May 3, 2023

VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL ([email protected])
Vanessa A. Countryman
Secretary
Securities and Exchange Commission
100 F Street NE
Washington, DC 20549-1090

Re: Release No. 34–97257; File No. SR–MSRB–2023–03 MSRB Amendment to Rules G-12 and G-15 on Regular-Way Settlement

Dear Ms. Countryman,

The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (“SIFMA”)1 appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on the MSRB’s filing.2 SIFMA applauds the MSRB’s goal to modernize its rule book and align municipal securities settlement with regular-way settlement on T+1 for equities and corporate bonds under Exchange Act Rule 15c6-1, as amended.3 Shortening the settlement process can reduce operational risks between trade date and settlement date, which can promote investor protection and reduce the risk of counterparty default and the capital required to mitigate this risk. In furtherance of these goals:

• SIFMA supports T+1 settlement.
• SIFMA urges the MSRB to further consider a rule consistent with SEC Rule 15c6-2.

 

1 SIFMA is the leading trade association for broker-dealers, investment banks and asset managers operating in the U.S. and global capital markets. On behalf of our industry’s nearly 1 million employees, we advocate for legislation, regulation and business policy, affecting retail and institutional investors, equity and fixed income markets and related products and services. We serve as an industry coordinating body to promote fair and orderly markets, informed regulatory compliance, and efficient market operations and resiliency. We also provide a forum for industry policy and professional development. SIFMA, with offices in New York and Washington, D.C., is the U.S. regional member of the Global Financial Markets Association (GFMA).

2 MSRB, Notice of Filing of a Proposed Rule Change to Amend MSRB Rules G-12 and G-15 to Define Regular-Way Settlement for Municipal Securities Transactions as Occurring One Business Day after the Trade Date and to Amend Rule G-12 to Update an Outdated Cross Reference, 88 Fed. Reg. 22075 (Apr. 12, 2023).

3 https://www.sec.gov/rules/final/2023/34-96930.pdf.