81_FR_53074 81 FR 52920 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Amending the NYSE Arca Options Fee Schedule

81 FR 52920 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Amending the NYSE Arca Options Fee Schedule

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 154 (August 10, 2016)

Page Range52920-52922
FR Document2016-18910

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 154 (Wednesday, August 10, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 154 (Wednesday, August 10, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52920-52922]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-18910]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-78479; File No. SR-NYSEArca-2016-105]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing 
and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Amending the NYSE 
Arca Options Fee Schedule

August 4, 2016.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) \1\ of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 (the ``Act'') \2\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\3\ notice is hereby 
given that, on July 29, 2016, NYSE Arca, Inc. (the ``Exchange'' or 
``NYSE Arca'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 
``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, 
and III below, which Items have been prepared by the self-regulatory 
organization. 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\ 15 U.S.C. 78a.
    \3\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
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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 the NYSE Arca Options Fee Schedule 
(``Fee Schedule''). The Exchange proposes to implement the fee change 
effective August 1, 2016. The proposed rule change is available on the 
Exchange's Web site at www.nyse.com, at the principal office of the 
Exchange, and at the Commission's Public Reference Room.

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

    In its filing with the Commission, the self-regulatory organization 
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 those statements may be examined at 
the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared 
summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most 
significant parts of such statements.

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

1. Purpose
    The purpose of this filing is to add the concepts of ``Appointed 
OFP'' and ``Appointed MM'' to the Exchange's Fee Schedule, effective 
August 1, 2016, which would increase opportunities for firms to qualify 
for various volume tier discounts and rebates.
    Specifically, the Exchange proposes to allow NYSE Arca Market 
Makers (``Marker Makers'') to designate an Order Flow Provider 
(``OFP'') \4\ as its ``Appointed OFP'' and to likewise allow OFPs to 
designate a Market Maker as its ``Appointed MM.'' \5\ As proposed, OTP 
Holders and OTP Firms (each, an ``OTP''; collectively, ``OTPs'') would 
effectuate the designation--of an Appointed OFP or Appointed MM--by 
each sending an email to the Exchange.\6\ The Exchange would view 
corresponding emails as acceptance of such an appointment and would 
only recognize one such designation for each party once every 12-
months, which designation would remain in effect unless or until the 
Exchange receives an email from either party indicating that the 
appointment has been terminated.\7\ The Exchange believes that this 
requirement would impose a measure of exclusivity and would enable both 
parties to rely upon each other's, and potentially increase, 
transaction volumes executed on the Exchange, which is beneficial to 
all Exchange participants.
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    \4\ See Rule 6.1A(a)(21) (defining OFP as any OTP Holder that 
submits, as agent, orders to the Exchange).
    \5\ See proposed Endnote 15 to Fee Schedule.
    \6\ See id.
    \7\ See id.
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    The Exchange proposes to allow an OTP to opt to combine its volume 
with that of its Appointed OFP/Appointed MM to qualify for the various 
incentive programs offered on the Exchange. First, an OTP with an 
Appointed OFP/Appointed MM would be able to aggregate certain of its 
volumes with that of its Appointed OFP/Appointed MM for purposes of 
qualifying for certain posting credits available in the Customer and 
Professional Customer Monthly Posting Credit Tiers and Qualifications 
for Executions in Penny Pilot Issues (``Customer Posting Tiers'') and 
Market Maker Monthly Posting Credit Tiers and Qualifications for 
Executions in Penny Pilot Issues and SPY (``Market Maker Posting 
Tiers'').\8\ Currently, an OTP can only aggregate its volume with that 
of its affiliate(s).\9\ The concept of Appointed OFP/Appointed MM would 
apply in those instances where an OTP qualifies for a favorable fee by 
calculating qualifying volume through combining its transactions with 
that of Appointed OFP/Appointed MM. However, an OTP that has both an 
Appointed OFP/Appointed MM and any affiliate(s) may only aggregate 
volumes with one of these two, not both. Thus, the Exchange proposes to 
modify the Fee Schedule to provide that in calculating qualifications 
for monthly posting credits, ``the Exchange would include the activity 
of either (i) affiliates or (ii) an Appointed OFP/Appointed MM.'' \10\ 
To make clear that the volume of any affiliate(s) or an Appointed OFP/
Appointed MM may be included in the monthly calculations for achieving 
any of the tiers, the Exchange proposes to remove the asterisks from 
Tiers 2 and 5 of the Customer Posting Tiers and the Super Tier of the 
Market Maker Posting Tiers, as well as the corresponding asterisk at 
the bottom of each table.
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    \8\ See id.
    \9\ See Fee Schedule, available here, https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/markets/arca-options/NYSE_Arca_Options_Fee_Schedule.pdf (explicitly providing that OTPs 
may combine volumes with affiliates to take advantage of Tiers 2 and 
5 of the Customer Posting Tiers, and the Super Tier of the Market 
Maker Posting Tiers). See also Endnote 8 citing Rule 1.1(a) 
(defining an affiliate as being a person that directly, or 
indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is 
controlled by, or is under common control with, the person 
specified).
    \10\ See proposed Endnote 8 to Fee Schedule Fee.
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    In addition to the Customer Posting Tiers and the Market Maker 
Posting Tiers, as proposed, volumes of an Appointed OFP/Appointed MM 
(or, of any affiliate(s)) would also be applied in calculating whether 
an OTP achieved credits or rebates available through the Exchange's 
other incentive programs, including (i) the Customer and Professional 
Customer Incentive Program; (ii) the Market Maker Incentive Program; 
(iii) the Customer and Professional Customer Posting Credit Tiers In 
Non Penny Pilot Issues; and (iv) the Discount in Take Liquidity Fees 
for Professional Customer, Market Maker, Firm, and Broker Dealer 
Liquidity Removing Orders. In this regard, Exchange proposes to add 
language making clear that the calculations for achieving the monthly 
volume thresholds would include transaction volume from any of an OTP's 
affiliates or its Appointed MM or Appointed OFP (as applicable), which 
would add clarity and transparency to the Fee Schedule. As noted above, 
an OTP that has both

[[Page 52921]]

an Appointed OFP/Appointed MM and any affiliate(s) may only aggregate 
volumes with one of these two, not both.\11\
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    \11\ See id.
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    The Exchange also proposes to add reference to Endnote 8, as 
modified, to the beginning of each of the incentive programs discussed 
herein to make clear how the Exchange calculates the qualifications for 
monthly posting credits and discounts.\12\ Given the proposal to refer 
to Endnote 8 at the beginning of each incentive program, the Exchange 
proposes to delete references to Endnote 8 that appear elsewhere in the 
text regarding the incentives, which would eliminate redundancy and add 
clarity to the Fee Schedule.\13\
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    \12\ See id. The Exchange has added the word ``discount'' to the 
first sentence of Endnote 8 to make clear that the calculation for 
monthly qualification also apples to the Discount in Take Liquidity 
Fees for Professional Customer, Market Maker, Firm, and Broker 
Dealer Liquidity Removing Orders. See proposed Endnote 8 to Fee 
Schedule Fee.
    \13\ For example, the Exchange proposes to delete reference to 
Endnote 8 from Tiers 4 and 7 of the Customer Posting Tiers.
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    The Exchange does not propose to modify any of the volume 
qualifications or the associated credits and discounts for the various 
incentive programs at this time.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent 
with Section 6(b) of the Act,\14\ in general, and furthers the 
objectives of Sections 6(b)(4) and (5) of the Act,\15\ in particular, 
because it provides for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, 
fees, and other charges among its members, issuers and other persons 
using its facilities and does not unfairly discriminate between 
customers, issuers, brokers or dealers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \15\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4) and (5).
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    The proposal is reasonable, equitable and not unfairly 
discriminatory for the following reasons. First, the proposal would be 
available to all Market Makers and OFPs and the decision to be 
designated as an ``Appointed OFP'' or ``Appointed MM'' would be 
completely voluntary and an OTP may elect to accept this appointment or 
not. In addition, the proposed changes would enable firms that are not 
currently eligible for certain credits or discounts to avail themselves 
of these credits/discounts as well increase opportunities for firms 
that are currently eligible for certain credits/discounts to 
potentially achieve a higher tier, thus qualifying to higher credits. 
The Exchange believes these proposed changes would incent firms to 
direct their order flow to the Exchange. Specifically, the proposed 
changes would enable any Market Maker--not just those with affiliates--
to pool certain volumes to potentially qualify its Appointed OFP for 
credits/discounts available on the Exchange. Moreover, the proposed 
change would allow any OFP, by virtue of designating an Appointed MM, 
to aggregate certain of its own volumes with the activity of its 
Appointed MM, which would enhance the OFP's potential to qualify for 
additional credits and discounts. The Exchange believes these proposed 
changes would incent Appointed OFPs and OFPs with an Appointed MM to 
direct their order flow to the Exchange, which additional liquidity 
would benefit all market participants (including those market 
participants that are not currently affiliated and/or opt not to become 
an Appointed OFP) by providing more trading opportunities and tighter 
spreads. The Exchange also notes that the proposed changes are 
reasonable as other exchanges have adopted similar concepts for their 
own affiliate-based incentive programs.\16\
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    \16\ See NYSE Amex Options Fee Schedule, available here, https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/markets/amex-options/NYSE_Amex_Options_Fee_Schedule.pdf (allowing aggregation of volume 
to qualify for the Amex Customer Engagement (``ACE'') Program); 
Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc. (``CBOE'') fee schedule, 
available here, https://www.cboe.com/publish/feeschedule/CBOEFeeSchedule.pdf (allowing aggregation of volume to qualify for 
credits available under an Affiliated Volume Plan or ``AVP''); Bats 
BZX Exchange, Inc.'s (``BZX'') fee schedule, available here, https://batstrading.com/support/fee_schedule/bzx/ (allowing aggregation of 
volume to qualify for tiered pricing); NASDAQ Options Market LLC 
(``NOM'') fee schedule, available here, http://www.nasdaqtrader.com/Micro.aspx?id=OptionsPricing (allowing aggregation of volume to 
qualify for various pricing incentives).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Similarly, the proposal, which would permit the opportunity for 
both parties to rely upon each other's, and potentially increase, 
transaction volumes, are reasonable, equitable and not unfairly 
discriminatory because it may encourage market making firms to 
participate in the Exchange's Market Maker Incentive Program or the 
Market Maker Posting Tiers, which potential increase in order flow, 
capital commitment and resulting liquidity on the Exchange would 
benefit all market participants by expanding liquidity, providing more 
trading opportunities and tighter spreads.
    The proposal is also reasonable, equitable and not unfairly 
discriminatory because the Exchange would only process one designation 
of an ``Appointed OFP'' or ``Appointed MM'' per year, which requirement 
would impose a measure of exclusivity while allowing both parties to 
rely upon each other's, and potentially increase, transaction volumes 
executed on the Exchange to the benefit of all Exchange participants.
    Finally, the Exchange believes the proposal to make clarifying 
changes to the incentive programs, including to make clear that the 
volumes of affiliates or an Appointed OFP/Appointed MM would apply to 
all tiers and that the calculations for achieving the monthly volume 
posting credits and discounts are set forth in Endnote 8, would add 
transparency and internal consistency to the Fee Schedule, which would 
make it easier for market participants to navigate and comprehend.
    For these reasons, the Exchange believes that the proposal is 
consistent with the Act.

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

    In accordance with Section 6(b)(8) of the Act, the Exchange 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 Exchange believes that the proposed changes 
are pro-competitive as they would increase opportunities for additional 
firms to qualify for various credits and discounts, which may increase 
intermarket and intramarket competition by incenting Appointed OFPs and 
Appointed MMs to direct their orders to the Exchange, thereby 
increasing the volume of contracts traded on the Exchange and enhancing 
the quality of quoting. Enhanced market quality and increased 
transaction volume that results from the anticipated increase in order 
flow directed to the Exchange would benefit all market participants and 
improve competition on the Exchange. Moreover, the clarifying changes 
are pro-competitive to the extent the changes add transparency and 
internal consistency to the Fee Schedule, which would make it easier 
for market participants to navigate and comprehend.
    The Exchange notes that it operates in a highly competitive market 
in which market participants can readily favor competing venues. In 
such an environment, the Exchange must continually review, and consider 
adjusting, its fees and credits to remain competitive with other 
exchanges. For the reasons described above, the Exchange believes that 
the proposed rule change reflects this competitive environment.

[[Page 52922]]

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

    No written comments were solicited or received with respect to the 
proposed rule change.

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

    The foregoing rule change is effective upon filing pursuant to 
Section 19(b)(3)(A) \17\ of the Act and subparagraph (f)(2) of Rule 
19b-4 \18\ thereunder, because it establishes a due, fee, or other 
charge imposed by the Exchange.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \18\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    At any time within 60 days of the filing of such proposed rule 
change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule 
change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or 
appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or 
otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission 
takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings under 
Section 19(b)(2)(B) \19\ of the Act to determine whether the proposed 
rule change should be approved or disapproved.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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-NYSEArca-2016-105 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-NYSEArca-2016-105. 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-NYSEArca-2016-105, and 
should be submitted on or before August 31, 2016.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\20\
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    \20\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Robert W. Errett,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-18910 Filed 8-9-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P



                                                  52920                       Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 154 / Wednesday, August 10, 2016 / Notices

                                                  [NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE LLC]                            of the most significant parts of such                 SPY (‘‘Market Maker Posting Tiers’’).8
                                                  NATIONAL STOCK EXCHANGE, INC.                            statements.                                           Currently, an OTP can only aggregate its
                                                  BY: llllllllllllllll                                                                                           volume with that of its affiliate(s).9 The
                                                                                                           A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                  NYSE MKT LLC [ARCA, INC.]                                                                                      concept of Appointed OFP/Appointed
                                                                                                           Statement of the Purpose of, and the
                                                  BY: llllllllllllllll                                     Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
                                                                                                                                                                 MM would apply in those instances
                                                                                                                                                                 where an OTP qualifies for a favorable
                                                  [FR Doc. 2016–18908 Filed 8–9–16; 8:45 am]               Change
                                                                                                                                                                 fee by calculating qualifying volume
                                                  BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
                                                                                                           1. Purpose                                            through combining its transactions with
                                                                                                              The purpose of this filing is to add the           that of Appointed OFP/Appointed MM.
                                                  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE                                  concepts of ‘‘Appointed OFP’’ and                     However, an OTP that has both an
                                                  COMMISSION                                               ‘‘Appointed MM’’ to the Exchange’s Fee                Appointed OFP/Appointed MM and any
                                                                                                           Schedule, effective August 1, 2016,                   affiliate(s) may only aggregate volumes
                                                  [Release No. 34–78479; File No. SR–                                                                            with one of these two, not both. Thus,
                                                  NYSEArca–2016–105]                                       which would increase opportunities for
                                                                                                           firms to qualify for various volume tier              the Exchange proposes to modify the
                                                                                                           discounts and rebates.                                Fee Schedule to provide that in
                                                  Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE
                                                                                                              Specifically, the Exchange proposes to             calculating qualifications for monthly
                                                  Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and
                                                                                                           allow NYSE Arca Market Makers                         posting credits, ‘‘the Exchange would
                                                  Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed
                                                                                                           (‘‘Marker Makers’’) to designate an                   include the activity of either (i) affiliates
                                                  Rule Change Amending the NYSE Arca
                                                                                                           Order Flow Provider (‘‘OFP’’) 4 as its                or (ii) an Appointed OFP/Appointed
                                                  Options Fee Schedule
                                                                                                           ‘‘Appointed OFP’’ and to likewise allow               MM.’’ 10 To make clear that the volume
                                                  August 4, 2016.                                          OFPs to designate a Market Maker as its               of any affiliate(s) or an Appointed OFP/
                                                     Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) 1 of the                 ‘‘Appointed MM.’’ 5 As proposed, OTP                  Appointed MM may be included in the
                                                  Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the                     Holders and OTP Firms (each, an                       monthly calculations for achieving any
                                                  ‘‘Act’’) 2 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,3                   ‘‘OTP’’; collectively, ‘‘OTPs’’) would                of the tiers, the Exchange proposes to
                                                  notice is hereby given that, on July 29,                 effectuate the designation—of an                      remove the asterisks from Tiers 2 and 5
                                                  2016, NYSE Arca, Inc. (the ‘‘Exchange’’                  Appointed OFP or Appointed MM—by                      of the Customer Posting Tiers and the
                                                  or ‘‘NYSE Arca’’) filed with the                         each sending an email to the Exchange.6               Super Tier of the Market Maker Posting
                                                  Securities and Exchange Commission                       The Exchange would view                               Tiers, as well as the corresponding
                                                  (the ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule                   corresponding emails as acceptance of                 asterisk at the bottom of each table.
                                                  change as described in Items I, II, and                  such an appointment and would only                       In addition to the Customer Posting
                                                  III below, which Items have been                         recognize one such designation for each               Tiers and the Market Maker Posting
                                                  prepared by the self-regulatory                          party once every 12-months, which                     Tiers, as proposed, volumes of an
                                                  organization. The Commission is                          designation would remain in effect                    Appointed OFP/Appointed MM (or, of
                                                  publishing this notice to solicit                        unless or until the Exchange receives an              any affiliate(s)) would also be applied in
                                                  comments on the proposed rule change                     email from either party indicating that               calculating whether an OTP achieved
                                                  from interested persons.                                 the appointment has been terminated.7                 credits or rebates available through the
                                                                                                           The Exchange believes that this                       Exchange’s other incentive programs,
                                                  I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                                                                              including (i) the Customer and
                                                  Statement of the Terms of Substance of                   requirement would impose a measure of
                                                                                                           exclusivity and would enable both                     Professional Customer Incentive
                                                  the Proposed Rule Change                                                                                       Program; (ii) the Market Maker Incentive
                                                                                                           parties to rely upon each other’s, and
                                                     The Exchange proposes to amend the                    potentially increase, transaction                     Program; (iii) the Customer and
                                                  NYSE Arca Options Fee Schedule (‘‘Fee                    volumes executed on the Exchange,                     Professional Customer Posting Credit
                                                  Schedule’’). The Exchange proposes to                    which is beneficial to all Exchange                   Tiers In Non Penny Pilot Issues; and (iv)
                                                  implement the fee change effective                       participants.                                         the Discount in Take Liquidity Fees for
                                                  August 1, 2016. The proposed rule                           The Exchange proposes to allow an                  Professional Customer, Market Maker,
                                                  change is available on the Exchange’s                    OTP to opt to combine its volume with                 Firm, and Broker Dealer Liquidity
                                                  Web site at www.nyse.com, at the                         that of its Appointed OFP/Appointed                   Removing Orders. In this regard,
                                                  principal office of the Exchange, and at                 MM to qualify for the various incentive               Exchange proposes to add language
                                                  the Commission’s Public Reference                        programs offered on the Exchange. First,              making clear that the calculations for
                                                  Room.                                                    an OTP with an Appointed OFP/                         achieving the monthly volume
                                                                                                           Appointed MM would be able to                         thresholds would include transaction
                                                  II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                                                                           aggregate certain of its volumes with                 volume from any of an OTP’s affiliates
                                                  Statement of the Purpose of, and
                                                                                                           that of its Appointed OFP/Appointed                   or its Appointed MM or Appointed OFP
                                                  Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
                                                                                                           MM for purposes of qualifying for                     (as applicable), which would add clarity
                                                  Change
                                                                                                           certain posting credits available in the              and transparency to the Fee Schedule.
                                                     In its filing with the Commission, the                                                                      As noted above, an OTP that has both
                                                                                                           Customer and Professional Customer
                                                  self-regulatory organization included
                                                                                                           Monthly Posting Credit Tiers and
                                                  statements concerning the purpose of,                                                                            8 See  id.
                                                                                                           Qualifications for Executions in Penny
                                                  and basis for, the proposed rule change                                                                          9 See  Fee Schedule, available here, https://
                                                                                                           Pilot Issues (‘‘Customer Posting Tiers’’)             www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/markets/arca-
                                                  and discussed any comments it received
                                                                                                           and Market Maker Monthly Posting                      options/NYSE_Arca_Options_Fee_Schedule.pdf
                                                  on the proposed rule change. The text
                                                                                                           Credit Tiers and Qualifications for                   (explicitly providing that OTPs may combine
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES




                                                  of those statements may be examined at                                                                         volumes with affiliates to take advantage of Tiers
                                                                                                           Executions in Penny Pilot Issues and
                                                  the places specified in Item IV below.                                                                         2 and 5 of the Customer Posting Tiers, and the
                                                  The Exchange has prepared summaries,                                                                           Super Tier of the Market Maker Posting Tiers). See
                                                                                                             4 See Rule 6.1A(a)(21) (defining OFP as any OTP
                                                                                                                                                                 also Endnote 8 citing Rule 1.1(a) (defining an
                                                  set forth in sections A, B, and C below,                 Holder that submits, as agent, orders to the          affiliate as being a person that directly, or indirectly
                                                                                                           Exchange).                                            through one or more intermediaries, controls or is
                                                    1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).                                   5 See proposed Endnote 15 to Fee Schedule.
                                                                                                                                                                 controlled by, or is under common control with, the
                                                    2 15 U.S.C. 78a.                                         6 See id.                                           person specified).
                                                    3 17 CFR 240.19b–4.                                      7 See id.                                              10 See proposed Endnote 8 to Fee Schedule Fee.




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                                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 154 / Wednesday, August 10, 2016 / Notices                                           52921

                                                  an Appointed OFP/Appointed MM and                       these proposed changes would incent                    would impose a measure of exclusivity
                                                  any affiliate(s) may only aggregate                     firms to direct their order flow to the                while allowing both parties to rely upon
                                                  volumes with one of these two, not                      Exchange. Specifically, the proposed                   each other’s, and potentially increase,
                                                  both.11                                                 changes would enable any Market                        transaction volumes executed on the
                                                    The Exchange also proposes to add                     Maker—not just those with affiliates—to                Exchange to the benefit of all Exchange
                                                  reference to Endnote 8, as modified, to                 pool certain volumes to potentially                    participants.
                                                  the beginning of each of the incentive                  qualify its Appointed OFP for credits/                    Finally, the Exchange believes the
                                                  programs discussed herein to make clear                 discounts available on the Exchange.                   proposal to make clarifying changes to
                                                  how the Exchange calculates the                         Moreover, the proposed change would                    the incentive programs, including to
                                                  qualifications for monthly posting                      allow any OFP, by virtue of designating                make clear that the volumes of affiliates
                                                  credits and discounts.12 Given the                      an Appointed MM, to aggregate certain                  or an Appointed OFP/Appointed MM
                                                  proposal to refer to Endnote 8 at the                   of its own volumes with the activity of                would apply to all tiers and that the
                                                  beginning of each incentive program,                    its Appointed MM, which would                          calculations for achieving the monthly
                                                  the Exchange proposes to delete                         enhance the OFP’s potential to qualify
                                                                                                                                                                 volume posting credits and discounts
                                                  references to Endnote 8 that appear                     for additional credits and discounts.
                                                                                                                                                                 are set forth in Endnote 8, would add
                                                  elsewhere in the text regarding the                     The Exchange believes these proposed
                                                                                                                                                                 transparency and internal consistency to
                                                  incentives, which would eliminate                       changes would incent Appointed OFPs
                                                                                                                                                                 the Fee Schedule, which would make it
                                                  redundancy and add clarity to the Fee                   and OFPs with an Appointed MM to
                                                                                                                                                                 easier for market participants to
                                                  Schedule.13                                             direct their order flow to the Exchange,
                                                    The Exchange does not propose to                                                                             navigate and comprehend.
                                                                                                          which additional liquidity would
                                                  modify any of the volume qualifications                 benefit all market participants                           For these reasons, the Exchange
                                                  or the associated credits and discounts                 (including those market participants                   believes that the proposal is consistent
                                                  for the various incentive programs at                   that are not currently affiliated and/or               with the Act.
                                                  this time.                                              opt not to become an Appointed OFP)                    B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                                                                          by providing more trading opportunities                Statement on Burden on Competition
                                                  2. Statutory Basis
                                                                                                          and tighter spreads. The Exchange also
                                                     The Exchange believes that the                       notes that the proposed changes are                       In accordance with Section 6(b)(8) of
                                                  proposed rule change is consistent with                 reasonable as other exchanges have                     the Act, the Exchange does not believe
                                                  Section 6(b) of the Act,14 in general, and              adopted similar concepts for their own                 that the proposed rule change will
                                                  furthers the objectives of Sections                     affiliate-based incentive programs.16                  impose any burden on competition that
                                                  6(b)(4) and (5) of the Act,15 in particular,               Similarly, the proposal, which would                is not necessary or appropriate in
                                                  because it provides for the equitable                   permit the opportunity for both parties                furtherance of the purposes of the Act.
                                                  allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and                to rely upon each other’s, and                         The Exchange believes that the
                                                  other charges among its members,                        potentially increase, transaction                      proposed changes are pro-competitive
                                                  issuers and other persons using its                     volumes, are reasonable, equitable and                 as they would increase opportunities for
                                                  facilities and does not unfairly                        not unfairly discriminatory because it                 additional firms to qualify for various
                                                  discriminate between customers,                         may encourage market making firms to                   credits and discounts, which may
                                                  issuers, brokers or dealers.                            participate in the Exchange’s Market                   increase intermarket and intramarket
                                                     The proposal is reasonable, equitable                Maker Incentive Program or the Market                  competition by incenting Appointed
                                                  and not unfairly discriminatory for the                 Maker Posting Tiers, which potential                   OFPs and Appointed MMs to direct
                                                  following reasons. First, the proposal                  increase in order flow, capital                        their orders to the Exchange, thereby
                                                  would be available to all Market Makers                 commitment and resulting liquidity on                  increasing the volume of contracts
                                                  and OFPs and the decision to be                         the Exchange would benefit all market                  traded on the Exchange and enhancing
                                                  designated as an ‘‘Appointed OFP’’ or                   participants by expanding liquidity,                   the quality of quoting. Enhanced market
                                                  ‘‘Appointed MM’’ would be completely                    providing more trading opportunities                   quality and increased transaction
                                                  voluntary and an OTP may elect to                       and tighter spreads.                                   volume that results from the anticipated
                                                  accept this appointment or not. In                         The proposal is also reasonable,
                                                                                                                                                                 increase in order flow directed to the
                                                  addition, the proposed changes would                    equitable and not unfairly
                                                                                                                                                                 Exchange would benefit all market
                                                  enable firms that are not currently                     discriminatory because the Exchange
                                                                                                                                                                 participants and improve competition
                                                  eligible for certain credits or discounts               would only process one designation of
                                                                                                                                                                 on the Exchange. Moreover, the
                                                  to avail themselves of these credits/                   an ‘‘Appointed OFP’’ or ‘‘Appointed
                                                                                                                                                                 clarifying changes are pro-competitive
                                                  discounts as well increase opportunities                MM’’ per year, which requirement
                                                                                                                                                                 to the extent the changes add
                                                  for firms that are currently eligible for                                                                      transparency and internal consistency to
                                                                                                             16 See NYSE Amex Options Fee Schedule,
                                                  certain credits/discounts to potentially                                                                       the Fee Schedule, which would make it
                                                                                                          available here, https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/
                                                  achieve a higher tier, thus qualifying to               nyse/markets/amex-options/NYSE_Amex_Options_           easier for market participants to
                                                  higher credits. The Exchange believes                   Fee_Schedule.pdf (allowing aggregation of volume       navigate and comprehend.
                                                                                                          to qualify for the Amex Customer Engagement
                                                    11 See  id.                                           (‘‘ACE’’) Program); Chicago Board Options                 The Exchange notes that it operates in
                                                    12 See  id. The Exchange has added the word           Exchange, Inc. (‘‘CBOE’’) fee schedule, available      a highly competitive market in which
                                                                                                          here, https://www.cboe.com/publish/feeschedule/
                                                  ‘‘discount’’ to the first sentence of Endnote 8 to
                                                                                                          CBOEFeeSchedule.pdf (allowing aggregation of           market participants can readily favor
                                                  make clear that the calculation for monthly                                                                    competing venues. In such an
                                                                                                          volume to qualify for credits available under an
                                                  qualification also apples to the Discount in Take
                                                                                                          Affiliated Volume Plan or ‘‘AVP’’); Bats BZX           environment, the Exchange must
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                                                  Liquidity Fees for Professional Customer, Market
                                                                                                          Exchange, Inc.’s (‘‘BZX’’) fee schedule, available     continually review, and consider
                                                  Maker, Firm, and Broker Dealer Liquidity Removing
                                                                                                          here, https://batstrading.com/support/fee_
                                                  Orders. See proposed Endnote 8 to Fee Schedule
                                                                                                          schedule/bzx/ (allowing aggregation of volume to       adjusting, its fees and credits to remain
                                                  Fee.                                                    qualify for tiered pricing); NASDAQ Options            competitive with other exchanges. For
                                                     13 For example, the Exchange proposes to delete
                                                                                                          Market LLC (‘‘NOM’’) fee schedule, available here,     the reasons described above, the
                                                  reference to Endnote 8 from Tiers 4 and 7 of the        http://www.nasdaqtrader.com/
                                                  Customer Posting Tiers.                                 Micro.aspx?id=OptionsPricing (allowing
                                                                                                                                                                 Exchange believes that the proposed
                                                     14 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
                                                                                                          aggregation of volume to qualify for various pricing   rule change reflects this competitive
                                                     15 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4) and (5).                      incentives).                                           environment.


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                                                  52922                      Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 154 / Wednesday, August 10, 2016 / Notices

                                                  C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                       Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/                ‘‘non-controversial’’ proposed rule
                                                  Statement on Comments on the                            rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the                       change pursuant to Section
                                                  Proposed Rule Change Received From                      submission, all subsequent                            19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act 3 and Rule
                                                  Members, Participants, or Others                        amendments, all written statements                    19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.4 The
                                                    No written comments were solicited                    with respect to the proposed rule                     Commission is publishing this notice to
                                                  or received with respect to the proposed                change that are filed with the                        solicit comments on the proposed rule
                                                  rule change.                                            Commission, and all written                           change from interested persons.
                                                                                                          communications relating to the
                                                  III. Date of Effectiveness of the                                                                             I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                                                                          proposed rule change between the
                                                  Proposed Rule Change and Timing for                                                                           Statement of the Terms of Substance of
                                                                                                          Commission and any person, other than
                                                  Commission Action                                                                                             the Proposed Rule Change
                                                                                                          those that may be withheld from the
                                                     The foregoing rule change is effective               public in accordance with the                            The text of the proposed rule change
                                                  upon filing pursuant to Section                         provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be                   is available on the Exchange’s Web site
                                                  19(b)(3)(A) 17 of the Act and                           available for Web site viewing and                    (http://www.c2exchange.com/Legal/), at
                                                  subparagraph (f)(2) of Rule 19b–4 18                    printing in the Commission’s Public                   the Exchange’s Office of the Secretary,
                                                  thereunder, because it establishes a due,               Reference Room, 100 F Street NE.,                     and at the Commission’s Public
                                                  fee, or other charge imposed by the                     Washington, DC 20549, on official                     Reference Room.
                                                  Exchange.                                               business days between the hours of                    II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                     At any time within 60 days of the                    10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the                Statement of the Purpose of, and
                                                  filing of such proposed rule change, the                filing also will be available for                     Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
                                                  Commission summarily may                                inspection and copying at the principal               Change
                                                  temporarily suspend such rule change if                 office of the Exchange. All comments
                                                                                                          received will be posted without change;                  In its filing with the Commission, the
                                                  it appears to the Commission that such                                                                        Exchange included statements
                                                  action is necessary or appropriate in the               the Commission does not edit personal
                                                                                                          identifying information from                          concerning the purpose of and basis for
                                                  public interest, for the protection of                                                                        the proposed rule change and discussed
                                                  investors, or otherwise in furtherance of               submissions. You should submit only
                                                                                                          information that you wish to make                     any comments it received on the
                                                  the purposes of the Act. If the                                                                               proposed rule change. The text of these
                                                  Commission takes such action, the                       available publicly. All submissions
                                                                                                          should refer to File Number SR–                       statements may be examined at the
                                                  Commission shall institute proceedings                                                                        places specified in Item IV below. The
                                                  under Section 19(b)(2)(B) 19 of the Act to              NYSEArca–2016–105, and should be
                                                                                                          submitted on or before August 31, 2016.               Exchange has prepared summaries, set
                                                  determine whether the proposed rule                                                                           forth in sections A, B, and C below, of
                                                  change should be approved or                              For the Commission, by the Division of
                                                                                                                                                                the most significant aspects of such
                                                  disapproved.                                            Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
                                                                                                          authority.20                                          statements.
                                                  IV. Solicitation of Comments                            Robert W. Errett,                                     A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                    Interested persons are invited to                     Deputy Secretary.                                     Statement of the Purpose of, and
                                                  submit written data, views, and                         [FR Doc. 2016–18910 Filed 8–9–16; 8:45 am]            Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
                                                  arguments concerning the foregoing,                     BILLING CODE 8011–01–P                                Change
                                                  including whether the proposed rule
                                                  change is consistent with the Act.                                                                            1. Purpose
                                                  Comments may be submitted by any of                     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE                                  The Exchange proposes to amend
                                                  the following methods:                                  COMMISSION                                            Rule 6.51 (Automated Improvement
                                                                                                                                                                Mechanism (‘‘AIM’’)) to: (1) Clarify how
                                                  Electronic Comments                                     [Release No. 34–78478; File No. SR–C2–                orders submitted for electronic crossing
                                                                                                          2016–014]
                                                    • Use the Commission’s Internet                                                                             into the AIM auction are treated if an
                                                  comment form (http://www.sec.gov/                       Self-Regulatory Organizations; C2                     auction cannot occur; (2) adopt
                                                  rules/sro.shtml); or.                                   Options Exchange, Incorporated;                       Interpretation and Policy .10 to Rule
                                                    • Send an email to rule-                              Notice of Filing and Immediate                        6.51 (AIM Retained Order
                                                  comments@sec.gov. Please include File                   Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule                      Functionality) to describe the
                                                  Number SR–NYSEArca–2016–105 on                          Change Relating to AIM Retained                       Exchange’s AIM Retained Order
                                                  the subject line.                                       Orders                                                (‘‘A:AIR’’) functionality in the Rules;
                                                  Paper Comments                                                                                                and (3) make minor edits to
                                                                                                          August 4, 2016.                                       Interpretation and Policy .04 to Rule
                                                     • Send paper comments in triplicate                     Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the                6.13 (Price Check Parameters) relating to
                                                  to Secretary, Securities and Exchange                   Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the                  the treatment of complex AIM orders
                                                  Commission, 100 F Street NE.,                           ‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2                marked A:AIR and correct certain
                                                  Washington, DC 20549–1090.                              notice is hereby given that on July 27,               typographical errors. The Exchange
                                                  All submissions should refer to File                    2016, C2 Options Exchange,                            notes that this filing is based upon and,
                                                  Number SR–NYSEArca–2016–105. This                       Incorporated (the ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘C2’’)             in all material respects, substantially
                                                  file number should be included on the                   filed with the Securities and Exchange                similar to a recent filing of Chicago
                                                  subject line if email is used. To help the              Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’) the                   Board Options Exchange, Incorporated
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                                                  Commission process and review your                      proposed rule change as described in                  (‘‘CBOE’’) regarding A:AIR
                                                  comments more efficiently, please use                   Items I, II, and III below, which Items               functionality.5 Both AIM and A:AIR
                                                  only one method. The Commission will                    have been prepared by the Exchange.                   functionality are active on CBOE.
                                                  post all comments on the Commission’s                   The Exchange filed the proposal as a
                                                                                                                                                                  3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
                                                    17 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).                              20 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).                            4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6).
                                                    18 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2).                              1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).                                5 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 77848
                                                    19 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B).                              2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.                                 (May 17, 2016), 81 FR 31978 (May 20, 2016) (SR–



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Document Created: 2016-08-10 01:59:32
Document Modified: 2016-08-10 01:59:32
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 52920 

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