Restrictions on borrowings by members, brokers, and dealers.
Section 24
SEC. 24. Restrictions on borrowings by members, brokers, and dealers.—It shall be unlawful for any registered broker or dealer, member of a securities exchange, or any broker or dealer who transacts a business in securities through the medium of any member of a securities exchange, directly or indirectly— To permit in the ordinary course of business as a broker his aggregate indebtedness to all persons including customers’ credit balances (but excluding indebtedness by exempted securities), to exceed such percentage of the net capital (exclusive of fixed assets and value of exchange membership) employed in the business, but not exceeding in any case two thousand (2,000%) per centum, as the Commission may by rules and regulations prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors. To pledge, mortgage or otherwise encumber or arrange for the pledge, mortgage or encumbrance of any security carried for the account of any customer under circumstances—(1) that will permit the commingling of his securities, without his written consent, with the securities of any customer; (2) that will permit such securities to be commingled with the securities of any person other than a bona fide customer; or (3) that will permit such securities to be pledged, mortgaged or encumbered, or subjected to any lien or claim of the pledgee, for a sum in excess of the aggregate indebtedness of such customers in respect of such securities. However, the Commission, having due regard to the protection of investors, may, by rules and regulations, allow certain transactions that may otherwise be prohibited under this subsection. To lend or arrange for the lending of any security carried for the account of any customer without the written consent of such customer or in contravention of such rules and regulations as the Commission shall prescribe for the protection of investors. (19a)