82_FR_13206 82 FR 13161 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE MKT LLC; NYSE Arca Inc.; Order Approving Proposed Rule Changes To Extend the Time Within Which a Member, Member Organization, an ATP Holder, OTP Holder, or OTP Firm Must File a Uniform Termination Notice for Securities Industry Registration (“Form U5”)

82 FR 13161 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE MKT LLC; NYSE Arca Inc.; Order Approving Proposed Rule Changes To Extend the Time Within Which a Member, Member Organization, an ATP Holder, OTP Holder, or OTP Firm Must File a Uniform Termination Notice for Securities Industry Registration (“Form U5”)

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 45 (March 9, 2017)

Page Range13161-13163
FR Document2017-04606

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 45 (Thursday, March 9, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 45 (Thursday, March 9, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13161-13163]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-04606]


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

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-80154; File Nos. SR-NYSEMKT-2016-52 and SR-NYSEArca-
2016-103]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE MKT LLC; NYSE Arca Inc.; 
Order Approving Proposed Rule Changes To Extend the Time Within Which a 
Member, Member Organization, an ATP Holder, OTP Holder, or OTP Firm 
Must File a Uniform Termination Notice for Securities Industry 
Registration (``Form U5'')

March 3, 2017.

I. Introduction

    On June 16, 2016, NYSE MKT LLC (``NYSE MKT'') filed with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission''), pursuant to 
Section 19(b)(1) \1\ of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (``Act'') 
\2\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\3\ a proposed rule change to extend the 
time within which a member or member organization, or an Amex Trading 
Permit Holder (``ATP Holder'') must file a Form U5, or any amendments 
thereto. The proposed rule change was published for comment in the 
Federal Register on July 7, 2016.\4\ On July 14, 2016, NYSE Arca, Inc. 
(``NYSE Arca'') (NYSE MKT and NYSE Arca, each an ``Exchange'') filed 
with the Commission, a proposed rule change to extend the time within 
which an Options Trading Permit Holder (``OTP Holder'') or Options 
Trading Permit Firm (``OTP Firm'') must file a Form U5, or any 
amendments thereto. The proposed rule change was published for comment 
in the Federal Register on July 27, 2016.\5\ The Commission received 
two comment letters regarding the proposals.\6\ NYSE responded to the 
NASAA Letter on August 12, 2016.\7\
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 15 U.S.C. 78a.
    \3\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \4\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 78198 (June 30, 
2016), 81 FR 44363 (``NYSE MKT Notice'').
    \5\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 78381 (July 21, 
2016), 81 FR 49286 (``NYSE Arca Notice'').
    \6\ See letters from Judith Shaw, President, North American 
Securities Administrators Association, Inc., dated August 3, 2016 
(``NASAA Letter'') and Rick A. Fleming, Investor Advocate and Tracey 
L. McNeil, Ombudsman, Office of the Investor Advocate, Commission, 
dated October 3, 2016 (``OIA Letter''), to Brent J. Fields, 
Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission.
    \7\ See letter from Elizabeth K. King, General Counsel and 
Corporate Secretary, New York Stock Exchange LLC (``NYSE'') dated 
August 12, 2016 (``NYSE Letter I''), to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, 
Commission.
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    On October 5, 2016, the Commission instituted proceedings to 
determine whether to approve or disapprove the proposed rule 
changes.\8\ The Commission received four additional comment letters 
regarding the proposals.\9\ NYSE responded to the OIA Letter on October 
26, 2016.\10\ On December 21, 2016, the Commission designated a longer 
period of time to determine whether to approve or disapprove the 
proposed rule changes.\11\ Thereafter the Commission received one 
additional comment letter.\12\ NYSE submitted a response on January 16, 
2017.\13\ This order approves the proposed rule changes.
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    \8\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 79055, 81 FR 70460 
(October 12, 2016).
    \9\ See letters from Kevin Zambrowicz, Associate General 
Counsel, Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, 
dated October 19, 2016 (``SIFMA Letter''), Michele Van Tassel, 
President, Association of Registration Management (``ARM''), dated 
November 4, 2016 (``ARM Letter I''), Edwin L. Reed, Deputy Director, 
Alabama Securities Commission, dated November 14, 2016 (``ASC 
Letter''), and Mike Rothman, President, NASAA, dated November 16, 
2016 (``NASAA Response'') to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Commission.
    \10\ See letter from Elizabeth K. King, General Counsel and 
Corporate Secretary, NYSE, dated October 26, 2016 (``NYSE Letter 
II'') to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Commission.
    \11\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 79645, 81 FR 95679 
(December 28, 2016).
    \12\ See letter from Michele Van Tassel, President, ARM, dated 
January 4, 2017 (``ARM Letter II'') to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, 
Commission.
    \13\ See letter from Elizabeth K. King, General Counsel and 
Corporate Secretary, NYSE, dated January 16, 2017 (``NYSE Letter 
III'') to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Commission.
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II. Description of the Proposals

NYSEMKT-2016-52

    As set forth in the NYSE MKT Notice, NYSE MKT proposes to amend its 
rules regarding when a member, member

[[Page 13162]]

organization, or an ATP Holder must file a Form U5 and amendments 
thereto. Under Commentary .01 to NYSE MKT Rule 340, members and member 
organizations (collectively, ``Members'') are required to file a Form 
U5 and any amendment thereto with the Central Registration Depository 
(``CRD'') within 10 days of the date of termination of an employee who 
has been approved for admission to the trading floor. Under Commentary 
.09 to NYSE MKT Rule 341, Members must submit information concerning 
the termination of employment of a Member, registered employee, or an 
officer on Form U5 within 10 days of the date of termination. Under 
NYSE MKT Rule 359(a), an ATP Holder that terminates an ATP Holder or 
approved person must file a Form U5 within 10 days of the termination.
    NYSE MKT proposes to amend these rules by replacing the 10-day 
deadline with a requirement to promptly file a Form U5 with CRD, but 
not later than 30 calendar days after the date of termination of a 
Member, ATP Holder, registered employee, officer, or approved person. 
Further, the proposed rule change would require that any amendment to a 
Form U5 be promptly filed with CRD, but not later than 30 calendar days 
after learning of the facts or circumstances giving rise to the need to 
amend the Form. In addition, the proposed rule change would require 
that the Form U5 be provided to the terminated person concurrently with 
filing.

NYSEArca-2016-103

    As set forth in the NYSE Arca Notice, NYSE Arca also proposes to 
amend its rules regarding when an OTP Holder and an OTP Firm must file 
a Form U5 and amendments thereto. Under NYSE Arca Rule 2.17(c), an OTP 
Holder that terminates an OTP is required to file a Form U5 or any 
amendment thereto within 10 business days of the termination or the 
occurrence requiring the amendment. Under NYSE Arca Rule 2.23(i), OTP 
Holders and OTP Firms are required to file a Form U5 and any amendment 
thereto within 10 business days of the termination date of an employee 
who has been approved for admission to the trading floor or 
participation on any trading system. Similar to NYSE MKT, NYSE Arca 
proposes to amend its rules to require OTP Holders and OTP Firms to 
promptly file a Form U5 with CRD, but not later than 30 calendar days 
after the date of termination of an OTP or employee, as applicable. In 
addition, NYSE Arca proposes to require that any amendment to a Form U5 
be promptly filed with CRD, but not later than 30 calendar days after 
learning of the facts or circumstances giving rise to the need to amend 
the Form U5 and add a requirement to the rules that the Form U5 be 
provided to the terminated person concurrently with filing. The 
Exchanges state that the proposed rule changes would harmonize their 
rules with the requirements of other exchanges and FINRA.\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ See, e.g., NYSE Rule 345(a).17(a) (providing for prompt 
reporting but in any event no later than 30 days following 
termination, and concurrently to the person); BATS BZX Exchange, 
Inc. Rule 2.5 Interpretations and Policies .04(a) Termination of 
Employment (providing for immediate reporting but in no event later 
than 30 days following termination, and concurrently to the person); 
FINRA By-Laws Article 5 Sec. 3(a) (providing for giving notice not 
later than 30 days after termination, and concurrently to the 
person).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. Discussion and Commission Findings

    After careful review, the Commission finds that the proposed rule 
changes are consistent with the Act and the rules and regulations 
thereunder applicable to a national securities exchange.\15\ In 
particular, the Commission finds that the proposed rule changes are 
consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,\16\ which requires, among 
other things, that the rules of a national securities exchange be 
designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to 
promote just and equitable principles of trade, to remove impediments 
to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national 
market system, to protect investors and the public interest, and not to 
permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, brokers, or 
dealers. The proposed rule changes, which will provide additional time 
for Members to file Forms U5, should help to ensure more accurate 
information regarding the reasons for the termination of a registered 
person, which would serve to protect investors and the public interest.
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    \15\ In approving the proposed rule changes, the Commission has 
considered the proposed rules' impact on efficiency, competition, 
and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
    \16\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As noted above, the Commission received seven comment letters on 
the proposed rule changes and three letters from the NYSE responding to 
the comments.\17\ SIFMA and ARM support the proposed 30-day filing 
deadline \18\ because they think it is more reasonable than the current 
10-day period\19\ and would align the Form U5 filing requirement with 
the more broadly applicable FINRA standard.\20\ SIFMA also notes that 
the 10-day period may create challenges for firms in the process of 
collecting and reviewing information that may be relevant to the 
accuracy of the filing.\21\ ARM also supports the 30-day filing 
deadline and asserts that the 10-day Form U5 filing requirement imposes 
unnecessary urgency on the process, causing Members to rush to meet the 
deadline at the risk of being less thorough than a 30-day review period 
would allow.\22\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ See NASAA Letter, OIA Letter, SIFMA Letter, ARM Letter I, 
ASC Letter, NASAA Response, and ARM Letter II and NYSE Letter I 
responding to the NASAA Letter, NYSE Letter II responding to the OIA 
Letter, and NYSE Letter III responding to all the comment letters.
    \18\ See SIFMA Letter, ARM Letter I, and ARM Letter II.
    \19\ See SIFMA Letter at 2, ARM Letter I at 2.
    \20\ See SIFMA Letter at 2.
    \21\ See id.
    \22\ See ARM Letter I at 2 and ARM Letter II at 2. SIFMA and ARM 
object to the use of the word ``promptly'' in the rule language 
because they believe it may create unnecessary ambiguity regarding 
the standard. SIFMA Letter at 3 and ARM Letter I at 2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In contrast, NASAA, OIA, and the ASC object to extending the time 
for filing Form U5 because regulators use the information on the Form 
U5 and need the information on a timely basis.\23\ All three commenters 
argue that the 10-day filing requirement for Form U5 should be 
maintained, noting that any harmonization effort among self-regulatory 
organizations should focus on shortening the Form U5 filing deadlines 
across the industry, rather than on lengthening them.\24\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ See NASAA Letter at 1-2, NASAA Response at 1-2, OIA Letter 
at 2-7, and ASC Letter.
    \24\ See NASAA Letter at 1-2, NASAA Response at 3, OIA Letter at 
6, and ASC Letter at 2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NASAA, the OIA, and the ASC also raise concerns about the impact of 
the proposed rule changes on investor protection, including potential 
challenges the proposals would pose for state regulators trying to 
fulfill their regulatory responsibilities, and note that the Form U5 
contains valuable regulatory information relating to the termination of 
securities industry professionals, which is used by regulators in 
making licensing decisions, often under short timeframes.\25\ The OIA 
notes that the information on Form U5 is used by state regulators 
making licensing decisions, FINRA to identify and initiate 
investigations, firms when making hiring decisions, and the information 
alerts investors about potential red flags in a broker's employment 
history.\26\ NASAA states that a 30-day filing deadline for the Form U5 
poses significant challenges for state regulators, particularly due to 
the often

[[Page 13163]]

automatic nature of the registration process in many states where, 
under a 30-day standard, a state may not have Form U5 information 
before it is required to make a new licensing decision.\27\ NASAA 
further suggests that it is time for a comprehensive review of Form U5 
filing deadlines.\28\ In addition, NASAA asserts that the importance of 
state licensing decisions outweigh any arguable burden of the shorter 
filing deadline.\29\ NASAA also asserts that because ``approximately 
73% of Form U5s are already filed within 10 days of a representative's 
termination,'' the burden of maintaining a shorter filing deadline is 
demonstrably minimal, as the vast majority of firms already comply with 
the deadline.\30\ Thus, NASAA does not believe that the 10-day 
requirement imposes a competitive disadvantage on the Exchanges' 
members.\31\ NASAA also asserts that Commission approval of the 
proposal would be premature, as NASAA's ongoing work in this area may 
lead to an industry-wide examination of Form U5 filing issues, and 
ultimately a recommendation to shorten the deadlines for filing the 
Form U5.\32\ OIA supports a harmonized approach among the self-
regulatory organizations but argues that the appropriate way to 
harmonize the requirement would be to shorten the filing timeframes to 
10 days across the industry.\33\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \25\ See NASAA Letter at 1-2, OIA Letter at 2--7, and ASC 
Letter.
    \26\ See OIA Letter at 3.
    \27\ See NASAA Letter at 2 and NASAA Response at 2. See also ASC 
Letter at 2 (stating it is far more efficient for a state to prevent 
an agent with disqualifying history from becoming registered than it 
is to revoke or suspend a registered agent).
    \28\ See NASAA Response at 2.
    \29\ See id.
    \30\ See id.
    \31\ See id. at 2-3.
    \32\ See id. at 3.
    \33\ See OIA Letter at 3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NYSE responds by stating that the proposed rule changes would 
harmonize the Exchanges' rules with the existing rules of the other 
exchanges and FINRA and thereby ensure uniformity and promote clarity 
and consistency.\34\ In addition, the Exchange believes that 
maintaining a requirement for NYSE MKT and NYSE Arca Members different 
from the requirement for FINRA members results in a burden on 
competition.\35\ With respect to concerns regarding timely access to 
information by investors, NYSE references a proposed rule change that 
amended FINRA's rules to reduce the time period within which 
information disclosed on Form U5 is made available to the public via 
BrokerCheck from 15 days to three days.\36\ In this regard, NYSE 
suggests that the relevant timing is when information provided on the 
Form U5 is made available on BrokerCheck. NYSE also states that unless 
FINRA moves to a shorter timeframe it would be a burden on competition 
for NYSE MKT and NYSE Arca to continue to maintain a different standard 
than is required of members of other self-regulatory organizations.\37\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \34\ See NYSE Letter III at 2.
    \35\ See NYSE Letter I at 1, NYSE Letter II at 2.
    \36\ See NYSE Letter I at 2. But see OIA Letter at 6 noting 
``that, while timelier disclosure of Form U5 information on 
BrokerCheck impacts the speed in which a retail investor may be 
alerted to red flag conduct, it has no impact on the speed in which 
regulators are alerted to, and can respond to, the information in 
the Form U5.''
    \37\ See NYSE Letter I at 2, NYSE Letter II at 3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Finally, NYSE asserts its belief that the proposals are consistent 
with the Act because they conform to the rules of other self-regulatory 
organizations.\38\ Further, NYSE believes that the proposals should 
eliminate potential reporting inaccuracies caused by any such 
disparities among exchanges' regulatory reporting requirements and 
ensure greater accuracy in Form U5 reporting because the proposed 
timeframes would provide Members with sufficient time to perform due 
diligence before reporting a termination.\39\ Specifically responding 
to SIFMA and ARM, NYSE states that the proposed rule language is not 
ambiguous, adding that the ``prompt'' requirement is consistent with 
rules of other self-regulatory organizations and should encourage 
prompt filing of Form U5, but does not shorten the deadline of 30 
days.\40\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \38\ See NYSE Letter I at 1-2, NYSE Letter II at 1-2, NYSE 
Letter III at 1-2. NYSE refers to similar exchange rules featuring a 
30-day time limit for the filing and amending of the Form U5, 
including two rules adopted in 2016. See NYSE Letter II at 2. The 
Commission approved a rule change, SR-NYSEArca-2016-104, which 
amended one rule to add ``calendar'' to modify the 30-day time frame 
within which to submit Form U5 and a second rule to shorten the time 
within which to submit the Form U5 from 30 business days to 30 
calendar days. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 78809 
(September 9, 2016), 81 FR 63543 (September 15, 2016).
    \39\ See NYSE Letter III at 2.
    \40\ See id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As discussed above, the Commission believes that the changes, which 
will provide additional time for Members to file Forms U5, may result 
in more accurate information describing the reasons for the termination 
of a registered person, which would serve to protect investors and the 
public interest. Certain commenters appear to be concerned that Members 
may require additional time to accurately and completely respond to 
questions on the Form U5.\41\ The additional time associated with the 
proposed rule change should contribute to the accuracy of information 
contained in the Form U5. The Commission notes that Forms U5 must be 
accurate and complete so that investors have the information that they 
need to determine if they wish to work with a particular registered 
person, and regulators have the information they need to properly 
oversee the associated persons engaged in the securities business in 
their jurisdictions, as soon as possible. In addition, the Commission 
notes that proposed time limits are consistent with the rules of other 
self-regulatory organizations.\42\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \41\ See SIFMA letter at 2, ARM Letter I at 1-2 and ARM Letter 
II at 2.
    \42\ See supra, note 14 and accompanying text.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

IV. Conclusion

    It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the 
Act,\43\ that the proposed rule changes (SR-NYSEMKT-2016-52 and SR-NYSE 
Arca 2016-103) be, and hereby are, approved.
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    \43\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
    \44\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\44\
Eduardo A. Aleman,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2017-04606 Filed 3-8-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P



                                                                                         Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 45 / Thursday, March 9, 2017 / Notices                                                13161

                                                    III. Date of Effectiveness of the                          Reference Room, 100 F Street NE.,                     to extend the time within which an
                                                    Proposed Rule Change and Timing for                        Washington, DC 20549 on official                      Options Trading Permit Holder (‘‘OTP
                                                    Commission Action                                          business days between the hours of                    Holder’’) or Options Trading Permit
                                                       The foregoing rule change has become                    10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of such               Firm (‘‘OTP Firm’’) must file a Form U5,
                                                    effective pursuant to Section                              filing also will be available for                     or any amendments thereto. The
                                                    19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act,21 and Rule                     inspection and copying at the principal               proposed rule change was published for
                                                    19b–4(f)(2) 22 thereunder. At any time                     office of the Exchange. All comments                  comment in the Federal Register on July
                                                    within 60 days of the filing of the                        received will be posted without change;               27, 2016.5 The Commission received
                                                    proposed rule change, the Commission                       the Commission does not edit personal                 two comment letters regarding the
                                                    summarily may temporarily suspend                          identifying information from                          proposals.6 NYSE responded to the
                                                    such rule change if it appears to the                      submissions. You should submit only                   NASAA Letter on August 12, 2016.7
                                                    Commission that such action is                             information that you wish to make                       On October 5, 2016, the Commission
                                                    necessary or appropriate in the public                     available publicly. All submissions                   instituted proceedings to determine
                                                    interest, for the protection of investors,                 should refer to File Number SR–MIAX–                  whether to approve or disapprove the
                                                    or otherwise in furtherance of the                         2017–10, and should be submitted on or                proposed rule changes.8 The
                                                    purposes of the Act. If the Commission                     before March 30, 2017.                                Commission received four additional
                                                    takes such action, the Commission shall                      For the Commission, by the Division of              comment letters regarding the
                                                    institute proceedings to determine                         Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated            proposals.9 NYSE responded to the OIA
                                                    whether the proposed rule should be                        authority.23                                          Letter on October 26, 2016.10 On
                                                    approved or disapproved.                                   Eduardo A. Aleman,                                    December 21, 2016, the Commission
                                                                                                               Assistant Secretary.                                  designated a longer period of time to
                                                    IV. Solicitation of Comments                                                                                     determine whether to approve or
                                                                                                               [FR Doc. 2017–04600 Filed 3–8–17; 8:45 am]
                                                      Interested persons are invited to                                                                              disapprove the proposed rule changes.11
                                                                                                               BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
                                                    submit written data, views, and                                                                                  Thereafter the Commission received one
                                                    arguments concerning the foregoing,                                                                              additional comment letter.12 NYSE
                                                    including whether the proposed rule                        SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE                               submitted a response on January 16,
                                                    change is consistent with the Act.                         COMMISSION                                            2017.13 This order approves the
                                                    Comments may be submitted by any of                                                                              proposed rule changes.
                                                                                                               [Release No. 34–80154; File Nos. SR–
                                                    the following methods:                                                                                           II. Description of the Proposals
                                                                                                               NYSEMKT–2016–52 and SR–NYSEArca–
                                                    Electronic Comments                                        2016–103]                                             NYSEMKT–2016–52
                                                      • Use the Commission’s Internet                          Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE                     As set forth in the NYSE MKT Notice,
                                                    comment form (http://www.sec.gov/                          MKT LLC; NYSE Arca Inc.; Order                        NYSE MKT proposes to amend its rules
                                                    rules/sro.shtml); or                                       Approving Proposed Rule Changes To                    regarding when a member, member
                                                      • Send an email to rule-comments@                        Extend the Time Within Which a
                                                    sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–                    Member, Member Organization, an ATP                      5 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 78381
                                                    MIAX–2017–10 on the subject line.                          Holder, OTP Holder, or OTP Firm Must                  (July 21, 2016), 81 FR 49286 (‘‘NYSE Arca Notice’’).
                                                                                                                                                                        6 See letters from Judith Shaw, President, North
                                                    Paper Comments                                             File a Uniform Termination Notice for                 American Securities Administrators Association,
                                                      • Send paper comments in triplicate                      Securities Industry Registration (‘‘Form              Inc., dated August 3, 2016 (‘‘NASAA Letter’’) and
                                                    to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Securities                  U5’’)                                                 Rick A. Fleming, Investor Advocate and Tracey L.
                                                                                                                                                                     McNeil, Ombudsman, Office of the Investor
                                                    and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street                      March 3, 2017.                                        Advocate, Commission, dated October 3, 2016
                                                    NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090.                                                                                  (‘‘OIA Letter’’), to Brent J. Fields, Secretary,
                                                                                                               I. Introduction                                       Securities and Exchange Commission.
                                                    All submissions should refer to File                                                                                7 See letter from Elizabeth K. King, General
                                                    Number SR–MIAX–2017–10. This file                             On June 16, 2016, NYSE MKT LLC                     Counsel and Corporate Secretary, New York Stock
                                                    number should be included on the                           (‘‘NYSE MKT’’) filed with the Securities              Exchange LLC (‘‘NYSE’’) dated August 12, 2016
                                                    subject line if email is used. To help the                 and Exchange Commission                               (‘‘NYSE Letter I’’), to Brent J. Fields, Secretary,
                                                                                                               (‘‘Commission’’), pursuant to Section                 Commission.
                                                    Commission process and review your                                                                                  8 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 79055,
                                                    comments more efficiently, please use                      19(b)(1) 1 of the Securities Exchange Act
                                                                                                                                                                     81 FR 70460 (October 12, 2016).
                                                    only one method. The Commission will                       of 1934 (‘‘Act’’) 2 and Rule 19b–4                       9 See letters from Kevin Zambrowicz, Associate

                                                    post all comments on the Commission’s                      thereunder,3 a proposed rule change to                General Counsel, Securities Industry and Financial
                                                    Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/                     extend the time within which a member                 Markets Association, dated October 19, 2016
                                                                                                               or member organization, or an Amex                    (‘‘SIFMA Letter’’), Michele Van Tassel, President,
                                                    rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the                                                                                  Association of Registration Management (‘‘ARM’’),
                                                    submission, all subsequent                                 Trading Permit Holder (‘‘ATP Holder’’)                dated November 4, 2016 (‘‘ARM Letter I’’), Edwin
                                                    amendments, all written statements                         must file a Form U5, or any                           L. Reed, Deputy Director, Alabama Securities
                                                    with respect to the proposed rule                          amendments thereto. The proposed rule                 Commission, dated November 14, 2016 (‘‘ASC
                                                                                                               change was published for comment in                   Letter’’), and Mike Rothman, President, NASAA,
                                                    change that are filed with the                                                                                   dated November 16, 2016 (‘‘NASAA Response’’) to
                                                    Commission, and all written                                the Federal Register on July 7, 2016.4                Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Commission.
                                                    communications relating to the                             On July 14, 2016, NYSE Arca, Inc.                        10 See letter from Elizabeth K. King, General

                                                    proposed rule change between the                           (‘‘NYSE Arca’’) (NYSE MKT and NYSE                    Counsel and Corporate Secretary, NYSE, dated
                                                                                                               Arca, each an ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with                October 26, 2016 (‘‘NYSE Letter II’’) to Brent J.
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    Commission and any person, other than                                                                            Fields, Secretary, Commission.
                                                    those that may be withheld from the                        the Commission, a proposed rule change                   11 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 79645,
                                                    public in accordance with the                                                                                    81 FR 95679 (December 28, 2016).
                                                                                                                 23 17  CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
                                                    provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be                          1 15
                                                                                                                                                                        12 See letter from Michele Van Tassel, President,
                                                                                                                       U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).                             ARM, dated January 4, 2017 (‘‘ARM Letter II’’) to
                                                    available for Web site viewing and                            2 15 U.S.C. 78a.
                                                                                                                                                                     Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Commission.
                                                    printing in the Commission’s Public                           3 17 CFR 240.19b–4.                                   13 See letter from Elizabeth K. King, General
                                                                                                                  4 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 78198    Counsel and Corporate Secretary, NYSE, dated
                                                      21 15   U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii).                         (June 30, 2016), 81 FR 44363 (‘‘NYSE MKT              January 16, 2017 (‘‘NYSE Letter III’’) to Brent J.
                                                      22 17   CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2).                             Notice’’).                                            Fields, Secretary, Commission.



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                                                    13162                         Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 45 / Thursday, March 9, 2017 / Notices

                                                    organization, or an ATP Holder must                     filed with CRD, but not later than 30                   than the current 10-day period19 and
                                                    file a Form U5 and amendments thereto.                  calendar days after learning of the facts               would align the Form U5 filing
                                                    Under Commentary .01 to NYSE MKT                        or circumstances giving rise to the need                requirement with the more broadly
                                                    Rule 340, members and member                            to amend the Form U5 and add a                          applicable FINRA standard.20 SIFMA
                                                    organizations (collectively, ‘‘Members’’)               requirement to the rules that the Form                  also notes that the 10-day period may
                                                    are required to file a Form U5 and any                  U5 be provided to the terminated person                 create challenges for firms in the
                                                    amendment thereto with the Central                      concurrently with filing. The Exchanges                 process of collecting and reviewing
                                                    Registration Depository (‘‘CRD’’) within                state that the proposed rule changes                    information that may be relevant to the
                                                    10 days of the date of termination of an                would harmonize their rules with the                    accuracy of the filing.21 ARM also
                                                    employee who has been approved for                      requirements of other exchanges and                     supports the 30-day filing deadline and
                                                    admission to the trading floor. Under                   FINRA.14                                                asserts that the 10-day Form U5 filing
                                                    Commentary .09 to NYSE MKT Rule                                                                                 requirement imposes unnecessary
                                                                                                            III. Discussion and Commission
                                                    341, Members must submit information                                                                            urgency on the process, causing
                                                                                                            Findings
                                                    concerning the termination of                                                                                   Members to rush to meet the deadline
                                                    employment of a Member, registered                         After careful review, the Commission                 at the risk of being less thorough than
                                                    employee, or an officer on Form U5                      finds that the proposed rule changes are                a 30-day review period would allow.22
                                                    within 10 days of the date of                           consistent with the Act and the rules                      In contrast, NASAA, OIA, and the
                                                    termination. Under NYSE MKT Rule                        and regulations thereunder applicable to                ASC object to extending the time for
                                                    359(a), an ATP Holder that terminates                   a national securities exchange.15 In                    filing Form U5 because regulators use
                                                    an ATP Holder or approved person must                   particular, the Commission finds that                   the information on the Form U5 and
                                                    file a Form U5 within 10 days of the                    the proposed rule changes are consistent                need the information on a timely
                                                    termination.                                            with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,16 which                basis.23 All three commenters argue that
                                                       NYSE MKT proposes to amend these                     requires, among other things, that the                  the 10-day filing requirement for Form
                                                    rules by replacing the 10-day deadline                  rules of a national securities exchange                 U5 should be maintained, noting that
                                                    with a requirement to promptly file a                   be designed to prevent fraudulent and                   any harmonization effort among self-
                                                    Form U5 with CRD, but not later than                    manipulative acts and practices, to                     regulatory organizations should focus
                                                    30 calendar days after the date of                      promote just and equitable principles of                on shortening the Form U5 filing
                                                    termination of a Member, ATP Holder,                    trade, to remove impediments to and                     deadlines across the industry, rather
                                                    registered employee, officer, or                        perfect the mechanism of a free and                     than on lengthening them.24
                                                    approved person. Further, the proposed                  open market and a national market                          NASAA, the OIA, and the ASC also
                                                    rule change would require that any                      system, to protect investors and the                    raise concerns about the impact of the
                                                    amendment to a Form U5 be promptly                      public interest, and not to permit unfair               proposed rule changes on investor
                                                    filed with CRD, but not later than 30                   discrimination between customers,                       protection, including potential
                                                    calendar days after learning of the facts               issuers, brokers, or dealers. The                       challenges the proposals would pose for
                                                    or circumstances giving rise to the need                proposed rule changes, which will                       state regulators trying to fulfill their
                                                    to amend the Form. In addition, the                     provide additional time for Members to                  regulatory responsibilities, and note that
                                                    proposed rule change would require                      file Forms U5, should help to ensure                    the Form U5 contains valuable
                                                    that the Form U5 be provided to the                     more accurate information regarding the                 regulatory information relating to the
                                                    terminated person concurrently with                     reasons for the termination of a                        termination of securities industry
                                                    filing.                                                 registered person, which would serve to                 professionals, which is used by
                                                                                                            protect investors and the public interest.              regulators in making licensing
                                                    NYSEArca–2016–103                                          As noted above, the Commission                       decisions, often under short
                                                      As set forth in the NYSE Arca Notice,                 received seven comment letters on the                   timeframes.25 The OIA notes that the
                                                    NYSE Arca also proposes to amend its                    proposed rule changes and three letters                 information on Form U5 is used by state
                                                    rules regarding when an OTP Holder                      from the NYSE responding to the                         regulators making licensing decisions,
                                                    and an OTP Firm must file a Form U5                     comments.17 SIFMA and ARM support                       FINRA to identify and initiate
                                                    and amendments thereto. Under NYSE                      the proposed 30-day filing deadline 18                  investigations, firms when making
                                                    Arca Rule 2.17(c), an OTP Holder that                   because they think it is more reasonable                hiring decisions, and the information
                                                    terminates an OTP is required to file a                                                                         alerts investors about potential red flags
                                                    Form U5 or any amendment thereto                          14 See, e.g., NYSE Rule 345(a).17(a) (providing for
                                                                                                                                                                    in a broker’s employment history.26
                                                    within 10 business days of the                          prompt reporting but in any event no later than 30
                                                                                                                                                                    NASAA states that a 30-day filing
                                                    termination or the occurrence requiring                 days following termination, and concurrently to the
                                                                                                            person); BATS BZX Exchange, Inc. Rule 2.5               deadline for the Form U5 poses
                                                    the amendment. Under NYSE Arca Rule                     Interpretations and Policies .04(a) Termination of      significant challenges for state
                                                    2.23(i), OTP Holders and OTP Firms are                  Employment (providing for immediate reporting but       regulators, particularly due to the often
                                                    required to file a Form U5 and any                      in no event later than 30 days following
                                                    amendment thereto within 10 business                    termination, and concurrently to the person);             19 See
                                                                                                            FINRA By-Laws Article 5 Sec. 3(a) (providing for                  SIFMA Letter at 2, ARM Letter I at 2.
                                                    days of the termination date of an                      giving notice not later than 30 days after
                                                                                                                                                                      20 See  SIFMA Letter at 2.
                                                    employee who has been approved for                      termination, and concurrently to the person).              21 See id.

                                                    admission to the trading floor or                         15 In approving the proposed rule changes, the           22 See ARM Letter I at 2 and ARM Letter II at 2.

                                                    participation on any trading system.                    Commission has considered the proposed rules’           SIFMA and ARM object to the use of the word
                                                                                                            impact on efficiency, competition, and capital          ‘‘promptly’’ in the rule language because they
                                                    Similar to NYSE MKT, NYSE Arca
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                                                                                                            formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).                        believe it may create unnecessary ambiguity
                                                    proposes to amend its rules to require                    16 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).                               regarding the standard. SIFMA Letter at 3 and ARM
                                                    OTP Holders and OTP Firms to                              17 See NASAA Letter, OIA Letter, SIFMA Letter,        Letter I at 2.
                                                    promptly file a Form U5 with CRD, but                   ARM Letter I, ASC Letter, NASAA Response, and
                                                                                                                                                                       23 See NASAA Letter at 1–2, NASAA Response at

                                                    not later than 30 calendar days after the               ARM Letter II and NYSE Letter I responding to the       1–2, OIA Letter at 2–7, and ASC Letter.
                                                                                                                                                                       24 See NASAA Letter at 1–2, NASAA Response at
                                                    date of termination of an OTP or                        NASAA Letter, NYSE Letter II responding to the
                                                                                                            OIA Letter, and NYSE Letter III responding to all       3, OIA Letter at 6, and ASC Letter at 2.
                                                    employee, as applicable. In addition,                   the comment letters.                                       25 See NASAA Letter at 1–2, OIA Letter at 2—7,
                                                    NYSE Arca proposes to require that any                    18 See SIFMA Letter, ARM Letter I, and ARM            and ASC Letter.
                                                    amendment to a Form U5 be promptly                      Letter II.                                                 26 See OIA Letter at 3.




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                                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 45 / Thursday, March 9, 2017 / Notices                                                       13163

                                                    automatic nature of the registration                     days to three days.36 In this regard,                   Form U5.41 The additional time
                                                    process in many states where, under a                    NYSE suggests that the relevant timing                  associated with the proposed rule
                                                    30-day standard, a state may not have                    is when information provided on the                     change should contribute to the
                                                    Form U5 information before it is                         Form U5 is made available on                            accuracy of information contained in
                                                    required to make a new licensing                         BrokerCheck. NYSE also states that                      the Form U5. The Commission notes
                                                    decision.27 NASAA further suggests that                  unless FINRA moves to a shorter                         that Forms U5 must be accurate and
                                                    it is time for a comprehensive review of                 timeframe it would be a burden on                       complete so that investors have the
                                                    Form U5 filing deadlines.28 In addition,                 competition for NYSE MKT and NYSE                       information that they need to determine
                                                    NASAA asserts that the importance of                     Arca to continue to maintain a different                if they wish to work with a particular
                                                    state licensing decisions outweigh any                   standard than is required of members of                 registered person, and regulators have
                                                    arguable burden of the shorter filing                    other self-regulatory organizations.37                  the information they need to properly
                                                    deadline.29 NASAA also asserts that                                                                              oversee the associated persons engaged
                                                                                                                Finally, NYSE asserts its belief that
                                                    because ‘‘approximately 73% of Form                                                                              in the securities business in their
                                                                                                             the proposals are consistent with the
                                                    U5s are already filed within 10 days of                                                                          jurisdictions, as soon as possible. In
                                                                                                             Act because they conform to the rules of                addition, the Commission notes that
                                                    a representative’s termination,’’ the                    other self-regulatory organizations.38
                                                    burden of maintaining a shorter filing                                                                           proposed time limits are consistent with
                                                                                                             Further, NYSE believes that the                         the rules of other self-regulatory
                                                    deadline is demonstrably minimal, as
                                                                                                             proposals should eliminate potential                    organizations.42
                                                    the vast majority of firms already
                                                                                                             reporting inaccuracies caused by any
                                                    comply with the deadline.30 Thus,                                                                                IV. Conclusion
                                                                                                             such disparities among exchanges’
                                                    NASAA does not believe that the 10-day
                                                                                                             regulatory reporting requirements and                     It is therefore ordered, pursuant to
                                                    requirement imposes a competitive
                                                                                                             ensure greater accuracy in Form U5                      Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,43 that the
                                                    disadvantage on the Exchanges’
                                                                                                             reporting because the proposed                          proposed rule changes (SR–NYSEMKT–
                                                    members.31 NASAA also asserts that
                                                                                                             timeframes would provide Members                        2016–52 and SR–NYSE Arca 2016–103)
                                                    Commission approval of the proposal
                                                                                                             with sufficient time to perform due                     be, and hereby are, approved.
                                                    would be premature, as NASAA’s
                                                                                                             diligence before reporting a
                                                    ongoing work in this area may lead to                                                                              For the Commission, by the Division of
                                                                                                             termination.39 Specifically responding                  Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
                                                    an industry-wide examination of Form
                                                                                                             to SIFMA and ARM, NYSE states that                      authority.44
                                                    U5 filing issues, and ultimately a
                                                                                                             the proposed rule language is not                       Eduardo A. Aleman,
                                                    recommendation to shorten the
                                                                                                             ambiguous, adding that the ‘‘prompt’’                   Assistant Secretary.
                                                    deadlines for filing the Form U5.32 OIA
                                                                                                             requirement is consistent with rules of
                                                    supports a harmonized approach among                                                                             [FR Doc. 2017–04606 Filed 3–8–17; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                             other self-regulatory organizations and
                                                    the self-regulatory organizations but                                                                            BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
                                                                                                             should encourage prompt filing of Form
                                                    argues that the appropriate way to
                                                                                                             U5, but does not shorten the deadline of
                                                    harmonize the requirement would be to
                                                                                                             30 days.40                                              SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
                                                    shorten the filing timeframes to 10 days
                                                    across the industry.33                                      As discussed above, the Commission                   COMMISSION
                                                                                                             believes that the changes, which will
                                                       NYSE responds by stating that the                                                                             [Release No. 34–80147; File No. SR–OCC–
                                                                                                             provide additional time for Members to
                                                    proposed rule changes would                                                                                      2017–001]
                                                                                                             file Forms U5, may result in more
                                                    harmonize the Exchanges’ rules with the
                                                                                                             accurate information describing the                     Self-Regulatory Organizations; The
                                                    existing rules of the other exchanges
                                                                                                             reasons for the termination of a                        Options Clearing Corporation; Order
                                                    and FINRA and thereby ensure
                                                                                                             registered person, which would serve to                 Approving Proposed Rule Change
                                                    uniformity and promote clarity and
                                                    consistency.34 In addition, the Exchange                 protect investors and the public interest.              Concerning The Options Clearing
                                                    believes that maintaining a requirement                  Certain commenters appear to be                         Corporation’s Margin Coverage During
                                                    for NYSE MKT and NYSE Arca                               concerned that Members may require                      Times of Increased Volatility
                                                    Members different from the requirement                   additional time to accurately and
                                                                                                             completely respond to questions on the                  March 3, 2017.
                                                    for FINRA members results in a burden
                                                    on competition.35 With respect to                                                                                   On January 4, 2017, The Options
                                                    concerns regarding timely access to
                                                                                                               36 See  NYSE Letter I at 2. But see OIA Letter at     Clearing Corporation (‘‘OCC’’) filed with
                                                    information by investors, NYSE
                                                                                                             6 noting ‘‘that, while timelier disclosure of Form U5   the Securities and Exchange
                                                                                                             information on BrokerCheck impacts the speed in         Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the
                                                    references a proposed rule change that                   which a retail investor may be alerted to red flag
                                                    amended FINRA’s rules to reduce the                      conduct, it has no impact on the speed in which         proposed rule change SR–OCC–2017–
                                                    time period within which information                     regulators are alerted to, and can respond to, the      001 pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the
                                                    disclosed on Form U5 is made available
                                                                                                             information in the Form U5.’’                           Securities Exchange Act of 1934
                                                                                                                37 See NYSE Letter I at 2, NYSE Letter II at 3.
                                                    to the public via BrokerCheck from 15                                                                            (‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder.2
                                                                                                                38 See NYSE Letter I at 1–2, NYSE Letter II at 1–
                                                                                                                                                                     The proposed rule change was
                                                                                                             2, NYSE Letter III at 1–2. NYSE refers to similar
                                                       27 See NASAA Letter at 2 and NASAA Response           exchange rules featuring a 30-day time limit for the    published for comment in the Federal
                                                    at 2. See also ASC Letter at 2 (stating it is far more   filing and amending of the Form U5, including two       Register on January 25, 2017.3 The
                                                    efficient for a state to prevent an agent with           rules adopted in 2016. See NYSE Letter II at 2. The
                                                                                                             Commission approved a rule change, SR–
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                                                    disqualifying history from becoming registered than                                                                 41 See SIFMA letter at 2, ARM Letter I at 1–2 and
                                                    it is to revoke or suspend a registered agent).          NYSEArca–2016–104, which amended one rule to
                                                                                                                                                                     ARM Letter II at 2.
                                                       28 See NASAA Response at 2.                           add ‘‘calendar’’ to modify the 30-day time frame           42 See supra, note 14 and accompanying text.
                                                       29 See id.                                            within which to submit Form U5 and a second rule
                                                                                                                                                                        43 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
                                                       30 See id.
                                                                                                             to shorten the time within which to submit the
                                                                                                                                                                        44 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
                                                                                                             Form U5 from 30 business days to 30 calendar days.
                                                       31 See id. at 2–3.                                                                                               1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
                                                                                                             See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 78809
                                                       32 See id. at 3.
                                                                                                             (September 9, 2016), 81 FR 63543 (September 15,            2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
                                                       33 See OIA Letter at 3.                               2016).                                                     3 Securities Exchange Act Release No. 79818
                                                       34 See NYSE Letter III at 2.                             39 See NYSE Letter III at 2.
                                                                                                                                                                     (January 18, 2017) 82 FR 8455 (January 25, 2017
                                                       35 See NYSE Letter I at 1, NYSE Letter II at 2.          40 See id.                                           (SR–OCC–2017–001) (‘‘Notice’’).



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Document Created: 2017-03-09 04:58:18
Document Modified: 2017-03-09 04:58:18
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 Citation82 FR 13161 

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