisis management plans.

(D) A security-based swap execution facility may conduct security incident response plan testing by engaging independent contractors or by using employees of the security-based swap execution facility.

(vii) Enterprise technology risk assessment. A security-based swap execution facility shall conduct enterprise technology risk assessment of a scope sufficient to satisfy the requirements set forth in paragraph (b)(10) of this section.

(A) A security-based swap execution facility shall conduct enterprise technology risk assessment at a frequency determined by an appropriate risk analysis. A security-based swap execution facility that has conducted an enterprise technology risk assessment that complies with this section may conduct subsequent assessments by updating the previous assessment.

(B) A security-based swap execution facility may conduct enterprise technology risk assessments by using independent contractors or employees of the security-based swap execution facility who are not responsible for development or operation of the systems or capabilities being assessed.

(9) To the extent practicable, a security-based swap execution facility shall:

(i) Coordinate its business continuity-disaster recovery plan with those of its members that it depends upon to provide liquidity, in a manner adequate to enable effective resumption of activity in its markets following a disruption causing activation of the security-based swap execution facility's business continuity-disaster recovery plan;

(ii) Initiate and coordinate periodic, synchronized testing of its business continuity- disaster recovery plan with those of members that it depends upon to provide liquidity; and

(iii) Ensure that its business continuity-disaster recovery plan takes into account the business continuity-disaster recovery plans of its telecommunications, power, water, and other essential service providers.

(10) The scope for all system safeguards testing and assessment required by this section shall be broad enough to include the testing of automated systems and controls that the security-based swap execution facility's required program of risk analysis and oversight and its current cybersecurity threat analysis indicate is necessary to identify risks and vulnerabilities that could enable an intruder or unauthorized user or insider to:

(i) Interfere with the security-based swap execution facility's operations or with fulfillment of its statutory and regulatory responsibilities;

(ii) Impair or degrade the reliability, security, or adequate scalable capacity of the security-based swap execution facility's automated systems;

(iii) Add to, delete, modify, exfiltrate, or compromise the integrity of any data related to the security-based swap execution facility's regulated activities; or

(iv) Undertake any other unauthorized action affecting the security-based swap execution facility's regulated activities or the hardware or software used in connection with those activities.

(11) Both the senior management and the governing board of a security-based swap execution facility shall receive and review reports setting forth the results of the testing and assessment required by this section. A security-based swap execution facility shall establish and follow appropriate procedures for the remediation of issues identified through such review, as provided in paragraph (b)(12) of this section, and for evaluation of the effectiveness of testing and assessment protocols.

(12) A security-based swap execution facility shall identify and document the vulnerabilities and deficiencies in its systems revealed by the testing and assessment required by this section. The security-based swap execution facility shall conduct and document an appropriate analysis of the risks presented by such vulnerabilities and deficiencies, to determine and document whether to remediate or accept the associated risk. When the security-based swap execution facility determines to remediate a vulnerability or deficiency, it must remediate in a timely manner given the nature and magnitude of the associated risk.

(2) Duties. The chief compliance officer shall:

(i) Report directly to the board or to the senior officer of the facility;

(ii) Review compliance with the core principles in this subsection;

(iii) In consultation with the board of the facility, a body performing a function similar to that of a board, or the senior officer of the facility, resolve any conflicts of interest that may arise;

(iv) Be responsible for establishing and administering the policies and procedures required to be established pursuant to this section;

(v) Ensure compliance with the Act and the rules and regulations issued under the Act, including rules prescribed by the Commission pursuant to section 3D of the Act;

(vi) Establish procedures for the remediation of noncompliance issues found during compliance office reviews, look backs, internal or external audit findings, self-reported errors, or through validated complaints; and

(vii) Establish and follow appropriate procedures for the handling, management response, remediation, retesting, and closing of noncompliance issues.

(3) Annual reports. (i) In general. In accordance with rules prescribed by the Commission, the chief compliance officer shall annually prepare and sign a report that contains a description of:

(A) The compliance of the security-based swap execution facility with the Act; and

(B) The policies and procedures, including the code of ethics and conflict of interest policies, of the security-based swap execution facility.

(ii) [Reserved]

(4) Requirements. The chief compliance officer shall:

(i) Submit each report described in paragraph (a)(3) of this section with the appropriate financial report of the security-based swap execution facility that is required to be submitted to the Commission pursuant to this section; and

(ii) Include in the report a certification that, under penalty of law, the report is accurate and complete.

(b) Authority of chief compliance officer. (1) The position of chief compliance officer shall carry with it the authority and resources to develop, in consultation with the governing board or senior officer, the policies and procedures of the security-based swap execution facility and enforce such policies and procedures to fulfill the duties set forth for chief compliance officers in the Act and the Commission's rules thereunder.

(2) The chief compliance officer shall have supervisory authority over all staff acting at the direction of the chief compliance officer.

(c) Qualifications of chief compliance officer. (1) The individual designated to serve as chief compliance officer shall have the background and skills appropriate for fulfilling the responsibilities of the position.

(2) No individual that would be disqualified from serving on a security-based swap execution facility's governing board or committees pursuant to the criteria set forth in § 242.819(i) may serve as a chief compliance officer.

(3) In determining whether the background and skills of a potential chief compliance officer are appropriate for fulfilling the responsibilities of the role of the chief compliance officer, a security-based swap execution facility has the discretion to base its determination on the totality of the qualifications of the potential chief compliance officer, including, but not limited to, compliance experience, related career experience, training, potential conflicts of interest, and any other relevant factors to the position.

(d) Appointment and removal of chief compliance officer. (1) Only the governing board or the senior officer may appoint or remove the chief compliance officer.

(2) The security-based swap execution facility shall notify the Commission within two business days of the appointment or removal, whether interim or permanent, of a chief compliance officer.

(e) Compensation of the chief compliance officer. The governing board or the senior officer shall approve the compensation of the chief compliance officer.

(f) Annual meeting with the chief compliance officer. The chief compliance officer shall meet with the governing board or senior officer of the security-based swap execution facility at least annually.

(g) Information requested of the chief compliance officer. The chief compliance officer shall provide any information regarding the regulatory program of the security-based swap execution facility as requested by the governing board or the senior officer.

(h) Duties of chief compliance officer. The duties of the chief compliance officer shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) Overseeing and reviewing compliance of the security-based swap execution facility with section 3D of the Act and the Commission rules thereunder;

(2) Taking reasonable steps, in consultation with the governing board or the senior officer of the security-based swap execution facility, to resolve any material conflicts of interest that may arise, including, but not limited to:

(i) Conflicts between business considerations and compliance requirements;

(ii) Conflicts between business considerations and the requirement that the security-based swap execution facility provide fair, open, and impartial access as set forth in § 242.819(c); and

(iii) Conflicts between a security-based swap execution facility's management and members of the governing board;

(3) Establishing and administering written policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Act and the rules of the Commission;

(4) Taking reasonable steps to ensure compliance with the Act and the rules of the Commission;

(5) Establishing procedures reasonably designed to handle, respond, remediate, retest, and resolve noncompliance issues identified by the chief compliance officer through any means, including any compliance office review, look-back, internal or external audit finding, self-reported error, or validated complaint;

(6) Establishing and administering a compliance manual designed to promote compliance with the applicable laws, rules, and regulations and a written code of ethics for the security-based swap execution facility designed to prevent ethical violations and to promote honesty and ethical conduct by personnel of the security-based swap execution facility;

(7) Supervising the regulatory program of the security-based swap execution facility with respect to trade practice surveillance; market surveillance; real-time market monitoring; compliance with audit trail requirements; enforcement and disciplinary proceedings; audits, examinations, and other regulatory responsibilities (including taking reasonable steps to ensure compliance with, if applicable, financial integrity, financial reporting, sales practice, recordkeeping, and other requirements); and

(8) Supervising the effectiveness and sufficiency of any regulatory services provided to the security-based swap execution facility by a regulatory service provider in accordance with § 242.819(e).

(i) Preparation of annual compliance report. The chief compliance officer shall, not less than annually, prepare and sign an annual compliance report that covers the prior fiscal year. The report shall, at a minimum, contain:

(1) A description and self-assessment of the effectiveness of the written policies and procedures of the security-based swap execution facility, including the code of ethics and conflict of interest policies, to reasonably ensure compliance with the Act and applicable Commission rules;

(2) Any material changes made to compliance policies and procedures during the coverage period for the report and any areas of improvement or recommended changes to the compliance program;

(3) A description of the financial, managerial, and operational resources set aside for compliance with the Act and applicable Commission rules;

(4) Any material non-compliance matters identified and an explanation of the corresponding action taken to resolve such non-compliance matters; and

(5) A certification by the chief compliance officer that, to the best of their knowledge and reasonable belief, and under penalty of law, the annual compliance report is accurate and complete in all material respects.

(j) Submission of annual compliance report and related matters. (1) Furnishing the annual compliance report prior to submission to the Commission. Prior to submission to the Commission, the chief compliance officer shall provide the annual compliance report for review to the governing board or, in the absence of a governing board, to the senior officer. Members of the governing board and the senior officer shall not require the chief compliance officer to make any changes to the report.

(2) Submission of annual compliance report to the Commission. The annual compliance report shall be submitted electronically to the Commission using the EDGAR system as an Interactive Data File in accordance with § 232.405 of this chapter not later than 90 calendar days after the end of the security-based swap execution facility's fiscal year. The security-based swap execution facility shall concurrently file the annual compliance report with the fourth-quarter financial report pursuant to § 242.829(g).

(3) Amendments to annual compliance report. (i) Promptly upon discovery of any material error or omission made in a previously filed annual compliance report, the chief compliance officer shall file an amendment with the Commission to correct the material error or omission. The chief compliance officer shall submit the amended annual compliance report to the governing board, or in the absence of a governing board, to the senior officer, pursuant to paragraph (j)(1) of this section.

(ii) An amendment shall contain the certification required under paragraph (i)(5) of this section.

(4) Request for extension. A security-based swap execution facility may request an extension of time to file its annual compliance report from the Commission. Reasonable and valid requests for extensions of the filing deadline may be granted at the discretion of the Commission.

(k) Recordkeeping. A security-based swap execution facility shall maintain all records demonstrating compliance with the duties of the chief compliance officer and the preparation and submission of annual compliance reports consistent with § 242.826 (Core Principle 9).

(b) A “covered person” means, with respect to a particular security-based swap, any person that is:

(1) A U.S. person;

(2) A non-U.S. person whose performance under a security-based swap is guaranteed by a U.S. person; or

(3) A non-U.S. person who, in connection with its security-based swap dealing activity, uses U.S. personnel located in a U.S. branch or office, or personnel of an agent of such non-U.S. person located in a U.S. branch or office, to arrange, negotiate, or execute a transaction.

(1) The definition of “exchange” in section 3(a)(1) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(1));

(2) The definition of “security-based swap execution facility” in section 3(a)(77) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(77));

(3) The definition of “broker” in section 3(a)(4) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(4)); and

(4) Section 3D(a)(1) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78c–4(a)(1)).

(b) Exemptions relating to the trade execution requirement. (1) An application for an order for exemptive relief under section 36(a)(1) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78mm(a)(1)) relating to the application of the trade execution requirement in section 3C(h) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78c–3(h)) to security-based swaps executed on a foreign trading venue, may state that the application also is submitted pursuant to this paragraph (b).

(2) When considering an application under section 36 of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78mm) and this paragraph (b), the Commission may consider:

(i) The extent to which the security-based swaps traded in the foreign jurisdiction covered by the request are subject to a trade execution requirement comparable to that in section 3C(h) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78c–3(h)) and the Commission's rules thereunder;

(ii) The extent to which trading venues in the foreign jurisdiction covered by the request are subject to regulation and supervision comparable to that under the Act, including section 3D of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78c–4), and the Commission's rules thereunder;

(iii) Whether the foreign trading venue or venues where covered persons, as defined in § 242.832, intend to trade security-based swaps have received an exemption order contemplated by paragraph (a) of this section; and

(iv) Any other factor that the Commission believes is relevant for assessing whether the exemption is in the public interest and consistent with the protection of investors.

Family relationship of a person means the person's spouse, former spouse, parent, stepparent, child, stepchild, sibling, stepbrother, stepsister, grandparent, grandchild, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, or in-law.

Major disciplinary committee means a committee of persons who are authorized by a security-based swap execution facility to conduct disciplinary hearings, to settle disciplinary charges, to impose disciplinary sanctions, or to hear appeals thereof in cases involving any violation of the rules of the security-based swap execution facility except those which:

(i) Are related to decorum or attire, financial requirements, or reporting or recordkeeping; and

(ii) Do not involve fraud, deceit, or conversion.

Member's affiliated firm is a firm in which the member is a principal or an employee.

Named party in interest means a person or entity that is identified by name as a subject of any matter being considered by a governing board, disciplinary committee, or oversight panel.

Significant action includes any of the following types of actions or rule changes by a security-based swap execution facility or SBS exchange that can be implemented without the Commission's prior approval:

(i) Any actions or rule changes which address an emergency; and

(ii) Any changes in margin levels that are designed to respond to extraordinary market conditions such as an actual or attempted corner, squeeze, congestion, or undue concentration of positions, or that otherwise are likely to have a substantial effect on prices in any contract traded or cleared at such security-based swap execution facility or SBS exchange; but does not include any rule not submitted for prior Commission approval because such rule is unrelated to the terms and conditions of any security-based swap traded at such security-based swap execution facility or SBS exchange.

(b) Ownership and voting limitations. Each security-based swap execution facility and SBS exchange shall not permit any of its members, either alone or together with any officer, principal, or employee of the member, to:

(1) Own, directly or indirectly, 20 percent or more of any class of voting securities or of other voting interest in the security-based swap execution facility or SBS exchange; or

(2) Directly or indirectly vote, cause the voting of, or give any consent or proxy with respect to the voting of, any interest that exceeds 20 percent of the voting power of any class of securities or of other ownership interest in the security-based swap execution facility or SBS exchange.

(3) The ownership and voting limitations in paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section shall not apply to an SBSEF that has, pursuant to § 242.819(e), entered into an agreement with a registered futures association or a national securities association for the provision of regulatory services that encompass, at a minimum, real-time market monitoring under § 242.819(d)(5) and investigations and investigation reports under § 242.819(d)(6).

(c) Enforcement of limitations. The rules of each security-based swap execution facility and SBS exchange must be reasonably designed, and have an effective mechanism, to:

(1) Deny effect to the portion of any voting interest held by a member in excess of the limitations in paragraph (b) of this section;

(2) Compel a member who possesses a voting interest in excess of the limitations in paragraph (b) of this section to divest enough of that voting interest to come within those limitations; and

(3) Obtain information relating to its ownership and voting interests owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by its members.

(d) Disciplinary committees and hearing panels. Each security-based swap execution facility and SBS exchange shall ensure that its disciplinary processes preclude any member, or group or class of its members, from dominating or exercising disproportionate influence on the disciplinary process. Each major disciplinary committee or hearing panel thereof shall include sufficient different groups or classes of its members so as to ensure fairness and to prevent special treatment or preference for any person or member in the conduct of the responsibilities of the committee or panel.

(e) Governing board composition. Each security-based swap execution facility and SBS exchange shall ensure that:

(1) Twenty percent or more of the persons who are eligible to vote routinely on matters being considered by the governing board (excluding those members who are eligible to vote only in the case of a tie vote by the governing board) are:

(i) Knowledgeable of security-based swap trading or financial regulation, or otherwise capable of contributing to governing board deliberations;

(ii) Not members of the security-based swap execution facility or SBS exchange;

(iii) Not salaried employees of the security-based swap execution facility or SBS exchange;

(iv) Not primarily performing services for the security-based swap execution facility or SBS exchange in a capacity other than as a member of the governing board; and

(v) Not officers, principals, or employees of a firm which holds a membership at the security-based swap execution facility or SBS exchange, either in its own name or through an employee on behalf of the firm; and

(2) The membership of the governing board includes a diversity of groups or classes of its members. The security-based swap execution facility or SBS exchange must be able to demonstrate that the board membership fairly represents the diversity of interests at such security-based swap execution facility or SBS exchange and is otherwise consistent with the composition requirements of this section.

(f) Providing information about the board to the Commission. Each security-based swap execution facility and SBS exchange shall submit to the Commission, within 30 days after each governing board election, a list of the governing board's members, the groups or classes of its members that they represent, and how the composition of the governing board otherwise meets the requirements of this section.

(g) Voting by interested members of governing boards and various committees of security-based swap execution facilities and SBS exchanges. (1) Rules required. Each security-based swap execution facility and SBS exchange shall maintain in effect rules to address the avoidance of conflicts of interest in the execution of its regulatory functions. Such rules must provide for the following:

(i) Relationship with named party in interest. (A) Nature of relationship. A member of a governing board, disciplinary committee, or oversight panel of a security-based swap execution facility or SBS exchange must abstain from such body's deliberations and voting on any matter involving a named party in interest where such member:

( 1) Is a named party in interest;

( 2) Is an employer, employee, or fellow employee of a named party in interest;

( 3) Has any other significant, ongoing business relationship with a named party in interest, not including relationships limited to executing security-based swaps opposite of each other or to clearing security-based swaps through the same clearing member; or

( 4) Has a family relationship with a named party in interest.

(B) Disclosure of relationship. Prior to the consideration of any matter involving a named party in interest, each member of a governing board, disciplinary committee, or oversight panel of a security-based swap execution facility or SBS exchange must disclose to the appropriate staff of the security-based swap execution facility or SBS exchange whether they have one of the relationships listed in paragraph (g)(1)(i)(A) of this section with a named party in interest.

(C) Procedure for determination. Each security-based swap execution facility and SBS exchange must establish procedures for determining whether any member of its governing board, disciplinary committees, or oversight committees is subject to a conflicts restriction in any matter involving a named party in interest. Taking into consideration the exigency of the committee action, such determinations should be based upon:

( 1) Information provided by the member pursuant to paragraph (g)(1)(i)(B) of this section; and

( 2) Any other source of information that is held by and reasonably available to the security-based swap execution facility or SBS exchange.

(ii) Financial interest in a significant action. (A) Nature of interest. A member of the governing board, disciplinary committee, or oversight panel of a security-based swap execution facility or SBS exchange must abstain from such body's deliberations and voting on any significant action if the member knowingly has a direct and substantial financial interest in the result of the vote based upon either exchange or non-exchange positions that could reasonably be expected to be affected by the action.

(B) Disclosure of interest. Prior to the consideration of any significant action, each member of a governing board, disciplinary committee, or oversight panel of a security-based swap execution facility or SBS exchange must disclose to the appropriate staff of the security-based swap execution facility or SBS exchange the position information referred to in paragraph (g)(1)(ii)(C) of this section that is known to them. This requirement does not apply to members who choose to abstain from deliberations and voting on the subject significant action.

(C) Procedure for determination. Each security-based swap execution facility and SBS exchange must establish procedures for determining whether any member of its governing board, disciplinary committees, or oversight committees is subject to a conflicts restriction under this section in any significant action. Such determination must include a review of any positions, whether maintained at that security-based swap execution facility, SBS exchange, or elsewhere, held in the member's personal accounts or the proprietary accounts of the member's affiliated firm that the security-based swap execution facility or SBS exchange reasonably expects could be affected by the significant action.

(D) Bases for determination. Taking into consideration the exigency of the significant action, such determinations should be based upon:

( 1) Information provided by the member with respect to positions pursuant to paragraph (f)(2)(ii)(B) of this section; and

( 2) Any other source of information that is held by and reasonably available to the security-based swap execution facility or SBS exchange.

(iii) Participation in deliberations. (A) Under the rules required by this section, a governing board, disciplinary committee, or oversight panel of a security-based swap execution facility or SBS exchange may permit a member to participate in deliberations prior to a vote on a significant action for which they otherwise would be required to abstain, pursuant to paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section, if such participation would be consistent with the public interest and the member recuses from voting on such action.

(B) In making a determination as to whether to permit a member to participate in deliberations on a significant action for which they otherwise would be required to abstain, the deliberating body shall consider the following factors:

( 1) Whether the member's participation in deliberations is necessary for the deliberating body to achieve a quorum in the matter; and

( 2) Whether the member has unique or special expertise, knowledge, or experience in the matter under consideration.

(C) Prior to any determination pursuant to paragraph (g)(1)(iii)(A) of this section, the deliberating body must fully consider the position information which is the basis for the member's direct and substantial financial interest in the result of a vote on a significant action pursuant to paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section.

(iv) Documentation of determination. The governing boards, disciplinary committees, and oversight panels of each security-based swap execution facility and SBS exchange must reflect in their minutes or otherwise document that the conflicts determination procedures required by this section have been followed. Such records also must include:

(A) The names of all members who attended the meeting in person or who otherwise were present by electronic means;

(B) The name of any members who voluntarily recused themselves or were required to abstain from deliberations and/or voting on a matter and the reason for the recusal or abstention, if stated; and

(C) Information on the position information that was reviewed for each member.

(h) Rules required. (1) A security-based swap execution facility shall maintain in effect rules to comply with this section that have been submitted to the Commission pursuant to § 242.806 or § 242.807.

(2) An SBS exchange shall maintain in effect rules to comply with this section that have been submitted to the Commission pursuant to § 240.19b-4 of this chapter.

(b) For purposes of paragraph (a) of this section:

(1) A disciplinary action shall not be considered “final” unless:

(i) The affected person has exhausted their administrative remedies at the security-based swap execution facility; and

(ii) The disciplinary action is not a summary action permitted under § 242.819(g)(13)(ii).

(2) A disposition of a matter with respect to a denial or conditioning of membership, or a denial or limitation of access shall not be considered “final” unless such person has exhausted their administrative remedies at the security-based swap execution facility with respect to such matter.

(c) A notice required by paragraph (a) of this section shall provide the following information:

(1) The name of the member and its last known address, as reflected in the security-based swap execution facility's records;

(2) The name of the person, committee, or other organizational unit of the security-based swap execution facility that initiated the disciplinary action or access restriction;

(3) In the case of a final disciplinary action:

(i) A description of the acts or practices, or omissions to act, upon which the sanction is based, including, as appropriate, the specific rules that the security-based swap execution facility has found to have been violated;

(ii) A statement describing the respondent's answer to the charges; and

(iii) A statement of the sanction imposed and the reasons therefor;

(4) In the case of a final action with respect to a denial or conditioning of membership, or a denial or limitation of access:

(i) The financial or operating difficulty of the member or prospective member (as the case may be) upon which the security-based swap execution facility determined that the member or prospective member could not be permitted to do, or continue to do, business with safety to investors, creditors, other members, or the security-based swap execution facility;

(ii) The pertinent failure to meet qualification requirements or other prerequisites for membership or access and the basis upon which the security-based swap execution facility determined that the person concerned could not be permitted to have membership or access with safety to investors, creditors, other members, or the security-based swap execution facility; or

(iii) The default of any delivery of funds or securities to a clearing agency by the member;

(5) The effective date of the final disciplinary action, or final action with respect to a denial or conditioning of membership, or a denial or limitation of access; and

(6) Any other information that the security-based swap execution facility may deem relevant.