The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Over the Counter Derivatives, Central Counterparties and Trade Repositories) (No. 2) Regulations 2013
The Treasury make the following Regulations in exercise of—
the powers conferred by section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972;
Citation, interpretation and commencement1.
(1)
These Regulations may be cited as the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Over the Counter Derivatives, Central Counterparties and Trade Repositories) (No. 2) Regulations 2013.
(2)
(3)
These Regulations come into force—
(a)
on 1st February 2014 for the purposes of regulation 3, insofar as that regulation inserts paragraphs 29B and 36 into the Schedule to the Recognition Requirements Regulations;
(b)
on 1st May 2014 for the purposes of regulation 3, insofar as that regulation inserts paragraphs 23A and 29A into the Schedule to the Recognition Requirements Regulations;
(c)
for all other purposes on 26th August 2013.
Amendments to the Companies Act 19892.
(1)
The Companies Act 1989 is amended as follows.
(2)
(a)
in subsection (2B)(c), after “subsection (2C)”, insert “or (2D)”;
(b)
“(2D)
A client trade is also excluded by this subsection from subsection (2B)(c) if—
(a)
the client trade was entered into by a client in the course of providing indirect clearing services to an indirect client;
(b)
the client defaults; and
(c)
the clearing member client contract corresponding to the client trade is not transferred within—
(i)
the period specified for this purpose in the default rules of the recognised central counterparty; or
(ii)
if no such period is specified in the default rules of the recognised central counterparty, a period of 14 days beginning with the day on which proceedings in respect of the client’s insolvency are begun.”; and
(c)
“(3B)
The reference in subsection (2D)(c)(ii) to the beginning of insolvency proceedings is to—
(a)
the presentation of a bankruptcy petition or a petition for sequestration of a client’s estate, or
(b)
the application for an administration order or the presentation of a winding-up petition or the passing of a resolution for voluntary winding up, or
(c)
the appointment of an administrative receiver.
(3C)
In subsection (3B)(b) the reference to an application for an administration order is to be taken to include a reference to—
(a)
in a case where an administrator is appointed under paragraph 14 or 22 of Schedule B1 to the Insolvency Act 1986 (appointment by floating charge holder, company or directors) following filing with the court of a copy of a notice of intention to appoint under that paragraph, the filing of the copy of the notice, and
(b)
in a case where an administrator is appointed under either of those paragraphs without a copy of a notice of intention to appoint having been filed with the court, the appointment of the administrator.”.
(3)
(a)
“(aa)
payments of money by a clearing member to indirect clients in accordance with Article 4(5) of the EMIR Level 2 Regulation;”; and
(b)
“(c)
transfers of property to the extent that they—
(i)
are made by a clearing member to a non-defaulting client or another clearing member instead of, or in place of, a defaulting client;
(ii)
represent the termination or close out value of a client trade which is transferred from a defaulting client to another clearing member or a non-defaulting client; and
(iii)
do not exceed the termination or close out value of the clearing member client contract corresponding to that client trade, as determined in accordance with the default rules of the recognised central counterparty.”.
(4)
In section 158(1)(d) (modifications of the law of insolvency)—
(a)
after “by the clearing member”, insert “or client”; and
(b)
in the phrase “action taken to transfer the client trades”, omit “the”.
(5)
In section 159 (proceedings of exchange or clearing house take precedence over insolvency procedures)—
(a)
in subsection (1), paragraph (f)—
(i)
after “by the clearing member”, insert “or client”;
(ii)
for “the client trade”, substitute “a client trade”;
(b)
in subsection (2), paragraph (d)—
(i)
after “by the clearing member”, insert “or client”; and
(ii)
for “the client trade”, substitute “a client trade”.
(6)
In section 166 (powers to give directions), in subsection (9), paragraph (b), after “recognised clearing house”, insert “or a defaulting clearing member”.
(7)
In section 167 (application to determine whether default proceedings to be taken), in subsection (1)—
(a)
at the end of paragraph (a), omit “or”;
(b)
“, or
(c)
a client which is providing indirect clearing services to an indirect client.”; and
(c)
in the last sentence, for “or clearing house”, substitute “clearing house or client”.
(8)
(a)
“, and
(h)
“UK client” means a client—
(i)
which offers indirect clearing services, and
(ii)
to which the law of a part of the United Kingdom will apply for the purposes of an insolvent re-organisation or winding up.”;
(b)
in subsection (2), after “a UK clearing member”, insert “or a UK client”.
(9)
“(2)
Nothing in the law of insolvency shall enable the setting off against each other of—
(a)
positions and assets recorded in an account at a clearing member and held for the account of an indirect client or a group of indirect clients in accordance with Articles 4(2) and (3) of the EMIR Level 2 Regulation; and
(b)
positions and assets recorded in any other account at the clearing member.”.
(10)
In section 188 (meaning of “default rules” and related expressions)—
(a)
in subsection (1), omit from “and in the case of a recognised central counterparty” to the end of the subsection;
(b)
“(1A)
In the case of a recognised central counterparty, “default rules” includes—
(a)
the default procedures referred to in Article 48 of the EMIR Level 1 Regulation; and
(b)
any rules of the recognised central counterparty which provide for the taking of action in accordance with a request or instruction from a clearing member under the default procedures referred to in Article 4(4) of the EMIR Level 2 Regulation in respect of assets or positions held by the recognised central counterparty for the account of an indirect client or group of indirect clients.”;
(c)
“(2A)
For the purposes of subsection (2), where a recognised central counterparty takes action under the rules referred to in subsection (1A)(b), the action is to be treated as taken in respect of the client providing the indirect clearing services.”.
(11)
“Meaning of “transfer”189A.
(1)
In this Part, a reference to a transfer of a clearing member client contract, a client trade or a qualifying collateral arrangement shall be interpreted in accordance with this section.
(2)
A transfer of a clearing member client contract or client trade includes—
(a)
an assignment;
(b)
a novation; and
(c)
terminating or closing out the clearing member client contract or client trade and establishing an equivalent position between different parties.
(3)
Where a clearing member client contract is recorded in the accounts of a recognised central counterparty as a position held for the account of an indirect client or group of indirect clients, the clearing member client contract is to be treated as having been transferred if the position is transferred to a different account at the recognised central counterparty.
(4)
A reference to a transfer of a qualifying collateral arrangement includes an assignment or a novation.”.
(12)
In section 190 (minor definitions)—
(a)
““indirect clearing services” has the same meaning as in the EMIR Level 2 Regulation;”; and
(b)
omit subsection (3A).
(13)
“indirect clearing services
Section 190(1)
transfer
Section 189A”
Amendments to the Recognition Requirements Regulations3.
(1)
The Recognition Requirements Regulations are amended as follows.
(2)
In regulation 3(1) (interpretation), in the definition of “defaulter” and “default”, for “section 188(2)” substitute “sections 188(2) and (2A)”.
(3)
“Recovery Plans
23A.
The clearing house must maintain a plan that sets out the steps that it will take in order to maintain the continuity of its exempt activities in the event that such continuity is threatened.”.
(4)
“Loss allocation
29A.
The central counterparty must maintain effective arrangements (which may include rules) for ensuring that losses that—
(a)
arise otherwise than as a result of clearing member default; and
(b)
threaten the central counterparty’s solvency;
are allocated with a view to ensuring that the central counterparty can continue to provide the services and carry on the activities specified in its recognition order.
Recovery plans
29B.
The central counterparty must maintain a plan that sets out the steps that it will take in order to maintain the continuity of the services that it provides and the activities that it carries on that are specified in its recognition order in the event that such continuity is threatened.”.
(5)
“Loss allocation
36.
The default rules must contain provision ensuring that losses that—
(a)
arise as a result of clearing member default;
(b)
remain after the resources to which the central counterparty has access pursuant to Article 45 of the EMIR Level 1 Regulation have been exhausted; and
(c)
threaten the central counterparty’s solvency;
are allocated with a view to ensuring that the central counterparty can continue to provide the services and carry on the activities specified in its recognition order.”.
Amendments to the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Over the Counter Derivatives, Central Counterparties and Trade Repositories) Regulations 20134.
(1)
(2)
In regulation 7 (power of the FCA to require information), in paragraph (1)—
(a)
omit “or” after sub-paragraph (a);
(b)
“; or
(c)
an entity referred to in Article 4(1)(a)(v) of the EMIR regulation which is not an authorised person.”.
(3)
In regulation 8 (applications and notifications to FCA)—
(a)
for the heading substitute “Applications, notifications and reports to FCA”;
(b)
“(1A)
Paragraphs (2), (6) and (8) apply where a financial counterparty is required to make a report under Article 12(4) or 15(2) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 149/2013 of 19 December 2012 supplementing the EMIR regulation14.”;
(c)
in paragraph (2), for “or notification” substitute “, notification or report”;
(d)
in paragraph (6)—
(i)
for “or notifications” substitute “, notifications or reports”;
(ii)
for “or notification” substitute “, notification or report”.
(4)
In regulation 9 (penalties)—
(a)
at the end of the heading insert “and statements”;
(b)
in paragraph (1) after “the FCA may” insert “publish a statement to that effect or”;
(c)
in paragraph (2) after “the FCA may” insert “publish a statement to that effect or”.
(5)
“PART 6ARemoval of directors of recognised central counterparties
Removal of directors of recognised central counterparties15A.
(1)
If the Bank proposes to remove a member of the board of directors of a recognised central counterparty (“M”) under the second sub-paragraph of Article 31(1) of the EMIR regulation, it must give M and the recognised central counterparty concerned a notice.
(2)
A notice under paragraph (1) must inform the recipients that they may make representations to the Bank within such period as may be specified in the notice.
(3)
The Bank may extend the period allowed under a notice under paragraph (1) for making representations.
(4)
If, having considered any representations made in response to the notice under paragraph (1), the Bank decides to remove M from the board, it must without delay give M and the recognised central counterparty concerned a further notice.
(5)
If the Bank decides to remove M from the board, M or the recognised central counterparty concerned may refer the matter to the Tribunal.
(6)
A notice under paragraph (4) must inform the recipient of their right to refer the matter to the Tribunal, and give an indication of the procedure on such a reference.
(7)
In this regulation, “board of directors” includes, if there is no such board, the equivalent management body.”.
Amendment to the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000: markets in financial instruments directive5.
(1)
(2)
“(5)
Nothing in this Chapter applies to an overseas investment exchange.”.
Transitory provision: recovery plans and loss allocation for recognised clearing houses applying for authorisation under EMIR6.
(1)
In this regulation—
“relevant CCP” means a body corporate or an unincorporated association which—
(a)
is established in the United Kingdom;
(b)
was a recognised clearing house immediately before 15th March 2013; and
(c)
applies to the Bank of England in accordance with Article 17 of EMIR for an order granting authorisation for the purposes of that Article;
“transition period” means the transition period for a relevant CCP, determined in accordance with regulations 52(1) and (2) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Over the Counter Derivatives, Central Counterparties and Trade Repositories) Regulations 2013.
(2)
(3)
If the relevant CCP’s application in accordance with Article 17 of EMIR is not determined before 1st February 2014—
(a)
paragraph 23A of the Schedule to the Recognition Requirements Regulations applies to the relevant CCP from 1st February 2014; and
(b)
“Loss Allocation
28A.
The default rules must contain provision ensuring that losses that—
(a)
arise as a result of the default of a member of the clearing house; and
(b)
threaten the clearing house’s solvency;
are allocated with a view to ensuring that the clearing house can continue to provide its exempt activities.”.
(4)
If the relevant CCP’s application in accordance with Article 17 of EMIR is not determined before 1st May 2014, the Recognition Requirements Regulations apply to the relevant CCP with—
(a)
the modifications mentioned in paragraph (3); and
(b)
“Loss Allocation
23B.
The clearing house must maintain effective arrangements (which may include rules) for ensuring that losses that—
(a)
arise otherwise than as a result of the default of a member of the clearing house; and
(b)
threaten the clearing house’s solvency;
are allocated with a view to ensuring that the clearing house can continue to provide its exempt activities.”.
These Regulations make further provision to implement certain Articles of—
Regulation (EU) 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on OTC derivatives, central counterparties and trade repositories (OJ No L 201, 27.7.2012, p1) (“the EMIR regulation”); and
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 149/2013 of 19 December 2012 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards on indirect clearing arrangements, the clearing obligation, the public register, access to a trading venue, non-financial counterparties, and risk mitigation techniques for OTC derivatives contracts not cleared by a CCP (OJ No L 52, 23.2.2013, p11).
Certain articles of the EMIR regulation were implemented by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Over the Counter Derivatives, Central Counterparties and Trade Repositories) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/504).
Regulation 2 amends the Companies Act 1989 to facilitate the segregation of indirect client accounts at a clearing member and the transfer of indirect client accounts on the failure of a client providing indirect clearing services. An indirect client is a client of a client of a clearing member.
Regulation 3 amends the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Recognition Requirements for Investment Exchanges and Clearing Houses) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/995) (“the Recognition Requirements Regulations”). The Recognition Requirements Regulations set out the recognition requirements that investment exchanges and clearing houses must satisfy in order to be or to remain recognised by the appropriate regulator under section 290 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (c.8) (“the Act”). Recognised investment exchanges and recognised clearing houses have an exemption under section 285 of the Act, permitting them to carry on certain activities which would otherwise require authorisation under Part 4A of the Act.
Regulation 3 amends the Recognition Requirements Regulations so as to include the following new requirements: Clearing houses which provide clearing services without doing so as a central counterparty must maintain recovery plans specifying the steps they will take in order to maintain the continuity of their exempt activities if such continuity is threatened. Clearing houses which act as central counterparties must have in place effective arrangements for the allocation of losses arising for reasons other than member default; they must have in place plans for maintaining the provision of certain specified services when the continuity of service provision is threatened and must include in their default rules provision allocating losses that arise as a result of member default and which are not covered by the provision made in Article 45 of the EMIR regulation.
Regulation 4 amends the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Over the Counter Derivatives, Central Counterparties and Trade Repositories) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/504):
to give the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) power to obtain information from third country entities for which the FCA has supervisory responsibilities;
to give the FCA power to direct the manner of making and content of reports to be made to the FCA under Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 149/2013 of 19 December 2012;
to give the FCA power to publish a statement of censure as an alternative to imposing a penalty for certain contraventions of the EMIR regulation or its implementing legislation;
to require the Bank of England to give notice before removing a member of the board of directors of a recognised central counterparty under Article 31(1) of the EMIR regulation, and to give a person so removed and the recognised central counterparty concerned the right to refer the matter to the Upper Tribunal.
Regulation 5 alters the implementation of Article 38(3) of Directive 2004/39/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004 on markets in financial instruments (OJ No L 145, 30.4.2004, p1). Article 38(3) is transposed by Chapter 1A of Part 18 of the Act (control over recognised investment exchange), and regulation 5 prevents Chapter 1A from applying to overseas investment exchanges.
Regulation 6 makes transitory provision for recognised clearing houses which are applying for authorisation under the EMIR regulation, where the applications have not been determined by 1st February 2014 or 1st May 2014.
A full impact assessment of the effect that these Regulations will have on the costs of business and the voluntary sector is available from, Her Majesty’s Treasury, 1 Horse Guards Road, London SW1A 2HQ or on http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/ and is published alongside the Regulations on http://www.legislation.gov.uk/.