Networking is an automated, centralized record-keeping system through which all customer account activities can be exchanged and reconciled by participants. The service provides accurate, timely updates in a controlled environment.
Overview
Networking is an automated, centralized record-keeping system through which all customer account activities can be exchanged and reconciled by participants. The service provides accurate, timely updates in a controlled environment. A standard format uniformly reports account positions, activity and dividend information, as well as registration updates between fund companies, or their transfer agents, and intermediary firms. Dividends and capital gains may be settled through NSCC's net settlement option.
Separate features within Networking are:
- Networking for Direct Accounts, which allows funds to pass to firms information on accounts held directly at the fund.
- Share Aging File for accounts that are being transferred from one firm to another and are migrating to or from an omnibus environment. This feature allows participants to pass account information needed to determine redemption fees, 12b-1 trial commission fees and whether money market shares are commissionable.
- Networking for Standardized Data Reporting to support SEC Rule 22c-2, which will require intermediary firms to respond to request from fund companies shareholder-level information in omnibus accounts so that funds can monitor accounts for possible market-timing and frequent-trading activities and impost redemption fees, if applicable. (See separate fact sheet on Networking for Standardized Data Reporting for more information.)
Participants choose one of five types of reporting options, based on the structure of their business and reporting responsibilities. Although Networking does not require Fund/SERV participation, the two services work best when used together.
Networking participants are able to generate consolidated statements with the most current and accurate information available.
Networking is accessible via CPU-to-CPU links, or through DTCC WebDirect, a Web interface that allows participants direct access over the Internet to services provided by DTCC's subsidiaries
.Who Can Use the Service
Any interested financial organization that meets NSCC qualifications can use the service.
Benefits
Reduces reporting errors through a uniform record format.Maintains identical customer account records at both financial firms and investment companies or their transfer agents.Captures and reports activity to firms within the next cycle period.Facilitates consolidated statements that accurately show all client holdings. Enhances reporting control because each organization can choose the level of client reporting that best matches its business practice and customer service objectives.Supports accurate compliance reporting and supports regulatory requirements regarding breakpoint calculations, frequent trading and short-term redemption fees.Saves time and money by eliminating the need for the receipt, processing and storage of paper statementsHow the Service Works
Activity Reporting
- Reports any financial transaction that occurs directly at fund that causes a change in the balance of a sub-account.
- Includes closing share balances for Fund/SERV- initiated activity.
- Reports year-end tax information on reallocated distributions.
Dividend Distribution Reports
- Transmits dividend information - including the dividend rate, posting and payable dates.
- Reports new share balances for each customer account, whether the client has opted to have dividends reinvested or to be paid in cash.
- Provides an option to use NSCC's net settlement for participants that elect cash dividends.
Position Statements
- Transmits scheduled files of closing share balances for each sub-account at the investment company.
Account Maintenance & Reconciliation
- Funds can send non-financial detailed account information to a participant firm on a particular security.
- Provides a scrub file from funds to firms so firms can review how their accounts have been set up at a fund.
- A Fund Account Response Indicator allows firms to request a full set of fund conversion records for a particular Networked account.
- Offers scheduled, detailed reporting of each account's set-up, including withholding information, branch number, account representative number, and distribution option information.
Network Level Account Control
- Firms select the level of reporting controls for each type of account.
- Level 1: The firm handles all client communications, with the exception of tax reporting, which is handled by the fund company. Clients have limited direct shareholder privileges.
- Level 2: The firm handles all client communications and confirms orders. Tax reporting is handled by the fund. Clients have full shareholder privileges directly with the investment company.
- Level 3: Firms handle all communications with the client. Clients have no privileges directly with the fund company.
- Level 4: The fund company handles all client communications. Clients have full shareholder privileges directly with the fund, or can manage transactions directly through the broker. The firm can process orders is informed by the fund company of all customer account record changes.
- Level 0: Indicates either a non-networked account, an account held directly at a fund company, or a trust account when a trust company and a broker/financial institution share an account. This dual account allows both parties to share information with the trust maintaining fiduciary responsibility for the account
. For More Information
Please contact Wealth Management Services Marketing at (212) 855-8877.