1. Introduction
1.1 In accordance with Rule 4.6.22, a Trading Member must ensure that its systems and connections to the Trading System operate properly, and have adequate and scalable capacity to accommodate trading volume levels.
2. Planning and Assessment Programs to Ensure Adequacy
2.1 In ensuring the adequacy of systems and connections to the Trading System, Trading Members should establish comprehensive planning and assessment programs to test system operation, capacity and security. Trading Members should also have in place arrangements for the employment of appropriate technical expertise to maintain and operate systems and connections to the Trading System.
2.2 The scope of such programs should cover:—
(a) the establishment of capacity estimates for systems performing automated order routing, execution and market data functions. Such estimates should be based on a suitably long look-back period and historical activity;
(b) assurance that the system and its functions, including risk controls and error-prevention alerts, have been tested in accordance with prudent business practices before use and following any material change;
(c) periodically conducting capacity stress tests to determine the behaviour of automated systems under a variety of simulated conditions;
(d) seeking on a periodic basis the assessment of independent reviewers with regard to whether Trading Members' systems are performing adequately and whether these systems have adequate security. Such independent reviewers may be any persons not involved in the operation of Trading Members' systems who have sufficient technical expertise; and
(e) implementation of policies for the hiring and training of qualified technical personnel.
2.3 The programs described in paragraph 2.2 may be established under outsourcing arrangements where appropriate. Members continue to be responsible for ensuring that the respective requirements are adequately met under the outsourcing arrangements.
Added on 18 September 201218 September 2012 and amended on 15 March 201315 March 2013.