81_FR_18970 81 FR 18907 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ BX, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Delete From the Exchange's Rulebook Section 10, Limitations on Dealings, of Chapter VII, Market Participants

81 FR 18907 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ BX, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Delete From the Exchange's Rulebook Section 10, Limitations on Dealings, of Chapter VII, Market Participants

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 63 (April 1, 2016)

Page Range18907-18911
FR Document2016-07336

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 63 (Friday, April 1, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 63 (Friday, April 1, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18907-18911]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-07336]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-77461; File No. SR-BX-2016-018)


Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ BX, Inc.; Notice of Filing 
and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Delete From the 
Exchange's Rulebook Section 10, Limitations on Dealings, of Chapter 
VII, Market Participants

March 28, 2016.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that 
on March 18, 2016, NASDAQ BX, Inc. (``Exchange'') filed with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'' or ``Commission'') the 
proposed rule change as described in Items I and II 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 Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange proposes to delete from the Exchange's rulebook 
Section 10, Limitations on Dealings, of Chapter VII, Market 
Participants.
    The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's 
Web site at http://nasdaqomxbx.cchwallstreet.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 aspects of such 
statements.

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

1. Purpose
    The Exchange is proposing to adopt a principles-based approach to 
prohibit the misuse of material nonpublic information by BX Options 
Market Makers (``Market Makers'') by deleting from the Exchange's 
rulebook Section 10, Limitations on Dealings, of Chapter VII, Market 
Participants (the ``Market Maker Restrictions''). In doing so, the 
Exchange would harmonize its rules governing Exchange Options 
Participants \5\ generally and Exchange Market Makers in particular 
relating to protecting against the misuse of material, non-public 
information. The Exchange believes that the Market Maker Restrictions 
are no longer necessary because all Market Makers are subject to the 
Exchange's general principles-based requirements governing the 
protection against the misuse of material, non-public information, 
pursuant to Chapter III, Business Conduct, Section 4, Prevention of the 
Misuse of Material Nonpublic Information, discussed below, which 
obviates the need for separately-prescribed requirements for a subset 
of market participants on the Exchange. Additionally, there is no 
separate regulatory purpose served by having separate rules for Market 
Makers. The Exchange notes that this proposed rule change will not 
decrease the protections against the misuse of material, non-public 
information; instead, it is designed to provide more flexibility to 
market participants. This is a competitive filing that is based on a 
proposal recently submitted by NYSE MKT LLC (``NYSE MKT'') and approved 
by the Commission.\6\
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    \5\ The term ``Options Participant'' or ``Participant'' means a 
firm, or organization that is registered with the Exchange pursuant 
to Chapter II of the BX rules for purposes of participating in 
options trading on BX Options as a ``BX Options Order Entry Firm'' 
or ``BX Options Market Maker.''
    \6\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 75432 (July 13, 
2015), 80 FR 42597 (July 17, 2015) (Order Approving SR-NYSEMKT-2015-
23). See also Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 75792 (August 31, 
2015), 80 FR 53606 (September 4, 2015) (SR-ISE-2015-26) and 76687 
(December 18, 2015), 80 FR 80403 (December 24, 2015) (SR-PHLX-2015-
85).
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    A Market Maker is an Options Participant registered with the 
Exchange for the purpose of making markets in options contracts traded 
on the Exchange and that is vested with the rights and responsibilities 
specified in Chapter VII of the BX rules.\7\ Importantly, all Market 
Makers have access to the same information in the Exchange's order 
book. Moreover, Market Makers have no agency obligations on the 
Exchange's order book. Notwithstanding that Market Makers have access 
to the same Exchange trading information as all other market 
participants on the Exchange, the Exchange has specific rules governing 
how Market Makers may operate.
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    \7\ See Chapter I, General Provisions, Section 1, Definitions, 
subsection (a)(9).
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Proposed Rule Change
    The Exchange believes that the Market Maker Restrictions are no 
longer necessary and proposes to delete them. The Exchange believes 
that Chapter III, Section 4 governing the misuse of material, non-
public information, provides for an appropriate, principles-based 
approach to prevent the market abuses the Market Maker Restrictions are 
designed to address. Specifically, Chapter III, Section 4 provides that 
every Options Participant shall establish, maintain and enforce written 
policies and procedures reasonably designed, taking into consideration 
the nature of the Participant's business, to prevent the misuse of 
material nonpublic information by such Participant or persons 
associated with such Participant in violation of the federal securities 
laws or the Rules thereunder, and the Rules of the Exchange. Chapter 
III, Section 4 provides that misuse of material nonpublic information 
includes, but is not limited to: (i) Trading in any securities issued 
by a corporation, or in any related securities or related options or 
other derivative securities, while in possession of material nonpublic 
information concerning that corporation; (ii) trading in an underlying 
security or related options or other derivative securities, while in 
possession of material nonpublic information concerning imminent 
transactions in the underlying security or related securities; and 
(iii) disclosing to another person any material nonpublic information 
involving a corporation whose shares are publicly traded or disclosing 
an imminent

[[Page 18908]]

transaction in an underlying security or related securities for the 
purpose of facilitating the possible misuse of such material nonpublic 
information. Subsection (c) of Chapter III, Section 4, requires each 
Options Participant to establish, maintain and enforce certain policies 
and procedures as appropriate for the nature of each Participant's 
business.\8\ Under the rule, Participants that are required to file 
Form X-17A-5 under the Exchange Act or Rules thereunder, with the 
Exchange on an annual basis only, shall, contemporaneously with those 
submissions, file attestations signed by such Participants stating that 
the procedures mandated by this Section have been established, enforced 
and maintained. The rule requires any Options Participant or associated 
person who becomes aware of any possible misuse of material nonpublic 
information to promptly notify BX Regulation.
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    \8\ In particular, the rule requires that (i) all associated 
persons must be advised in writing of the prohibition against the 
misuse of material nonpublic information; (ii) signed attestations 
from the Participant and all associated persons affirming their 
awareness of, and agreement to abide by, the aforementioned 
prohibitions must be maintained for at least three (3) years, the 
first two (2) years in an easily accessible place; (iii) records of 
all brokerage accounts maintained by the Participant and all 
associated persons must be acquired and maintained for at least 
three (3) years, the first two (2) years in an easily accessible 
place, and such brokerage accounts must be reviewed periodically by 
the Participant for the purpose of detecting the possible misuse of 
material nonpublic information; and (iv) any business dealings the 
Participant may have with any corporation whose securities are 
publicly traded, or any other circumstances that may result in the 
Participant receiving, in the ordinary course of business, material 
nonpublic information concerning any such corporation, must be 
identified and documented.
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    Finally, subsection (f) of Chapter III, Section 4 specifies that it 
may be considered conduct inconsistent with just and equitable 
principles of trade for any Participant or person associated with a 
Participant who has knowledge of all material terms and conditions of 
(i) an order and a solicited order, (ii) an order being facilitated or 
submitted to BX Options for price improvement, or (iii) orders being 
crossed; the execution of which are imminent, to enter, based on such 
knowledge, an order to buy or sell an option for the same underlying 
security as any option that is the subject of the order, or an order to 
buy or sell the security underlying such class, or an order to buy or 
sell any related instrument until (a) the terms and conditions of the 
order and any changes in the terms and conditions of the order of which 
the Participant or person associated with the Participant has knowledge 
are disclosed, or (b) the trade can no longer reasonably be considered 
imminent in view of the passage of time since the order was received. 
It states that the terms of an order are ``disclosed'' to BX Options 
Participants when the order is entered into the BX Options Book. For 
purposes of subsection (f), an order to buy or sell a ``related 
instrument'' means, in reference to an index option, an order to buy or 
sell securities comprising 10% or more of the component securities in 
the index or an order to buy or sell a futures contract on an 
economically equivalent index.
    Because Options Participants are already subject to the 
requirements of Chapter III, Section 4 as described above, the Exchange 
does not believe it necessary to separately require specific 
limitations on Market Makers. Deleting the Market Maker Restrictions 
including its requirements for specific procedures would provide Market 
Makers flexibility to adapt their policies and procedures as 
appropriate to reflect changes to their business model, business 
activities, or the securities market in a manner similar to how Options 
Participants on the Exchange currently operate and consistent with 
Chapter III, Section 4.
    Options Participants registered as Market Makers have certain 
rights and bear certain responsibilities beyond those of other Options 
Participants.\9\ Market Makers are distinguished under Exchange rules 
from other Options Participants in that Market Makers have quoting 
obligations.\10\ However, none of these heightened obligations or 
different entitlements provides different or greater access to 
nonpublic information than any other Options Participant on the 
Exchange. Accordingly, because Market Makers do not have any trading 
advantages at the Exchange due to their market role, the Exchange 
believes they should be subject to the same rules as other Options 
Participants regarding the protection against the misuse of material 
non-public information, which in this case is existing Chapter III, 
Section 4.\11\
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    \9\ Chapter VII, Section 5, Obligations of Market Makers, of the 
BX provides that in registering as a Market Maker, an Options 
Participant commits himself to various obligations and that 
transactions of a Market Maker in its market making capacity must 
constitute a course of dealings reasonably calculated to contribute 
to the maintenance of a fair and orderly market. The rule states 
that Market Makers should not make bids or offers or enter into 
transactions that are inconsistent with such course of dealings and 
that ordinarily, Market Makers are expected to (i) during trading 
hours, maintain a two-sided market, pursuant to Section 6(d)(i) of 
Chapter VII, in those options in which the Market Maker is 
registered to trade, in a manner that enhances the depth, liquidity 
and competitiveness of the market, (ii) [Reserved], (iii) engage, to 
a reasonable degree under the existing circumstances, in dealings 
for their own accounts when there exists, or it is reasonably 
anticipated that there will exist, a lack of price continuity, a 
temporary disparity between the supply of (or demand for) a 
particular option contract, or a temporary distortion of the price 
relationships between option contracts of the same class, (iv) 
compete with other Market Makers in all options in which the Market 
Maker is registered to trade, (v) make markets that will be honored 
for the number of contracts entered into BX Options' System in all 
options in which the Market Maker is registered to trade (vi) update 
quotations in response to changed market conditions in all options 
in which the Market Maker is registered to trade (vii) maintain 
active markets in all options in which the Market Maker is 
registered (viii) honor all orders that the Trading System routes to 
away markets pursuant to Chapter XII of the BX rules. Section 5 
further provides that Market Makers should not effect purchases or 
sales on BX Options except in a reasonable and orderly manner. If BX 
Regulation finds any substantial or continued failure by a Market 
Maker to engage in a course of dealings as specified in paragraph 
(a) of Section 5, such Market Maker will be subject to disciplinary 
action or suspension or revocation of registration in one or more of 
the securities in which the Market Maker is registered.
    \10\ Section 6, Market Maker Quotations, of Chapter VII, Market 
Participants, details specific Market Maker quoting obligations.
    \11\ The Exchange notes that by deleting the Market Maker 
Restrictions, the Exchange would no longer require specific 
information barriers for Market Makers or require pre-approval of 
any information barriers that a Market Maker would erect for 
purposes of protecting against the misuse of material non-public 
information. However, the policies and procedures of Market Makers, 
including those relating to information barriers, would be subject 
to review by FINRA, on behalf of the Exchange, pursuant to a 
Regulatory Services Agreement.
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    The Exchange is not proposing to change what is considered to be 
material, nonpublic information that an affiliated brokerage business 
of a Market Maker could share with such Market Maker. In that regard, 
the proposed rule change will not permit affiliates of a Market Maker 
to have access to any non-public order or quote information of the 
Market Maker, including hidden or undisplayed size or price information 
of such orders or quotes. Affiliates of Market Makers would only have 
access to orders and quotes that are publicly available to all market 
participants. Members do not expect to receive any additional order or 
quote information as a result of this proposed rule change. The 
Exchange does not believe that there will be any material change to 
member information barriers as a result of the removal of the Exchange 
pre-approval requirement. The Exchange has rules prohibiting Options 
Participants from disadvantaging their customers or other market 
participants by improperly capitalizing on the Options Participant's 
access to or receipt of material, non-public information.\12\
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    \12\ For example, Chapter XI, Doing Business with the Public, 
Section 8, Supervision of Accounts, provides in part that each 
member that conducts a public customer options business shall ensure 
that its written supervisory system policies and procedures pursuant 
to NASD Rules 3010, 3012, and 3013 adequately address the member's 
public customer options business. The Exchange has separately filed 
a proposed rule change to replace references to these NASD rules 
with FINRA rules which have replaced them. See SR-BX-2016-017 filed 
March 14, 2016.

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[[Page 18909]]

    Further, the Exchange does not believe there will be any material 
change to Market Maker information barriers as a result of removal of 
the Exchange's pre-approval requirements. In fact, the Exchange 
anticipates that eliminating the pre-approval requirement should 
facilitate implementation of changes to Market Maker information 
barriers as necessary to protect against the misuse of material, non-
public information. The Exchange also suggests that the pre-approval 
requirement is unnecessary because Market Makers do not have agency 
responsibilities to orders in the book, or time and place information 
advantages because of their market role.
    The Exchange notes that its proposed principles-based approach to 
protecting against the misuse of material non-public information for 
all its Options Participants is consistent with recently filed and 
approved rule changes for NYSE MKT, NYSE Arca Equities, Inc. (``NYSE 
Arca''), BATS Exchange, Inc. (``BATS''), and New York Stock Exchange 
LLC (``NYSE'') governing cash equity market makers on those respective 
exchanges.\13\ Except for prescribed rules relating to floor-based 
designated market makers on the NYSE, who have access to specified non-
public trading information, each of these exchanges have moved to a 
principles-based approach to protecting against the misuse of material 
non-public information. In connection with approving those rule 
changes, the Commission found that, with adequate oversight by the 
exchanges of their members, eliminating prescriptive information 
barrier requirements should not reduce the effectiveness of exchange 
rules requiring members to establish and maintain systems to supervise 
the activities of members, including written procedures reasonably 
designed to ensure compliance with applicable federal securities law 
and regulations, and with the rules of the applicable exchange.
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    \13\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 75432 (July 13, 
2015), 80 FR 42597 (July 17, 2015) (Order Approving Adopting a 
Principles-Based Approach to Prohibit the Misuse of Material 
Nonpublic Information by Specialists and e-Specialists by Deleting 
Rule 927.3NY and Section (f) of Rule 927.5NY). See also Securities 
Exchange Act Release Nos. 60604 (Sept. 2, 2009), 76 FR 46272 (Sept. 
8, 2009) (SR-NYSEArca-2009-78) (Order approving elimination of NYSE 
Arca rule that required market makers to establish and maintain 
specifically prescribed information barriers, including discussion 
of NYSE Arca and Nasdaq rules) (``Arca Approval Order''); 61574 
(Feb. 23, 2010), 75 FR 9455 (Mar. 2, 2010) (SR-BATS-2010-003) (Order 
approving amendments to BATS Rule 5.5 to move to a principles-based 
approach to protecting against the misuse of material, nonpublic 
information, and noting that the proposed change is consistent with 
the approaches of NYSE Arca and Nasdaq) (``BATS Approval Order''); 
72534 (July 3, 2014), 79 FR 39440 (July 10, 2014), SR-NYSE-2014-12) 
(Order approving amendments to NYSE Rule 98 governing designated 
market makers to move to a principles-based approach to prohibit the 
misuse of material non-public information) (``NYSE Approval 
Order''); and 76687 (December 18, 2015), 80 FR 80403 (December 24, 
2015) (SR-PHLX-2015-85).
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    The Exchange believes that a principles based rule applicable to 
members of options markets would be equally effective in protecting 
against the misuse of material non-public information.\14\ Indeed, 
Chapter III, Section 4 is currently applicable to Market Makers and 
already requires policies and procedures reasonably designed to protect 
against the misuse of material nonpublic information, which is similar 
to the respective NYSE MKT, NYSE Arca Equities, BATS and NYSE rules 
governing cash equity market makers. The Exchange believes Chapter III, 
Section 4 provides appropriate protection against the misuse of 
material nonpublic information by Market Makers such that there is no 
further need for prescriptive information barrier requirements as set 
forth in the Market Maker Restrictions.
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    \14\ International Securities Exchange, Inc. (``ISE'') and BOX 
Options Exchange LLC (``BOX'') have recently taken a similar 
approach. See Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of 
Proposed Rule Change Adopting a Principles-Based Approach to 
Prohibit the Misuse of Material, Non-public Information by Market 
Makers by Deleting Rule 810, Securities Exchange Act Release No. 
75792 (August 31, 2015), 80 FR 53606 (September 4, 2015) (SR-ISE-
2015-26). See also Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of 
Proposed Rule Change to Adopt a Principles-based Approach to 
Prohibit the Misuse of Material Nonpublic Information by Market 
Makers, Securities Exchange Act Release No. 75916 (September 14, 
2015), 80 FR 56503 (September 18, 2015) (SR-BOX-2015-31).
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    The Exchange notes that even with this proposed rule change, 
pursuant to Chapter III, Section 4, a Market Maker would still be 
obligated to ensure that its policies and procedures reflect the 
current state of its business and continue to be reasonably designed to 
achieve compliance with applicable federal securities law and 
regulations, including without limitation, Regulation SHO \15\ under 
the Act and Section 15(g) of the Act ,\16\ and with applicable Exchange 
rules, including being reasonably designed to protect against the 
misuse of material, non-public information. While information barriers 
would not specifically be required under the proposal, Chapter III, 
Section 4 already requires that an Options Participant consider its 
business model or business activities in structuring its policies and 
procedures, which may dictate that an information barrier or a 
functional separation be part of the appropriate set of policies and 
procedures that would be reasonably designed to achieve compliance with 
applicable securities law and regulations, and with applicable Exchange 
rules.
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    \15\ The Commission adopted a narrow exception to Regulation 
SHO's ``locate'' requirement only for market makers engaged in bona 
fide market making in the security at the time they effect the short 
sale. See 17 CFR 242.203(b)(2)(iii). See also Exchange Act Release 
No. 50103 (July 28, 2004), 69 FR 48008, 48015 (Aug. 6, 2004); 
Exchange Act Release No. 58775 (Oct. 14, 2008), 73 FR 61690, 61698-9 
(Oct. 17, 2008). Broker-dealers would not be able to rely on the 
Exchange's or any self-regulatory organization's designation of 
market marking for eligibility for the bona-fide market making 
exception to the ``locate'' requirement, as such designations are 
distinct and independent from Regulation SHO. Eligibility for the 
bona-fide market making exception depends on the facts and 
circumstances and a determination of bona-fide market making is 
based on the Commission's factors outlined in the aforementioned 
Regulation SHO releases. It should also be noted that a 
determination of bona-fide market making is relevant for the 
purposes of close-out obligations under Rule 204 of Regulation SHO. 
See 17 CFR 242.204(a)(3).
    \16\ 15 U.S.C. 78o(g).
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    The Exchange believes that the proposed reliance on principles-
based Chapter III, Section 4 would ensure that a Market Maker would be 
required to protect against the misuse of any material non-public 
information. Chapter III, Section 4 already requires that firms refrain 
from trading while in possession of material non-public information 
concerning imminent transactions in the security or related product. 
The Exchange believes that moving to a principles-based approach rather 
than prescribing how and when to wall off a Market Maker from the rest 
of the firm would provide Market Makers with flexibility when managing 
risk across a firm, including integrating options positions with other 
positions of the firm or, as applicable, by the respective independent 
trading unit.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that its proposal is consistent with Section 
6(b) of the Act \17\ in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 
6(b)(5) of the Act \18\ in particular, in that 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. The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change would 
remove impediments

[[Page 18910]]

to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market by adopting a 
principles based approach to permit a member or member organization to 
maintain and enforce policies and procedures to, among other things, 
prohibit the misuse of material non-public information and provide 
flexibility on how a Market Maker structures its operations.
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    \17\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \18\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
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    The Exchange notes that the proposed rule change is based on an 
approved rule of the Exchange to which members and member organizations 
are subject--Section 4, Prevention of the Misuse of Material Nonpublic 
Information, of Chapter III, Business Conduct--and harmonizes the rules 
governing Options Participants. Moreover, Market Makers would continue 
to be subject to federal and Exchange requirements for protecting 
material non-public order information.\19\ The Exchange believes that 
the proposed rule change would remove impediments to and perfect the 
mechanism of a free and open market because it would harmonize the 
Exchange's approach to protecting against the misuse of material 
nonpublic information and no longer subject Market Makers to 
prescriptive requirements. The Exchange does not believe that the 
existing prescriptive requirements applicable to Market Makers are 
narrowly tailored to their roles because Market Makers do not have 
access to Exchange trading information in a manner different from any 
other market participant on the Exchange.
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    \19\ See 15 U.S.C. 78o(g) and Chapter III, Section 4 of the 
Exchange's rulebook.
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    The Exchange further believes the proposal is designed to prevent 
fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices and to promote just and 
equitable principles of trade because existing rules make clear to 
members and member organizations the type of conduct that is prohibited 
by the Exchange. While the proposal eliminates prescriptive 
requirements relating to the misuse of material non-public information, 
Market Makers would remain subject to existing Exchange rules requiring 
them to establish and maintain systems to supervise their activities, 
and to create, implement, and maintain written procedures that are 
reasonably designed to comply with applicable securities laws and 
Exchange rules, including the prohibition on the misuse of material, 
nonpublic information. Additionally, the policies and procedures of 
Market Makers, including those relating to information barriers, would 
be subject to review by FINRA, on behalf of the Exchange.
    The Exchange notes that the proposed rule change would still 
require that Market Makers maintain and enforce policies and procedures 
reasonably designed to ensure compliance with applicable federal 
securities laws and regulations and with Exchange rules. Even though 
there would no longer be pre-approval of Market Maker information 
barriers, any Market Maker written policies and procedures would 
continue to be subject to oversight by the Exchange and therefore the 
elimination of prescribed restrictions should not reduce the 
effectiveness of the Exchange rules to protect against the misuse of 
material non-public information. Rather, Options Participants will be 
able to utilize a flexible, principles-based approach to modify their 
policies and procedures as appropriate to reflect changes to their 
business model, business activities, or to the securities market 
itself. Moreover, while specified information barriers may no longer be 
required, an Options Participant's business model or business 
activities may dictate that an information barrier or functional 
separation be part of the appropriate set of policies and procedures 
that would be reasonably designed to achieve compliance with applicable 
securities laws and regulations, and with applicable Exchange rules. 
The Exchange therefore believes that the proposed rule change will 
maintain the existing protection of investors and the public interest 
that is currently applicable to Market Makers, while at the same time 
removing impediments to and perfecting a free and open market by moving 
to a principles-based approach to protect against the misuse of 
material non-public information.

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. As indicated above, the rule 
change is being proposed as a competitive response to a filing 
submitted by NYSE MKT that was recently approved by the Commission. The 
Exchange believes that the proposal will enhance competition by 
allowing Market Makers to comply with applicable Exchange rules in a 
manner best suited to their business models, business activities, and 
the securities markets, thus reducing regulatory burdens while still 
ensuring compliance with applicable securities laws and regulations and 
Exchange rules. The Exchange believes that the proposal will foster a 
fair and orderly marketplace without being overly burdensome upon 
Market Makers.
    Moreover, the Exchange believes that the proposed rule change would 
eliminate a burden on competition for Options Participants which 
currently exists as a result of disparate rule treatment between 
options and equities markets regarding how to protect against the 
misuse of material non-public information. For those members and member 
organizations that are also members of equity exchanges, their 
respective equity market maker operations are now subject to a 
principles-based approach to protecting against the misuse of material 
non-public information. The Exchange believes it would remove a burden 
on competition to enable members and member organizations to similarly 
apply a principles-based approach to protecting against the misuse of 
material nonpublic information in the options space as ISE has recently 
done. To this end, the Exchange notes that Chapter III, Section 4 still 
requires a Market Maker to evaluate its business to assure that its 
policies and procedures are reasonably designed to protect against the 
misuse of material nonpublic information. However, with this proposed 
rule change, an Options Participant that trades equities and options 
could look at its firm more holistically to structure its operations in 
a manner that provides it with better tools to manage its risks across 
multiple security classes, while at the same time protecting against 
the misuse of material non-public information.

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

    No written comments were either solicited or received.

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

    Because the proposed rule change does not (i) significantly affect 
the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any 
significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative for 30 
days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as the 
Commission may designate, the proposed rule change has become effective 
pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) 
thereunder.\20\
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    \20\ In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) requires the Exchange to 
give the Commission written notice of the Exchange's 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. The Exchange has satisfied this 
requirement.

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[[Page 18911]]

    A proposed rule change filed pursuant to Rule 19b-4(f)(6) under the 
Act normally does not become operative for 30 days after the date of 
its filing. However, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) permits the Commission to 
designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the 
protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has asked 
the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that the proposal 
may become operative immediately upon filing. Waiver of the 30-day 
operative delay would help facilitate the harmonization of information 
barrier rules across options exchanges. The Exchange represents that 
Exchange rules still require a Market Maker to evaluate its business to 
assure that its policies and procedures are reasonably designed to 
protect against the misuse of material nonpublic information. Further, 
the Exchange represents that the proposed rule change will not decrease 
the protections against the misuse of material, non-public information; 
instead, it is designed to provide more flexibility to market 
participants. Based on the foregoing, the Commission believes the 
waiver of the operative delay is consistent with the protection of 
investors and the public interest.\21\ The Commission hereby grants the 
waiver and designates the proposal operative upon filing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, 
the Commission has also considered the proposed rule's impact on 
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 
78c(f).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 necessary or 
appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or 
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 Number SR-BX-2016-018 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

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

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-BX-2016-018. 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 the 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 Number SR-BX-2016-018 and 
should be submitted on or before April 22, 2016.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\22\
Robert W. Errett,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-07336 Filed 3-31-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P



                                                                                       Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 63 / Friday, April 1, 2016 / Notices                                                    18907

                                                      For the Commission, by the Division of                concerning the purpose of and basis for                       A Market Maker is an Options
                                                    Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated              the proposed rule change and discussed                     Participant registered with the Exchange
                                                    authority.22                                            any comments it received on the                            for the purpose of making markets in
                                                    Robert W. Errett,                                       proposed rule change. The text of these                    options contracts traded on the
                                                    Deputy Secretary.                                       statements may be examined at the                          Exchange and that is vested with the
                                                    [FR Doc. 2016–07337 Filed 3–31–16; 8:45 am]             places specified in Item IV below. The                     rights and responsibilities specified in
                                                    BILLING CODE 8011–01–P                                  Exchange has prepared summaries, set                       Chapter VII of the BX rules.7
                                                                                                            forth in sections A, B, and C below, of                    Importantly, all Market Makers have
                                                                                                            the most significant aspects of such                       access to the same information in the
                                                    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE                                 statements.                                                Exchange’s order book. Moreover,
                                                    COMMISSION                                                                                                         Market Makers have no agency
                                                                                                            A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                    [Release No. 34–77461; File No. SR–BX–                  Statement of the Purpose of, and                           obligations on the Exchange’s order
                                                    2016–018)                                               Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule                     book. Notwithstanding that Market
                                                                                                            Change                                                     Makers have access to the same
                                                    Self-Regulatory Organizations;                                                                                     Exchange trading information as all
                                                    NASDAQ BX, Inc.; Notice of Filing and                   1. Purpose                                                 other market participants on the
                                                    Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed                        The Exchange is proposing to adopt a                    Exchange, the Exchange has specific
                                                    Rule Change To Delete From the                          principles-based approach to prohibit                      rules governing how Market Makers
                                                    Exchange’s Rulebook Section 10,                         the misuse of material nonpublic                           may operate.
                                                    Limitations on Dealings, of Chapter VII,                information by BX Options Market
                                                    Market Participants                                                                                                Proposed Rule Change
                                                                                                            Makers (‘‘Market Makers’’) by deleting
                                                                                                            from the Exchange’s rulebook Section                          The Exchange believes that the
                                                    March 28, 2016.
                                                                                                            10, Limitations on Dealings, of Chapter                    Market Maker Restrictions are no longer
                                                       Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the
                                                                                                            VII, Market Participants (the ‘‘Market                     necessary and proposes to delete them.
                                                    Securities Exchange Act of 1934
                                                                                                            Maker Restrictions’’). In doing so, the                    The Exchange believes that Chapter III,
                                                    (‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2
                                                                                                            Exchange would harmonize its rules                         Section 4 governing the misuse of
                                                    notice is hereby given that on March 18,
                                                                                                            governing Exchange Options                                 material, non-public information,
                                                    2016, NASDAQ BX, Inc. (‘‘Exchange’’)
                                                                                                            Participants 5 generally and Exchange                      provides for an appropriate, principles-
                                                    filed with the Securities and Exchange
                                                                                                            Market Makers in particular relating to                    based approach to prevent the market
                                                    Commission (‘‘SEC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’)
                                                                                                            protecting against the misuse of                           abuses the Market Maker Restrictions
                                                    the proposed rule change as described
                                                                                                            material, non-public information. The                      are designed to address. Specifically,
                                                    in Items I and II below, which Items
                                                                                                            Exchange believes that the Market                          Chapter III, Section 4 provides that
                                                    have been prepared by the Exchange.
                                                    The Exchange has designated this                        Maker Restrictions are no longer                           every Options Participant shall
                                                    proposal as a ‘‘non-controversial’’                     necessary because all Market Makers are                    establish, maintain and enforce written
                                                    proposed rule change pursuant to                        subject to the Exchange’s general                          policies and procedures reasonably
                                                    Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 3 and Rule               principles-based requirements                              designed, taking into consideration the
                                                    19b–4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder,4 which                     governing the protection against the                       nature of the Participant’s business, to
                                                    renders it effective upon filing with the               misuse of material, non-public                             prevent the misuse of material
                                                    Commission. The Commission is                           information, pursuant to Chapter III,                      nonpublic information by such
                                                    publishing this notice to solicit                       Business Conduct, Section 4, Prevention                    Participant or persons associated with
                                                    comments on the proposed rule change                    of the Misuse of Material Nonpublic                        such Participant in violation of the
                                                    from interested persons.                                Information, discussed below, which                        federal securities laws or the Rules
                                                                                                            obviates the need for separately-                          thereunder, and the Rules of the
                                                    I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                                                                                  Exchange. Chapter III, Section 4
                                                                                                            prescribed requirements for a subset of
                                                    Statement of the Terms of Substance of                                                                             provides that misuse of material
                                                                                                            market participants on the Exchange.
                                                    the Proposed Rule Change                                                                                           nonpublic information includes, but is
                                                                                                            Additionally, there is no separate
                                                       The Exchange proposes to delete from                 regulatory purpose served by having                        not limited to: (i) Trading in any
                                                    the Exchange’s rulebook Section 10,                     separate rules for Market Makers. The                      securities issued by a corporation, or in
                                                    Limitations on Dealings, of Chapter VII,                Exchange notes that this proposed rule                     any related securities or related options
                                                    Market Participants.                                    change will not decrease the protections                   or other derivative securities, while in
                                                       The text of the proposed rule change                 against the misuse of material, non-                       possession of material nonpublic
                                                    is available on the Exchange’s Web site                 public information; instead, it is                         information concerning that
                                                    at http://nasdaqomxbx.                                  designed to provide more flexibility to                    corporation; (ii) trading in an
                                                    cchwallstreet.com/, at the principal                    market participants. This is a                             underlying security or related options or
                                                    office of the Exchange, and at the                      competitive filing that is based on a                      other derivative securities, while in
                                                    Commission’s Public Reference Room.                     proposal recently submitted by NYSE                        possession of material nonpublic
                                                                                                            MKT LLC (‘‘NYSE MKT’’) and approved                        information concerning imminent
                                                    II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                    Statement of the Purpose of, and                        by the Commission.6                                        transactions in the underlying security
                                                    Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule                                                                             or related securities; and (iii) disclosing
                                                                                                               5 The term ‘‘Options Participant’’ or ‘‘Participant’’   to another person any material
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    Change
                                                                                                            means a firm, or organization that is registered with      nonpublic information involving a
                                                       In its filing with the Commission, the               the Exchange pursuant to Chapter II of the BX rules        corporation whose shares are publicly
                                                    Exchange included statements                            for purposes of participating in options trading on
                                                                                                            BX Options as a ‘‘BX Options Order Entry Firm’’
                                                                                                                                                                       traded or disclosing an imminent
                                                      22 17
                                                                                                            or ‘‘BX Options Market Maker.’’
                                                            CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).                               6 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 75432         (SR–ISE–2015–26) and 76687 (December 18, 2015),
                                                      1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).                                (July 13, 2015), 80 FR 42597 (July 17, 2015) (Order        80 FR 80403 (December 24, 2015) (SR–PHLX–2015–
                                                      2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
                                                                                                            Approving SR–NYSEMKT–2015–23). See also                    85).
                                                      3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
                                                                                                            Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 75792                   7 See Chapter I, General Provisions, Section 1,
                                                      4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii).                        (August 31, 2015), 80 FR 53606 (September 4, 2015)         Definitions, subsection (a)(9).



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                                                    18908                              Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 63 / Friday, April 1, 2016 / Notices

                                                    transaction in an underlying security or                   can no longer reasonably be considered                    Market Makers are distinguished under
                                                    related securities for the purpose of                      imminent in view of the passage of time                   Exchange rules from other Options
                                                    facilitating the possible misuse of such                   since the order was received. It states                   Participants in that Market Makers have
                                                    material nonpublic information.                            that the terms of an order are                            quoting obligations.10 However, none of
                                                    Subsection (c) of Chapter III, Section 4,                  ‘‘disclosed’’ to BX Options Participants                  these heightened obligations or different
                                                    requires each Options Participant to                       when the order is entered into the BX                     entitlements provides different or
                                                    establish, maintain and enforce certain                    Options Book. For purposes of                             greater access to nonpublic information
                                                    policies and procedures as appropriate                     subsection (f), an order to buy or sell a                 than any other Options Participant on
                                                    for the nature of each Participant’s                       ‘‘related instrument’’ means, in                          the Exchange. Accordingly, because
                                                    business.8 Under the rule, Participants                    reference to an index option, an order to                 Market Makers do not have any trading
                                                    that are required to file Form X–17A–5                     buy or sell securities comprising 10% or                  advantages at the Exchange due to their
                                                    under the Exchange Act or Rules                            more of the component securities in the                   market role, the Exchange believes they
                                                    thereunder, with the Exchange on an                        index or an order to buy or sell a futures                should be subject to the same rules as
                                                    annual basis only, shall,                                  contract on an economically equivalent                    other Options Participants regarding the
                                                    contemporaneously with those                               index.                                                    protection against the misuse of material
                                                    submissions, file attestations signed by                      Because Options Participants are                       non-public information, which in this
                                                    such Participants stating that the                         already subject to the requirements of                    case is existing Chapter III, Section 4.11
                                                    procedures mandated by this Section                        Chapter III, Section 4 as described                          The Exchange is not proposing to
                                                    have been established, enforced and                        above, the Exchange does not believe it                   change what is considered to be
                                                    maintained. The rule requires any                          necessary to separately require specific                  material, nonpublic information that an
                                                    Options Participant or associated person                   limitations on Market Makers. Deleting                    affiliated brokerage business of a Market
                                                    who becomes aware of any possible                          the Market Maker Restrictions including                   Maker could share with such Market
                                                    misuse of material nonpublic                               its requirements for specific procedures                  Maker. In that regard, the proposed rule
                                                    information to promptly notify BX                          would provide Market Makers flexibility                   change will not permit affiliates of a
                                                    Regulation.                                                to adapt their policies and procedures as                 Market Maker to have access to any non-
                                                       Finally, subsection (f) of Chapter III,                 appropriate to reflect changes to their                   public order or quote information of the
                                                    Section 4 specifies that it may be                         business model, business activities, or                   Market Maker, including hidden or
                                                    considered conduct inconsistent with                       the securities market in a manner                         undisplayed size or price information of
                                                    just and equitable principles of trade for                 similar to how Options Participants on                    such orders or quotes. Affiliates of
                                                    any Participant or person associated                       the Exchange currently operate and                        Market Makers would only have access
                                                    with a Participant who has knowledge                       consistent with Chapter III, Section 4.                   to orders and quotes that are publicly
                                                    of all material terms and conditions of                       Options Participants registered as                     available to all market participants.
                                                    (i) an order and a solicited order, (ii) an                Market Makers have certain rights and                     Members do not expect to receive any
                                                    order being facilitated or submitted to                    bear certain responsibilities beyond                      additional order or quote information as
                                                    BX Options for price improvement, or                       those of other Options Participants.9                     a result of this proposed rule change.
                                                    (iii) orders being crossed; the execution                                                                            The Exchange does not believe that
                                                                                                                  9 Chapter VII, Section 5, Obligations of Market
                                                    of which are imminent, to enter, based                                                                               there will be any material change to
                                                                                                               Makers, of the BX provides that in registering as a
                                                    on such knowledge, an order to buy or                      Market Maker, an Options Participant commits              member information barriers as a result
                                                    sell an option for the same underlying                     himself to various obligations and that transactions      of the removal of the Exchange pre-
                                                    security as any option that is the subject                 of a Market Maker in its market making capacity           approval requirement. The Exchange
                                                    of the order, or an order to buy or sell                   must constitute a course of dealings reasonably
                                                                                                               calculated to contribute to the maintenance of a fair
                                                                                                                                                                         has rules prohibiting Options
                                                    the security underlying such class, or an                  and orderly market. The rule states that Market           Participants from disadvantaging their
                                                    order to buy or sell any related                           Makers should not make bids or offers or enter into       customers or other market participants
                                                    instrument until (a) the terms and                         transactions that are inconsistent with such course       by improperly capitalizing on the
                                                    conditions of the order and any changes                    of dealings and that ordinarily, Market Makers are
                                                                                                               expected to (i) during trading hours, maintain a
                                                                                                                                                                         Options Participant’s access to or
                                                    in the terms and conditions of the order                   two-sided market, pursuant to Section 6(d)(i) of          receipt of material, non-public
                                                    of which the Participant or person                         Chapter VII, in those options in which the Market         information.12
                                                    associated with the Participant has                        Maker is registered to trade, in a manner that
                                                    knowledge are disclosed, or (b) the trade                  enhances the depth, liquidity and competitiveness
                                                                                                                                                                         a course of dealings as specified in paragraph (a) of
                                                                                                               of the market, (ii) [Reserved], (iii) engage, to a
                                                                                                                                                                         Section 5, such Market Maker will be subject to
                                                                                                               reasonable degree under the existing circumstances,
                                                      8 In particular, the rule requires that (i) all                                                                    disciplinary action or suspension or revocation of
                                                                                                               in dealings for their own accounts when there
                                                    associated persons must be advised in writing of the                                                                 registration in one or more of the securities in
                                                                                                               exists, or it is reasonably anticipated that there will
                                                    prohibition against the misuse of material                                                                           which the Market Maker is registered.
                                                                                                               exist, a lack of price continuity, a temporary               10 Section 6, Market Maker Quotations, of Chapter
                                                    nonpublic information; (ii) signed attestations from       disparity between the supply of (or demand for) a
                                                    the Participant and all associated persons affirming       particular option contract, or a temporary distortion     VII, Market Participants, details specific Market
                                                    their awareness of, and agreement to abide by, the         of the price relationships between option contracts       Maker quoting obligations.
                                                                                                                                                                            11 The Exchange notes that by deleting the Market
                                                    aforementioned prohibitions must be maintained             of the same class, (iv) compete with other Market
                                                    for at least three (3) years, the first two (2) years in   Makers in all options in which the Market Maker           Maker Restrictions, the Exchange would no longer
                                                    an easily accessible place; (iii) records of all           is registered to trade, (v) make markets that will be     require specific information barriers for Market
                                                    brokerage accounts maintained by the Participant           honored for the number of contracts entered into          Makers or require pre-approval of any information
                                                    and all associated persons must be acquired and            BX Options’ System in all options in which the            barriers that a Market Maker would erect for
                                                    maintained for at least three (3) years, the first two     Market Maker is registered to trade (vi) update           purposes of protecting against the misuse of
                                                                                                                                                                         material non-public information. However, the
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                                                    (2) years in an easily accessible place, and such          quotations in response to changed market
                                                    brokerage accounts must be reviewed periodically           conditions in all options in which the Market             policies and procedures of Market Makers,
                                                    by the Participant for the purpose of detecting the        Maker is registered to trade (vii) maintain active        including those relating to information barriers,
                                                    possible misuse of material nonpublic information;         markets in all options in which the Market Maker          would be subject to review by FINRA, on behalf of
                                                    and (iv) any business dealings the Participant may         is registered (viii) honor all orders that the Trading    the Exchange, pursuant to a Regulatory Services
                                                    have with any corporation whose securities are             System routes to away markets pursuant to Chapter         Agreement.
                                                    publicly traded, or any other circumstances that           XII of the BX rules. Section 5 further provides that         12 For example, Chapter XI, Doing Business with

                                                    may result in the Participant receiving, in the            Market Makers should not effect purchases or sales        the Public, Section 8, Supervision of Accounts,
                                                    ordinary course of business, material nonpublic            on BX Options except in a reasonable and orderly          provides in part that each member that conducts a
                                                    information concerning any such corporation, must          manner. If BX Regulation finds any substantial or         public customer options business shall ensure that
                                                    be identified and documented.                              continued failure by a Market Maker to engage in          its written supervisory system policies and



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                                                                                     Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 63 / Friday, April 1, 2016 / Notices                                                       18909

                                                       Further, the Exchange does not                       Commission found that, with adequate                      of the Act ,16 and with applicable
                                                    believe there will be any material                      oversight by the exchanges of their                       Exchange rules, including being
                                                    change to Market Maker information                      members, eliminating prescriptive                         reasonably designed to protect against
                                                    barriers as a result of removal of the                  information barrier requirements should                   the misuse of material, non-public
                                                    Exchange’s pre-approval requirements.                   not reduce the effectiveness of exchange                  information. While information barriers
                                                    In fact, the Exchange anticipates that                  rules requiring members to establish                      would not specifically be required
                                                    eliminating the pre-approval                            and maintain systems to supervise the                     under the proposal, Chapter III, Section
                                                    requirement should facilitate                           activities of members, including written                  4 already requires that an Options
                                                    implementation of changes to Market                     procedures reasonably designed to                         Participant consider its business model
                                                    Maker information barriers as necessary                 ensure compliance with applicable                         or business activities in structuring its
                                                    to protect against the misuse of material,              federal securities law and regulations,                   policies and procedures, which may
                                                    non-public information. The Exchange                    and with the rules of the applicable                      dictate that an information barrier or a
                                                    also suggests that the pre-approval                     exchange.                                                 functional separation be part of the
                                                    requirement is unnecessary because                         The Exchange believes that a                           appropriate set of policies and
                                                    Market Makers do not have agency                        principles based rule applicable to                       procedures that would be reasonably
                                                    responsibilities to orders in the book, or              members of options markets would be                       designed to achieve compliance with
                                                    time and place information advantages                   equally effective in protecting against                   applicable securities law and
                                                    because of their market role.                           the misuse of material non-public                         regulations, and with applicable
                                                       The Exchange notes that its proposed                 information.14 Indeed, Chapter III,                       Exchange rules.
                                                    principles-based approach to protecting                 Section 4 is currently applicable to                         The Exchange believes that the
                                                    against the misuse of material non-                     Market Makers and already requires                        proposed reliance on principles-based
                                                    public information for all its Options                  policies and procedures reasonably                        Chapter III, Section 4 would ensure that
                                                    Participants is consistent with recently                designed to protect against the misuse of                 a Market Maker would be required to
                                                    filed and approved rule changes for                     material nonpublic information, which                     protect against the misuse of any
                                                    NYSE MKT, NYSE Arca Equities, Inc.                      is similar to the respective NYSE MKT,                    material non-public information.
                                                    (‘‘NYSE Arca’’), BATS Exchange, Inc.                    NYSE Arca Equities, BATS and NYSE                         Chapter III, Section 4 already requires
                                                    (‘‘BATS’’), and New York Stock                          rules governing cash equity market                        that firms refrain from trading while in
                                                    Exchange LLC (‘‘NYSE’’) governing cash                  makers. The Exchange believes Chapter                     possession of material non-public
                                                    equity market makers on those                           III, Section 4 provides appropriate                       information concerning imminent
                                                    respective exchanges.13 Except for                      protection against the misuse of material                 transactions in the security or related
                                                    prescribed rules relating to floor-based                nonpublic information by Market                           product. The Exchange believes that
                                                    designated market makers on the NYSE,                   Makers such that there is no further                      moving to a principles-based approach
                                                    who have access to specified non-public                 need for prescriptive information barrier                 rather than prescribing how and when
                                                    trading information, each of these                      requirements as set forth in the Market                   to wall off a Market Maker from the rest
                                                    exchanges have moved to a principles-                   Maker Restrictions.                                       of the firm would provide Market
                                                                                                               The Exchange notes that even with                      Makers with flexibility when managing
                                                    based approach to protecting against the
                                                                                                            this proposed rule change, pursuant to                    risk across a firm, including integrating
                                                    misuse of material non-public
                                                                                                            Chapter III, Section 4, a Market Maker                    options positions with other positions of
                                                    information. In connection with
                                                                                                            would still be obligated to ensure that                   the firm or, as applicable, by the
                                                    approving those rule changes, the
                                                                                                            its policies and procedures reflect the                   respective independent trading unit.
                                                                                                            current state of its business and
                                                    procedures pursuant to NASD Rules 3010, 3012,
                                                                                                            continue to be reasonably designed to                     2. Statutory Basis
                                                    and 3013 adequately address the member’s public
                                                    customer options business. The Exchange has             achieve compliance with applicable                           The Exchange believes that its
                                                    separately filed a proposed rule change to replace      federal securities law and regulations,                   proposal is consistent with Section 6(b)
                                                    references to these NASD rules with FINRA rules         including without limitation, Regulation                  of the Act 17 in general, and furthers the
                                                    which have replaced them. See SR–BX–2016–017
                                                    filed March 14, 2016.                                   SHO 15 under the Act and Section 15(g)                    objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the Act 18
                                                       13 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 75432                                                               in particular, in that it is designed to
                                                    (July 13, 2015), 80 FR 42597 (July 17, 2015) (Order       14 International Securities Exchange, Inc. (‘‘ISE’’)    promote just and equitable principles of
                                                    Approving Adopting a Principles-Based Approach          and BOX Options Exchange LLC (‘‘BOX’’) have               trade, to remove impediments to and
                                                    to Prohibit the Misuse of Material Nonpublic            recently taken a similar approach. See Notice of          perfect the mechanism of a free and
                                                    Information by Specialists and e-Specialists by         Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed
                                                    Deleting Rule 927.3NY and Section (f) of Rule           Rule Change Adopting a Principles-Based Approach          open market and a national market
                                                    927.5NY). See also Securities Exchange Act Release      to Prohibit the Misuse of Material, Non-public            system, and, in general to protect
                                                    Nos. 60604 (Sept. 2, 2009), 76 FR 46272 (Sept. 8,       Information by Market Makers by Deleting Rule             investors and the public interest. The
                                                    2009) (SR–NYSEArca–2009–78) (Order approving            810, Securities Exchange Act Release No. 75792            Exchange believes that the proposed
                                                    elimination of NYSE Arca rule that required market      (August 31, 2015), 80 FR 53606 (September 4, 2015)
                                                    makers to establish and maintain specifically           (SR–ISE–2015–26). See also Notice of Filing and           rule change would remove impediments
                                                    prescribed information barriers, including              Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change
                                                    discussion of NYSE Arca and Nasdaq rules) (‘‘Arca       to Adopt a Principles-based Approach to Prohibit          eligibility for the bona-fide market making
                                                    Approval Order’’); 61574 (Feb. 23, 2010), 75 FR         the Misuse of Material Nonpublic Information by           exception to the ‘‘locate’’ requirement, as such
                                                    9455 (Mar. 2, 2010) (SR–BATS–2010–003) (Order           Market Makers, Securities Exchange Act Release            designations are distinct and independent from
                                                    approving amendments to BATS Rule 5.5 to move           No. 75916 (September 14, 2015), 80 FR 56503               Regulation SHO. Eligibility for the bona-fide market
                                                    to a principles-based approach to protecting against    (September 18, 2015) (SR–BOX–2015–31).                    making exception depends on the facts and
                                                                                                                                                                      circumstances and a determination of bona-fide
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                                                    the misuse of material, nonpublic information, and        15 The Commission adopted a narrow exception

                                                    noting that the proposed change is consistent with      to Regulation SHO’s ‘‘locate’’ requirement only for       market making is based on the Commission’s factors
                                                    the approaches of NYSE Arca and Nasdaq) (‘‘BATS         market makers engaged in bona fide market making          outlined in the aforementioned Regulation SHO
                                                    Approval Order’’); 72534 (July 3, 2014), 79 FR          in the security at the time they effect the short sale.   releases. It should also be noted that a
                                                    39440 (July 10, 2014), SR–NYSE–2014–12) (Order          See 17 CFR 242.203(b)(2)(iii). See also Exchange          determination of bona-fide market making is
                                                    approving amendments to NYSE Rule 98 governing          Act Release No. 50103 (July 28, 2004), 69 FR 48008,       relevant for the purposes of close-out obligations
                                                    designated market makers to move to a principles-       48015 (Aug. 6, 2004); Exchange Act Release No.            under Rule 204 of Regulation SHO. See 17 CFR
                                                    based approach to prohibit the misuse of material       58775 (Oct. 14, 2008), 73 FR 61690, 61698–9 (Oct.         242.204(a)(3).
                                                                                                                                                                         16 15 U.S.C. 78o(g).
                                                    non-public information) (‘‘NYSE Approval Order’’);      17, 2008). Broker-dealers would not be able to rely
                                                                                                                                                                         17 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
                                                    and 76687 (December 18, 2015), 80 FR 80403              on the Exchange’s or any self-regulatory
                                                    (December 24, 2015) (SR–PHLX–2015–85).                  organization’s designation of market marking for             18 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).




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                                                    18910                             Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 63 / Friday, April 1, 2016 / Notices

                                                    to and perfect the mechanism of a free                  to review by FINRA, on behalf of the                  Exchange believes that the proposal will
                                                    and open market by adopting a                           Exchange.                                             foster a fair and orderly marketplace
                                                    principles based approach to permit a                      The Exchange notes that the proposed               without being overly burdensome upon
                                                    member or member organization to                        rule change would still require that                  Market Makers.
                                                    maintain and enforce policies and                       Market Makers maintain and enforce                       Moreover, the Exchange believes that
                                                    procedures to, among other things,                      policies and procedures reasonably                    the proposed rule change would
                                                    prohibit the misuse of material non-                    designed to ensure compliance with                    eliminate a burden on competition for
                                                    public information and provide                          applicable federal securities laws and                Options Participants which currently
                                                    flexibility on how a Market Maker                       regulations and with Exchange rules.                  exists as a result of disparate rule
                                                    structures its operations.                              Even though there would no longer be                  treatment between options and equities
                                                       The Exchange notes that the proposed                 pre-approval of Market Maker                          markets regarding how to protect against
                                                    rule change is based on an approved                     information barriers, any Market Maker                the misuse of material non-public
                                                    rule of the Exchange to which members                   written policies and procedures would                 information. For those members and
                                                    and member organizations are subject—                   continue to be subject to oversight by                member organizations that are also
                                                    Section 4, Prevention of the Misuse of                  the Exchange and therefore the                        members of equity exchanges, their
                                                    Material Nonpublic Information, of                      elimination of prescribed restrictions                respective equity market maker
                                                    Chapter III, Business Conduct—and                       should not reduce the effectiveness of                operations are now subject to a
                                                    harmonizes the rules governing Options                  the Exchange rules to protect against the             principles-based approach to protecting
                                                    Participants. Moreover, Market Makers                   misuse of material non-public                         against the misuse of material non-
                                                    would continue to be subject to federal                 information. Rather, Options                          public information. The Exchange
                                                    and Exchange requirements for                           Participants will be able to utilize a                believes it would remove a burden on
                                                    protecting material non-public order                    flexible, principles-based approach to                competition to enable members and
                                                    information.19 The Exchange believes                    modify their policies and procedures as               member organizations to similarly apply
                                                                                                            appropriate to reflect changes to their               a principles-based approach to
                                                    that the proposed rule change would
                                                                                                            business model, business activities, or               protecting against the misuse of material
                                                    remove impediments to and perfect the
                                                                                                            to the securities market itself. Moreover,            nonpublic information in the options
                                                    mechanism of a free and open market
                                                                                                            while specified information barriers                  space as ISE has recently done. To this
                                                    because it would harmonize the
                                                                                                            may no longer be required, an Options                 end, the Exchange notes that Chapter III,
                                                    Exchange’s approach to protecting
                                                                                                            Participant’s business model or business              Section 4 still requires a Market Maker
                                                    against the misuse of material nonpublic
                                                                                                            activities may dictate that an                        to evaluate its business to assure that its
                                                    information and no longer subject
                                                                                                            information barrier or functional                     policies and procedures are reasonably
                                                    Market Makers to prescriptive
                                                                                                            separation be part of the appropriate set             designed to protect against the misuse of
                                                    requirements. The Exchange does not
                                                                                                            of policies and procedures that would                 material nonpublic information.
                                                    believe that the existing prescriptive                  be reasonably designed to achieve
                                                    requirements applicable to Market                                                                             However, with this proposed rule
                                                                                                            compliance with applicable securities                 change, an Options Participant that
                                                    Makers are narrowly tailored to their                   laws and regulations, and with
                                                    roles because Market Makers do not                                                                            trades equities and options could look at
                                                                                                            applicable Exchange rules. The                        its firm more holistically to structure its
                                                    have access to Exchange trading                         Exchange therefore believes that the
                                                    information in a manner different from                                                                        operations in a manner that provides it
                                                                                                            proposed rule change will maintain the                with better tools to manage its risks
                                                    any other market participant on the                     existing protection of investors and the
                                                    Exchange.                                                                                                     across multiple security classes, while
                                                                                                            public interest that is currently                     at the same time protecting against the
                                                       The Exchange further believes the                    applicable to Market Makers, while at
                                                    proposal is designed to prevent                                                                               misuse of material non-public
                                                                                                            the same time removing impediments to                 information.
                                                    fraudulent and manipulative acts and                    and perfecting a free and open market
                                                    practices and to promote just and                       by moving to a principles-based                       C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                    equitable principles of trade because                   approach to protect against the misuse                Statement on Comments on the
                                                    existing rules make clear to members                    of material non-public information.                   Proposed Rule Change Received From
                                                    and member organizations the type of                                                                          Members, Participants, or Others
                                                    conduct that is prohibited by the                       B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                                                                            Statement on Burden on Competition                      No written comments were either
                                                    Exchange. While the proposal                                                                                  solicited or received.
                                                    eliminates prescriptive requirements                      The Exchange does not believe that
                                                    relating to the misuse of material non-                 the proposed rule change will impose                  III. Date of Effectiveness of the
                                                    public information, Market Makers                       any burden on competition not                         Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
                                                    would remain subject to existing                        necessary or appropriate in furtherance               Commission Action
                                                    Exchange rules requiring them to                        of the purposes of the Act. As indicated                 Because the proposed rule change
                                                    establish and maintain systems to                       above, the rule change is being proposed              does not (i) significantly affect the
                                                    supervise their activities, and to create,              as a competitive response to a filing                 protection of investors or the public
                                                    implement, and maintain written                         submitted by NYSE MKT that was                        interest; (ii) impose any significant
                                                    procedures that are reasonably designed                 recently approved by the Commission.                  burden on competition; and (iii) become
                                                    to comply with applicable securities                    The Exchange believes that the proposal               operative for 30 days from the date on
                                                                                                            will enhance competition by allowing
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                                                    laws and Exchange rules, including the                                                                        which it was filed, or such shorter time
                                                    prohibition on the misuse of material,                  Market Makers to comply with                          as the Commission may designate, the
                                                    nonpublic information. Additionally,                    applicable Exchange rules in a manner                 proposed rule change has become
                                                    the policies and procedures of Market                   best suited to their business models,                 effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)
                                                    Makers, including those relating to                     business activities, and the securities               of the Act and Rule 19b–4(f)(6)
                                                    information barriers, would be subject                  markets, thus reducing regulatory                     thereunder.20
                                                                                                            burdens while still ensuring compliance
                                                      19 See 15 U.S.C. 78o(g) and Chapter III, Section 4    with applicable securities laws and                     20 In addition, Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) requires the

                                                    of the Exchange’s rulebook.                             regulations and Exchange rules. The                   Exchange to give the Commission written notice of



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                                                                                      Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 63 / Friday, April 1, 2016 / Notices                                               18911

                                                       A proposed rule change filed                         Electronic Comments                                    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
                                                    pursuant to Rule 19b–4(f)(6) under the                                                                         COMMISSION
                                                    Act normally does not become operative                    • Use the Commission’s Internet
                                                    for 30 days after the date of its filing.               comment form (http://www.sec.gov/
                                                                                                                                                                   [Release No. 34–77454; File No. SR–
                                                    However, Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) permits                  rules/sro.shtml); or
                                                                                                                                                                   NASDAQ–2016–039]
                                                    the Commission to designate a shorter                     • Send an email to rule-comments@
                                                    time if such action is consistent with the              sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–                Self-Regulatory Organizations; The
                                                    protection of investors and the public                  BX–2016–018 on the subject line.                       NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Notice of
                                                    interest. The Exchange has asked the                                                                           Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of
                                                    Commission to waive the 30-day                          Paper Comments
                                                                                                                                                                   Proposed Rule Change To Modify the
                                                    operative delay so that the proposal may
                                                                                                              • Send paper comments in triplicate                  Maximum Number of Times an Order
                                                    become operative immediately upon                                                                              on Nasdaq May Be Updated Before The
                                                                                                            to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Securities
                                                    filing. Waiver of the 30-day operative
                                                                                                            and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street                  System Cancels The Order
                                                    delay would help facilitate the
                                                    harmonization of information barrier                    NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090.
                                                                                                                                                                   March 28, 2016.
                                                    rules across options exchanges. The                     All submissions should refer to File
                                                    Exchange represents that Exchange rules                                                                           Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the
                                                                                                            Number SR–BX–2016–018. This file                       Securities Exchange Act of 1934
                                                    still require a Market Maker to evaluate                number should be included on the
                                                    its business to assure that its policies                                                                       (‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2
                                                                                                            subject line if email is used. To help the             notice is hereby given that on March 16,
                                                    and procedures are reasonably designed                  Commission process and review your
                                                    to protect against the misuse of material                                                                      2016, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
                                                                                                            comments more efficiently, please use                  (‘‘Nasdaq’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the
                                                    nonpublic information. Further, the                     only one method. The Commission will
                                                    Exchange represents that the proposed                                                                          Securities and Exchange Commission
                                                                                                            post all comments on the Commission’s                  (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule
                                                    rule change will not decrease the
                                                                                                            Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/                 change as described in Items I, II, and
                                                    protections against the misuse of
                                                                                                            rules/sro.shtml).                                      III, below, which Items have been
                                                    material, non-public information;
                                                    instead, it is designed to provide more                    Copies of the submission, all                       prepared by Nasdaq. The Commission is
                                                    flexibility to market participants. Based               subsequent amendments, all written                     publishing this notice to solicit
                                                    on the foregoing, the Commission                        statements with respect to the proposed                comments on the proposed rule change
                                                    believes the waiver of the operative                    rule change that are filed with the                    from interested persons.
                                                    delay is consistent with the protection                 Commission, and all written
                                                    of investors and the public interest.21                 communications relating to the                         I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                    The Commission hereby grants the                        proposed rule change between the                       Statement of the Terms of Substance of
                                                    waiver and designates the proposal                      Commission and any person, other than                  the Proposed Rule Change
                                                    operative upon filing.                                  those that may be withheld from the                       Nasdaq proposes to proposal [sic] to
                                                       At any time within 60 days of the                    public in accordance with the                          modify the maximum number of times
                                                    filing of the proposed rule change, the                 provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be                    an Order on Nasdaq may be updated
                                                    Commission summarily may                                available for Web site viewing and                     before the System cancels the Order.
                                                    temporarily suspend such rule change if                 printing in the Commission’s Public
                                                    it appears to the Commission that such                  Reference Room, 100 F Street NE.,                         The text of the proposed rule change
                                                    action is necessary or appropriate in the               Washington, DC 20549, on official                      is available on Nasdaq’s Web site at
                                                    public interest, for the protection of                  business days between the hours of                     http://nasdaq.cchwallstreet.com, at the
                                                    investors, or otherwise in furtherance of               10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the                 principal office of Nasdaq, and at the
                                                    the purposes of the Act. If the                         filing also will be available for                      Commission’s Public Reference Room.
                                                    Commission takes such action, the                       inspection and copying at the principal                II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                    Commission shall institute proceedings                  office of the Exchange. All comments
                                                    to determine whether the proposed rule                                                                         Statement of the Purpose of, and
                                                                                                            received will be posted without change;                Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
                                                    should be approved or disapproved.
                                                                                                            the Commission does not edit personal                  Change
                                                    IV. Solicitation of Comments                            identifying information from
                                                                                                            submissions. You should submit only                      In its filing with the Commission,
                                                      Interested persons are invited to                                                                            Nasdaq included statements concerning
                                                    submit written data, views, and                         information that you wish to make
                                                                                                            available publicly.                                    the purpose of and basis for the
                                                    arguments concerning the foregoing,                                                                            proposed rule change and discussed any
                                                    including whether the proposed rule                        All submissions should refer to File
                                                                                                                                                                   comments it received on the proposed
                                                    change is consistent with the Act.                      Number SR–BX–2016–018 and should
                                                                                                                                                                   rule change. The text of these statements
                                                    Comments may be submitted by any of                     be submitted on or before April 22,
                                                    the following methods:                                                                                         may be examined at the places specified
                                                                                                            2016.
                                                                                                                                                                   in Item IV below. Nasdaq has prepared
                                                                                                              For the Commission, by the Division of               summaries, set forth in sections A, B,
                                                    the Exchange’s intent to file the proposed rule         Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
                                                    change, along with a brief description and text of                                                             and C below, of the most significant
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    the proposed rule change, at least five business days   authority.22                                           aspects of such statements.
                                                    prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule        Robert W. Errett,
                                                    change, or such shorter time as designated by the
                                                    Commission. The Exchange has satisfied this             Deputy Secretary.
                                                    requirement.                                            [FR Doc. 2016–07336 Filed 3–31–16; 8:45 am]
                                                       21 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day
                                                                                                            BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
                                                    operative delay, the Commission has also
                                                    considered the proposed rule’s impact on
                                                                                                                                                                     1 15   U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
                                                    efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See
                                                    15 U.S.C. 78c(f).                                         22 17   CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).                           2 17   CFR 240.19b–4.



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Document Created: 2016-04-06 00:08:27
Document Modified: 2016-04-06 00:08:27
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 18907 

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