On May 1, 2008, the Securities and Exchange
Commission approved a change to MSRB rules to require underwriter participation
with the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation’s (“DTCC”) New Issue
Information Dissemination System (“NIIDS”).[1]
The rule change consists of an amendment of Rule G-8, Books and Records, Rule
G-9, Preservation of Records, and Rule G-34, CUSIP Numbers and New Issue
Requirements. The rule change is designed to improve new issue trade reporting
by accelerating the timing for CUSIP number assignment and, with the exception
of new issues of short-term instruments with less than nine months in effective
maturity, requiring underwriters to: (i) submit certain information about a new
issue of municipal securities to NIIDS within set timeframes; and (ii) set and
disseminate a “Time of First Execution” that allows time for market
participants to access necessary information in preparation for trade reporting
prior to beginning trade executions in the issue.
The rule change becomes effective on
September 30, 2008. A summary and the complete text of the amendments is
available in MSRB Notice 2007-36 (November 27, 2007) at the MSRB web site (www.msrb.org).[2]
* * *
Questions about this notice may be directed to
Justin R. Pica, Uniform Practice Policy Advisor, at 703-797-6716, or Sara K.
Pranio, Uniform Practice Assistant, at 703-797-6714
May 2, 2008
[1] SEC Release No. 34-57750 (May 1, 2008).
[2] The MSRB initially proposed an effective
date of June 30, 2008 for the amendments. Prior to SEC approval of the
amendments, the MSRB filed an amendment to change the effective date to September
30, 2008. See MSRB Notice 2008-20 (April 22, 2008).