Appendix A to Part 37 - Form SEF
17:1.0.1.1.30.18.7.1.29 : Appendix A
Appendix A to Part 37 - Form SEF COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING
COMMISSION FORM SEF SWAP EXECUTION FACILITY APPLICATION OR
AMENDMENT TO APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION Registration Instructions
Intentional misstatements or omissions of material fact may
constitute federal criminal violations (7 U.S.C. § 13 and 18 U.S.C.
§ 1001) or grounds for disqualification from registration.
DEFINITIONS
Unless the context requires otherwise, all terms used in this
Form SEF have the same meaning as in the Commodity Exchange Act, as
amended (“Act”), and in the General Rules and Regulations of the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“Commission”) thereunder.
For the purposes of this Form SEF, the term “Applicant” shall
include any applicant for registration as a swap execution
facility, any applicant amending a pending application, or any
registered swap execution facility that is applying for an
amendment to its order of registration.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. This Form SEF, which includes instructions, a Cover Sheet,
and required Exhibits (together, “Form SEF”), is to be filed with
the Commission by all Applicants, pursuant to section 5h of the Act
and the Commission's regulations thereunder. Applicants may prepare
their own Form SEF but must follow the format prescribed herein.
Upon the filing of an application for registration or a
registration amendment in accordance with the instructions provided
herein, the Commission will publish notice of the filing and afford
interested persons an opportunity to submit written data, views,
and arguments concerning such application. No application for
registration or registration amendment shall be effective unless
the Commission, by order, grants such registration or amended
registration.
2. Individuals' names, except the executing signature, shall be
given in full (Last Name, First Name, Middle Name).
3. Signatures on all copies of the Form SEF filed with the
Commission can be executed electronically. If this Form SEF is
filed by a corporation, it shall be signed in the name of the
corporation by a principal officer duly authorized; if filed by a
limited liability company, it shall be signed in the name of the
limited liability company by a manager or member duly authorized to
sign on the limited liability company's behalf; if filed by a
partnership, it shall be signed in the name of the partnership by a
general partner duly authorized; if filed by an unincorporated
organization or association which is not a partnership, it shall be
signed in the name of such organization or association by the
managing agent, i.e., a duly authorized person who directs or
manages or who participates in the directing or managing of its
affairs.
4. If this Form SEF is being filed as an application for
registration, all applicable items must be answered in full. If any
item is inapplicable, indicate by “none,” “not applicable,” or
“N/A,” as appropriate.
5. Under section 5h of the Act and the Commission's regulations
thereunder, the Commission is authorized to solicit the information
required to be supplied by this Form SEF from any Applicant seeking
registration as a swap execution facility and from any registered
swap execution facility. Disclosure by the Applicant of the
information specified on this Form SEF is mandatory prior to the
start of the processing of an application for, or an amendment to,
registration as a swap execution facility. The information provided
in this Form SEF will be used for the principal purpose of
determining whether the Commission should grant or deny
registration to an Applicant. The Commission may determine that
additional information is required from the Applicant in order to
process its application. A Form SEF which is not prepared and
executed in compliance with applicable requirements and
instructions may be returned as not acceptable for filing.
Acceptance of this Form SEF, however, shall not constitute a
finding that the Form SEF has been filed as required or that the
information submitted is true, current, or complete.
6. Except in cases where confidential treatment is requested by
the Applicant and granted by the Commission pursuant to the Freedom
of Information Act and the rules of the Commission thereunder,
information supplied on this Form SEF will be included routinely in
the public files of the Commission and will be available for
inspection by any interested person.
APPLICATION AMENDMENTS
1. An Applicant amending a pending application for registration
as a swap execution facility or requesting an amendment to an order
of registration shall file an amended Form SEF electronically with
the Secretary of the Commission in the manner specified by the
Commission. Otherwise, a swap execution facility shall file any
amendment to this Form SEF as a submission under part 40 of the
Commission's regulations or as specified by the Commission.
2. When filing this Form SEF for purposes of amending a pending
application or requesting an amendment to an order of registration,
Applicants must re-file the Cover Sheet, amended if necessary and
including an executing signature, and attach thereto revised
Exhibits or other materials marked to show changes, as applicable.
The submission of an amendment represents that the remaining items
and Exhibits that are not amended remain true, current, and
complete as previously filed.
WHERE TO FILE
This Form SEF must be filed electronically with the Secretary of
the Commission in the manner specified by the Commission.
COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION FORM SEF SWAP EXECUTION
FACILITY APPLICATION OR AMENDMENT TO APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION
Cover Sheet Exact name of Applicant as specified in charter Address
of principal executive offices
If this is an APPLICATION for registration, complete in full and
check here.
If this is an AMENDMENT to an application, or to an existing
order of registration, list all items that are amended and check
here.
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Name under which the business of the swap execution facility
is or will be conducted, if different than name specified above
(include acronyms, if any):
2. If name of swap execution facility is being amended, state
previous swap execution facility name:
3. Contact information, including mailing address if different
than address specified above:
Number and Street City State Country Zip Code Main Phone Number Fax
Web site URL Email Address
4. List of principal office(s) and address(es) where swap
execution facility activities are/will be conducted:
Office Address
5. If the Applicant is a successor to a previously registered
swap execution facility, please complete the following:
a. Date of succession
b. Full name and address of predecessor registrant
Name Number and Street City State Country Zip Code Main Phone
Number Web site URL BUSINESS ORGANIZATION
6. Applicant is a:
Corporation Partnership Limited Liability Company Other form of
organization (specify)
7. Date of incorporation or formation:
8. State of incorporation or jurisdiction of organization:
9. The Applicant agrees and consents that the notice of any
proceeding before the Commission in connection with this
application may be given by sending such notice by certified mail
to the person named below at the address given.
Print Name and Title Name of Applicant Number and Street City State
Zip Code SIGNATURES
10. The Applicant has duly caused this application or amendment
to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly
authorized, this ___ day of ______, 20__. The Applicant and the
undersigned represent hereby that all information contained herein
is true, current, and complete. It is understood that all required
items and Exhibits are considered integral parts of this Form SEF
and that the submission of any amendment represents that all
unamended items and Exhibits remain true, current, and complete as
previously filed.
Name of Applicant Signature of Duly Authorized Person Print Name
and Title of Signatory COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION FORM
SEF SWAP EXECUTION FACILITY APPLICATION OR AMENDMENT TO APPLICATION
FOR REGISTRATION Exhibits Instructions
The following Exhibits must be filed with the Commission by each
Applicant applying for registration as a swap execution facility,
or by a registered swap execution facility amending its
registration, pursuant to section 5h of the Act and the
Commission's regulations thereunder. The Exhibits must be labeled
according to the items specified in this Form SEF.
The application must include a Table of Contents listing each
Exhibit required by this Form SEF and indicating which, if any,
Exhibits are inapplicable. For any Exhibit that is inapplicable,
next to the Exhibit letter specify “none,” “not applicable,” or
“N/A,” as appropriate.
If the Applicant is a newly formed enterprise and does not have
the financial statements required pursuant to Items 9 and 10
(Exhibits I and J) of this Form SEF, the Applicant should provide
pro forma financial statements for the most recent six
months or since inception, whichever is less.
List of Exhibits EXHIBITS - BUSINESS ORGANIZATION
1. Attach as Exhibit A, the name of any person who owns ten
percent (10%) or more of the Applicant's stock or who, either
directly or indirectly, through agreement or otherwise, in any
other manner, may control or direct the management or policies of
the Applicant.
Provide as part of Exhibit A the full name and address of each
such person and attach a copy of the agreement or, if there is none
written, describe the agreement or basis upon which such person
exercises or may exercise such control or direction.
2. Attach as Exhibit B, a list of the present officers,
directors, governors (and, in the case of an Applicant that is not
a corporation, the members of all standing committees, grouped by
committee), or persons performing functions similar to any of the
foregoing, of the swap execution facility or of any entity that
performs the regulatory activities of the Applicant, indicating for
each:
a. Name b. Title c. Dates of commencement and termination of
present term of office or position d. Length of time each present
officer, director, or governor has held the same office or position
e. Brief account of the business experience of each officer and
director over the last five (5) years f. Any other business
affiliations in the derivatives and securities industry g. For
directors, list any committees on which they serve and any
compensation received by virtue of their directorship h. A
description of:
(1) Any order of the Commission with respect to such person
pursuant to section 5e of the Act;
(2) Any conviction or injunction against such person within the
past ten (10) years;
(3) Any disciplinary action with respect to such person within
the last five (5) years;
(4) Any disqualification under sections 8b and 8d of the
Act;
(5) Any disciplinary action under section 8c of the Act; and
(6) Any violation pursuant to section 9 of the Act.
3. Attach as Exhibit C, a narrative that sets forth the fitness
standards for the Board of Directors and its composition including
the number and percentage of public directors.
4. Attach as Exhibit D, a narrative or graphic description of
the organizational structure of the Applicant. Include a list of
all affiliates of the Applicant and indicate the general nature of
the affiliation. Note: If the swap execution facility activities of
the Applicant are or will be conducted primarily by a division,
subdivision, or other separate entity within the Applicant,
corporation, or organization, describe the relationship of such
entity within the overall organizational structure and attach as
Exhibit D a description only as it applies to the division,
subdivision, or separate entity, as applicable. Additionally,
provide any relevant jurisdictional information, including any and
all jurisdictions in which the Applicant or any affiliated entity
are doing business, and registration status, including pending
applications (e.g., country, regulator, registration category, date
of registration). Provide the address for legal service of process
for each jurisdiction, which cannot be a post office box.
5. Attach as Exhibit E, a description of the personnel
qualifications for each category of professional employees employed
by the Applicant or the division, subdivision, or other separate
entity within the Applicant as described in Item 4.
6. Attach as Exhibit F, an analysis of staffing requirements
necessary to carry out the operations of the Applicant as a swap
execution facility and the name and qualifications of each key
staff person.
7. Attach as Exhibit G, a copy of the constitution, articles of
incorporation, formation, or association with all amendments
thereto, partnership or limited liability agreements, and existing
by-laws, operating agreement, rules or instruments corresponding
thereto, of the Applicant. Include any additional governance
fitness information not included in Exhibit C. Provide a
certificate of good standing dated within one week of the date of
this Form SEF.
8. Attach as Exhibit H, a brief description of any material
pending legal proceeding(s), other than ordinary and routine
litigation incidental to the business, to which the Applicant or
any of its affiliates is a party or to which any of its or their
property is the subject. Include the name of the court or agency
where the proceeding(s) are pending, the date(s) instituted, the
principal parties involved, a description of the factual basis
alleged to underlie the proceeding(s), and the relief sought.
Include similar information as to any proceeding(s) known to be
contemplated by the governmental agencies.
EXHIBITS - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
9. Attach as Exhibit I:
a. (i) Balance sheet, (ii) Statement of income and expenses,
(iii) Statement of cash flows, and (iv) Statement of sources and
application of revenues and all notes or schedules thereto, as of
the most recent fiscal year of the Applicant, or of its parent
company, if applicable. If a balance sheet and any statement(s)
certified by an independent public accountant are available, that
balance sheet and statement(s) should be submitted as Exhibit
I.
b. Provide a narrative of how the value of the financial
resources of the Applicant is at least equal to a total amount that
would enable the Applicant to cover its operating costs for a
period of at least one year, calculated on a rolling basis, and
whether such financial resources include unencumbered, liquid
financial assets (i.e., cash and/or highly liquid
securities) equal to at least six months' operating costs.
c. Attach copies of any agreements establishing or amending a
credit facility, insurance coverage, or other arrangement
evidencing or otherwise supporting the Applicant's conclusions
regarding the liquidity of its financial assets.
d. Representations regarding sources and estimates for future
ongoing operational resources.
10. Attach as Exhibit J, a balance sheet and an income and
expense statement for each affiliate of the swap execution facility
that also engages in swap execution facility activities or that
engages in designated contract market activities as of the end of
the most recent fiscal year of each such affiliate.
11. Attach as Exhibit K, the following:
a. A complete list of all dues, fees, and other charges imposed,
or to be imposed, by or on behalf of the Applicant for its swap
execution facility services that are provided on an exclusive basis
and identify the service or services provided for each such due,
fee, or other charge.
b. A description of the basis and methods used in determining
the level and structure of the dues, fees, and other charges listed
in paragraph (a) of this item.
c. If the Applicant differentiates, or proposes to
differentiate, among its customers or classes of customers in the
amount of any dues, fees, or other charges imposed for the same or
similar exclusive services, describe and indicate the amount of
each differential. In addition, identify and describe any
differences in the cost of providing such services and any other
factors that account for such differentiations.
EXHIBITS - COMPLIANCE
12. Attach as Exhibit L, a narrative and any other form of
documentation that may be provided under other Exhibits herein,
that describes the manner in which the Applicant is able to comply
with each core principle. Such documentation must include a
regulatory compliance chart setting forth each core principle and
providing citations to the Applicant's relevant rules, policies,
and procedures that address each core principle. To the extent that
the application raises issues that are novel or for which
compliance with a core principle is not self-evident, include an
explanation of how that item and the application satisfy the core
principles.
13. Attach as Exhibit M, a copy of the Applicant's rules (as
defined in § 40.1 of the Commission's regulations) and any
technical manuals, other guides, or instructions for users of, or
participants in, the market, including minimum financial standards
for members or market participants. Include rules citing applicable
federal position limits and aggregation standards in part 151 of
the Commission's regulations and any facility set position limit
rules. Include rules on publication of daily trading information
with regards to the requirements of part 16 of the Commission's
regulations. The Applicant should include an explanation and any
other form of documentation that the Applicant thinks will be
helpful to its explanation, demonstrating how its rules, technical
manuals, other guides, or instructions for users of, or
participants in, the market, or minimum financial standards for
members or market participants as provided in this Exhibit M help
support the swap execution facility's compliance with the core
principles.
14. Attach as Exhibit N, executed or executable copies of any
agreements or contracts entered into or to be entered into by the
Applicant, including third party regulatory service provider or
member or user agreements that enable or empower the Applicant to
comply with applicable core principles. Identify: (1) the services
that will be provided; and (2) the core principles addressed by
such agreement.
15. Attach as Exhibit O, a copy of any compliance manual and any
other documents that describe with specificity the manner in which
the Applicant will conduct trade practice, market, and financial
surveillance.
16. Attach as Exhibit P, a description of the Applicant's
disciplinary and enforcement protocols, tools, and procedures and,
if applicable, the arrangements for alternative dispute
resolution.
17. Attach as Exhibit Q, an explanation regarding the operation
of the Applicant's trading system(s) or platform(s) and the manner
in which the system(s) or platform(s) satisfy any Commission rules,
interpretations, or guidelines regarding a swap execution
facility's execution methods, including the minimum trading
functionality requirement in § 37.3(a)(2) of the Commission's
regulations. This explanation should include, as applicable, the
following:
a. For trading systems or platforms that enable market
participants to engage in transactions through an order book:
(1) How the trading system or platform displays all orders and
trades in an electronic or other form, and the timeliness in which
the trading system or platform does so;
(2) How all market participants have the ability to see and have
the ability to transact on all bids and offers; and
(3) An explanation of the trade matching algorithm, if
applicable, and examples of how that algorithm works in various
trading scenarios involving various types of orders.
b. For trading systems or platforms that enable market
participants to engage in transactions through a request for quote
system:
(1) How 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;
(2) How resting bids or offers from the Applicant's Order Book
are communicated to the requester; and
(3) How a requester may transact on resting bids or offers along
with the responsive orders.
c. How the timing delay described under § 37.9 of the
Commission's regulations is incorporated into the trading system or
platform.
18. Attach as Exhibit R, a list of rules prohibiting specific
trade practice violations.
19. Attach as Exhibit S, a discussion of how trading data will
be maintained by the swap execution facility.
20. Attach as Exhibit T, a list of the name of the clearing
organization(s) that will be clearing the Applicant's trades, and a
representation that clearing members of that organization will be
guaranteeing such trades.
21. Attach as Exhibit U, any information (described with
particularity) included in the application that will be subject to
a request for confidential treatment pursuant to § 145.9 of the
Commission's regulations.
EXHIBITS - OPERATIONAL CAPABILITY
22. Attach as Exhibit V, information responsive to the
Technology Questionnaire. This questionnaire focuses on information
pertaining to the Applicant's program of risk analysis and
oversight. Main topic areas include: information security; business
continuity-disaster recovery planning and resources; capacity and
performance planning; systems operations; systems development and
quality assurance; and physical security and environmental
controls. The questionnaire will be provided to Applicants on the
Commission's Web site.