What’s changing?
To align with the new settlement cycle standards of the US and Canadian equity exchanges, the US and Canadian markets are transitioning to a trade plus 1 business-day (T+1) settlement cycle. Currently, settlement on the US and Canadian exchanges occurs 2 business days after a trade takes place (T+2).
The T+1 settlement cycle will be effective upon US market open on Tuesday, 28 May 2024 and Canadian market open on Monday, 27 May 2024.
How does this affect you?
A shortened settlement cycle means you can expect access to sale proceeds or securities resulting from a US or Canadian market trade one day earlier. However, it is important to note that as a result of moving to a T+1 settlement cycle for the US and Canadian markets, a 1-business day timing difference will be introduced between markets aligned to a T+2 settlement cycle.
For example, if you sell ABC shares in Australia on Monday to fund the purchase of XYZ shares listed on the US market, you will not be able to use the sale proceeds to fund the buy order on the US market on the same day. The sell order will only settle on Wednesday (T+2) when the funds required to settle the buy order in the US need to be available one day earlier on Tuesday (T+1). This means you would have insufficient funds to settle the buy order.
What you need to do
To ensure that you can settle the buy order in the above scenario, you can:
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- wait a day before placing the buy order on the US market to allow the proceeds from the sell trade to settle on the T+2 market, or
- have sufficient funds in the Self-Directed Portfolio to cover the value of the buy order to be placed on the US market, or
- contact our Dealing Desk to discuss alternative settlement arrangements.
Does this change only apply to the US and Canadian markets?
Yes, other markets such as London, Hong Kong, Germany and the Australian market will continue to operate on a T+2 settlement cycle.
What types of securities does this impact?
This transition to T+1 settlement cycle will apply to all financial products traded on US and Canadian securities and debt markets currently regulated by a T+2 settlement cycle. These include equities, bonds, municipal securities, exchange-traded funds, certain mutual funds, and limited partnerships that trade on the US and Canadian exchange.
Questions?
Please contact our Dealing Desk if you need further information on this change.