CNS®

Welcome to the CNS® section of the Learning Center! The CNS system is the core netting, allotting, and fail-control engine operated by NSCC. It is the standard for clearing and settling equities, fixed income, and other eligible securities at DTC. Locate the content that you need by using Search to filter or access Resources to navigate to all of the CNS content.

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The CNS® system is the core netting, allotting, and fail-control engine of NSCC. Within CNS, each security is netted to one position per participant, with NSCC as its central counterparty (novation). From CNS, you can

  • Search for open CNS positions, including long and short buy-in positions.
  • View the CNS cash balance for your participant account.
  • Add, edit, delete, and search for existing exemptions and priority instructions.

Familiarize yourself with the CNS processes, including

  • How the netting process works.
  • Importance of the Consolidated Trade Summary (CTS) system.
  • One-day settling trade.
  • Distinction between CNS and Non-CNS transactions.
  • Reports used to complete and balance daily settlements.
  • Importance of various report and statements, including: Preliminary Statement, Miscellaneous Activity, Accounting Summary.

To help gain an understanding of the CNS system and processes, log in to view the two-part CNS Overview series.

CNS Overview - Part 1

Welcome to CNS® Overview Part 1, a two-part series View part 1 to obtain an introduction to the CNS system, including:

  • Origins of the CNS system.
  • Importance of CNS and multilateral netting.
  • Flow of trades between brokers.
  • Overview of the netting process and impact of a net position.
  • Difference between long and short positions.
  • Role of DTC.
  • Workings of mark-to-market.

Video length: 15 minutes

CNS Overview - Part 2

Welcome to CNS® Overview Part 2. This part of the two-part series includes:

  • CNS ancillary processes, such as exemptions, priorities, REORGs, dividends, and buy-in accounts.
  • CNS reports that are used to complete and balance daily settlements.
  • Benefits of using the CNS system.

Video length: 18 minutes

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ACATS Asset Input JSON Format (Legacy AT)

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ACATS Reversal MQ Output Format

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ACATS Mutual Fund Reversal MQ Output Format

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Trading Relationship Management User Help

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Clearing & Settlement Transformation: Client Test Plan

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ACATS Multicycle/End-of-Day MQ Output Format

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ACATS Position MQ Output Format

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ACATS Settlement MQ Output Format

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ACATS Fund/SERV Statistics MQ Output Format

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CNS Day Cycle Cash Reconciliation Statement - CSV Release Version

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CNS Night Cycle Cash Reconciliation Statement - CSV Release Version

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CNS Night Settlement Activity − CSV Release Version

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CNS Day Settlement Activity − CSV Release Version

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CNS Position Prior to Day Cycle − CSV Release Version

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CNS Position Prior to Night Cycle − CSV Release Version

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CNS Receive & Deliver Obligations − CSV Release Version

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CNS Projection − CSV Release Version

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ACATS Insurance Statistics MQ Output Format

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ACATS Interface Rejects MQ Output Format

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CNS ACATS Ineligible Security Reject and CNS ACATS EOD Fail MQ Output Format

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ACATS Participant Master Output Format

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NSCC Risk Margin Component Guide

Learn more about the NSCC Risk Margin Component and formulas, including information about charges, such as volatility, mark-to-market charges, and other charges.
Modified April 09, 2026

ETF Client Business Requirements for Options Clearing Connect

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Options Clearing Connect Release: Enhanced ETF Create and Redeem Instruction Data Output (MRO): AutoRoute Production 02261254/PSE 02981254

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