OCC Publications

The Characteristics & Risks of Standardized Options

Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read a copy of the Characteristics & Risks of Standarized Options, also known as the options disclosure document (ODD). It explains the characteristics and risks of exchange traded options.

OCC By-Laws

This publication contains The Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) By-Laws.

Note: Rule filings are deleted from this list and integrated into the By-Laws and Rules in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.

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OCC Rules

This publication covers the rules of The Options Clearing Corporation (OCC).

Note: Rule filings are deleted from this list and integrated into the By-Laws and Rules in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.

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AAA Credit Rating from Standard & Poors

The counterparty credit rating on Options Clearing Corp. (OCC) reflects its critical role in the U.S. capital markets as the exclusive clearinghouse for exchange-traded stock derivatives. Further underlying the rating are OCC's members' mutual incentives to protect the organization from settlement losses, its conservative financial and procedural safeguards, and its substantial and readily available financial resources.

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OCC's Financial Guarantee

This publication generally discusses The Options Clearing Corporation's financial guarantee. The Options Clearing Corporation's By-Laws and Rules, however, govern the terms of such financial guarantee. No statement in this publication is to be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell a security or to provide investment advice. Prior to buying or selling a securities option, a person must receive a copy of the booklet Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options.

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Member Services Brochure

The Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) provides innovative and reliable financial, operational and informational services to its clearing members. OCC's systems facilitate fulfillment of margin and settlement obligations and improve the effectiveness of back-office operations. By providing a variety of services and maintaining the highest standard of customer service, OCC makes the clearing process efficient, reliable and secure. This brochure presents an overview of OCC's Member Services. The products and services that OCC offers through its Member Services group support and encourage investment in the derivatives market, enhancing operating effectiveness and safety to clearing members and to their customers.

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Taxes and Investing Brochure

This booklet provides a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax rules affecting investments in various financial instruments, including stocks, bonds, options and futures contracts. This summary is for general information purposes only and is not intended to address any individual investment or tax situation. Various special rules and exceptions are not discussed. Specific tax rules may apply to your particular circumstances that are not specifically covered in this booklet, and material contained in this booklet may be affected by changes in law subsequent to publication.

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Understanding Index Options

The purpose of this booklet is to provide an introductory understanding of index options and how they can be used. Index options may be listed on all U.S. option exchanges. Like trading in stocks, options trading is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

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The Equity Options Strategy Guide

The purpose of this booklet is to provide an introduction to some of the basic equity option strategies available to option and/or stock investors. Exchange-traded options have many benefits including flexibility, leverage, limited risk for buyers employing these strategies, and contract performance guaranteed by The Options Clearing Corporation (OCC). Options allow you to participate in price movements without committing the large amount of funds needed to buy stock outright. Options can also be used to hedge a stock position, to acquire or sell stock at a purchase price more favorable than the current market price, or, in the case of writing (selling) options, to earn premium income. Options give you options. You're not just limited to buying, selling or staying out of the market.With options, you can tailor your position to your own financial situation, stock market outlook and risk tolerance.

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