The SEC’s extended deadline gives broker-dealers a critical buffer to overhaul systems, streamline daily reserve computations, and capitalize on new digital asset custody flexibility.
SEC Pushes Back Reserve Computation Rule Deadline for Broker-Dealers
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced on June 25 that it is extending the compliance deadline for its amended Rule 15c3-3 from the original date of Dec. 31, 2025, to a new deadline of June 30, 2026. The rule, known as the Customer Protection Rule, requires certain broker-dealers to shift from weekly to daily computations of customer reserve requirements—a significant operational change aimed at improving financial safeguards.
SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins explained the rationale behind the delay:
The days of unreasonable deadlines have passed. By extending this compliance date, we are giving broker-dealers additional time to implement daily computation under Rule 15c3-3.
“I am pleased the Commission agrees that additional time is necessary to allow broker-dealers to avoid operational challenges with meeting the initial compliance date,” he added.
This rule impacts broker-dealers handling customer assets classified as securities, which includes digital asset securities. In a pivotal move in May 2025, the SEC withdrew its 2019 Joint Statement, which had imposed rigid conditions on broker-dealers seeking to custody digital asset securities. The withdrawal allows firms to establish control over these assets using Rule 15c3-3(c) compliance methods, even if the assets are uncertificated. Control can now be demonstrated through qualified custodians, such as banks, simplifying custody arrangements for digital asset securities.
Notably, the requirement does not apply to all digital assets—only those considered securities under U.S. law. This means that non-security digital assets, such as bitcoin, are excluded from the rule’s reach. “This extension will provide more time for broker-dealers to make any necessary systems or operational changes to implement a daily computation requirement and test their new daily processes for compliance,” the SEC concluded.
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