Overview:

This list is published when a Group 1, 2, or 3 currency’s spot risk margin rate is increased, because the volatility of the currency exceeds the volatility threshold that is set out in subsection 5462(2) of the Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rules (IDPC Rules). The IDPC Rules replaced the IIROC Rules on January 1, 2023. In addition, the list is also published when the increased spot risk margin rate for the currency is reduced, because a minimum of 30 trading days has passed since the currency’s spot risk margin rate increase and the currency’s volatility no longer exceeds the volatility threshold.

Excess volatility in a currency is measured and tracked as an “offside day”. An offside day is triggered when the percentage change in the exchange rate of the currency over five-day intervals, through a period of 60 trading days, exceeds the margin rate for the currency group. When the number of offside base days during the period reaches 4, a margin surcharge is applied.

A Dealer Member must use the spot risk margin rates provided in the attached list and sections 5461 to 5469 of the IDPC Rules in margining unhedged foreign exchange customer and Dealer Member (inventory) positions and any other customer and Dealer Member transactions that result in an exposure to foreign exchange risk.

Foreign Exchange (FX) Spot Risk Margin Update:

Enclosed as Attachment #1 is a copy of the list of foreign exchange spot risk margin rates for Canadian and U.S. dollar base currency accounts, which has been prepared as at February 14, 2023 listing all currencies presently in Groups 1-3.

Based on the volatility of the Canadian dollar exchange rates, effective February 23, 2023, the following spot risk margin rate(s) apply until further notice:

• U.S. dollar versus Canadian dollar from 2.40% to 1.70%.

Based on the volatility of the U.S. dollar exchange rates, effective February 23, 2023, the following spot risk margin rate(s) apply until further notice:

• Canadian versus U.S. dollar from 2.40% to 1.70%.
• New Zealand dollar versus U.S. dollar from 3.30% to 3.00%.
• U.K. Pound Sterling versus U.S. dollar from 4.10% to 3.00%.

This list of foreign exchange spot risk margin rates replaces the previous list provided in Rules Notice 23-0005, issued on January 20, 2023.