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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Enhanced ETF Create and Redeem Instruction Input MRO: DATATRAK Production 11300/PSE 41300

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

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Enhanced Consolidated Portfolio Composition Output File Layout: AutoRoute Production 02261256 / PSE 02981256

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Enhanced Consolidated Portfolio Composition Input Data File: DATATRAK Production 11301/ PSE 41301

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Near RealTime Supplemental PCF: AutoRoute Production 02262335/PSE 02982335

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Enhanced ETF Create and Redeem Instruction Input MRO: DATATRAK Production 11300/PSE 41300

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Enhanced Consolidated Portfolio Composition Input Data File: DATATRAK Production 11301/ PSE 41301

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

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Enhanced Consolidated Portfolio Composition Output File Layout: AutoRoute Production 02261256 / PSE 02981256

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Near Real-Time Supplemental PCF AutoRoute Production 02262335/Test 02982335

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Universal Trade Capture (UTC) User Guide

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ACATS Position MQ Output Format

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SFT Clearing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

View frequently asked questions about the SFT Clearing service, including how to access the service. Learn more about the participant roles, system and operational flow, and billing and tax reporting. DTCC is committed to provide informative and responsive information regarding the Securities Financing Transaction (SFT) Clearing service. 
Modified May 15, 2026

SFT Clearing Testing Guide

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SFT Clearing General User Help

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Obligation Warehouse Overview - Release Version

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ACATS Message Queue (MQ) Guide

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Client Business Requirements for Options ETF Clearing Connect

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Client Business Requirements for Options ETF Clearing Connect

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ACATS Sample JSONs

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ACATS Sample JSONs - Zip

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CNS Buy-In Confirmed − CSV Release Version

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CNS Buy-In Liability − CSV Release Version

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CNS Night Miscellaneous Activity − CSV Release Version

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