The Canadian Securities Administrators is encouraging firms to apply for the job of acting as “information processor” for the equity markets and the bond markets.

The CSA are also proposing changes to the trading rules to enhance transparency in the government bond market. Until now, the requirements for marketplaces and inter-dealer brokers to provide order and trade information have been postponed until December 31.

The regulators note that in 2003, CanPX was approved as the information processor for corporate fixed income securities. Its approval expires on December 31. “While we will be considering extending CanPX’s approval, we invite other entities that are interested in being the information processor to apply,” it says.

Also, the CSA would like an information processor for the equity marketplaces. “We remain of the view that availability of pre-trade and post-trade information is essential to facilitate best execution and market integrity, especially with multiple marketplaces trading the same securities,” they say. “Under current requirements, dealers and regulators need to take into consideration information from all marketplaces trading the same securities and take appropriate steps to access orders. We believe that an information processor would facilitate a central source of consolidated data that is consistent, easily accessible and meets the needs of both the regulators and the industry.”

The CSA encourage any interested parties to apply as an information processor for the purpose of consolidating pre-trade and post-trade information for the equity and/or fixed income markets. They are invited to do so by August 31.

A notice identifying who has applied and a summary of the application will be published by the CSA for comment in September. The CSA will make a decision by December 31, regarding whether any entity has been accepted as an information processor.