81_FR_1665 81 FR 1657 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; BATS Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Changes to Rules 11.5, Registration of Market Makers, 11.6, Obligations of Market Maker Authorized Traders, 11.7, Registration of Market Makers in a Security, and 11.8, Obligations of Market Makers

81 FR 1657 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; BATS Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Changes to Rules 11.5, Registration of Market Makers, 11.6, Obligations of Market Maker Authorized Traders, 11.7, Registration of Market Makers in a Security, and 11.8, Obligations of Market Makers

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 8 (January 13, 2016)

Page Range1657-1661
FR Document2016-00464

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 8 (Wednesday, January 13, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 13, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1657-1661]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-00464]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-76849; File No. SR-BATS-2015-121]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; BATS Exchange, Inc.; Notice of 
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Changes to Rules 
11.5, Registration of Market Makers, 11.6, Obligations of Market Maker 
Authorized Traders, 11.7, Registration of Market Makers in a Security, 
and 11.8, Obligations of Market Makers

January 7, 2016.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(the ``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given 
that on December 29, 2015, BATS Exchange, Inc. (the ``Exchange'' or 
``BATS'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, 
and III below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The 
Exchange has designated this proposal as a ``non-controversial'' 
proposed rule change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \3\ and 
Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder,\4\ which renders it effective upon 
filing with 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\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \4\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of the 
Substance of the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange filed a proposal to amend Rules 11.5, Registration of 
Market Makers, 11.6, Obligations of Market Maker Authorized Traders, 
11.7, Registration of Market Makers in a Security, and 11.8, 
Obligations of Market Makers, in order to update certain provisions and 
conform to the rules of EDGA Exchange, Inc. (``EDGA''), EDGX Exchange, 
Inc. (``EDGX''), Exchange's equity options trading platform (``BZX 
Options''), EDGX's equity options trading platform (``EDGX Options''), 
and the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (``Nasdaq'').\5\
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    \5\ See EDGA and EDGX Rules 11.17, 11.18, 11.19, and 11.20; BZX 
Options Rule 22.6(d)(4), (5), and (7); EDGX Options Rule 22.6(d)(4), 
(5), and (7); and Nasdaq Rules Rule 4613(a)(2)(ii) [sic], 
4613(a)(2)(D) and (E).
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    The text of the proposed rule change is available at the Exchange's 
Web site at www.batstrading.com, at the principal office of the 
Exchange, 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, the Exchange 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. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in 
Sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant parts of such 
statements.

[[Page 1658]]

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

1. Purpose
    In early 2014, the Exchange and its affiliate, BATS Y-Exchange, 
Inc. (``BYX''), received approval to effect a merger (the ``Merger'') 
of the Exchange's parent company, BATS Global Markets, Inc., with 
Direct Edge Holdings LLC, the indirect parent of EDGX and EDGA 
(together with BZX, BYX and EDGX, the ``BGM Affiliated Exchanges'').\6\ 
In the context of the Merger, the BGM Affiliated Exchanges are working 
to align their rules, retaining only intended differences between the 
BGM Affiliated Exchanges. Thus, the Exchange proposes to amend Rules 
11.5, Registration of Market Makers, 11.6, Obligations of Market Maker 
Authorized Traders, 11.7, Registration of Market Makers in a Security, 
and 11.8, Obligations of Market Makers, in order to update certain 
provisions and conform to the rules of EDGA and EDGX and provide a 
consistent rule set across each of the BGM Affiliated Exchanges.\7\ As 
amended, Exchange Rules 11.5, 11.6, 11.7, and 11.8 would be identical 
to EDGA and EDGX Rules 11.17, 11.18, 11.19, and 11.20 but for different 
cross references to Exchange Rules that are due to the different rule 
numbering amongst the Exchange, EDGA and EDGX.\8\
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    \6\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 71375 (January 23, 
2014), 79 FR 4771 (January 29, 2014) (SR-BATS-2013-059; SR-BYX-2013-
039).
    \7\ The Exchange notes that BYX intends to file an identical 
proposal with the Commission to amend its Rules 11.5, 11.6, 11.7, 
and 11.8 to updated certain provisions and conform to EDGA and EDGX 
Rules 11.17, 11.18, 11.19, and 11.20. The Exchange also notes that 
EDGA and EDGX intend to file proposals with the Commission to amend 
Rules 11.17, 11.18, 11.19, and 11.20 to update certain provisions to 
harmonize with the changes to Exchange Rules 11.5, 11.6, 11.7, and 
11.8 proposed herein.
    \8\ The Exchange notes that the substance of the rules that are 
cross-referenced in Rule 11.5, 11.6, 11.7 and 11.8 are identical or 
substantially similar to the corresponding EDGA and EDGX Rules.
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Rule 11.5, Registration of Market Makers
    Like EDGA and EDGX Rule 11.17, Exchange Rule 11.5 governs the 
registration of Market Makers on the Exchange. In particular, 
paragraphs (a) and (b) of Rule 11.5 sets forth the application process 
for Members seeking to register as Market Makers on the Exchange. The 
Exchange proposes to amend paragraphs (c) and (d) of Rule 11.5 to 
harmonize Rule 11.5 with EDGA and EDGX Rule 11.17.
    Paragraph (c) sets for [sic] the scenarios under which the Exchange 
may suspend or terminate a Market Maker's registration which include 
where the Market Maker has: (i) substantially of [sic] continuously 
failed to engage in dealings in accordance with Rule 11.8 (discussed 
below); (ii) failed to meet the minimum net capital requirements set 
forth under paragraph (a) of the Rule; and [sic] (iii) maintain a fair 
and orderly market. Rule 11.5(c) is substantially similar to EDGA and 
EDGX Rules 11.17(c)(1) thru (3). EDGA and EDGX contain an additional 
provision under Rule 11.17(c)(4) allowing them to suspend or terminate 
a Market Maker's registration where it does not have at least one 
registered Market Maker Authorized Trader (``MMAT'') qualified to 
perform market making activities as set forth in EDGA and EDGX Rule 
11.18(b)(5).\9\ Under proposed Rule 11.5(c)(4), a MMAT whose 
registration is suspended pursuant to Exchange Rule 11.6(c) shall not 
be deemed qualified within the meaning of Exchange Rule 11.6(c). In 
order to harmonize the scenarios under which the Exchange may suspend 
or terminate a Market Maker's registration under Rule 11.5(c) with EDGA 
and EDGX, the Exchange proposes to adopt the provisions under EDGA and 
EDGX Rule 11.17(c)(4) as new subparagraph (c)(4) under Rule 11.5. The 
Exchange believes it is reasonable to suspend or terminate a Market 
Maker's registration where it does not have at least one registered 
MMAT qualified to perform market making activities as the absence of a 
qualified MMAT would impede its ability to satisfy its market making 
obligations. To accommodate the addition of subparagraph (c)(4) under 
Rule 11.5, the Exchange also proposes to relocate the ``or'' from the 
end of subparagraph (c)(2) to the end of subparagraph (c)(3).
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    \9\ Under Exchange Rule 11.6(b)(5), a Market Maker must ensure 
that a MMAT is properly qualified to perform market making 
activities, including but not limited to ensuring the MMAT has met 
the requirements set forth in Exchange Rule 11.6(b)(2). In addition, 
the Exchange notes that EDGA and EDGX Rules [sic] Rule 11.17(c)(4) 
currently reference EDGA and EDGX Rules 11.19(b)(5). The Exchange 
notes that this reference should be to EDGA and EDGX Rules 
11.18(b)(5) and that EDGA and EDGX intend to include this correction 
in an upcoming rule filing to be submitted to the Commission.
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    Lastly, to conform to EDGA and EDGX Rules 11.17(d), the Exchange 
proposes to amend paragraph (d) or [sic] Rule 11.5 to remove the letter 
``s'' from after the word ``interests''.
Rule 11.6, Obligations of Market Maker Authorized Traders
    Like EDGA and EDGX Rules 11.18, Exchange Rule 11.6 governs the 
registration of MMATs. The Exchange proposes to amend paragraph (b)(4) 
to remove the letter ``s'' from after the word ``interests'' to 
harmonize Rule 11.6 with EDGA and EDGX Rule 11.18.
Rule 11.7, Registration of Market Makers in a Security
    Like EDGA and EDGX Rules 11.19, Exchange Rule 11.7 sets forth the 
process for a Market Maker to become registered in a newly authorized 
security or in a security already admitted to dealings on the Exchange. 
The Exchange proposes to make the following changes to harmonize Rule 
11.7 with EDGA and EDGX Rule 11.19:
     Amend paragraph (a) to state that registration in a 
security shall become effective on the same day as the Exchange's 
approval of the registration, unless otherwise provided by the 
Exchange; rather than the day following the following the Exchange's 
approval of the registration. This proposed amendment would harmonize 
Exchange Rule 11.7(a) with EDGA and EDGX Rules 11.19(a) in order to 
provide for consistent timeframes within which a registration may 
become effective across each of the BGM Affiliated Exchanges. Also, 
allowing for a registration to become effective on the same day as 
Exchange approval would enable a Market Maker to immediately provide 
liquidity in a security, rather than waiting until the following 
trading day. The Exchange would continue to maintain the authority to 
delay the effectiveness of the registration due to the Market Maker 
satisfying additional procedural requirements, such as the daily 
notification to the Exchange of the symbols to which it will make a 
market in on a particular trading day;
     Amend paragraph (a)(4) to replace the term ``they are'' 
with ``Market Maker is'';
     amend paragraph (a)(5) to add an ``and'' to the end of the 
paragraph; and
     amend paragraph (b) to remove the letter ``s'' from after 
the word ``interests''.
    The changes proposed above would harmonize Exchange Rule 11.7 with 
EDGA and EDGX Rules 11.19.
Rule 11.8, Obligations of Market Makers
    Like EDGA and EDGX Rules 11.20, Exchange Rule 11.8 sets forth the 
obligations of Market Makers. In short, Members who are registered as 
Market Makers in one or more securities traded on the Exchange must 
engage in a course of dealings for their own account to assist in the 
maintenance, insofar as reasonably practicable, of fair and orderly 
markets on the Exchange in accordance with these Rules. The

[[Page 1659]]

Exchange proposes to make the following changes to harmonize Rule 
11.8(a), (c), and (d) with EDGA and EDGX Rule 11.19:
     Amend subparagraph (a)(1) to clarify that the Market Maker 
must maintain continuous, two-sided quotations; \10\
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    \10\ The Exchange does not propose to amend a Market Maker's 
quoting obligations. The proposed change is simply intended to make 
clear that the obligation is to maintain a continuous, two-sided 
quotation.
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     amend paragraph (c) to: (i) Replace in the first sentence 
``or'' with ``including, but without limitation'' and ``the'' with 
``its''; (ii) delete the ``other'' from the second sentence; and (iii) 
add an ``s'' to the word ``power'' in the second sentence;
     amend paragraph (d)(1) to: (i) Add ``Continuous'' to the 
title ``Two-Sided Quote Obligations''; \11\
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    \11\ Id.
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     amend paragraphs (d)(2) and (d)(2)(C) to replace the word 
``under'' with ``of'' before Regulation NMS;
     amend paragraph (d)(2)(A) to replace ``from'' with ``as 
reported by'' before reference to the responsible single plan 
processor; and
     amend paragraph (d)(2)(B) to replace ``received from'' 
with ``reported by'' before reference to the responsible single plan 
processor.
    The Exchange also proposes to amend Rule 11.8(d)(1) to clarify the 
scenarios in which a Market Maker's two-sided quoting obligation may be 
temporarily suspended or alleviated. The provisions proposed to be 
added are each substantially similar to the rules of BZX Options and 
EDGX Options.\12\ Proposed Rule 11.8(d)(1)(A) addresses a Market 
Maker's ability to satisfy the quoting standard in the event of a 
technical failure or system limitation. In particular, if a technical 
failure or limitation of a system of the Exchange prevents the Market 
Maker from maintaining or communicating to the Exchange timely and 
accurate quotes in each security in which a Member is registered as a 
Market Maker, the duration of such failure shall not be considered in 
determining whether the Market Maker has satisfied the quoting standard 
with respect to that security.\13\
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    \12\ See BZX Options Rule 22.6(d)(4), (5), and (7). See also 
EDGX Options Rule 22.6(d)(4), (5), and (7).
    \13\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 71229 [sic] 
(December 18, 2013), 78 FR 77736 (December 24, 2013) (SR-BATS-2013-
062) (Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed 
Rule Change to Modify BATS Options Market Maker Continuous Quoting 
Obligation Rules).
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    In addition, proposed Rule 11.8(d)(1)(B) addresses a Market Maker's 
ability to satisfy the quoting standard during a halt, suspension or 
pause. A Market Maker's quoting obligation under Rule 11.8 would be 
suspended during a trading halt, suspension, or pause in the 
security.\14\ A Market Maker's quoting obligation would recommence 
after the first regular way transaction on the primary listing market 
following such halt, suspension, or pause in the security, as reported 
by the responsible single plan processor.\15\ A Market Maker's quoting 
obligation would also be suspended under Rule 11.8(d)(1)(B) for the 
duration that an NMS stock is in a Limit State or a Straddle State 
declared pursuant to the Plan to Address Extraordinary Market 
Volatility Pursuant to Rule 608 of Regulation NMS under the Act (the 
``Limit Up-Limit Down Plan'' or ``Plan'').\16\
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    \14\ The Exchange notes that proposed Rule 11.8(d)(B) would 
differ from BZX Options and EDGX Options Rules 22.6(d)(5) in so far 
as proposed Rule 11.8(d)(B) references ``security'' rather than 
``underlying security'' in order to conform to the equities markets.
    \15\ See also Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (``Nasdaq'') Rule 
4613(a)(2)(ii).
    \16\ See BZX and BYX Rules 11.18(e). See also EDGA and EDGX 
Rules 11.16(e). See also Securities Exchange Act Release No. 67091 
(May 31, 2012), 77 FR 33498 (June 6, 2012) (the ``Limit Up-Limit 
Down Release'').
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    Under proposed Rule 11.8(d)(1)(C), the Exchange would have the 
ability to consider other exceptions to the Two-Sided Obligation based 
on demonstrated legal or regulatory requirements or other mitigating 
circumstances. For example, a Market Maker must implement the pre-trade 
and other risk controls required by Rule 15c3-5 of the Act (the 
``Market Access Rule'') with respect to all of their quoting activity. 
These pre-trade risk controls must be reasonably designed to 
systemically limit financial exposure and ensure compliance with all 
regulatory requirements. The risk controls a Market Maker may have in 
place to comply with the Market Access Rule may prevent that Market 
Maker from satisfying its quoting obligation. In such case, the 
Exchange would consider whether the Market Maker's failure to satisfy 
its quoting obligation due to its compliance with the Market Access 
Rule was proper.
    Lastly, the Exchange proposes to amend its definitions of 
``Designated Percentage'' and ``Defined Limit'' under Rules 
11.8(d)(2)(D) and (E) respectively to be substantially similar to 
Nasdaq Rules 4613(a)(2)(D) and (E). The pricing obligations applicable 
to quotations of Market Makers are based on the Designated Percentage 
and the Defined Limit, which are determined based on the applicable 
trigger percentage. The amended definitions would include revised 
percentages and updated descriptions of the categories of securities 
that are subject to those percentages. The Exchange notes that the 
percentages discussed below in the proposed definitions of Designated 
Percentage and Defined Limit are currently included in Interpretation 
and Policy .01 to Rule 11.8. Therefore, the Exchange is not proposing 
new percentages governing a Market Maker's quoting obligations; it is 
seeking to adopt revised definitions that are substantially similar to 
that of Nasdaq in order to provide consistent rules with regard to 
Market Maker's quoting obligations.\17\ The Exchange believes 
consistent definitions would avoid confusion amongst market 
participants that make markets on multiple venues.
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    \17\ The Exchange proposed to categorize securities included in 
the S&P 500[supreg] Index, Russell 1000[supreg] Index, and a pilot 
list of Exchange Traded Products as Tier 1 NMS Stocks under the 
under the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan. Securities not included in the 
S&P 500[supreg] Index, Russell 1000[supreg] Index, or in the pilot 
list of Exchange Traded Products would be categorized as Tier 2 NMS 
Stocks under the under the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan. Nasdaq Rule 
4613(a)(2)(D) and (E) references securities as included in the S&P 
500[supreg] Index, Russell 1000[supreg] Index, and a pilot list of 
Exchange Traded Products as such and those that are not as Tier 2 
NMS Stocks. The Exchange notes that EDGA and EDGX also intent [sic] 
to amend their definitions of Designated Percentage and Defined 
Limit to mirror that proposed herein.
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    The Exchange currently defines Designated Percentage under Rule 
11.8(d)(2)(D) as the individual stock pause trigger percentage under 
the applicable rules of a primary listing market less: Two (2) 
percentage points for securities that are included in the S&P 
500[supreg] Index, Russell 1000[supreg] Index, and a pilot list of 
Exchange Traded Products and for all other NMS stocks with a price 
equal to or greater than $1.00 per share; and twenty (20) percentage 
points for all NMS stocks with a price less than $1.00 per share that 
are not included in the S&P 500[supreg] Index, Russell 1000[supreg] 
Index, and a pilot list of Exchange Traded Products. Exchange Rule 
11.8(d)(2)(D) also states that for times during Regular Trading Hours 
\18\ when stock pause triggers are not in effect under the rules of the 
primary listing market, the Designated Percentage will be 20% for 
securities included in the S&P 500[supreg] Index, Russell 1000[supreg] 
Index, and a pilot list of Exchange Traded Products. The Designated 
Percentage will remain the same throughout Regular Trading Hours for 
all other NMS stocks.
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    \18\ See Exchange Rule 1.5(w).
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    As amended, Designated Percentage would be defined as 8% for Tier 1 
NMS Stocks under the Limit Up-Limit Down

[[Page 1660]]

Plan,\19\ 28% for Tier 2 NMS Stocks under the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan 
\20\ with a price equal to or greater than $1.00, and 30% for Tier 2 
NMS Stocks under the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan with a price less than 
$1.00, except that between 9:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. and between 3:35 
p.m. and the close of trading, when Exchange Rule 11.18(b) is not in 
effect, the Designated Percentage shall be 20% for Tier 1 NMS Stocks 
under the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan, 28% for Tier 2 NMS Stocks under the 
Limit Up-Limit Down Plan with a price equal to or greater than $1.00, 
and 30% for Tier 2 NMS Stocks under the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan with a 
price less than $1.00.
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    \19\ Tier 1 NMS Stocks under the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan are 
securities that are included in the S&P 500[supreg] Index, Russell 
1000[supreg] Index, and a pilot list of Exchange Traded Products. 
See the Limit Up-Limit Down Release supra note 16.
    \20\ Tier 2 NMS Stocks under the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan are 
securities that are not included in the S&P 500[supreg] Index, 
Russell 1000[supreg] Index, and a pilot list of Exchange Traded 
Products. Id.
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    The Exchange currently defines Defined Limit under Rule 
11.8(d)(2)(E) as the individual stock pause trigger percentage under 
the applicable rules of a primary listing market less one-half (\1/2\) 
percentage point for securities that are included in the S&P 
500[supreg] Index, Russell 1000[supreg] Index, and a pilot list of 
Exchange Traded Products and for all other NMS stocks with a price 
equal to or greater than $1.00 per share; and eighteen and one-half 
(18.5) percentage points for all NMS stocks with a price less than 
$1.00 per share that are not included in the S&P 500[supreg] Index, 
Russell 1000[supreg] Index, and a pilot list of Exchange Traded 
Products. As amended, Defined Limit would be defined as 9.5% for Tier 1 
NMS Stocks under the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan, 29.5% for Tier 2 NMS 
Stocks under the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan with a price equal to or 
greater than $1.00, and 31.5% for Tier 2 NMS Stocks under the Limit Up-
Limit Down Plan with a price less than $1.00, except that between 9:30 
a.m. and 9:45 a.m. and between 3:35 p.m. and the close of trading, when 
Exchange Rule 11.18(b) is not in effect, the Defined Limit shall be 
21.5% for Tier 1 NMS Stocks under the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan, 29.5% 
for Tier 2 NMS Stocks under the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan with a price 
equal to or greater than $1.00, and 31.5% for Tier 2 NMS Stocks under 
the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan with a price less than $1.00. Exchange 
Rule 11.8(d)(2)(E) also states that for times during Regular Trading 
Hours when stock pause triggers are not in effect under the rules of 
the primary listing market, the Defined Limit will be 21.5% for 
securities included in the S&P 500[supreg] Index, Russell 1000[supreg] 
Index, and a pilot list of Exchange Traded Products. The Defined Limit 
will remain the same throughout Regular Trading Hours for all other NMS 
stocks.
    The Exchange proposes to delete Interpretation and Policy .01 to 
Rule 11.8 as its content would now be duplicative with the definitions 
of Designated Percentage and Defined Limit under proposed Rules 
11.8(d)(2)(D) and (E).
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent 
with the requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations 
thereunder that are applicable to a national securities exchange, and, 
in particular, with the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act.\21\ 
Specifically, the proposed change is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of 
the Act,\22\ because it is designed to promote just and equitable 
principles of trade, to remove impediments to, and perfect the 
mechanism of, a free and open market and a national market system, and, 
in general, to protect investors and the public interest. As mentioned 
above, the proposed rule changes, combined with the planned filing for 
the BYX, EDGA, and EDGX, would allow the BGM Affiliated Exchanges to 
provide a consistent set of rules as it relates to the registration and 
obligations of Market Makers. Consistent rules, in turn, will simplify 
the regulatory requirements for Market Makers on the Exchange that are 
also Market Makers on EDGA, EDGX and/or BYX. The proposed rule change 
would provide greater harmonization between rules of similar purpose on 
the BGM Affiliated Exchanges, resulting in greater uniformity and less 
burdensome and more efficient regulatory compliance and understanding 
of Exchange Rules. As such, the proposed rule change would foster 
cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in facilitating 
transactions in securities and would remove impediments to and perfect 
the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system. 
Similarly, the Exchange also believes that, by harmonizing the rules 
across each BGM Affiliated Exchange, the proposal will enhance the 
Exchange's ability to fairly and efficiently regulate its Market Makers 
by utilizing a consistent rule set and obligations across each of the 
BGM Affiliated Exchanges. Consistent rules would enable the Exchange to 
apply identical standards to that of its affiliates, alleviating 
confusion by Market Makers on who may also be registered as such on 
BYX, EDGA, or EDGX, thereby promoting just and equitable principles of 
trade in accordance with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act.\23\
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    \21\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \22\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
    \23\ Id.
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    The Exchange also believes the proposed amendments to Rule 11.8(d) 
are consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,\24\ because they are 
designed to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to remove 
impediments to, and perfect the mechanism of, a free and open market 
and a national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and 
the public interest. The proposed amendments to Rule 11.8(d)(1) are 
meant to clarify the scenarios in which a Market Maker's two-sided 
quoting obligation may be temporarily suspended or alleviated. The 
provisions proposed to be added are each substantially similar to the 
rules of the BZX Options, EDGX Options and Nasdaq.\25\ The Exchange 
believes it is appropriate to have consistent rules across its equities 
and options platforms. Consistent rules would aid in alleviating 
confusion amongst those that are Members on both platforms. The 
Exchange believes it is reasonable to suspend or alleviate a Market 
Maker's quoting obligations in the event of a technical or system 
limitation, during a trading halt, suspension or pause, as well as 
where demonstrated legal or regulatory requirements prevent the Market 
Maker from quoting. In each scenario, the Exchange will review the 
reasons behind the Market Maker inability to quote for compliance with 
the Rule. In addition, the percentages included in the proposed 
definitions of Designated Percentage and Defined Limit are currently 
included in Interpretation and Policy .01 to Rule 11.8. Therefore, the 
Exchange is not proposing to new percentages governing a Market Maker's 
quoting obligations; it is seeking to adopt revised definitions that 
are substantially similar to that of Nasdaq in order to provide a 
consistent rules with regard to Market Makers quoting obligations.
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    \24\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
    \25\ See supra notes 12 and 15.
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B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition

    The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will 
impose any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in 
furtherance of the purposes of the act. To the contrary, allowing the 
Exchange to

[[Page 1661]]

implement substantively identical rules across each of the BGM 
Affiliated Exchanges regarding Market Maker registration and their 
obligations does not present any competitive issues, but rather is 
designed to provide greater harmonization among Exchange, BYX, EDGX, 
and EDGA rules of similar purpose. The proposed rule change should, 
therefore, result in less burdensome and more efficient regulatory 
compliance and understanding of Exchange Rules for common members of 
the BGM Affiliated Exchanges and an enhanced ability of the BGM 
Affiliated Exchanges to fairly and efficiently regulate Market Makers.

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

    The Exchange has neither solicited nor received written comments on 
the proposed rule change.

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

    Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not: (A) 
Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public 
interest; (B) impose any significant burden on competition; and (C) by 
its terms, 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) of the Act \26\ and 
paragraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\27\ the Exchange has 
designated this rule filing as non-controversial. The Exchange has 
given the Commission written notice of its intent to file the proposed 
rule change, along with a brief description and text of the proposed 
rule change at least five business days prior to the date of filing of 
the proposed rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the 
Commission.
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    \26\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \27\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
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    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: (1) 
Necessary or appropriate in the public interest; (2) for the protection 
of investors; or (3) 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.

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 No. SR-BATS-2015-121 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 No. SR-BATS-2015-121. 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 office of the Exchange. 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 No. SR-BATS-2015-121, and should be 
submitted on or before February 3, 2016.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\28\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \28\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert W. Errett,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-00464 Filed 1-12-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P



                                                                                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 13, 2016 / Notices                                                       1657

                                                    Summary of the Application                              (i) undue influence over an Underlying                 ‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,2
                                                       1. Applicants request an order to                    Fund that is not in the same ‘‘group of                notice is hereby given that on December
                                                    permit (a) a Fund 1 (each a ‘‘Fund of                   investment companies’’ as the Fund of                  29, 2015, BATS Exchange, Inc. (the
                                                    Funds’’) to acquire shares of Underlying                Funds through control or voting power,                 ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘BATS’’) filed with the
                                                    Funds 2 in excess of the limits in                      or in connection with certain services,                Securities and Exchange Commission
                                                    sections 12(d)(1)(A) and (B) of the Act                 transactions, and underwritings, (ii)                  (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule
                                                    and (b) each Underlying Fund that is a                  excessive layering of fees, and (iii)                  change as described in Items I, II, and
                                                    registered open-end investment                          overly complex fund structures, which                  III below, which Items have been
                                                    company or series thereof, the                          are the concerns underlying the limits                 prepared by the Exchange. The
                                                    Distributor or any principal underwriter                in sections 12(d)(1)(A) and (B) of the                 Exchange has designated this proposal
                                                    and any broker or dealer registered                     Act.                                                   as a ‘‘non-controversial’’ proposed rule
                                                    under the Exchange Act to sell shares of                   3. Section 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act                   change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)
                                                    the Underlying Fund to the Fund of                      provides that the Commission may                       of the Act 3 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii)
                                                    Funds in excess of the limits in section                exempt any person, security, or                        thereunder,4 which renders it effective
                                                    12(d)(1)(B) of the Act. Applicants also                 transaction, or any class or classes of                upon filing with the Commission. The
                                                    request an order of exemption under                     persons, securities, or transactions from              Commission is publishing this notice to
                                                    sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Act from                 any provision of section 12(d)(1) if the               solicit comments on the proposed rule
                                                    the prohibition on certain affiliated                   exemption is consistent with the public                change from interested persons.
                                                    transactions in section 17(a) of the Act                interest and the protection of investors.              I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                    to the extent necessary to permit the                   Section 17(b) of the Act authorizes the                Statement of the Terms of the Substance
                                                    Underlying Funds to sell their shares to,               Commission to grant an order                           of the Proposed Rule Change
                                                    and redeem their shares from, the Funds                 permitting a transaction otherwise
                                                    of Funds.3 Applicants state that such                   prohibited by section 17(a) if it finds                   The Exchange filed a proposal to
                                                    transactions will be consistent with the                that (a) the terms of the proposed                     amend Rules 11.5, Registration of
                                                    policies of each Fund of Funds and each                 transaction are reasonable and fair and                Market Makers, 11.6, Obligations of
                                                    Underlying Fund and with the general                    do not involve overreaching on the part                Market Maker Authorized Traders, 11.7,
                                                    purposes of the Act and will be based                   of any person concerned; (b) the                       Registration of Market Makers in a
                                                    on the net asset values of the                          proposed transaction is consistent with                Security, and 11.8, Obligations of
                                                    Underlying Funds.                                       the policies of each registered                        Market Makers, in order to update
                                                       2. Applicants agree that any order                   investment company involved; and (c)                   certain provisions and conform to the
                                                    granting the requested relief will be                   the proposed transaction is consistent                 rules of EDGA Exchange, Inc. (‘‘EDGA’’),
                                                    subject to the terms and conditions                     with the general purposes of the Act.                  EDGX Exchange, Inc. (‘‘EDGX’’),
                                                    stated in the application. Such terms                   Section 6(c) of the Act permits the                    Exchange’s equity options trading
                                                    and conditions are designed to, among                   Commission to exempt any persons or                    platform (‘‘BZX Options’’), EDGX’s
                                                    other things, help prevent any potential                transactions from any provision of the                 equity options trading platform (‘‘EDGX
                                                                                                            Act if such exemption is necessary or                  Options’’), and the Nasdaq Stock Market
                                                       1 Applicants request that the order apply to each
                                                                                                            appropriate in the public interest and                 LLC (‘‘Nasdaq’’).5
                                                    existing and future series of Columbia Funds Series     consistent with the protection of                         The text of the proposed rule change
                                                    Trust I and Columbia Funds Variable Insurance                                                                  is available at the Exchange’s Web site
                                                    Trust, and to each existing and future registered       investors and the purposes fairly
                                                    open-end management investment company or               intended by the policy and provisions of               at www.batstrading.com, at the
                                                    series thereof which is advised by the Adviser or       the Act.                                               principal office of the Exchange, and at
                                                    any entity controlling, controlled by or under                                                                 the Commission’s Public Reference
                                                    common control with the Adviser and which is part         For the Commission, by the Division of               Room.
                                                    of the same ‘‘group of investment companies’’ as        Investment Management, pursuant to
                                                    Columbia Funds Series Trust I and Columbia Funds        delegated authority.                                   II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                    Variable Insurance Trust (each, a ‘‘Fund’’). For                                                               Statement of the Purpose of, and
                                                    purposes of the request for relief, the term ‘‘group
                                                                                                            Robert W. Errett,
                                                    of investment companies’’ means any two or more         Deputy Secretary.                                      Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
                                                    investment companies that hold themselves out to        [FR Doc. 2016–00470 Filed 1–12–16; 8:45 am]            Change
                                                    investors as related companies for purposes of
                                                    investment and investor services.                       BILLING CODE 8011–01–P                                    In its filing with the Commission, the
                                                       2 Certain of the Underlying Funds have obtained                                                             Exchange included statements
                                                    exemptions from the Commission necessary to                                                                    concerning the purpose of and basis for
                                                    permit their shares to be listed and traded on a        SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE                                the proposed rule change and discussed
                                                    national securities exchange at negotiated prices       COMMISSION
                                                    and, accordingly, to operate as exchange-traded
                                                                                                                                                                   any comments it received on the
                                                    funds (‘‘ETFs’’).                                       [Release No. 34–76849; File No. SR–BATS–               proposed rule change. The text of these
                                                       3 A Fund of Funds generally would purchase and
                                                                                                            2015–121]                                              statements may be examined at the
                                                    sell shares of an Unaffiliated Fund that operates as                                                           places specified in Item IV below. The
                                                    an ETF through secondary market transactions            Self-Regulatory Organizations; BATS                    Exchange has prepared summaries, set
                                                    rather than through principal transactions with the
                                                    Unaffiliated Fund. To the extent that a Fund of         Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and                   forth in Sections A, B, and C below, of
                                                    Funds purchases or redeems shares from an ETF           Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed                  the most significant parts of such
                                                    that is an affiliated person of the Fund of Funds in    Rule Changes to Rules 11.5,                            statements.
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                                                    exchange for a basket of specified securities as        Registration of Market Makers, 11.6,
                                                    described in the Application for the exemptive
                                                    order upon which the ETF relies, Applicants also        Obligations of Market Maker                              1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
                                                                                                                                                                     2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
                                                    request relief from Section 17(a) for those in-kind     Authorized Traders, 11.7, Registration
                                                                                                                                                                     3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
                                                    transactions. Applicants are not seeking relief from    of Market Makers in a Security, and                      4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii).
                                                    Section 17(a) for, and the requested relief will not    11.8, Obligations of Market Makers
                                                    apply to, transactions where an ETF could be                                                                     5 See EDGA and EDGX Rules 11.17, 11.18, 11.19,

                                                    deemed an affiliated person, or an affiliated person    January 7, 2016.                                       and 11.20; BZX Options Rule 22.6(d)(4), (5), and (7);
                                                    of an affiliated person, of a Fund of Funds because                                                            EDGX Options Rule 22.6(d)(4), (5), and (7); and
                                                    an investment adviser to the ETF is also an               Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the                  Nasdaq Rules Rule 4613(a)(2)(ii) [sic], 4613(a)(2)(D)
                                                    investment adviser to the Fund of Funds.                Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the                   and (E).



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                                                    1658                        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 13, 2016 / Notices

                                                    A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                       may suspend or terminate a Market                      registration of MMATs. The Exchange
                                                    Statement of the Purpose of, and                        Maker’s registration which include                     proposes to amend paragraph (b)(4) to
                                                    Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule                  where the Market Maker has: (i)                        remove the letter ‘‘s’’ from after the
                                                    Change                                                  substantially of [sic] continuously failed             word ‘‘interests’’ to harmonize Rule 11.6
                                                                                                            to engage in dealings in accordance with               with EDGA and EDGX Rule 11.18.
                                                    1. Purpose
                                                                                                            Rule 11.8 (discussed below); (ii) failed
                                                       In early 2014, the Exchange and its                                                                         Rule 11.7, Registration of Market Makers
                                                                                                            to meet the minimum net capital
                                                    affiliate, BATS Y-Exchange, Inc.                                                                               in a Security
                                                                                                            requirements set forth under paragraph
                                                    (‘‘BYX’’), received approval to effect a                (a) of the Rule; and [sic] (iii) maintain                 Like EDGA and EDGX Rules 11.19,
                                                    merger (the ‘‘Merger’’) of the Exchange’s               a fair and orderly market. Rule 11.5(c)                Exchange Rule 11.7 sets forth the
                                                    parent company, BATS Global Markets,                    is substantially similar to EDGA and                   process for a Market Maker to become
                                                    Inc., with Direct Edge Holdings LLC, the                EDGX Rules 11.17(c)(1) thru (3). EDGA                  registered in a newly authorized
                                                    indirect parent of EDGX and EDGA                        and EDGX contain an additional                         security or in a security already
                                                    (together with BZX, BYX and EDGX, the                   provision under Rule 11.17(c)(4)                       admitted to dealings on the Exchange.
                                                    ‘‘BGM Affiliated Exchanges’’).6 In the                  allowing them to suspend or terminate                  The Exchange proposes to make the
                                                    context of the Merger, the BGM                          a Market Maker’s registration where it                 following changes to harmonize Rule
                                                    Affiliated Exchanges are working to                     does not have at least one registered                  11.7 with EDGA and EDGX Rule 11.19:
                                                    align their rules, retaining only intended              Market Maker Authorized Trader                            • Amend paragraph (a) to state that
                                                    differences between the BGM Affiliated                  (‘‘MMAT’’) qualified to perform market                 registration in a security shall become
                                                    Exchanges. Thus, the Exchange                           making activities as set forth in EDGA                 effective on the same day as the
                                                    proposes to amend Rules 11.5,                           and EDGX Rule 11.18(b)(5).9 Under                      Exchange’s approval of the registration,
                                                    Registration of Market Makers, 11.6,                    proposed Rule 11.5(c)(4), a MMAT                       unless otherwise provided by the
                                                    Obligations of Market Maker Authorized                  whose registration is suspended                        Exchange; rather than the day following
                                                    Traders, 11.7, Registration of Market                   pursuant to Exchange Rule 11.6(c) shall                the following the Exchange’s approval
                                                    Makers in a Security, and 11.8,                         not be deemed qualified within the                     of the registration. This proposed
                                                    Obligations of Market Makers, in order                  meaning of Exchange Rule 11.6(c). In                   amendment would harmonize Exchange
                                                    to update certain provisions and                        order to harmonize the scenarios under                 Rule 11.7(a) with EDGA and EDGX
                                                    conform to the rules of EDGA and EDGX                   which the Exchange may suspend or                      Rules 11.19(a) in order to provide for
                                                    and provide a consistent rule set across                terminate a Market Maker’s registration                consistent timeframes within which a
                                                    each of the BGM Affiliated Exchanges.7                  under Rule 11.5(c) with EDGA and                       registration may become effective across
                                                    As amended, Exchange Rules 11.5, 11.6,                  EDGX, the Exchange proposes to adopt                   each of the BGM Affiliated Exchanges.
                                                    11.7, and 11.8 would be identical to                    the provisions under EDGA and EDGX                     Also, allowing for a registration to
                                                    EDGA and EDGX Rules 11.17, 11.18,                       Rule 11.17(c)(4) as new subparagraph                   become effective on the same day as
                                                    11.19, and 11.20 but for different cross                (c)(4) under Rule 11.5. The Exchange                   Exchange approval would enable a
                                                    references to Exchange Rules that are                   believes it is reasonable to suspend or                Market Maker to immediately provide
                                                    due to the different rule numbering                     terminate a Market Maker’s registration                liquidity in a security, rather than
                                                    amongst the Exchange, EDGA and                          where it does not have at least one                    waiting until the following trading day.
                                                    EDGX.8                                                  registered MMAT qualified to perform                   The Exchange would continue to
                                                                                                            market making activities as the absence                maintain the authority to delay the
                                                    Rule 11.5, Registration of Market Makers
                                                                                                            of a qualified MMAT would impede its                   effectiveness of the registration due to
                                                      Like EDGA and EDGX Rule 11.17,                        ability to satisfy its market making                   the Market Maker satisfying additional
                                                    Exchange Rule 11.5 governs the                          obligations. To accommodate the                        procedural requirements, such as the
                                                    registration of Market Makers on the                    addition of subparagraph (c)(4) under                  daily notification to the Exchange of the
                                                    Exchange. In particular, paragraphs (a)                 Rule 11.5, the Exchange also proposes to               symbols to which it will make a market
                                                    and (b) of Rule 11.5 sets forth the                     relocate the ‘‘or’’ from the end of                    in on a particular trading day;
                                                    application process for Members                         subparagraph (c)(2) to the end of                         • Amend paragraph (a)(4) to replace
                                                    seeking to register as Market Makers on                 subparagraph (c)(3).                                   the term ‘‘they are’’ with ‘‘Market Maker
                                                    the Exchange. The Exchange proposes to                     Lastly, to conform to EDGA and EDGX                 is’’;
                                                    amend paragraphs (c) and (d) of Rule                    Rules 11.17(d), the Exchange proposes                     • amend paragraph (a)(5) to add an
                                                    11.5 to harmonize Rule 11.5 with EDGA                   to amend paragraph (d) or [sic] Rule                   ‘‘and’’ to the end of the paragraph; and
                                                    and EDGX Rule 11.17.                                    11.5 to remove the letter ‘‘s’’ from after                • amend paragraph (b) to remove the
                                                      Paragraph (c) sets for [sic] the                      the word ‘‘interests’’.                                letter ‘‘s’’ from after the word
                                                    scenarios under which the Exchange                                                                             ‘‘interests’’.
                                                                                                            Rule 11.6, Obligations of Market Maker                    The changes proposed above would
                                                      6 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 71375       Authorized Traders                                     harmonize Exchange Rule 11.7 with
                                                    (January 23, 2014), 79 FR 4771 (January 29, 2014)                                                              EDGA and EDGX Rules 11.19.
                                                    (SR–BATS–2013–059; SR–BYX–2013–039).                      Like EDGA and EDGX Rules 11.18,
                                                       7 The Exchange notes that BYX intends to file an     Exchange Rule 11.6 governs the                         Rule 11.8, Obligations of Market Makers
                                                    identical proposal with the Commission to amend
                                                    its Rules 11.5, 11.6, 11.7, and 11.8 to updated           9 Under Exchange Rule 11.6(b)(5), a Market Maker       Like EDGA and EDGX Rules 11.20,
                                                    certain provisions and conform to EDGA and EDGX         must ensure that a MMAT is properly qualified to       Exchange Rule 11.8 sets forth the
                                                    Rules 11.17, 11.18, 11.19, and 11.20. The Exchange                                                             obligations of Market Makers. In short,
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                                                                                                            perform market making activities, including but not
                                                    also notes that EDGA and EDGX intend to file            limited to ensuring the MMAT has met the               Members who are registered as Market
                                                    proposals with the Commission to amend Rules            requirements set forth in Exchange Rule 11.6(b)(2).
                                                    11.17, 11.18, 11.19, and 11.20 to update certain        In addition, the Exchange notes that EDGA and
                                                                                                                                                                   Makers in one or more securities traded
                                                    provisions to harmonize with the changes to             EDGX Rules [sic] Rule 11.17(c)(4) currently            on the Exchange must engage in a
                                                    Exchange Rules 11.5, 11.6, 11.7, and 11.8 proposed      reference EDGA and EDGX Rules 11.19(b)(5). The         course of dealings for their own account
                                                    herein.                                                 Exchange notes that this reference should be to        to assist in the maintenance, insofar as
                                                       8 The Exchange notes that the substance of the       EDGA and EDGX Rules 11.18(b)(5) and that EDGA
                                                    rules that are cross-referenced in Rule 11.5, 11.6,     and EDGX intend to include this correction in an
                                                                                                                                                                   reasonably practicable, of fair and
                                                    11.7 and 11.8 are identical or substantially similar    upcoming rule filing to be submitted to the            orderly markets on the Exchange in
                                                    to the corresponding EDGA and EDGX Rules.               Commission.                                            accordance with these Rules. The


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                                                                                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 13, 2016 / Notices                                                       1659

                                                    Exchange proposes to make the                           Market Maker’s quoting obligation                      descriptions of the categories of
                                                    following changes to harmonize Rule                     under Rule 11.8 would be suspended                     securities that are subject to those
                                                    11.8(a), (c), and (d) with EDGA and                     during a trading halt, suspension, or                  percentages. The Exchange notes that
                                                    EDGX Rule 11.19:                                        pause in the security.14 A Market                      the percentages discussed below in the
                                                       • Amend subparagraph (a)(1) to                       Maker’s quoting obligation would                       proposed definitions of Designated
                                                    clarify that the Market Maker must                      recommence after the first regular way                 Percentage and Defined Limit are
                                                    maintain continuous, two-sided                          transaction on the primary listing                     currently included in Interpretation and
                                                    quotations; 10                                          market following such halt, suspension,                Policy .01 to Rule 11.8. Therefore, the
                                                       • amend paragraph (c) to: (i) Replace                or pause in the security, as reported by               Exchange is not proposing new
                                                    in the first sentence ‘‘or’’ with                       the responsible single plan processor.15               percentages governing a Market Maker’s
                                                    ‘‘including, but without limitation’’ and               A Market Maker’s quoting obligation                    quoting obligations; it is seeking to
                                                    ‘‘the’’ with ‘‘its’’; (ii) delete the ‘‘other’’         would also be suspended under Rule                     adopt revised definitions that are
                                                    from the second sentence; and (iii) add                 11.8(d)(1)(B) for the duration that an                 substantially similar to that of Nasdaq in
                                                    an ‘‘s’’ to the word ‘‘power’’ in the                   NMS stock is in a Limit State or a                     order to provide consistent rules with
                                                    second sentence;                                        Straddle State declared pursuant to the                regard to Market Maker’s quoting
                                                       • amend paragraph (d)(1) to: (i) Add                 Plan to Address Extraordinary Market                   obligations.17 The Exchange believes
                                                    ‘‘Continuous’’ to the title ‘‘Two-Sided                 Volatility Pursuant to Rule 608 of
                                                                                                                                                                   consistent definitions would avoid
                                                    Quote Obligations’’; 11                                 Regulation NMS under the Act (the
                                                       • amend paragraphs (d)(2) and                                                                               confusion amongst market participants
                                                                                                            ‘‘Limit Up-Limit Down Plan’’ or
                                                    (d)(2)(C) to replace the word ‘‘under’’                                                                        that make markets on multiple venues.
                                                                                                            ‘‘Plan’’).16
                                                    with ‘‘of’’ before Regulation NMS;                         Under proposed Rule 11.8(d)(1)(C),                     The Exchange currently defines
                                                       • amend paragraph (d)(2)(A) to                       the Exchange would have the ability to                 Designated Percentage under Rule
                                                    replace ‘‘from’’ with ‘‘as reported by’’                consider other exceptions to the Two-                  11.8(d)(2)(D) as the individual stock
                                                    before reference to the responsible                     Sided Obligation based on demonstrated                 pause trigger percentage under the
                                                    single plan processor; and                              legal or regulatory requirements or other              applicable rules of a primary listing
                                                       • amend paragraph (d)(2)(B) to                       mitigating circumstances. For example,                 market less: Two (2) percentage points
                                                    replace ‘‘received from’’ with ‘‘reported               a Market Maker must implement the                      for securities that are included in the
                                                    by’’ before reference to the responsible                pre-trade and other risk controls                      S&P 500® Index, Russell 1000® Index,
                                                    single plan processor.                                  required by Rule 15c3–5 of the Act (the                and a pilot list of Exchange Traded
                                                       The Exchange also proposes to amend                  ‘‘Market Access Rule’’) with respect to                Products and for all other NMS stocks
                                                    Rule 11.8(d)(1) to clarify the scenarios                all of their quoting activity. These pre-              with a price equal to or greater than
                                                    in which a Market Maker’s two-sided                     trade risk controls must be reasonably                 $1.00 per share; and twenty (20)
                                                    quoting obligation may be temporarily                   designed to systemically limit financial               percentage points for all NMS stocks
                                                    suspended or alleviated. The provisions                 exposure and ensure compliance with                    with a price less than $1.00 per share
                                                    proposed to be added are each                           all regulatory requirements. The risk                  that are not included in the S&P 500®
                                                    substantially similar to the rules of BZX               controls a Market Maker may have in                    Index, Russell 1000® Index, and a pilot
                                                    Options and EDGX Options.12 Proposed                    place to comply with the Market Access                 list of Exchange Traded Products.
                                                    Rule 11.8(d)(1)(A) addresses a Market                   Rule may prevent that Market Maker                     Exchange Rule 11.8(d)(2)(D) also states
                                                    Maker’s ability to satisfy the quoting                  from satisfying its quoting obligation. In             that for times during Regular Trading
                                                    standard in the event of a technical                    such case, the Exchange would consider                 Hours 18 when stock pause triggers are
                                                    failure or system limitation. In                        whether the Market Maker’s failure to                  not in effect under the rules of the
                                                    particular, if a technical failure or                   satisfy its quoting obligation due to its
                                                                                                                                                                   primary listing market, the Designated
                                                    limitation of a system of the Exchange                  compliance with the Market Access
                                                                                                                                                                   Percentage will be 20% for securities
                                                    prevents the Market Maker from                          Rule was proper.
                                                                                                               Lastly, the Exchange proposes to                    included in the S&P 500® Index, Russell
                                                    maintaining or communicating to the                                                                            1000® Index, and a pilot list of
                                                    Exchange timely and accurate quotes in                  amend its definitions of ‘‘Designated
                                                                                                            Percentage’’ and ‘‘Defined Limit’’ under               Exchange Traded Products. The
                                                    each security in which a Member is                                                                             Designated Percentage will remain the
                                                    registered as a Market Maker, the                       Rules 11.8(d)(2)(D) and (E) respectively
                                                                                                            to be substantially similar to Nasdaq                  same throughout Regular Trading Hours
                                                    duration of such failure shall not be
                                                                                                            Rules 4613(a)(2)(D) and (E). The pricing               for all other NMS stocks.
                                                    considered in determining whether the
                                                    Market Maker has satisfied the quoting                  obligations applicable to quotations of                   As amended, Designated Percentage
                                                    standard with respect to that security.13               Market Makers are based on the                         would be defined as 8% for Tier 1 NMS
                                                       In addition, proposed Rule                           Designated Percentage and the Defined                  Stocks under the Limit Up-Limit Down
                                                    11.8(d)(1)(B) addresses a Market Maker’s                Limit, which are determined based on
                                                    ability to satisfy the quoting standard                 the applicable trigger percentage. The                   17 The Exchange proposed to categorize securities

                                                    during a halt, suspension or pause. A                   amended definitions would include                      included in the S&P 500® Index, Russell 1000®
                                                                                                                                                                   Index, and a pilot list of Exchange Traded Products
                                                                                                            revised percentages and updated                        as Tier 1 NMS Stocks under the under the Limit
                                                       10 The Exchange does not propose to amend a
                                                                                                                                                                   Up-Limit Down Plan. Securities not included in the
                                                    Market Maker’s quoting obligations. The proposed          14 The Exchange notes that proposed Rule
                                                                                                                                                                   S&P 500® Index, Russell 1000® Index, or in the
                                                    change is simply intended to make clear that the        11.8(d)(B) would differ from BZX Options and           pilot list of Exchange Traded Products would be
                                                    obligation is to maintain a continuous, two-sided       EDGX Options Rules 22.6(d)(5) in so far as             categorized as Tier 2 NMS Stocks under the under
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                                                    quotation.                                              proposed Rule 11.8(d)(B) references ‘‘security’’       the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan. Nasdaq Rule
                                                       11 Id.                                               rather than ‘‘underlying security’’ in order to        4613(a)(2)(D) and (E) references securities as
                                                       12 See BZX Options Rule 22.6(d)(4), (5), and (7).    conform to the equities markets.                       included in the S&P 500® Index, Russell 1000®
                                                    See also EDGX Options Rule 22.6(d)(4), (5), and (7).      15 See also Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (‘‘Nasdaq’’)     Index, and a pilot list of Exchange Traded Products
                                                       13 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 71229     Rule 4613(a)(2)(ii).                                   as such and those that are not as Tier 2 NMS Stocks.
                                                    [sic] (December 18, 2013), 78 FR 77736 (December          16 See BZX and BYX Rules 11.18(e). See also          The Exchange notes that EDGA and EDGX also
                                                    24, 2013) (SR–BATS–2013–062) (Notice of Filing          EDGA and EDGX Rules 11.16(e). See also Securities      intent [sic] to amend their definitions of Designated
                                                    and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule          Exchange Act Release No. 67091 (May 31, 2012), 77      Percentage and Defined Limit to mirror that
                                                    Change to Modify BATS Options Market Maker              FR 33498 (June 6, 2012) (the ‘‘Limit Up-Limit Down     proposed herein.
                                                    Continuous Quoting Obligation Rules).                   Release’’).                                              18 See Exchange Rule 1.5(w).




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                                                    1660                        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 13, 2016 / Notices

                                                    Plan,19 28% for Tier 2 NMS Stocks                       21.5% for securities included in the S&P               affiliates, alleviating confusion by
                                                    under the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan 20                   500® Index, Russell 1000® Index, and a                 Market Makers on who may also be
                                                    with a price equal to or greater than                   pilot list of Exchange Traded Products.                registered as such on BYX, EDGA, or
                                                    $1.00, and 30% for Tier 2 NMS Stocks                    The Defined Limit will remain the same                 EDGX, thereby promoting just and
                                                    under the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan                      throughout Regular Trading Hours for                   equitable principles of trade in
                                                    with a price less than $1.00, except that               all other NMS stocks.                                  accordance with Section 6(b)(5) of the
                                                    between 9:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. and                        The Exchange proposes to delete                     Act.23
                                                    between 3:35 p.m. and the close of                      Interpretation and Policy .01 to Rule                     The Exchange also believes the
                                                    trading, when Exchange Rule 11.18(b) is                 11.8 as its content would now be                       proposed amendments to Rule 11.8(d)
                                                    not in effect, the Designated Percentage                duplicative with the definitions of                    are consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the
                                                    shall be 20% for Tier 1 NMS Stocks                      Designated Percentage and Defined                      Act,24 because they are designed to
                                                    under the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan,                     Limit under proposed Rules                             promote just and equitable principles of
                                                    28% for Tier 2 NMS Stocks under the                     11.8(d)(2)(D) and (E).                                 trade, to remove impediments to, and
                                                    Limit Up-Limit Down Plan with a price                                                                          perfect the mechanism of, a free and
                                                                                                            2. Statutory Basis
                                                    equal to or greater than $1.00, and 30%                                                                        open market and a national market
                                                    for Tier 2 NMS Stocks under the Limit                      The Exchange believes that the                      system, and, in general, to protect
                                                    Up-Limit Down Plan with a price less                    proposed rule change is consistent with                investors and the public interest. The
                                                    than $1.00.                                             the requirements of the Act and the                    proposed amendments to Rule
                                                       The Exchange currently defines                       rules and regulations thereunder that                  11.8(d)(1) are meant to clarify the
                                                    Defined Limit under Rule 11.8(d)(2)(E)                  are applicable to a national securities                scenarios in which a Market Maker’s
                                                    as the individual stock pause trigger                   exchange, and, in particular, with the                 two-sided quoting obligation may be
                                                    percentage under the applicable rules of                requirements of Section 6(b) of the                    temporarily suspended or alleviated.
                                                    a primary listing market less one-half                  Act.21 Specifically, the proposed change               The provisions proposed to be added
                                                    (1⁄2) percentage point for securities that              is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the              are each substantially similar to the
                                                    are included in the S&P 500® Index,                     Act,22 because it is designed to promote               rules of the BZX Options, EDGX
                                                    Russell 1000® Index, and a pilot list of                just and equitable principles of trade, to             Options and Nasdaq.25 The Exchange
                                                    Exchange Traded Products and for all                    remove impediments to, and perfect the                 believes it is appropriate to have
                                                    other NMS stocks with a price equal to                  mechanism of, a free and open market                   consistent rules across its equities and
                                                    or greater than $1.00 per share; and                    and a national market system, and, in                  options platforms. Consistent rules
                                                    eighteen and one-half (18.5) percentage                 general, to protect investors and the                  would aid in alleviating confusion
                                                    points for all NMS stocks with a price                  public interest. As mentioned above, the               amongst those that are Members on both
                                                    less than $1.00 per share that are not                  proposed rule changes, combined with                   platforms. The Exchange believes it is
                                                    included in the S&P 500® Index, Russell                 the planned filing for the BYX, EDGA,                  reasonable to suspend or alleviate a
                                                    1000® Index, and a pilot list of                        and EDGX, would allow the BGM                          Market Maker’s quoting obligations in
                                                    Exchange Traded Products. As                            Affiliated Exchanges to provide a                      the event of a technical or system
                                                    amended, Defined Limit would be                         consistent set of rules as it relates to the           limitation, during a trading halt,
                                                    defined as 9.5% for Tier 1 NMS Stocks                   registration and obligations of Market                 suspension or pause, as well as where
                                                    under the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan,                     Makers. Consistent rules, in turn, will                demonstrated legal or regulatory
                                                    29.5% for Tier 2 NMS Stocks under the                   simplify the regulatory requirements for               requirements prevent the Market Maker
                                                    Limit Up-Limit Down Plan with a price                   Market Makers on the Exchange that are                 from quoting. In each scenario, the
                                                    equal to or greater than $1.00, and                     also Market Makers on EDGA, EDGX                       Exchange will review the reasons
                                                    31.5% for Tier 2 NMS Stocks under the                   and/or BYX. The proposed rule change                   behind the Market Maker inability to
                                                    Limit Up-Limit Down Plan with a price                   would provide greater harmonization                    quote for compliance with the Rule. In
                                                    less than $1.00, except that between                    between rules of similar purpose on the                addition, the percentages included in
                                                    9:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. and between                     BGM Affiliated Exchanges, resulting in                 the proposed definitions of Designated
                                                    3:35 p.m. and the close of trading, when                greater uniformity and less burdensome                 Percentage and Defined Limit are
                                                    Exchange Rule 11.18(b) is not in effect,                and more efficient regulatory                          currently included in Interpretation and
                                                    the Defined Limit shall be 21.5% for                    compliance and understanding of                        Policy .01 to Rule 11.8. Therefore, the
                                                    Tier 1 NMS Stocks under the Limit Up-                   Exchange Rules. As such, the proposed                  Exchange is not proposing to new
                                                    Limit Down Plan, 29.5% for Tier 2 NMS                   rule change would foster cooperation                   percentages governing a Market Maker’s
                                                    Stocks under the Limit Up-Limit Down                    and coordination with persons engaged                  quoting obligations; it is seeking to
                                                    Plan with a price equal to or greater                   in facilitating transactions in securities             adopt revised definitions that are
                                                    than $1.00, and 31.5% for Tier 2 NMS                    and would remove impediments to and                    substantially similar to that of Nasdaq in
                                                    Stocks under the Limit Up-Limit Down                    perfect the mechanism of a free and                    order to provide a consistent rules with
                                                    Plan with a price less than $1.00.                      open market and a national market                      regard to Market Makers quoting
                                                    Exchange Rule 11.8(d)(2)(E) also states                 system. Similarly, the Exchange also                   obligations.
                                                    that for times during Regular Trading                   believes that, by harmonizing the rules
                                                                                                            across each BGM Affiliated Exchange,                   B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                    Hours when stock pause triggers are not                                                                        Statement on Burden on Competition
                                                    in effect under the rules of the primary                the proposal will enhance the
                                                    listing market, the Defined Limit will be               Exchange’s ability to fairly and                         The Exchange does not believe that
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                                                                                                            efficiently regulate its Market Makers by              the proposed rule change will impose
                                                       19 Tier 1 NMS Stocks under the Limit Up-Limit        utilizing a consistent rule set and                    any burden on competition not
                                                    Down Plan are securities that are included in the       obligations across each of the BGM                     necessary or appropriate in furtherance
                                                    S&P 500® Index, Russell 1000® Index, and a pilot        Affiliated Exchanges. Consistent rules                 of the purposes of the act. To the
                                                    list of Exchange Traded Products. See the Limit Up-     would enable the Exchange to apply
                                                    Limit Down Release supra note 16.
                                                                                                                                                                   contrary, allowing the Exchange to
                                                       20 Tier 2 NMS Stocks under the Limit Up-Limit
                                                                                                            identical standards to that of its
                                                                                                                                                                     23 Id.
                                                    Down Plan are securities that are not included in
                                                    the S&P 500® Index, Russell 1000® Index, and a            21 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).                                   24 15    U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
                                                    pilot list of Exchange Traded Products. Id.               22 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).                                25 See    supra notes 12 and 15.



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                                                                                     Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 13, 2016 / Notices                                                 1661

                                                    implement substantively identical rules                    IV. Solicitation of Comments                             For the Commission, by the Division of
                                                    across each of the BGM Affiliated                                                                                 Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
                                                    Exchanges regarding Market Maker                             Interested persons are invited to                    authority.28
                                                    registration and their obligations does                    submit written data, views, and                        Robert W. Errett,
                                                    not present any competitive issues, but                    arguments concerning the foregoing,                    Deputy Secretary.
                                                    rather is designed to provide greater                      including whether the proposed rule                    [FR Doc. 2016–00464 Filed 1–12–16; 8:45 am]
                                                    harmonization among Exchange, BYX,                         change is consistent with the Act.                     BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
                                                    EDGX, and EDGA rules of similar                            Comments may be submitted by any of
                                                    purpose. The proposed rule change                          the following methods:
                                                    should, therefore, result in less                                                                                 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
                                                                                                               Electronic Comments                                    COMMISSION
                                                    burdensome and more efficient
                                                    regulatory compliance and                                    • Use the Commission’s Internet
                                                    understanding of Exchange Rules for                        comment form (http://www.sec.gov/                      [Release No. 34–76852; File No. SR–BYX–
                                                    common members of the BGM Affiliated                       rules/sro.shtml); or                                   2015–53]
                                                    Exchanges and an enhanced ability of
                                                                                                                 • Send an email to rule-comments@                    Self-Regulatory Organizations; BATS
                                                    the BGM Affiliated Exchanges to fairly
                                                                                                               sec.gov. Please include File No. SR–                   Y-Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and
                                                    and efficiently regulate Market Makers.
                                                                                                               BATS–2015–121 on the subject line.                     Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed
                                                    C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                                                                                 Rule Changes to Rules 11.5,
                                                    Statement on Comments on the                               Paper Comments
                                                                                                                                                                      Registration of Market Makers, 11.6,
                                                    Proposed Rule Change Received From                           • Send paper comments in triplicate                  Obligations of Market Maker
                                                    Members, Participants, or Others                           to Secretary, Securities and Exchange                  Authorized Traders, 11.7, Registration
                                                                                                               Commission, 100 F Street NE.,                          of Market Makers in a Security, and
                                                      The Exchange has neither solicited                                                                              11.8, Obligations of Market Makers
                                                    nor received written comments on the                       Washington, DC 20549–1090.
                                                    proposed rule change.                                      All submissions should refer to File No.               January 7, 2016.
                                                                                                               SR–BATS–2015–121. This file number                        Pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the
                                                    III. Date of Effectiveness of the
                                                                                                               should be included on the subject line                 Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
                                                    Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
                                                                                                               if email is used. To help the                          ‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2
                                                    Commission Action
                                                                                                               Commission process and review your                     notice is hereby given that on December
                                                       Because the foregoing proposed rule                     comments more efficiently, please use                  29, 2015, BATS Y-Exchange, Inc. (the
                                                    change does not: (A) Significantly affect                  only one method. The Commission will                   ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘BYX’’) filed with the
                                                    the protection of investors or the public                  post all comments on the Commission’s                  Securities and Exchange Commission
                                                    interest; (B) impose any significant                       Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/                 (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule
                                                    burden on competition; and (C) by its                                                                             change as described in Items I, II, and
                                                                                                               rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the
                                                    terms, become operative for 30 days                                                                               III below, which Items have been
                                                                                                               submission, all subsequent
                                                    from the date on which it was filed or                                                                            prepared by the Exchange. The
                                                                                                               amendments, all written statements
                                                    such shorter time as the Commission                                                                               Exchange has designated this proposal
                                                                                                               with respect to the proposed rule                      as a ‘‘non-controversial’’ proposed rule
                                                    may designate it has become effective                      change that are filed with the
                                                    pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the                                                                            change pursuant to section 19(b)(3)(A)
                                                                                                               Commission, and all written                            of the Act 3 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii)
                                                    Act 26 and paragraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b–                   communications relating to the
                                                    4 thereunder,27 the Exchange has                                                                                  thereunder,4 which renders it effective
                                                                                                               proposed rule change between the                       upon filing with the Commission. The
                                                    designated this rule filing as non-
                                                                                                               Commission and any person, other than                  Commission is publishing this notice to
                                                    controversial. The Exchange has given
                                                                                                               those that may be withheld from the                    solicit comments on the proposed rule
                                                    the Commission written notice of its
                                                    intent to file the proposed rule change,                   public in accordance with the                          change from interested persons.
                                                    along with a brief description and text                    provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be
                                                                                                               available for Web site viewing and                     I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                    of the proposed rule change at least five                                                                         Statement of the Terms of the Substance
                                                    business days prior to the date of filing                  printing in the Commission’s Public
                                                                                                                                                                      of the Proposed Rule Change
                                                    of the proposed rule change, or such                       Reference Room, 100 F Street NE.,
                                                    shorter time as designated by the                          Washington, DC 20549 on official                          The Exchange filed a proposal to
                                                    Commission.                                                business days between the hours of                     amend Rules 11.5, Registration of
                                                                                                               10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of such                Market Makers, 11.6, Obligations of
                                                       At any time within 60 days of the                                                                              Market Maker Authorized Traders, 11.7,
                                                    filing of the proposed rule change, the                    filing also will be available for
                                                                                                               inspection and copying at the principal                Registration of Market Makers in a
                                                    Commission summarily may                                                                                          Security, and 11.8, Obligations of
                                                    temporarily suspend such rule change if                    office of the Exchange. All comments
                                                                                                               received will be posted without change;                Market Makers, in order to update
                                                    it appears to the Commission that such                                                                            certain provisions and conform to the
                                                    action is: (1) Necessary or appropriate in                 the Commission does not edit personal
                                                                                                                                                                      rules of EDGA Exchange, Inc. (‘‘EDGA’’),
                                                    the public interest; (2) for the protection                identifying information from
                                                                                                                                                                      EDGX Exchange, Inc. (‘‘EDGX’’), BATS
                                                    of investors; or (3) otherwise in                          submissions. You should submit only
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                                                                                                                                                                      Exchange, Inc.’s (‘‘BZX’’) equity options
                                                    furtherance of the purposes of the Act.                    information that you wish to make                      trading platform (‘‘BZX Options’’),
                                                    If the Commission takes such action, the                   available publicly. All submissions                    EDGX’s equity options trading platform
                                                    Commission shall institute proceedings                     should refer to File No. SR–BATS–
                                                    to determine whether the proposed rule                     2015–121, and should be submitted on                     28 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
                                                    should be approved or disapproved.                         or before February 3, 2016.                              1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
                                                                                                                                                                        2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
                                                      26 15   U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).                                                                                      3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
                                                      27 17   CFR 240.19b–4.                                                                                            4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii).




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Document Created: 2016-01-13 01:00:45
Document Modified: 2016-01-13 01:00:45
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 Citation81 FR 1657 

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