81_FR_79095 81 FR 78878 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Bats EDGX Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend EDGX Rule 2.5, Restrictions, Regarding Members and Associated Persons of Members Who Are or Become Subject to a Statutory Disqualification

81 FR 78878 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Bats EDGX Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend EDGX Rule 2.5, Restrictions, Regarding Members and Associated Persons of Members Who Are or Become Subject to a Statutory Disqualification

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 217 (November 9, 2016)

Page Range78878-78880
FR Document2016-27028

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 217 (Wednesday, November 9, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 217 (Wednesday, November 9, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78878-78880]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-27028]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-79236; File No. SR-BatsEDGX-2016-59]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Bats EDGX Exchange, Inc.; Notice 
of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To 
Amend EDGX Rule 2.5, Restrictions, Regarding Members and Associated 
Persons of Members Who Are or Become Subject to a Statutory 
Disqualification

November 3, 2016.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(the ``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given 
that on October 24, 2016, Bats EDGX Exchange, Inc. (the ``Exchange'' or 
``EDGX'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I and 
II below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Exchange 
has designated this proposal as a ``non-controversial'' proposed rule 
change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \3\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder,\4\ which renders it effective upon filing with 
the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit 
comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \4\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange filed a proposal to amend EDGX Rules regarding Members 
and associated persons of Members who are or become subject to a 
statutory disqualification.
    The text of the proposed rule change is available at the Exchange's 
Web site at www.batstrading.com, at the principal office of the 
Exchange, and at the Commission's Public Reference Room.

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

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

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

1. Purpose
    The purpose of the proposed rule change is to amend Rule 2.5 
(Restrictions) to add language which provides the Exchange with the 
discretion to determine whether to permit a person to become a Member 
or an associated person of a Member or continue as a Member or in 
association with a Member on the Exchange.
    Currently, Rule 2.5 restricts any persons from becoming a Member or 
continuing as a Member where (1) such person is other than a natural 
person and is not a registered broker or dealer, (2) such person is a 
natural person who is not either a registered broker or dealer or 
associated with a registered broker or dealer, (3) such person is 
subject to a statutory disqualification,\5\ except that a person may 
become a Member or continue as a Member where, pursuant to Rules 19d-1, 
19d-2, 19d-3 and 19h-1 of the Act,\6\ the Commission has issued an 
order providing relief from such a disqualification and permitting such 
a person to become a Member, or (4) such person is not a member of 
another registered national securities exchange or association.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ The Exchange uses the definition of statutory 
disqualification set forth in the Act. See Exchange Rule 1.5(bb); 15 
U.S.C. 78c(a)(39).
    \6\ See 17 CFR 240.19d-1, 17 CFR 240.19d-2, 17 CFR 240.19d-3, 
and 17 CFR 240.19h-1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange notes that the proposed rule changes below are 
substantially similar to the rules of the International Securities 
Exchange (``ISE''),\7\ the rules of the Chicago Board Options Exchange 
(``CBOE''),\8\ and a recent amendment made by the BOX Options Exchange 
LLC (``BOX'').\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ See ISE Rule 302; Securities Exchange Act Release No. 42455, 
65 FR 11401 (March 2, 2000) (Order Granting Registration as a 
National Securities Exchange).
    \8\ See CBOE Rule 3.18; Securities Exchange Act Release No. 
43056 (July 19, 2000), 65 FR 46524 (July 28, 2000) (SR-CBOE-1999-15) 
(Order Approving Proposed Rule Change and Notice of Filing and Order 
Granting Accelerated Approval to Amendment No. 3 to the Proposed 
Rule Change by the Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc. Relating to 
Membership Rules).
    \9\ See BOX Rule 2040; Securities Exchange Act Release No. 78449 
(August 1, 2016), 81 FR 51947 (August 5, 2016) (SR-BOX-2016-26).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange first proposes to amend the language of Rule 2.5 to 
give itself the discretion to determine if a restriction on a Member 
becoming or continuing on as a Member is appropriate. The Exchange also 
proposes to make clear that the limitations of Rule 2.5 are equally 
applicable to persons associated with Members as they are to Members.
    The Exchange then proposes to amend Rule 2.5(a)(3) to delete the 
language that allows a person to become a Member or continue as a 
Member where, pursuant to Rules 19d-1, 19d-2, 19d-3 and 19h-1 of the 
Act,\10\ the Commission has issued an order providing relief from such 
a disqualification and permitting such a person to become a Member. The 
Exchange does not believe that this language reflects the Commission's 
current review process, as an order is not necessarily required in 
every instance.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ See supra, note 6.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange then proposes to add three more situations with regard 
to whether a person may become a Member or continue as a Member in any 
capacity on the Exchange. The additional restrictions are when: (1) 
Such person fails to meet any of the qualification requirements for 
becoming a Member or associated with a Member after approval thereof; 
(2) such person fails to meet any condition placed by the Exchange on 
such Member or association with a Member; and (3) such person violates 
any agreement with the Exchange. The Exchange proposes these additions 
in order to allow the Exchange more discretion in its determination as 
to whether a person may become or continue as a Member or in 
association with a Member. The Exchange notes that the Exchange must 
act consistent with the protection of investors and in the public 
interest and is prohibited from unfairly discriminating against Members 
or prospective Members.\11\ Further, any prospective Member that has 
been denied membership in the Exchange or barred from becoming 
associated with a Member is entitled to certain due process pursuant to 
Chapter X of the Exchange's rules, which

[[Page 78879]]

includes, but is not limited to, potential review by the 
Commission.\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ See 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
    \12\ See Chapter X of the Exchange's Rules.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange also proposes to add language with regard to a Member 
or associated person that becomes subject to a statutory 
disqualification under the Act. The proposed rule would allow a Member 
or associated person who becomes subject to a statutory 
disqualification and who wants to continue as a Member of the Exchange 
or in association with a Member, to submit a request to the Exchange 
seeking to continue as a Member or in association with a Member 
notwithstanding the statutory disqualification.\13\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ The Member or person associated with a Member must submit 
the request within thirty (30) days of becoming subject to a 
statutory disqualification.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange also proposes to add language which allows Members and 
associated persons whose request to become a Member or associated with 
a Member is denied or conditioned, or any person whose association with 
a Member is denied or conditioned pursuant to the restrictions codified 
in Rule 2.5(a), and any Member or person associated with a Member who 
is not permitted to continue as a Member or be an associate with a 
Member or to which association is conditioned to seek review under the 
provisions of the Exchange Rules relating to adverse actions.\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ See Chapter X of the Exchange's Rules.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Lastly, the Exchange proposes to add Interpretation and Policy .05, 
which will allow the Exchange to waive the provisions of Rule 2.5 when 
a proceeding is pending before another self-regulatory organization 
(``SRO'') to determine whether to permit a Member or associated person 
to continue membership or association notwithstanding a statutory 
disqualification. The Exchange notes that this proposed rule change is 
substantially similar to the comparable rules of the CBOE,\15\ and the 
rules of BOX, as amended.\16\ Further, in the event the Exchange 
determines to waive the provisions of this Rule with respect to a 
Member or associated person, the Exchange shall determine whether the 
Exchange will concur in any Exchange Act Rule 19h-1 filing made by 
another SRO with respect to the Member or associated person.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ See Interpretation and Policy .01 to CBOE Rule 3.18.
    \16\ See IM-2040-8 to BOX Rule 2040.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that its proposal is consistent with the 
requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder that 
are applicable to a national securities exchange, and, in particular, 
with the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act.\17\ In particular, 
the Exchange believes the proposed change furthers the objectives of 
Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,\18\ in that it is 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 facilitating transactions in securities, and to 
remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open 
market and a national market system.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \18\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange believes that the proposed rule changes are consistent 
with the requirements above. Specifically, the Exchange believes the 
proposed changes will better enable the Exchange to use its discretion 
in determining whether a person may become or continue as a Member or 
associated person. Because of the discretionary language and additional 
restrictions, the Exchange may consider additional circumstances when 
determining whether a person may become or continue as a Member or 
associated person on the Exchange.
    The Exchange believes that Proposed Rule 2.5(c) regarding any 
person or Member's ability to appeal a denied or conditioned request to 
become or continue as a Member or to associate with a Member is 
reasonable because it provides a fair procedure for the Members and 
persons associated with Members pursuant to Rule 7.6 (Summary 
Suspension of Exchange Services).
    The Exchange also believes the proposed rule change regarding the 
waiver of the provisions of Rule 2.5 will better enable the Exchange to 
focus Exchange resources on other matters while another SRO is 
determining whether to permit a Member or associated person to become 
or continue being a Member or associated person on the exchange.
    Lastly, the Exchange believes is it reasonable to remove language 
in Rule 2.5(a)(3) because the Exchange is eliminating any potential for 
confusion by simplifying the Exchange Rules, ensuring that Members, 
regulators, and the public can more easily navigate the Exchange's 
Rulebook.

(B) Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition

    The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will 
impose any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in 
furtherance of the purposes of the Act. As noted above, although the 
proposal will provide the Exchange with additional discretionary 
authority with respect to potential Members of the Exchange, the 
Exchange is bound by the Act to act consistent with the protection of 
investors and in the public interest and is prohibited from unfairly 
discriminating against Members or prospective Members.\19\ Further, the 
proposal is not a competitive proposal designed to either attract or 
prevent prospective Members from joining the Exchange, but rather, is 
primarily focused on modifying the Exchange's rules to ensure clarity 
and consistency with other SROs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The Exchange has not solicited, and does not intend to solicit, 
comments on this proposed rule change. The Exchange has not received 
any written comments from Members or other interested parties.

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

    Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not: (A) 
Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public 
interest; (B) impose any significant burden on competition; and (C) by 
its terms, become operative for 30 days from the date on which it was 
filed or such shorter time as the Commission may designate it has 
become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \20\ and 
paragraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\21\ the Exchange has 
designated this rule filing as non-controversial. The Exchange has 
given the Commission written notice of its intent to file the proposed 
rule change, along with a brief description and text of the proposed 
rule change at least five business days prior to the date of filing of 
the proposed rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the 
Commission.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \21\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule 
change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule 
change if

[[Page 78880]]

it appears to the Commission that such action is: (1) Necessary or 
appropriate in the public interest; (2) for the protection of 
investors; or (3) otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. 
If the Commission takes such action, the Commission shall institute 
proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule should be approved 
or disapproved.

IV. Solicitation of Comments

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

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's Internet comment form (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an email to [email protected]. Please include 
File No. SR-BatsEDGX-2016-59 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

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

All submissions should refer to File No. SR-BatsEDGX-2016-59. This file 
number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To help 
the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, 
please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on 
the Commission's Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all 
written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are 
filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to 
the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other 
than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the 
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site viewing and 
printing in the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE., 
Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between the hours of 
10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of such filing will also be available 
for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All 
comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does 
not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should 
submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All 
submissions should refer to File No. SR-BatsEDGX-2016-59 and should be 
submitted on or before November 30, 2016.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\22\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Brent J. Fields,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-27028 Filed 11-8-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P



                                                78878                     Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 217 / Wednesday, November 9, 2016 / Notices

                                                2016–67 and should be submitted on or                   II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                    made by the BOX Options Exchange
                                                before November 30, 2016.                               Statement of the Purpose of, and                      LLC (‘‘BOX’’).9
                                                  For the Commission, by the Division of                Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule                   The Exchange first proposes to amend
                                                Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated              Change                                                the language of Rule 2.5 to give itself the
                                                authority.22                                               In its filing with the Commission, the             discretion to determine if a restriction
                                                Brent J. Fields,                                        Exchange included statements                          on a Member becoming or continuing on
                                                Secretary.                                              concerning the purpose of and basis for               as a Member is appropriate. The
                                                [FR Doc. 2016–27023 Filed 11–8–16; 8:45 am]             the proposed rule change and discussed                Exchange also proposes to make clear
                                                BILLING CODE 8011–01–P                                  any comments it received on the                       that the limitations of Rule 2.5 are
                                                                                                        proposed rule change. The text of these               equally applicable to persons associated
                                                                                                        statements may be examined at the                     with Members as they are to Members.
                                                SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE                                 places specified in Item IV below. The
                                                                                                        Exchange has prepared summaries, set                     The Exchange then proposes to
                                                COMMISSION
                                                                                                        forth in Sections A, B, and C below, of               amend Rule 2.5(a)(3) to delete the
                                                [Release No. 34–79236; File No. SR–                     the most significant parts of such                    language that allows a person to become
                                                BatsEDGX–2016–59]                                       statements.                                           a Member or continue as a Member
                                                                                                                                                              where, pursuant to Rules 19d–1, 19d–2,
                                                Self-Regulatory Organizations; Bats                     (A) Self-Regulatory Organization’s                    19d–3 and 19h–1 of the Act,10 the
                                                EDGX Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing                   Statement of the Purpose of, and                      Commission has issued an order
                                                and Immediate Effectiveness of a                        Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule                providing relief from such a
                                                Proposed Rule Change To Amend                           Change                                                disqualification and permitting such a
                                                EDGX Rule 2.5, Restrictions,                            1. Purpose                                            person to become a Member. The
                                                Regarding Members and Associated                                                                              Exchange does not believe that this
                                                                                                           The purpose of the proposed rule
                                                Persons of Members Who Are or                                                                                 language reflects the Commission’s
                                                                                                        change is to amend Rule 2.5
                                                Become Subject to a Statutory                                                                                 current review process, as an order is
                                                                                                        (Restrictions) to add language which
                                                Disqualification                                                                                              not necessarily required in every
                                                                                                        provides the Exchange with the
                                                                                                        discretion to determine whether to                    instance.
                                                November 3, 2016.
                                                   Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the                  permit a person to become a Member or                    The Exchange then proposes to add
                                                Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the                    an associated person of a Member or                   three more situations with regard to
                                                ‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2                  continue as a Member or in association                whether a person may become a
                                                notice is hereby given that on October                  with a Member on the Exchange.                        Member or continue as a Member in any
                                                24, 2016, Bats EDGX Exchange, Inc. (the                    Currently, Rule 2.5 restricts any                  capacity on the Exchange. The
                                                ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘EDGX’’) filed with the                persons from becoming a Member or                     additional restrictions are when: (1)
                                                Securities and Exchange Commission                      continuing as a Member where (1) such                 Such person fails to meet any of the
                                                (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule                      person is other than a natural person                 qualification requirements for becoming
                                                change as described in Items I and II                   and is not a registered broker or dealer,             a Member or associated with a Member
                                                below, which Items have been prepared                   (2) such person is a natural person who               after approval thereof; (2) such person
                                                by the Exchange. The Exchange has                       is not either a registered broker or dealer           fails to meet any condition placed by
                                                designated this proposal as a ‘‘non-                    or associated with a registered broker or             the Exchange on such Member or
                                                controversial’’ proposed rule change                    dealer, (3) such person is subject to a               association with a Member; and (3) such
                                                pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the                  statutory disqualification,5 except that a            person violates any agreement with the
                                                Act 3 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii)                         person may become a Member or                         Exchange. The Exchange proposes these
                                                thereunder,4 which renders it effective                 continue as a Member where, pursuant                  additions in order to allow the Exchange
                                                upon filing with the Commission. The                    to Rules 19d–1, 19d–2, 19d–3 and 19h–                 more discretion in its determination as
                                                Commission is publishing this notice to                 1 of the Act,6 the Commission has                     to whether a person may become or
                                                solicit comments on the proposed rule                   issued an order providing relief from                 continue as a Member or in association
                                                change from interested persons.                         such a disqualification and permitting                with a Member. The Exchange notes
                                                                                                        such a person to become a Member, or                  that the Exchange must act consistent
                                                I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                       (4) such person is not a member of                    with the protection of investors and in
                                                Statement of the Terms of Substance of                  another registered national securities                the public interest and is prohibited
                                                the Proposed Rule Change                                exchange or association.                              from unfairly discriminating against
                                                   The Exchange filed a proposal to                        The Exchange notes that the proposed               Members or prospective Members.11
                                                amend EDGX Rules regarding Members                      rule changes below are substantially                  Further, any prospective Member that
                                                and associated persons of Members who                   similar to the rules of the International             has been denied membership in the
                                                are or become subject to a statutory                    Securities Exchange (‘‘ISE’’),7 the rules             Exchange or barred from becoming
                                                disqualification.                                       of the Chicago Board Options Exchange                 associated with a Member is entitled to
                                                   The text of the proposed rule change                 (‘‘CBOE’’),8 and a recent amendment                   certain due process pursuant to Chapter
                                                is available at the Exchange’s Web site                    5 The Exchange uses the definition of statutory
                                                                                                                                                              X of the Exchange’s rules, which
                                                at www.batstrading.com, at the                          disqualification set forth in the Act. See Exchange
                                                principal office of the Exchange, and at                Rule 1.5(bb); 15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(39).                   Approving Proposed Rule Change and Notice of
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES




                                                the Commission’s Public Reference                          6 See 17 CFR 240.19d–1, 17 CFR 240.19d–2, 17       Filing and Order Granting Accelerated Approval to
                                                Room.                                                   CFR 240.19d–3, and 17 CFR 240.19h–1.                  Amendment No. 3 to the Proposed Rule Change by
                                                                                                           7 See ISE Rule 302; Securities Exchange Act        the Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc. Relating
                                                                                                        Release No. 42455, 65 FR 11401 (March 2, 2000)        to Membership Rules).
                                                  22 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).                                                                                    9 See BOX Rule 2040; Securities Exchange Act
                                                                                                        (Order Granting Registration as a National
                                                  1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).                                Securities Exchange).                                 Release No. 78449 (August 1, 2016), 81 FR 51947
                                                  2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.                                      8 See CBOE Rule 3.18; Securities Exchange Act      (August 5, 2016) (SR–BOX–2016–26).
                                                  3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).                                                                                     10 See supra, note 6.
                                                                                                        Release No. 43056 (July 19, 2000), 65 FR 46524
                                                  4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii).                        (July 28, 2000) (SR–CBOE–1999–15) (Order                11 See 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).




                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   16:29 Nov 08, 2016   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00107   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\09NON1.SGM   09NON1


                                                                         Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 217 / Wednesday, November 9, 2016 / Notices                                           78879

                                                includes, but is not limited to, potential              requirements of the Act and the rules                 (B) Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                review by the Commission.12                             and regulations thereunder that are                   Statement on Burden on Competition
                                                  The Exchange also proposes to add                     applicable to a national securities                      The Exchange does not believe that
                                                language with regard to a Member or                     exchange, and, in particular, with the                the proposed rule change will impose
                                                associated person that becomes subject                  requirements of Section 6(b) of the                   any burden on competition not
                                                to a statutory disqualification under the               Act.17 In particular, the Exchange                    necessary or appropriate in furtherance
                                                Act. The proposed rule would allow a                    believes the proposed change furthers                 of the purposes of the Act. As noted
                                                Member or associated person who                         the objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the              above, although the proposal will
                                                becomes subject to a statutory                                                                                provide the Exchange with additional
                                                                                                        Act,18 in that it is designed to prevent
                                                disqualification and who wants to                                                                             discretionary authority with respect to
                                                                                                        fraudulent and manipulative acts and
                                                continue as a Member of the Exchange                                                                          potential Members of the Exchange, the
                                                or in association with a Member, to                     practices, to promote just and equitable
                                                                                                        principles of trade, to foster cooperation            Exchange is bound by the Act to act
                                                submit a request to the Exchange                                                                              consistent with the protection of
                                                seeking to continue as a Member or in                   and coordination with persons engaged
                                                                                                        in facilitating transactions in securities,           investors and in the public interest and
                                                association with a Member                                                                                     is prohibited from unfairly
                                                notwithstanding the statutory                           and to remove impediments to and
                                                                                                        perfect the mechanism of a free and                   discriminating against Members or
                                                disqualification.13                                                                                           prospective Members.19 Further, the
                                                  The Exchange also proposes to add                     open market and a national market
                                                                                                                                                              proposal is not a competitive proposal
                                                language which allows Members and                       system.
                                                                                                                                                              designed to either attract or prevent
                                                associated persons whose request to                        The Exchange believes that the                     prospective Members from joining the
                                                become a Member or associated with a                    proposed rule changes are consistent                  Exchange, but rather, is primarily
                                                Member is denied or conditioned, or                     with the requirements above.                          focused on modifying the Exchange’s
                                                any person whose association with a                     Specifically, the Exchange believes the               rules to ensure clarity and consistency
                                                Member is denied or conditioned                         proposed changes will better enable the               with other SROs.
                                                pursuant to the restrictions codified in
                                                                                                        Exchange to use its discretion in                     (C) Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                Rule 2.5(a), and any Member or person
                                                                                                        determining whether a person may                      Statement on Comments on the
                                                associated with a Member who is not
                                                                                                        become or continue as a Member or                     Proposed Rule Change Received From
                                                permitted to continue as a Member or be
                                                an associate with a Member or to which                  associated person. Because of the                     Members, Participants or Others
                                                association is conditioned to seek                      discretionary language and additional
                                                                                                                                                                The Exchange has not solicited, and
                                                review under the provisions of the                      restrictions, the Exchange may consider
                                                                                                                                                              does not intend to solicit, comments on
                                                Exchange Rules relating to adverse                      additional circumstances when
                                                                                                                                                              this proposed rule change. The
                                                actions.14                                              determining whether a person may                      Exchange has not received any written
                                                  Lastly, the Exchange proposes to add                  become or continue as a Member or                     comments from Members or other
                                                Interpretation and Policy .05, which                    associated person on the Exchange.                    interested parties.
                                                will allow the Exchange to waive the                       The Exchange believes that Proposed
                                                provisions of Rule 2.5 when a                                                                                 III. Date of Effectiveness of the
                                                                                                        Rule 2.5(c) regarding any person or
                                                proceeding is pending before another                                                                          Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
                                                                                                        Member’s ability to appeal a denied or                Commission Action
                                                self-regulatory organization (‘‘SRO’’) to               conditioned request to become or
                                                determine whether to permit a Member                    continue as a Member or to associate                     Because the foregoing proposed rule
                                                or associated person to continue                        with a Member is reasonable because it                change does not: (A) Significantly affect
                                                membership or association                               provides a fair procedure for the                     the protection of investors or the public
                                                notwithstanding a statutory                             Members and persons associated with                   interest; (B) impose any significant
                                                disqualification. The Exchange notes                                                                          burden on competition; and (C) by its
                                                                                                        Members pursuant to Rule 7.6
                                                that this proposed rule change is                                                                             terms, become operative for 30 days
                                                                                                        (Summary Suspension of Exchange
                                                substantially similar to the comparable                                                                       from the date on which it was filed or
                                                                                                        Services).
                                                rules of the CBOE,15 and the rules of                                                                         such shorter time as the Commission
                                                BOX, as amended.16 Further, in the                         The Exchange also believes the                     may designate it has become effective
                                                event the Exchange determines to waive                  proposed rule change regarding the                    pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the
                                                the provisions of this Rule with respect                waiver of the provisions of Rule 2.5 will             Act 20 and paragraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b–
                                                to a Member or associated person, the                   better enable the Exchange to focus                   4 thereunder,21 the Exchange has
                                                Exchange shall determine whether the                    Exchange resources on other matters                   designated this rule filing as non-
                                                Exchange will concur in any Exchange                    while another SRO is determining                      controversial. The Exchange has given
                                                Act Rule 19h-1 filing made by another                   whether to permit a Member or                         the Commission written notice of its
                                                SRO with respect to the Member or                       associated person to become or continue               intent to file the proposed rule change,
                                                associated person.                                      being a Member or associated person on                along with a brief description and text
                                                                                                        the exchange.                                         of the proposed rule change at least five
                                                2. Statutory Basis                                                                                            business days prior to the date of filing
                                                                                                           Lastly, the Exchange believes is it
                                                   The Exchange believes that its                                                                             of the proposed rule change, or such
                                                proposal is consistent with the                         reasonable to remove language in Rule
                                                                                                                                                              shorter time as designated by the
                                                                                                        2.5(a)(3) because the Exchange is
                                                                                                                                                              Commission.
                                                                                                        eliminating any potential for confusion
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES




                                                  12 See Chapter X of the Exchange’s Rules.                                                                      At any time within 60 days of the
                                                  13 The  Member or person associated with a            by simplifying the Exchange Rules,                    filing of the proposed rule change, the
                                                Member must submit the request within thirty (30)       ensuring that Members, regulators, and                Commission summarily may
                                                days of becoming subject to a statutory                 the public can more easily navigate the
                                                disqualification.                                                                                             temporarily suspend such rule change if
                                                  14 See Chapter X of the Exchange’s Rules.             Exchange’s Rulebook.
                                                  15 See Interpretation and Policy .01 to CBOE Rule                                                             19 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
                                                3.18.                                                     17 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).                                  20 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
                                                  16 See IM–2040–8 to BOX Rule 2040.                      18 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).                               21 17 CFR 240.19b–4.




                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   16:29 Nov 08, 2016   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00108   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\09NON1.SGM    09NON1


                                                78880                    Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 217 / Wednesday, November 9, 2016 / Notices

                                                it appears to the Commission that such                  2016–59 and should be submitted on or                 II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                action is: (1) Necessary or appropriate in              before November 30, 2016.                             Statement of the Purpose of, and
                                                the public interest; (2) for the protection               For the Commission, by the Division of
                                                                                                                                                              Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
                                                of investors; or (3) otherwise in                       Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated            Change
                                                furtherance of the purposes of the Act.                 authority.22                                            In its filing with the Commission, the
                                                If the Commission takes such action, the
                                                                                                        Brent J. Fields,                                      self-regulatory organization included
                                                Commission shall institute proceedings
                                                                                                        Secretary.                                            statements concerning the purpose of,
                                                to determine whether the proposed rule
                                                                                                                                                              and basis for, the proposed rule change
                                                should be approved or disapproved.                      [FR Doc. 2016–27028 Filed 11–8–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                                                                              and discussed any comments it received
                                                                                                        BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
                                                IV. Solicitation of Comments                                                                                  on the proposed rule change. The text
                                                  Interested persons are invited to                                                                           of those statements may be examined at
                                                submit written data, views and                                                                                the places specified in Item IV below.
                                                                                                        SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
                                                arguments concerning the foregoing,                                                                           The Exchange has prepared summaries,
                                                                                                        COMMISSION
                                                including whether the proposal is                                                                             set forth in sections A, B, and C below,
                                                consistent with the Act. Comments may                                                                         of the most significant parts of such
                                                                                                        [Release No. 34–79231; File No. SR–                   statements.
                                                be submitted by any of the following
                                                                                                        NYSEMKT–2016–90]
                                                methods:                                                                                                      A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                Electronic Comments                                     Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE                   Statement of the Purpose of, and the
                                                                                                        MKT LLC; Notice of Filing and                         Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
                                                  • Use the Commission’s Internet
                                                                                                        Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed                   Change
                                                comment form (http://www.sec.gov/
                                                rules/sro.shtml); or                                    Rule Change Amending Its Rules                        1. Purpose
                                                  • Send an email to rule-comments@                     Concerning Payment of Compensation
                                                sec.gov. Please include File No. SR–                    and Rebates, and Research Analyst                        The Exchange proposes amending its
                                                BatsEDGX–2016–59 on the subject line.                   Attestation Requirements in Order To                  rules concerning (1) payment of
                                                                                                        Harmonize With Certain FINRA Rules                    compensation and rebates, and (2)
                                                Paper Comments                                                                                                research analyst attestation
                                                                                                        and Make Other Conforming Changes
                                                   • Send paper comments in triplicate                                                                        requirements in order to harmonize
                                                to Secretary, Securities and Exchange                   November 3, 2016.                                     with certain FINRA rules and make
                                                Commission, 100 F Street NE.,                                                                                 other conforming changes. Specifically,
                                                                                                           Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) 1 of the              the Exchange proposes to:
                                                Washington, DC 20549–1090.                              Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
                                                All submissions should refer to File No.                                                                         • Delete Rule 353—Equities (Rebates
                                                                                                        ‘‘Act’’) 2 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,3                and Compensation),4 adopt the text of
                                                SR–BatsEDGX–2016–59. This file                          notice is hereby given that on October
                                                number should be included on the                                                                              FINRA Rule 2040 (Payments to
                                                                                                        19, 2016, NYSE MKT LLC (‘‘NYSE                        Unregistered Persons) (including
                                                subject line if email is used. To help the
                                                                                                        MKT’’ or the ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the             Supplementary Material .01) and add
                                                Commission process and review your
                                                                                                        Securities and Exchange Commission                    new Supplementary Material .02 as new
                                                comments more efficiently, please use
                                                only one method. The Commission will                    (the ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule                Rule 2040—Equities, and amend Rule
                                                post all comments on the Commission’s                   change as described in Items I, II, and               8311 (Effect of a Suspension,
                                                Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/                  III below, which Items have been                      Revocation, Cancellation, or Bar)
                                                rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the                         prepared by the self-regulatory                       (including adding Supplementary
                                                submission, all subsequent                              organization. The Commission is                       Material .01) in order to harmonize its
                                                amendments, all written statements                      publishing this notice to solicit                     rules with FINRA’s rules regarding the
                                                with respect to the proposed rule                       comments on the proposed rule change                  payment of transaction-based
                                                change that are filed with the                          from interested persons.                              compensation by members to
                                                Commission, and all written                                                                                   unregistered persons;
                                                                                                        I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                        • delete Rule 351—Equities
                                                communications relating to the
                                                                                                        Statement of the Terms of Substance of                (Reporting Requirements) (including
                                                proposed rule change between the
                                                                                                        the Proposed Rule Change                              Supplementary Material .11 and .12)
                                                Commission and any person, other than
                                                those that may be withheld from the                       The Exchange proposes to amend its                  and amend Rules 472—Equities
                                                public in accordance with the                                                                                 (Communications With The Public) and
                                                                                                        rules regarding (1) payment of
                                                provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be                                                                           9217 (Violations Appropriate for
                                                                                                        compensation and rebates, and (2)
                                                available for Web site viewing and                                                                            Disposition Under Rule 9216(b)) to
                                                                                                        research analyst attestation                          harmonize with FINRA’s rules regarding
                                                printing in the Commission’s Public                     requirements in order to harmonize
                                                Reference Room, 100 F Street NE.,                                                                             annual attestation requirements for
                                                                                                        with certain Financial Industry                       research analysts; and
                                                Washington, DC 20549, on official
                                                                                                        Regulatory Authority, Inc. (‘‘FINRA’’)                   • make certain technical and
                                                business days between the hours of
                                                                                                        rules and make other conforming                       conforming changes.5
                                                10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of such
                                                filing will also be available for                       changes. The proposed rule change is
                                                                                                        available on the Exchange’s Web site at               Background
                                                inspection and copying at the principal
                                                office of the Exchange. All comments                    www.nyse.com, at the principal office of               In 2007, the Exchange’s affiliate the
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES




                                                received will be posted without change;                 the Exchange, and at the Commission’s                 New York Stock Exchange LLC
                                                the Commission does not edit personal                   Public Reference Room.
                                                identifying information from                                                                                     4 References to rules are to NYSE MKT rules

                                                submissions. You should submit only                       22 17                                               unless otherwise indicated.
                                                                                                                CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
                                                                                                                                                                 5 As discussed below, the conforming changes the
                                                information that you wish to make                         1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
                                                                                                                                                              Exchange proposes would substitute the term
                                                available publicly. All submissions                       2 15 U.S.C. 78a.
                                                                                                                                                              ‘‘member organization’’ for ‘‘member’’ and the term
                                                should refer to File No. SR–BatsEDGX–                     3 17 CFR 240.19b–4.                                 ‘‘Exchange’’ for ‘‘FINRA.’’



                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   16:29 Nov 08, 2016   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00109   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\09NON1.SGM   09NON1



Document Created: 2016-11-09 01:39:54
Document Modified: 2016-11-09 01:39:54
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 78878 

2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR