COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION FORM SDR

SWAP DATA REPOSITORY 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 SDR 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 (17 CFR chapter I).

For the purposes of this Form SDR, the term “Applicant” shall include any applicant for registration as a swap data repository or any applicant amending a pending application.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. This Form SDR, which includes instructions, a Cover Sheet, and required Exhibits (together “Form SDR”), is to be filed with the Commission by all Applicants, pursuant to section 21 of the Act and the Commission's regulations thereunder. Upon the filing of an application for registration in accordance with the instructions provided herein, the Commission will publish notice of the filing and afford interested persons an opportunity to submit written comments concerning such application. No application for registration shall be effective unless the Commission, by order, grants such 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 SDR filed with the Commission can be executed electronically. If this Form SDR 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 that 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 manages or who participates in the directing or managing of its affairs.

4. If this Form SDR 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 21 of the Act and the Commission's regulations thereunder, the Commission is authorized to solicit the information required to be supplied by this Form SDR from any Applicant seeking registration as a swap data repository. Disclosure by the Applicant of the information specified in this Form SDR is mandatory prior to the start of the processing of an application for registration as a swap data repository. The information provided in this Form SDR 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 an Applicant in order to process its application. A Form SDR that is not prepared and executed in compliance with applicable requirements and instructions may be returned as not acceptable for filing. Acceptance of this Form SDR, however, shall not constitute a finding that the Form SDR 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 Commission Regulation §145.9, information supplied on this Form SDR will be included in the public files of the Commission and will be available for inspection by any interested person. The Applicant must identify with particularity the information in these exhibits that will be subject to a request for confidential treatment and supporting documentation for such request pursuant to Commission Regulations §40.8 and §145.9.

APPLICATION AMENDMENTS

1. An Applicant amending a pending application for registration as a swap data repository shall file an amended Form SDR electronically with the Secretary of the Commission in the manner specified by the Commission.

2. When filing this Form SDR for purposes of amending a pending application, an Applicant must re-file the entire Cover Sheet, amended if necessary, include an executing signature, and attach thereto revised Exhibits or other materials marked to show any amendments. The submission of an amendment to a pending application represents that all unamended items and Exhibits remain true, current, and complete as previously filed.

WHERE TO FILE

This Form SDR shall be filed electronically with the Secretary of the Commission in the manner specified by the Commission.

EXHIBITS INSTRUCTIONS

The following Exhibits must be included as part of Form SDR and filed with the Commission by each Applicant seeking registration as a swap data repository pursuant to section 21 of the Act and the Commission's regulations thereunder. Such Exhibits must be labeled according to the items specified in this Form SDR. If any Exhibit is inapplicable, please specify the Exhibit letter and indicate by “none,” “not applicable,” or “N/A,” as appropriate. The Applicant must identify with particularity the information in these Exhibits that will be subject to a request for confidential treatment and supporting documentation for such request pursuant to Commission Regulations §40.8 and §145.9.

If the Applicant is a newly formed enterprise and does not have the financial statements required pursuant to Items 27 and 28 of this form, the Applicant should provide pro forma financial statements for the most recent six months or since inception, whichever is less.

EXHIBITS I—BUSINESS ORGANIZATION

14. Attach as Exhibit A, any person who owns ten (10) percent or more of Applicant's equity or possesses voting power of any class, either directly or indirectly, through agreement or otherwise, in any other manner, may control or direct the management or policies of Applicant. “Control” for this purpose is defined in Commission Regulation §49.2(a).

State in 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.

15. Attach as Exhibit B, a narrative that sets forth the fitness standards for the board of directors and its composition including the number or percentage of public directors.

Attach a list of the present officers, directors (including an identification of the public directors), governors (and, if the Applicant 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 data repository or of the entity identified in Item 16 that performs the swap data repository activities of the Applicant, indicating for each:

a. Name

b. Title

c. Date of commencement and, if appropriate, termination of present term of position

d. Length of time each present officer, director, or governor has held the same 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 securities industry or OTC derivatives industry

g. 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 within the past 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.

h. For directors, list any committees on which the director serves and any compensation received by virtue of their directorship.

16. Attach as Exhibit C, the following information about the chief compliance officer who has been appointed by the board of directors of the swap data repository or a person or group performing a function similar to such board of directors:

a. Name

b. Title

c. Dates of commencement and termination of present term of office or position

d. Length of time the chief compliance officer has held the same office or position

e. Brief account of the business experience of the chief compliance officer over the last five (5) years

f. Any other business affiliations in the derivatives/securities industry or swap data repository industry

g. 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 within the past 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.

17. Attach as Exhibit D, a copy of documents relating to the governance arrangements of the Applicant, including, but not limited to:

a. The nomination and selection process of the members on the Applicant's board of directors, a person or group performing a function similar to a board of directors (collectively, “board”), or any committee that has the authority to act on behalf of the board, the responsibilities of each of the board and such committee, and the composition of each board and such committee;

b. a description of the manner in which the composition of the board allows the Applicant to comply with applicable core principles, regulations, as well as the rules of the Applicant; and

c. a description of the procedures to remove a member of the board of directors, where the conduct of such member is likely to be prejudicial to the sound and prudent management of the swap data repository.

18. Attach as Exhibit E, a narrative or graphic description of the organizational structure of the Applicant. Note: If the swap data repository activities are conducted primarily by a division, subdivision, or other segregable entity within the Applicant's corporation or organization, describe the relationship of such entity within the overall organizational structure and attach as Exhibit E only such description as applies to the segregable entity. Additionally, provide any relevant jurisdictional information, including any and all jurisdictions in which the Applicant or any affiliated entity is doing business and registration status, including pending application (e.g., country, regulator, registration category, date of registration). In addition, include a description of the lines of responsibility and accountability for each operational unit of the Applicant to (i) any committee thereof and/or (ii) the board.

19. Attach as Exhibit F, a copy of the conflicts of interest policies and procedures implemented by the Applicant to minimize conflicts of interest in the decision-making process of the swap data repository and to establish a process for the resolution of any such conflicts of interest.

20. Attach as Exhibit G, a list of all affiliates of the swap data repository and indicate the general nature of the affiliation. Provide a copy of any agreements entered into or to be entered by the swap data repository, including partnerships or joint ventures, or its participants, that will enable the Applicant to comply with the registration requirements and core principles specified in section 21 of the Act. With regard to an affiliate that is a parent company of the Applicant, if such parent controls the Applicant, an Applicant must provide (i) the board composition of the parent, including public directors, and (ii) all ownership information requested in Exhibit A for the parent. “Control” for this purpose is defined in Commission Regulation §49.2(a).

21. Attach as Exhibit H, a copy of the constitution; articles of incorporation or association with all amendments thereto; existing by-laws, rules, or instruments corresponding thereto, of the Applicant. The Applicant shall also provide a certificate of good standing dated within one week of the date of the application.

22. Where the Applicant is a foreign entity seeking registration or filing an amendment to an existing registration, attach as Exhibit I, an opinion of counsel that the swap data repository, as a matter of law, is able to provide the Commission with prompt access to the books and records of such swap data repository and that the swap data repository can submit to onsite inspection and examination by the Commission.

23. Where the Applicant is a foreign entity seeking registration, attach as Exhibit I-1, a form that designates and authorizes an agent in the United States, other than a Commission official, to accept any notice or service of process, pleadings, or other documents in any action or proceedings brought against the swap data repository to enforce the Act and the regulations thereunder.

24. Attach as Exhibit J, a current copy of the Applicant's rules, as defined in Commission Regulation §40.1, consisting of all the rules necessary to carry out the duties as a swap data repository.

25. Attach as Exhibit K, a description of the Applicant's internal disciplinary and enforcement protocols, tools, and procedures. Include the procedures for dispute resolution.

26. Attach as Exhibit L, 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 in which the proceeding(s) are pending, the date(s) instituted, and the principal parties thereto, a description of the factual basis alleged to underlie the proceeding(s) and the relief sought. Include similar information as to any such proceeding(s) known to be contemplated by the governmental agencies.

EXHIBITS II—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

27. Attach as Exhibit M, a balance sheet, statement of income and expenses, statement of sources and application of revenues, and all notes or schedules thereto, as of the most recent fiscal year of the Applicant. If a balance sheet and statements certified by an independent public accountant are available, such balance sheet and statement shall be submitted as Exhibit M.

28. Attach as Exhibit N, a balance sheet and an income and expense statement for each affiliate of the swap data repository that also engages in swap data repository activities as of the end of the most recent fiscal year of each such affiliate.

29. Attach as Exhibit O, the following:

a. A complete list of all dues, fees, and other charges imposed, or to be imposed, by or on behalf of Applicant for its swap data repository services and identify the service or services provided for each such due, fee, or other charge.

b. Furnish 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 services, so state 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 III—OPERATIONAL CAPABILITY

30. Attach as Exhibit P, copies of all material contracts with any swap execution facility, designated contract market, clearing agency, central counterparty, or third party service provider. To the extent that form contracts are used by the Applicant, submit a sample of each type of form contract used. In addition, include a list of swap execution facilities, designated contract markets, clearing agencies, central counterparties, and third party service providers with whom the Applicant has entered into material contracts. Where swap data repository functions are performed by a third-party, attach any agreements between or among the Applicant and such third party, and identify the services that will be provided.

31. Attach as Exhibit Q, any technical manuals, other guides or instructions for users of, or participants in, the market.

32. Attach as Exhibit R, a description of system test procedures, test conducted or test results that will enable the Applicant to comply, or demonstrate the Applicant's ability to comply, with the core principles for swap data repositories.

33. Attach as Exhibit S, a description in narrative form, or by the inclusion of functional specifications, of each service or function performed as a swap data repository. Include in Exhibit S a description of all procedures utilized for the collection, processing, distribution, publication, and retention (e.g., magnetic tape) of information with respect to transactions or positions in, or the terms and conditions of, swaps entered into by market participants.

34. Attach as Exhibit T, a list of all computer hardware utilized by the Applicant to perform swap data repository functions, indicating where such equipment (terminals and other access devices) is physically located.

35. Attach as Exhibit U, a description of the personnel qualifications for each category of professional employees employed by the swap data repository or the division, subdivision, or other segregable entity within the swap data repository as described in Item 16.

36. Attach as Exhibit V, a description of the measures or procedures implemented by Applicant to provide for the security of any system employed to perform the functions of a swap data repository. Include a general description of any physical and operational safeguards designed to prevent unauthorized access (whether by input or retrieval) to the system. Describe any circumstances within the past year in which the described security measures or safeguards failed to prevent any such unauthorized access to the system and any measures taken to prevent a reoccurrence. Describe any measures used to verify the accuracy of information received or disseminated by the system.

37. Attach as Exhibit W, copies of emergency policies and procedures and Applicant's business continuity-disaster recovery plan. Include a general description of any business continuity-disaster recovery resources, emergency procedures, and backup facilities sufficient to enable timely recovery and resumption of its operations and resumption of its ongoing fulfillment of its duties and obligations as a swap data repository following any disruption of its operations.

38. Where swap data repository functions are performed by automated facilities or systems, attach as Exhibit X a description of all backup systems or subsystems that are designed to prevent interruptions in the performance of any swap data repository function as a result of technical malfunctions or otherwise in the system itself, in any permitted input or output system connection, or as a result of any independent source. Include a narrative description of each type of interruption that has lasted for more than two minutes and has occurred within the six (6) months preceding the date of the filing, including the date of each interruption, the cause, and duration. Also state the total number of interruptions that have lasted two minutes or less.

39. Attach as Exhibit Y, the following:

a. For each of the swap data repository functions:

(1) Quantify in appropriate units of measure the limits on the swap data repository's capacity to receive (or collect), process, store, or display (or disseminate for display or other use) the data elements included within each function (e.g., number of inquiries from remote terminals);

(2) identify the factors (mechanical, electronic, or other) that account for the current limitations reported in answer to (1) on the swap data repository's capacity to receive (or collect), process, store, or display (or disseminate for display or other use) the data elements included within each function.

b. If the Applicant is able to employ, or presently employs, the central processing units of its system(s) for any use other than for performing the functions of a swap data repository, state the priorities of assignment of capacity between such functions and such other uses, and state the methods used or able to be used to divert capacity between such functions and such other uses.

EXHIBITS IV—ACCESS TO SERVICES

40. Attach as Exhibit Z, the following:

a. As to each swap data repository service that the Applicant provides, state the number of persons who presently utilize, or who have notified the Applicant of their intention to utilize, the services of the swap data repository.

b. For each instance during the past year in which any person has been prohibited or limited in respect of access to services offered by the Applicant as a swap data repository, indicate the name of each such person and the reason for the prohibition or limitation.

c. Define the data elements for purposes of the swap data repository's real-time public reporting obligation. Appendix A to Part 43 of the Commission's Regulations (Data Elements and Form for Real-Time Reporting for Particular Markets and Contracts) sets forth the specific data elements for real-time public reporting.

41. Attach as Exhibit AA, copies of any agreements governing the terms by which information may be shared by the swap data repository, including with market participants. To the extent that form contracts are used by the Applicant, submit a sample of each type of form contract used.

42. Attach as Exhibit BB, a description of any specifications, qualifications, or other criteria that limit, are interpreted to limit, or have the effect of limiting access to or use of any swap data repository services furnished by the Applicant and state the reasons for imposing such specifications, qualifications, or other criteria, including whether such specifications, qualifications, or other criteria are imposed.

43. Attach as Exhibit CC, any specifications, qualifications, or other criteria required of participants who utilize the services of the Applicant for collection, processing, preparing for distribution, or public dissemination by the Applicant.

44. Attach as Exhibit DD, any specifications, qualifications, or other criteria required of any person, including, but not limited to, regulators, market participants, market infrastructures, venues from which data could be submitted to the Applicant, and third party service providers who request access to data maintained by the Applicant.

45. Attach as Exhibit EE, policies and procedures implemented by the Applicant to review any prohibition or limitation of any person with respect to access to services offered or data maintained by the Applicant and to grant such person access to such services or data if such person has been discriminated against unfairly.

EXHIBITS V—OTHER POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

46. Attach as Exhibit FF, a narrative and supporting documents that may be provided under other Exhibits herein, that describes the manner in which the Applicant is able to comply with each core principle and other requirements pursuant to Commission Regulation §49.19.

47. Attach as Exhibit GG, policies and procedures implemented by the Applicant to protect the privacy of any and all SDR data, section 8 material, and SDR information that the swap data repository receives from reporting entities.

48. Attach as Exhibit HH, a description of safeguards, policies, and procedures implemented by the Applicant to prevent the misappropriation or misuse of (a) any confidential information received by the Applicant, including, but not limited to, SDR data, section 8 material, and SDR information, about a market participant or any of its customers; and/or (b) intellectual property by Applicant or any person associated with the Applicant for their personal benefit or the benefit of others.

49. Attach as Exhibit II, policies and procedures implemented by the Applicant regarding its use of the SDR data, section 8 material, and SDR information that it receives from a market participant, any registered entity, or any person for non-commercial and/or commercial purposes.

50. Attach as Exhibit JJ, procedures and a description of facilities of the Applicant for effectively resolving disputes over the accuracy of the SDR data and positions that are maintained by the swap data repository.

51. Attach as Exhibit KK, policies and procedures relating to the Applicant's calculation of positions.

52. Attach as Exhibit LL, policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to prevent any provision in a valid swap from being invalidated or modified through the procedures or operations of the Applicant.

53. Attach as Exhibit MM, Applicant's policies and procedures that ensure that the SDR data that are maintained by the Applicant continues to be maintained after the Applicant withdraws from registration as a swap data repository, which shall include procedures for transferring the SDR data to the Commission or its designee (including another swap data repository).

[85 FR 75663, Nov. 25, 2020]