Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (Order Regarding Alternative Net Capital Computation for Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Whish Has Elected To Be Supervised on a Consolidated Basis)
Overview
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), a broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission"), and its ultimate holding company, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML & Co."), have indicated their desire to be supervised by the Commission as a consolidated supervised entity ("CSE"). MLPF&S, therefore, has submitted an application to the Commission for authorization to use the alternative method of computing net capital contained in Appendix E to Rule 15c3-1 (17 CFR 240.15c3-1e) to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act").
Based on a review of the application that MLPF&S submitted, the Commission has determined that the application meets the requirements of Appendix E. The Commission also has determined that ML & Co. is in compliance with the terms of its undertakings, as provided to the Commission under Appendix E. The Commission, therefore, finds that approval of the application is necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors.
Accordingly,
IT IS ORDERED, under paragraph (a)(7) of Rule 15c3-1 (17 CFR 240.15c3-1) to the Exchange Act, that MLPF&S may calculate net capital using the market risk standards of Appendix E to compute a deduction for market risk on some or all of its positions, instead of the provisions of paragraphs (c)(2)(vi) and (c)(2)(vii) of Rule 15c3-1, and using the credit risk standards of Appendix E to compute a deduction for credit risk on certain credit exposures arising from transactions in derivatives instruments, instead of the provision of paragraph (c)(2)(iv) of Rule 15c3-1.
By the Commission.
Margaret H. McFarland Deputy Secretary