What is the main purpose of Regulation T settlement?

The main purpose of Regulation T settlement is to enforce a payment deadline for customer securities purchases. Regulation T, established by the Federal Reserve Board, governs the extension of credit by broker-dealers to customers for purchasing securities. It determines how much money a customer must deposit when buying securities and sets a timeline for when full payment must be made.

This regulation is critical because it helps maintain financial stability and ensures that customers adhere to a structured payment process, reducing the risk of delayed payments and potential defaults. By imposing deadlines, Regulation T ensures that both broker-dealers and customers understand their obligations, promoting orderly market operations and safeguarding the integrity of the financial system.