Net Capital Rule

The Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission') is amending Rule 15c3-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act'), the net capital rule, to permit broker-dealers to employ theoretical option pricing models in determining net capital requirements for listed options and related positions. Alternatively, broker-dealers may elect a strategy-based methodology. The amendments are intended to simplify the net capital rule's treatment of options for capital purposes and more accurately reflect the risk inherent in broker-dealer options positions.