80_FR_60614 80 FR 60421 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change Relating to the Submission of “Clearing-Only, Non-Regulatory Reports” to the FINRA Equity Trade Reporting Facilities

80 FR 60421 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change Relating to the Submission of “Clearing-Only, Non-Regulatory Reports” to the FINRA Equity Trade Reporting Facilities

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 193 (October 6, 2015)

Page Range60421-60424
FR Document2015-25330

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 193 (Tuesday, October 6, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 193 (Tuesday, October 6, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 60421-60424]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-25330]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-76061; File No. SR-FINRA-2015-035]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Financial Industry Regulatory 
Authority, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a 
Proposed Rule Change Relating to the Submission of ``Clearing-Only, 
Non-Regulatory Reports'' to the FINRA Equity Trade Reporting Facilities

September 30, 2015.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that 
on September 22, 2015, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. 
(``FINRA'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'' 
or ``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, 
II, and III below, which Items have been prepared by FINRA. FINRA has 
designated the proposed rule change as constituting a ``non-
controversial'' rule change under paragraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b-4 under 
the Act,\3\ which renders the proposal effective upon receipt of this 
filing by the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to 
solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of the 
Substance of the Proposed Rule Change

    FINRA is proposing to amend FINRA rules governing the reporting of 
over-the-counter (``OTC'') transactions in equity securities to the 
FINRA Facilities \4\ to allow the submission of ``clearing-only, non-
regulatory reports,'' as defined herein, relating to previously 
executed and reported transactions and exempt such reports from certain 
reporting requirements under FINRA rules.
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    \4\ For purposes of this filing, the FINRA Facilities are the 
Alternative Display Facility (``ADF'') and the Trade Reporting 
Facilities (``TRF''), to which members report OTC transactions in 
NMS stocks, as defined in SEC Rule 600(b) of Regulation NMS; and the 
OTC Reporting Facility (``ORF''), to which members report 
transactions in ``OTC Equity Securities,'' as defined in Rule 6420 
(i.e., non-NMS stocks such as OTC Bulletin Board and OTC Market 
securities), as well as transactions in Restricted Equity 
Securities, as defined in Rule 6420, effected pursuant to Securities 
Act Rule 144A.
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    The text of the proposed rule change is available on FINRA's Web 
site at http://www.finra.org, at the principal office of FINRA and at 
the Commission's Public Reference Room.

II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and 
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

    In its filing with the Commission, FINRA included statements 
concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and 
discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The 
text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in 
Item IV below. FINRA has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, 
B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements.

A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and 
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

1. Purpose
Background
    With limited exceptions, FINRA trade reporting rules require that 
members report OTC transactions in equity securities by submitting a 
``tape'' report (the transaction is reported for public dissemination 
purposes) to FINRA.\5\ In some instances, members may be required (or 
may choose) to also submit one or more ``non-tape'' reports (the 
transaction is not reported for publication) in connection with the 
transaction. For example, members executing OTC transactions as 
riskless principal \6\ or agent on behalf of other members are required 
to submit non-tape report(s) to identify other FINRA members that are 
parties to the trade.\7\ Non-tape reports can be (1) ``non-tape, non-
clearing'' (the transaction is not reported to the tape and is 
submitted to FINRA solely for regulatory purposes) or (2) ``clearing-
only'' (the transaction is not reported to the tape and is submitted to 
FINRA for clearing (and perhaps also regulatory) purposes). FINRA notes 
that members can elect, but are not required, to have the FINRA 
Facility submit their trades to the National Securities Clearing 
Corporation (``NSCC'') for clearance and settlement, and in such 
instance, they would designate the submission for clearing.\8\
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    \5\ FINRA trade reporting rules require that for transactions 
between members, the ``executing party'' report the trade to FINRA. 
For transactions between a member and a non-member or customer, the 
member must report the trade. ``Executing party'' is defined under 
FINRA rules as the member that receives an order for handling or 
execution or is presented an order against its quote, does not 
subsequently re-route the order, and executes the transaction. See 
Rules 6282(b), 6380A(b), 6380B(b) and 6622(b).
    \6\ For purposes of OTC trade reporting requirements applicable 
to equity securities, a ``riskless principal'' transaction is a 
transaction in which a member, after having received an order to buy 
(sell) a security, purchases (sells) the security as principal (the 
initial leg) and satisfies the original order by selling (buying) as 
principal at the same price.
    \7\ See Rules 6282(d)(4), 6380A(d)(4), 6380B(d)(4) and 
6622(d)(4).
    \8\ As noted, FINRA rules do not mandate that members submit OTC 
transactions for clearing through a FINRA Facility, and for example, 
members may elect to clear via direct submission to the NSCC by a 
Qualified Special Representative (``QSR'').
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    Effective February 2, 2015, any member operating an alternative 
trading system (``ATS'') must obtain for each such ATS a single, unique 
market participant identifier (``MPID'') that is designated for 
exclusive use for

[[Page 60422]]

reporting the ATS's transactions.\9\ The member must use such separate 
MPID to report all transactions executed within the ATS to FINRA. 
Members that operate multiple ATSs or engage in other lines of business 
requiring the use of MPIDs must obtain and use multiple MPIDs.
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    \9\ See Rules 6160, 6170 and 6480.
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    Following implementation of the ATS MPID requirement, some firms 
that operate an ATS and use a FINRA Facility to submit trades to NSCC 
submit separate clearing-only reports to FINRA using their main broker-
dealer MPID. In other words, the firm submits a tape report and any 
required non-tape, non-clearing (i.e., regulatory) reports using the 
ATS MPID, and also submits one or more separate clearing-only reports 
using the firm's main broker-dealer MPID. FINRA understands that firms 
report in this manner to facilitate externally facing back office 
clearing processes, such as client reporting and step-out trade 
processing, that are built using the firm's main broker-dealer MPID. 
Firms have indicated that it would be a significant burden to change 
these established clearing processes and use the ATS MPID for purposes 
of clearing-only submissions.
    Currently, these additional clearing reports with the firm's main 
broker-dealer MPID duplicate the trade information previously reported 
to FINRA. Because they are not identified with the same MPID and are 
not linked to the related tape and non-tape, non-clearing reports, 
FINRA is unable to distinguish duplicative clearing-only reports from 
other reports that are submitted to satisfy a firm's regulatory 
reporting obligations. This creates confusion in the audit trail which 
in turn can result in the generation of false alerts in FINRA's 
automated surveillance programs.
Clearing-Only, Non-Regulatory Reports
    After reviewing the system capabilities and consulting with 
industry representatives, FINRA is proposing to adopt new subparagraph 
(4) under Rules 7130(g), 7230A(i), 7230B(h) and 7330(h) to create a 
uniquely identified category of submissions to FINRA that are 
``clearing-only, non-regulatory reports,'' i.e., the transaction is 
submitted solely to facilitate clearing and not for dissemination or 
regulatory purposes. As described in more detail below, ATSs would be 
permitted to use their main broker-dealer MPID on this limited subset 
of reports.
    Pursuant to the proposed rule change, a member may submit a 
clearing-only, non-regulatory report to a FINRA Facility for a 
previously executed trade for which a tape report has been submitted to 
the Facility, or for the offsetting portion of a riskless principal or 
agency transaction for which a non-tape, non-clearing report already 
has been submitted to the Facility satisfying FINRA regulatory 
requirements.\10\ In other words, the information contained in a 
clearing-only, non-regulatory report must be duplicative of information 
reported to the FINRA Facility in other submissions.
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    \10\ See, e.g., current Rules 7130(g)(1), 7230A(i)(1), 
7230B(h)(1) and 7330(h)(1), which prohibit members from submitting 
to a FINRA Facility any non-tape report associated with a previously 
executed trade that was not reported to that FINRA Facility, except 
where submitting the offsetting portion of a riskless principal or 
agency transaction. See also Regulatory Notice 07-38 (August 2007).
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    Pursuant to the proposed rule change, a clearing-only, non-
regulatory report cannot be used to satisfy any regulatory reporting 
requirement under FINRA rules that may apply to the transaction, e.g., 
the identification of other members for agency or riskless principal 
transactions.\11\ Thus, members will only be permitted to use such 
reports where the member's regulatory reporting obligations have been 
satisfied through other reports (tape or non-tape, as applicable) 
submitted to the FINRA Facility. Submission of a clearing-only, non-
regulatory report constitutes certification by the member that it has 
satisfied all regulatory reporting requirements that may apply to the 
transaction through its other submissions.
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    \11\ See Rules 6282(d)(4), 6380A(d)(4), 6380B(d)(4) and 
6622(d)(4).
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    Members that opt to submit such reports would be required to use a 
unique indicator to denote that the report is submitted solely for 
purposes of clearing the transaction and not for purposes of satisfying 
any regulatory reporting requirements. If a clearing submission does 
not comply with the provisions of the Rule, e.g., if it is being used 
to satisfy any regulatory reporting requirements, then the member must 
not use the unique indicator. FINRA is proposing a conforming change to 
Rules 7130(d), 7230A(d), 7230B(d) and 7330(d), which identify the 
information that must be included in trade reports submitted to FINRA, 
to require members to append the unique indicator to denote a clearing-
only, non-regulatory report, if applicable.
    Although clearing-only, non-regulatory reports will not be used by 
members to satisfy their regulatory reporting obligations, the 
information contained in such reports must nonetheless be consistent 
with previously submitted information for the same transaction, unless 
otherwise expressly provided under FINRA rules. Thus, FINRA is also 
proposing to amend Rules 6160, 6170 and 6480 to expressly allow members 
that operate an ATS to use an MPID other than their ATS MPID on 
clearing-only, non-regulatory reports.\12\ FINRA notes, however, that 
this relief relates solely to the MPID requirement, and the member firm 
with the trade reporting obligation under FINRA rules (or the 
``executing party'') must continue to be identified as such in all 
clearing-only, non-regulatory reports.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ If a member is using its clearing submission to satisfy any 
of its regulatory reporting obligations, then it must use its ATS 
MPID (and may not use its main broker-dealer MPID) in the clearing 
submission.
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    In addition, FINRA is proposing to amend Rules 7130(d), 7230A(d), 
7230B(d) and 7330(d) to provide that members are not required to use 
the short sale (or short sale exempt) indicator, if applicable, on 
clearing-only, non-regulatory reports. The short sale indictor must be 
included on the required tape report and if submitted, non-tape non-
clearing report that identifies the FINRA member that is selling short 
(or short exempt). The member is not required to duplicate this 
information on the optional clearing-only, non-regulatory report.
    FINRA reiterates that use of the clearing-only, non-regulatory 
report is not mandatory, and members will have the option of continuing 
to use clearing submissions to satisfy their regulatory reporting 
obligations. However, where a member opts to submit a clearing-only, 
non-regulatory report that duplicates trade information reported to 
FINRA in other tape and non-tape, non-clearing reports, then the member 
would be required to comply with the requirements set forth in this 
proposed rule change.
    To further illustrate the application of the proposed rule change, 
FINRA is providing the following detailed example: Member Firm 1 
operates an ATS that uses the MPID ``MATS,'' and Firm 1's main broker-
dealer MPID is ``MOTH.'' Firm 1 executes an agency cross transaction in 
its ATS between member Firm 2, as the buyer, and member Firm 3, as the 
seller. Under FINRA rules, using its ATS MPID ``MATS,'' Firm 1 must 
report the transaction to FINRA for public dissemination (for purposes 
of this example, ``MATS'' reports a cross transaction) and must submit 
non-tape report(s) to identify Firms 2 and 3 as parties to the trade, 
because they are

[[Page 60423]]

FINRA members (``MATS'' sells to Firm 2 and ``MATS'' buys from Firm 3). 
Firm 1 has the option, but is not required, to also report the 
transaction to FINRA for submission to clearing. Under the proposed 
rule change, Firm 1 could opt to submit two additional reports, i.e., 
two clearing-only, non-regulatory reports, with the unique indicator 
specified by FINRA, using an MPID other than its ATS MPID (``MOTH'' 
sells to Firm 2 and ``MOTH'' buys from Firm 3). In making such 
submissions, per the terms of the proposed rule change, Firm 1 is 
certifying that it has satisfied all regulatory reporting requirements 
through the submission of the tape and non-tape, non-clearing reports. 
Alternatively, Firm 1 would have the option of designating the non-tape 
reports showing ``MATS'' sells to Firm 2 and ``MATS'' buys from Firm 3 
for clearing. In that instance, Firm 1 would not use the special 
indicator because the reports are also satisfying Firm 1's reporting 
obligation under FINRA rules to identify Firms 2 and 3 as parties to 
the trade.
    Finally, FINRA notes that while the proposed rule change has been 
prompted by issues involving ATS trade reporting, any FINRA member 
(e.g., a member that does not operate an ATS but nonetheless uses 
multiple MPIDs) could elect to use clearing-only, non-regulatory 
reports in accordance with the proposed rule change.
    FINRA believes that the proposed rule change will ensure the 
accuracy and efficiency of FINRA's audit trail and automated 
surveillance programs while accommodating firms' business models and 
reporting and clearing processes that rely on clearing against their 
main broker-dealer MPID. The proposed rule change will ensure a more 
accurate audit trail by distinguishing voluntary trade reports that are 
submitted only to facilitate clearing from reports that are required 
under FINRA's trade reporting rules to satisfy a member's regulatory 
reporting obligations. Further, by distinguishing clearing-only, non-
regulatory reports from other trade submissions, the proposed rule 
change will improve the efficiency of FINRA's automated surveillance 
programs by potentially preventing false alerts that require both FINRA 
and member firms to unnecessarily expend resources to address such 
alerts.
    FINRA has filed the proposed rule change for immediate 
effectiveness and proposes that the operative date will be in February 
2016. FINRA will announce the operative date in a Regulatory Notice. To 
provide members sufficient time to make the required systems changes, 
FINRA expects to publish updated technical specifications for the FINRA 
Facilities at least four months prior to the operative date.
2. Statutory Basis
    FINRA believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the 
provisions of Section 15A(b)(6) of the Act,\13\ which requires, among 
other things, that FINRA rules must be designed to prevent fraudulent 
and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable 
principles of trade, and, in general, to protect investors and the 
public interest. FINRA believes that the proposed change is consistent 
with the Act because it will ensure a more accurate audit trail and 
enhance FINRA's ability to surveil on an automated basis for compliance 
with FINRA trade reporting rules.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ 15 U.S.C. 78o-3(b)(6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition

    FINRA does not believe that the proposed rule change will result in 
any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in 
furtherance of the purposes of the Act.
Economic Impact Analysis
    As described above, implementation of FINRA's reporting rules for 
ATSs creates an obligation for firms to report transactions to FINRA 
using an ATS-specific MPID. FINRA understands that requiring the 
submission of clearing reports with a firm's ATS-specific MPID would 
impose significant costs for firms with clearing processes that use 
their main broker-dealer MPID, and such a requirement would provide no 
material additional regulatory or market information beyond what is 
already provided through tape and non-tape regulatory reporting. 
Consequently, the proposed rule change is intended to remove a burden 
on firms that would provide no significant regulatory benefit if 
maintained.
    While the proposed rule change would require some firms to 
implement systems changes to identify clearing-only, non-regulatory 
reports with a unique indicator, FINRA does not believe that these 
changes would impose significant or differential costs on similarly 
situated firms.\14\ Firms will not be required to submit clearing-only, 
non-regulatory reports and may continue to combine their regulatory 
reporting and clearing in the same report. Thus, firms will be free to 
select the method of reporting that best suits their business model. 
FINRA notes that firms would not be required to report consistently for 
all trades, i.e., a firm could submit clearing-only, non-regulatory 
reports for some trades, but not all.\15\ FINRA is proposing to provide 
members a sufficient implementation period to accommodate any such 
changes.
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    \14\ FINRA notes that today, on average, approximately 350 
members regularly report trades to the FINRA Facilities. Many firms, 
including smaller firms, route their order flow to another firm, 
e.g., their clearing firm, for execution, and as the routing firm, 
they do not have the trade reporting obligation. Thus, the proposed 
rule change will have no impact on many members.
    \15\ FINRA further notes that firms would not be required to 
provide prior notice to FINRA of their intention to use clearing-
only, non-regulatory reports.
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    As noted above, the information in clearing-only, non-regulatory 
reports will be duplicative of information provided to FINRA in other 
reports. Accordingly, there will be no impact on the regulatory 
information that FINRA receives, and FINRA will be able to identify 
firms' use of clearing-only, non-regulatory reports in its audit trail. 
Therefore, the proposed rule change is not anticipated to create 
significant economic or informational impacts on the public, member 
firms or FINRA.

C. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed 
Rule Change Received from Members, Participants, or Others

    Written comments were neither solicited nor received.

III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for 
Commission Action

    Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not: (i) 
Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public 
interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) 
become operative for 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or 
such shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become 
effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act \16\ and 
subparagraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b-4 thereunder.\17\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
    \17\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule 
change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule 
change if it appears to the Commission that such action is: (i) 
Necessary or appropriate in the public interest; (ii) for the 
protection of investors; or (iii) otherwise in furtherance of the 
purposes of the Act. If the Commission takes such action, the 
Commission shall institute proceedings to determine whether the 
proposed rule should be approved or disapproved.

[[Page 60424]]

IV. Solicitation of Comments

    Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and 
arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule 
change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of 
the following methods:

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's Internet comment form (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an email to [email protected]. Please include 
File Number SR-FINRA-2015-035 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

     Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities 
and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549-1090.

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-FINRA-2015-035. This 
file number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To 
help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, 
please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on 
the Commission's Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all 
written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are 
filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to 
the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other 
than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the 
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site viewing and 
printing in the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE., 
Washington, DC 20549 on official business days between the hours of 
10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of such filing also will be available 
for inspection and copying at the principal offices of FINRA. All 
comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does 
not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should 
submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All 
submissions should refer to File Number SR-FINRA-2015-035, and should 
be submitted on or before October 27, 2015.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\18\
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    \18\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Robert W. Errett,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2015-25330 Filed 10-5-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P



                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 193 / Tuesday, October 6, 2015 / Notices                                                          60421

                                              subject line if email is used. To help the              September 22, 2015, Financial Industry                   A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                              Commission process and review your                      Regulatory Authority, Inc. (‘‘FINRA’’)                   Statement of the Purpose of, and
                                              comments more efficiently, please use                   filed with the Securities and Exchange                   Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
                                              only one method. The Commission will                    Commission (‘‘SEC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’)                   Change
                                              post all comments on the Commission’s                   the proposed rule change as described
                                              Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/                                                                           1. Purpose
                                                                                                      in Items I, II, and III below, which Items
                                              rules/sro.shtml).                                       have been prepared by FINRA. FINRA                       Background
                                                 Copies of the submission, all                        has designated the proposed rule change                     With limited exceptions, FINRA trade
                                              subsequent amendments, all written                                                                               reporting rules require that members
                                                                                                      as constituting a ‘‘non-controversial’’
                                              statements with respect to the proposed                                                                          report OTC transactions in equity
                                                                                                      rule change under paragraph (f)(6) of
                                              rule change that are filed with the                                                                              securities by submitting a ‘‘tape’’ report
                                              Commission, and all written                             Rule 19b–4 under the Act,3 which
                                                                                                      renders the proposal effective upon                      (the transaction is reported for public
                                              communications relating to the                                                                                   dissemination purposes) to FINRA.5 In
                                              proposed rule change between the                        receipt of this filing by the Commission.
                                                                                                      The Commission is publishing this                        some instances, members may be
                                              Commission and any person, other than                                                                            required (or may choose) to also submit
                                              those that may be withheld from the                     notice to solicit comments on the
                                                                                                      proposed rule change from interested                     one or more ‘‘non-tape’’ reports (the
                                              public in accordance with the                                                                                    transaction is not reported for
                                              provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be                     persons.
                                                                                                                                                               publication) in connection with the
                                              available for Web site viewing and
                                                                                                      I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                        transaction. For example, members
                                              printing in the Commission’s Public
                                                                                                      Statement of the Terms of the Substance                  executing OTC transactions as riskless
                                              Reference Room, 100 F Street NE.,
                                                                                                      of the Proposed Rule Change                              principal 6 or agent on behalf of other
                                              Washington, DC 20549, on official
                                                                                                                                                               members are required to submit non-
                                              business days between the hours of                         FINRA is proposing to amend FINRA                     tape report(s) to identify other FINRA
                                              10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the                  rules governing the reporting of over-                   members that are parties to the trade.7
                                              filing also will be available for                       the-counter (‘‘OTC’’) transactions in                    Non-tape reports can be (1) ‘‘non-tape,
                                              inspection and copying at the principal
                                                                                                      equity securities to the FINRA                           non-clearing’’ (the transaction is not
                                              office of the Exchange. All comments
                                                                                                      Facilities 4 to allow the submission of                  reported to the tape and is submitted to
                                              received will be posted without change;
                                              the Commission does not edit personal                   ‘‘clearing-only, non-regulatory reports,’’               FINRA solely for regulatory purposes) or
                                              identifying information from                            as defined herein, relating to previously                (2) ‘‘clearing-only’’ (the transaction is
                                              submissions. You should submit only                     executed and reported transactions and                   not reported to the tape and is
                                              information that you wish to make                       exempt such reports from certain                         submitted to FINRA for clearing (and
                                              available publicly.                                     reporting requirements under FINRA                       perhaps also regulatory) purposes).
                                                 All submissions should refer to File                 rules.                                                   FINRA notes that members can elect,
                                              Number SR–BATS–2015–78 and should                                                                                but are not required, to have the FINRA
                                                                                                         The text of the proposed rule change
                                              be submitted on or before October 27,                                                                            Facility submit their trades to the
                                                                                                      is available on FINRA’s Web site at                      National Securities Clearing Corporation
                                              2015.                                                   http://www.finra.org, at the principal                   (‘‘NSCC’’) for clearance and settlement,
                                                For the Commission, by the Division of                office of FINRA and at the                               and in such instance, they would
                                              Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated              Commission’s Public Reference Room.
                                              authority.16                                                                                                     designate the submission for clearing.8
                                                                                                      II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                          Effective February 2, 2015, any
                                              Robert W. Errett,
                                                                                                      Statement of the Purpose of, and                         member operating an alternative trading
                                              Deputy Secretary.                                                                                                system (‘‘ATS’’) must obtain for each
                                              [FR Doc. 2015–25327 Filed 10–5–15; 8:45 am]             Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
                                                                                                                                                               such ATS a single, unique market
                                                                                                      Change
                                              BILLING CODE 8011–01–P                                                                                           participant identifier (‘‘MPID’’) that is
                                                                                                        In its filing with the Commission,                     designated for exclusive use for
                                              SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE                                 FINRA included statements concerning
                                                                                                                                                                  5 FINRA trade reporting rules require that for
                                              COMMISSION                                              the purpose of and basis for the
                                                                                                                                                               transactions between members, the ‘‘executing
                                                                                                      proposed rule change and discussed any                   party’’ report the trade to FINRA. For transactions
                                              [Release No. 34–76061; File No. SR–FINRA–               comments it received on the proposed                     between a member and a non-member or customer,
                                              2015–035]                                                                                                        the member must report the trade. ‘‘Executing
                                                                                                      rule change. The text of these statements
                                                                                                                                                               party’’ is defined under FINRA rules as the member
                                              Self-Regulatory Organizations;                          may be examined at the places specified                  that receives an order for handling or execution or
                                              Financial Industry Regulatory                           in Item IV below. FINRA has prepared                     is presented an order against its quote, does not
                                                                                                      summaries, set forth in sections A, B,                   subsequently re-route the order, and executes the
                                              Authority, Inc.; Notice of Filing and                                                                            transaction. See Rules 6282(b), 6380A(b), 6380B(b)
                                              Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed                   and C below, of the most significant                     and 6622(b).
                                              Rule Change Relating to the                             aspects of such statements.                                 6 For purposes of OTC trade reporting

                                              Submission of ‘‘Clearing-Only, Non-                                                                              requirements applicable to equity securities, a
                                              Regulatory Reports’’ to the FINRA                         3 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6).                              ‘‘riskless principal’’ transaction is a transaction in
                                                                                                                                                               which a member, after having received an order to
                                              Equity Trade Reporting Facilities                         4 For purposes of this filing, the FINRA Facilities
                                                                                                                                                               buy (sell) a security, purchases (sells) the security
                                                                                                      are the Alternative Display Facility (‘‘ADF’’) and the
                                                                                                                                                               as principal (the initial leg) and satisfies the original
                                              September 30, 2015.                                     Trade Reporting Facilities (‘‘TRF’’), to which           order by selling (buying) as principal at the same
                                                 Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the                  members report OTC transactions in NMS stocks, as        price.
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                                              Securities Exchange Act of 1934                         defined in SEC Rule 600(b) of Regulation NMS; and           7 See Rules 6282(d)(4), 6380A(d)(4), 6380B(d)(4)
                                                                                                      the OTC Reporting Facility (‘‘ORF’’), to which           and 6622(d)(4).
                                              (‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2
                                                                                                      members report transactions in ‘‘OTC Equity                 8 As noted, FINRA rules do not mandate that
                                              notice is hereby given that on                          Securities,’’ as defined in Rule 6420 (i.e., non-NMS     members submit OTC transactions for clearing
                                                                                                      stocks such as OTC Bulletin Board and OTC Market         through a FINRA Facility, and for example,
                                                16 See 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).                        securities), as well as transactions in Restricted       members may elect to clear via direct submission
                                                1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).                                Equity Securities, as defined in Rule 6420, effected     to the NSCC by a Qualified Special Representative
                                                2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.                                   pursuant to Securities Act Rule 144A.                    (‘‘QSR’’).



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                                              60422                          Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 193 / Tuesday, October 6, 2015 / Notices

                                              reporting the ATS’s transactions.9 The                    non-regulatory report to a FINRA                         nonetheless be consistent with
                                              member must use such separate MPID to                     Facility for a previously executed trade                 previously submitted information for
                                              report all transactions executed within                   for which a tape report has been                         the same transaction, unless otherwise
                                              the ATS to FINRA. Members that                            submitted to the Facility, or for the                    expressly provided under FINRA rules.
                                              operate multiple ATSs or engage in                        offsetting portion of a riskless principal               Thus, FINRA is also proposing to amend
                                              other lines of business requiring the use                 or agency transaction for which a non-                   Rules 6160, 6170 and 6480 to expressly
                                              of MPIDs must obtain and use multiple                     tape, non-clearing report already has                    allow members that operate an ATS to
                                              MPIDs.                                                    been submitted to the Facility satisfying                use an MPID other than their ATS MPID
                                                 Following implementation of the ATS                    FINRA regulatory requirements.10 In                      on clearing-only, non-regulatory
                                              MPID requirement, some firms that                         other words, the information contained                   reports.12 FINRA notes, however, that
                                              operate an ATS and use a FINRA                            in a clearing-only, non-regulatory report                this relief relates solely to the MPID
                                              Facility to submit trades to NSCC                         must be duplicative of information                       requirement, and the member firm with
                                              submit separate clearing-only reports to                  reported to the FINRA Facility in other                  the trade reporting obligation under
                                              FINRA using their main broker-dealer                      submissions.                                             FINRA rules (or the ‘‘executing party’’)
                                              MPID. In other words, the firm submits                       Pursuant to the proposed rule change,                 must continue to be identified as such
                                              a tape report and any required non-tape,                  a clearing-only, non-regulatory report                   in all clearing-only, non-regulatory
                                              non-clearing (i.e., regulatory) reports                   cannot be used to satisfy any regulatory                 reports.
                                              using the ATS MPID, and also submits                      reporting requirement under FINRA                           In addition, FINRA is proposing to
                                              one or more separate clearing-only                        rules that may apply to the transaction,                 amend Rules 7130(d), 7230A(d),
                                              reports using the firm’s main broker-                     e.g., the identification of other members                7230B(d) and 7330(d) to provide that
                                              dealer MPID. FINRA understands that                       for agency or riskless principal                         members are not required to use the
                                              firms report in this manner to facilitate                 transactions.11 Thus, members will only                  short sale (or short sale exempt)
                                              externally facing back office clearing                    be permitted to use such reports where                   indicator, if applicable, on clearing-
                                              processes, such as client reporting and                   the member’s regulatory reporting                        only, non-regulatory reports. The short
                                              step-out trade processing, that are built                 obligations have been satisfied through                  sale indictor must be included on the
                                              using the firm’s main broker-dealer                       other reports (tape or non-tape, as                      required tape report and if submitted,
                                              MPID. Firms have indicated that it                        applicable) submitted to the FINRA                       non-tape non-clearing report that
                                              would be a significant burden to change                   Facility. Submission of a clearing-only,                 identifies the FINRA member that is
                                              these established clearing processes and                  non-regulatory report constitutes                        selling short (or short exempt). The
                                              use the ATS MPID for purposes of                          certification by the member that it has                  member is not required to duplicate this
                                              clearing-only submissions.                                satisfied all regulatory reporting                       information on the optional clearing-
                                                 Currently, these additional clearing                   requirements that may apply to the                       only, non-regulatory report.
                                              reports with the firm’s main broker-                                                                                  FINRA reiterates that use of the
                                                                                                        transaction through its other
                                              dealer MPID duplicate the trade                                                                                    clearing-only, non-regulatory report is
                                                                                                        submissions.
                                              information previously reported to                                                                                 not mandatory, and members will have
                                                                                                           Members that opt to submit such
                                              FINRA. Because they are not identified                                                                             the option of continuing to use clearing
                                                                                                        reports would be required to use a
                                              with the same MPID and are not linked                                                                              submissions to satisfy their regulatory
                                                                                                        unique indicator to denote that the
                                              to the related tape and non-tape, non-                                                                             reporting obligations. However, where a
                                                                                                        report is submitted solely for purposes
                                              clearing reports, FINRA is unable to                                                                               member opts to submit a clearing-only,
                                                                                                        of clearing the transaction and not for
                                              distinguish duplicative clearing-only                                                                              non-regulatory report that duplicates
                                                                                                        purposes of satisfying any regulatory
                                              reports from other reports that are                                                                                trade information reported to FINRA in
                                                                                                        reporting requirements. If a clearing
                                              submitted to satisfy a firm’s regulatory                                                                           other tape and non-tape, non-clearing
                                                                                                        submission does not comply with the                      reports, then the member would be
                                              reporting obligations. This creates
                                                                                                        provisions of the Rule, e.g., if it is being             required to comply with the
                                              confusion in the audit trail which in
                                                                                                        used to satisfy any regulatory reporting                 requirements set forth in this proposed
                                              turn can result in the generation of false
                                                                                                        requirements, then the member must                       rule change.
                                              alerts in FINRA’s automated
                                                                                                        not use the unique indicator. FINRA is                      To further illustrate the application of
                                              surveillance programs.
                                                                                                        proposing a conforming change to Rules                   the proposed rule change, FINRA is
                                              Clearing-Only, Non-Regulatory Reports                     7130(d), 7230A(d), 7230B(d) and                          providing the following detailed
                                                 After reviewing the system                             7330(d), which identify the information                  example: Member Firm 1 operates an
                                              capabilities and consulting with                          that must be included in trade reports                   ATS that uses the MPID ‘‘MATS,’’ and
                                              industry representatives, FINRA is                        submitted to FINRA, to require members                   Firm 1’s main broker-dealer MPID is
                                              proposing to adopt new subparagraph                       to append the unique indicator to                        ‘‘MOTH.’’ Firm 1 executes an agency
                                              (4) under Rules 7130(g), 7230A(i),                        denote a clearing-only, non-regulatory                   cross transaction in its ATS between
                                              7230B(h) and 7330(h) to create a                          report, if applicable.                                   member Firm 2, as the buyer, and
                                              uniquely identified category of                              Although clearing-only, non-                          member Firm 3, as the seller. Under
                                              submissions to FINRA that are                             regulatory reports will not be used by                   FINRA rules, using its ATS MPID
                                              ‘‘clearing-only, non-regulatory reports,’’                members to satisfy their regulatory                      ‘‘MATS,’’ Firm 1 must report the
                                              i.e., the transaction is submitted solely                 reporting obligations, the information                   transaction to FINRA for public
                                              to facilitate clearing and not for                        contained in such reports must                           dissemination (for purposes of this
                                              dissemination or regulatory purposes.                                                                              example, ‘‘MATS’’ reports a cross
                                                                                                          10 See, e.g., current Rules 7130(g)(1), 7230A(i)(1),
                                              As described in more detail below,                                                                                 transaction) and must submit non-tape
                                                                                                        7230B(h)(1) and 7330(h)(1), which prohibit
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                                              ATSs would be permitted to use their                      members from submitting to a FINRA Facility any          report(s) to identify Firms 2 and 3 as
                                              main broker-dealer MPID on this limited                   non-tape report associated with a previously             parties to the trade, because they are
                                              subset of reports.                                        executed trade that was not reported to that FINRA
                                                                                                        Facility, except where submitting the offsetting            12 If a member is using its clearing submission to
                                                 Pursuant to the proposed rule change,                  portion of a riskless principal or agency transaction.   satisfy any of its regulatory reporting obligations,
                                              a member may submit a clearing-only,                      See also Regulatory Notice 07–38 (August 2007).          then it must use its ATS MPID (and may not use
                                                                                                          11 See Rules 6282(d)(4), 6380A(d)(4), 6380B(d)(4)      its main broker-dealer MPID) in the clearing
                                                9 See   Rules 6160, 6170 and 6480.                      and 6622(d)(4).                                          submission.



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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 193 / Tuesday, October 6, 2015 / Notices                                                       60423

                                              FINRA members (‘‘MATS’’ sells to Firm                   updated technical specifications for the                 reporting and clearing in the same
                                              2 and ‘‘MATS’’ buys from Firm 3). Firm                  FINRA Facilities at least four months                    report. Thus, firms will be free to select
                                              1 has the option, but is not required, to               prior to the operative date.                             the method of reporting that best suits
                                              also report the transaction to FINRA for                                                                         their business model. FINRA notes that
                                                                                                      2. Statutory Basis
                                              submission to clearing. Under the                                                                                firms would not be required to report
                                              proposed rule change, Firm 1 could opt                     FINRA believes that the proposed rule                 consistently for all trades, i.e., a firm
                                              to submit two additional reports, i.e.,                 change is consistent with the provisions                 could submit clearing-only, non-
                                              two clearing-only, non-regulatory                       of Section 15A(b)(6) of the Act,13 which                 regulatory reports for some trades, but
                                              reports, with the unique indicator                      requires, among other things, that                       not all.15 FINRA is proposing to provide
                                              specified by FINRA, using an MPID                       FINRA rules must be designed to                          members a sufficient implementation
                                              other than its ATS MPID (‘‘MOTH’’ sells                 prevent fraudulent and manipulative                      period to accommodate any such
                                              to Firm 2 and ‘‘MOTH’’ buys from Firm                   acts and practices, to promote just and                  changes.
                                              3). In making such submissions, per the                 equitable principles of trade, and, in
                                                                                                      general, to protect investors and the                       As noted above, the information in
                                              terms of the proposed rule change, Firm                                                                          clearing-only, non-regulatory reports
                                              1 is certifying that it has satisfied all               public interest. FINRA believes that the
                                                                                                      proposed change is consistent with the                   will be duplicative of information
                                              regulatory reporting requirements                                                                                provided to FINRA in other reports.
                                              through the submission of the tape and                  Act because it will ensure a more
                                                                                                      accurate audit trail and enhance                         Accordingly, there will be no impact on
                                              non-tape, non-clearing reports.                                                                                  the regulatory information that FINRA
                                              Alternatively, Firm 1 would have the                    FINRA’s ability to surveil on an
                                                                                                      automated basis for compliance with                      receives, and FINRA will be able to
                                              option of designating the non-tape
                                                                                                      FINRA trade reporting rules.                             identify firms’ use of clearing-only, non-
                                              reports showing ‘‘MATS’’ sells to Firm
                                                                                                                                                               regulatory reports in its audit trail.
                                              2 and ‘‘MATS’’ buys from Firm 3 for                     B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                        Therefore, the proposed rule change is
                                              clearing. In that instance, Firm 1 would                Statement on Burden on Competition                       not anticipated to create significant
                                              not use the special indicator because the
                                                                                                        FINRA does not believe that the                        economic or informational impacts on
                                              reports are also satisfying Firm 1’s
                                                                                                      proposed rule change will result in any                  the public, member firms or FINRA.
                                              reporting obligation under FINRA rules
                                              to identify Firms 2 and 3 as parties to                 burden on competition that is not                        C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                              the trade.                                              necessary or appropriate in furtherance                  Statement on Comments on the
                                                 Finally, FINRA notes that while the                  of the purposes of the Act.                              Proposed Rule Change Received from
                                              proposed rule change has been                           Economic Impact Analysis                                 Members, Participants, or Others
                                              prompted by issues involving ATS trade
                                              reporting, any FINRA member (e.g., a                       As described above, implementation                      Written comments were neither
                                              member that does not operate an ATS                     of FINRA’s reporting rules for ATSs                      solicited nor received.
                                              but nonetheless uses multiple MPIDs)                    creates an obligation for firms to report
                                                                                                      transactions to FINRA using an ATS-                      III. Date of Effectiveness of the
                                              could elect to use clearing-only, non-                                                                           Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
                                              regulatory reports in accordance with                   specific MPID. FINRA understands that
                                                                                                      requiring the submission of clearing                     Commission Action
                                              the proposed rule change.
                                                 FINRA believes that the proposed rule                reports with a firm’s ATS-specific MPID
                                                                                                                                                                  Because the foregoing proposed rule
                                              change will ensure the accuracy and                     would impose significant costs for firms
                                                                                                                                                               change does not: (i) Significantly affect
                                              efficiency of FINRA’s audit trail and                   with clearing processes that use their
                                                                                                                                                               the protection of investors or the public
                                              automated surveillance programs while                   main broker-dealer MPID, and such a
                                                                                                                                                               interest; (ii) impose any significant
                                              accommodating firms’ business models                    requirement would provide no material
                                                                                                      additional regulatory or market                          burden on competition; and (iii) become
                                              and reporting and clearing processes                                                                             operative for 30 days from the date on
                                              that rely on clearing against their main                information beyond what is already
                                                                                                      provided through tape and non-tape                       which it was filed, or such shorter time
                                              broker-dealer MPID. The proposed rule                                                                            as the Commission may designate, it has
                                              change will ensure a more accurate                      regulatory reporting. Consequently, the
                                                                                                      proposed rule change is intended to                      become effective pursuant to Section
                                              audit trail by distinguishing voluntary                                                                          19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act 16 and
                                              trade reports that are submitted only to                remove a burden on firms that would
                                                                                                      provide no significant regulatory benefit                subparagraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b–4
                                              facilitate clearing from reports that are                                                                        thereunder.17
                                              required under FINRA’s trade reporting                  if maintained.
                                                                                                         While the proposed rule change                           At any time within 60 days of the
                                              rules to satisfy a member’s regulatory
                                              reporting obligations. Further, by                      would require some firms to implement                    filing of the proposed rule change, the
                                              distinguishing clearing-only, non-                      systems changes to identify clearing-                    Commission summarily may
                                              regulatory reports from other trade                     only, non-regulatory reports with a                      temporarily suspend such rule change if
                                              submissions, the proposed rule change                   unique indicator, FINRA does not                         it appears to the Commission that such
                                              will improve the efficiency of FINRA’s                  believe that these changes would                         action is: (i) Necessary or appropriate in
                                              automated surveillance programs by                      impose significant or differential costs                 the public interest; (ii) for the protection
                                              potentially preventing false alerts that                on similarly situated firms.14 Firms will                of investors; or (iii) otherwise in
                                              require both FINRA and member firms                     not be required to submit clearing-only,                 furtherance of the purposes of the Act.
                                              to unnecessarily expend resources to                    non-regulatory reports and may                           If the Commission takes such action, the
                                                                                                      continue to combine their regulatory                     Commission shall institute proceedings
                                              address such alerts.
                                                 FINRA has filed the proposed rule                                                                             to determine whether the proposed rule
                                                                                                        13 15  U.S.C. 78o–3(b)(6).                             should be approved or disapproved.
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                                              change for immediate effectiveness and                    14 FINRA    notes that today, on average,
                                              proposes that the operative date will be                approximately 350 members regularly report trades
                                                                                                                                                                 15 FINRA further notes that firms would not be
                                              in February 2016. FINRA will announce                   to the FINRA Facilities. Many firms, including
                                                                                                      smaller firms, route their order flow to another firm,   required to provide prior notice to FINRA of their
                                              the operative date in a Regulatory                                                                               intention to use clearing-only, non-regulatory
                                                                                                      e.g., their clearing firm, for execution, and as the
                                              Notice. To provide members sufficient                   routing firm, they do not have the trade reporting       reports.
                                              time to make the required systems                       obligation. Thus, the proposed rule change will            16 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).

                                              changes, FINRA expects to publish                       have no impact on many members.                            17 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6).




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                                              60424                        Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 193 / Tuesday, October 6, 2015 / Notices

                                              IV. Solicitation of Comments                              For the Commission, by the Division of              concerning the purpose of and basis for
                                                                                                      Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated            the proposed rule change and discussed
                                                Interested persons are invited to                     authority.18                                          any comments it received on the
                                              submit written data, views, and                         Robert W. Errett,                                     proposed rule change. The text of these
                                              arguments concerning the foregoing,                     Deputy Secretary.                                     statements may be examined at the
                                              including whether the proposed rule                     [FR Doc. 2015–25330 Filed 10–5–15; 8:45 am]           places specified in Item IV below. The
                                              change is consistent with the Act.                      BILLING CODE 8011–01–P                                Exchange has prepared summaries, set
                                              Comments may be submitted by any of                                                                           forth in sections A., B., and C. below, of
                                              the following methods:                                                                                        the most significant aspects of such
                                                                                                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE                               statements.
                                              Electronic Comments                                     COMMISSION
                                                                                                                                                            A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                • Use the Commission’s Internet                       [Release No. 34–76053; File No. SR–BYX–               Statement of the Purpose of, and
                                              comment form (http://www.sec.gov/                       2015–42]                                              Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
                                              rules/sro.shtml); or                                                                                          Change
                                                                                                      Self-Regulatory Organizations; BATS
                                                • Send an email to rule-                                                                                    1. Purpose
                                                                                                      Y-Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and
                                              comments@sec.gov. Please include File                   Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed                      In early 2014, the Exchange and its
                                              Number SR–FINRA–2015–035 on the                         Rule Change To Delete Rule 2.13,                      affiliate, BATS Exchange, Inc. (‘‘BZX’’),
                                              subject line.                                           Fidelity Bonds                                        received approval to effect a merger (the
                                              Paper Comments                                                                                                ‘‘Merger’’) of the Exchange’s parent
                                                                                                      September 30, 2015.                                   company, BATS Global Markets, Inc.,
                                                • Send paper comments in triplicate                      Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the                with Direct Edge Holdings LLC, the
                                              to Secretary, Securities and Exchange                   Securities Exchange Act of 1934                       indirect parent of EDGX, and EDGA
                                              Commission, 100 F Street NE.,                           (‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2               (together with BZX, BYX and EDGX, the
                                              Washington, DC 20549–1090.                              notice is hereby given that on                        ‘‘BGM Affiliated Exchanges’’).5 In the
                                                                                                      September 24, 2015, BATS Y-Exchange,                  context of the Merger, the BGM
                                              All submissions should refer to File                    Inc. (the ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘BYX’’) filed              Affiliated Exchanges are working to
                                              Number SR–FINRA–2015–035. This file                     with the Securities and Exchange                      align its [sic] rules, retaining only
                                              number should be included on the                        Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the                       intended differences between the BGM
                                              subject line if email is used. To help the              proposed rule change as described in                  Affiliated Exchanges. Thus, the proposal
                                              Commission process and review your                      Items I and II below, which Items have                set forth below is intended to delete
                                              comments more efficiently, please use                   been prepared by the Exchange. The                    Rule 2.13, Fidelity Bonds, in order to
                                              only one method. The Commission will                    Exchange has designated this proposal                 conform to the rules of EDGA and EDGX
                                              post all comments on the Commission’s                   as a ‘‘non-controversial’’ proposed rule              in order to provide a consistent rule set
                                              Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/                  change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)                across each of the BGM Affiliated
                                              rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the                         of the Act 3 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii)                Exchanges.6
                                              submission, all subsequent                              thereunder,4 which renders it effective                  In sum, Exchange Rule 2.13(a) states
                                              amendments, all written statements                      upon filing with the Commission. The                  that each Member 7 required to join the
                                              with respect to the proposed rule                       Commission is publishing this notice to               Securities Investor Protection
                                              change that are filed with the                          solicit comments on the proposed rule                 Corporation (‘‘SIPC’’) who has
                                              Commission, and all written                             change from interested persons.                       employees and who is a member in
                                                                                                                                                            good standing of another self-regulatory
                                              communications relating to the                          I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                                                                                                                            organization shall follow the applicable
                                              proposed rule change between the                        Statement of the Terms of Substance of
                                                                                                                                                            fidelity bond rule of the self-regulatory
                                              Commission and any person, other than                   the Proposed Rule Change
                                                                                                                                                            organization to which it is designated by
                                              those that may be withheld from the                        The Exchange is proposing to delete                the Commission for financial
                                              public in accordance with the                           Rule 2.13, Fidelity Bonds, in order to                responsibility pursuant to Section 17 of
                                              provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be                     conform to the rules of EDGA Exchange,                the Act and SEC Rule 17d–1 thereunder
                                              available for Web site viewing and                      Inc. (‘‘EDGA’’) and EDGX Exchange, Inc.               (i.e., its Designated Examining
                                              printing in the Commission’s Public                     (‘‘EDGX’’).                                           Authority or ‘‘DEA’’). Subparagraph (b)
                                              Reference Room, 100 F Street NE.,                          The text of the proposed rule change               to Rule 2.13 simply incorporates by
                                              Washington, DC 20549 on official                        is available at the Exchange’s Web site               reference NASD Rule 3020 (now FINRA
                                              business days between the hours of                      at www.batstrading.com, at the                        Rule 4360) in to Exchange Rule 2.13.
                                              10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of such                 principal office of the Exchange, and at              Subparagraph (c) of Rule 2.13 states that
                                              filing also will be available for                       the Commission’s Public Reference                     references to: (i) An ‘‘Association
                                              inspection and copying at the principal                 Room.                                                 member’’ shall be construed as
                                              offices of FINRA. All comments                                                                                references to a ‘‘Member’’; and (ii)
                                                                                                      II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                    Article I, paragraph (q) of the By-Laws
                                              received will be posted without change;                 Statement of the Purpose of, and
                                              the Commission does not edit personal                                                                         shall be construed as references to
                                                                                                      Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule                Exchange Rule 1.5(q). Lastly,
                                              identifying information from                            Change
                                              submissions. You should submit only
                                                                                                        In its filing with the Commission, the                 5 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 71375
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                                              information that you wish to make                                                                             (January 23, 2014), 79 FR 4771 (January 29, 2014)
                                                                                                      Exchange included statements
                                              available publicly. All submissions                                                                           (SR–BATS–2013–059; SR–BYX–2013–039).
                                              should refer to File Number SR–FINRA–                     18 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
                                                                                                                                                               6 The Exchange notes that BZX intends to file a

                                              2015–035, and should be submitted on                                                                          proposal to delete its identical Rule 2.13, Fidelity
                                                                                                        1 See 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).                          Bonds.
                                              or before October 27, 2015.                               2 See 17 CFR 240.19b–4.                                7 A Member is defined as ‘‘any registered broker
                                                                                                        3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
                                                                                                                                                            or dealer that has been admitted to membership in
                                                                                                        4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii).                      the Exchange.’’ See Exchange Rule 1.5(n).



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Document Created: 2015-12-15 08:51:21
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 08:51:21
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
FR Citation80 FR 60421 

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