What is Member Property? A Comprehensive Legal Overview

Definition & Meaning

Member property refers to the assets that a clearing organization receives or holds for the account of a customer who is a clearing member. This includes any customer property that is acquired or maintained by the clearing organization on behalf of its customers. Essentially, it encompasses the financial assets that belong to customers but are managed by the clearing organization.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

  • Example 1: A commodity broker holds funds from several customers in a pooled account. If the broker goes bankrupt, the funds in this account are considered member property and are subject to specific legal protections.
  • Example 2: A clearing organization may manage stocks or bonds on behalf of its clearing members. If the organization faces liquidation, these assets are classified as member property and will be handled according to bankruptcy laws. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Customer Property Assets owned by customers held by a broker or clearing organization. Member property specifically refers to assets held for clearing members, while customer property can include assets of non-member customers.
Proprietary Account Account where a broker trades using its own funds. Member property pertains to customer assets, whereas proprietary accounts involve the broker's own assets.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are a customer of a clearing organization and are concerned about your assets in the event of bankruptcy, it is advisable to review your account statements and understand the protections available for member property. You can also explore US Legal Forms for templates that may help you navigate related legal processes. If your situation is complex, consulting with a legal professional is recommended.

Quick facts

  • Jurisdiction: Federal bankruptcy law
  • Typical fees: Varies based on the complexity of the case
  • Possible penalties: Loss of access to member property during liquidation

Key takeaways