2026 Securities Licensing Study Guides (SIE, Series 7 & Series 66) are now live
Trading & AccountsSection 37 min read

3.2 Trade Settlement (T+1) & Clearance

Trade settlement represents the official exchange of cash and securities. All calculations reflect SEC Rule 15c6-1 standard T+1 settlement.

Key FINRA Exam Takeaways

  • Regular-Way Settlement: T+1 (1 business day after trade date) for corporate equities, municipal bonds, corporate bonds, and Treasuries.
  • Options Settlement: Settles next business day (T+1).
  • Cash Settlement: Same-day settlement (trade date = settlement date).
  • Regulation T Payment Deadline: Trade Date + 2 business days (T+2).
  • Failure to Pay: Broker-dealer cancels or liquidates the position and freezes the account for 90 days.
Knowledge Checkpoint • Section 3.2

Under current SEC settlement rules, if a customer purchases 200 shares of stock on Wednesday, June 10, when does regular-way settlement occur?