81_FR_45329 81 FR 45196 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend Rules Related to Execution and Priority

81 FR 45196 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend Rules Related to Execution and Priority

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 133 (July 12, 2016)

Page Range45196-45200
FR Document2016-16379

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 133 (Tuesday, July 12, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 133 (Tuesday, July 12, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45196-45200]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-16379]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-78235; File No. SR-C2-2016-010]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated; 
Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change 
To Amend Rules Related to Execution and Priority

July 6, 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 June 29, 2016, C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated (``C2'' or 
``Exchange'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, 
and III, below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The 
Exchange filed the proposal as a ``non-controversial'' proposed rule 
change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act \3\ and Rule 
19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\4\ 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)(iii).
    \4\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange proposes to amend its rules related to execution and 
priority. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the 
Exchange's Web site (http://www.cboe.com/AboutCBOE/CBOELegalRegulatoryHome.aspx), at the Exchange's Office of the 
Secretary, 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 proposed rule change amends C2's execution and priority rules 
to more accurately reflect current System functionality and make other 
technical and nonsubstantive changes. First, the proposed rule change 
amends Rule 6.12(a) to provide the price-time and pro rata priority 
algorithms apply to orders and quotes. The current rule text states 
these trading priority allocations apply only to orders; however, the 
System applies these rules of trading priority to resting orders and 
quotes, which is consistent with the Exchange's intention and, the 
Exchange believes, Participants' expectations.\5\ Resting quotes may 
trade with incoming orders in the same manner as resting orders, and 
the proposed rule change merely updates the rule text to explicitly 
state this. The proposed rule change also makes nonsubstantive changes 
to Rule 6.12(a), including correcting punctuation and using consistent 
language in both subparagraphs (1) and (2).\6\
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    \5\ Previous rule filings state these rules of trading priority 
apply to the allocation of both resting orders and quotes. See, 
e.g., SR-C2-2010-005. Additionally, Rule 6.12(a)(2) states an 
additional contract (if contracts cannot be distributed equally 
among Participants) will be distributed to the Participant whose 
quote or order has time priority, supporting the rule's 
applicability to orders and quotes.
    \6\ The proposed rule change similarly amends Rules 6.12(b)(1), 
6.12(h), 6.16, 6.18(d), 6.34(d), and 6.51(b)(2)(B) to include 
references to quotes in rule provisions that currently only 
reference orders but also apply in the same manner to quotes.
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    Second, the proposed rule change amends Rule 6.12(a)(2) to add 
detail regarding how the System distributes contracts pursuant to the 
pro-rata algorithm and rounds fractions of contracts. Current Rule 
6.12(a)(2) states resting orders are prioritized according to price, 
and if there are two or more orders at the best price, then trades are 
allocated proportionally according to size (in a pro rata fashion). 
Executable quantity is allocated to the nearest whole number, with 
fractions \1/2\ or greater rounded up and fractions less than \1/2\ 
rounded down. If there are two market participants that both are 
entitled to an additional \1/2\ contract and there is only one contract 
remaining to be distributed, the additional contract will be 
distributed to the participant whose quote or order has time priority. 
This is consistent with System functionality; however, it represents 
only one example (a situation in which there are two market 
participants and only one remaining contract) rather than a general 
rule regarding allocations of contracts that cannot be allocated 
proportionally in whole numbers. For example, three market participants 
may be entitled to an additional fraction of a contract.
    The proposed rule change amends this provision to state if there 
are two or more resting orders or quotes at the best price, then the 
System allocates contracts from an incoming order or quote to resting 
orders and quotes sequentially in the order in which the System 
received them (i.e., according to time) proportionally according to 
size (i.e., on a pro rata basis). The System allocates contracts to the 
first resting order or quote proportionally according to size (based on 
the number of contracts to be allocated and the size of the resting 
orders and quotes). Then, the System recalculates the number of 
contracts to which each remaining resting order and quote is afforded 
proportionally according to size (based on the number of remaining 
contracts to be allocated and the size of the remaining resting quotes 
and orders) and allocates contracts to the next resting order or quote. 
The System repeats this process until it allocates all contracts from 
the incoming order or quote. The System rounds fractions \1/2\ or 
greater up and fractions less than \1/2\ down prior to each allocation. 
This proposed provision is consistent with the current rule that states 
contracts are distributed to quotes and orders in time priority. It 
adds detail regarding the sequential nature of the allocation process 
and applies the provision to situations in which any number of orders 
or quotes may be entitled to non-whole numbers of contracts. The 
Exchange believes this is a fair, objective process and simple 
systematic process to allocate ``extra'' contracts when more than one 
market participant may be entitled to those extra contracts

[[Page 45197]]

after rounding. The following examples demonstrate this process:
     Example 1: Suppose there are three resting orders at the 
same price with sizes of 30 (Order A), 20 (Order B) and 10 (Order C) 
(received by the System in that order), and an incoming order with size 
of 15 is marketable against those three orders. The System first 
allocates 8 contracts to Order A (1/2 of 15 is 7.5, which rounds to 8). 
After this allocation, the System allocates 5 of the 7 remaining 
contracts to Order B (2/3 of 7 is 4.7, which rounds to 5), and then 
allocates the remaining 2 contracts to Order C.
     Example 2: Suppose there are three resting orders at the 
same price with sizes of 10 (Order A), 20 (Order B) and 30 (Order C) 
(received by the System in that order), and an incoming order with size 
of 15 is marketable against those three orders. The System first 
allocates 3 contracts to Order A (1/6 of 15 is 2.5, which rounds to 3). 
After this allocation, the System allocates 5 of the 12 remaining 
contracts to Order B (2/5 of 12 is 4.8, which rounds to 5), and then 
allocates the remaining 7 contracts to Order C.
     Example 3: Suppose there are three resting orders A, B and 
C (received by the System in that order) at the same price, each with a 
size of 50, and an incoming order with size of 100 is marketable 
against those three orders. The System first allocates 33 contracts to 
Order A (1/3 of 100 is 33.3, which rounds to 33). After this 
allocation, the System allocates 34 of the 67 remaining contracts to 
Order B (1/2 of 67 is 33.5, which rounds to 34), and then allocates the 
remaining 33 contracts to Order C.
    Third, the proposed rule change amends Rule 6.12(a)(3)(B) to delete 
subparagraphs (i) through (iv) (as well as the introductory sentence to 
those subparagraphs, as it is no longer necessary with the deletion of 
the listed items). Currently, subparagraph (B) states when allocating 
the participation right of a Preferred Market-Maker (``PMM'') or 
Designated Primary Market-Maker (``DPM'') pursuant to Rule 8.13 or 
8.19, respectively, the following apply:
     To be entitled to their participation right, a PMM's or 
DPM's order and/or quote must be at the best price on the Exchange 
(i.e., the Exchange's best bid or offer (``BBO'')).
     a PMM or DPM may not be allocated a total quantity greater 
than the quantity that it is quoting (including orders not part of 
quotes) at that price.
     in establishing the counterparties to a particular trade, 
the PMM's or DPM's participation right must first be counted against 
the PMM's or DPM's, as applicable, highest priority bids or offers.
     the participation right shall only apply to any remaining 
balance of an order once all higher priorities are satisfied.
    Each of these four conditions must be satisfied in order for a PMM 
or DPM to receive a participation right, and that will continue to be 
the case. However, the first, second and fourth condition are all 
included in Rules 8.13 and 8.19 regarding PMM and DPM participation 
rights, respectively.\7\ Therefore, the Exchange proposes to delete 
these provisions from Rule 6.12, as they are duplicative, and instead 
state a PMM or DPM is entitled to a participation right if it satisfies 
the conditions in Rule 8.13 or 8.19, respectively. The Exchange notes 
the rule text being deleted states a PMM's or DPM's participation right 
is based on its order and/or quote; however, Rules 8.13 and 8.19 
provide its participation right is based on its quote. Rules 8.13 and 
8.19 are consistent with how the System determines a PMM's or DPM's 
entitlement to a participation right, which is consistent with the 
Exchange's intention and, the Exchange believes, Participant's 
expectations. As PMMs and DPMs having heightened quoting obligations 
under Rules 8.13 and 8.17, which make them eligible for the 
entitlement, the Exchange believes it is appropriate for the 
entitlement to be based on their quotes and not any resting orders they 
may also have at the same price. The Exchange believes deleting the 
provisions referenced above in Rule 6.12(a)(3)(B) will eliminate any 
potential confusion regarding how the System determines a PMM's or 
DPM's participation right.
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    \7\ See Rules 8.13(b)(ii), (c)(i), and (c)(ii), respectively, 
and 8.19(b)(1)(A), (b)(1)(B) and (b)(1)(C), respectively. Note the 
proposed rule change amends Rules 8.13(c)(ii) and 8.19(b)(1)(C) to 
provide the participation entitlement is based on the number of 
contracts remaining after all higher priority orders have been 
satisfied rather than public customer orders. This is consistent 
with current Rule 6.12(a)(3)(B)(iv) and System functionality. If the 
Exchange has applied public customer priority to a class, those 
orders would be filled prior to a PMM or DPM participation 
entitlement. However, if the Exchange has applied another priority 
to a class at a higher priority than the participation entitlement, 
such as market turn priority, those orders at the higher priority 
would also be filled prior to a PMM or DPM participation entitlement 
consistent with their higher priority status.
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    Additionally, subparagraph (iii) states in establishing the 
counterparties to a particular trade, the participation entitlement 
must first be counted against the PMM's or DPM's, as applicable, 
highest priority bids or offers. For a PMM or DPM to receive an 
entitlement, it must have a quote at the BBO. A Market-Maker firm may 
have multiple individual Market-Makers submitting quotes within a 
class. An entitlement will apply to a PMM's or DPM's quotes with 
highest priority (i.e., the best price if the price is the BBO) and 
will not apply to quotes of the same PMM or DPM firm at a lower price. 
The general allocation and priority rules provide contracts are 
allocated to quotes with the highest priority, a PMM or DPM must be 
quoting at the BBO, and the PMM or DPM may not be allocated a quantity 
greater than the quantity of its quote at that price. The Exchange 
believes this provision is therefore redundant and proposes to delete 
it.
    Fourth, the proposed rule change amends Rules 8.13(c) and 
8.19(b)(2) related to the participation rights of PMMs and DPMs. 
Currently, Rule 8.13(c) and 8.19(b)(2) each provide that a PMM or DPM 
participation entitlement, respectively, is 50% if there is one other 
Market-Maker also quoting at the BBO and 40% if there are two or more 
Market-Makers also quoting at the BBO. The proposed rule change 
provides that each of the PMM and DPM participation entitlement is 
based on both the number of Market-Maker quotes and non-public customer 
orders (including orders of professionals and voluntary professionals) 
\8\ at the BBO.\9\ This is consistent with current System 
functionality. Additionally, the current rule considers whether other 
Market-Makers are quoting at the best price, because Market-Makers 
provide liquidity to C2's market and are encouraged to do so if they 
have the opportunity to participate in a larger portion of a trade in 
which a PMM or DPM has a participation right. Other Participants 
besides Market-Makers provide liquidity to C2's market through orders, 
and the Exchange believes those

[[Page 45198]]

Participants, like Market-Makers, should have the same opportunity with 
respect to non-pubic customer orders.
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    \8\ Pursuant to Rule 1.1, professionals and voluntary 
professionals will be treated as broker-dealers for purposes of Rule 
8.13 (as well as other rules related to allocation and priority). 
The proposed rule change amends the definitions of professional and 
voluntary professional in Rule 1.1 to provide that professionals and 
voluntary professionals will be treated as broker-dealers for 
purposes of Rule 8.19 as well. It was the intent of those 
definitions for professionals and voluntary professionals to be 
treated as broker-dealers under all rules related to allocation and 
priority; the Exchange is adding Rule 8.19 to the list of rules in 
those definitions, as it was inadvertently omitted from the list.
    \9\ The proposed rule change makes a corresponding change to 
Rule 8.13, Interpretation and Policy .01(b) related to the PMM 
participation entitlement with respect to complex orders. The 
proposed rule change also amends Rules 8.13(c) and Interpretation 
and Policy .01(b) and 8.19(b) to use terms already defined in Rule 
1.1 (BBO and Public Customer), as well as to make other 
nonsubstantive changes.
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    The proposed rule change also provides that the participation 
entitlement will be the greater of the amount the PMM or DPM, as 
applicable, would otherwise receive pursuant to the algorithm 
applicable to the class and 40% when there are two or more other 
Market-Maker quotes or non-Public Customer orders at the BBO or 50% 
when there is only one other Market-maker quote or non-Public Customer 
order at the BBO, but no fewer than one contract.\10\ This change is 
consistent with current System functionality as well as the intent of 
the participation entitlement, which is to provide PMMs and DPMs with a 
benefit for their heightened quoting obligations.\11\ The proposed 
change providing the participation entitlement may be the amount the 
PMM or DPM, as applicable, would otherwise receive pursuant to the 
applicable algorithm is appropriate, because the participation 
entitlement could harm rather than benefit the PMM or DPM if its quote 
was large enough it would, for example, receive 60% of the contract 
based on the pro rata algorithm. This encourages PMMs and DPMs to quote 
larger sizes, which increases liquidity and ultimately benefits 
investors. This proposed change is also consistent with the rules of 
other exchanges.\12\
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    \10\ The proposed rule change also amends Rule 8.19(b)(2) to 
state the DPM participation entitlement will be 30% when there are 
three or more other Market-Maker quotes or non-Public Customer 
orders at the BBO (and thus amends the previous clause to state the 
DPM participation entitlement will be 40% when there are two other 
Market-Maker quotes or non-Public Customer orders at the BBO, rather 
than two or more). This third level of the participation entitlement 
encourages other market participants to quote and is consistent with 
the rules of another exchange. See, e.g., Chicago Board Options 
Exchange, Incorporated (``CBOE'') Rule 8.87(b)(2).
    \11\ See Rules 8.13 and 8.17, respectively.
    \12\ See CBOE Rules 6.45A(a)(i)(C) and 6.45B(a)(ii)(C); and 
Miami International Securities Exchange, LLC (``MIAX'') Rule 
514(g)(1) and (h)(1).
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    With respect to the proposed change stating a PMM or DPM, as 
applicable, may receive no fewer than one contract pursuant to the 
participation entitlement, because fractions of contracts of less than 
\1/2\ are rounded down, as discussed above, a transaction involving a 
small number of contracts may result in zero contracts being allocated 
to a PMM or DPM who should otherwise have priority. For example, if 
there is one contract left after an order trades with a public customer 
order, and there is a DPM and two other Market-Makers quoting at the 
BBO, 40% of one would give the DPM zero contracts, as 0.4 would round 
down to zero.\13\ Thus, this proposed rule change is intended to ensure 
that a PMM or DPM would receive a contract in this situation to 
continue to encourage PMMs or DPMs to provide liquidity on the 
Exchange.
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    \13\ The contract would ultimately go to the Market-Maker who 
entered its quote first, as discussed above, which may not be the 
PMM or DPM.
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    Fifth, the Exchange proposes to update Rule 6.12(c) regarding the 
priority of contingency orders. Currently, Rule 6.12(c) states, 
regardless of the allocation method in place, contingency orders 
(except elected stop-limit orders and the displayed portion of a 
reserve order) are placed last in priority order, regardless of when 
they were entered into the System. A contingency order that was entered 
before a limit order for the same security at the same price will be 
treated as if it were entered after the limit order. If public customer 
priority is afforded to a particular security, public customer 
contingency orders will have priority over non-public customer 
contingency orders but behind all other orders.
    The Exchange proposes to replace that provision to add more detail 
regarding the prioritization of contingency orders. Proposed Rule 
6.12(c) states once a certain event or trading condition satisfies an 
order's contingency, an order is no longer a contingency order and is 
treated as a market or limit order (as applicable), prioritized in the 
same manner as any other market or limit order based on the time it 
enters the book following satisfaction of the contingency (i.e., last 
in time priority with respect to other orders and quotes resting in the 
book at that time).\14\ If contingencies of multiple orders are 
satisfied at the same time, the System sends them to the book in the 
order in which the System initially received them.
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    \14\ The System generally bases priority of a non-contingency 
order on the time the System receives it.
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    Notwithstanding the foregoing, under any algorithm in Rule 6.12 
\15\:

    \15\ As provided in current Rule 6.12(a), all displayed orders 
at a given price have priority over the non-displayed portion of a 
reserve order at the same price. This is also consistent with the 
definition of reserve orders in current Rule 6.10(c)(8). The 
proposed rule change moves this provision to proposed subparagraph 
(c)(1) so all provisions of this rule regarding priority of 
contingency orders are included in the same paragraph. The proposed 
rule change also adds all-or-none orders to this provision, as those 
are also not displayed until their contingencies are triggered, 
similar to the non-displayed portions of reserve orders.
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    (1) Upon receipt of a reserve order, the System displays in the 
book any initially display-eligible portion of the reserve order, 
which is prioritized in the same manner as any other order (i.e., 
based on the time the System receives it). Once any non-displayed 
portion of a reserve order becomes eligible for display, the System 
displays in the book that portion of the order and prioritizes it 
based on the time it becomes displayed in the book (i.e., last in 
time priority with respect to other orders and quotes resting in the 
book at that time).
    (2) Immediate-or-cancel and fill-or-kill orders are not placed 
in the book and thus are not prioritized with respect to other 
resting orders and quotes in the book (by definition, those types of 
orders are cancelled if they do not execute as soon as they are 
represented on the Exchange so have no opportunity to rest in the 
book). These orders execute against resting orders and quotes in the 
book based on the time the System receives them (i.e., the System 
processes these orders in the time sequence in which it receives 
them).
    (3) all-or-none orders are always last in priority (including 
after the undisplayed portions of reserve orders). If the Exchange 
applies public customer priority to a class, orders trade in the 
following order: (A) Public customer orders other than all-or-none, 
(B) non-public customer orders other than all-or-none and quotes, 
(C) public customer all-or-none orders (in time sequence), and (D) 
non-public customer all-or-none orders (in time sequence). If the 
Exchange applies pro-rata with no public customer priority or price-
time to a class, orders trade in the following order: (A) orders 
other than all-or-none and quotes, and (B) all-or-none orders (in 
time sequence).\16\
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    \16\ Note other priorities may be applied to the class as well 
and would function as set forth in the rules.

    The Exchange believes this provision is consistent with the 
definitions of these order types, pursuant to which most contingency 
orders become market or limit orders once the contingency is satisfied. 
All-or-none orders must always be last in priority to ensure that there 
is sufficient size to satisfy the condition of such an order to trade 
in its entirety after all other orders at the same price have executed. 
Additionally, the Exchange believes it is reasonable for orders that 
are not displayed in the book to not receive priority over orders that 
are displayed, as they are not yet eligible for execution until they 
become displayed. These provisions are consistent with current System 
functionality and are merely adding more detail to the rules to provide 
additional transparency regarding allocation and priority principles 
for investors. These provisions are also consistent with the non-
inclusion of all-or-none orders and non-displayed portions of reserve 
orders in the NBBO.
    Sixth, the proposed rule change amends Rule 6.12(e) regarding how 
modification of an order or quote may change its priority position. The

[[Page 45199]]

proposed rule change amends Rule 6.12(e)(1) to clarify the provision 
applies to changing the price of a quote or order. This is consistent 
with the intention of the rule, including the final part of the 
provision that indicates priority is determined as if the order/quote 
was just received. However, reference in the rule to ``changed side'' 
(which applies to a quote) but not an order may create confusion for a 
market participant, who may mistakenly believe this provision only 
applies to quotes. Additionally, the proposed rule change amends Rule 
6.12(e)(2) to clarify if the price or quantity of one side of a quote 
is changed, the unchanged side retains its priority position. This is 
consistent with the provision in subparagraph (1), which provides 
changing the price of a quote only changes the priority position of the 
changed side of the quote; the proposed rule change explicitly states 
that the unchanged side retains its position. The Exchange believes 
these changes will eliminate any potential confusion.
    Finally, the proposed rule change amend Rule 6.12(f) to clarify the 
meaning of the provision. Current paragraph (f) states unless expressly 
stated otherwise, any potential price improvement resulting from an 
execution in the System shall accrue to the party that is removing 
liquidity previously posted in the System. Proposed paragraph (f) 
states, unless expressly stated otherwise, any potential price 
improvement resulting from an execution in the System accrues to the 
incoming order or quote that removes liquidity previously posted in the 
System. For example, suppose the market for a series is 1.00 to 1.20. A 
limit order in that series to buy for 1.25 enters the System. The 
System will provide price improvement to that incoming order and 
execute the order against the resting offer of 1.20. This is merely a 
clarification of the rule text and does not change any System 
functionality.
    The proposed rule change makes nonsubstantive changes to Rules 
6.12(b)(1), (e) and (h), 6.18(d) and 8.13(c) and Interpretation and 
Policy .01, including to fix punctuation and use defined terms, plain 
English, and language consistent with that used in similar rule 
provisions. In addition, the proposed rule change amends Rule 
6.12(b)(1) to provide the Market Turner priority percentage may be 
reduced on a class-by-class basis rather than series-by-series basis, 
as the Exchange generally makes this determination for an entire class 
rather than for specific series.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with 
the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to the 
Exchange and, in particular, the requirements of Section 6(b) of the 
Act.\17\ Specifically, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change 
is consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) \18\ requirements that the rules 
of an exchange be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts 
and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to 
foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in regulating, 
clearing, settling, processing information with respect to, and 
facilitating transactions in securities, 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. 
Additionally, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is 
consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) \19\ requirement that the rules of 
an exchange not be designed to permit unfair discrimination between 
customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers.
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    \17\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \18\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
    \19\ Id.
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    In particular, the proposed rule change amends execution and 
priority rules to more accurately reflect System functionality, which 
transparency protects investors and perfects the mechanism of a free 
and open market. The proposed rule change to provide quotes, in 
addition to orders, are subject to price-time and pro rata priority 
promotes just and equitable principles of trade, as resting quotes 
trade with incoming orders in the same manner as resting orders. The 
proposed change regarding how the System rounds the number of contracts 
when they cannot be allocated proportionally in whole numbers pursuant 
to the pro-rata algorithm adds detail to the rules (which previously 
only addressed the situation if there one additional contract for two 
market participants) regarding the allocation process and provides a 
fair, objective manner for rounding and distribution in all situations 
in which the number of contracts many not be allocated proportionally 
in whole numbers. Distributing contracts to resting orders and quotes 
in time priority when they cannot be allocated proportionally in whole 
numbers is also consistent with C2's current rules as well as the rules 
of another options exchange.\20\ The Exchange believes adding these 
details to the rules, as well as the technical and nonsubstantive 
changes to the rules, will better enable investors to understand how 
the System allocates trades and affords priority. The proposed rule 
change does not change how the System allocates and prioritizes orders 
and quotes; thus, orders and quotes will be subject to the same 
priority principles as they are today.
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    \20\ See NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc. (``BX'') Chapter VI, Section 
10(1)(B).
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    The proposed rule change to delete from Rule 6.12 the conditions a 
PMM or DPM must satisfy to be entitled to a participation right 
eliminates duplication and confusion, a these conditions are also 
contained in Rules 8.13 and 8.19, which protects investors. The 
proposed rule change providing a PMM's or DPM's participation right is 
determined in part by how many Market-Maker quotes and non-public 
customer orders are at the BBO is not only consistent with current 
System functionality but also encourages all Market-Makers, not just 
Trading Permit Holders, to continue to provide liquidity to the market 
because it may provide them with the opportunity to participate in a 
larger portion of a trade in which a PMM or DPM has a participation 
right (60% v. 50%). PMMs, and DPMs will still be entitled to a 
significant participation right of 40% or 50%, as applicable, which 
continues to provide an appropriate balance with their heightened 
quoting obligations. The proposed rule change to provide a DPM's 
participation right will be 30% if there are three or more Market-Maker 
quotes or non-Public Customer orders at the BBO will further promote 
other market participants to participate in a larger portion of a trade 
and thus further encourage liquidity from these other market 
participants, and is also consistent with the rules of another 
exchange.\21\ This additional liquidity will ultimately benefit 
investors. The proposed rule change that a PMM or DPM may receive the 
amount it would otherwise receive pursuant to the applicable algorithm 
if greater than the percentage specified in the rule will ensure PMMs 
and DPMs are not harmed by the participation entitlements, which are 
intended to be a benefit. This will encourage PMMs and DPMs to quote 
larges sizes, which will benefit investors, and is consistent with the 
rules of other exchanges.\22\ Similarly, the proposed rule change that 
the PMM or DPM participation entitlement may not be fewer than one 
contract when there are other Market-Maker quotes or non-Public 
Customer orders ensures PMMs and DPMs will receive a benefit

[[Page 45200]]

in exchange for their heightened quoting obligations when executions 
involve small number of contracts.
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    \21\ See CBOE Rule 8.87(b)(2).
    \22\ See CBOE Rules 6.45A(a)(i)(C) and 6.45B(a)(ii)(C); and MIAX 
Rule 514(g)(1) and (h)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed rule changes regarding the priority of contingency 
orders, modified orders and quotes, and price improvement to incoming 
orders and quotes eliminate potential confusion, promote just and 
equitable principles of trade, and thus protect investors and the 
public interest.

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

    C2 does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any 
burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in 
furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The proposed rule change is 
consistent with how the System currently executes and prioritizes 
orders and quotes and primarily adds detail to the rules regarding 
current System functionality. Thus, the System will allocate orders and 
quotes under the proposed rule change in the same manner as it does 
today. The proposed rule change applies in the same manner to the 
orders and quotes of all Trading Permit Holders, and the additional 
transparency in the rules benefits all investors. The proposed rule 
change applies only to the allocation of orders and quotes in C2's 
System.

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

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

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

    Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not:
    A. Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public 
interest;
    B. impose any significant burden on competition; and
    C. become operative for 30 days from the date on which it was 
filed, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate,

it has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \23\ 
and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \24\ thereunder. 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 will institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed 
rule change should be approved or disapproved.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \24\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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-C2-2016-010 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

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

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-C2-2016-010. 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-C2-2016-010 and should be 
submitted on or before August 2, 2016.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\25\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \25\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brent J. Fields,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-16379 Filed 7-11-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P



                                                  45196                              Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 133 / Tuesday, July 12, 2016 / Notices

                                                    At times, changes in Commission                         II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                       to price, and if there are two or more
                                                  priorities require alterations in the                     Statement of the Purpose of, and                         orders at the best price, then trades are
                                                  scheduling of meeting items.                              Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule                   allocated proportionally according to
                                                    For further information and to                          Change                                                   size (in a pro rata fashion). Executable
                                                  ascertain what, if any, matters have been                   In its filing with the Commission, the                 quantity is allocated to the nearest
                                                  added, deleted or postponed, please                       Exchange included statements                             whole number, with fractions 1⁄2 or
                                                  contact Brent J. Fields from the Office of                concerning the purpose of and basis for                  greater rounded up and fractions less
                                                  the Secretary at (202) 551–5400.                          the proposed rule change and discussed                   than 1⁄2 rounded down. If there are two
                                                                                                            any comments it received on the                          market participants that both are
                                                    Dated: July 7, 2016.                                                                                             entitled to an additional 1⁄2 contract and
                                                                                                            proposed rule change. The text of these
                                                  Brent J. Fields,                                          statements may be examined at the                        there is only one contract remaining to
                                                  Secretary.                                                places specified in Item IV below. The                   be distributed, the additional contract
                                                  [FR Doc. 2016–16497 Filed 7–8–16; 11:15 am]               Exchange has prepared summaries, set                     will be distributed to the participant
                                                                                                            forth in sections A, B, and C below, of                  whose quote or order has time priority.
                                                  BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
                                                                                                            the most significant aspects of such                     This is consistent with System
                                                                                                            statements.                                              functionality; however, it represents
                                                  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE                                                                                            only one example (a situation in which
                                                                                                            A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                        there are two market participants and
                                                  COMMISSION
                                                                                                            Statement of the Purpose of, and                         only one remaining contract) rather than
                                                                                                            Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule                   a general rule regarding allocations of
                                                  [Release No. 34–78235; File No. SR–C2–                    Change                                                   contracts that cannot be allocated
                                                  2016–010]                                                                                                          proportionally in whole numbers. For
                                                                                                            1. Purpose
                                                                                                                                                                     example, three market participants may
                                                  Self-Regulatory Organizations; C2                           The proposed rule change amends                        be entitled to an additional fraction of
                                                  Options Exchange, Incorporated;                           C2’s execution and priority rules to                     a contract.
                                                  Notice of Filing and Immediate                            more accurately reflect current System
                                                  Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule                                                                                      The proposed rule change amends
                                                                                                            functionality and make other technical                   this provision to state if there are two or
                                                  Change To Amend Rules Related to                          and nonsubstantive changes. First, the
                                                  Execution and Priority                                                                                             more resting orders or quotes at the best
                                                                                                            proposed rule change amends Rule                         price, then the System allocates
                                                                                                            6.12(a) to provide the price-time and pro                contracts from an incoming order or
                                                  July 6, 2016.
                                                                                                            rata priority algorithms apply to orders                 quote to resting orders and quotes
                                                     Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the                    and quotes. The current rule text states                 sequentially in the order in which the
                                                  Securities Exchange Act of 1934                           these trading priority allocations apply                 System received them (i.e., according to
                                                  (‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2                   only to orders; however, the System                      time) proportionally according to size
                                                  notice is hereby given that, on June 29,                  applies these rules of trading priority to               (i.e., on a pro rata basis). The System
                                                  2016, C2 Options Exchange,                                resting orders and quotes, which is                      allocates contracts to the first resting
                                                  Incorporated (‘‘C2’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed               consistent with the Exchange’s intention                 order or quote proportionally according
                                                  with the Securities and Exchange                          and, the Exchange believes,                              to size (based on the number of
                                                  Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the                           Participants’ expectations.5 Resting                     contracts to be allocated and the size of
                                                  proposed rule change as described in                      quotes may trade with incoming orders                    the resting orders and quotes). Then, the
                                                  Items I, II, and III, below, which Items                  in the same manner as resting orders,                    System recalculates the number of
                                                  have been prepared by the Exchange.                       and the proposed rule change merely                      contracts to which each remaining
                                                  The Exchange filed the proposal as a                      updates the rule text to explicitly state                resting order and quote is afforded
                                                  ‘‘non-controversial’’ proposed rule                       this. The proposed rule change also                      proportionally according to size (based
                                                  change pursuant to Section                                makes nonsubstantive changes to Rule                     on the number of remaining contracts to
                                                  19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act 3 and Rule                    6.12(a), including correcting                            be allocated and the size of the
                                                  19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.4 The                              punctuation and using consistent                         remaining resting quotes and orders)
                                                  Commission is publishing this notice to                   language in both subparagraphs (1) and                   and allocates contracts to the next
                                                  solicit comments on the proposed rule                     (2).6                                                    resting order or quote. The System
                                                  change from interested persons.                             Second, the proposed rule change                       repeats this process until it allocates all
                                                                                                            amends Rule 6.12(a)(2) to add detail                     contracts from the incoming order or
                                                  I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                         regarding how the System distributes
                                                  Statement of the Terms of Substance of                                                                             quote. The System rounds fractions 1⁄2
                                                                                                            contracts pursuant to the pro-rata                       or greater up and fractions less than 1⁄2
                                                  the Proposed Rule Change                                  algorithm and rounds fractions of                        down prior to each allocation. This
                                                                                                            contracts. Current Rule 6.12(a)(2) states                proposed provision is consistent with
                                                    The Exchange proposes to amend its
                                                                                                            resting orders are prioritized according                 the current rule that states contracts are
                                                  rules related to execution and priority.
                                                  The text of the proposed rule change is                     5 Previous rule filings state these rules of trading
                                                                                                                                                                     distributed to quotes and orders in time
                                                  available on the Exchange’s Web site                      priority apply to the allocation of both resting         priority. It adds detail regarding the
                                                  (http://www.cboe.com/AboutCBOE/                           orders and quotes. See, e.g., SR–C2–2010–005.            sequential nature of the allocation
                                                  CBOELegalRegulatoryHome.aspx), at                         Additionally, Rule 6.12(a)(2) states an additional       process and applies the provision to
                                                                                                            contract (if contracts cannot be distributed equally     situations in which any number of
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES




                                                  the Exchange’s Office of the Secretary,                   among Participants) will be distributed to the
                                                  and at the Commission’s Public                            Participant whose quote or order has time priority,      orders or quotes may be entitled to non-
                                                  Reference Room.                                           supporting the rule’s applicability to orders and        whole numbers of contracts. The
                                                                                                            quotes.                                                  Exchange believes this is a fair,
                                                                                                              6 The proposed rule change similarly amends
                                                    1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).                                                                                           objective process and simple systematic
                                                                                                            Rules 6.12(b)(1), 6.12(h), 6.16, 6.18(d), 6.34(d), and
                                                    2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.                                     6.51(b)(2)(B) to include references to quotes in rule
                                                                                                                                                                     process to allocate ‘‘extra’’ contracts
                                                    3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
                                                                                                            provisions that currently only reference orders but      when more than one market participant
                                                    4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6).                               also apply in the same manner to quotes.                 may be entitled to those extra contracts


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                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 133 / Tuesday, July 12, 2016 / Notices                                                      45197

                                                  after rounding. The following examples                   applicable, highest priority bids or                    entitlement, it must have a quote at the
                                                  demonstrate this process:                                offers.                                                 BBO. A Market-Maker firm may have
                                                     • Example 1: Suppose there are three                     • the participation right shall only                 multiple individual Market-Makers
                                                  resting orders at the same price with                    apply to any remaining balance of an                    submitting quotes within a class. An
                                                  sizes of 30 (Order A), 20 (Order B) and                  order once all higher priorities are                    entitlement will apply to a PMM’s or
                                                  10 (Order C) (received by the System in                  satisfied.                                              DPM’s quotes with highest priority (i.e.,
                                                  that order), and an incoming order with                     Each of these four conditions must be                the best price if the price is the BBO)
                                                  size of 15 is marketable against those                   satisfied in order for a PMM or DPM to                  and will not apply to quotes of the same
                                                  three orders. The System first allocates                 receive a participation right, and that                 PMM or DPM firm at a lower price. The
                                                  8 contracts to Order A (1/2 of 15 is 7.5,                will continue to be the case. However,                  general allocation and priority rules
                                                  which rounds to 8). After this                           the first, second and fourth condition                  provide contracts are allocated to quotes
                                                  allocation, the System allocates 5 of the                are all included in Rules 8.13 and 8.19                 with the highest priority, a PMM or
                                                  7 remaining contracts to Order B (2/3 of                 regarding PMM and DPM participation                     DPM must be quoting at the BBO, and
                                                  7 is 4.7, which rounds to 5), and then                   rights, respectively.7 Therefore, the                   the PMM or DPM may not be allocated
                                                  allocates the remaining 2 contracts to                   Exchange proposes to delete these                       a quantity greater than the quantity of
                                                  Order C.                                                 provisions from Rule 6.12, as they are                  its quote at that price. The Exchange
                                                     • Example 2: Suppose there are three                  duplicative, and instead state a PMM or                 believes this provision is therefore
                                                  resting orders at the same price with                    DPM is entitled to a participation right                redundant and proposes to delete it.
                                                  sizes of 10 (Order A), 20 (Order B) and                  if it satisfies the conditions in Rule 8.13                Fourth, the proposed rule change
                                                  30 (Order C) (received by the System in                  or 8.19, respectively. The Exchange                     amends Rules 8.13(c) and 8.19(b)(2)
                                                  that order), and an incoming order with                  notes the rule text being deleted states                related to the participation rights of
                                                  size of 15 is marketable against those                   a PMM’s or DPM’s participation right is                 PMMs and DPMs. Currently, Rule
                                                  three orders. The System first allocates                 based on its order and/or quote;                        8.13(c) and 8.19(b)(2) each provide that
                                                  3 contracts to Order A (1/6 of 15 is 2.5,                however, Rules 8.13 and 8.19 provide                    a PMM or DPM participation
                                                  which rounds to 3). After this                           its participation right is based on its                 entitlement, respectively, is 50% if there
                                                  allocation, the System allocates 5 of the                quote. Rules 8.13 and 8.19 are                          is one other Market-Maker also quoting
                                                  12 remaining contracts to Order B (2/5                   consistent with how the System                          at the BBO and 40% if there are two or
                                                  of 12 is 4.8, which rounds to 5), and                    determines a PMM’s or DPM’s                             more Market-Makers also quoting at the
                                                  then allocates the remaining 7 contracts                 entitlement to a participation right,                   BBO. The proposed rule change
                                                  to Order C.                                              which is consistent with the Exchange’s                 provides that each of the PMM and DPM
                                                     • Example 3: Suppose there are three                  intention and, the Exchange believes,                   participation entitlement is based on
                                                  resting orders A, B and C (received by                   Participant’s expectations. As PMMs                     both the number of Market-Maker
                                                  the System in that order) at the same                    and DPMs having heightened quoting                      quotes and non-public customer orders
                                                  price, each with a size of 50, and an                    obligations under Rules 8.13 and 8.17,                  (including orders of professionals and
                                                  incoming order with size of 100 is                       which make them eligible for the                        voluntary professionals) 8 at the BBO.9
                                                  marketable against those three orders.                   entitlement, the Exchange believes it is                This is consistent with current System
                                                  The System first allocates 33 contracts                  appropriate for the entitlement to be                   functionality. Additionally, the current
                                                  to Order A (1/3 of 100 is 33.3, which                    based on their quotes and not any                       rule considers whether other Market-
                                                  rounds to 33). After this allocation, the                resting orders they may also have at the                Makers are quoting at the best price,
                                                  System allocates 34 of the 67 remaining                  same price. The Exchange believes                       because Market-Makers provide
                                                  contracts to Order B (1/2 of 67 is 33.5,                 deleting the provisions referenced above                liquidity to C2’s market and are
                                                  which rounds to 34), and then allocates                  in Rule 6.12(a)(3)(B) will eliminate any                encouraged to do so if they have the
                                                  the remaining 33 contracts to Order C.                   potential confusion regarding how the                   opportunity to participate in a larger
                                                     Third, the proposed rule change                       System determines a PMM’s or DPM’s                      portion of a trade in which a PMM or
                                                  amends Rule 6.12(a)(3)(B) to delete                      participation right.                                    DPM has a participation right. Other
                                                  subparagraphs (i) through (iv) (as well                     Additionally, subparagraph (iii) states              Participants besides Market-Makers
                                                  as the introductory sentence to those                    in establishing the counterparties to a                 provide liquidity to C2’s market through
                                                  subparagraphs, as it is no longer                        particular trade, the participation                     orders, and the Exchange believes those
                                                  necessary with the deletion of the listed                entitlement must first be counted
                                                                                                                                                                      8 Pursuant to Rule 1.1, professionals and
                                                  items). Currently, subparagraph (B)                      against the PMM’s or DPM’s, as
                                                                                                                                                                   voluntary professionals will be treated as broker-
                                                  states when allocating the participation                 applicable, highest priority bids or                    dealers for purposes of Rule 8.13 (as well as other
                                                  right of a Preferred Market-Maker                        offers. For a PMM or DPM to receive an                  rules related to allocation and priority). The
                                                  (‘‘PMM’’) or Designated Primary Market-                                                                          proposed rule change amends the definitions of
                                                                                                              7 See Rules 8.13(b)(ii), (c)(i), and (c)(ii),        professional and voluntary professional in Rule 1.1
                                                  Maker (‘‘DPM’’) pursuant to Rule 8.13 or                                                                         to provide that professionals and voluntary
                                                                                                           respectively, and 8.19(b)(1)(A), (b)(1)(B) and
                                                  8.19, respectively, the following apply:                 (b)(1)(C), respectively. Note the proposed rule         professionals will be treated as broker-dealers for
                                                     • To be entitled to their participation               change amends Rules 8.13(c)(ii) and 8.19(b)(1)(C) to    purposes of Rule 8.19 as well. It was the intent of
                                                  right, a PMM’s or DPM’s order and/or                     provide the participation entitlement is based on       those definitions for professionals and voluntary
                                                                                                           the number of contracts remaining after all higher      professionals to be treated as broker-dealers under
                                                  quote must be at the best price on the                   priority orders have been satisfied rather than         all rules related to allocation and priority; the
                                                  Exchange (i.e., the Exchange’s best bid                  public customer orders. This is consistent with         Exchange is adding Rule 8.19 to the list of rules in
                                                  or offer (‘‘BBO’’)).                                     current Rule 6.12(a)(3)(B)(iv) and System               those definitions, as it was inadvertently omitted
                                                     • a PMM or DPM may not be                             functionality. If the Exchange has applied public       from the list.
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                           customer priority to a class, those orders would be        9 The proposed rule change makes a
                                                  allocated a total quantity greater than                  filled prior to a PMM or DPM participation              corresponding change to Rule 8.13, Interpretation
                                                  the quantity that it is quoting (including               entitlement. However, if the Exchange has applied       and Policy .01(b) related to the PMM participation
                                                  orders not part of quotes) at that price.                another priority to a class at a higher priority than   entitlement with respect to complex orders. The
                                                     • in establishing the counterparties to               the participation entitlement, such as market turn      proposed rule change also amends Rules 8.13(c)
                                                                                                           priority, those orders at the higher priority would     and Interpretation and Policy .01(b) and 8.19(b) to
                                                  a particular trade, the PMM’s or DPM’s                   also be filled prior to a PMM or DPM participation      use terms already defined in Rule 1.1 (BBO and
                                                  participation right must first be counted                entitlement consistent with their higher priority       Public Customer), as well as to make other
                                                  against the PMM’s or DPM’s, as                           status.                                                 nonsubstantive changes.



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                                                  45198                           Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 133 / Tuesday, July 12, 2016 / Notices

                                                  Participants, like Market-Makers, should                 0.4 would round down to zero.13 Thus,                  which is prioritized in the same manner as
                                                  have the same opportunity with respect                   this proposed rule change is intended to               any other order (i.e., based on the time the
                                                  to non-pubic customer orders.                            ensure that a PMM or DPM would                         System receives it). Once any non-displayed
                                                     The proposed rule change also                                                                                portion of a reserve order becomes eligible
                                                                                                           receive a contract in this situation to                for display, the System displays in the book
                                                  provides that the participation                          continue to encourage PMMs or DPMs                     that portion of the order and prioritizes it
                                                  entitlement will be the greater of the                   to provide liquidity on the Exchange.                  based on the time it becomes displayed in the
                                                  amount the PMM or DPM, as applicable,                       Fifth, the Exchange proposes to                     book (i.e., last in time priority with respect
                                                  would otherwise receive pursuant to the                  update Rule 6.12(c) regarding the                      to other orders and quotes resting in the book
                                                  algorithm applicable to the class and                    priority of contingency orders.                        at that time).
                                                  40% when there are two or more other                     Currently, Rule 6.12(c) states, regardless                (2) Immediate-or-cancel and fill-or-kill
                                                  Market-Maker quotes or non-Public                                                                               orders are not placed in the book and thus
                                                                                                           of the allocation method in place,
                                                  Customer orders at the BBO or 50%                                                                               are not prioritized with respect to other
                                                                                                           contingency orders (except elected stop-               resting orders and quotes in the book (by
                                                  when there is only one other Market-                     limit orders and the displayed portion                 definition, those types of orders are cancelled
                                                  maker quote or non-Public Customer                       of a reserve order) are placed last in                 if they do not execute as soon as they are
                                                  order at the BBO, but no fewer than one                  priority order, regardless of when they                represented on the Exchange so have no
                                                  contract.10 This change is consistent                    were entered into the System. A                        opportunity to rest in the book). These orders
                                                  with current System functionality as                     contingency order that was entered                     execute against resting orders and quotes in
                                                  well as the intent of the participation                  before a limit order for the same security             the book based on the time the System
                                                  entitlement, which is to provide PMMs                                                                           receives them (i.e., the System processes
                                                                                                           at the same price will be treated as if it             these orders in the time sequence in which
                                                  and DPMs with a benefit for their                        were entered after the limit order. If                 it receives them).
                                                  heightened quoting obligations.11 The                    public customer priority is afforded to a                 (3) all-or-none orders are always last in
                                                  proposed change providing the                            particular security, public customer                   priority (including after the undisplayed
                                                  participation entitlement may be the                     contingency orders will have priority                  portions of reserve orders). If the Exchange
                                                  amount the PMM or DPM, as applicable,                    over non-public customer contingency                   applies public customer priority to a class,
                                                  would otherwise receive pursuant to the                  orders but behind all other orders.                    orders trade in the following order: (A)
                                                  applicable algorithm is appropriate,                                                                            Public customer orders other than all-or-
                                                                                                              The Exchange proposes to replace that               none, (B) non-public customer orders other
                                                  because the participation entitlement                    provision to add more detail regarding
                                                  could harm rather than benefit the PMM                                                                          than all-or-none and quotes, (C) public
                                                                                                           the prioritization of contingency orders.              customer all-or-none orders (in time
                                                  or DPM if its quote was large enough it                  Proposed Rule 6.12(c) states once a                    sequence), and (D) non-public customer all-
                                                  would, for example, receive 60% of the                   certain event or trading condition                     or-none orders (in time sequence). If the
                                                  contract based on the pro rata algorithm.                satisfies an order’s contingency, an                   Exchange applies pro-rata with no public
                                                  This encourages PMMs and DPMs to                         order is no longer a contingency order                 customer priority or price-time to a class,
                                                  quote larger sizes, which increases                      and is treated as a market or limit order              orders trade in the following order: (A) orders
                                                  liquidity and ultimately benefits                                                                               other than all-or-none and quotes, and (B) all-
                                                                                                           (as applicable), prioritized in the same               or-none orders (in time sequence).16
                                                  investors. This proposed change is also                  manner as any other market or limit
                                                  consistent with the rules of other                       order based on the time it enters the                     The Exchange believes this provision
                                                  exchanges.12                                             book following satisfaction of the                     is consistent with the definitions of
                                                     With respect to the proposed change                                                                          these order types, pursuant to which
                                                                                                           contingency (i.e., last in time priority
                                                  stating a PMM or DPM, as applicable,                                                                            most contingency orders become market
                                                                                                           with respect to other orders and quotes
                                                  may receive no fewer than one contract                                                                          or limit orders once the contingency is
                                                                                                           resting in the book at that time).14 If
                                                  pursuant to the participation                                                                                   satisfied. All-or-none orders must
                                                  entitlement, because fractions of                        contingencies of multiple orders are
                                                                                                           satisfied at the same time, the System                 always be last in priority to ensure that
                                                  contracts of less than 1⁄2 are rounded                                                                          there is sufficient size to satisfy the
                                                                                                           sends them to the book in the order in
                                                  down, as discussed above, a transaction                                                                         condition of such an order to trade in its
                                                                                                           which the System initially received
                                                  involving a small number of contracts                                                                           entirety after all other orders at the same
                                                                                                           them.
                                                  may result in zero contracts being                                                                              price have executed. Additionally, the
                                                                                                              Notwithstanding the foregoing, under
                                                  allocated to a PMM or DPM who should                                                                            Exchange believes it is reasonable for
                                                                                                           any algorithm in Rule 6.12 15:
                                                  otherwise have priority. For example, if                                                                        orders that are not displayed in the book
                                                                                                             (1) Upon receipt of a reserve order, the
                                                  there is one contract left after an order                System displays in the book any initially              to not receive priority over orders that
                                                  trades with a public customer order, and                 display-eligible portion of the reserve order,         are displayed, as they are not yet
                                                  there is a DPM and two other Market-                                                                            eligible for execution until they become
                                                  Makers quoting at the BBO, 40% of one                        13 The contract would ultimately go to the
                                                                                                                                                                  displayed. These provisions are
                                                  would give the DPM zero contracts, as                    Market-Maker who entered its quote first, as           consistent with current System
                                                                                                           discussed above, which may not be the PMM or
                                                                                                           DPM.                                                   functionality and are merely adding
                                                    10 The proposed rule change also amends Rule
                                                                                                               14 The System generally bases priority of a non-   more detail to the rules to provide
                                                  8.19(b)(2) to state the DPM participation entitlement
                                                  will be 30% when there are three or more other           contingency order on the time the System receives      additional transparency regarding
                                                  Market-Maker quotes or non-Public Customer               it.                                                    allocation and priority principles for
                                                  orders at the BBO (and thus amends the previous             15 As provided in current Rule 6.12(a), all         investors. These provisions are also
                                                  clause to state the DPM participation entitlement        displayed orders at a given price have priority over   consistent with the non-inclusion of all-
                                                  will be 40% when there are two other Market-             the non-displayed portion of a reserve order at the
                                                  Maker quotes or non-Public Customer orders at the                                                               or-none orders and non-displayed
                                                                                                           same price. This is also consistent with the
                                                  BBO, rather than two or more). This third level of       definition of reserve orders in current Rule           portions of reserve orders in the NBBO.
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                                                  the participation entitlement encourages other           6.10(c)(8). The proposed rule change moves this           Sixth, the proposed rule change
                                                  market participants to quote and is consistent with      provision to proposed subparagraph (c)(1) so all       amends Rule 6.12(e) regarding how
                                                  the rules of another exchange. See, e.g., Chicago        provisions of this rule regarding priority of
                                                  Board Options Exchange, Incorporated (‘‘CBOE’’)                                                                 modification of an order or quote may
                                                                                                           contingency orders are included in the same
                                                  Rule 8.87(b)(2).                                         paragraph. The proposed rule change also adds all-     change its priority position. The
                                                    11 See Rules 8.13 and 8.17, respectively.
                                                                                                           or-none orders to this provision, as those are also
                                                    12 See CBOE Rules 6.45A(a)(i)(C) and                   not displayed until their contingencies are              16 Note other priorities may be applied to the

                                                  6.45B(a)(ii)(C); and Miami International Securities      triggered, similar to the non-displayed portions of    class as well and would function as set forth in the
                                                  Exchange, LLC (‘‘MIAX’’) Rule 514(g)(1) and (h)(1).      reserve orders.                                        rules.



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                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 133 / Tuesday, July 12, 2016 / Notices                                                          45199

                                                  proposed rule change amends Rule                         2. Statutory Basis                                          as the technical and nonsubstantive
                                                  6.12(e)(1) to clarify the provision                         The Exchange believes the proposed                       changes to the rules, will better enable
                                                  applies to changing the price of a quote                 rule change is consistent with the Act                      investors to understand how the System
                                                  or order. This is consistent with the                    and the rules and regulations                               allocates trades and affords priority. The
                                                  intention of the rule, including the final               thereunder applicable to the Exchange                       proposed rule change does not change
                                                  part of the provision that indicates                     and, in particular, the requirements of                     how the System allocates and prioritizes
                                                  priority is determined as if the order/                  Section 6(b) of the Act.17 Specifically,                    orders and quotes; thus, orders and
                                                  quote was just received. However,                        the Exchange believes the proposed rule                     quotes will be subject to the same
                                                  reference in the rule to ‘‘changed side’’                change is consistent with the Section                       priority principles as they are today.
                                                  (which applies to a quote) but not an                    6(b)(5) 18 requirements that the rules of                      The proposed rule change to delete
                                                  order may create confusion for a market                  an exchange be designed to prevent                          from Rule 6.12 the conditions a PMM or
                                                  participant, who may mistakenly                          fraudulent and manipulative acts and                        DPM must satisfy to be entitled to a
                                                  believe this provision only applies to                   practices, to promote just and equitable                    participation right eliminates
                                                  quotes. Additionally, the proposed rule                  principles of trade, to foster cooperation                  duplication and confusion, a these
                                                  change amends Rule 6.12(e)(2) to clarify                 and coordination with persons engaged                       conditions are also contained in Rules
                                                  if the price or quantity of one side of a                in regulating, clearing, settling,                          8.13 and 8.19, which protects investors.
                                                  quote is changed, the unchanged side                     processing information with respect to,                     The proposed rule change providing a
                                                  retains its priority position. This is                   and facilitating transactions in                            PMM’s or DPM’s participation right is
                                                  consistent with the provision in                         securities, to remove impediments to                        determined in part by how many
                                                  subparagraph (1), which provides                         and perfect the mechanism of a free and                     Market-Maker quotes and non-public
                                                  changing the price of a quote only                       open market and a national market                           customer orders are at the BBO is not
                                                  changes the priority position of the                     system, and, in general, to protect                         only consistent with current System
                                                  changed side of the quote; the proposed                  investors and the public interest.                          functionality but also encourages all
                                                  rule change explicitly states that the                   Additionally, the Exchange believes the                     Market-Makers, not just Trading Permit
                                                  unchanged side retains its position. The                 proposed rule change is consistent with                     Holders, to continue to provide liquidity
                                                  Exchange believes these changes will                     the Section 6(b)(5) 19 requirement that                     to the market because it may provide
                                                  eliminate any potential confusion.                       the rules of an exchange not be designed                    them with the opportunity to participate
                                                     Finally, the proposed rule change                     to permit unfair discrimination between                     in a larger portion of a trade in which
                                                  amend Rule 6.12(f) to clarify the                        customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers.                    a PMM or DPM has a participation right
                                                                                                              In particular, the proposed rule                         (60% v. 50%). PMMs, and DPMs will
                                                  meaning of the provision. Current
                                                                                                           change amends execution and priority                        still be entitled to a significant
                                                  paragraph (f) states unless expressly
                                                                                                           rules to more accurately reflect System                     participation right of 40% or 50%, as
                                                  stated otherwise, any potential price
                                                                                                           functionality, which transparency                           applicable, which continues to provide
                                                  improvement resulting from an
                                                                                                           protects investors and perfects the                         an appropriate balance with their
                                                  execution in the System shall accrue to
                                                                                                           mechanism of a free and open market.                        heightened quoting obligations. The
                                                  the party that is removing liquidity
                                                                                                           The proposed rule change to provide                         proposed rule change to provide a
                                                  previously posted in the System.
                                                                                                           quotes, in addition to orders, are subject                  DPM’s participation right will be 30% if
                                                  Proposed paragraph (f) states, unless
                                                                                                           to price-time and pro rata priority                         there are three or more Market-Maker
                                                  expressly stated otherwise, any
                                                                                                           promotes just and equitable principles                      quotes or non-Public Customer orders at
                                                  potential price improvement resulting
                                                                                                           of trade, as resting quotes trade with                      the BBO will further promote other
                                                  from an execution in the System accrues
                                                                                                           incoming orders in the same manner as                       market participants to participate in a
                                                  to the incoming order or quote that
                                                                                                           resting orders. The proposed change                         larger portion of a trade and thus further
                                                  removes liquidity previously posted in
                                                                                                           regarding how the System rounds the                         encourage liquidity from these other
                                                  the System. For example, suppose the
                                                                                                           number of contracts when they cannot                        market participants, and is also
                                                  market for a series is 1.00 to 1.20. A
                                                                                                           be allocated proportionally in whole                        consistent with the rules of another
                                                  limit order in that series to buy for 1.25
                                                                                                           numbers pursuant to the pro-rata                            exchange.21 This additional liquidity
                                                  enters the System. The System will
                                                                                                           algorithm adds detail to the rules                          will ultimately benefit investors. The
                                                  provide price improvement to that
                                                                                                           (which previously only addressed the                        proposed rule change that a PMM or
                                                  incoming order and execute the order
                                                                                                           situation if there one additional contract                  DPM may receive the amount it would
                                                  against the resting offer of 1.20. This is
                                                                                                           for two market participants) regarding                      otherwise receive pursuant to the
                                                  merely a clarification of the rule text
                                                                                                           the allocation process and provides a                       applicable algorithm if greater than the
                                                  and does not change any System
                                                                                                           fair, objective manner for rounding and                     percentage specified in the rule will
                                                  functionality.
                                                                                                           distribution in all situations in which                     ensure PMMs and DPMs are not harmed
                                                     The proposed rule change makes                                                                                    by the participation entitlements, which
                                                  nonsubstantive changes to Rules                          the number of contracts many not be
                                                                                                           allocated proportionally in whole                           are intended to be a benefit. This will
                                                  6.12(b)(1), (e) and (h), 6.18(d) and                                                                                 encourage PMMs and DPMs to quote
                                                  8.13(c) and Interpretation and Policy                    numbers. Distributing contracts to
                                                                                                           resting orders and quotes in time                           larges sizes, which will benefit
                                                  .01, including to fix punctuation and                                                                                investors, and is consistent with the
                                                  use defined terms, plain English, and                    priority when they cannot be allocated
                                                                                                           proportionally in whole numbers is also                     rules of other exchanges.22 Similarly,
                                                  language consistent with that used in                                                                                the proposed rule change that the PMM
                                                  similar rule provisions. In addition, the                consistent with C2’s current rules as
                                                                                                           well as the rules of another options                        or DPM participation entitlement may
                                                  proposed rule change amends Rule
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                                                                                                           exchange.20 The Exchange believes                           not be fewer than one contract when
                                                  6.12(b)(1) to provide the Market Turner                                                                              there are other Market-Maker quotes or
                                                  priority percentage may be reduced on                    adding these details to the rules, as well
                                                                                                                                                                       non-Public Customer orders ensures
                                                  a class-by-class basis rather than series-                    17 15                                                  PMMs and DPMs will receive a benefit
                                                                                                                         U.S.C. 78f(b).
                                                  by-series basis, as the Exchange                              18 15    U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
                                                  generally makes this determination for                        19 Id.                                                   21 SeeCBOE Rule 8.87(b)(2).
                                                  an entire class rather than for specific                      20 See
                                                                                                                   NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc. (‘‘BX’’) Chapter VI,              22 SeeCBOE Rules 6.45A(a)(i)(C) and
                                                  series.                                                  Section 10(1)(B).                                           6.45B(a)(ii)(C); and MIAX Rule 514(g)(1) and (h)(1).



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                                                  45200                             Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 133 / Tuesday, July 12, 2016 / Notices

                                                  in exchange for their heightened quoting                   interest, for the protection of investors,              For the Commission, by the Division of
                                                  obligations when executions involve                        or otherwise in furtherance of the                    Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
                                                  small number of contracts.                                 purposes of the Act. If the Commission                authority.25
                                                     The proposed rule changes regarding                     takes such action, the Commission will                Brent J. Fields,
                                                  the priority of contingency orders,                        institute proceedings to determine                    Secretary.
                                                  modified orders and quotes, and price                      whether the proposed rule change                      [FR Doc. 2016–16379 Filed 7–11–16; 8:45 am]
                                                  improvement to incoming orders and                         should be approved or disapproved.
                                                                                                                                                                   BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
                                                  quotes eliminate potential confusion,
                                                                                                             IV. Solicitation of Comments
                                                  promote just and equitable principles of
                                                  trade, and thus protect investors and the                    Interested persons are invited to
                                                                                                             submit written data, views and                        SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
                                                  public interest.
                                                                                                             arguments concerning the foregoing,                   COMMISSION
                                                  B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                          including whether the proposed rule
                                                  Statement on Burden on Competition                         change is consistent with the Act.                    Sunshine Act Meeting
                                                    C2 does not believe that the proposed                    Comments may be submitted by any of
                                                                                                             the following methods:                                   Notice is hereby given, pursuant to
                                                  rule change will impose any burden on
                                                                                                                                                                   the provisions of the Government in the
                                                  competition that is not necessary or                       Electronic Comments
                                                  appropriate in furtherance of the                                                                                Sunshine Act, Public Law 94–409, that
                                                  purposes of the Act. The proposed rule                       • Use the Commission’s Internet                     the Securities and Exchange
                                                  change is consistent with how the                          comment form (http://www.sec.gov/                     Commission Investor Advisory
                                                  System currently executes and                              rules/sro.shtml); or                                  Committee will hold a meeting on
                                                  prioritizes orders and quotes and                            • Send an email to rule-comments@                   Thursday, July 14, 2016, in Multi-
                                                  primarily adds detail to the rules                         sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–               Purpose Room LL–006 at the
                                                  regarding current System functionality.                    C2–2016–010 on the subject line.                      Commission’s headquarters, 100 F
                                                  Thus, the System will allocate orders                      Paper Comments                                        Street NE., Washington, DC 20549. The
                                                  and quotes under the proposed rule                                                                               meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. (ET) and
                                                                                                                • Send paper comments in triplicate
                                                  change in the same manner as it does                                                                             will be open to the public. Seating will
                                                                                                             to Secretary, Securities and Exchange
                                                  today. The proposed rule change applies                    Commission, 100 F Street NE.,                         be on a first-come, first-served basis.
                                                  in the same manner to the orders and                       Washington, DC 20549–1090.                            Doors will open at 9 a.m. Visitors will
                                                  quotes of all Trading Permit Holders,                                                                            be subject to security checks. The
                                                                                                             All submissions should refer to File
                                                  and the additional transparency in the                                                                           meeting will be webcast on the
                                                                                                             Number SR–C2–2016–010. This file
                                                  rules benefits all investors. The                                                                                Commission’s Web site at www.sec.gov.
                                                                                                             number should be included on the
                                                  proposed rule change applies only to
                                                                                                             subject line if email is used. To help the               On June 22, 2016, the Commission
                                                  the allocation of orders and quotes in
                                                                                                             Commission process and review your                    issued notice of the Committee meeting
                                                  C2’s System.                                               comments more efficiently, please use                 (Release No. 33–10102), indicating that
                                                  C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                          only one method. The Commission will                  the meeting is open to the public
                                                  Statement on Comments on the                               post all comments on the Commission’s                 (except during that portion of the
                                                  Proposed Rule Change Received From                         Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/                meeting reserved for an administrative
                                                  Members, Participants, or Others                           rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the                       work session during lunch), and
                                                    The Exchange neither solicited nor                       submission, all subsequent                            inviting the public to submit written
                                                  received comments on the proposed                          amendments, all written statements                    comments to the Committee. This
                                                  rule change.                                               with respect to the proposed rule                     Sunshine Act notice is being issued
                                                                                                             change that are filed with the                        because a quorum of the Commission
                                                  III. Date of Effectiveness of the                          Commission, and all written
                                                  Proposed Rule Change and Timing for                                                                              may attend the meeting.
                                                                                                             communications relating to the
                                                  Commission Action                                          proposed rule change between the                         The agenda for the meeting includes:
                                                     Because the foregoing proposed rule                     Commission and any person, other than                 Remarks from Commissioners; a
                                                  change does not:                                           those that may be withheld from the                   discussion of the state of sustainability
                                                     A. Significantly affect the protection                  public in accordance with the                         reporting; a discussion regarding
                                                  of investors or the public interest;                       provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be                   investment company reporting
                                                     B. impose any significant burden on                     available for Web site viewing and                    modernization; and a nonpublic
                                                  competition; and                                           printing in the Commission’s Public                   administrative work session during
                                                     C. become operative for 30 days from                    Reference Room, 100 F Street NE.,                     lunch.
                                                  the date on which it was filed, or such                    Washington, DC 20549, on official                        For further information, please
                                                  shorter time as the Commission may                         business days between the hours of                    contact Brent J. Fields from the Office of
                                                  designate,                                                 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the
                                                                                                                                                                   the Secretary at (202) 551–5400.
                                                  it has become effective pursuant to                        filing also will be available for
                                                  Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 23 and                      inspection and copying at the principal                 Dated: July 7, 2016.
                                                  Rule 19b–4(f)(6) 24 thereunder. At any                     office of the Exchange. All comments                  Brent J. Fields,
                                                  time within 60 days of the filing of the                   received will be posted without change;               Secretary.
                                                                                                             the Commission does not edit personal
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                                                  proposed rule change, the Commission                                                                             [FR Doc. 2016–16496 Filed 7–8–16; 11:15 am]
                                                  summarily may temporarily suspend                          identifying information from
                                                                                                                                                                   BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
                                                  such rule change if it appears to the                      submissions. You should submit only
                                                  Commission that such action is                             information that you wish to make
                                                  necessary or appropriate in the public                     available publicly. All submissions
                                                                                                             should refer to File Number SR–C2–
                                                    23 15   U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).                             2016–010 and should be submitted on
                                                    24 17   CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6).                             or before August 2, 2016.                               25 17   CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).



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Document Created: 2016-07-12 01:59:04
Document Modified: 2016-07-12 01:59:04
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 45196 

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