82 FR 28157 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change in Connection With the Proposed Merger of Its Wholly Owned Subsidiary NYSE Arca Equities, Inc. With and Into the Exchange
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 117 (June 20, 2017)
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 117 (June 20, 2017)
| Page Range | 28157-28170 | |
| FR Document | 2017-12770 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 117 (Tuesday, June 20, 2017)] [Notices] [Pages 28157-28170] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-12770] [[Page 28157]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34-80929; File No. SR-NYSEArca-2017-40] Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change in Connection With the Proposed Merger of Its Wholly Owned Subsidiary NYSE Arca Equities, Inc. With and Into the Exchange June 14, 2017. 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 June 2, 2017, NYSE Arca, Inc. (the ``Exchange'' or ``NYSE Arca'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II 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 In connection with the proposed merger of its wholly owned subsidiary NYSE Arca Equities, Inc. (``NYSE Arca Equities'') with and into the Exchange, the Exchange proposes to amend (1) Article III, Sections 3.01, 2.02 and 4.02 of the Amended and Restated NYSE Arca, Inc. Bylaws (``Bylaws''); (2) certain Rules of the Exchange to facilitate the integration of NYSE Arca Equities and create a single rulebook; (3) the NYSE Arca Options Fee Schedule (the ``Options Fee Schedule''); and (4) the Schedule of Fees and Charges for Exchange Services (the ``Listing Fee Schedule''). In addition, the Exchange proposes to remove the NYSE Arca Equities organizational documents, rules of NYSE Arca Equities, and NYSE Arca Equities Schedule of Fees and Charges for Exchange Services (``Equities Fee Schedule'') from the Exchange rules and adopt a new fee schedule for the Exchange equity market (``NYSE Arca Equities Fee Schedule''). 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 In connection with the proposed merger of its wholly owned subsidiary NYSE Arca Equities with and into the Exchange (``Merger''), the Exchange proposes to amend (1) Article III, Sections 3.01, 2.02 [sic] and 4.02 of the Bylaws; (2) certain Rules of the Exchange to facilitate the integration of NYSE Arca Equities and create a single rulebook; (3) the Options Fee Schedule; and (4) the Listing Fee Schedule. In addition, the Exchange proposes to remove the NYSE Arca Equities organizational documents, rules of NYSE Arca Equities, and Equities Fee Schedule from the Exchange rules and adopt a new NYSE Arca Equities Fee Schedule in connection with the proposed merger. Presently, the Exchange has delegated certain responsibilities to its subsidiary NYSE Arca Equities to operate its equities market. The Exchange also has two rulebooks, the NYSE Arca rules for the options market and the NYSE Arca Equities rules for the equities market. Following the Merger, the Exchange will be the surviving entity, and it will directly operate both the Exchange's options and equities markets, with one rulebook. The Exchange is proposing amendments in order to reflect that change. More specifically, the proposed amendments would allow the Exchange to directly operate both markets by: 1. Terminating the existing delegation to NYSE Arca Equities; 2. amending the Exchange's corporate governance structure to (a) integrate Equities Trading Permit holders (``ETP Holders'') \4\ into the process for appointing members of the Board of Directors (``Board''), (b) provide that the holding member, NYSE Group, Inc. (``NYSE Group'') determines the size of the Board; (c) integrate ETP Holders into the Board and Permit Holder Committees; and (d) add the existing NYSE Arca Equities Business Conduct Committee to the Exchange rules; --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \4\ An Equities Trading Permit is referred to as an ``ETP.'' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. integrating the current NYSE Arca Equities rules into the NYSE Arca rules, so that the Exchange has a single rulebook; and 4. adopting the proposed NYSE Arca Equities Fee Schedule for the Exchange equity market and amending the Options Fee Schedule and Listing Fee Schedule. The Exchange addresses each item in turn below. The Exchange proposes that the rule change proposed herein would become operative upon the completion of the Merger. The Exchange would complete the Merger following approval of this rule filing, on a date determined by its Board. I. Termination of Delegation The Exchange has delegated certain responsibilities to its subsidiary NYSE Arca Equities to operate its equities market. However, the Exchange retains ultimate responsibility for its equities market, including the responsibility to ensure the fulfillment of statutory and self-regulatory obligations.\5\ NYSE Arca Equities is not a national securities exchange. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \5\ See NYSE Arca Equities Rule 3.4 (stating that NYSE Arca, ``as a self-regulatory organization registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 6 of the Exchange Act, shall have ultimate responsibility in the administration and enforcement of rules governing the operation of its subsidiary, NYSE Arca Equities, Inc.''). See also NYSE Arca Equities Rule 14.1. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Exchange proposes to terminate the delegation of functions to NYSE Arca Equities (``Delegation'') currently set forth in NYSE Arca Equities Rule 14.2 (NYSE Arca Equities Inc. (`NYSE Arca Equities')). NYSE Arca Equities Rule 14.1 (NYSE Arca, Inc.), which sets forth the authority and functions retained by the Exchange, would become obsolete as a result. Accordingly, neither would be carried over into the Exchange rules. In connection with the termination of the Delegation, the NYSE Arca Equities Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, rules of NYSE Arca Equities and Equities Fee Schedule would be removed from the Exchange rules. [[Page 28158]] II. Proposed Changes to the Exchange's Corporate Governance A. Composition of the Board and Appointment of Non-Affiliated Directors of the Post-Merger Entity Pursuant to the Merger, the Exchange proposes to incorporate the ETP Holders into the process for selecting Exchange Board members. In addition, it proposes to implement certain other changes regarding the composition of the Board that would make the provisions regarding the Exchange's Board more consistent with the governing documents of the Exchange's national securities exchange affiliates, New York Stock Exchange LLC (``NYSE LLC''), NYSE MKT LLC (``NYSE MKT''), and NYSE National, Inc. (``NYSE National'' and collectively, the ``SRO Affiliates''). Because the relevant provisions are found in both the Bylaws and the Rules of the Exchange, in order to implement the proposed governance changes the Exchange would amend Bylaws Article III, Sections 3.01(b) (Powers) and 3.02(a) (Number; Election; Qualification; Term; Nomination) and Rule 3.2(b)(2) (Exchange Committees). These proposed changes are described below. Bylaws Article III, Section 3.01(b) The Exchange proposes to amend Bylaws Article III, Section 3.01(b) to add definitions of ETP Holders, Options Trading Permit Holders (``OTP Holders'') \6\ and Permit Holders. The changes would also incorporate the ETP Holders in the statement of the authority of the Board. Accordingly, the Exchange proposes to make the following changes to Section 3.01(b) (new text italicized; deleted text bracketed): --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \6\ An Options Trading Permit is referred to as an ``OTP.'' (b) The Board of Directors shall exercise all such powers of the Exchange and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by law, the Certificate, these Bylaws or the Rules directed or required to be exercised, done or approved by the Holding Member, [or] the options trading permit holders who are permitted to trade on the Exchange's facilities for the trading of options that are securities as covered by the Exchange Act (collectively, ``Options Trading Permit Holders'') or the equities trading permit holders who are permitted to trade on the Exchange's facilities for the trading of equities that are securities as covered by the Exchange Act (collectively, ``Equities Trading Permit Holders'' and, together with the Options Trading Permit Holders, the ``Permit Holders''). Bylaws Article III, Section 3.02(a) The Exchange proposes to make several amendments to Bylaws Article III, Section 3.02(a), which sets forth the Board composition requirements. First, the Exchange proposes to remove the requirement that the Board consist of between eight and 12 directors, with the number to be determined by the Board itself. The revised provision would provide that the number of directors shall be determined from time to time by the holding member, NYSE Group, provided that the Board meets the composition requirements set forth in the provision. To clarify what specific composition requirements must be met, the Exchange proposes to move the third and fourth sentences of Section 3.02(a), which set forth the requirements, to clauses (1) and (2) of the first sentence. In the new clause (2), the Exchange proposes to add the defined term ``Non- Affiliated Directors'' for directors nominated by the permit holders, which must make up at least 20 percent of the members of the Board. The proposed changes would make the revised first sentence of Section 3.02(a) consistent with the board composition provisions in the governing documents of the SRO Affiliates. Like the proposed changes, the governing documents of the SRO Affiliates provide that NYSE Group (as the sole member or sole shareholder, as applicable) determines the number of board members, set forth the relevant board's compensation requirements in numbered clauses, and require that at least 20 percent of the board shall be non-affiliated directors.\7\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \7\ See Article III, Section 3.2(a) of the Fourth Amended and Restated By-laws of NYSE National, Inc. (``NYSE National By-laws''); Section 2.03(a)(i) of the Eleventh Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of New York Stock Exchange LLC (``NYSE LLC Operating Agreement''); and Section 2.03(a)(i) of the Tenth Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of NYSE MKT LLC (``NYSE MKT Operating Agreement''). See also Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 79902 (January 30, 2017), 82 FR 9258 (February 3, 2017) (SR-NSX-2016-16) and 80523 (April 25, 2017), 82 FR 20399 (May 1, 2017) (SR-CBOE-2017- 017). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Currently, at least one Exchange Non-Affiliated Director is nominated by the OTP Holders and at least one is nominated by the ETP Holders. Proposed clause (2) of the revised first sentence would instead provide that the ``Permit Holders''--including both the OTP Holders and ETP Holders--nominate the Non-Affiliated Directors. The Exchange believes that the proposed change would be consistent with the process for nominating non-affiliated directors of NYSE MKT. Similar to the structure of NYSE Arca and NYSE Arca Equities, NYSE MKT operates the NYSE MKT equity market, and NYSE MKT's facility NYSE Amex Options LLC (``NYSE Amex Options'') operates its options market.\8\ Under the NYSE MKT Operating Agreement, all member organizations participate in the process for nominating non-affiliated directors.\9\ Because both options trading permit holders (``ATP Holders'') and equity member organizations are member organizations, as that term is defined in the NYSE MKT Operating Agreement, non-affiliated directors are nominated by both types of member organizations in a single process.\10\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \8\ See Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of NYSE Amex Options LLC, Section 3.1(b). NYSE MKT is the only SRO Affiliate with both an equities and an options market. \9\ See NYSE MKT Operating Agreement, Article II, Section 2.03(a) (iii)-(v). Under the NYSE MKT Operating Agreement, the nominating committee recommends candidates for the non-affiliate directors, and announces them to the member organizations. If a petition candidate receives sufficient member organization signatures, the recommended candidates and petition candidates are submitted to the member organizations for a vote. \10\ See NYSE MKT Operating Agreement, Article II Section 2.02 (defining ``member organization'' to include members and member organizations of NYSE MKT); and NYSE MKT Rule 900.2NY(5) (``references to `member', `member organization' and `86 Trinity Permit Holder' as those terms are used in the Rules of the Exchange should be deemed to be references to ATP Holders''); see also NYSE MKT Rule 2--Equities (setting forth the definitions of member and member organization). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Exchange believes that the proposed change also would be consistent with the governing documents of The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (``Nasdaq LLC''), which is the sole member of The NASDAQ Options Market LLC (``NOM''). NOM, which operates the options trading facility of Nasdaq LLC, does not have its own board of directors.\11\ Under the bylaws of Nasdaq LLC, each ``member representative director'' is nominated by a member nominating committee. If the election is contested, the Nasdaq LLC members vote on the nomination in a single process.\12\ The options participants and other members do not vote separately. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \11\ See Limited Liability Company Agreement of The Nasdaq Options Market LLC, Section 9(a) (providing that the ``management of the Company shall be vested in the Member''). \12\ See By-laws of The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, Article I (q) and Article II, Section 1 and 2. A Nasdaq LLC member is defined as ``any registered broker or dealer that has been admitted to membership in the national securities exchange operated by'' Nasdaq LLC. Id., Article I(t). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Exchange believes that the proposed change would also be consistent with the governing documents of Nasdaq BX, Inc. (``Nasdaq BX''). Nasdaq BX's controlled subsidiary, Nasdaq OMX BX Equities LLC, operates the equities trading facility of Nasdaq BX and, like NOM, does not have its own board of [[Page 28159]] directors.\13\ As with Nasdaq LLC, each ``member representative director'' of its board of directors is nominated by a member nominating committee. If the election is contested, the exchange members vote on the nomination in a single process.\14\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \13\ See NASDAQ OMX BX Equities LLC Fifth Amended and Restated Operating Agreement Article 3, Section 3.1; Article 4, Section 4.1; Delegation Agreement between Nasdaq BX and Nasdaq OMX BX Equities LLC. \14\ See By-laws of NASDAQ BX, Inc., Article IV, Section 4.4. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Exchange proposes to add a new fifth sentence to Section 3.02(a) stating that, if 20 percent of the directors is not a whole number, the number of directors to be nominated and selected by the Permit Holders will be rounded up to the next whole number. As a result, the current fifth sentence, which provides that the Board shall determine the exact number of each category of directors on the Board, would no longer be needed. The proposed change would be consistent with the governing documents of the SRO Affiliates, each of which have a similar provision for calculating the minimum number of non-affiliated directors, and do not authorize the SRO Affiliate's board of directors to determine the number of directors in each category.\15\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \15\ See Section 2.03(a)(i) of the NYSE LLC Operating Agreement; Section 2.03(a)(i) of the NYSE MKT Operating Agreement; and Article III, Section 3.2(a) of the NYSE National By-Laws. The Exchange notes that the term ``Permit Holder Directors,'' would be deleted in the proposed change. Such term is not used elsewhere in the By-laws. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The revised Section 3.02(a) would be as follows (new text italicized; deleted text bracketed): The Board of Directors shall consist of [not less than eight (8) or more than twelve (12) directors, with the Board of Directors to consist initially of ten (10) directors, including the Chief Executive Officer of the Holding Member. The authorized] a number of directors (``Directors'') [shall be] as determined from time to time by the [Board of Directors. A] Holding Member; provided that (1) at least fifty percent (50%) of the directors will be persons from the public and will not be, or be affiliated with, a broker-dealer in securities or employed by, or involved in any material business relationship with, the Exchange or its affiliates (``Public Directors'')[. A]; and (2) at least twenty percent (20%) of the directors shall consist of individuals nominated by the [trading permit holders, with at least one director nominated by the Equities Trading Permit Holders of NYSE Arca Equities, Inc., and with at least one director nominated by the] Permit Holders of the Exchange (``Non-Affiliated Directors''). For purposes of calculation of the minimum number of Non-Affiliated Directors, if 20 percent of the Directors is not a whole number, such number of Directors to be nominated and selected by the Permit Holders will be rounded up to the next whole number. [The exact number of Public Directors and Permit Holder Directors shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors, subject to the percentage restrictions described in this Section 3.02(a).] The term of office of a director shall not be affected by any decrease in the authorized number of directors. Rule 3.2(b)(2) Current Rule 3.2(b)(2) sets forth the membership requirements for the nominating committee (``Nominating Committee''), which nominates the OTP Holder member of the Board, and sets forth the nominating committee and petition processes.\16\ The Exchange proposes to revise Rule 3.2(b)(2) to incorporate the proposed changes to Bylaws Section 3.02(a). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \16\ Current Rule 3.2(b)(2) would be renumbered as proposed Rule 3.2(b)(3). For ease of reference, the current rule numbering is used. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pursuant to Rule 3.2(b)(2)(A), the Nominating Committee is made up of six OTP Holders or allied persons or associated persons of an OTP Firm. The Exchange proposes to incorporate the ETP Holders into the membership of the committee by amending Rule 3.2(b)(2)(A) to reduce the number of OTP-related members to three, and adding the requirement that the Nominating Committee include three ETP Holders or allied persons or associated persons of an ETP Holder.\17\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \17\ The rules regarding the Equities Market do not have ETP Firms. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current Rule 3.2(b)(2)(C)(ii) sets forth the nominating committee and petition processes. In order to incorporate the ETP Holders into the nominating and petition processes and integrate the proposed changes to Bylaws Section 3.02(a), the Exchange proposes to make the following changes:To include ETP Holders, ``OTP Holder'' and ``OTP Holders'' would be replaced with ``Permit Holder'' and ``Permit Holders,'' respectively. The first sentence of the provision states that the Nominating Committee shall publish the name of one OTP Holder or allied person or associated person of an OTP Firm as its nominee for the Exchange Board. The sentence would be revised to (a) allow ETP Holders or Allied Persons or Associated Persons of an ETP Holder to be nominees; and (b) provide the option to nominate more than one Non- Affiliated Director. The second sentence sets forth how, if the Board has more than 10 members, the determination will be made whether the additional permit holder representative should be an OTP or an ETP Holder. In continuation, the next sentence begins with ``If it is determined that the additional representative is an OTP Holder.'' The Exchange proposes to delete the second sentence and the cited text from the third sentence. The proposed changes to the Bylaws would no longer provide for two separate categories of permit holder directors, and so no determination would be required. The third sentence would be amended to clarify that the Nominating Committee would be required to name sufficient nominees so that at least 20 percent of the directors were Non-Affiliated Directors, by replacing ``nominate additional'' with ``name sufficient.'' The generic reference to ``individuals nominated by trading permit holders'' would be replaced with the more specific ``Non-Affiliated Directors.'' In the current fifth sentence, the definition of ``Permit Holders'' would be added, and ``OTP Holder position'' would be replaced with ``Non-Affiliated Director position.'' The current sixth sentence sets forth the limits on what percentages of signatories to a petition can be from a given OTP Holder, OTP Firm or associated OTP Holders and Firms. In order to incorporate ETP Holders in the limitation, the Exchange would add a new clause (z), based on NYSE Arca Equities Rule 3.2(b)(2)(C)(i), including ETP Holders who are deemed affiliates of the relevant Permit Holder. Finally, ``an OTP Holder's position'' would be replaced with ``Non- Affiliated Director position(s).'' The revised provision would be as follows (new text italicized; deleted text bracketed): The Nominating Committee shall publish the name of one (1) or more OTP Holder or Allied Person or Associated Person of an OTP Firm or ETP Holder or Allied Person or Associated Persons of an ETP Holder as its nominee(s) for Non-Affiliated Directors of the Board of Directors of the NYSE Arca, Inc. [Should the Board of Directors be made up of more than 10 individuals, as set forth in Section 3.02 of the Bylaws, then the Public Directors, after consulting with the CEO, shall determine whether the additional permit holder representative is an OTP Holder or an Equity Trading Permit Holder of NYSE Arca Equities, Inc. If it is determined that the additional representative is an OTP Holder, then t]The Nominating Committee shall name sufficient[nominate additional] nominees so that at least twenty percent (20%) of the Directors consist of [individuals nominated by trading permit holders]Non-Affiliated Directors. The names of the nominees shall be published on a date in each year (the ``Announcement Date'') sufficient to accommodate the process described in this Rule 3.2(b)(2)(C). After the name of proposed nominee(s) is published, [[Page 28160]] OTP Holders and ETP Holders (together, ``Permit Holders'') in good standing may submit a petition to the Exchange in writing to nominate additional eligible candidate(s) to fill the [OTP Holder]Non-Affiliated Director position(s) during the next term. If a written petition of at least 10 percent of [OTP]Permit Holders in good standing is submitted to the Nominating Committee within two weeks after the Announcement Date, such person(s) shall also be nominated by the Nominating Committee; provided, however, that no [OTP]Permit Holder, either alone or together with (x) other OTP Holders associated with the same OTP Firm that such [OTP]Permit Holder is associated with, [and] (y) OTP Holders associated with OTP Firms that are affiliated with the OTP Firm that such [OTP]Permit Holder is associated with, and (z) other ETP Holders who are deemed its affiliates, may account for more than 50% of the signatories to the petition endorsing a particular petition nominee for the [OTP Holder's] Non-Affiliated Director position(s) on the Board of Directors of the NYSE Arca, Inc. Each petition for a petition candidate must include a completed questionnaire used to gather information concerning director candidates (the Exchange shall provide the form of questionnaire upon the request of any [OTP]Permit Holder). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the Nominating Committee shall determine whether any petition candidate is eligible to serve on the Board of Directors (including whether such person is free of any statutory disqualification (as defined in section 3(a)(39) of the Exchange Act)), and such determination shall be final and conclusive. Current Rule 3.2(b)(2)(C)(iii) sets forth the process for selecting a nominee when the number of nominees exceeds the number of available seats. To integrate the ETP Holders into the process, the Exchange proposes to make the following changes: ``OTP Holder'' and ``OTP Holders'' would be replaced with ``Permit Holder'' and ``Permit Holders,'' respectively, and ``OTP Holder's position'' would be replaced with ``Non-Affiliated Director position(s).'' The third sentence sets forth the limits on what percentages of votes can be from a given OTP Holder, OTP Firm or associated OTP Holders and Firms. In order to incorporate ETP Holders in the limitation, the Exchange would add a new clause (z), based on NYSE Arca Equities Rule 3.2(b)(2)(C)(ii), including ETP Holders who are deemed affiliates of the relevant Permit Holder. The revised provision would be as follows (new text italicized; deleted text bracketed): In the event that the number of nominees exceeds the number of available seats, the Nominating Committee shall submit the contested nomination to the [OTP]Permit Holders for selection. [OTP]Permit Holders shall be afforded a confidential voting procedure and shall be given no less than 20 calendar days to submit their votes. Each [OTP]Permit Holder in good standing may select one nominee for the contested seat on the Board of Directors; provided, however that no [OTP]Permit Holder, either alone or together with (x) other OTP Holders associated with the same OTP Firm that such [OTP]Permit Holder is associated with, [and] (y) OTP Holders associated with OTP Firms that are affiliated with the OTP Firm that such [OTP]Permit Holder is associated with, and (z) other ETP Holders who are deemed its affiliates, may account for more than 20% of the votes cast for a particular nominee for the [OTP Holder's] Non-Affiliated Director position(s) on the Board of Directors of NYSE Arca, Inc. With respect to [the]any contested position, the nominee for the Board of Directors receiving the most votes of [OTP]Permit Holders shall be submitted by the Nominating Committee to the Board of Directors of the NYSE Arca, Inc. Tie votes shall be decided by the Board of Directors at its first meeting following the election. Finally, Rule 3.2(b)(2)(C)(i) sets forth the membership of the initial board of directors of the Exchange. The Exchange proposes to replace the obsolete provision with ``Reserved.'' Rule 3.3(a)(2) Rule 3.3 sets forth the provisions regarding Board Committees. In accordance with the proposed changes to the Board composition, the Exchange proposes to amend Rule 3.3(a)(2), regarding the Committee for Review (``CFR''). Specifically, in Rule 3.3(a)(2)(A) ``NYSE Arca Equities'' would be replaced with ``the Exchange'' and the text ``OTP Director(s), the ETP Director(s) and the Public Directors of both NYSE Arca and NYSE Arca Equities'' would be amended to state ``Non- Affiliated Director(s) and the Public Directors of the Exchange.'' In Rule 3.3(a)(2)(B), the text ``Director that is an OTP Holder or Allied Person or Associated Person of an OTP Firm'' would be amended to state ``Non-Affiliated Director.'' B. Board and Permit Holder Committees In order to integrate the ETP Holders and the NYSE Arca Equities committees into the Exchange committee structure, the Exchange proposes to amend Bylaws Article IV, Section 4.02 (``Permit Holder Committees''), Rule 3.1 (Overview), Rule 3.2 (Options Committees), and Rule 3.3 (Board Committees). Article IV, Section 4.02 Bylaws Article IV, Section 4.02 lists the Exchange committees. The Exchange proposes to add the Exchange disciplinary committee, called the ``Ethics and Business Conduct Committee'' (``EBCC'') \18\ to the list in the first sentence of Section 4.02 and to the defined term for ``Permit Holder Committees'' in the second sentence. The NYSE Arca Equities disciplinary committee, the ``Business Conduct Committee'' (``BCC'') \19\ is already listed in Section 4.02. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \18\ See NYSE Arca Rule 3.2(b)(1) (Options Committees) (setting forth the composition, functions and authority of the EBCC). \19\ See NYSE Arca Equities Rule 3.2(b)(1) (Equity Committees) (setting forth the composition, functions and authority of the BCC). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- In addition, the Exchange proposes to remove two obsolete references to the Permit Holder Advisory Committee. There are no other references to a Permit Holder Advisory Committee in the By-laws or rules of the Exchange. The Exchange believes that the references were meant to refer to the OTP Advisory Committee, which no longer exists, as its functions were assumed by the Committee for Review.\20\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \20\ See Securities Exchange Release No. 77898 (May 24, 2016), 81 FR 34404 (May 31, 2016) (SR-NYSEArca-2016-11). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rules 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 Rule 3.1 sets forth the Board's authority to establish committees that consist partly or entirely of directors of the Exchange (each, a ``Board Committee'') and committees consisting of people other than directors of the Exchange (each, an ``Options Committee''). Rule 3.2 sets forth the provisions governing Options Committees, including the Ethics and Business Conduct Committee and Nominating Committee. The Exchange proposes to revise Rules 3.1 and 3.2 to integrate the ETP Holders. Specifically, the Exchange proposes to make the following changes: In Rules 3.1 and 3.2, the Exchange proposes to replace ``Options Committee'' and ``Options Committees'' with ``Exchange Committee'' and ``Exchange Committees,'' respectively. In Rule 3.2(a)(8), which governs the eligibility for, and appointment to, Options Committees, the Exchange proposes to add ETP Holders to the list of persons eligible for appointment, by adding ``or ETP Holder'' after ``Any OTP Holder'' and adding ``or of an ETP Holder'' after ``OTP Firm'' in the first sentence, and ``, ETP Holders,'' after ``OTP Holders'' and ``or of an ETP Holder'' after ``OTP Firm'' in the third sentence. In Rule 3.2(a)(9), which governs naming alternate members, the Exchange proposes to add ``ETP Holders,'' after ``OTP Holders.'' [[Page 28161]] The Exchange proposes to add the current NYSE Arca Equities BCC to the Exchange Rules as an Exchange Committee in new Rule 3.2(b)(2). The proposed text would be the same as the language in current NYSE Arca Equities Rule 3.2(b)(1), except that: The references to NYSE Arca Equities Rules 4, 10 and 11.9 would be updated to references to Rules 4-E, 10 and 13.9, respectively. References to the ``Board,'' which in the present rule means the board of directors of NYSE Arca Equities, would become references to the Board of the Exchange. Pursuant to proposed Rule 3.2(b)(1) and (2), disciplinary proceedings of NYSE Arca involving OTP Holders, OTP Firms, and associated persons would continue to be heard by the EBCC, while disciplinary proceedings of NYSE Arca Equities involving ETP Holders and associated persons would continue to be heard by the BCC. Conforming Changes in Rule 3 The Exchange proposes to make conforming changes in other provisions of Rule 3. Specifically, in Rules 3.7 (Dues, Fees and Charges), 3.8 (Liability for Payment), and 3.10 (Certain Relationships), the Exchange proposes to add ``ETP Holders,'' before ``OTP Holders'' and ``ETP Holder'' before ``OTP Holder,'' respectively. In Rule 3.10(b), the Exchange propose to add ``ETP Holder or'' before ``OTP Firm.'' C. Proposed Rule 3.12 The Exchange proposes to add new Rule 3.12 (NYSE Arca, L.L.C. and Archipelago Securities, L.L.C.), which would address the access to and status of the books, records, premises, officers, directors, agents and employees of NYSE Arca, L.L.C. and Archipelago Securities, L.L.C. Proposed Rule 3.12 would be substantially the same as current NYSE Arca Equities Rule 14.3 (NYSE Arca, L.L.C. and Archipelago Securities, L.L.C.), with the following exceptions: In proposed Rule 3.12(a), the text ``the Exchange'' would replace ``NYSE Arca Equities''; ``NYSE Arca and NYSE Arca Equities''; and ``the NYSE Arca, NYSE Arca Equities.'' In proposed Rule 3.12(f), the text ``, NYSE Arca Equities'' would be deleted. III. Integration of NYSE Arca Equities Rules Into the NYSE Arca Rules A. Organization of the Proposed Revised NYSE Arca Rulebook Presently, the Exchange has two rulebooks: the NYSE Arca rules for the options market and the NYSE Arca Equities rules for the equities market. In connection with the Merger and the termination of the Delegation, the Exchange proposes to integrate the two sets of rules into a single rulebook. The resulting rulebook would have three types of rules: rules that apply to both markets; rules that apply only to the options market, indicated by an ``-O'' at the end of the rule number; and rules that apply only to the equities market, indicated by an ``-E'' at the end of the rule number. More specifically: The following amended rules would apply to both markets and would be grouped under the heading ``General Rules'': NYSE Arca Rules 0 (Regulation of the Exchange, OTP Holders, OTP Firms and ETP Holders); 1 (Definitions); 2 (Trading Permits); and 3 (Organization and Administration). The following amended rules would apply to only to [sic] the options market, and would be grouped under the heading ``Options Rules'': NYSE Arca Rules 4-O (Capital Requirements, Financial Reports, Margins--Options); 5-O (Options Contracts Traded on the Exchange); 6-O (Options Trading); 7-O (General Options Trading Rules); 8-O (Reserved) and 9-O (Conducting Business with the Public--Options) (collectively, the ``Options Rules''). The following amended rules would apply to only to [sic] the equities market, and would be grouped under the heading ``Equities Rules'': NYSE Arca Rules 4-E (Capital Requirements, Financial Reports, Margins--Equities); 5-E (Equities Listings); 6-E (Order Audit Trail System); 7-E (Equities Trading); 8-E (Trading of Certain Equity Derivatives); and 9-E (Conducting Business with the Public--Equities) (collectively, the ``Equities Rules''). The following amended rules would apply to both markets and would be grouped under the heading ``Disciplinary and Miscellaneous Rules'': 10 (Disciplinary Proceedings, Other Hearings and Appeals); 11 (Business Conduct); 12 (Arbitration); 13 (Cancellation, Suspension and Reinstatement); and 14 (Liability of Directors and Exchange). The Exchange's organization of its rules would be similar to that of its affiliate NYSE MKT, which has rules of general application and rules specific to its equity and options markets.\21\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \21\ See, e.g. NYSE MKT Office Rules, Rules 300-590; NYSE MKT Section 900NY (Rules Principally Applicable to Trading of Option Contracts); and NYSE MKT Rule 0-Equities through Rule 6140-Equities. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Except as otherwise stated below, the proposed changes are not intended to change the substance of the NYSE Arca or NYSE Arca Equities rules, but are organizational in nature.\22\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \22\ The Exchange will amend the present filing to reflect any amendments to Exchange rules before the date of approval. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proposed Changes Applicable to Entire Rulebook The following proposed changes would apply to the entire set of Exchange rules. To avoid needless repetition, when discussing specific Rules, the Exchange does not repeat the description of these global changes. Throughout the rules, all cross references to the Options Rules would be updated to reflect the addition of ``-O'' to the rule numbers. Similarly, all cross references to the Equities Rules would be amended to reflect the addition of ``-E'' to the rule numbers and to delete ``Equities'' from ``NYSE Arca Equities Rule.'' For example, a cross reference ``NYSE Arca Equities Rule 5.2(j)(6)'' would be amended to ``NYSE Arca Rule 5.2-E(j)(6).'' Throughout the rules, cross references would be updated as needed, including cross references within a renumbered rule to the rule itself. For example, the Exchange proposes to add Commentary .01 from NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.17 to Rule 2.18. The references to ``Rule 2.17'' within the Commentary would be updated to ``Rule 2.18'' accordingly. The NYSE Arca Equities rules refer to NYSE Arca Equities, Inc., as the ``Corporation.'' \23\ The term will be obsolete subsequent to the Merger, as NYSE Arca Equities will cease to exist. Accordingly, in all proposed rule text based on the NYSE Arca Equities rules, the Exchange proposes to replace ``Corporation'' and ``Corporation's'' with ``Exchange'' and ``Exchange's,'' respectively. Similarly, ``a Corporation'' would be changed to ``an Exchange.'' \24\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \23\ See NYSE Arca Equities Rule 1(k). \24\ See e.g., NYSE Arca Equities Rules 2.21(f) (``a Corporation employee'') and 5.4(a) (``a Corporation listing standard''). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- B. General Rules Proposed revised Rules 0, 1, 2, and 3, which would apply to both the equities and options markets, would incorporate changes based on NYSE Arca Equities Rules 0 (Regulation of the Exchange and Exchange Trading Permit Holders); 1 (Definitions); 2 (Equity Trading Permits); and 3 (Organization and Administration), respectively. The proposed changes to Rules 0, 1 and 2 are addressed below. The proposed changes to Rule 3 are addressed in Part II, above. [[Page 28162]] Rule 0 (Regulation of the Exchange, OTP Holders, and OTP Firms) The text of Rule 0 and NYSE Arca Equities Rule 0 is the same. Accordingly, in order to incorporate the equities market, the sole change to Rule 0 would be to change its title to ``Regulation of the Exchange, OTP Holders, OTP Firms and ETP Holders.'' Rule 1 (Definitions) The Exchange proposes to integrate Rule 1 and NYSE Arca Equities Rule 1 (Definitions) by (a) incorporating the text of definitions that are unique to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 1.1, and (b) amending definitions that the two rules have in common, as needed. The Exchange also proposes to delete definitions marked ``Reserved,'' put the definitions in alphabetical order, and renumber the definitions to reflect the changes. Proposed New Definitions The Exchange proposes to add the following definitions from NYSE Arca Equities Rule 1.1: Authorized Trader; Away Market; BBO; Core Trading Hours; Derivative Securities Product and UTP Derivative Securities Product; Effective National Market System Plan, Regular Trading Hours; Eligible Security; ETP; ETP Holder; FINRA; General Authorized Trader; Lead Market Maker; Marketable; Market Maker; Market Maker Authorized Trader; Market Participant; Nasdaq; NBBO, Best Protected Bid, Best Protected Offer, Protected Best Bid and Offer (PBBO); NMS Stock; Notice of Consent; Official Closing Price; Protected Bid, Protected Offer, Protected Quotation; Routing Agreement; Sponsored Participant; Sponsoring ETP Holder; Sponsorship Provisions; Stockholder Associate; Trade-Through; Trading Center: User; User Agreement; UTP Listing Market; and UTP Regulatory Halt. The phrase ``[w]ith respect to equities traded on the Exchange'' would be added to the start of all the added definitions except the definitions for Eligible Security, ETP, ETP Holder, FINRA, Nasdaq, and NMS Stock. The current definition of ETP Holder in NYSE Arca Equities Rule 1.1 provides that an ETP Holder would ``have limited voting rights to nominate two directors to the Exchange's Board of Directors and one Governor to the Board of Governors of the NYSE Arca Parent.'' The Exchange believes that such statement is not relevant to the definition and would be adequately addressed in proposed Bylaw 3.02 and Rule 3.2. Accordingly, when integrating the definition of ETP Holder, the Exchange proposes not to include the cited sentence, as well as to change ``NYSE Arca Parent'' to ``Exchange.'' Proposed Amendments to Rule 1 To incorporate NYSE Arca Equities Rule 1.1, the Exchange proposes to make the following amendments to the current definitions in Rule 1.1: In definitions that would apply to both OTPs and ETPs, the Exchange proposes to add references to ETPs and ETP Holders. Accordingly, ``ETP Holder'' and/or ``ETP Holders'' \25\ would be added to the definitions of Allied Person; Approved Person; Associated Person; Good Standing; Participant; Registered Employee; and Trading Facilities. A reference to ``ETP'' would be added to the definition of Good Standing. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \25\ Throughout the rules, when adding ``ETP,'' ``ETPs,'' ``ETP Holder'' or ``ETP Holders'' to a rule, the Exchange would utilize a comma, ``and'' or ``or'' as necessary to integrate it into the text. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Both ``Board'' and ``Board of Directors'' are used in the Rules to refer to the Board of Directors of NYSE Arca, but only ``Board'' is defined in Rule 1.1.\26\ Accordingly, the Exchange proposes to expand the definition of ``Board'' so that both ``Board'' and ``Board of Directors'' are defined to mean the Board of Directors of NYSE Arca. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \26\ See, e.g., Rules 2.3 (Qualifications of Firm Applicants), 2.14 (Allied Persons and Approved Persons), and 4.2(g) (Voting Agreement). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The definitions of OTP Holder and OTP Firm provide that the OTP Holder or OTP Firm, as applicable, ``will have limited voting rights to nominate an OTP Holder to the Exchange's Board of Directors pursuant to Rule 3.2(b)(2)(C).'' As with the definition of ETP Holder, the Exchange believes that such statements are not relevant to the definitions and are addressed in Bylaw 3.02 and Rule 3.2. Accordingly it proposes to delete the cited sentences.\27\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \27\ The Exchange believes that the proposed changes to the definitions of ETP Holder, OTP Holder and OTP Firm would be consistent with the definitions of ``Member'' and ``Member Firm'' in the governing documents of NYSE and NYSE MKT, which do not refer to voting for non-affiliated directors. See NYSE Rule 2 and NYSE MKT Rule 2-Equities. See also Nasdaq Stock Market Equity Rule 0129(i) (definition of ``Member'' or ``Nasdaq Member'') and Options Rule 1(40) (definition of ``Options Participant'' or ``Participant'') and Seventh Amended and Restated Bylaws of Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc., Article I, Section 1.1(f) (definition of ``Trading Permit Holder''). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The definition of NYSE Arca Marketplace in the two rulebooks differs. However, while the term is used multiple times in the NYSE Arca Equities Rules, it is not used in the Exchange Rules other than in the definition itself. Accordingly, the Exchange proposes to delete the definition of NYSE Arca Marketplace in Rule 1.1(dd) and replace it with the definition in NYSE Arca Equities Rule 1(e), as well as to move it to conform to alphabetical order. In the definition of Security, the text ``, provided, however, that for purposes of Rule 7-E such term means any NMS stock'' would be added at the end of the definition, consistent with NYSE Arca Equities Rule 1(rr). In the definition of Trading Facilities, ``equities,'' would be added after ``trading of.'' Rule 2 (Options Trading Permits) The Exchange proposes to revise Rule 2 to incorporate NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2 (Equity Trading Permits), which sets forth the equivalent requirements for ETPs. To implement the change, the Exchange proposes to amend the title of Rule 2 from ``Options Trading Permits'' to ``Trading Permits,'' add two new rules, and amend the existing rules. Proposed New Rules The first new rule would be proposed Rule 2.24 (Registration-- Employees of ETP Holders), which would be the same as current NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.21 (Employees of ETP Holders Registration), with the exception of a revised title and updated rule references. Current Rules 2.24 through 2.26 would be renumbered as Rules 2.25 through 2.27 to reflect the addition of proposed Rule 2.24. The second new rule would be proposed Rule 2.28 (Books and Records), which would be the same as current Rule 9.17 (Books and Records), with the addition of ``ETP Holder,'' ``ETP Holders,'' and ``, as applicable.'' \28\ To incorporate the provisions of current NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.24 (ETP Books and Records), the Exchange proposes to add ``ETP Holders'' and ``ETP Holder'' before the terms ``OTP Holders and OTP Firms'' and ``OTP Holder or OTP Firm,'' respectively.\29\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \28\ The Exchange proposes to replace the current text of Rule 9.17 with ``reserved.'' See proposed Rule 9.17. \29\ Rule 11.16 (Books and Records) would only apply to OTP Holders and OTP Firms, as there is no equivalent provision in the NYSE Arca Equities rules. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proposed Amendments to Rule 2 The Exchange proposes the following revisions to the titles of rules in Rule 2: In rules that would only apply to OTPs, the Exchange proposes to add ``OTP'' in the title. Accordingly, the title of Rule 2.2 (Qualifications and Application of Individual Applicants) would be revised to ``Qualifications and Application of Individual OTP [[Page 28163]] Applicants'' and the title of Rule 2.23 (Registration) would be revised to ``Registration--OTPs.'' To indicate that the revised rule applies to both OTPs and ETPs, the Exchange proposes to (a) replace ``OTPs'' and ``OTP'' with ``Trading Permits'' in the titles of Rules 2.5 (Denial of or Conditions to OTPs) and 2.11 (Sole Proprietors and Individual OTP Holders), respectively; (b) add ``ETP Holder,'' to the titles of Rules 2.9 (Exchange Not Bound by OTP Holder and OTP Firm Agreements) and 2.17 (Amendments to OTP Firm or OTP Holder Documents); (c) add ``ETP Holders,'' to the title of Rule 2.12 (OTP Holders and OTP Firms); (d) delete ``OTP'' from the title of Rule 2.16 (Responsibilities of Non- Resident OTP Firms); (e) delete ``OTP Firm or OTP Holder'' from the title of Rule 2.19 (Exemption from OTP Firm or OTP Holder Registration Requirements); and (f) add ``ETP or'' to the title of Rules 2.21 (Limited Transferability of an OTP) and 2.22 (Termination of an OTP). To make the title more reflective of the Rule, the Exchange proposes to change the title of Rule 2.10 (Only OTP Firms and OTP Holders to Trade Under) to ``Carrying Accounts for Customers and Conducting Business Under a Firm Name.'' To indicate that the proposed heading applies to both OTPs and ETPs, the Exchange proposes to add ``ETP or'' to the heading ``Requirements of Holding an OTP,'' which appears before Rule 2.7, and to the heading ``Obtaining an OTP,'' which appears before Rule 2.20. It also proposes to add ``and ETP Holders'' at the end of the heading ``Employees of OTP Firms,'' which appears before Rule 2.23. The Exchange proposes the following revisions to the text of rules in Rule 2: In rules that would apply to both OTPs and ETP Holders, the Exchange proposes to add references to ETP Holders. Accordingly, ``ETP Holder'' and/or ``ETP Holders'' would be added to Rules 2.1 (Securities Business), 2.4(d) and (e) (Application Procedures), 2.5, 2.7 (Requirements Applicable Generally Revocable Privilege) through 2.9, 2.12 through 2.17, 2.18(a) and (b) (Activity Assessment Fees), 2.19, 2.21(b), 2.22, and proposed Rules 2.26 (Electronic Mail Address) and 2.27 (Exchange Backup Systems and Mandatory Testing). In addition, the Exchange proposes to add ``, as applicable'' after ``OTP Firm'' in Rules 2.4(e) and 2.14(f). Similarly, the Exchange proposes to add ``ETP or'' before ``OTP'' in Rules 2.3(a), 2.4(d), (e) and (g), 2.5(a), (b) and (f), 2.7, 2.8 (No Liability for Using Facilities), 2.17(b), 2.21, and 2.22. In addition, the Exchange proposes to add ``, as applicable'' after ``OTP'' in Rules 2.4(d) and (e), 2.8, 2.17(b) and 2.22(b). In Rules 2.1(b)(1) and 2.8, the Exchange proposes to add ``Certificate of Incorporation,'' before ``Bylaws'' consistent with NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.1(b) (Securities Business) and 2.7 (No Liability for Using Trading Facilities), respectively. Rule 2.4 sets forth the application procedures for OTPs. To add the procedures for ETPs, consistent with NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.3 (Application Procedures), the Exchange proposes to make the following changes: Unlike Rule 2.4, NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.3(a) provides that application fees are not transferable. Accordingly, the Exchange proposes to add a sentence to the end of Rule 2.4(a) stating that application fees for ETPs are not transferrable. In addition, in the first sentence of (a), the Exchange proposes to add the text ``person applying to become an ETP Holder, every'' after ``Every.'' In the second sentence of (a), it proposes to add the text ``person seeking to become an ETP Holder, every'' after ``Every'' and update the obsolete reference to ``the NASD'' to ``FINRA's.'' In the second sentence of Rule 2.4(d), the Exchange proposes to add ``for OTPs, sole proprietor applicants for ETPs,'' after ``Individual applicants'' consistent with NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.3(d), which references ``sole proprietor applicants'' but not individual applicants for ETPs. Rule 2.4(g) states that a petition for review of the denial of a trading permit must be filed within thirty calendar days of the date on which the Corporation's decision was mailed. The Exchange believes that the reference to the ``Corporation'' in Rule 2.4(g) is erroneous and should be to the ``Exchange's'' decision, as ``Corporation'' is not a defined term in Exchange rules. Accordingly, the Exchange proposes to make the corresponding change. Rule 2.4(h) states that the approval shall be withdrawn if an approved application is not activated within six months, but NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.3 does not have a similar provision. Accordingly, the Exchange proposes to clarify that the provision only applies to OTPs by adding ``for an OTP'' after ``application.'' Rule 2.4(i) states that an ETP Holder may use an expedited process to become an OTP Holder. Consistent with NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.3(b), the Exchange proposes to add a new second sentence stating that an OTP Holder may use an expedited process to become an ETP Holder. Consistent with the change, the Exchange proposes to add, in the current second sentence, the text ``and Short Form ETP Holder Application'' after ``Short Form OTP Holder Application'' and the text ``or OTP Holder, as applicable,'' after ``ETP Holder. Rule 2.5 provides that the Exchange may deny or may condition trading privileges under an OTP. Consistent with NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.4 (Denial of or Conditions to ETPs), the Exchange proposes to make the following changes: In Rule 2.5(b)(10), the Exchange proposes to add the heading ``Series 7 Requirement'' and corresponding text from NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.4(b)(10). The first sentence of Rule 2.5(c) requires that applicants complete an Exchange Orientation Program prior to admission to the trading floor or participation on a trading system. NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.4 does not have a similar provision. Accordingly, the Exchange proposes to change the term ``all applicants'' to ``all OTP applicants.'' In Rule 2.5(f), the Exchange proposes to add a second sentence providing that the BCC ``may take action against an ETP Holder under Rule 10 when any of the above reasons for denying or conditioning issuance of an ETP come into existence after an application has been approved and an ETP has been issued,'' corresponding to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.4(f). Rule 2.10 addresses carrying accounts for customers and conducting business under a firm name. The Exchange proposes to add a second paragraph to Rule 2.10, with the text from NYSE Arca Equities Rule. 2.09 (Only ETP Holder Organizations May Carry Customer Accounts). Rule 2.11 addresses sole proprietors. The Exchange proposes to update the title by replacing ``OTP'' with ``Trading Permit'' and to add a new section (e) to the Rule, with the text from NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.10(b) (Sole Proprietors). Rule 2.14 sets forth provisions relating to allied persons and approved persons. Consistent with NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.13 (Allied Persons and Approved Persons), the Exchange proposes to make the following changes: The Exchange proposes to add the text from NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.13(c), (d), (g) and (i) to the end of Rule 2.14(c), (d), (g) and (i), respectively. Rule 2.14(f) states that the Exchange may require certain applicants to pass an examination. NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.13(f) includes limited liability company member in its equivalent list. [[Page 28164]] Accordingly, the Exchange proposes to add the text ``, or a limited liability company member of any ETP Holder,'' after ``OTP Firm.'' Rule 2.17 addresses amendments to trading permit holder documents. Consistent with NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.16(c), the Exchange proposes to amend the first sentence of Rule 2.17(c) by revising ``termination of an OTP'' to state ``a person associated with that ETP Holder or an OTP, as applicable.'' Rule 2.18 states that activity assessment fees will be collected through the Options Clearing Corporation on behalf of the Exchange. Consistent with NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.17 (Activity Assessment Fees), the Exchange proposes to add text to Rule 2.18(a) stating that ``Activity Assessment Fees shall be due and payable from ETP Holders at such times and intervals as prescribed by the Exchange.'' NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.17(b) provides that the Corporation may fix and impose certain other charges or fees to be paid by ETP Holders, without specifying to whom they are paid. Rule 2.18(b), however, states that the Board of Directors sets the charges or fees, and that they are to be paid to the Exchange or its subsidiaries. The Exchange does not propose to amend this aspect of Rule 2.18(b), however, as it believes that the provisions are substantially similar in intent. The Exchange proposes to add commentary .01 from NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.17 to Rule 2.18. Rule 2.19(a) sets forth the registration requirements for permit holders. The Exchange proposes to amend the references to ``member'' and ``member organization'' to include both terms, to incorporate NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.18(a). Rule 2.21 sets forth the provisions on transfer of trading permits. Consistent with NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.20 (Limited Transferability), the Exchange proposes to add the following text to the end of the first sentence in Rule 2.21(a): ``, and ETPs may not be purchased (other than from the Exchange), sold or leased.'' In addition, the Exchange proposes to add ``(other than from the Exchange'') after ``purported purchase'' in the second sentence. C. Options Rules The Options Rules would be substantially the same as current NYSE Arca Rules 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, with the following changes: The word ``--Options'' would be added at the end of the headings for proposed Rules 4-O and 9-O, which would be called ``Capital Requirements, Financial Reports, Margins--Options'' and ``Conducting Business with the Public--Options,'' respectively. Similarly, the word ``Options'' would be added to the heading of proposed Rule 7-O, so that it becomes ``General Options Trading Rules.'' ``Corporation'' would be replaced with ``Exchange'' in proposed Rules 4.1-O (Minimum Net Capital) and 9.26-O (Registration of Options Principals), and in the title of Rule 9.1-O(a) (Register with the Corporation). The Exchange believes that the references should be to the Exchange, as ``Corporation'' is not a defined term in the NYSE Arca rules. The text of Rule 9.17 (Books and Records) would be replaced with ``Reserved'' and the requirements of Rule 9.17 would be integrated with proposed Rule 2.28 (Books and Records), as discussed above.\30\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \30\ See discussion accompanying notes 28 and 29, supra. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- A cross reference to Rule 6.1(a)(24) in Rule 4.16(d)(9)(G) (Other Provisions) would be corrected to reference subsection (b)(24), as the Exchange believes that the current reference is incorrect.\31\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \31\ See Exhibit A, Rule 4, to SR-PCX-2004-08 (February 10, 2004), available at https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro/pcx/34-49451_a4.pdf. See also Securities Exchange Release No. 49718 (May 17, 2004), 69 FR 29611 (May 24, 2004). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- D. Equities Rules The proposed new Equities Rules would be the same as current NYSE Arca Equities Rules 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, the Conduct Rules, and the Order Audit Trail System, subject to the following changes. Organizational Changes The Exchange proposes to make the following organizational changes throughout the Equities Rules: The Exchange proposes to add the word ``--Equities'' to the end of the titles of proposed Rules 4-E and 9-E, which would be called ``Capital Requirements, Financial Reports, Margins--Equities'' and ``Conducting Business with the Public--Equities,'' respectively. ``Equities'' would be added to the start of Rule 5-E, which would become ``Equities Listings.'' The Conduct Rules, which are currently NYSE Arca Equities Rules 2010 through 5320, would be moved to the end of proposed Rule 9- E, becoming Rules 9.2010-E through 9.5320-E, with the exception of NYSE Arca Equities Rule 5220 (Disruptive Quoting and Trading Activity Prohibited), which would be integrated into Rule 11.21 (Disruptive Quoting and Trading Activity Prohibited). The Order Audit Trail System Rules, which are currently NYSE Arca Equities Rules 7410 through 7470, would be moved to Rule 6-E, becoming Rules 6.7410-E through 6.7470-E.\32\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \32\ Current NYSE Arca Equities Rule 6 (Business Conduct) would be integrated into Rule 11 (Business Conduct). See ``Rule 11 (Business Conduct)'', below. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proposed Amendments Several of the NYSE Arca Equities rules refer to the Delegation or reference the relationship between NYSE Arca Equities and the Exchange through the use of the term ``NYSE Arca Parent.'' \33\ After the Merger, such references would be obsolete. Accordingly, to reflect the Merger, the Exchange proposes to make the following changes when incorporating NYSE Arca Equities rules into the Exchange rules: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \33\ NYSE Arca Equities Rule 1(nn) defines ``NYSE Arca Parent'' as ``the NYSE Arca, Inc., a Delaware corporation and national securities exchange as that term is defined in Section 6 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.'' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The second sentence of NYSE Arca Equities Rule 5.1(a)(1) (General Provisions and Unlisted Trading Privileges) states that ``[f]or the purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (`Exchange Act'), securities traded on the Corporation shall be admitted to unlisted trading privileges or listed on the NYSE Arca Parent, subject to the NYSE Arca Parent's delegation of the responsibility for the administration and enforcement of the unlisted trading privileges and listing requirements to the Corporation.'' The Exchange proposes not to include the sentence when incorporating the provision into Rule 5.1- E(a)(1) (General Provisions and Unlisted Trading Privileges). The Exchange proposes not to include the statement that `` `NYSE Arca Equities, Inc.' (the `Corporation') is a wholly owned subsidiary of ICE'' in NYSE Arca Equities Rule 5.1(c)(a)(3) (Listing of an Affiliate or Entity that Operates and/or Owns a Trading System or Facility of the Corporation) when incorporating the provision into proposed Rule 5.1-E(c)(a)(3) (Listing of an Affiliate or Entity that Operates and/or Owns a Trading System or Facility of the Exchange). The Exchange proposes to use the term ``Exchange'' instead of ``NYSE Arca Parent'' in proposed Rule 5.1-E(b)(4) (Definitions) and in place of ``Corporation and the NYSE Arca Parent'' in Rule 9.18- E(b)(3) (Doing A Public Business In Options). Similarly, the Exchange proposes to use the term ``Exchange'' instead of ``NYSE Arca [[Page 28165]] Equities'' in proposed Rule 7.29-E(b)(2)(I). The Exchange proposes several changes to remove obsolete references in the Equities Rules, as follows: NYSE Arca Equities Rule 5.3(k)(4) (Independent Directors/ Board Committees) sets forth two versions of paragraph (k)(4) (Compensation Committee). One provides the operative text through June 30, 2013, and one provides the operative text effective commencing July 1, 2013. Proposed NYSE Arca Rule 5.3-E(k)(4) would only include the text that was operative commencing July 1, 2013. Similarly, present NYSE Arca Equities Rule 5.3(n) (Listed Foreign Private Issuer) includes two versions of the rule. One provides the operative text through June 30, 2013, and one provides the operative text effective commencing July 1, 2013. Proposed NYSE Arca Rule 5.3-E(n) would only include the text that was operative commencing July 1, 2013. Present NYSE Arca Equities Rules 7.18(a) (Halts) and 7.46(f)(5)(C) and (F) (Tick Size Pilot Plan) cross reference Rules 7.11P, 7.31P(a)(2)(C) and (F), and Rule 7.31P(e), respectively. Because the ``P'' modifier has been deleted from such Rules, proposed NYSE Arca Rules 7.18-E(a) and 7.46-E(f)(5)(C) and (F) would not include the ``P'' modifier in the cross references.\34\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \34\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 79079 (October 11, 2016), 81 FR 71559 (October 17, 2016). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.25 (Crowd Participant Program) expired on June 23, 2016. Accordingly, the Exchange proposes not to include an equivalent to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.25 in the Equities Rules. Instead, it would mark proposed Rule 7.25-E as ``Reserved.'' In proposed Rule 8.203-E(g) (Commodity Index Trust Shares) Commentary .03, an obsolete reference to ``PCXE Rule 7.34'' in NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.203(g) would be updated to ``Rule 7.34-E.'' The term ``PCXE'' refers to the Pacific Exchange, Inc. The Pacific Exchange, Inc. was a predecessor of the Exchange, and so the reference is obsolete. The Exchange proposes to make the following changes to cross references to the Exchange rules within the Equities Rules: Rule 4.15-E(d)(9)(G)(i) and (ii) (Other Provisions) includes references to ``Rule 6.1(a)(23) of the NYSE Arca Parent.'' The Exchange proposes to delete ``of the NYSE Arca Parent'' and revise the references to cite subsection (b)(24) instead of (a)(23), as the Exchange believes that the current reference is incorrect.\35\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \35\ See note 31, supra. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- In Rule 9.18-E(b)(3) (Doing a Public Business in Options) the text ``Rules of the Corporation and the NYSE Arca Parent'' would be changed in the proposal to ``Rules of the Exchange.'' In Rule 9.20-E(a) (Transactions for Public Customers) ``NYSE Arca Parent Rule 6.35'' would be changed in the proposal to ``Rule 6.35-O.'' Amendments That Are Approved but Not Yet Operative NYSE Arca Equities Rules 7.10, 7.11, 7.31, and 7.35 have a notice stating that an amended version of the rule has been approved but is not yet operative. The notices include links to the amended version of the rule and the relevant approval order. The notices and links would be retained in proposed rules 7.10-E (Clearly Erroneous Executions), 7.11-E (Limit Up--Limit Down Plan and Trading Pauses in Individual Securities Due to Extraordinary Market Volatility), 7.31-E (Orders and Modifiers), and 7.35-E (Auctions). Exhibit 5C sets forth the proposed text of the amended but not yet operative versions of such rules. The Exchange will announce by Trader Update when the amended version of the rule will become operative. E. Disciplinary and Miscellaneous Rules Proposed revised Rules 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, which would apply to both the equities and options markets, would incorporate changes based on NYSE Arca Equities 10 (Disciplinary Proceedings, Other Hearings, and Appeals), 6 (Business Conduct), 12 (Arbitration), 11 (Cancellation, Suspension and Reinstatement), 13 (Liability of Directors and Corporation) and 5220. The proposed changes to each rule are addressed in turn below. Rule 10 (Disciplinary Proceedings and Appeals) The Exchange proposes to revise Rule 10 to incorporate NYSE Arca Equities Rule 10 (Disciplinary Proceedings, Other Hearings, and Appeals), which sets forth the equivalent requirements for ETP Holders. As a result, a single set of rules would encompass all disciplinary proceedings and appeals. As described below, to implement the change, the Exchange proposes to amend the title of Rule 10 to ``Disciplinary Proceedings, Other Hearings and Appeals,'' add one new rule, and amend the existing rules. Proposed New Rule The Exchange proposes to incorporate the entire text of current NYSE Arca Equities Rule 10.10 (Miscellaneous Provisions) into new Rule 10.10 (Miscellaneous Provisions), which would provide that any charges, notices or other documents may be served upon the Respondent either personally or by leaving the same at Respondent's place of business or by deposit in the United States Post Office, postage prepaid via registered or certified mail addressed to the Respondent at its address as it appears on the books and records of the Exchange. The current text of NYSE Arca Rule 10.10 is marked ``Reserved.'' Proposed Amendments to Rule 10 The Exchange proposes to add references to ETP Holders to show revised Rule 10's applicability to both categories of trading permit holders. Accordingly, the following proposed Rules would be updated to include references to ``ETP Holder'' and/or ``ETP Holders'' including, where appropriate, when referring to person(s) associated with an ETP Holder: Rule 10.1(a) and (b) (Disciplinary Jurisdiction); \36\ Rule 10.2 (Investigations and Regulatory Cooperation); Rule 10.3(c) (Ex Parte Communications); Rule 10.4(a) (Complaints); Rule 10.5(d) (Hearing); Rule10.6(c) (Offers of Settlement); Rule 10.9(a) (Judgment and Penalty); Rule 10.11(a), (b), (d)(3) and (d)(5) (Appeal of Floor Citations and Minor Rule Plan Sanctions); Rule 10.12(a), (b), and (g) (Minor Rule Plan); Rule 10.14 (Hearings and Review of Decisions by the Exchange); and Rule 10.18(a)(2) (Expedited Client Suspension Proceeding). Rule 10.18(a)(2) would also include a reference to an ``associated person of an ETP Holder.'' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \36\ The Exchange also proposes to delete a stray parenthetical in the first sentence, so that ``Rule 10.1)'' would be ``Rule 10.1.'' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Similarly, the Exchange proposes to add references to the BCC, which is the NYSE Arca Equities disciplinary committee,\37\ to Rule 10. Accordingly, a definition of the BCC would be added to Rule 10.3(a)(1) and the following rules would be updated to include references to the BCC \38\: Rule 10.3(a), (c) and (e); Rule 10.4(c); Rule 10.5(a); Rule 10.6(d), (h), (j) and (k); Rule 10.11(d)(1); Rule 10.12(c) and (d); and Rule 10.17(e)(2) (Release of Disciplinary Information Through the Public Disclosure Program). In addition, [[Page 28166]] subsection (g) of Rule 10.12 would be amended to add ``Business Conduct Committee or the'' before ``Ethics and Business Conduct Committee.'' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \37\ See NYSE Arca Equities Rule 3.2(b)(1) (Equity Committees) and proposed new Rule 3.2(b)(2). \38\ Throughout the rules, when adding ``BCC'' or ``Business Conduct Committee'' to a rule, the Exchange would utilize a comma, ``and'' or ``or'' as necessary to integrate it into the text. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Exchange proposes to make the following additional changes to Rule 10: In the first sentence of Rule 10.1, the Exchange proposes to make the following non-substantive changes: ``on the Exchange'' would be amended to ``of the Exchange,'' and ``or policy or procedure'' would be amended to ``or any policy of procedure.'' In Rule 10.1(b), the Exchange proposes to change the semicolon after ``such termination'' to a comma. A new Commentary .02 would be added to Rule 10.3 that would provide that a disciplinary proceeding will be considered to be pending from the date that Complaint has been issued pursuant to Rule 10.4 until the proceeding, including any appeals, becomes final. This is the same text as in current NYSE Arca Equities Rule 10.3. The Exchange notes that proposed Rule 10.5 differs from the current NYSE Arca Equities version in two respects. First, current NYSE Arca Rule 10.5 requires the EBCC to appoint three or more members to hear a matter. NYSE Arca Equities Rule 10.5 requires the BCC to appoint one or more. The Exchange determined to retain the three person NYSE Arca requirement in proposed Rule 10.5, which is consistent with the disciplinary rules of its affiliates NYSE and NYSE MKT.\39\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \39\ See NYSE and NYSE MKT Rule 9231(b)(1), which requires a hearing Panel to be composed of a Hearing Officer and two panelists. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- In subsections (a) and (k) of proposed Rule 10.6, references to the ``Department of Enforcement'' would be shortened to ``Enforcement.'' Rule 10.8 (Review) would be amended as follows. First, subsection (b) would incorporate text from NYSE Arca Equities Rule 10.8(b) requiring a decision of the Review Board (as defined therein) to become final 15 calendar days after notifying the parties and that the decision would be stayed pending a request for review of such determination by the NYSE Arca Board of Directors filed pursuant Rule 10.8(c) or 10.8(d). The proposed change would add clarity to the current rule by specifying that a Board review stays a determination from becoming final. The second and third paragraphs of subsection (b) would be amended to replace ``Board of Directors'' with ``CFR,'' which is the Board committee with the delegated authority to consider appeals on behalf of the Board and which appoints the Review Board under the Rule. As such, the proposed change would add clarity and transparency to the Exchange's Rules by specifying that the CFR, and not the full Board, would be acting with respect to the Review Board. In the third paragraph, the Exchange would also add ``or her'' before ``duties.'' Second, paragraph (c) would be amended to incorporate text from current NYSE Arca Equities Rule 10.8(c), permitting the Complainant or Respondent to request review of a decision by the NYSE Arca Board of Directors and establishing the requirements for initiating such a review. ``NYSE Arca Board'' would be replaced with ``Board of Directors'' as ``NYSE Arca Board'' is not a defined term. The Exchange proposes various changes to Rule 10.11. In the second sentence of subsection (d)(4), the Exchange proposes the non-substantive change of adding the word ``of'' between ``standard'' and ``review.'' Subsection (b) would be amended to shorten ``Department of Enforcement'' to ``Enforcement.'' The Exchange proposes various changes to Rule 10.12. Subsection (e) would be amended to shorten ``Department of Enforcement'' to ``Enforcement.'' New subsection (i) would incorporate those current NYSE Arca Equities trading Rules eligible for minor rule violation treatment as set forth in NYSE Arca Equities Rule 10.12(g). The heading would be ``Minor Rule Plan: Minor Trading Rule Violations.'' Subsection (i) is currently marked ``Reserved.'' Subsection (j) would be amended to add cross references to the relevant Equities Rules; add ``ETP Holder's or'' before ``OTP Holder'' in (j)(2); add ``filing and/or'' before ``notification'' in (j)(4); and add new item (13) to incorporate the provision in NYSE Arca Equities Rule 10.12(j)(13). The heading of Subsection (k) would be amended to add ``Options.'' New subsection (l) would be entitled ``Equities Minor Rule Plan: Recommended Fine Schedule'' and incorporate the current NYSE Arca Equities Rules eligible for minor rule violation treatment. Fine levels and eligible rules would remain the same as current NYSE Arca Equities Rule 10.12(i). Proposed subsection (l) reproduces current NYSE Arca Equities Rule 10.12(i) in its entirety. The word ``--Options'' would be added to the end of the titles of Rules 10.13 (Summary Sanction Procedure) and 10.16 (NYSE Arca Sanctioning Guidelines). Such rules have no equities analogues and would only apply to options matters. In the first sentence of the fourth paragraph of Rule 10.16(a), ``Principals'' would be replaced with ``Principles.'' The Exchange proposes various changes to Rule 10.14: In subsection (a), ``ETP'' would be added before ``OTP'' and a reference to Rule 7.23-E would be added. Consistent with NYSE Arca Equities Rule 10.13(a)(5), a new subsection (a)(7) would be added to incorporate actions taken by the Exchange pursuant to proposed Rule 7.22-E, including the denial of the application for, or the termination or suspension of, a Market Maker's registration in a security or securities, as eligible for relief under Rule 10.14. Consistent with NYSE Arca Equities Rule 10.13(a), subsection (a) would also be amended to provide that provisions of Rule 10.14 would not apply to reviews of delisting decisions for which review is already provided within Rule 5-E. Subsection (l) would be amended to add the Chairperson of the committee whose action was subject to the prior review as an additional person who can call a decision of the CFR Appeals Panel for review, consistent with NYSE Arca Equities Rule 10.13(k). Rule 11 (Business Conduct) The Exchange proposes to revise Rule 11 to incorporate NYSE Arca Equities Rule 6 (Business Conduct) and NYSE Arca Equities Rule 5220. To implement the change, the Exchange proposes to add three new rules and amend the existing rules. Proposed New Rules The Exchange proposes to import the text of current NYSE Arca Equities Rule 6.7 (Trading Ahead of Research Reports) into new proposed Rule 11.22 (Trading Ahead of Research Reports) without changes other than those made to the entire rulebook.\40\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \40\ See ``Proposed Changes Applicable to Entire Rulebook,'' above. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Exchange proposes to import the text of current NYSE Arca Equities Rule 6.9 (Taking or Supplying Securities to Fill Customer's Order) into new proposed Rule 11.23 (Taking or Supplying Securities to Fill Customer's Order) without changes other than those made to the entire rulebook and the use of ``Exchange'' in place of ``facilities of the Corporation'' in proposed Rule 11.23(5). The Exchange proposes to import the text of current NYSE Arca Equities Rule 6.10 (ETP Holders Holding Options) [[Page 28167]] into new proposed Rule 11.24 (ETP Holders Holding Options) without changes other than those made to the entire rulebook and the use of ``Exchange'' in place of ``facilities of the Corporation.'' Proposed Amendments to Rule 11 The Exchange proposes to add references to ETP Holders to show revised Rule 11's applicability to both categories of trading permit holders. Accordingly, the following proposed rules would be updated to include references to ``ETP Holder'' and/or ``ETP Holders'': Rule 11.1 (Adherence to Law and Good Business Practice); Rule 11.2 (Prohibited Acts); Rule 11.3 (Prevention of the Misuse of Material, Nonpublic Information); Rule 11.4 (Rumors); Rule 11.5 (Manipulation); Rule 11.6 (Front-running of Block Transactions); Rule 11.10 (Excessive Trading); Rule 11.11 (Disclosure of Financial Arrangements of OTP Holders); Rule 11.12(a) (Joint Accounts); Rule 11.13 (Disciplinary Action By Other Organizations); Rule 11.18 (Supervision); Rule 11.19 (Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program); Rule 11.20 (Miscellaneous Provisions); and Rule 11.21(a). Rule 11.21(a) would also include a reference to an ``associated person of an ETP Holder.'' Similarly, the heading of Rule 11.11 would be amended to include ``ETP Holders'' and Rules 11.3 Commentary .02 (Prevention of the Misuse of Material, Nonpublic Information), 11.11(a), 11.18(b) and 11.19 would be amended to include references to ``ETP Holder's.'' The Exchange proposes to make the following additional changes to Rule 11: The Exchange proposes to add a new subsection (g) to Rule 11.2 that would state that an ETP Holder may not split any order into multiple orders for any purpose other than seeking the best execution of the entire order, which is the same text as NYSE Arca Equities Rule 6.2(g). The Exchange proposes to make several revisions to proposed Rule 11.3. Subsection (a) of proposed Rule 11.3 would be amended to replace ``Options Surveillance Department'' with ``Regulatory staff.'' Subsection (b) would also be amended to delete ``the'' before ``Enforcement'' and ``Department'' after it. Finally, the Exchange proposes to add a new Commentary .04 which has the same text as NYSE Arca Equities Rule 6.3 Commentary .04. The Exchange proposes to make several revisions to proposed Rule 11.6. Rule 11.6 sets 5,000 shares as the threshold for when an OTP Holder, OTP Firm or Associated Person must take action under the Rule. Because NYSE Arca Equities Rule 6.6 sets a threshold of 10,000 shares, the Exchange proposes to amend Rule 11.6 by adding ``(10,000 shares or more in the case of an ETP Holder)'' after ``5,000 shares or more.'' In addition, the reference to ``Pacific Exchange, Inc.'' in Rule 11.6 would be replaced with ``Exchange.'' The Pacific Exchange, Inc. was a predecessor of the Exchange, and so the reference is obsolete. The Exchange proposes to make several changes to proposed Rule 11.12. In the last sentence of subsection (a), the phrase ``or Market Maker'' would be added after ``specialist,'' and ``or she'' after ``he.'' The Exchange proposes to add a new Commentary .01 to proposed Rule 11.12, which is the same text as Commentary .01 of NYSE Arca Equities Rule 6.12 (Joint Accounts). Finally, the Exchange proposes to add the text from NYSE Arca Equities Rule 6.12(b) to a new subsection (b) governing ``Reporting.'' In subsection (a) of Rule 11.18, the Exchange proposes to add the text '') and no ETP Holder'' after ``(DEA''. In addition, the Exchange proposes to add the text of current NYSE Arca Equities Rule 6.18(d) and Commentary .01 and .02 to a new subsection (d) and Commentary. Rule 12 (Arbitration) The Exchange proposes to revise Rule 12 (Arbitration) to incorporate NYSE Arca Equities Rule 12 (Arbitration). To implement the change, the Exchange proposes to amend the existing rules as follows. Subsections (a) and (c) would be amended to include a reference to ``ETP Holder.'' References to the ``NASD'' in ``NASD Dispute Resolution'' and in the defined term ``NASD DR'' would be replaced with ``FINRA.'' In addition, the Exchange proposes to delete the brackets around the title of Rule 12. Rule 13 (Cancellation, Suspension and Reinstatement) The Exchange proposes to revise Rule 13 to incorporate NYSE Arca Equities Rule 11 (Cancellation, Suspension and Reinstatement). To implement the change, the Exchange proposes to amend the existing rules. The Exchange proposes to add references to ETP Holders to show the revised rules' applicability to both categories of trading permit holders. Accordingly, the following rules would be updated to include references to ``ETP Holder'' and/or ``ETP Holders'': Rule 13.1 (Notice of Expulsion or Suspension); Rule 13.2(a) (Procedures for Suspension); Rule 13.3 (Effect of Suspension or Cancellation); Rule 13.4 (Disciplinary Measures During Suspension); Rule 13.5 (Investigation Following Summary Suspension); Rule 13.6 (Grounds for Cancellation); Rule 13.7 (Reinstatement); Rule 13.8 (Failure to Obtain Reinstatement); and Rule 13.9 (Failure to Meet the Eligibility or Qualification Standards or Prerequisites for Access to Services). Similarly, the Exchange proposes to add references to ETPs by adding ``the ETP or'' in place of ``an'' in the first sentence of Rule 13.3, and by adding ``ETP or'' before ``OTP'' in Rule 13.8. The Exchange proposes to make the following additional changes to Rule 13.2: In subsection (a), the Exchange proposes to delete ``and'' from between ``bars'' and ``limitations,'' as a non-substantive grammatical change. The Exchange proposes to add the text of NYSE Arca Equities Rule 11.2(a)(1)(iii) as new subsection (a)(1)(C) of Rule 13.2. The current text of such subsection is marked ``Reserved.'' The Exchange proposes to delete ``OTP'' before ``trading privileges'' in subsection (a)(2)(A), to reflect that the rule would apply to both OTP and ETP trading privileges. In subsection (a)(2)(B) and (C), the Exchange proposes to add a new cross reference to proposed Rule 3.8-E and correct a cross reference from Rule 10.2(b) to Rule 10.2(d). Subsection (a)(2)(E) provides that the Exchange may suspend all trading rights and privileges of an OTP Holder or OTP Firm for failure to comply with Rule 3.4. Rule 3.4 was deleted in 2012 at the time of the merger of Archipelago Holdings, Inc. into NYSE Group, and so the referenced obligations no longer exist.\41\ Accordingly, the Exchange proposes to delete subsection (a)(2)(E) as obsolete and replace the text with ``Reserved.'' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \41\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 67435 (July 13, 2012), 77 FR 42533 (July 19, 2012), note 12. See also Rule 3.4 (Reserved). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rule 13.9(c), (e), and (h) would be updated to include references to the BCC, the NYSE Arca Equities disciplinary committee.\42\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \42\ See NYSE Arca Equities Rule 3.2(b)(1) (Equity Committees) and proposed new Rule 3.2(b)(2). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rule 14 (Liability of Directors and Exchange) The Exchange proposes to revise Rule 14 to incorporate NYSE Arca Equities Rule 13 (Liability of Directors and Corporation). The Exchange proposes to add references to ETP Holders to show the [[Page 28168]] revised rules' applicability to both categories of trading permit holders. Accordingly, the following rules would be updated to include references to ``ETP Holder'' and/or ``ETP Holders'': Rules 14.1 (Liability of Directors), 14.2 (Liability of Exchange), 14.3 (Legal Proceedings Against Exchange Directors, Officers, Employees or Agents) and 14.4 (Exchange's Costs of Defending Legal Proceedings). Rule 14.5 (Deleted) would be deleted, as it is not needed as a placeholder. IV. Fee Schedules A. Proposed NYSE Arca Equities Fee Schedule The Exchange proposes to delete the Equities Fee Schedule from the rules of the Exchange, and to adopt the NYSE Arca Equities Fee Schedule as the new fee schedule for the Exchange equity market.\43\ The proposed NYSE Arca Equities Fee Schedule would be the same as the current Equities Fee Schedule, subject to the following changes: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \43\ The Exchange does not propose to amend the fee schedule for market data fees, the NYSE Arca Equities Proprietary Market Data Fees, which does not reference NYSE Arca Equities, Inc. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The title of the NYSE Arca Equities Fee Schedule would be ``NYSE Arca Equities Fees and Charges,'' consistent with the title of the Options Fee Schedule, which is ``NYSE Arca Options Fees and Charges.'' The references to the current NYSE Arca Equities Rules would be amended to cite the proposed NYSE Arca Rules, by adding ``-E'' to the proposed rule numbers. In addition, in footnotes 8 and 9, the references to NYSE Arca Equities Rules 1.1(c) and 1.1(d) would be changed to refer to proposed NYSE Arca Rules 1.1(b) and (c), respectively. As noted above, NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.25 expired on June 23, 2016, and the Exchange proposes not to include an equivalent to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.25 in the Equities Rules. Consistent with such change, the table under ``NYSE Arca Marketplace: Crowd Participant (`CP') Program Payments'' would not be included in the proposed NYSE Arca Equities Fee Schedule, as it is also obsolete. The heading ``NYSE Arca Equities: Regulatory Fees'' would be changed to ``Regulatory Fees.'' In General Note 1 under the heading ``Co-Location Fees,'' the word ``Equities'' in ``NYSE Arca Equities Fee Schedule'' will be replaced with ``Options,'' as the Note is meant to refer to the options market fee schedule. B. NYSE Arca Options Fee Schedule In the Options Fee Schedule, Note 8 under ``NYSE Arca Options: General'' refers to the ``Schedule of Fees and Charges for NYSE Arca Equities, Inc.'' General Note 1 under the heading ``Co-Location Fees'' refers to the same document as the ``NYSE Arca Equities Fee Schedule.'' The Exchange proposes to conform the two references to the name ``NYSE Arca Equities Fee Schedule.'' In addition, the Exchange proposes to update cross references in Notes 2, 6, 9 and 15 to reflect the proposed addition of ``-O'' to the rule numbers. C. Listing Fee Schedule In the Listing Fee Schedule, the Exchange proposes to update cross references in Item 6 under ``Listing Fees''; Item 7 under ``Annual Fee (Payable January in Each Calendar Year)''; and Notes 3 and 4 to reflect the proposed addition of ``-E'' to the rule numbers. 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Exchange Act \44\ in general, and with Section 6(b)(1) \45\ in particular, in that it enables the Exchange to be so organized as to have the capacity to be able to carry out the purposes of the Exchange Act and to comply, and to enforce compliance by its exchange members and persons associated with its exchange members, with the provisions of the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, and the rules of the Exchange. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \44\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). \45\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(1). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Specifically, termination of the Delegation would result in the Exchange directly operating the equities market facility of the Exchange, while continuing to bear the responsibility to ensure the fulfillment of its statutory and self-regulatory obligations. As is true now, the independent regulatory oversight committee (``ROC'') of the Board would oversee the Exchange's regulatory and self-regulatory organization responsibilities with regards to both the equities and options markets, and the Exchange's regulatory department would continue to carry out its regulatory functions with respect to both markets under the oversight of the ROC.\46\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \46\ See NYSE Arca Rule 3.3(a)(1). NYSE Arca Equities does not have a regulatory oversight committee. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- For the same reasons, the Exchange believes that the proposal to remove from the Exchange rules the organizational documents of NYSE Arca Equities and NYSE Arca Equities Rules 14.1 and 14.3 in connection with the proposed termination of the Delegation is also consistent with Section 6(b)(1) of the Act. The Exchange believes that the proposed amendment to Bylaws Section 3.01(b) to incorporate the ETP Holders into the existing statement of the authority of the Board would also be consistent with Section 6(b)(1) of the Act. By incorporating the ETP Holders, the limits that section sets on the Board's ability to exercise all powers of the Exchange and do all lawful acts and things would include those things as are not by law, the certificate of incorporation, the Bylaws or the Rules directed or required to be exercised, done or approved by ETP Holders, as well as the OTP Holders or the holding member. Further, the Exchange believes that the proposed rule change would be consistent with the fair representation requirement of Section 6(b)(3) of the Exchange Act,\47\ which is intended to give members a voice in the selection of an exchange's directors and the administration of its affairs. The proposed changes would ensure that all Permit Holders, irrespective of whether they are OTP Holders or ETP Holders, would have the same rights to participate in the Nominating Committee and the nomination of Non-Affiliated Directors and, in the case of a contested nomination, the same voting rights. Such process would also be consistent with the process for nominating non-affiliated directors of NYSE MKT, which also has both options and equity markets, as well as with the governing documents of Nasdaq LLC and Nasdaq BX.\48\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \47\ See 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(3). \48\ See notes 12 and 14, supra. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Exchange believes that the additional changes to Bylaws Section 3.02(a) would also allow the Exchange to be so organized as to have the capacity to be able to carry out the purposes of the Exchange Act and to comply, and to enforce compliance by its exchange members and persons associated with its exchange members, with the provisions of the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, and the rules of the Exchange. By clearly stating that the holding member determines the size of the Board, presenting the Board composition requirements in numbered clauses, and setting forth how the minimum number of Non- Affiliated directors shall be calculated, the provision would contribute to the orderly operation of [[Page 28169]] the Exchange by adding clarity and transparency to the Bylaws. Further, the proposed amendments would align the provision with the governing documents of the SRO Affiliates.\49\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \49\ See note 15, supra. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Similarly, the Exchange believes that the changes to Bylaws Article IV, Section 4.02, which would remove obsolete references to the Permit Holder Advisory Committee and add references to the Ethics and Business Conduct Committee of the Exchange, and the deletion of Rule 3.2(b)(2)(C)(i), which is an obsolete reference to the initial membership of the Board would contribute to the orderly operation of the Exchange by adding clarity and transparency to the Bylaws. Similarly, the Exchange believes that removing extraneous references to the voting process in the definitions of OTP Holder, OTP Firm and ETP Holder would add clarity and transparency to the Rules. The Exchange believes that the proposed amendments to Rule 3 regarding the Board and Exchange Committees would allow the Exchange to be so organized as to have the capacity to be able to carry out the purposes of the Exchange Act and to comply, and to enforce compliance by its exchange members and persons associated with its exchange members, with the provisions of the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, and the rules of the Exchange by ensuring that ETP Holders may participate in Exchange and Board Committees. Specifically, the proposed changes would ensure that ETP Holders and Allied Persons or Associated Persons of ETP Holders would be eligible for appointment to Exchange Committee [sic], just as OTP Holders and Allied Persons or Associated Persons of an OTP Firm are now. In addition, the proposed amendments would integrate the existing NYSE Arca Equities Business Conduct Committee into the Exchange rules, putting such committee on a par with the existing Ethics and Business Conduct Committee for OTP Holders. Similarly, the changes would mean that all reviews were conducted by a single CFR, and all CFR decisions were subject to the review of the Exchange Board, meaning that all Permit Holders were subject to the same rule. Presently, NYSE Arca and NYSE Arca Equities have separate CFRs, the NYSE Arca CFR decisions are subject to the review of the Exchange Board, and the NYSE Arca Equities CFR decisions are subject to the review of the NYSE Arca Equities board of directors. The Exchange believes that the inclusion of the ETP Holders as well as OTP Holders in the Exchange and Board Committees would provide for the fair representation of members in the administration of the affairs of the Exchange, including rulemaking and the disciplinary process, consistent with Section 6(b)(3) of the Exchange Act.\50\ Allowing ETP Holders and Allied Persons or Associated Persons of ETP Holders to be eligible for appointment to Exchange Committees, putting the NYSE Arca Equities disciplinary committee on a par with the Exchange disciplinary committee, having reviews conducted by a single CFR, and having those decisions subject to the review of the same Board, would provide for the fair representation of members in the ``administration of the affairs of the exchange,'' including the disciplinary process, consistent with Section 6(b)(3) of the Exchange Act. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \50\ See 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(3). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Exchange believes that the integration of its two rulebooks into a single rulebook, with three categories of rules, is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Exchange Act \51\ in general, and with Section 6(b)(1) \52\ in particular because the integration and re-organization would contribute to the orderly operation of the Exchange by adding clarity and transparency to its Rules. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \51\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). \52\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(1). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- For similar reasons, the Exchange also believes that this filing furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the Exchange Act \53\ because the proposed rule change would be consistent with and would create 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. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \53\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Exchange believes that the termination of the Delegation 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, because the resulting structure would allow the Exchange to protect and maintain its self-regulatory functions and carry out its regulatory responsibilities under the Exchange Act. The Exchange believes that the proposed amendments to (a) incorporate the ETP Holders into the existing statement of the authority of the Board; (b) integrate the ETP Holders into the process for appointing members of the Board; (c) have ETP Holders and Allied Persons or Associated Persons of ETP Holders be eligible for appointment to Exchange Committees; (d) integrate the existing NYSE Arca Equities Business Conduct Committee into the Exchange rules; and (e) have all reviews conducted by a single CFR would 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, because all Permit Holders would be subject to the same rules, irrespective of whether they were ETP Holders or OTP Holders. In addition, having the organization and administration rules for both the equities and options markets in the same Bylaws and Rule 3 would simplify and streamline the Exchange's rules, as persons subject to the Exchange's jurisdiction, regulators, and the investing public would not have to look at two separate sets of governing documents and organization and administration rules in order to fully understand the Exchange's markets. The Exchange believes that the proposed deletion of the organizational documents of NYSE Arca Equities from the Exchange rules as well as NYSE Arca Equities Rules 14.1 and 14.2 in connection with the proposed termination of the Delegation would remove impediments to and perfect a national market system because it would reduce potential confusion that may result from having these documents and Rules 14.1 and 14.2 remain rules of the Exchange following the proposed termination of the Delegation, when NYSE Arca Equities would no longer have responsibilities to operate the Exchange's equity market. Similarly, the Exchange believes that the proposed changes to (a) Bylaws Section 3.02(a), which would clearly state that the holding member determines the size of the Board, set forth the Board composition requirements in numbered clauses, and state how the minimum number of Non- [[Page 28170]] Affiliated directors shall be calculated; (b) Bylaws Article IV, Section 4.02, which would remove obsolete references to the Permit Holder Advisory Committee and add references to the Ethics and Business Conduct Committee of the Exchange; (c) deletion of Rule 3.2(b)(2)(C)(i), which would remove an obsolete reference to the initial membership of the Board; and (d) removing extraneous references to the voting process in the definitions of OTP Holder, OTP Firm and ETP Holder in Rule 1 would remove impediments to and perfect a national market system by adding clarity and transparency to the Bylaws, ensuring that persons subject to the Exchange's jurisdiction, regulators, and the investing public can more easily navigate and understand the Exchange's governing documents. The Exchange believes that the integration of its two rulebooks into one single rulebook, with three categories of rules, would remove impediments to and perfect a national market system and, in general, protect investors and the public interest, by adding clarity and transparency to the Bylaws, ensuring that persons subject to the Exchange's jurisdiction, regulators, and the investing public can more easily navigate and understand the Exchange's rules. The Exchange believes that (a) adding an ``-O'' or ``-E'' at the end of the number of any rule that applies only to the options or equities market, respectively, and (b) adding ``--Equities'' or ``-- Options'' to the end of any rule that, despite being part of a rule of general application, only applies to one market, would allow trading permit holders and other market participants to quickly and easily identify which rules apply to each market, thereby removing impediments to and perfecting a national market system and, in general, protecting investors and the public interest. Similarly, the Exchange believes that (a) incorporating the NYSE Arca Equities Conduct Rules into proposed Rule 9-E and Rule 11.21; (b) incorporating the NYSE Arca Equities Order Audit Trail System Rules into proposed Rule 6-E; and (c) creating a new NYSE Arca Equities Fee Schedule and updating the NYSE Arca Options Fee Schedule and Listing Fee Schedule would remove impediments to and perfect a national market system and, in general, protect investors and the public interest, because the proposed changes would ensure that all present NYSE Arca Equities rules were incorporated into the Exchange rulebook. The Exchange believes that the proposed non-substantive changes to the rules, including (a) deleting definitions marked ``reserved'' in Rule 1; (b) deleting references to the Pacific Exchange Inc. in Rule 11.6 and proposed Rule 8.203-E(g); and (c) removing obsolete text from proposed Rules 3.2(b), 5.3-E, 13.2(a) and 14.5, would remove impediments to and perfect a national market system by adding clarity and transparency to the Rules by deleting obsolete references or correcting minor typographical errors, ensuring that persons subject to the Exchange's jurisdiction, regulators, and the investing public can more easily navigate and understand the Exchange's governing documents. B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Exchange Act. The proposed rule change is not designed to address any competitive issue but rather is concerned solely with the corporate structure of the Exchange and the administration and function of its corporate governance structures. 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 Within 45 days of the date of publication of this notice in the Federal Register or within such longer period up to 90 days (i) as the Commission may designate if it finds such longer period to be appropriate and publishes its reasons for so finding or (ii) as to which the self-regulatory organization consents, the Commission will: (A) By order approve or disapprove the proposed rule change, or (B) institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule change should be disapproved. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Electronic Comments Use the Commission's Internet comment form (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or Send an email to [email protected]. Please include File Number SR-NYSEArca-2017-40 on the subject line. Paper Comments Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549-1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR-NYSEArca-2017-40. This file number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on the Commission's Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site viewing and printing in the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549 on official business days between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR-NYSEArca-2017-40 and should be submitted on or before July 11, 2017. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.\54\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \54\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eduardo A. Aleman, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2017-12770 Filed 6-19-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 117 / Tuesday, June 20, 2017 / Notices 28157
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Directors (‘‘Board’’), (b) provide that the
COMMISSION Statement of the Purpose of, and holding member, NYSE Group, Inc.
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule (‘‘NYSE Group’’) determines the size of
[Release No. 34–80929; File No. SR– Change the Board; (c) integrate ETP Holders into
NYSEArca–2017–40] In its filing with the Commission, the the Board and Permit Holder
self-regulatory organization included Committees; and (d) add the existing
Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE statements concerning the purpose of, NYSE Arca Equities Business Conduct
Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing of Proposed and basis for, the proposed rule change Committee to the Exchange rules;
Rule Change in Connection With the and discussed any comments it received 3. integrating the current NYSE Arca
Proposed Merger of Its Wholly Owned on the proposed rule change. The text Equities rules into the NYSE Arca rules,
Subsidiary NYSE Arca Equities, Inc. of those statements may be examined at so that the Exchange has a single
With and Into the Exchange the places specified in Item IV below. rulebook; and
The Exchange has prepared summaries,
June 14, 2017. set forth in sections A, B, and C below, 4. adopting the proposed NYSE Arca
of the most significant parts of such Equities Fee Schedule for the Exchange
Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) 1 of the
statements. equity market and amending the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
Options Fee Schedule and Listing Fee
‘‘Act’’) 2 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,3 A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Schedule.
notice is hereby given that, on June 2, Statement of the Purpose of, and the
2017, NYSE Arca, Inc. (the ‘‘Exchange’’ Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule The Exchange addresses each item in
or ‘‘NYSE Arca’’) filed with the Change turn below.
Securities and Exchange Commission The Exchange proposes that the rule
1. Purpose
(the ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change proposed herein would become
change as described in Items I and II In connection with the proposed
operative upon the completion of the
below, which Items have been prepared merger of its wholly owned subsidiary
Merger. The Exchange would complete
by the self-regulatory organization. The NYSE Arca Equities with and into the
Exchange (‘‘Merger’’), the Exchange the Merger following approval of this
Commission is publishing this notice to rule filing, on a date determined by its
solicit comments on the proposed rule proposes to amend (1) Article III,
Sections 3.01, 2.02 [sic] and 4.02 of the Board.
change from interested persons.
Bylaws; (2) certain Rules of the I. Termination of Delegation
I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Exchange to facilitate the integration of
Statement of the Terms of Substance of NYSE Arca Equities and create a single The Exchange has delegated certain
the Proposed Rule Change rulebook; (3) the Options Fee Schedule; responsibilities to its subsidiary NYSE
and (4) the Listing Fee Schedule. In Arca Equities to operate its equities
In connection with the proposed addition, the Exchange proposes to market. However, the Exchange retains
merger of its wholly owned subsidiary remove the NYSE Arca Equities ultimate responsibility for its equities
NYSE Arca Equities, Inc. (‘‘NYSE Arca organizational documents, rules of market, including the responsibility to
Equities’’) with and into the Exchange, NYSE Arca Equities, and Equities Fee ensure the fulfillment of statutory and
the Exchange proposes to amend (1) Schedule from the Exchange rules and self-regulatory obligations.5 NYSE Arca
Article III, Sections 3.01, 2.02 and 4.02 adopt a new NYSE Arca Equities Fee Equities is not a national securities
of the Amended and Restated NYSE Schedule in connection with the exchange.
Arca, Inc. Bylaws (‘‘Bylaws’’); (2) certain proposed merger.
Rules of the Exchange to facilitate the Presently, the Exchange has delegated The Exchange proposes to terminate
integration of NYSE Arca Equities and certain responsibilities to its subsidiary the delegation of functions to NYSE
create a single rulebook; (3) the NYSE NYSE Arca Equities to operate its Arca Equities (‘‘Delegation’’) currently
Arca Options Fee Schedule (the equities market. The Exchange also has set forth in NYSE Arca Equities Rule
‘‘Options Fee Schedule’’); and (4) the two rulebooks, the NYSE Arca rules for 14.2 (NYSE Arca Equities Inc. (‘NYSE
Schedule of Fees and Charges for the options market and the NYSE Arca Arca Equities’)). NYSE Arca Equities
Exchange Services (the ‘‘Listing Fee Equities rules for the equities market. Rule 14.1 (NYSE Arca, Inc.), which sets
Schedule’’). In addition, the Exchange Following the Merger, the Exchange will forth the authority and functions
proposes to remove the NYSE Arca be the surviving entity, and it will retained by the Exchange, would
Equities organizational documents, directly operate both the Exchange’s become obsolete as a result.
rules of NYSE Arca Equities, and NYSE options and equities markets, with one Accordingly, neither would be carried
Arca Equities Schedule of Fees and rulebook. The Exchange is proposing over into the Exchange rules.
Charges for Exchange Services amendments in order to reflect that
In connection with the termination of
(‘‘Equities Fee Schedule’’) from the change.
More specifically, the proposed the Delegation, the NYSE Arca Equities
Exchange rules and adopt a new fee Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws,
amendments would allow the Exchange
schedule for the Exchange equity market to directly operate both markets by: rules of NYSE Arca Equities and
(‘‘NYSE Arca Equities Fee Schedule’’). 1. Terminating the existing delegation Equities Fee Schedule would be
The proposed rule change is available to NYSE Arca Equities; removed from the Exchange rules.
on the Exchange’s Web site at
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2. amending the Exchange’s corporate
www.nyse.com, at the principal office of governance structure to (a) integrate 5 See NYSE Arca Equities Rule 3.4 (stating that
the Exchange, and at the Commission’s Equities Trading Permit holders (‘‘ETP NYSE Arca, ‘‘as a self-regulatory organization
Public Reference Room. registered with the Securities and Exchange
Holders’’) 4 into the process for Commission pursuant to Section 6 of the Exchange
appointing members of the Board of Act, shall have ultimate responsibility in the
1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). administration and enforcement of rules governing
2 15 U.S.C. 78a. 4 An Equities Trading Permit is referred to as an the operation of its subsidiary, NYSE Arca Equities,
3 17 CFR 240.19b–4. ‘‘ETP.’’ Inc.’’). See also NYSE Arca Equities Rule 14.1.
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II. Proposed Changes to the Exchange’s First, the Exchange proposes to operates its options market.8 Under the
Corporate Governance remove the requirement that the Board NYSE MKT Operating Agreement, all
consist of between eight and 12 member organizations participate in the
A. Composition of the Board and
directors, with the number to be process for nominating non-affiliated
Appointment of Non-Affiliated Directors
of the Post-Merger Entity determined by the Board itself. The directors.9 Because both options trading
revised provision would provide that permit holders (‘‘ATP Holders’’) and
Pursuant to the Merger, the Exchange the number of directors shall be equity member organizations are
proposes to incorporate the ETP Holders determined from time to time by the member organizations, as that term is
into the process for selecting Exchange holding member, NYSE Group, defined in the NYSE MKT Operating
Board members. In addition, it proposes provided that the Board meets the Agreement, non-affiliated directors are
to implement certain other changes composition requirements set forth in nominated by both types of member
regarding the composition of the Board the provision. To clarify what specific organizations in a single process.10
that would make the provisions composition requirements must be met, The Exchange believes that the
regarding the Exchange’s Board more the Exchange proposes to move the proposed change also would be
consistent with the governing third and fourth sentences of Section consistent with the governing
documents of the Exchange’s national 3.02(a), which set forth the documents of The NASDAQ Stock
securities exchange affiliates, New York requirements, to clauses (1) and (2) of Market LLC (‘‘Nasdaq LLC’’), which is
Stock Exchange LLC (‘‘NYSE LLC’’), the first sentence. In the new clause (2), the sole member of The NASDAQ
NYSE MKT LLC (‘‘NYSE MKT’’), and the Exchange proposes to add the Options Market LLC (‘‘NOM’’). NOM,
NYSE National, Inc. (‘‘NYSE National’’ defined term ‘‘Non-Affiliated Directors’’ which operates the options trading
and collectively, the ‘‘SRO Affiliates’’). for directors nominated by the permit
Because the relevant provisions are facility of Nasdaq LLC, does not have its
holders, which must make up at least 20 own board of directors.11 Under the
found in both the Bylaws and the Rules
percent of the members of the Board. bylaws of Nasdaq LLC, each ‘‘member
of the Exchange, in order to implement
the proposed governance changes the The proposed changes would make representative director’’ is nominated by
Exchange would amend Bylaws Article the revised first sentence of Section a member nominating committee. If the
III, Sections 3.01(b) (Powers) and 3.02(a) 3.02(a) consistent with the board election is contested, the Nasdaq LLC
(Number; Election; Qualification; Term; composition provisions in the governing members vote on the nomination in a
Nomination) and Rule 3.2(b)(2) documents of the SRO Affiliates. Like single process.12 The options
(Exchange Committees). These proposed the proposed changes, the governing participants and other members do not
changes are described below. documents of the SRO Affiliates provide vote separately.
that NYSE Group (as the sole member or The Exchange believes that the
Bylaws Article III, Section 3.01(b) sole shareholder, as applicable) proposed change would also be
The Exchange proposes to amend determines the number of board consistent with the governing
Bylaws Article III, Section 3.01(b) to add members, set forth the relevant board’s documents of Nasdaq BX, Inc. (‘‘Nasdaq
definitions of ETP Holders, Options compensation requirements in BX’’). Nasdaq BX’s controlled
Trading Permit Holders (‘‘OTP numbered clauses, and require that at subsidiary, Nasdaq OMX BX Equities
Holders’’) 6 and Permit Holders. The least 20 percent of the board shall be LLC, operates the equities trading
changes would also incorporate the ETP non-affiliated directors.7 facility of Nasdaq BX and, like NOM,
Holders in the statement of the authority Currently, at least one Exchange Non- does not have its own board of
of the Board. Accordingly, the Exchange Affiliated Director is nominated by the
proposes to make the following changes OTP Holders and at least one is 8 See Amended and Restated Limited Liability
to Section 3.01(b) (new text italicized; nominated by the ETP Holders. Company Agreement of NYSE Amex Options LLC,
deleted text bracketed): Proposed clause (2) of the revised first Section 3.1(b). NYSE MKT is the only SRO Affiliate
with both an equities and an options market.
(b) The Board of Directors shall exercise all sentence would instead provide that the 9 See NYSE MKT Operating Agreement, Article II,
such powers of the Exchange and do all such ‘‘Permit Holders’’—including both the Section 2.03(a) (iii)–(v). Under the NYSE MKT
lawful acts and things as are not by law, the OTP Holders and ETP Holders— Operating Agreement, the nominating committee
Certificate, these Bylaws or the Rules nominate the Non-Affiliated Directors. recommends candidates for the non-affiliate
directed or required to be exercised, done or directors, and announces them to the member
approved by the Holding Member, [or] the The Exchange believes that the organizations. If a petition candidate receives
options trading permit holders who are proposed change would be consistent sufficient member organization signatures, the
permitted to trade on the Exchange’s with the process for nominating non- recommended candidates and petition candidates
are submitted to the member organizations for a
facilities for the trading of options that are affiliated directors of NYSE MKT. vote.
securities as covered by the Exchange Act Similar to the structure of NYSE Arca 10 See NYSE MKT Operating Agreement, Article
(collectively, ‘‘Options Trading Permit and NYSE Arca Equities, NYSE MKT II Section 2.02 (defining ‘‘member organization’’ to
Holders’’) or the equities trading permit operates the NYSE MKT equity market, include members and member organizations of
holders who are permitted to trade on the NYSE MKT); and NYSE MKT Rule 900.2NY(5)
Exchange’s facilities for the trading of and NYSE MKT’s facility NYSE Amex
(‘‘references to ‘member’, ‘member organization’
equities that are securities as covered by the Options LLC (‘‘NYSE Amex Options’’) and ‘86 Trinity Permit Holder’ as those terms are
Exchange Act (collectively, ‘‘Equities Trading used in the Rules of the Exchange should be
Permit Holders’’ and, together with the 7 See Article III, Section 3.2(a) of the Fourth deemed to be references to ATP Holders’’); see also
Options Trading Permit Holders, the ‘‘Permit Amended and Restated By-laws of NYSE National, NYSE MKT Rule 2—Equities (setting forth the
Holders’’). Inc. (‘‘NYSE National By-laws’’); Section 2.03(a)(i) definitions of member and member organization).
11 See Limited Liability Company Agreement of
of the Eleventh Amended and Restated Operating
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
Bylaws Article III, Section 3.02(a)
Agreement of New York Stock Exchange LLC The Nasdaq Options Market LLC, Section 9(a)
The Exchange proposes to make (‘‘NYSE LLC Operating Agreement’’); and Section (providing that the ‘‘management of the Company
several amendments to Bylaws Article 2.03(a)(i) of the Tenth Amended and Restated shall be vested in the Member’’).
III, Section 3.02(a), which sets forth the Operating Agreement of NYSE MKT LLC (‘‘NYSE 12 See By-laws of The NASDAQ Stock Market
MKT Operating Agreement’’). See also Securities LLC, Article I (q) and Article II, Section 1 and 2.
Board composition requirements. Exchange Act Release Nos. 79902 (January 30, A Nasdaq LLC member is defined as ‘‘any registered
2017), 82 FR 9258 (February 3, 2017) (SR–NSX– broker or dealer that has been admitted to
6 An Options Trading Permit is referred to as an 2016–16) and 80523 (April 25, 2017), 82 FR 20399 membership in the national securities exchange
‘‘OTP.’’ (May 1, 2017) (SR–CBOE–2017–017). operated by’’ Nasdaq LLC. Id., Article I(t).
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 117 / Tuesday, June 20, 2017 / Notices 28159
directors.13 As with Nasdaq LLC, each selected by the Permit Holders will be sentence begins with ‘‘If it is determined
‘‘member representative director’’ of its rounded up to the next whole number. [The that the additional representative is an
board of directors is nominated by a exact number of Public Directors and Permit OTP Holder.’’ The Exchange proposes to
Holder Directors shall be determined from
member nominating committee. If the time to time by the Board of Directors,
delete the second sentence and the cited
election is contested, the exchange subject to the percentage restrictions text from the third sentence. The
members vote on the nomination in a described in this Section 3.02(a).] The term proposed changes to the Bylaws would
single process.14 of office of a director shall not be affected by no longer provide for two separate
The Exchange proposes to add a new any decrease in the authorized number of categories of permit holder directors,
fifth sentence to Section 3.02(a) stating directors. and so no determination would be
that, if 20 percent of the directors is not Rule 3.2(b)(2) required.
a whole number, the number of • The third sentence would be
directors to be nominated and selected Current Rule 3.2(b)(2) sets forth the amended to clarify that the Nominating
by the Permit Holders will be rounded membership requirements for the Committee would be required to name
up to the next whole number. As a nominating committee (‘‘Nominating sufficient nominees so that at least 20
result, the current fifth sentence, which Committee’’), which nominates the OTP percent of the directors were Non-
provides that the Board shall determine Holder member of the Board, and sets Affiliated Directors, by replacing
the exact number of each category of forth the nominating committee and ‘‘nominate additional’’ with ‘‘name
directors on the Board, would no longer petition processes.16 The Exchange sufficient.’’ The generic reference to
be needed. The proposed change would proposes to revise Rule 3.2(b)(2) to ‘‘individuals nominated by trading
be consistent with the governing incorporate the proposed changes to permit holders’’ would be replaced with
documents of the SRO Affiliates, each of Bylaws Section 3.02(a). the more specific ‘‘Non-Affiliated
which have a similar provision for Pursuant to Rule 3.2(b)(2)(A), the
Directors.’’
calculating the minimum number of Nominating Committee is made up of • In the current fifth sentence, the
six OTP Holders or allied persons or definition of ‘‘Permit Holders’’ would be
non-affiliated directors, and do not
associated persons of an OTP Firm. The added, and ‘‘OTP Holder position’’
authorize the SRO Affiliate’s board of
Exchange proposes to incorporate the would be replaced with ‘‘Non-Affiliated
directors to determine the number of
ETP Holders into the membership of the Director position.’’
directors in each category.15
The revised Section 3.02(a) would be committee by amending Rule • The current sixth sentence sets
as follows (new text italicized; deleted 3.2(b)(2)(A) to reduce the number of forth the limits on what percentages of
text bracketed): OTP-related members to three, and signatories to a petition can be from a
adding the requirement that the given OTP Holder, OTP Firm or
The Board of Directors shall consist of [not Nominating Committee include three
less than eight (8) or more than twelve (12) associated OTP Holders and Firms. In
ETP Holders or allied persons or order to incorporate ETP Holders in the
directors, with the Board of Directors to
consist initially of ten (10) directors,
associated persons of an ETP Holder.17 limitation, the Exchange would add a
including the Chief Executive Officer of the Current Rule 3.2(b)(2)(C)(ii) sets forth
new clause (z), based on NYSE Arca
Holding Member. The authorized] a number the nominating committee and petition
Equities Rule 3.2(b)(2)(C)(i), including
of directors (‘‘Directors’’) [shall be] as processes. In order to incorporate the
ETP Holders who are deemed affiliates
determined from time to time by the [Board ETP Holders into the nominating and
of Directors. A] Holding Member; provided of the relevant Permit Holder. Finally,
petition processes and integrate the
that (1) at least fifty percent (50%) of the proposed changes to Bylaws Section ‘‘an OTP Holder’s position’’ would be
directors will be persons from the public and 3.02(a), the Exchange proposes to make replaced with ‘‘Non-Affiliated Director
will not be, or be affiliated with, a broker-
the following changes: position(s).’’
dealer in securities or employed by, or
involved in any material business
• To include ETP Holders, ‘‘OTP The revised provision would be as
Holder’’ and ‘‘OTP Holders’’ would be follows (new text italicized; deleted text
relationship with, the Exchange or its
affiliates (‘‘Public Directors’’)[. A]; and (2) at replaced with ‘‘Permit Holder’’ and bracketed):
least twenty percent (20%) of the directors ‘‘Permit Holders,’’ respectively. The Nominating Committee shall publish
shall consist of individuals nominated by the • The first sentence of the provision the name of one (1) or more OTP Holder or
[trading permit holders, with at least one states that the Nominating Committee Allied Person or Associated Person of an
director nominated by the Equities Trading shall publish the name of one OTP OTP Firm or ETP Holder or Allied Person or
Permit Holders of NYSE Arca Equities, Inc., Holder or allied person or associated Associated Persons of an ETP Holder as its
and with at least one director nominated by nominee(s) for Non-Affiliated Directors of the
the] Permit Holders of the Exchange (‘‘Non-
person of an OTP Firm as its nominee Board of Directors of the NYSE Arca, Inc.
Affiliated Directors’’). For purposes of for the Exchange Board. The sentence [Should the Board of Directors be made up
calculation of the minimum number of Non- would be revised to (a) allow ETP of more than 10 individuals, as set forth in
Affiliated Directors, if 20 percent of the Holders or Allied Persons or Associated Section 3.02 of the Bylaws, then the Public
Directors is not a whole number, such Persons of an ETP Holder to be Directors, after consulting with the CEO,
number of Directors to be nominated and nominees; and (b) provide the option to shall determine whether the additional
nominate more than one Non-Affiliated permit holder representative is an OTP
13 See NASDAQ OMX BX Equities LLC Fifth
Director. Holder or an Equity Trading Permit Holder
of NYSE Arca Equities, Inc. If it is
Amended and Restated Operating Agreement
• The second sentence sets forth how,
Article 3, Section 3.1; Article 4, Section 4.1; determined that the additional representative
Delegation Agreement between Nasdaq BX and if the Board has more than 10 members, is an OTP Holder, then t]The Nominating
Nasdaq OMX BX Equities LLC. the determination will be made whether Committee shall name sufficient[nominate
14 See By-laws of NASDAQ BX, Inc., Article IV,
the additional permit holder additional] nominees so that at least twenty
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
Section 4.4. representative should be an OTP or an percent (20%) of the Directors consist of
15 See Section 2.03(a)(i) of the NYSE LLC
ETP Holder. In continuation, the next [individuals nominated by trading permit
Operating Agreement; Section 2.03(a)(i) of the
holders]Non-Affiliated Directors. The names
NYSE MKT Operating Agreement; and Article III,
Section 3.2(a) of the NYSE National By-Laws. The 16 Current Rule 3.2(b)(2) would be renumbered as of the nominees shall be published on a date
Exchange notes that the term ‘‘Permit Holder proposed Rule 3.2(b)(3). For ease of reference, the in each year (the ‘‘Announcement Date’’)
Directors,’’ would be deleted in the proposed current rule numbering is used. sufficient to accommodate the process
change. Such term is not used elsewhere in the By- 17 The rules regarding the Equities Market do not described in this Rule 3.2(b)(2)(C). After the
laws. have ETP Firms. name of proposed nominee(s) is published,
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OTP Holders and ETP Holders (together, than 20 calendar days to submit their proposes to add the Exchange
‘‘Permit Holders’’) in good standing may votes. Each [OTP]Permit Holder in good disciplinary committee, called the
submit a petition to the Exchange in writing standing may select one nominee for the ‘‘Ethics and Business Conduct
to nominate additional eligible candidate(s) contested seat on the Board of Directors; Committee’’ (‘‘EBCC’’) 18 to the list in
to fill the [OTP Holder]Non-Affiliated
Director position(s) during the next term. If
provided, however that no [OTP]Permit the first sentence of Section 4.02 and to
a written petition of at least 10 percent of Holder, either alone or together with (x) the defined term for ‘‘Permit Holder
[OTP]Permit Holders in good standing is other OTP Holders associated with the Committees’’ in the second sentence.
submitted to the Nominating Committee same OTP Firm that such [OTP]Permit The NYSE Arca Equities disciplinary
within two weeks after the Announcement Holder is associated with, [and] (y) OTP committee, the ‘‘Business Conduct
Date, such person(s) shall also be nominated Holders associated with OTP Firms that Committee’’ (‘‘BCC’’) 19 is already listed
by the Nominating Committee; provided, are affiliated with the OTP Firm that in Section 4.02.
however, that no [OTP]Permit Holder, either such [OTP]Permit Holder is associated In addition, the Exchange proposes to
alone or together with (x) other OTP Holders with, and (z) other ETP Holders who are remove two obsolete references to the
associated with the same OTP Firm that such deemed its affiliates, may account for Permit Holder Advisory Committee.
[OTP]Permit Holder is associated with, [and] There are no other references to a Permit
(y) OTP Holders associated with OTP Firms
more than 20% of the votes cast for a
that are affiliated with the OTP Firm that particular nominee for the [OTP Holder Advisory Committee in the By-
such [OTP]Permit Holder is associated with, Holder’s] Non-Affiliated Director laws or rules of the Exchange. The
and (z) other ETP Holders who are deemed position(s) on the Board of Directors of Exchange believes that the references
its affiliates, may account for more than 50% NYSE Arca, Inc. With respect to were meant to refer to the OTP Advisory
of the signatories to the petition endorsing a [the]any contested position, the Committee, which no longer exists, as
particular petition nominee for the [OTP nominee for the Board of Directors its functions were assumed by the
Holder’s] Non-Affiliated Director position(s) receiving the most votes of [OTP]Permit Committee for Review.20
on the Board of Directors of the NYSE Arca, Holders shall be submitted by the
Inc. Each petition for a petition candidate Rules 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3
must include a completed questionnaire used
Nominating Committee to the Board of
Directors of the NYSE Arca, Inc. Tie Rule 3.1 sets forth the Board’s
to gather information concerning director authority to establish committees that
candidates (the Exchange shall provide the votes shall be decided by the Board of
Directors at its first meeting following consist partly or entirely of directors of
form of questionnaire upon the request of any
[OTP]Permit Holder). Notwithstanding the election. the Exchange (each, a ‘‘Board
anything to the contrary, the Nominating Finally, Rule 3.2(b)(2)(C)(i) sets forth Committee’’) and committees consisting
Committee shall determine whether any the membership of the initial board of of people other than directors of the
petition candidate is eligible to serve on the directors of the Exchange. The Exchange Exchange (each, an ‘‘Options
Board of Directors (including whether such proposes to replace the obsolete Committee’’). Rule 3.2 sets forth the
person is free of any statutory provision with ‘‘Reserved.’’ provisions governing Options
disqualification (as defined in section Committees, including the Ethics and
3(a)(39) of the Exchange Act)), and such Rule 3.3(a)(2) Business Conduct Committee and
determination shall be final and conclusive. Nominating Committee.
Rule 3.3 sets forth the provisions
Current Rule 3.2(b)(2)(C)(iii) sets forth regarding Board Committees. In The Exchange proposes to revise
the process for selecting a nominee accordance with the proposed changes Rules 3.1 and 3.2 to integrate the ETP
when the number of nominees exceeds to the Board composition, the Exchange Holders. Specifically, the Exchange
the number of available seats. To proposes to amend Rule 3.3(a)(2), proposes to make the following changes:
integrate the ETP Holders into the regarding the Committee for Review • In Rules 3.1 and 3.2, the Exchange
process, the Exchange proposes to make (‘‘CFR’’). Specifically, in Rule proposes to replace ‘‘Options
the following changes: 3.3(a)(2)(A) ‘‘NYSE Arca Equities’’ Committee’’ and ‘‘Options Committees’’
• ‘‘OTP Holder’’ and ‘‘OTP Holders’’ would be replaced with ‘‘the Exchange’’ with ‘‘Exchange Committee’’ and
would be replaced with ‘‘Permit and the text ‘‘OTP Director(s), the ETP ‘‘Exchange Committees,’’ respectively.
Holder’’ and ‘‘Permit Holders,’’ • In Rule 3.2(a)(8), which governs the
Director(s) and the Public Directors of
respectively, and ‘‘OTP Holder’s eligibility for, and appointment to,
both NYSE Arca and NYSE Arca
position’’ would be replaced with ‘‘Non- Options Committees, the Exchange
Equities’’ would be amended to state
Affiliated Director position(s).’’ proposes to add ETP Holders to the list
‘‘Non-Affiliated Director(s) and the
• The third sentence sets forth the Public Directors of the Exchange.’’ In
of persons eligible for appointment, by
limits on what percentages of votes can adding ‘‘or ETP Holder’’ after ‘‘Any OTP
Rule 3.3(a)(2)(B), the text ‘‘Director that Holder’’ and adding ‘‘or of an ETP
be from a given OTP Holder, OTP Firm is an OTP Holder or Allied Person or
or associated OTP Holders and Firms. In Holder’’ after ‘‘OTP Firm’’ in the first
Associated Person of an OTP Firm’’ sentence, and ‘‘, ETP Holders,’’ after
order to incorporate ETP Holders in the would be amended to state ‘‘Non-
limitation, the Exchange would add a ‘‘OTP Holders’’ and ‘‘or of an ETP
Affiliated Director.’’ Holder’’ after ‘‘OTP Firm’’ in the third
new clause (z), based on NYSE Arca
Equities Rule 3.2(b)(2)(C)(ii), including B. Board and Permit Holder Committees sentence.
ETP Holders who are deemed affiliates • In Rule 3.2(a)(9), which governs
In order to integrate the ETP Holders
of the relevant Permit Holder. naming alternate members, the
and the NYSE Arca Equities committees
The revised provision would be as Exchange proposes to add ‘‘ETP
into the Exchange committee structure,
follows (new text italicized; deleted text Holders,’’ after ‘‘OTP Holders.’’
the Exchange proposes to amend Bylaws
bracketed): In the event that the number
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
Article IV, Section 4.02 (‘‘Permit Holder 18 See NYSE Arca Rule 3.2(b)(1) (Options
of nominees exceeds the number of Committees’’), Rule 3.1 (Overview), Committees) (setting forth the composition,
available seats, the Nominating Rule 3.2 (Options Committees), and functions and authority of the EBCC).
Committee shall submit the contested Rule 3.3 (Board Committees). 19 See NYSE Arca Equities Rule 3.2(b)(1) (Equity
nomination to the [OTP]Permit Holders Committees) (setting forth the composition,
for selection. [OTP]Permit Holders shall Article IV, Section 4.02 functions and authority of the BCC).
20 See Securities Exchange Release No. 77898
be afforded a confidential voting Bylaws Article IV, Section 4.02 lists (May 24, 2016), 81 FR 34404 (May 31, 2016) (SR–
procedure and shall be given no less the Exchange committees. The Exchange NYSEArca–2016–11).
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The Exchange proposes to add the Equities rules for the equities market. In or NYSE Arca Equities rules, but are
current NYSE Arca Equities BCC to the connection with the Merger and the organizational in nature.22
Exchange Rules as an Exchange termination of the Delegation, the
Committee in new Rule 3.2(b)(2). The Exchange proposes to integrate the two Proposed Changes Applicable to Entire
proposed text would be the same as the sets of rules into a single rulebook. The Rulebook
language in current NYSE Arca Equities resulting rulebook would have three The following proposed changes
Rule 3.2(b)(1), except that: types of rules: rules that apply to both would apply to the entire set of
• The references to NYSE Arca markets; rules that apply only to the
Exchange rules. To avoid needless
Equities Rules 4, 10 and 11.9 would be options market, indicated by an ‘‘–O’’ at
repetition, when discussing specific
updated to references to Rules 4–E, 10 the end of the rule number; and rules
Rules, the Exchange does not repeat the
and 13.9, respectively. that apply only to the equities market,
• References to the ‘‘Board,’’ which in indicated by an ‘‘–E’’ at the end of the description of these global changes.
the present rule means the board of rule number. More specifically: Throughout the rules, all cross
directors of NYSE Arca Equities, would • The following amended rules references to the Options Rules would
become references to the Board of the would apply to both markets and would be updated to reflect the addition of ‘‘–
Exchange. be grouped under the heading ‘‘General O’’ to the rule numbers. Similarly, all
Pursuant to proposed Rule 3.2(b)(1) Rules’’: NYSE Arca Rules 0 (Regulation cross references to the Equities Rules
and (2), disciplinary proceedings of of the Exchange, OTP Holders, OTP would be amended to reflect the
NYSE Arca involving OTP Holders, OTP Firms and ETP Holders); 1 (Definitions); addition of ‘‘–E’’ to the rule numbers
Firms, and associated persons would 2 (Trading Permits); and 3 (Organization and to delete ‘‘Equities’’ from ‘‘NYSE
continue to be heard by the EBCC, while and Administration). Arca Equities Rule.’’ For example, a
disciplinary proceedings of NYSE Arca • The following amended rules cross reference ‘‘NYSE Arca Equities
Equities involving ETP Holders and would apply to only to [sic] the options Rule 5.2(j)(6)’’ would be amended to
associated persons would continue to be market, and would be grouped under ‘‘NYSE Arca Rule 5.2–E(j)(6).’’
heard by the BCC. the heading ‘‘Options Rules’’: NYSE
Arca Rules 4–O (Capital Requirements, Throughout the rules, cross references
Conforming Changes in Rule 3 would be updated as needed, including
Financial Reports, Margins—Options);
The Exchange proposes to make 5–O (Options Contracts Traded on the cross references within a renumbered
conforming changes in other provisions Exchange); 6–O (Options Trading); 7–O rule to the rule itself. For example, the
of Rule 3. Specifically, in Rules 3.7 (General Options Trading Rules); 8–O Exchange proposes to add Commentary
(Dues, Fees and Charges), 3.8 (Liability (Reserved) and 9–O (Conducting .01 from NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.17
for Payment), and 3.10 (Certain Business with the Public—Options) to Rule 2.18. The references to ‘‘Rule
Relationships), the Exchange proposes (collectively, the ‘‘Options Rules’’). 2.17’’ within the Commentary would be
to add ‘‘ETP Holders,’’ before ‘‘OTP • The following amended rules updated to ‘‘Rule 2.18’’ accordingly.
Holders’’ and ‘‘ETP Holder’’ before would apply to only to [sic] the equities The NYSE Arca Equities rules refer to
‘‘OTP Holder,’’ respectively. In Rule market, and would be grouped under NYSE Arca Equities, Inc., as the
3.10(b), the Exchange propose to add the heading ‘‘Equities Rules’’: NYSE ‘‘Corporation.’’ 23 The term will be
‘‘ETP Holder or’’ before ‘‘OTP Firm.’’ Arca Rules 4–E (Capital Requirements, obsolete subsequent to the Merger, as
C. Proposed Rule 3.12 Financial Reports, Margins—Equities); NYSE Arca Equities will cease to exist.
5–E (Equities Listings); 6–E (Order Accordingly, in all proposed rule text
The Exchange proposes to add new Audit Trail System); 7–E (Equities based on the NYSE Arca Equities rules,
Rule 3.12 (NYSE Arca, L.L.C. and Trading); 8–E (Trading of Certain Equity
Archipelago Securities, L.L.C.), which the Exchange proposes to replace
Derivatives); and 9–E (Conducting ‘‘Corporation’’ and ‘‘Corporation’s’’ with
would address the access to and status Business with the Public—Equities)
of the books, records, premises, officers, ‘‘Exchange’’ and ‘‘Exchange’s,’’
(collectively, the ‘‘Equities Rules’’). respectively. Similarly, ‘‘a Corporation’’
directors, agents and employees of • The following amended rules
NYSE Arca, L.L.C. and Archipelago would be changed to ‘‘an Exchange.’’ 24
would apply to both markets and would
Securities, L.L.C. Proposed Rule 3.12 be grouped under the heading B. General Rules
would be substantially the same as ‘‘Disciplinary and Miscellaneous
current NYSE Arca Equities Rule 14.3 Rules’’: 10 (Disciplinary Proceedings, Proposed revised Rules 0, 1, 2, and 3,
(NYSE Arca, L.L.C. and Archipelago Other Hearings and Appeals); 11 which would apply to both the equities
Securities, L.L.C.), with the following (Business Conduct); 12 (Arbitration); 13 and options markets, would incorporate
exceptions: (Cancellation, Suspension and changes based on NYSE Arca Equities
• In proposed Rule 3.12(a), the text Reinstatement); and 14 (Liability of Rules 0 (Regulation of the Exchange and
‘‘the Exchange’’ would replace ‘‘NYSE Directors and Exchange). Exchange Trading Permit Holders); 1
Arca Equities’’; ‘‘NYSE Arca and NYSE The Exchange’s organization of its (Definitions); 2 (Equity Trading
Arca Equities’’; and ‘‘the NYSE Arca, rules would be similar to that of its Permits); and 3 (Organization and
NYSE Arca Equities.’’ affiliate NYSE MKT, which has rules of Administration), respectively. The
• In proposed Rule 3.12(f), the text ‘‘, general application and rules specific to proposed changes to Rules 0, 1 and 2 are
NYSE Arca Equities’’ would be deleted. its equity and options markets.21 addressed below. The proposed changes
Except as otherwise stated below, the to Rule 3 are addressed in Part II, above.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
III. Integration of NYSE Arca Equities
Rules Into the NYSE Arca Rules proposed changes are not intended to
change the substance of the NYSE Arca 22 The Exchange will amend the present filing to
A. Organization of the Proposed Revised reflect any amendments to Exchange rules before
NYSE Arca Rulebook 21 See, e.g. NYSE MKT Office Rules, Rules 300– the date of approval.
23 See NYSE Arca Equities Rule 1(k).
590; NYSE MKT Section 900NY (Rules Principally
Presently, the Exchange has two Applicable to Trading of Option Contracts); and 24 See e.g., NYSE Arca Equities Rules 2.21(f) (‘‘a
rulebooks: the NYSE Arca rules for the NYSE MKT Rule 0–Equities through Rule 6140– Corporation employee’’) and 5.4(a) (‘‘a Corporation
options market and the NYSE Arca Equities. listing standard’’).
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![28162 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 117 / Tuesday, June 20, 2017 / Notices
Rule 0 (Regulation of the Exchange, OTP Exchange proposes not to include the definition of NYSE Arca Marketplace in
Holders, and OTP Firms) cited sentence, as well as to change Rule 1.1(dd) and replace it with the
The text of Rule 0 and NYSE Arca ‘‘NYSE Arca Parent’’ to ‘‘Exchange.’’ definition in NYSE Arca Equities Rule
Equities Rule 0 is the same. 1(e), as well as to move it to conform to
Proposed Amendments to Rule 1
Accordingly, in order to incorporate the alphabetical order.
To incorporate NYSE Arca Equities • In the definition of Security, the
equities market, the sole change to Rule Rule 1.1, the Exchange proposes to text ‘‘, provided, however, that for
0 would be to change its title to make the following amendments to the purposes of Rule 7–E such term means
‘‘Regulation of the Exchange, OTP current definitions in Rule 1.1: any NMS stock’’ would be added at the
Holders, OTP Firms and ETP Holders.’’ • In definitions that would apply to end of the definition, consistent with
Rule 1 (Definitions) both OTPs and ETPs, the Exchange NYSE Arca Equities Rule 1(rr).
proposes to add references to ETPs and • In the definition of Trading
The Exchange proposes to integrate ETP Holders. Accordingly, ‘‘ETP
Rule 1 and NYSE Arca Equities Rule 1 Facilities, ‘‘equities,’’ would be added
Holder’’ and/or ‘‘ETP Holders’’ 25 would after ‘‘trading of.’’
(Definitions) by (a) incorporating the be added to the definitions of Allied
text of definitions that are unique to Person; Approved Person; Associated Rule 2 (Options Trading Permits)
NYSE Arca Equities Rule 1.1, and (b) Person; Good Standing; Participant; The Exchange proposes to revise Rule
amending definitions that the two rules Registered Employee; and Trading 2 to incorporate NYSE Arca Equities
have in common, as needed. The Facilities. A reference to ‘‘ETP’’ would Rule 2 (Equity Trading Permits), which
Exchange also proposes to delete be added to the definition of Good sets forth the equivalent requirements
definitions marked ‘‘Reserved,’’ put the Standing. for ETPs. To implement the change, the
definitions in alphabetical order, and • Both ‘‘Board’’ and ‘‘Board of Exchange proposes to amend the title of
renumber the definitions to reflect the Directors’’ are used in the Rules to refer Rule 2 from ‘‘Options Trading Permits’’
changes. to the Board of Directors of NYSE Arca, to ‘‘Trading Permits,’’ add two new
Proposed New Definitions but only ‘‘Board’’ is defined in Rule rules, and amend the existing rules.
1.1.26 Accordingly, the Exchange
The Exchange proposes to add the proposes to expand the definition of Proposed New Rules
following definitions from NYSE Arca ‘‘Board’’ so that both ‘‘Board’’ and The first new rule would be proposed
Equities Rule 1.1: Authorized Trader; ‘‘Board of Directors’’ are defined to Rule 2.24 (Registration—Employees of
Away Market; BBO; Core Trading mean the Board of Directors of NYSE ETP Holders), which would be the same
Hours; Derivative Securities Product Arca. as current NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.21
and UTP Derivative Securities Product; • The definitions of OTP Holder and (Employees of ETP Holders
Effective National Market System Plan, OTP Firm provide that the OTP Holder Registration), with the exception of a
Regular Trading Hours; Eligible or OTP Firm, as applicable, ‘‘will have revised title and updated rule
Security; ETP; ETP Holder; FINRA; limited voting rights to nominate an references. Current Rules 2.24 through
General Authorized Trader; Lead Market OTP Holder to the Exchange’s Board of 2.26 would be renumbered as Rules 2.25
Maker; Marketable; Market Maker; Directors pursuant to Rule 3.2(b)(2)(C).’’ through 2.27 to reflect the addition of
Market Maker Authorized Trader; As with the definition of ETP Holder, proposed Rule 2.24.
Market Participant; Nasdaq; NBBO, Best the Exchange believes that such The second new rule would be
Protected Bid, Best Protected Offer, statements are not relevant to the proposed Rule 2.28 (Books and
Protected Best Bid and Offer (PBBO); definitions and are addressed in Bylaw Records), which would be the same as
NMS Stock; Notice of Consent; Official 3.02 and Rule 3.2. Accordingly it current Rule 9.17 (Books and Records),
Closing Price; Protected Bid, Protected proposes to delete the cited sentences.27 with the addition of ‘‘ETP Holder,’’
Offer, Protected Quotation; Routing • The definition of NYSE Arca ‘‘ETP Holders,’’ and ‘‘, as applicable.’’ 28
Agreement; Sponsored Participant; Marketplace in the two rulebooks To incorporate the provisions of current
Sponsoring ETP Holder; Sponsorship differs. However, while the term is used NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.24 (ETP
Provisions; Stockholder Associate; multiple times in the NYSE Arca
Books and Records), the Exchange
Trade-Through; Trading Center: User; Equities Rules, it is not used in the
proposes to add ‘‘ETP Holders’’ and
User Agreement; UTP Listing Market; Exchange Rules other than in the
‘‘ETP Holder’’ before the terms ‘‘OTP
and UTP Regulatory Halt. definition itself. Accordingly, the
Holders and OTP Firms’’ and ‘‘OTP
The phrase ‘‘[w]ith respect to equities Exchange proposes to delete the
Holder or OTP Firm,’’ respectively.29
traded on the Exchange’’ would be
added to the start of all the added 25 Throughout the rules, when adding ‘‘ETP,’’
Proposed Amendments to Rule 2
‘‘ETPs,’’ ‘‘ETP Holder’’ or ‘‘ETP Holders’’ to a rule,
definitions except the definitions for the Exchange would utilize a comma, ‘‘and’’ or ‘‘or’’ The Exchange proposes the following
Eligible Security, ETP, ETP Holder, as necessary to integrate it into the text. revisions to the titles of rules in Rule 2:
FINRA, Nasdaq, and NMS Stock. 26 See, e.g., Rules 2.3 (Qualifications of Firm
• In rules that would only apply to
The current definition of ETP Holder Applicants), 2.14 (Allied Persons and Approved OTPs, the Exchange proposes to add
in NYSE Arca Equities Rule 1.1 Persons), and 4.2(g) (Voting Agreement).
27 The Exchange believes that the proposed
‘‘OTP’’ in the title. Accordingly, the title
provides that an ETP Holder would changes to the definitions of ETP Holder, OTP of Rule 2.2 (Qualifications and
‘‘have limited voting rights to nominate Holder and OTP Firm would be consistent with the Application of Individual Applicants)
two directors to the Exchange’s Board of definitions of ‘‘Member’’ and ‘‘Member Firm’’ in the would be revised to ‘‘Qualifications and
Directors and one Governor to the Board governing documents of NYSE and NYSE MKT,
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
which do not refer to voting for non-affiliated
Application of Individual OTP
of Governors of the NYSE Arca Parent.’’ directors. See NYSE Rule 2 and NYSE MKT Rule
The Exchange believes that such 2–Equities. See also Nasdaq Stock Market Equity 28 The Exchange proposes to replace the current
statement is not relevant to the Rule 0129(i) (definition of ‘‘Member’’ or ‘‘Nasdaq text of Rule 9.17 with ‘‘reserved.’’ See proposed
definition and would be adequately Member’’) and Options Rule 1(40) (definition of Rule 9.17.
‘‘Options Participant’’ or ‘‘Participant’’) and 29 Rule 11.16 (Books and Records) would only
addressed in proposed Bylaw 3.02 and Seventh Amended and Restated Bylaws of Chicago apply to OTP Holders and OTP Firms, as there is
Rule 3.2. Accordingly, when integrating Board Options Exchange, Inc., Article I, Section no equivalent provision in the NYSE Arca Equities
the definition of ETP Holder, the 1.1(f) (definition of ‘‘Trading Permit Holder’’). rules.
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![28164 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 117 / Tuesday, June 20, 2017 / Notices
Accordingly, the Exchange proposes to Financial Reports, Margins—Options’’ (Disruptive Quoting and Trading
add the text ‘‘, or a limited liability and ‘‘Conducting Business with the Activity Prohibited).
company member of any ETP Holder,’’ Public—Options,’’ respectively. • The Order Audit Trail System
after ‘‘OTP Firm.’’ Similarly, the word ‘‘Options’’ would be Rules, which are currently NYSE Arca
Rule 2.17 addresses amendments to added to the heading of proposed Rule Equities Rules 7410 through 7470,
trading permit holder documents. 7–O, so that it becomes ‘‘General would be moved to Rule 6–E, becoming
Consistent with NYSE Arca Equities Options Trading Rules.’’ Rules 6.7410–E through 6.7470–E.32
Rule 2.16(c), the Exchange proposes to • ‘‘Corporation’’ would be replaced Proposed Amendments
amend the first sentence of Rule 2.17(c) with ‘‘Exchange’’ in proposed Rules
by revising ‘‘termination of an OTP’’ to 4.1–O (Minimum Net Capital) and 9.26– Several of the NYSE Arca Equities
state ‘‘a person associated with that ETP O (Registration of Options Principals), rules refer to the Delegation or reference
Holder or an OTP, as applicable.’’ and in the title of Rule 9.1–O(a) the relationship between NYSE Arca
Rule 2.18 states that activity (Register with the Corporation). The Equities and the Exchange through the
assessment fees will be collected Exchange believes that the references use of the term ‘‘NYSE Arca Parent.’’ 33
through the Options Clearing should be to the Exchange, as After the Merger, such references would
Corporation on behalf of the Exchange. ‘‘Corporation’’ is not a defined term in be obsolete. Accordingly, to reflect the
• Consistent with NYSE Arca Equities the NYSE Arca rules. Merger, the Exchange proposes to make
Rule 2.17 (Activity Assessment Fees), • The text of Rule 9.17 (Books and the following changes when
the Exchange proposes to add text to Records) would be replaced with incorporating NYSE Arca Equities rules
Rule 2.18(a) stating that ‘‘Activity ‘‘Reserved’’ and the requirements of into the Exchange rules:
Assessment Fees shall be due and Rule 9.17 would be integrated with • The second sentence of NYSE Arca
payable from ETP Holders at such times proposed Rule 2.28 (Books and Equities Rule 5.1(a)(1) (General
and intervals as prescribed by the Records), as discussed above.30 Provisions and Unlisted Trading
Exchange.’’ • A cross reference to Rule 6.1(a)(24) Privileges) states that ‘‘[f]or the purposes
• NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.17(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
in Rule 4.16(d)(9)(G) (Other Provisions)
provides that the Corporation may fix (‘Exchange Act’), securities traded on
would be corrected to reference
and impose certain other charges or fees the Corporation shall be admitted to
subsection (b)(24), as the Exchange
to be paid by ETP Holders, without unlisted trading privileges or listed on
believes that the current reference is
specifying to whom they are paid. Rule the NYSE Arca Parent, subject to the
incorrect.31
2.18(b), however, states that the Board NYSE Arca Parent’s delegation of the
of Directors sets the charges or fees, and D. Equities Rules responsibility for the administration and
that they are to be paid to the Exchange enforcement of the unlisted trading
The proposed new Equities Rules
or its subsidiaries. The Exchange does privileges and listing requirements to
would be the same as current NYSE
not propose to amend this aspect of the Corporation.’’ The Exchange
Arca Equities Rules 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, the
Rule 2.18(b), however, as it believes that proposes not to include the sentence
Conduct Rules, and the Order Audit
the provisions are substantially similar when incorporating the provision into
Trail System, subject to the following
in intent. Rule 5.1–E(a)(1) (General Provisions and
changes.
• The Exchange proposes to add Unlisted Trading Privileges).
commentary .01 from NYSE Arca Organizational Changes • The Exchange proposes not to
Equities Rule 2.17 to Rule 2.18. include the statement that ‘‘ ‘NYSE Arca
Rule 2.19(a) sets forth the registration The Exchange proposes to make the
following organizational changes Equities, Inc.’ (the ‘Corporation’) is a
requirements for permit holders. The wholly owned subsidiary of ICE’’ in
Exchange proposes to amend the throughout the Equities Rules:
• The Exchange proposes to add the NYSE Arca Equities Rule 5.1(c)(a)(3)
references to ‘‘member’’ and ‘‘member (Listing of an Affiliate or Entity that
organization’’ to include both terms, to word ‘‘—Equities’’ to the end of the
titles of proposed Rules 4–E and 9–E, Operates and/or Owns a Trading System
incorporate NYSE Arca Equities Rule or Facility of the Corporation) when
2.18(a). which would be called ‘‘Capital
Requirements, Financial Reports, incorporating the provision into
Rule 2.21 sets forth the provisions on proposed Rule 5.1–E(c)(a)(3) (Listing of
transfer of trading permits. Consistent Margins—Equities’’ and ‘‘Conducting
Business with the Public—Equities,’’ an Affiliate or Entity that Operates and/
with NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.20 or Owns a Trading System or Facility of
(Limited Transferability), the Exchange respectively. ‘‘Equities’’ would be added
to the start of Rule 5–E, which would the Exchange).
proposes to add the following text to the • The Exchange proposes to use the
end of the first sentence in Rule 2.21(a): become ‘‘Equities Listings.’’
term ‘‘Exchange’’ instead of ‘‘NYSE Arca
‘‘, and ETPs may not be purchased • The Conduct Rules, which are
Parent’’ in proposed Rule 5.1–E(b)(4)
(other than from the Exchange), sold or currently NYSE Arca Equities Rules
(Definitions) and in place of
leased.’’ In addition, the Exchange 2010 through 5320, would be moved to
‘‘Corporation and the NYSE Arca
proposes to add ‘‘(other than from the the end of proposed Rule 9–E, becoming
Parent’’ in Rule 9.18–E(b)(3) (Doing A
Exchange’’) after ‘‘purported purchase’’ Rules 9.2010–E through 9.5320–E, with
Public Business In Options). Similarly,
in the second sentence. the exception of NYSE Arca Equities
the Exchange proposes to use the term
Rule 5220 (Disruptive Quoting and
C. Options Rules ‘‘Exchange’’ instead of ‘‘NYSE Arca
Trading Activity Prohibited), which
would be integrated into Rule 11.21
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
The Options Rules would be 32 Current NYSE Arca Equities Rule 6 (Business
substantially the same as current NYSE Conduct) would be integrated into Rule 11
Arca Rules 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, with the 30 See discussion accompanying notes 28 and 29, (Business Conduct). See ‘‘Rule 11 (Business
following changes: supra. Conduct)’’, below.
• The word ‘‘—Options’’ would be 31 See Exhibit A, Rule 4, to SR–PCX–2004–08 33 NYSE Arca Equities Rule 1(nn) defines ‘‘NYSE
(February 10, 2004), available at https:// Arca Parent’’ as ‘‘the NYSE Arca, Inc., a Delaware
added at the end of the headings for www.sec.gov/rules/sro/pcx/34–49451_a4.pdf. See corporation and national securities exchange as that
proposed Rules 4–O and 9–O, which also Securities Exchange Release No. 49718 (May term is defined in Section 6 of the Securities
would be called ‘‘Capital Requirements, 17, 2004), 69 FR 29611 (May 24, 2004). Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.’’
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 117 / Tuesday, June 20, 2017 / Notices 28169
the Exchange by adding clarity and The Exchange believes that the facilitating transactions in securities, to
transparency to the Bylaws. Further, the inclusion of the ETP Holders as well as remove impediments to, and perfect the
proposed amendments would align the OTP Holders in the Exchange and Board mechanism of a free and open market
provision with the governing documents Committees would provide for the fair and a national market system and, in
of the SRO Affiliates.49 representation of members in the general, to protect investors and the
Similarly, the Exchange believes that administration of the affairs of the public interest, because the resulting
the changes to Bylaws Article IV, Exchange, including rulemaking and the structure would allow the Exchange to
Section 4.02, which would remove disciplinary process, consistent with protect and maintain its self-regulatory
obsolete references to the Permit Holder Section 6(b)(3) of the Exchange Act.50 functions and carry out its regulatory
Advisory Committee and add references Allowing ETP Holders and Allied responsibilities under the Exchange Act.
to the Ethics and Business Conduct Persons or Associated Persons of ETP The Exchange believes that the
Committee of the Exchange, and the Holders to be eligible for appointment to proposed amendments to (a) incorporate
deletion of Rule 3.2(b)(2)(C)(i), which is Exchange Committees, putting the the ETP Holders into the existing
an obsolete reference to the initial NYSE Arca Equities disciplinary statement of the authority of the Board;
membership of the Board would committee on a par with the Exchange (b) integrate the ETP Holders into the
contribute to the orderly operation of disciplinary committee, having reviews process for appointing members of the
the Exchange by adding clarity and conducted by a single CFR, and having Board; (c) have ETP Holders and Allied
transparency to the Bylaws. Similarly, those decisions subject to the review of Persons or Associated Persons of ETP
the Exchange believes that removing the same Board, would provide for the Holders be eligible for appointment to
extraneous references to the voting fair representation of members in the Exchange Committees; (d) integrate the
process in the definitions of OTP ‘‘administration of the affairs of the existing NYSE Arca Equities Business
Holder, OTP Firm and ETP Holder exchange,’’ including the disciplinary Conduct Committee into the Exchange
would add clarity and transparency to process, consistent with Section 6(b)(3) rules; and (e) have all reviews
the Rules. of the Exchange Act. conducted by a single CFR would
The Exchange believes that the The Exchange believes that the remove impediments to, and perfect the
proposed amendments to Rule 3 integration of its two rulebooks into a mechanism of a free and open market
regarding the Board and Exchange single rulebook, with three categories of and a national market system and, in
Committees would allow the Exchange rules, is consistent with Section 6(b) of general, to protect investors and the
the Exchange Act 51 in general, and with public interest, because all Permit
to be so organized as to have the
Section 6(b)(1) 52 in particular because Holders would be subject to the same
capacity to be able to carry out the
the integration and re-organization rules, irrespective of whether they were
purposes of the Exchange Act and to
would contribute to the orderly ETP Holders or OTP Holders. In
comply, and to enforce compliance by
operation of the Exchange by adding addition, having the organization and
its exchange members and persons
clarity and transparency to its Rules. administration rules for both the
associated with its exchange members,
For similar reasons, the Exchange also equities and options markets in the
with the provisions of the Exchange Act,
believes that this filing furthers the same Bylaws and Rule 3 would simplify
the rules and regulations thereunder,
objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the and streamline the Exchange’s rules, as
and the rules of the Exchange by
Exchange Act 53 because the proposed persons subject to the Exchange’s
ensuring that ETP Holders may jurisdiction, regulators, and the
rule change would be consistent with
participate in Exchange and Board investing public would not have to look
and would create a governance and
Committees. Specifically, the proposed at two separate sets of governing
regulatory structure that is designed to
changes would ensure that ETP Holders documents and organization and
prevent fraudulent and manipulative
and Allied Persons or Associated administration rules in order to fully
acts and practices, to promote just and
Persons of ETP Holders would be understand the Exchange’s markets.
equitable principles of trade, to foster
eligible for appointment to Exchange The Exchange believes that the
cooperation and coordination with
Committee [sic], just as OTP Holders proposed deletion of the organizational
persons engaged in regulating, clearing,
and Allied Persons or Associated documents of NYSE Arca Equities from
settling, processing information with
Persons of an OTP Firm are now. In the Exchange rules as well as NYSE
respect to, and facilitating transactions
addition, the proposed amendments Arca Equities Rules 14.1 and 14.2 in
in securities, to remove impediments to,
would integrate the existing NYSE Arca connection with the proposed
and perfect the mechanism of a free and
Equities Business Conduct Committee termination of the Delegation would
open market and a national market
into the Exchange rules, putting such remove impediments to and perfect a
system and, in general, to protect
committee on a par with the existing national market system because it
investors and the public interest.
Ethics and Business Conduct Committee would reduce potential confusion that
The Exchange believes that the
for OTP Holders. Similarly, the changes may result from having these documents
termination of the Delegation would be
would mean that all reviews were and Rules 14.1 and 14.2 remain rules of
consistent with and facilitate a
conducted by a single CFR, and all CFR the Exchange following the proposed
governance and regulatory structure that
decisions were subject to the review of termination of the Delegation, when
is designed to prevent fraudulent and
the Exchange Board, meaning that all NYSE Arca Equities would no longer
manipulative acts and practices, to
Permit Holders were subject to the same have responsibilities to operate the
promote just and equitable principles of
rule. Presently, NYSE Arca and NYSE Exchange’s equity market.
trade, to foster cooperation and
Arca Equities have separate CFRs, the Similarly, the Exchange believes that
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
coordination with persons engaged in
NYSE Arca CFR decisions are subject to the proposed changes to (a) Bylaws
regulating, clearing, settling, processing
the review of the Exchange Board, and Section 3.02(a), which would clearly
information with respect to, and
the NYSE Arca Equities CFR decisions state that the holding member
are subject to the review of the NYSE 50 See 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(3). determines the size of the Board, set
Arca Equities board of directors. 51 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). forth the Board composition
52 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(1). requirements in numbered clauses, and
49 See note 15, supra. 53 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). state how the minimum number of Non-
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![28170 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 117 / Tuesday, June 20, 2017 / Notices
Affiliated directors shall be calculated; the rules, including (a) deleting Electronic Comments
(b) Bylaws Article IV, Section 4.02, definitions marked ‘‘reserved’’ in Rule
which would remove obsolete 1; (b) deleting references to the Pacific • Use the Commission’s Internet
references to the Permit Holder Exchange Inc. in Rule 11.6 and comment form (http://www.sec.gov/
Advisory Committee and add references proposed Rule 8.203–E(g); and (c) rules/sro.shtml); or
to the Ethics and Business Conduct removing obsolete text from proposed • Send an email to rule-comments@
Committee of the Exchange; (c) deletion Rules 3.2(b), 5.3–E, 13.2(a) and 14.5, sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–
of Rule 3.2(b)(2)(C)(i), which would would remove impediments to and NYSEArca–2017–40 on the subject line.
remove an obsolete reference to the perfect a national market system by
initial membership of the Board; and (d) adding clarity and transparency to the Paper Comments
removing extraneous references to the Rules by deleting obsolete references or
voting process in the definitions of OTP • Send paper comments in triplicate
correcting minor typographical errors, to Secretary, Securities and Exchange
Holder, OTP Firm and ETP Holder in ensuring that persons subject to the
Rule 1 would remove impediments to Commission, 100 F Street NE.,
Exchange’s jurisdiction, regulators, and
and perfect a national market system by Washington, DC 20549–1090.
the investing public can more easily
adding clarity and transparency to the navigate and understand the Exchange’s All submissions should refer to File
Bylaws, ensuring that persons subject to governing documents. Number SR–NYSEArca–2017–40. This
the Exchange’s jurisdiction, regulators, file number should be included on the
and the investing public can more easily B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
subject line if email is used. To help the
navigate and understand the Exchange’s Statement on Burden on Competition
Commission process and review your
governing documents.
The Exchange believes that the The Exchange does not believe that comments more efficiently, please use
integration of its two rulebooks into one the proposed rule change will impose only one method. The Commission will
single rulebook, with three categories of any burden on competition that is not post all comments on the Commission’s
rules, would remove impediments to necessary or appropriate in furtherance Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/
and perfect a national market system of the purposes of the Exchange Act. rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the
and, in general, protect investors and The proposed rule change is not submission, all subsequent
the public interest, by adding clarity designed to address any competitive amendments, all written statements
and transparency to the Bylaws, issue but rather is concerned solely with with respect to the proposed rule
ensuring that persons subject to the the corporate structure of the Exchange change that are filed with the
Exchange’s jurisdiction, regulators, and and the administration and function of Commission, and all written
the investing public can more easily its corporate governance structures. communications relating to the
navigate and understand the Exchange’s proposed rule change between the
C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
rules. Commission and any person, other than
The Exchange believes that (a) adding Statement on Comments on the
Proposed Rule Change Received From those that may be withheld from the
an ‘‘-O’’ or ‘‘-E’’ at the end of the public in accordance with the
number of any rule that applies only to Members, Participants, or Others
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be
the options or equities market, No written comments were solicited available for Web site viewing and
respectively, and (b) adding ‘‘— or received with respect to the proposed
Equities’’ or ‘‘—Options’’ to the end of printing in the Commission’s Public
rule change. Reference Room, 100 F Street NE.,
any rule that, despite being part of a rule
of general application, only applies to III. Date of Effectiveness of the Washington, DC 20549 on official
one market, would allow trading permit Proposed Rule Change and Timing for business days between the hours of
holders and other market participants to Commission Action 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the
quickly and easily identify which rules filing also will be available for
apply to each market, thereby removing Within 45 days of the date of inspection and copying at the principal
impediments to and perfecting a publication of this notice in the Federal office of the Exchange. All comments
national market system and, in general, Register or within such longer period received will be posted without change;
protecting investors and the public up to 90 days (i) as the Commission may the Commission does not edit personal
interest. designate if it finds such longer period identifying information from
Similarly, the Exchange believes that to be appropriate and publishes its submissions. You should submit only
(a) incorporating the NYSE Arca reasons for so finding or (ii) as to which information that you wish to make
Equities Conduct Rules into proposed the self-regulatory organization available publicly. All submissions
Rule 9–E and Rule 11.21; (b) consents, the Commission will: should refer to File Number SR–
incorporating the NYSE Arca Equities (A) By order approve or disapprove NYSEArca–2017–40 and should be
Order Audit Trail System Rules into the proposed rule change, or submitted on or before July 11, 2017.
proposed Rule 6–E; and (c) creating a
new NYSE Arca Equities Fee Schedule (B) institute proceedings to determine For the Commission, by the Division of
and updating the NYSE Arca Options whether the proposed rule change Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
Fee Schedule and Listing Fee Schedule should be disapproved. authority.54
would remove impediments to and IV. Solicitation of Comments Eduardo A. Aleman,
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
perfect a national market system and, in Assistant Secretary.
general, protect investors and the public Interested persons are invited to [FR Doc. 2017–12770 Filed 6–19–17; 8:45 am]
interest, because the proposed changes submit written data, views, and BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
would ensure that all present NYSE arguments concerning the foregoing,
Arca Equities rules were incorporated including whether the proposed rule
into the Exchange rulebook. change is consistent with the Act.
The Exchange believes that the Comments may be submitted by any of
proposed non-substantive changes to the following methods: 54 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
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Document Created: 2017-06-20 02:20:58
Document Modified: 2017-06-20 02:20:58
| 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 | 82 FR 28157 |
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