Securities settlement system

(SSS). A system which permits the transfer of securities: either free of payment, such as free delivery (for example in the case of pledge), or against payment.

Settlement of securities occurs on securities deposit accounts held with a Central Securities Depository (private CSDs or a central bank acting as a CSD) or with a central bank (safe custody operational accounts). In the latter case, the central bank acts as the intermediate custodian of the securities. The final custodian is normally a CSD. Settlement of cash occurs in an interbank funds transfer system (IFTS), through a settlement agent.

See also

• Central securities depository
• Custodian
• Interbank Funds Transfer System