The Investment Dealers Association’ board has approved amendments allowing dealers some flexibility in account margining procedures.

As of July 1, IDA firms will be allowed to margin one block of accounts on a settlement date basis, and the other block of accounts on a trade date basis. One of the two blocks must be limited to an acceptable institution, acceptable counter-party, regulated entity and investment counselor accounts.

The method chosen by the firm for an account will have to be used consistently from month to month.