82_FR_29248 82 FR 29126 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend the NYSE Arca Options Fee Schedule

82 FR 29126 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend the NYSE Arca Options Fee Schedule

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 122 (June 27, 2017)

Page Range29126-29128
FR Document2017-13345

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 122 (Tuesday, June 27, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 122 (Tuesday, June 27, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29126-29128]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-13345]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-80990; File No. SR-NYSEARCA-2017-67]


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

June 21, 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 9, 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, II, 
and III below, which Items have been prepared by the self-regulatory 
organization. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit 
comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 15 U.S.C. 78a.
    \3\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
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Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of 
the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange proposes to amend the NYSE Arca Options Fee Schedule 
(``Fee Schedule''). The proposed rule change is available on the 
Exchange's Web site at www.nyse.com, at the principal office of the 
Exchange, and at the Commission's Public Reference Room.

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

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

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

1. Purpose
    The purpose of this filing is to amend the Fee Schedule to modify 
the criteria for achieving various credits, including by broadening the 
qualifying order flow and trading activity, to make the different 
qualifications more achievable to a variety of market participants.
    Currently, the Exchange provides a number of incentives for OTP 
Holders and OTP Firms (collectively, ``OTPs'') designed to encourage 
OTPs to direct additional order flow to the Exchange to achieve more 
favorable pricing and higher credits. Among these incentives are 
enhanced posted liquidity credits based on achieving certain 
percentages of NYSE Arca Equity daily activity, also known as ``cross-
asset pricing.'' In addition, certain of the qualifications for 
achieving these incentives are more tailored to specific activity 
(i.e., posting in Penny Pilot issues only, or cross-asset pricing based 
only on levels of Retail Orders on the NYSE Arca Equity Market). 
Similarly, because the Exchange allows Order Flow Providers (``OFP''s) 
to aggregate their volume executed on NYSE Arca with affiliated or 
Appointed Market Makers, OFPs may encourage an increased level of 
activity from these participants to qualify for various incentives, 
including higher credits for Customers or Professional Customer orders. 
As a result, NYSE Arca becomes a more attractive venue for Customer 
(and Professional Customer) orders offering enhanced rebates. To 
further incent OFPs to direct order flow to the Exchange, the Exchange 
proposes to allow participants to combine their Customer activity with 
their Market Maker activity in an effort to achieve certain enhanced 
rebates.
    Pursuant to the Customer and Professional Customer Monthly Posting 
Credit Tiers and Qualifications for Executions in Penny Pilot Issues 
(the ``Penny Credit Tiers''), Customer and Professional Customer orders 
that post liquidity and are executed on the Exchange earn a base credit 
of $0.25 per contract, with the ability to earn increased credits based 
on the participant's activity. There are currently seven Penny Credit 
Tiers with associated qualifications. The Exchange is not proposing any 
change to Penny Credit Tiers 1 through 5.
    Regarding current Penny Credit Tier 6, an OTP is eligible to 
achieve a credit of $0.48 per contract, provided the OTP has (i) at 
least 0.35% of Total Industry Customer equity and ETF option ADV 
(``TCADV'') from Customer and Professional Customer Posted Orders in 
all Issues, and (ii) Executed ADV of 0.80% of U.S. Equity Market Share 
Posted and Executed on NYSE Arca Equity Market. The Exchange proposes 
to add an alternative qualification basis to Tier 6, which would enable 
an OTP to qualify for the $0.48 per contract credit, provided the OTP 
has (i) at least 0.50% of TCADV from Customer and Professional Customer 
Posted orders in all Issues, and (ii) at least 0.45% of TCADV from 
Market Maker Total Electronic Volume.
    Additionally, the Exchange proposes to rename current Penny Credit 
Tier 7 as Tier 8, and to add a new Tier 7 with an associated credit of 
$0.49 per contract. As proposed, OTPs may qualify for the new Tier 7 by 
achieving a level of at least 0.50% of TCADV from Customer and 
Professional Customer Posted orders in all Issues, plus at least 0.60% 
of TCADV from Market Maker Total Electronic Volume.
    The Exchange is also proposing a small clarifying change to the 
Penny Credit Tiers by replacing ``Total Industry Customer equity and 
ETF option average daily volume'' with ``TCADV'' and explaining the 
abbreviation with a note at the bottom of the table referenced by an 
asterisk in the table header.
    Next, the Exchange proposes to modify the Customer and Professional 
Customer Incentive Program (the ``Incentive Program'') by replacing two 
of the possible incentives that are based solely on Market Maker Posted 
Orders with new incentives that combine a level of Market Maker Total 
Electronic Volume and Customer and Professional Customer volume. 
Specifically, the Exchange proposes to no longer provide an additional 
$0.01 per contract credit for OTPs that achieve an ADV from Market 
Maker Posted Orders equal to 0.80% of TCADV. Instead, the Exchange 
proposes to offer an additional $0.01 per contract credit incentive for 
an OTP that

[[Page 29127]]

achieves at least 0.50% of TCADV from Customer and Professional 
Customer Posted Orders in all Issues, plus an ADV from Market Maker 
Posted Orders in Penny Pilot Issues equal to at least 0.30% of Total 
Industry Customer equity and ETF option ADV. The Exchange notes that an 
OTP that achieves this incentive would be qualified for Penny Credit 
Tier 3 (which requires an OTP achieve at least 0.40% of TCADV from 
Customer and Professional Customer Posted Orders in all Issues).\4\ The 
Exchange also proposes to replace the current additional $0.02 per 
contract rebate available under the Incentive Program, earned by 
achieving an ADV from Market Maker Posted Orders equal to 1.40% of 
TCADV, with a new $0.03 per contract rebate that is earned by achieving 
an ADV from Market Maker Total Electronic Volume of at least 0.60% of 
TCADV, plus at least 0.10% of TCADV from Customer and Professional 
Customer Posted Orders in non-Penny Pilot Issues. By encouraging 
additional activity from affiliated or Appointed Market Makers, the 
Exchange hopes to encourage a broader spectrum of business and, in 
turn, to increase liquidity and opportunities to trade on the Exchange.
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    \4\ The Exchange notes that the qualifying OTP would be eligible 
to receive both the $0.45 per contract credit available for 
achieving Tier 3 as well as the $0.01 per contract credit available 
for achieving the proposed threshold in the Incentive Program.
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    The Exchange is also proposing modifications to the Customer and 
Professional Customer Posting Credit Tiers in Non-Penny Pilot Issues 
(``Non-Penny Credit Tiers'') that would enable OTPs to include volume 
from an affiliated or Appointed Market Maker to achieve these Tiers. 
There are currently four Non-Penny Tiers Credit Tiers. The Exchange is 
not proposing any change to Non-Penny Credit Tiers A or B. The Exchange 
proposes to rename current Tier C to Tier D and to add a new Tier C. As 
proposed, new Tier C will be achieved by meeting at least 0.50% TCADV 
from Customer and Professional Customer Posted Order executions in all 
Issues, plus an ADV from Market Maker Total Electronic Volume equal to 
0.45% of TCADV. OTPs that qualify for proposed Tier C will receive a 
credit of $0.94 per contract. Additionally, the Exchange proposes to 
designate the current Non-Penny Credit Tier D as Tier F, and introduce 
a new Tier E. As proposed, new Tier E will be achieved by meeting at 
least 0.50% of TCADV from Customer and Professional Customer posted 
orders in all issues, plus an ADV from Market Maker Total Electronic 
Volume equal to 0.60% of TCADV. OTPs that qualify for proposed Tier E 
will receive a credit of $1.00 per contract.
    The Exchange also proposes to amend endnote 8 of the Fee Schedule 
to clarify make clear [sic] that the Exchange is adopting the term 
``Market Maker Total Electronic Volume,'' which is calculated on the 
same basis as Customer volumes, in that Electronic Complex Order 
Executions, QCC Transactions, and executions of orders routed to 
another market are not included. By defining long standing practice, 
the Exchange believes this adds clarity to the calculation of Market 
Maker Total Electronic Volume, and is consistent with the treatment of 
Customer volumes. Complex strategies carry no market making obligations 
beyond making markets for simple executions in the component legs of 
the strategy; for this reason they are not included in Total Electronic 
Market Maker Volume. Similarly, QCCs are negotiated transactions that 
neither post nor take liquidity, and therefore QCCs do not interact 
with Market Makers quotes. Market Maker orders routed to another market 
do not contribute to activity on NYSE Arca, and are therefore not 
included.
    The Exchange is also correcting two minor typographical errors 
within the Fee Schedule, placing a hyphen between ``Non'' and ``Penny'' 
in the header of ``Customer and Professional Customer Posting Credit 
Tiers In Non Penny Pilot Issues'', and removing an underlined space in 
``Credit Applied to Posted Electronic Customer and Professional 
Customer Executions in Penny Pilot Issues'', which should add clarity 
to the Fee Schedule.
    Finally, given the proposed increase in the number of Penny Credit 
Tiers from seven to eight, the Exchange proposes to make clear that 
OTPs that achieve Tier 6, 7, or 8, (rather than just Tier 6 or 7) will 
be capped at $65,000 under the Firm and Broker Dealer Monthly Fee Cap.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent 
with Section 6(b) of the Act,\5\ in general, and furthers the 
objectives of Sections 6(b)(4) and (5) of the Act,\6\ in particular, 
because it provides for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, 
fees, and other charges among its members, issuers and other persons 
using its facilities and does not unfairly discriminate between 
customers, issuers, brokers or dealers.
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    \5\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \6\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4) and (5).
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    The Exchange believes that providing alternative qualifications for 
the Penny and Non-Penny Credit Tiers and the Incentive Program is 
reasonable, equitable, and not unfairly discriminatory because, among 
other things, it increases the methods of qualifying for greater 
credits through the inclusion of affiliated or appointed Market Maker 
volume. The proposed changes would also provide additional means (via 
the proposed new Tiers) for OTPs to qualify for credits for posting 
volume on the Exchange. By providing alternative methods to qualify for 
a Tier or an Incentive, the Exchange believes the opportunities to 
qualify for rebates is increased, which benefits all participants 
through both increased Customer (and Professional Customer) volume and 
increased Market Maker activity. The Exchange notes that allowing 
participants to aggregate volume is not new or novel.\7\ To the extent 
that order flow which adds liquidity is increased by the proposal, 
market participants will increasingly compete for the opportunity to 
trade on the Exchange, including sending more orders to reach higher 
tiers or rebates. The resulting increased volume and liquidity will 
benefit all Exchange participants by providing more trading 
opportunities and tighter spreads.
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    \7\ See e.g., NASDAQ Options Market--Fees and Rebates, Section 
2, available here, http://www.nasdaqtrader.com/Micro.aspx?id=optionsPricing (providing for qualification of tiers/
rebates on the basis of customer and market maker volume); Bats BZX 
Options Fee Schedule, fn 1, Customer Penny Pilot Add Tiers, 
available here, https://www.bats.com/us/options/membership/fee_schedule/bzx/ (same).
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    The Exchange also believes the proposed changes would be available 
to all similarly-situated market participants on an equal and non-
discriminatory basis. The Exchange believes the proposed modifications 
are reasonable, equitable and not unfairly discriminatory because they 
encourage more participants to qualify for the various incentives, 
including encouraging more participants to have affiliated or appointed 
order flow directed to the Exchange. Further, encouraging Market Makers 
to send higher volumes of orders to the Exchange would also contribute 
to the Exchange's depth of book as well as to the top of book 
liquidity.
    The credits are also reasonable as they are within the current 
range of credits on posted Customer and Professional Customer orders.
    Finally, the Exchange believes the proposed non-substantive changes 
to

[[Page 29128]]

the Fee Schedule are reasonable, equitable, and not unfairly 
discriminatory because it would add clarity, transparency and internal 
consistency to the Fee Schedule.
    For these reasons, the Exchange believes that the proposal is 
consistent with the Act.

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

    In accordance with Section 6(b)(8) of the Act,\8\ the Exchange does 
not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on 
competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the 
purposes of the Act. Instead, the Exchange believes that the proposed 
changes would encourage competition, including by attracting additional 
liquidity to the Exchange, which would continue to make the Exchange a 
more competitive venue for, among other things, order execution and 
price discovery. The Exchange does not believe that the proposed change 
would impair the ability of any market participants or competing order 
execution venues to maintain their competitive standing in the 
financial markets. Further, the incentive would be available to all 
similarly-situated participants, and, as such, the proposed change 
would not impose a disparate burden on competition either among or 
between classes of market participants and may, in fact, encourage 
competition.
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    \8\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(8).
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    The Exchange notes that it operates in a highly competitive market 
in which market participants can readily favor competing venues. In 
such an environment, the Exchange must continually review, and consider 
adjusting, its fees and credits to remain competitive with other 
exchanges. For the reasons described above, the Exchange believes that 
the proposed rule change reflects this competitive environment.

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

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

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

    The foregoing rule change is effective upon filing pursuant to 
Section 19(b)(3)(A) \9\ of the Act and subparagraph (f)(2) of Rule 19b-
4 \10\ thereunder, because it establishes a due, fee, or other charge 
imposed by the Exchange.
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    \9\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \10\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(2).
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    At any time within 60 days of the filing of such proposed rule 
change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule 
change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or 
appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or 
otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission 
takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings under 
Section 19(b)(2)(B) \11\ of the Act to determine whether the proposed 
rule change should be approved or disapproved.
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    \11\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B).
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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-2017-67 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-2017-67. 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-2017-67, and should 
be submitted on or before July 18, 2017.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\12\
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    \12\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Eduardo A. Aleman,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2017-13345 Filed 6-26-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P



                                                  29126                           Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 27, 2017 / Notices

                                                    The public may view background                         II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                     Executions in Penny Pilot Issues (the
                                                  documentation for this information                       Statement of the Purpose of, and                       ‘‘Penny Credit Tiers’’), Customer and
                                                  collection at the following Web site:                    Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule                 Professional Customer orders that post
                                                  www.reginfo.gov. Comments should be                      Change                                                 liquidity and are executed on the
                                                  directed to: (i) Desk Officer for the                       In its filing with the Commission, the              Exchange earn a base credit of $0.25 per
                                                  Securities and Exchange Commission,                      self-regulatory organization included                  contract, with the ability to earn
                                                  Office of Information and Regulatory                     statements concerning the purpose of,                  increased credits based on the
                                                  Affairs, Office of Management and                        and basis for, the proposed rule change                participant’s activity. There are
                                                  Budget, Room 10102, New Executive                        and discussed any comments it received                 currently seven Penny Credit Tiers with
                                                  Office Building, Washington, DC 20503,                   on the proposed rule change. The text                  associated qualifications. The Exchange
                                                  or by sending an email to: Shagufta_                     of those statements may be examined at                 is not proposing any change to Penny
                                                  Ahmed@omb.eop.gov; and (ii) Pamela                       the places specified in Item IV below.                 Credit Tiers 1 through 5.
                                                  Dyson, Director/Chief Information                        The Exchange has prepared summaries,                      Regarding current Penny Credit Tier
                                                  Officer, Securities and Exchange                         set forth in sections A, B, and C below,               6, an OTP is eligible to achieve a credit
                                                  Commission, c/o Remi Pavlik-Simon,                       of the most significant parts of such                  of $0.48 per contract, provided the OTP
                                                  100 F Street NE., Washington, DC                         statements.                                            has (i) at least 0.35% of Total Industry
                                                  20549, or by sending an email to: PRA_                                                                          Customer equity and ETF option ADV
                                                  Mailbox@sec.gov. Comments must be                        A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                      (‘‘TCADV’’) from Customer and
                                                  submitted to OMB within 30 days of                       Statement of the Purpose of, and the                   Professional Customer Posted Orders in
                                                  this notice.                                             Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule                 all Issues, and (ii) Executed ADV of
                                                                                                           Change                                                 0.80% of U.S. Equity Market Share
                                                    Dated: June 21, 2017
                                                                                                           1. Purpose                                             Posted and Executed on NYSE Arca
                                                  Eduardo A. Aleman,
                                                                                                                                                                  Equity Market. The Exchange proposes
                                                  Assistant Secretary.                                        The purpose of this filing is to amend              to add an alternative qualification basis
                                                  [FR Doc. 2017–13424 Filed 6–26–17; 8:45 am]              the Fee Schedule to modify the criteria                to Tier 6, which would enable an OTP
                                                  BILLING CODE 8011–01–P                                   for achieving various credits, including               to qualify for the $0.48 per contract
                                                                                                           by broadening the qualifying order flow                credit, provided the OTP has (i) at least
                                                                                                           and trading activity, to make the                      0.50% of TCADV from Customer and
                                                  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE                                  different qualifications more achievable               Professional Customer Posted orders in
                                                  COMMISSION                                               to a variety of market participants.                   all Issues, and (ii) at least 0.45% of
                                                  [Release No. 34–80990; File No. SR–                         Currently, the Exchange provides a                  TCADV from Market Maker Total
                                                  NYSEARCA–2017–67]                                        number of incentives for OTP Holders                   Electronic Volume.
                                                                                                           and OTP Firms (collectively, ‘‘OTPs’’)                    Additionally, the Exchange proposes
                                                  Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE                      designed to encourage OTPs to direct                   to rename current Penny Credit Tier 7
                                                  Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and                         additional order flow to the Exchange to               as Tier 8, and to add a new Tier 7 with
                                                  Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed                      achieve more favorable pricing and                     an associated credit of $0.49 per
                                                  Rule Change To Amend the NYSE Arca                       higher credits. Among these incentives                 contract. As proposed, OTPs may
                                                  Options Fee Schedule                                     are enhanced posted liquidity credits                  qualify for the new Tier 7 by achieving
                                                                                                           based on achieving certain percentages                 a level of at least 0.50% of TCADV from
                                                  June 21, 2017.
                                                                                                           of NYSE Arca Equity daily activity, also               Customer and Professional Customer
                                                     Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) 1 of the                 known as ‘‘cross-asset pricing.’’ In
                                                  Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the                                                                            Posted orders in all Issues, plus at least
                                                                                                           addition, certain of the qualifications for            0.60% of TCADV from Market Maker
                                                  ‘‘Act’’) 2 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,3                   achieving these incentives are more
                                                  notice is hereby given that, on June 9,                                                                         Total Electronic Volume.
                                                                                                           tailored to specific activity (i.e., posting              The Exchange is also proposing a
                                                  2017, NYSE Arca, Inc. (the ‘‘Exchange’’                  in Penny Pilot issues only, or cross-asset             small clarifying change to the Penny
                                                  or ‘‘NYSE Arca’’) filed with the                         pricing based only on levels of Retail                 Credit Tiers by replacing ‘‘Total
                                                  Securities and Exchange Commission                       Orders on the NYSE Arca Equity                         Industry Customer equity and ETF
                                                  (the ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule
                                                                                                           Market). Similarly, because the                        option average daily volume’’ with
                                                  change as described in Items I, II, and
                                                                                                           Exchange allows Order Flow Providers                   ‘‘TCADV’’ and explaining the
                                                  III below, which Items have been
                                                                                                           (‘‘OFP’’s) to aggregate their volume                   abbreviation with a note at the bottom
                                                  prepared by the self-regulatory
                                                                                                           executed on NYSE Arca with affiliated                  of the table referenced by an asterisk in
                                                  organization. The Commission is
                                                                                                           or Appointed Market Makers, OFPs may                   the table header.
                                                  publishing this notice to solicit                                                                                  Next, the Exchange proposes to
                                                                                                           encourage an increased level of activity
                                                  comments on the proposed rule change                                                                            modify the Customer and Professional
                                                                                                           from these participants to qualify for
                                                  from interested persons.                                                                                        Customer Incentive Program (the
                                                                                                           various incentives, including higher
                                                  Self-Regulatory Organization’s                           credits for Customers or Professional                  ‘‘Incentive Program’’) by replacing two
                                                  Statement of the Terms of Substance of                   Customer orders. As a result, NYSE                     of the possible incentives that are based
                                                  the Proposed Rule Change                                 Arca becomes a more attractive venue                   solely on Market Maker Posted Orders
                                                     The Exchange proposes to amend the                    for Customer (and Professional                         with new incentives that combine a
                                                  NYSE Arca Options Fee Schedule (‘‘Fee                    Customer) orders offering enhanced                     level of Market Maker Total Electronic
                                                  Schedule’’). The proposed rule change                    rebates. To further incent OFPs to direct              Volume and Customer and Professional
                                                                                                           order flow to the Exchange, the                        Customer volume. Specifically, the
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES




                                                  is available on the Exchange’s Web site
                                                  at www.nyse.com, at the principal office                 Exchange proposes to allow participants                Exchange proposes to no longer provide
                                                  of the Exchange, and at the                              to combine their Customer activity with                an additional $0.01 per contract credit
                                                  Commission’s Public Reference Room.                      their Market Maker activity in an effort               for OTPs that achieve an ADV from
                                                                                                           to achieve certain enhanced rebates.                   Market Maker Posted Orders equal to
                                                    1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).                                    Pursuant to the Customer and                        0.80% of TCADV. Instead, the Exchange
                                                    2 15 U.S.C. 78a.                                       Professional Customer Monthly Posting                  proposes to offer an additional $0.01 per
                                                    3 17 CFR 240.19b–4.                                    Credit Tiers and Qualifications for                    contract credit incentive for an OTP that


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                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 27, 2017 / Notices                                                   29127

                                                  achieves at least 0.50% of TCADV from                    TCADV. OTPs that qualify for proposed                   discriminate between customers,
                                                  Customer and Professional Customer                       Tier E will receive a credit of $1.00 per               issuers, brokers or dealers.
                                                  Posted Orders in all Issues, plus an ADV                 contract.                                                  The Exchange believes that providing
                                                  from Market Maker Posted Orders in                          The Exchange also proposes to amend                  alternative qualifications for the Penny
                                                  Penny Pilot Issues equal to at least                     endnote 8 of the Fee Schedule to clarify                and Non-Penny Credit Tiers and the
                                                  0.30% of Total Industry Customer                         make clear [sic] that the Exchange is                   Incentive Program is reasonable,
                                                  equity and ETF option ADV. The                           adopting the term ‘‘Market Maker Total                  equitable, and not unfairly
                                                  Exchange notes that an OTP that                          Electronic Volume,’’ which is calculated                discriminatory because, among other
                                                  achieves this incentive would be                         on the same basis as Customer volumes,                  things, it increases the methods of
                                                  qualified for Penny Credit Tier 3 (which                 in that Electronic Complex Order                        qualifying for greater credits through the
                                                  requires an OTP achieve at least 0.40%                   Executions, QCC Transactions, and                       inclusion of affiliated or appointed
                                                  of TCADV from Customer and                               executions of orders routed to another                  Market Maker volume. The proposed
                                                  Professional Customer Posted Orders in                   market are not included. By defining                    changes would also provide additional
                                                  all Issues).4 The Exchange also proposes                 long standing practice, the Exchange                    means (via the proposed new Tiers) for
                                                  to replace the current additional $0.02                                                                          OTPs to qualify for credits for posting
                                                                                                           believes this adds clarity to the
                                                  per contract rebate available under the                                                                          volume on the Exchange. By providing
                                                                                                           calculation of Market Maker Total
                                                  Incentive Program, earned by achieving                                                                           alternative methods to qualify for a Tier
                                                                                                           Electronic Volume, and is consistent
                                                  an ADV from Market Maker Posted                                                                                  or an Incentive, the Exchange believes
                                                                                                           with the treatment of Customer
                                                  Orders equal to 1.40% of TCADV, with                                                                             the opportunities to qualify for rebates
                                                                                                           volumes. Complex strategies carry no
                                                  a new $0.03 per contract rebate that is                                                                          is increased, which benefits all
                                                                                                           market making obligations beyond
                                                  earned by achieving an ADV from                                                                                  participants through both increased
                                                                                                           making markets for simple executions in
                                                  Market Maker Total Electronic Volume                                                                             Customer (and Professional Customer)
                                                                                                           the component legs of the strategy; for
                                                  of at least 0.60% of TCADV, plus at least                                                                        volume and increased Market Maker
                                                                                                           this reason they are not included in
                                                  0.10% of TCADV from Customer and                                                                                 activity. The Exchange notes that
                                                  Professional Customer Posted Orders in                   Total Electronic Market Maker Volume.
                                                                                                           Similarly, QCCs are negotiated                          allowing participants to aggregate
                                                  non-Penny Pilot Issues. By encouraging                                                                           volume is not new or novel.7 To the
                                                  additional activity from affiliated or                   transactions that neither post nor take
                                                                                                           liquidity, and therefore QCCs do not                    extent that order flow which adds
                                                  Appointed Market Makers, the                                                                                     liquidity is increased by the proposal,
                                                  Exchange hopes to encourage a broader                    interact with Market Makers quotes.
                                                                                                           Market Maker orders routed to another                   market participants will increasingly
                                                  spectrum of business and, in turn, to                                                                            compete for the opportunity to trade on
                                                  increase liquidity and opportunities to                  market do not contribute to activity on
                                                                                                           NYSE Arca, and are therefore not                        the Exchange, including sending more
                                                  trade on the Exchange.                                                                                           orders to reach higher tiers or rebates.
                                                     The Exchange is also proposing                        included.
                                                                                                                                                                   The resulting increased volume and
                                                  modifications to the Customer and                           The Exchange is also correcting two                  liquidity will benefit all Exchange
                                                  Professional Customer Posting Credit                     minor typographical errors within the                   participants by providing more trading
                                                  Tiers in Non-Penny Pilot Issues (‘‘Non-                  Fee Schedule, placing a hyphen                          opportunities and tighter spreads.
                                                  Penny Credit Tiers’’) that would enable                  between ‘‘Non’’ and ‘‘Penny’’ in the                       The Exchange also believes the
                                                  OTPs to include volume from an                           header of ‘‘Customer and Professional                   proposed changes would be available to
                                                  affiliated or Appointed Market Maker to                  Customer Posting Credit Tiers In Non                    all similarly-situated market
                                                  achieve these Tiers. There are currently                 Penny Pilot Issues’’, and removing an                   participants on an equal and non-
                                                  four Non-Penny Tiers Credit Tiers. The                   underlined space in ‘‘Credit Applied to                 discriminatory basis. The Exchange
                                                  Exchange is not proposing any change                     Posted Electronic Customer and                          believes the proposed modifications are
                                                  to Non-Penny Credit Tiers A or B. The                    Professional Customer Executions in                     reasonable, equitable and not unfairly
                                                  Exchange proposes to rename current                      Penny Pilot Issues’’, which should add                  discriminatory because they encourage
                                                  Tier C to Tier D and to add a new Tier                   clarity to the Fee Schedule.                            more participants to qualify for the
                                                  C. As proposed, new Tier C will be                                                                               various incentives, including
                                                                                                              Finally, given the proposed increase
                                                  achieved by meeting at least 0.50%                                                                               encouraging more participants to have
                                                                                                           in the number of Penny Credit Tiers
                                                  TCADV from Customer and Professional
                                                                                                           from seven to eight, the Exchange                       affiliated or appointed order flow
                                                  Customer Posted Order executions in all
                                                                                                           proposes to make clear that OTPs that                   directed to the Exchange. Further,
                                                  Issues, plus an ADV from Market Maker
                                                                                                           achieve Tier 6, 7, or 8, (rather than just              encouraging Market Makers to send
                                                  Total Electronic Volume equal to 0.45%
                                                                                                           Tier 6 or 7) will be capped at $65,000                  higher volumes of orders to the
                                                  of TCADV. OTPs that qualify for
                                                                                                           under the Firm and Broker Dealer                        Exchange would also contribute to the
                                                  proposed Tier C will receive a credit of
                                                                                                           Monthly Fee Cap.                                        Exchange’s depth of book as well as to
                                                  $0.94 per contract. Additionally, the
                                                                                                                                                                   the top of book liquidity.
                                                  Exchange proposes to designate the                       2. Statutory Basis                                         The credits are also reasonable as they
                                                  current Non-Penny Credit Tier D as Tier
                                                                                                              The Exchange believes that the                       are within the current range of credits
                                                  F, and introduce a new Tier E. As
                                                                                                           proposed rule change is consistent with                 on posted Customer and Professional
                                                  proposed, new Tier E will be achieved
                                                                                                           Section 6(b) of the Act,5 in general, and               Customer orders.
                                                  by meeting at least 0.50% of TCADV
                                                                                                           furthers the objectives of Sections                        Finally, the Exchange believes the
                                                  from Customer and Professional
                                                                                                           6(b)(4) and (5) of the Act,6 in particular,             proposed non-substantive changes to
                                                  Customer posted orders in all issues,
                                                  plus an ADV from Market Maker Total                      because it provides for the equitable
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                                                                                     7 See e.g., NASDAQ Options Market—Fees and
                                                  Electronic Volume equal to 0.60% of                      allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and                Rebates, Section 2, available here, http://
                                                                                                           other charges among its members,                        www.nasdaqtrader.com/
                                                    4 The Exchange notes that the qualifying OTP           issuers and other persons using its                     Micro.aspx?id=optionsPricing (providing for
                                                  would be eligible to receive both the $0.45 per          facilities and does not unfairly                        qualification of tiers/rebates on the basis of
                                                  contract credit available for achieving Tier 3 as well                                                           customer and market maker volume); Bats BZX
                                                  as the $0.01 per contract credit available for                                                                   Options Fee Schedule, fn 1, Customer Penny Pilot
                                                                                                            5 15   U.S.C. 78f(b).
                                                  achieving the proposed threshold in the Incentive                                                                Add Tiers, available here, https://www.bats.com/
                                                  Program.                                                  6 15   U.S.C. 78f(b)(4) and (5).                       us/options/membership/fee_schedule/bzx/ (same).



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                                                  29128                             Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 27, 2017 / Notices

                                                  the Fee Schedule are reasonable,                           subparagraph (f)(2) of Rule 19b–4 10                    Washington, DC 20549, on official
                                                  equitable, and not unfairly                                thereunder, because it establishes a due,               business days between the hours of
                                                  discriminatory because it would add                        fee, or other charge imposed by the                     10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the
                                                  clarity, transparency and internal                         Exchange.                                               filing also will be available for
                                                  consistency to the Fee Schedule.                              At any time within 60 days of the                    inspection and copying at the principal
                                                    For these reasons, the Exchange                          filing of such proposed rule change, the                office of the Exchange. All comments
                                                  believes that the proposal is consistent                   Commission summarily may                                received will be posted without change;
                                                  with the Act.                                              temporarily suspend such rule change if                 the Commission does not edit personal
                                                                                                             it appears to the Commission that such                  identifying information from
                                                  B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                          action is necessary or appropriate in the               submissions. You should submit only
                                                  Statement on Burden on Competition                         public interest, for the protection of                  information that you wish to make
                                                     In accordance with Section 6(b)(8) of                   investors, or otherwise in furtherance of               available publicly. All submissions
                                                  the Act,8 the Exchange does not believe                    the purposes of the Act. If the                         should refer to File Number SR–
                                                  that the proposed rule change will                         Commission takes such action, the                       NYSEArca–2017–67, and should be
                                                  impose any burden on competition that                      Commission shall institute proceedings                  submitted on or before July 18, 2017.
                                                  is not necessary or appropriate in                         under Section 19(b)(2)(B) 11 of the Act to                For the Commission, by the Division of
                                                  furtherance of the purposes of the Act.                    determine whether the proposed rule                     Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
                                                  Instead, the Exchange believes that the                    change should be approved or                            authority.12
                                                  proposed changes would encourage                           disapproved.                                            Eduardo A. Aleman,
                                                  competition, including by attracting                       IV. Solicitation of Comments                            Assistant Secretary.
                                                  additional liquidity to the Exchange,                                                                              [FR Doc. 2017–13345 Filed 6–26–17; 8:45 am]
                                                  which would continue to make the                             Interested persons are invited to
                                                                                                                                                                     BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
                                                  Exchange a more competitive venue for,                     submit written data, views, and
                                                  among other things, order execution and                    arguments concerning the foregoing,
                                                  price discovery. The Exchange does not                     including whether the proposed rule                     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
                                                  believe that the proposed change would                     change is consistent with the Act.                      COMMISSION
                                                  impair the ability of any market                           Comments may be submitted by any of
                                                                                                             the following methods:                                  [Release No. 34–80988; File No. SR–
                                                  participants or competing order                                                                                    NYSEArca–2017–68]
                                                  execution venues to maintain their                         Electronic Comments
                                                  competitive standing in the financial                        • Use the Commission’s Internet                       Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE
                                                  markets. Further, the incentive would                      comment form (http://www.sec.gov/                       Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and
                                                  be available to all similarly-situated                     rules/sro.shtml); or                                    Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed
                                                  participants, and, as such, the proposed                     • Send an email to rule-comments@                     Rule Change To Amend Commentary
                                                  change would not impose a disparate                        sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–                 .02 To Rule 6.72 in Order To Extend the
                                                  burden on competition either among or                      NYSEArca–2017–67 on the subject line.                   Penny Pilot in Options Classes in
                                                  between classes of market participants                                                                             Certain Issues Through December 31,
                                                  and may, in fact, encourage                                Paper Comments                                          2017
                                                  competition.                                                  • Send paper comments in triplicate
                                                                                                                                                                     June 21, 2017.
                                                     The Exchange notes that it operates in                  to Secretary, Securities and Exchange
                                                  a highly competitive market in which                                                                                  Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) 1 of the
                                                                                                             Commission, 100 F Street NE.,
                                                  market participants can readily favor                                                                              Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
                                                                                                             Washington, DC 20549–1090.
                                                  competing venues. In such an                                                                                       ‘‘Act’’) 2 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,3
                                                                                                             All submissions should refer to File                    notice is hereby given that on June 9,
                                                  environment, the Exchange must                             Number SR–NYSEArca–2017–67. This
                                                  continually review, and consider                                                                                   2017, NYSE Arca, Inc. (the ‘‘Exchange’’
                                                                                                             file number should be included on the                   or ‘‘NYSE Arca’’) filed with the
                                                  adjusting, its fees and credits to remain                  subject line if email is used. To help the
                                                  competitive with other exchanges. For                                                                              Securities and Exchange Commission
                                                                                                             Commission process and review your                      (the ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule
                                                  the reasons described above, the                           comments more efficiently, please use
                                                  Exchange believes that the proposed                                                                                change as described in Items I and II
                                                                                                             only one method. The Commission will                    below, which Items have been prepared
                                                  rule change reflects this competitive                      post all comments on the Commission’s
                                                  environment.                                                                                                       by the self-regulatory organization. The
                                                                                                             Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/                  Commission is publishing this notice to
                                                  C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                          rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the                         solicit comments on the proposed rule
                                                  Statement on Comments on the                               submission, all subsequent                              change from interested persons.
                                                  Proposed Rule Change Received From                         amendments, all written statements
                                                                                                             with respect to the proposed rule                       I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                  Members, Participants, or Others
                                                                                                             change that are filed with the                          Statement of the Terms of Substance of
                                                    No written comments were solicited                       Commission, and all written                             the Proposed Rule Change
                                                  or received with respect to the proposed                   communications relating to the                             The Exchange proposes to amend
                                                  rule change.                                               proposed rule change between the                        Commentary .02 to Exchange Rule 6.72
                                                  III. Date of Effectiveness of the                          Commission and any person, other than                   in order to extend the Penny Pilot in
                                                  Proposed Rule Change and Timing for                        those that may be withheld from the                     options classes in certain issues (‘‘Pilot
                                                                                                             public in accordance with the
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES




                                                  Commission Action                                                                                                  Program’’) previously approved by the
                                                                                                             provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be                     Securities and Exchange Commission
                                                    The foregoing rule change is effective                   available for Web site viewing and                      (‘‘Commission’’) through December 31,
                                                  upon filing pursuant to Section                            printing in the Commission’s Public
                                                  19(b)(3)(A) 9 of the Act and                               Reference Room, 100 F Street NE.,                         12 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
                                                                                                                                                                       1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
                                                    8 15   U.S.C. 78f(b)(8).                                   10 17   CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2).                            2 15 U.S.C. 78a.
                                                    9 15   U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).                                11 15   U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B).                            3 17 CFR 240.19b–4.




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Document Created: 2018-11-14 10:15:29
Document Modified: 2018-11-14 10:15:29
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
FR Citation82 FR 29126 

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