81 FR 78880 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE MKT LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Amending Its Rules Concerning Payment of Compensation and Rebates, and Research Analyst Attestation Requirements in Order To Harmonize With Certain FINRA Rules and Make Other Conforming Changes
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 217 (November 9, 2016)
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 217 (November 9, 2016)
| Page Range | 78880-78884 | |
| FR Document | 2016-27024 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 217 (Wednesday, November 9, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 78880-78884] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-27024] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34-79231; File No. SR-NYSEMKT-2016-90] Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE MKT LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Amending Its Rules Concerning Payment of Compensation and Rebates, and Research Analyst Attestation Requirements in Order To Harmonize With Certain FINRA Rules and Make Other Conforming Changes November 3, 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 October 19, 2016, NYSE MKT LLC (``NYSE MKT'' or the ``Exchange'') 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. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). \2\ 15 U.S.C. 78a. \3\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange proposes to amend its rules regarding (1) payment of compensation and rebates, and (2) research analyst attestation requirements in order to harmonize with certain Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (``FINRA'') rules and make other conforming changes. 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 Exchange proposes amending its rules concerning (1) payment of compensation and rebates, and (2) research analyst attestation requirements in order to harmonize with certain FINRA rules and make other conforming changes. Specifically, the Exchange proposes to:Delete Rule 353--Equities (Rebates and Compensation),\4\ adopt the text of FINRA Rule 2040 (Payments to Unregistered Persons) (including Supplementary Material .01) and add new Supplementary Material .02 as new Rule 2040--Equities, and amend Rule 8311 (Effect of a Suspension, Revocation, Cancellation, or Bar) (including adding Supplementary Material .01) in order to harmonize its rules with FINRA's rules regarding the payment of transaction-based compensation by members to unregistered persons; --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \4\ References to rules are to NYSE MKT rules unless otherwise indicated. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- delete Rule 351--Equities (Reporting Requirements) (including Supplementary Material .11 and .12) and amend Rules 472-- Equities (Communications With The Public) and 9217 (Violations Appropriate for Disposition Under Rule 9216(b)) to harmonize with FINRA's rules regarding annual attestation requirements for research analysts; and make certain technical and conforming changes.\5\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \5\ As discussed below, the conforming changes the Exchange proposes would substitute the term ``member organization'' for ``member'' and the term ``Exchange'' for ``FINRA.'' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Background In 2007, the Exchange's affiliate the New York Stock Exchange LLC [[Page 78881]] (``NYSE'') and FINRA \6\ entered into an agreement (the ``Agreement'') pursuant to Rule 17d-2 under the Act to reduce regulatory duplication by allocating to FINRA certain regulatory responsibilities for NYSE rules and rule interpretations (``FINRA Incorporated NYSE Rules'').\7\ The Exchange became a party to the Agreement effective December 15, 2008.\8\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \6\ NYSE Regulation, Inc., a former not-for-profit subsidiary of the NYSE, was also a party to the Agreement by virtue of the fact that it performed regulatory functions for the NYSE pursuant to a delegation agreement. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 53382 (February 27, 2006), 71 FR 11251, 11264-65 (March 6, 2006) (SR-NYSE- 2005-77) (approving delegation agreement). NYSE Regulation also performed regulatory services for the Exchange pursuant to an intercompany Regulatory Services Agreement (``RSA'') that gave the Exchange the contractual right to review NYSE Regulation's performance. The delegation agreement and related RSA terminated on February 16, 2016, and NYSE Regulation has ceased providing regulatory services to the Exchange, which has re-integrated its regulatory functions. \7\ See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 56148 (July 26, 2007), 72 FR 42146 (August 1, 2007) (File No. 4-544) (order approving the Agreement); 56147 (July 26, 2007), 72 FR 42166 (August 1, 2007) (SR-NASD-2007-054) (order approving the incorporation of certain NYSE Rules as ``Common Rules''). Paragraph 2(b) of the Agreement sets forth procedures regarding proposed changes to the substance of any of the Common Rules. \8\ See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 56148 (July 26, 2007), 72 FR 42146 (August 1, 2007) (File No. 4-544) (order approving the Agreement); 56147 (July 26, 2007), 72 FR 42166 (August 1, 2007) (SR-NASD-2007-054) (order approving the incorporation of certain NYSE Rules as ``Common Rules''); 60409 (July 30, 2009), 74 FR 39353 (File No. 4-587) (August 6, 2009) (order approving the amended and restated Agreement, adding NYSE MKT as a party). Paragraph 2(b) of the Agreement sets forth procedures regarding proposed changes by FINRA, NYSE or NYSE MKT to the substance of any of the Common Rules. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- In order to reduce regulatory duplication and relieve firms that are members of the Exchange, the NYSE and FINRA of conflicting or unnecessary regulatory burdens, FINRA has been reviewing and amending the NASD and FINRA Incorporated NYSE Rules in order to create a consolidated FINRA rulebook.\9\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \9\ FINRA's rulebook currently has three sets of rules: (1) NASD Rules, (2) FINRA Incorporated NYSE Rules, and (3) consolidated FINRA Rules. The FINRA Incorporated NYSE Rules apply only to those members of FINRA that are also members of the NYSE (``Dual Members''), while the consolidated FINRA Rules apply to all FINRA members. For more information about the FINRA rulebook consolidation process, see FINRA Information Notice, March 12, 2008. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Payment of Transaction-Based Compensation As part of the rule consolidation process, in 2014, FINRA adopted FINRA Rule 2040 regarding payment of transaction-based compensation by members or associated persons to unregistered persons.\10\ The requirements of Incorporated NYSE Rule 353, which are the same as Rule 353--Equities,\11\ were consolidated into the new FINRA rule, and FINRA deleted Incorporated NYSE Rule 353.\12\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \10\ See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 73210 (September 25, 2014), 79 FR 59322 (October 1, 2014) (SR-FINRA-2014-037) (``FINRA Notice'') and 73954 (December 30, 2014), 80 FR 553 (January 6, 2015) (SR-FINRA-2014-37) (``FINRA Approval Order''). \11\ Rule 353(a)--Equities, like the NYSE Rule, prohibits a member, principal executive, registered representative or officer from, directly or indirectly, rebating to any person any part of the compensation he receives from the solicitation of orders for the purchase or sale of securities or other similar instruments for the accounts of customers of the member, or pay such compensation, or any part thereof, as a bonus, commission, fee or other consideration for business sought or procured for him or for any other member. Rule 353(b)--Equities further provides that a member, principal executive, registered representative or officer cannot be compensated for business done by or through his employer after the termination of his employment except as may be permitted by the Exchange. \12\ FINRA also incorporated the requirements of Incorporated NYSE Rule Interpretation 345(a)(i)/01 (Compensation to Non- Registered Persons), Incorporated NYSE Rule Interpretation 345(a)(i)/02 (Compensation Paid for Advisory Solicitations), and NYSE Rule Interpretation 345(a)(i)/03 (Compensation to Non- Registered Foreign Persons Acting as Finders) into its Rule 2040. The Exchange did not adopt these interpretations when it adopted NYSE Rule 345. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the same filing, FINRA amended FINRA Rule 8311 to eliminate duplicative provisions in NASD IM-2420-2 (Continuing Commissions Policy) \13\ and clarify the scope of the rule on payments by members to persons subject to suspension, revocation, cancellation, bar or other disqualification and added new Supplementary Material .01 (Remuneration Accrued Prior to Effective Date of Sanction or Disqualification) expressly permitting a member to pay to any person subject to a sanction or disqualification any remuneration pursuant to an insurance or medical plan, indemnity agreement relating to legal fees, or as required by an arbitration award or court judgment.\14\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \13\ NASD IM-2420-2 allows members to pay continuing commissions to former registered representatives after they cease to be employed by a member, if, among other things, a bona fide contract between the member and the registered representative calling for the payments was entered into in good faith while the person was a registered representative of the employing member. See FINRA Notice, 79 FR at 59326. Rule 353(b)--Equities, on the other hand, provides that a member, principal executive, registered representative or officer cannot be compensated for business done by or through his employer after the termination of his employment except as may be permitted by the Exchange. \14\ FINRA Approval Order, 80 FR at 556-57. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Research Analyst Attestation Requirements In 2011, the Exchange adopted FINRA Rule 4530 (Reporting Requirements) as Rule 4530--Equities. FINRA Rule 4530 was modeled in part on former NYSE Rule 351(a)-(d) governing trade investigation reporting requirements, which the Exchange adopted as Rule 351-- Equities.\15\ The Exchange retained Rule 351(f)--Equities, which requires a letter of attestation signed by a principal executive that the member or member organization has established and implemented procedures reasonably designed to comply with the provisions of Rule 472--Equities, that each research analyst's compensation was reviewed and approved in accordance with the requirements of Rule 472(h)(2)-- Equities, and that the basis for such approval has been documented. At the time, the Exchange noted that NYSE Rules 351(f)--Equities, 351.11-- Equities and 351.12--Equities governing the annual attestation requirement would be addressed as part of the research analyst conflict of interest rules.\16\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \15\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 64784 (June 30, 2011), 76 FR 39947, 39948 (July 7, 2011) (SR-NYSEAmex-2011-42). \16\ See id. at 39948, n.8. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- In 2015, FINRA adopted FINRA Rule 2241 (Research Analysts and Research Reports), which deleted the requirement to attest annually that the firm has in place written supervisory policies and procedures reasonably designed to achieve compliance with the applicable provisions of the rules, including the compensation committee review provision.\17\ As FINRA explained in its filing, firms were already obligated pursuant to NASD Rule 3010 (Supervision) to have a supervisory system reasonably designed to achieve compliance with all applicable securities laws and regulations and FINRA rules. Moreover, the research rules also were subject to the supervisory control rules (NASD Rule 3012) and the annual certification requirement regarding compliance and supervisory processes embodied in FINRA Rule 3130. As such, FINRA did not believe that a separate attestation requirement for the research rules was necessary.\18\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \17\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 75471 (July 16, 2015), 80 FR 43482, 43488 (July 22, 2015) (SR-FINRA-2014-047) (``Release No. 75471''). \18\ See id. NASD Rules 3010 and 3012 referred to in the approval order were adopted with changes as FINRA Rules 3110 (Supervision) and 3120 (Supervisory Control System). See id., n. 83; Securities Exchange Act Release No. 71179 (December 23, 2013), 78 FR 79542 (December 30, 2013) (SR-FINRA-2013-025). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 78882]] The attestation requirement in current Rule 351(f)--Equities is inconsistent with FINRA Rule 2241, thereby presenting member organizations that are also FINRA members with inconsistent requirements. Moreover, the Exchange has adopted FINRA Rules 3110, 3120 and 3130 as Rules 3110--Equities, 3120--Equities and 3130-- Equities.\19\ Exchange member organizations are therefore subject to the same supervisory requirements as FINRA member firms, including the annual certification requirement regarding compliance and supervisory processes in Rule 3130--Equities. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \19\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 73640 (November 19, 2014), 79 FR 70237 (November 25, 2014) (SR-NYSEMKT-2014-93) (adopting FINRA Rules 3110 and 3120); Securities Exchange Act Release No. 59656 (March 30, 2009), 74 FR 15540 (April 6, 2009) (SR- NYSEALTR-2009-26) (adopting FINRA Rule 3130). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proposed Rule Changes Payment of Transaction-Based Compensation Deletion of Rule 353--Equities and Adoption of FINRA Rule 2040 In light of FINRA's adoption of a comprehensive rule regarding the payment of transaction-based compensation, the Exchange proposes to adopt the text of FINRA Rule 2040 as NYSE MKT Rule 2040--Equities and delete Rule 353--Equities, the Exchange's current rule governing rebates and compensation. As noted above, the requirements of NYSE MKT Rule 353--Equities have been consolidated into the FINRA rule, making them redundant.\20\ For consistency with FINRA rules, the Exchange proposes to: (1) Change references to ``member'' in the text of FINRA Rule 2040 (including Supplementary Material .01) to ``member organization''; \21\ (2) change references to ``FINRA'' in the text of FINRA Rule 2040 (including Supplementary Material .01) to ``the Exchange''; and (3) change the reference in Rule 2040(c)(1) to ``disqualification as defined in Article III, Section 4 of FINRA's By- Laws'' to ``statutory disqualification as defined in Section 3(a)(39) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.'' In addition, in order to ensure that proposed Rule 2040--Equities and FINRA Rule 2040 are fully harmonized, the Exchange also proposes to add Supplementary Material .02 to proposed Rule 2040 to provide that, for purposes of the rule, the term ``associated person'' shall have the same meaning as the terms ``person associated with a member'' or ``associated person of a member'' as defined in Article I (rr) of the FINRA ByLaws. The proposed Rule is otherwise the same as its FINRA counterpart. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \20\ See FINRA Approval Order, 80 FR at 555 & 557. See also notes 10-12 and accompanying text, supra. \21\ Under Exchange rules, ``member organization'' is the equivalent term to FINRA's ``member.'' See note 25, infra. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amendment to Rule 8311 To Reflect Recent Amendments to FINRA Rule 8311 To reflect FINRA's recent amendments to FINRA Rule 8311, the Exchange proposes certain amendments to NYSE MKT Rule 8311 to fully harmonize the two rules.\22\ First, the Exchange proposes to delete the word ``or'' in the heading and add the phrase ``or Other Disqualification.'' The first paragraph would be become subsection (a) and the text would be harmonized with FINRA Rule 8311(a). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \22\ Rule 8311 provides that if the Commission or the Exchange imposed a suspension, revocation, cancellation or bar on a covered person, a member organization or ATP Holder may not permit such person to remain associated, and, in the case of a suspension, may not pay any remuneration that results from any securities transaction. Rule 8311 applies to both the Exchange's equities and options markets. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proposed Rule 8311(a) would clarify the scope of payments by member organizations to persons subject to suspension, revocation, cancellation, bar (each a ``sanction'') or other disqualification and would provide that if a person is subject to a sanction or other disqualification, a member organization may not allow such person to be associated with it in any capacity that is inconsistent with the sanction imposed or disqualified status, including a clerical or ministerial capacity. Proposed Rule 8311(a) would further provide that a member organization may not pay or credit to any person subject to a sanction or disqualification, during the period of the sanction or disqualification or any period thereafter, any salary, commission, profit, or any other remuneration that the person might accrue, not just earn, during the period of the sanction or disqualification. The Exchange also proposes to add a new sentence to proposed Rule 8311(a) providing that a member organization may make payments or credits to a person subject to a sanction that are consistent with the scope of activities permitted under the sanction where the sanction solely limits an associated person from conducting specified activities (such as a suspension from acting in a principal capacity) or to a disqualified person that has been approved (or is otherwise permitted pursuant to Exchange rules and the federal securities laws) to associate with a member organization. Further, the Exchange proposes to add a new subsection (b) and new proposed Supplementary Material .01 that, with the exception of conforming references to ``members'' in the text of FINRA Rule 8311 to ``member organizations'' and references to ``FINRA'' to ``the Exchange,'' would be identical to the recent amendments to FINRA Rule 8311. The Exchange believes that the proposed Rule complements proposed Rule 2040 and would harmonize the Exchange's rules on payments by member organizations to persons subject to suspension, revocation, cancellation, bar or other disqualification. Research Analyst Attestation Requirements Deletion of Rule 351(f)--Equities and Supplementary Material .11 and .12 In light of FINRA's elimination of an annual attestation requirement when it adopted FINRA Rule 2241,\23\ the Exchange proposes to delete Rule 351(f)--Equities and Supplementary Material .11 and .12, thereby eliminating inconsistent requirements for member organizations that are also FINRA members.\24\ As noted above, Exchange member organizations are also subject to the same supervisory requirements as FINRA member firms, including the annual certification requirement regarding compliance and supervisory processes in Rule 3130--Equities. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \23\ See Release No. 75471, 80 FR at 43488. \24\ The Exchange has not adopted FINRA Rule 2241. Under Rule 2(b)(i), member organizations that transact business with public customers must at all times be members of FINRA and, as such, would be subject to FINRA's rules, including the requirements of Rule 2241. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Exchange proposes to mark the entire Rule as ``Reserved'' and delete headings (a) through (e), which have no content and are marked ``Reserved''. Conforming Changes The Exchange proposes the following conforming changes. First, the Exchange would substitute the term ``member organization'' for ``member'' \25\ and the [[Page 78883]] term ``Exchange'' for ``FINRA'' in proposed Rule 2040--Equities and in the changes proposed for Rule 8311. Second, the Exchange would delete references to Rule 351--Equities in Rules 472(c) and (h)--Equities, governing communications with the public, and 9217, which sets forth the rules included in NYSE MKT's minor rule violation plan. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \25\ The term ``member'' has different meanings under FINRA and Exchange rules. Under FINRA Rule 0160(b)(10), a ``member'' means an individual, partnership, corporation or other legal entity admitted to membership in FINRA under Articles III and IV of the FINRA By- Laws. Article III, Sec. 1(a) of the FINRA By-Laws generally limits membership to registered brokers, dealers, municipal securities brokers or dealers, or government securities brokers or dealers. The Exchange's equivalent term is ``member organization.'' See Rule 2(b)(i)--Equities (defining ``member organization'' as a registered broker or dealer (unless exempt pursuant to the Act) that is a member of FINRA or another registered securities exchange). Under NYSE Rule 2(a)--Equities, the term ``member'' means a natural person associated with a member organization who has been approved by the Exchange and designated by such member organization to effect transactions on the floor of the Exchange or any facility thereof. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that the proposed rule changes are consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act,\26\ in general, and Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,\27\ in particular, because the proposed rule changes would be consistent with and facilitate a governance and regulatory structure that 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 regulating, clearing, settling, processing information with respect to, and facilitating transactions in securities, to remove impediments to, and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. The Exchange believes that the proposed rule changes support the objectives of the Act by providing greater harmonization between Exchange rules and FINRA rules of similar purpose, resulting in less burdensome and more efficient regulatory compliance. In particular, adopting proposed Rule 2040--Equities and amending Rule 8311 based on FINRA Rules 2040 and 8311 would promote just and equitable principles of trade by providing greater harmonization between NYSE MKT Rules and FINRA Rules of similar purpose, resulting in less burdensome and more efficient regulatory compliance. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \26\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). \27\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(1). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Similarly, deleting Rule 351(f)--Equities and Supplementary Material .11 and .12 as inconsistent with FINRA Rule 2241 would eliminate inconsistent annual attestation requirements, resulting in less burdensome and more efficient regulatory compliance and promoting just and equitable principles of trade. The Exchange further believes that eliminating the annual attestation requirement would not be inconsistent with the Exchange's obligations under the Exchange Act to prevent fraudulent or manipulative acts and practices because Exchange member organizations are subject to the same supervisory requirements as FINRA member firms, including an annual certification requirement regarding compliance and supervisory processes set forth in Rule 3130-- Equities. To the extent the Exchange has proposed changes that differ from the FINRA version of the Exchange rules, such changes are generally technical in nature and do not change the substance of the proposed rules. The Exchange also believes that the proposed conforming changes will update and add specificity to the Exchange's rules, which will promote just and equitable principles of trade and help to protect investors. B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition In accordance with Section 6(b)(8) of the Act,\28\ the Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule changes will impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The proposed rule changes are not intended to address competitive issues but rather to achieve greater transparency and consistency between the Exchange's rules and FINRA's requirements concerning payments to unregistered persons, the effect of suspensions, revocations, cancellations, bars or other disqualifications, and research analyst annual attestation requirements. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \28\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(8). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Exchange has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act \29\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\30\ Because the proposed rule change does not: (i) Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative prior to 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate, if consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest, the proposed rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act and Rule 19b- 4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \29\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii). \30\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \31\ normally does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b4(f)(6)(iii),\32\ the Commission may designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \31\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). \32\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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) \33\ of the Act to determine whether the proposed rule change should be approved or disapproved. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \33\ 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-NYSEMKT-2016-90 on the subject line. Paper Comments Send paper comments in triplicate to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549-1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR-NYSEMKT-2016-90. 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 [[Page 78884]] 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-NYSEMKT-2016-90 and should be submitted on or before November 30, 2016. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.\34\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \34\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brent J. Fields, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2016-27024 Filed 11-8-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
![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.’’
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![78884 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 217 / Wednesday, November 9, 2016 / Notices
amendments, all written statements Items I and II below, which Items have notifying DTC of its refusal to pay
with respect to the proposed rule been prepared primarily by DTC.3 The (‘‘RTP’’) for Presentments of an Issuer’s
change that are filed with the Commission is publishing this notice to maturing MMI Securities for a
Commission, and all written solicit comments on the Advance Notice designated Acronym; 9 (ii) eliminate the
communications relating to the from interested persons and to extend Largest Provisional Net Credit (‘‘LPNC’’)
proposed rule change between the the review period of the Advance risk management control; (iii) provide
Commission and any person, other than Notice, for an additional 60 days under that the IPA must acknowledge its
those that may be withheld from the Section 806(e)(1)(H) of the Clearing funding obligations for Presentments
public in accordance with the Supervision Act.4 and that Receivers of Issuances must
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be approve their receipt of those Issuances
I. Clearing Agency’s Statement of the
available for Web site viewing and in DTC’s Receiver Authorized Delivery
Terms of Substance of the Advance
printing in the Commission’s Public (‘‘RAD’’) system before DTC would
Notice
Reference Room, 100 F Street NE., process MMI Presentments; (iv)
Washington, DC 20549 on official This Advance Notice consists of implement an enhanced process to test
business days between the hours of modifications to (i) the DTC Rules, By- risk management controls under certain
10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the laws and Organization Certificate conditions with respect to an Acronym
filing also will be available for (‘‘Rules’’),5 (ii) the DTC Settlement (to be referred to as MMI Optimization,
inspection and copying at the principal Service Guide (‘‘Settlement Guide’’),6 as defined below); (v) make updates and
office of the Exchange. All comments and (iii) the DTC Distributions Service revisions to the Settlement Processing
received will be posted without change; Guide (‘‘Distributions Guide’’),7 Schedule in the Settlement Guide
the Commission does not edit personal annexed hereto as Exhibit 5 (‘‘Processing Schedule’’), as described
identifying information from (‘‘Proposal’’). The Proposal would below, (vi) eliminate the ‘‘receive versus
submissions. You should submit only modify the Rules, Settlement Guide, and payment NA’’ control (‘‘RVPNA’’), as
information that you wish to make Distributions Guide to establish a described below, and (vii) make other
available publicly. All submissions change in the processing of transactions technical and clarifying changes to the
should refer to File Number SR– in money market instruments (‘‘MMI’’) text, as more fully described below. In
NYSEMKT–2016–90 and should be that are processed in DTC’s MMI addition, the Proposal would amend the
submitted on or before November 30, Program (‘‘MMI Securities’’).8 The Distributions Guide to make changes to
2016. Proposal would affect DTC’s processing text relating to the processing of Income
of issuances of MMI Securities Presentments so that it is consistent
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated (‘‘Issuances’’) by issuers of MMI with the changes proposed in the
authority.34 Securities (‘‘Issuers’’) as well as Settlement Guide in that regard, as more
Brent J. Fields, Maturity Presentments, Income fully described below.10
Secretary. Presentments, Principal Presentments,
and Reorganization Presentments II. Clearing Agency’s Statement of the
[FR Doc. 2016–27024 Filed 11–8–16; 8:45 am]
(collectively, ‘‘Presentments’’) Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
(Issuances and Presentments, Advance Notice
collectively ‘‘MMI Obligations’’). The In its filing with the Commission, the
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE Proposal would amend the Rules and clearing agency included statements
COMMISSION Settlement Guide to (i) eliminate intra- concerning the purpose of and basis for
day reversals of processed but not yet the Advance Notice and discussed any
[Release No. 34–79224; File No. SR–DTC– settled MMI Obligations resulting from comments it received on the Advance
2016–802] an Issuing and Paying Agent (‘‘IPA’’) Notice. The text of these statements may
Self-Regulatory Organizations; The be examined at the places specified in
3 On September 23, 2016, DTC filed this Advance
Depository Trust Company; Notice of Item IV below. The clearing agency has
Notice as a proposed rule change (SR–DTC–2016–
Filing of and Extension of Review 008) with the Commission pursuant to Section prepared summaries, set forth in
Period of Advance Notice Relating to 19(b)(1) of the Act, 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1), and Rule sections A and B below, of the most
Processing of Transactions in Money 19b–4, 17 CFR 240.19b–4. Securities Exchange Act significant aspects of such statements.
Release No. 34–79046 (October 5, 2016), 81 FR
Market Instruments 70200 (October 11, 2016) (SR–DTC–2016–008). (A) Clearing Agency’s Statement on
November 3, 2016.
4 See 12 U.S.C. 5465(e)(1)(H). Comments on the Advance Notice
Pursuant to Section 806(e)(1) of Title
5 Available at http://www.dtcc.com/legal/rules-
Received From Members, Participants,
and-procedures.aspx. or Others
VIII of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street 6 Available at http://www.dtcc.com/∼/media/
Reform and Consumer Protection Act Files/Downloads/legal/service-guides/ DTC has not solicited and does not
entitled the Payment, Clearing, and Settlement.pdf. intend to solicit comments regarding the
7 Available at http://www.dtcc.com/∼/media/
Settlement Supervision Act of 2010 Proposal. DTC has not received any
Files/Downloads/legal/service-guides/
(‘‘Clearing Supervision Act’’) 1 and Rule Distributions%20Service%20Guide%20FINAL%20 unsolicited written comments from
19b–4(n)(1)(i) under the Securities November%202014.pdf.
Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’),2 notice is 8 Eligibility for inclusion in the MMI Program 9 Rule 1, supra note 5. MMI of an Issuer are
hereby given that on September 23, covers MMI, which are short-term debt Securities designated by DTC using unique four-character
that generally mature 1 to 270 days from their identifiers employed by DTC referred to as
2016, The Depository Trust Company Acronyms. An MMI Issuer can have multiple
original issuance date. MMI include, but are not
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
(‘‘DTC’’) filed with the Securities and limited to, commercial paper, banker’s acceptances Acronyms representing its Securities. MMI
Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) and short-term bank notes and are issued by Transactions and other functions relating to MMI
the advance notice SR–DTC–2016–802 financial institutions, large corporations, or state (e.g., confirmations and RTP) instructed and/or
and local governments. Most MMI trade in large performed by IPAs, Participants and/or DTC as
(‘‘Advance Notice’’) as described in described herein are performed on an ‘‘Acronym-
denominations (typically, $250,000 to $50 million)
and are purchased by institutional investors. by-Acronym’’ basis.
34 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). Eligibility for inclusion in the MMI Program also 10 Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein
1 12 U.S.C. 5465(e)(1). covers medium term notes that mature over a longer have the respective meanings set forth in the Rules,
2 17 CFR 240.19b–4(n)(1)(i). term. the Settlement Guide, and the Distributions Guide.
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Document Created: 2016-11-09 01:39:20
Document Modified: 2016-11-09 01:39:20
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 78880 |
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