Good Delivery
Candlefocus EditorIn securities markets, good delivery is vital for settlement. It is also imperative for protecting trade participants from suffering potential losses that could be caused by fraud, forgeries, stolen securities and discrepancies in the ownership record. As a result, professional organizations and exchanges often have specific requirements for good delivery.
One example of good delivery requirements is the London Bullion Market Association's (LBMA) Good Delivery List. This lists approved gold and silver bars that traders in the London spot market can accept when settling transactions. To be included on the list, the bars must meet requirements on the gold and silver content, weight, shape, assay and identifying markings.
In the U.S., the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that securities transactions be settled as soon as practical, typically within three days. To do this, a buyer and a seller must agree on a price, and the buyer must provide the seller with money and the seller must provide the buyer with the security. This is known as the settlement process. Good delivery refers to the timely and clear delivery of day-to-day purchases and sales of securities, with each party represented by a custodian or a broker-dealer. During the process, the seller delivers the security to the buyer, usually through the Depository Trust Company (DTC).
Good delivery is an important element in ensuring the efficient and safe trade of securities. It begins with the accurate and prompt reporting of trades, then progresses with the delivery and payment of the securities and the funds. Successful completion of the process depends on the appropriate records in the ownership database, the reliable transfer of securities and cash between parties, and the maintenance of accurate and secure records in the ownership database.
By effectively enforcing good delivery requirements it is possible to ensure the secure trading of securities and reduce the potential for fraud and errors to occur. The market environment, as well as compliance and regulatory policies, are constantly evolving and this is especially true with the rise of new technologies, such as distributed ledger technology. As a result, market participants need to constantly review their good delivery processes and procedures to ensure they are secure and up to date.