FINRA proposed to delay, from March 25, 2020, to
March 25, 2021, the implementation date of rule amendments on
margin requirements for Covered Agency Transactions (which includes
"to-be-announced" ("TBA") transactions and
other forward-settling agency securities transactions). The
implementation date of the amendments to the margin requirements
for TBA transactions previously had been delayed in light of
operational and other difficulties (see
previous coverage).
FINRA emphasized that risk limit determination requirements
relating to Covered Agency Transactions continue to be in effect.
FINRA also indicated that it is considering, in consultation with
other regulators and industry participants, potential amendments to
the margin collection requirements "in the interest of
avoiding unnecessary disruption to the Covered Agency Transaction
market."