On February 3, IIROC, as part of its plain language rule re-write project, published a proposed series of rules respecting margin requirements. The proposed rules are intended to, among other things, clarify IIROC expectations respecting certain rules, ensure that the rules reflect current industry practice, ensure consistency with other dealer member rules and streamline the decision making and rule interpretation process.
A number of substantive revisions to current rules are also proposed. These include new provisions setting out the steps a dealer must take in deciding whether to allow a client to trade on margin, requiring that dealers obtain a margin ruling from IIROC staff when the margin treatment for a particular investment product is not specified within IIROC rules, and setting out the margin requirements for government and other non-commercial debt called for redemption.
IIROC is accepting comments on its proposals for 90 days from the publication of its notice. For more information, see IIROC Notice 12-0042.
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