Broker-Dealers to Keep Following Old Custody Rules
Published Date: 7/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The SEC is asking to keep the current rules that make broker-dealers protect customer securities and money by keeping them safe in special accounts. These rules also require regular checks and notifications to make sure customers’ assets are handled properly. This extension keeps things running smoothly with no new costs or big changes, just continuing important protections for investors.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Estimated compliance burden for industry
The Commission staff estimates the aggregate annual information collection burden associated with Rule 15c3-3 is approximately 1,459,681 hours and $5,076,465. The agency is seeking comment on that estimate as part of the PRA extension request.
Broker‑dealer must hold customer assets
Broker‑dealers that hold customer securities must obtain and maintain possession and control of fully‑paid and excess margin securities they hold for customers. This rule stays in place to keep customers’ securities separate and protected.
Reserve computations: weekly/monthly, daily for some
Broker‑dealers that hold customer funds must make weekly or monthly computations to see if customer funds need to be put in a Special Reserve Bank Account. The Commission adopted 2024 amendments that require carrying broker‑dealers with average total credits above a minimum threshold to compute that reserve daily instead of weekly.
Bank acknowledgement and deposit notice rule
A broker‑dealer that maintains a Special Reserve Bank Account must obtain and keep a written acknowledgement from each bank that assets in the account are for the exclusive benefit of the broker‑dealer's customers. The broker‑dealer must immediately notify the Commission and its designated examining authority if it fails to make a required deposit to that account.
Notices and records for securities futures sales
Broker‑dealers that sell securities futures products to customers must provide certain notifications to those customers and keep a record of any changes in account type. This preserves customer notice and recordkeeping for futures activity.
Segregation and notice for security‑based swaps
Rule 15c3-3 includes segregation and notice requirements for broker‑dealers with security‑based swap activity to protect customer assets tied to those activities. These requirements remain part of the information collection extension.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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