82_FR_37289 82 FR 37138 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ PHLX LLC; Order Granting Approval of a Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment Nos. 1 and 2, To Permit the Listing and Trading of P.M.-Settled NASDAQ-100 Index® Options on a Pilot Basis

82 FR 37138 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ PHLX LLC; Order Granting Approval of a Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment Nos. 1 and 2, To Permit the Listing and Trading of P.M.-Settled NASDAQ-100 Index® Options on a Pilot Basis

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 151 (August 8, 2017)

Page Range37138-37141
FR Document2017-16639

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 151 (Tuesday, August 8, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 151 (Tuesday, August 8, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37138-37141]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-16639]


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

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-81293; File No. SR-Phlx-2017-04]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ PHLX LLC; Order Granting 
Approval of a Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment Nos. 1 and 
2, To Permit the Listing and Trading of P.M.-Settled NASDAQ-100 
Index[supreg] Options on a Pilot Basis

August 2, 2017.

I. Introduction

    On January 18, 2017, NASDAQ PHLX LLC (``Phlx'' or ``Exchange'') 
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission''), 
pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ a proposed rule change to 
permit the listing and trading of P.M.-settled NASDAQ-100 Index[supreg] 
(``NASDAQ-100'') options on a pilot basis. The proposed rule change was 
published for comment in the Federal Register on February 3, 2017.\3\ 
On March 14, 2017, the Commission extended the time period within which 
to approve the proposed rule change, disapprove the proposed rule 
change, or institute proceedings to determine whether to disapprove the 
proposed rule change.\4\ On May 2, 2017, the Exchange filed Amendment 
No. 1 to the proposed rule change.\5\ On May 3, 2017, the Commission 
instituted proceedings under Section 19(b)(2)(B) of the Act \6\ to 
determine whether to approve or disapprove the proposed rule change, as 
modified by Amendment No. 1.\7\ On July 25, 2017, the Exchange filed 
Amendment No. 2 to the proposed rule change.\8\ The Commission received 
three comment letters on the proposed rule change, including two from 
the Exchange.\9\ The Commission is approving the proposed rule change, 
as modified by Amendment Nos. 1 and 2, subject to a pilot period set to 
end on the earlier of: (1) Twelve months following the date of the 
first listing of the options; or (2) December 29, 2018.
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 79894 (January 30, 
2017), 82 FR 9259 (``Notice'').
    \4\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 80241, 82 FR 14393 
(March 20, 2017).
    \5\ In Amendment No. 1, the Exchange revised its proposal to add 
that raw percentage price change data as well as percentage price 
change data normalized for prevailing market volatility, as measured 
by an appropriate index as agreed by the Commission and the 
Exchange, would be provided as part of the pilot data. When the 
Exchange filed Amendment No. 1 with the Commission, it also 
submitted Amendment No. 1 to the public comment file for SR-Phlx-
2017-04 (available at: www.sec.gov/comments/sr-phlx-2017-04/phlx201704.htm).
    \6\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B).
    \7\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 80581, 82 FR 21587 
(May 9, 2017) (``Order Instituting Proceedings'').
    \8\ In Amendment No. 2, the Exchange revised the proposed 
duration of the pilot program such that the pilot would terminate on 
the earlier of: (i) Twelve months following the date of the first 
listing of the options; or (ii) December 29, 2018. When the Exchange 
filed Amendment No. 2 with the Commission, it also submitted 
Amendment No. 2 to the public comment file for SR-Phlx-2017-04 
(available at: www.sec.gov/comments/sr-phlx-2017-04/phlx201704.htm). 
Because Amendment No. 2 does not materially alter the substance of 
the proposed rule change or raise unique or novel regulatory issues, 
it is not subject to notice and comment.
    \9\ See Letters to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Commission, from 
Laura G. Dickman, Lead Counsel, Chicago Board Options Exchange, 
Incorporated (``CBOE''), dated May 30, 2017 (``CBOE Letter''); 
Jeffrey S. Davis, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, NASDAQ 
PHLX LLC, dated June 12, 2017 (``Phlx Letter I''); and Jeffrey S. 
Davis, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, NASDAQ PHLX LLC, 
dated June 29, 2017 (``Phlx Letter II'').
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II. Description of the Proposal, as Modified by Amendment Nos. 1 and 2

    The Exchange is proposing to amend its rules to permit the listing 
and trading, on a pilot basis, of NASDAQ-100 options with third-Friday-
of-the-month expiration dates, whose exercise settlement value will be 
based on the closing index value, symbol XQC, of the NASDAQ-100 on the 
expiration day (``P.M.-settled'').
    The Exchange represents that the conditions for listing the 
proposed contract (``NDXPM'') on Phlx will be similar to those for Full 
Value Nasdaq 100 Options (``NDX''), which are already listed and 
trading on Phlx, except that NDXPM will be P.M.-settled.\10\ In 
particular, NDXPM will use a $100 multiplier, and the minimum trading

[[Page 37139]]

increment will be $0.05 for options trading below $3.00 and $0.10 for 
all other series. Strike price intervals will be set at no less than 
$5.00. Consistent with existing rules for index options, the Exchange 
will allow up to nine near-term expiration months, as well as LEAPS. 
The product will have European-style exercise and will not be subject 
to position limits, though there would be enhanced reporting 
requirements.\11\
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    \10\ See Notice, supra note 3, at 9260.
    \11\ For a more detailed description of the proposed NDXPM 
contract, see Notice, supra note 3.
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    As proposed, NDXPM would become subject to a pilot for a period 
that would end on the earlier of: (i) Twelve months following the date 
of the first listing of NDXPM; or (ii) December 29, 2018 (``Pilot 
Program''). If the Exchange were to propose an extension of the Pilot 
Program or should the Exchange propose to make the Pilot Program 
permanent, then the Exchange would submit a filing proposing such 
amendments to the Pilot Program. The Exchange notes that any positions 
established under the pilot would not be impacted by the expiration of 
the pilot. For example, a position in a P.M.-settled series that 
expires beyond the conclusion of the pilot period could be established 
during the pilot. If the Pilot Program were not extended, then the 
position could continue to exist. However, the Exchange notes that any 
further trading in the series would be restricted to transactions where 
at least one side of the trade is a closing transaction.
    The Exchange proposes to submit a Pilot Program report to 
Commission at least two months prior to the expiration date of the 
Pilot Program (the ``annual report''). The annual report would contain 
an analysis of volume, open interest, and trading patterns. The 
analysis would examine trading in the proposed option product as well 
as trading in the securities that comprise the NASDAQ-100. In addition, 
for series that exceed certain minimum open interest parameters, the 
annual report would provide analysis of index price volatility and 
share trading activity. In addition to the annual report, the Exchange 
would provide the Commission with periodic interim reports while the 
Pilot Program is in effect that would contain some, but not all, of the 
information contained in the annual report. The annual report would be 
provided to the Commission on a confidential basis. The annual report 
would contain the following volume and open interest data:
    (1) Monthly volume aggregated for all trades;
    (2) monthly volume aggregated by expiration date;
    (3) monthly volume for each individual series;
    (4) month-end open interest aggregated for all series;
    (5) month-end open interest for all series aggregated by expiration 
date; and
    (6) month-end open interest for each individual series.
    In addition to the annual report, the Exchange would provide the 
Commission with interim reports of the information listed in Items (1) 
through (6) above periodically as required by the Commission while the 
Pilot Program is in effect. These interim reports would also be 
provided on a confidential basis. The annual report would also contain 
the information noted in Items (1) through (6) above for Expiration 
Friday, A.M.-settled NASDAQ-100 options traded on Phlx.
    In addition, the annual report would contain the following analysis 
of trading patterns in Expiration Friday, P.M.-settled NASDAQ-100 
option series in the Pilot Program: (1) A time series analysis of open 
interest; and (2) an analysis of the distribution of trade sizes. Also, 
for series that exceed certain minimum parameters, the annual report 
would contain the following analysis related to index price changes and 
underlying share trading volume at the close on Expiration Fridays: A 
comparison of index price changes at the close of trading on a given 
Expiration Friday with comparable price changes from a control sample. 
The data would include a calculation of percentage price changes for 
various time intervals and compare that information to the respective 
control sample. Raw percentage price change data as well as percentage 
price change data normalized for prevailing market volatility, as 
measured by an appropriate index as agreed by the Commission and the 
Exchange, would be provided. The Exchange would provide a calculation 
of share volume for a sample set of the component securities 
representing an upper limit on share trading that could be attributable 
to expiring in-the-money series. The data would include a comparison of 
the calculated share volume for securities in the sample set to the 
average daily trading volumes of those securities over a sample period. 
The minimum open interest parameters, control sample, time intervals, 
method for randomly selecting the component securities, and sample 
periods would be determined by the Exchange and the Commission.\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ See Notice, supra note 3, at 9261 and Amendment No. 1. The 
proposed Pilot Program for NDXPM options is similar to the pilot 
program approved for the listing and trading of P.M.-settled S&P 500 
Index options (``SPXPM options''). See Securities Exchange Act 
Release No. 64011 (March 2, 2011), 76 FR 12775, 12776-77 (March 8, 
2011).
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III. Summary of Comments

    As noted above, the Commission received three comment letters on 
the proposed rule change, including two letters from the Exchange.\13\ 
In its letter, CBOE expresses support for Phlx's proposal, stating that 
NDXPM would not present any novel issues not considered in connection 
with SPXPM options.\14\ CBOE further states that many of the concerns 
regarding P.M. settlement have been mitigated over time, and believes 
the availability of additional P.M.-settled options would enhance 
transparency, price discovery, and liquidity by moving these products 
from the over-the-counter market to an exchange environment.\15\ In 
support of its position, CBOE states that it has not observed any 
adverse effects or impact on market volatility and the operation of 
fair and orderly markets on the underlying cash market at or near the 
close of trading in its SPXPM options.\16\
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    \13\ See supra note 9.
    \14\ See CBOE Letter at 2.
    \15\ See id.
    \16\ See id. In its letter, CBOE further proposes that the 
Commission approve pilot programs for a set period of time, such as 
three years, after which the respective pilot may become permanent 
or, if the Commission finds that the pilot resulted in adverse 
effects to the market, conclude. See id. at 3. The Commission notes 
that this comment is beyond the scope of the specific proposed rule 
change under consideration.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In its first comment letter, the Exchange notes that its proposal 
is largely based on CBOE's pilot program for SPXPM options.\17\ In 
response to a request from Commission staff that any pilot data be made 
public, the Exchange states that, although it is willing to participate 
in further discussion with the Commission, CBOE, and other exchanges 
about the possibility of making public the data under its Pilot Program 
and other similar pilots, the Exchange does not believe it should be 
required to make its Pilot Program reports public absent the 
development of a uniform and transparent approach regarding pilot 
reports and other associated materials to similar proposed rule 
changes, such as the SPXPM options pilot.\18\ Therefore, the Exchange 
maintains that any reports in connection with its Pilot Program will be 
submitted

[[Page 37140]]

to the Commission on a confidential basis.\19\
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    \17\ See Phlx Letter I at 1.
    \18\ See id. at 2.
    \19\ See id.
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    In its second comment letter, the Exchange responds to the Order 
Instituting Proceedings and states that it does not expect any 
significant impact on trading in the underlying securities of NDXPM 
given the similarity to SPXPM options that are currently trading.\20\ 
The Exchange believes that the changes in the operation and structure 
of the options markets over time, in conjunction with the proposed 
NDXPM Pilot Program's similarity to the SPXPM options pilot and its 
lack of novel issues, further support permitting trading in NDXPM on a 
pilot basis.\21\ The Exchange further states that it expects the data 
to be provided under the NDXPM Pilot Program should be similar to data 
submitted in connection with the SPXPM options pilot, with the 
exception of the index to be used to normalize the pilot data for 
prevailing market volatility, for which the Exchange proposes to work 
with the Commission to identify an index it believes would be more 
suitable to the NDXPM Pilot Program.\22\ The Exchange also reiterated 
its belief that the proposal could benefit investors to the extent it 
attracts trading from opaque over-the-counter markets to an exchange-
listed market and could offer investors additional flexibility.\23\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ See Phlx Letter II at 2-4.
    \21\ See id. at 4-5.
    \22\ See id. at 5-6.
    \23\ See id. at 7.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

IV. Discussion and Commission Findings

    After careful consideration of the proposal, the Commission finds 
that the proposed rule change is consistent with the requirements of 
the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to a 
national securities exchange,\24\ and, in particular, the requirements 
of Section 6 of the Act.\25\ Specifically, the Commission finds that 
the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the 
Act,\26\ which requires that an exchange have rules designed to remove 
impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and 
to protect investors and the public interest, to allow Phlx to conduct 
a limited, and carefully monitored, pilot as proposed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \24\ In approving this proposed rule change, the Commission has 
considered the proposed rule's impact on efficiency, competition, 
and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
    \25\ 15 U.S.C. 78f.
    \26\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As noted in the Order Instituting Proceedings, the Commission has 
had concerns about the potential adverse effects and impact of P.M. 
settlement upon market volatility and the operation of fair and orderly 
markets on the underlying cash market at or near the close of trading, 
including for cash-settled derivatives contracts based on a broad-based 
index.\27\ In particular, the Commission sought input from commenters 
to inform its evaluation of whether P.M.-settled, cash-settled index 
options such as NDXPM could impact volume and volatility on the 
underlying cash equities markets at the close of the trading day, and 
the potential consequences this might have for investors and the 
overall stability of the markets.\28\ The potential impact today 
remains unclear, given the significant changes in the closing 
procedures of the primary markets in recent decades. The Commission is 
mindful of the historical experience with the impact of P.M. settlement 
of cash-settled index derivatives on the underlying cash markets, but 
recognizes that these risks may be mitigated today by the enhanced 
closing procedures that are now in use at the primary equity markets.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \27\ See Order Instituting Proceedings, supra note 7, at 21589. 
See also Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 64599 (June 3, 2011), 
76 FR 33798, 33801-02 (June 9, 2011) (order instituting proceedings 
to determine whether to approve or disapprove a proposed rule change 
to allow the listing and trading of SPXPM options); 65256 (September 
2, 2011), 76 FR 55969, 55970-76 (September 9, 2011) (order approving 
proposed rule change to establish a pilot program to list and trade 
SPXPM options); and 68888 (February 8, 2013), 78 FR 10668, 10669 
(February 14, 2013) (order approving the listing and trading of 
SPXPM on CBOE).
    \28\ See Order Instituting Proceedings, supra note 7, at 21589.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For the reasons described below, the Commission believes that 
Phlx's proposed NDXPM Pilot Program is designed to mitigate concerns 
regarding P.M. settlement and will provide additional trading 
opportunities for investors while providing the Commission with data to 
monitor the effects of NDXPM and the impact of P.M. settlement on the 
markets. To assist the Commission in assessing any potential impact of 
a P.M.-settled NASDAQ-100 index option on the options markets as well 
as the underlying cash equities markets, Phlx will be required to 
submit data to the Commission in connection with the Pilot Program. The 
Commission believes that Phlx's proposed Pilot Program, together with 
the data and analysis that Phlx will provide to the Commission, will 
allow Phlx and the Commission to monitor for and assess any potential 
for adverse market effects of allowing P.M. settlement for Nasdaq-100 
index options, including on the underlying component stocks. In 
particular, the data collected from Phlx's NDXPM Pilot Program will 
help inform the Commission's consideration of whether the Pilot Program 
should be modified, discontinued, extended, or permanently approved. 
Furthermore, the Exchange's ongoing analysis of the Pilot Program 
should help it monitor any potential risks from large P.M.-settled 
positions and take appropriate action on a timely basis if warranted.
    The Exchange represents that it has adequate surveillance 
procedures to monitor trading in these options thereby helping to 
ensure the maintenance of a fair and orderly market, and has 
represented that it has sufficient capacity to handle additional 
traffic associated with this new listing.\29\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \29\ See Notice, supra note 3, at 9261. In addition, the 
Commission notes that Phlx would have access to information through 
its membership in the Intermarket Surveillance Group with respect to 
the trading of the securities underlying the Nasdaq-100 index, as 
well as tools such as large options positions reports to assist its 
surveillance of NDXPM options. In approving the proposed rule 
change, the Commission also has relied upon the Exchange's 
representation that it has the necessary systems capacity to support 
new options series that will result from this proposal. See id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For the reasons discussed above, the Commission finds that Phlx's 
proposal is consistent with the Act, including Section 6(b)(5) thereof, 
in that it is designed to remove impediments to and perfect the 
mechanism of a free and open market, and, in general, to protect 
investors and the public interest. In light of the enhanced closing 
procedures at the underlying markets and the potential benefits to 
investors discussed by the Exchange in the Notice,\30\ the Commission 
finds that it is appropriate and consistent with the Act to approve 
Phlx's proposal on a pilot basis. The collection of data during the 
Pilot Program and Phlx's active monitoring of any effects of NDXPM on 
the markets will help Phlx and the Commission assess any impact of P.M. 
settlement in today's market.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \30\ See id. at 9262.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

V. Conclusion

    It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the 
Act,\31\ that the proposed rule change (SR-Phlx-2017-04), as modified 
by Amendment Nos. 1 and 2, be, and hereby is, approved, subject to a 
pilot period set to expire on the earlier of: (1) Twelve months 
following the date of the first listing of NDXPM; or (2) December 29, 
2018.
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    \31\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).


[[Page 37141]]


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    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\32\
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    \32\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eduardo A. Aleman,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2017-16639 Filed 8-7-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P



                                                    37138                            Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 151 / Tuesday, August 8, 2017 / Notices

                                                    III. Date of Effectiveness of the                          inspection and copying at the principal               the Commission instituted proceedings
                                                    Proposed Rule Change and Timing for                        office of the Exchange. All comments                  under Section 19(b)(2)(B) of the Act 6 to
                                                    Commission Action                                          received will be posted without change;               determine whether to approve or
                                                       The foregoing rule change has become                    the Commission does not edit personal                 disapprove the proposed rule change, as
                                                    effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)                  identifying information from                          modified by Amendment No. 1.7 On
                                                    of the Act 9 and paragraph (f) of Rule                     submissions. You should submit only                   July 25, 2017, the Exchange filed
                                                    19b–4 thereunder.10 At any time within                     information that you wish to make                     Amendment No. 2 to the proposed rule
                                                    60 days of the filing of the proposed rule                 available publicly. All submissions                   change.8 The Commission received
                                                    change, the Commission summarily may                       should refer to File Number SR–                       three comment letters on the proposed
                                                    temporarily suspend such rule change if                    BatsEDGX–2017–31 and should be                        rule change, including two from the
                                                    it appears to the Commission that such                     submitted on or before August 29, 2017.               Exchange.9 The Commission is
                                                    action is necessary or appropriate in the                    For the Commission, by the Division of              approving the proposed rule change, as
                                                    public interest, for the protection of                     Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated            modified by Amendment Nos. 1 and 2,
                                                    investors, or otherwise in furtherance of                  authority.11                                          subject to a pilot period set to end on
                                                    the purposes of the Act.                                   Eduardo A. Aleman,                                    the earlier of: (1) Twelve months
                                                                                                               Assistant Secretary.                                  following the date of the first listing of
                                                    IV. Solicitation of Comments                                                                                     the options; or (2) December 29, 2018.
                                                                                                               [FR Doc. 2017–16636 Filed 8–7–17; 8:45 am]
                                                      Interested persons are invited to                                                                              II. Description of the Proposal, as
                                                                                                               BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
                                                    submit written data, views and                                                                                   Modified by Amendment Nos. 1 and 2
                                                    arguments concerning the foregoing,
                                                    including whether the proposal is                                                                                   The Exchange is proposing to amend
                                                                                                               SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE                               its rules to permit the listing and
                                                    consistent with the Act. Comments may                      COMMISSION
                                                    be submitted by any of the following                                                                             trading, on a pilot basis, of NASDAQ–
                                                    methods:                                                   [Release No. 34–81293; File No. SR–Phlx–              100 options with third-Friday-of-the-
                                                                                                               2017–04]                                              month expiration dates, whose exercise
                                                    Electronic Comments                                                                                              settlement value will be based on the
                                                      • Use the Commission’s Internet                          Self-Regulatory Organizations;                        closing index value, symbol XQC, of the
                                                    comment form (http://www.sec.gov/                          NASDAQ PHLX LLC; Order Granting                       NASDAQ–100 on the expiration day
                                                    rules/sro.shtml); or                                       Approval of a Proposed Rule Change,                   (‘‘P.M.-settled’’).
                                                      • Send an email to rule-comments@                        as Modified by Amendment Nos. 1 and                      The Exchange represents that the
                                                    sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–                    2, To Permit the Listing and Trading of               conditions for listing the proposed
                                                    BatsEDGX–2017–31 on the subject line.                      P.M.-Settled NASDAQ–100 Index®                        contract (‘‘NDXPM’’) on Phlx will be
                                                                                                               Options on a Pilot Basis                              similar to those for Full Value Nasdaq
                                                    Paper Comments                                                                                                   100 Options (‘‘NDX’’), which are already
                                                                                                               August 2, 2017.
                                                       • Send paper comments in triplicate                                                                           listed and trading on Phlx, except that
                                                    to Secretary, Securities and Exchange                      I. Introduction                                       NDXPM will be P.M.-settled.10 In
                                                    Commission, 100 F Street NE.,                                 On January 18, 2017, NASDAQ PHLX                   particular, NDXPM will use a $100
                                                    Washington, DC 20549–1090.                                 LLC (‘‘Phlx’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with             multiplier, and the minimum trading
                                                    All submissions should refer to File                       the Securities and Exchange
                                                    Number SR–BatsEDGX–2017–31. This                                                                                 measured by an appropriate index as agreed by the
                                                                                                               Commission (‘‘Commission’’), pursuant                 Commission and the Exchange, would be provided
                                                    file number should be included on the                      to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities                 as part of the pilot data. When the Exchange filed
                                                    subject line if email is used. To help the                 Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’),1 and                  Amendment No. 1 with the Commission, it also
                                                    Commission process and review your                         Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 a proposed rule               submitted Amendment No. 1 to the public comment
                                                    comments more efficiently, please use                                                                            file for SR–Phlx–2017–04 (available at:
                                                                                                               change to permit the listing and trading              www.sec.gov/comments/sr-phlx-2017-04/
                                                    only one method. The Commission will                       of P.M.-settled NASDAQ–100 Index®                     phlx201704.htm).
                                                    post all comments on the Commission’s                      (‘‘NASDAQ–100’’) options on a pilot                      6 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B).

                                                    Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/                     basis. The proposed rule change was                      7 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 80581,

                                                    rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the                            published for comment in the Federal                  82 FR 21587 (May 9, 2017) (‘‘Order Instituting
                                                    submission, all subsequent                                                                                       Proceedings’’).
                                                                                                               Register on February 3, 2017.3 On                        8 In Amendment No. 2, the Exchange revised the
                                                    amendments, all written statements                         March 14, 2017, the Commission                        proposed duration of the pilot program such that
                                                    with respect to the proposed rule                          extended the time period within which                 the pilot would terminate on the earlier of: (i)
                                                    change that are filed with the                             to approve the proposed rule change,                  Twelve months following the date of the first listing
                                                    Commission, and all written                                                                                      of the options; or (ii) December 29, 2018. When the
                                                                                                               disapprove the proposed rule change, or               Exchange filed Amendment No. 2 with the
                                                    communications relating to the
                                                                                                               institute proceedings to determine                    Commission, it also submitted Amendment No. 2 to
                                                    proposed rule change between the                                                                                 the public comment file for SR–Phlx–2017–04
                                                                                                               whether to disapprove the proposed
                                                    Commission and any person, other than                                                                            (available at: www.sec.gov/comments/sr-phlx-2017-
                                                                                                               rule change.4 On May 2, 2017, the                     04/phlx201704.htm). Because Amendment No. 2
                                                    those that may be withheld from the
                                                                                                               Exchange filed Amendment No. 1 to the                 does not materially alter the substance of the
                                                    public in accordance with the
                                                                                                               proposed rule change.5 On May 3, 2017,                proposed rule change or raise unique or novel
                                                    provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be                                                                              regulatory issues, it is not subject to notice and
                                                    available for Web site viewing and                           11 17  CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
                                                                                                                                                                     comment.
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                                                                                        9 See Letters to Brent J. Fields, Secretary,
                                                    printing in the Commission’s Public                          1 15  U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
                                                                                                                                                                     Commission, from Laura G. Dickman, Lead
                                                    Reference Room, 100 F Street NE.,                             2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
                                                                                                                                                                     Counsel, Chicago Board Options Exchange,
                                                    Washington, DC 20549, on official                             3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 79894
                                                                                                                                                                     Incorporated (‘‘CBOE’’), dated May 30, 2017
                                                    business days between the hours of                         (January 30, 2017), 82 FR 9259 (‘‘Notice’’).          (‘‘CBOE Letter’’); Jeffrey S. Davis, Vice President
                                                                                                                  4 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 80241,
                                                    10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of such                                                                          and Deputy General Counsel, NASDAQ PHLX LLC,
                                                                                                               82 FR 14393 (March 20, 2017).                         dated June 12, 2017 (‘‘Phlx Letter I’’); and Jeffrey
                                                    filing will also be available for                             5 In Amendment No. 1, the Exchange revised its     S. Davis, Vice President and Deputy General
                                                                                                               proposal to add that raw percentage price change      Counsel, NASDAQ PHLX LLC, dated June 29, 2017
                                                      9 15   U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).                                                                                    (‘‘Phlx Letter II’’).
                                                                                                               data as well as percentage price change data
                                                      10 17   CFR 240.19b–4(f).                                normalized for prevailing market volatility, as          10 See Notice, supra note 3, at 9260.




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                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 151 / Tuesday, August 8, 2017 / Notices                                                      37139

                                                    increment will be $0.05 for options                        (2) monthly volume aggregated by                   determined by the Exchange and the
                                                    trading below $3.00 and $0.10 for all                   expiration date;                                      Commission.12
                                                    other series. Strike price intervals will                  (3) monthly volume for each                        III. Summary of Comments
                                                    be set at no less than $5.00. Consistent                individual series;
                                                    with existing rules for index options,                                                                           As noted above, the Commission
                                                    the Exchange will allow up to nine near-                   (4) month-end open interest
                                                                                                                                                                  received three comment letters on the
                                                    term expiration months, as well as                      aggregated for all series;
                                                                                                                                                                  proposed rule change, including two
                                                    LEAPS. The product will have                               (5) month-end open interest for all                letters from the Exchange.13 In its letter,
                                                    European-style exercise and will not be                 series aggregated by expiration date; and             CBOE expresses support for Phlx’s
                                                    subject to position limits, though there                   (6) month-end open interest for each               proposal, stating that NDXPM would
                                                    would be enhanced reporting                                                                                   not present any novel issues not
                                                                                                            individual series.
                                                    requirements.11                                                                                               considered in connection with SPXPM
                                                       As proposed, NDXPM would become                         In addition to the annual report, the
                                                                                                                                                                  options.14 CBOE further states that
                                                    subject to a pilot for a period that would              Exchange would provide the
                                                                                                                                                                  many of the concerns regarding P.M.
                                                    end on the earlier of: (i) Twelve months                Commission with interim reports of the
                                                                                                                                                                  settlement have been mitigated over
                                                    following the date of the first listing of              information listed in Items (1) through               time, and believes the availability of
                                                    NDXPM; or (ii) December 29, 2018                        (6) above periodically as required by the             additional P.M.-settled options would
                                                    (‘‘Pilot Program’’). If the Exchange were               Commission while the Pilot Program is                 enhance transparency, price discovery,
                                                    to propose an extension of the Pilot                    in effect. These interim reports would                and liquidity by moving these products
                                                    Program or should the Exchange                          also be provided on a confidential basis.             from the over-the-counter market to an
                                                    propose to make the Pilot Program                       The annual report would also contain                  exchange environment.15 In support of
                                                    permanent, then the Exchange would                      the information noted in Items (1)                    its position, CBOE states that it has not
                                                    submit a filing proposing such                          through (6) above for Expiration Friday,              observed any adverse effects or impact
                                                    amendments to the Pilot Program. The                    A.M.-settled NASDAQ–100 options                       on market volatility and the operation of
                                                    Exchange notes that any positions                       traded on Phlx.                                       fair and orderly markets on the
                                                    established under the pilot would not be
                                                                                                               In addition, the annual report would               underlying cash market at or near the
                                                    impacted by the expiration of the pilot.
                                                                                                            contain the following analysis of trading             close of trading in its SPXPM options.16
                                                    For example, a position in a P.M.-settled
                                                    series that expires beyond the                          patterns in Expiration Friday, P.M.-                     In its first comment letter, the
                                                    conclusion of the pilot period could be                 settled NASDAQ–100 option series in                   Exchange notes that its proposal is
                                                    established during the pilot. If the Pilot              the Pilot Program: (1) A time series                  largely based on CBOE’s pilot program
                                                    Program were not extended, then the                     analysis of open interest; and (2) an                 for SPXPM options.17 In response to a
                                                    position could continue to exist.                       analysis of the distribution of trade                 request from Commission staff that any
                                                    However, the Exchange notes that any                    sizes. Also, for series that exceed certain           pilot data be made public, the Exchange
                                                    further trading in the series would be                  minimum parameters, the annual report                 states that, although it is willing to
                                                    restricted to transactions where at least               would contain the following analysis                  participate in further discussion with
                                                    one side of the trade is a closing                      related to index price changes and                    the Commission, CBOE, and other
                                                    transaction.                                            underlying share trading volume at the                exchanges about the possibility of
                                                       The Exchange proposes to submit a                    close on Expiration Fridays: A                        making public the data under its Pilot
                                                    Pilot Program report to Commission at                   comparison of index price changes at                  Program and other similar pilots, the
                                                    least two months prior to the expiration                the close of trading on a given                       Exchange does not believe it should be
                                                    date of the Pilot Program (the ‘‘annual                 Expiration Friday with comparable                     required to make its Pilot Program
                                                    report’’). The annual report would                      price changes from a control sample.                  reports public absent the development
                                                    contain an analysis of volume, open                     The data would include a calculation of               of a uniform and transparent approach
                                                    interest, and trading patterns. The                     percentage price changes for various                  regarding pilot reports and other
                                                    analysis would examine trading in the                   time intervals and compare that                       associated materials to similar proposed
                                                    proposed option product as well as                      information to the respective control                 rule changes, such as the SPXPM
                                                    trading in the securities that comprise                 sample. Raw percentage price change                   options pilot.18 Therefore, the Exchange
                                                    the NASDAQ–100. In addition, for                        data as well as percentage price change               maintains that any reports in connection
                                                    series that exceed certain minimum                      data normalized for prevailing market                 with its Pilot Program will be submitted
                                                    open interest parameters, the annual                    volatility, as measured by an
                                                    report would provide analysis of index                  appropriate index as agreed by the                       12 See Notice, supra note 3, at 9261 and

                                                    price volatility and share trading                      Commission and the Exchange, would                    Amendment No. 1. The proposed Pilot Program for
                                                    activity. In addition to the annual                                                                           NDXPM options is similar to the pilot program
                                                                                                            be provided. The Exchange would                       approved for the listing and trading of P.M.-settled
                                                    report, the Exchange would provide the                  provide a calculation of share volume                 S&P 500 Index options (‘‘SPXPM options’’). See
                                                    Commission with periodic interim                        for a sample set of the component                     Securities Exchange Act Release No. 64011 (March
                                                    reports while the Pilot Program is in                   securities representing an upper limit
                                                                                                                                                                  2, 2011), 76 FR 12775, 12776–77 (March 8, 2011).
                                                                                                                                                                     13 See supra note 9.
                                                    effect that would contain some, but not                 on share trading that could be                           14 See CBOE Letter at 2.
                                                    all, of the information contained in the                attributable to expiring in-the-money                    15 See id.
                                                    annual report. The annual report would                  series. The data would include a                         16 See id. In its letter, CBOE further proposes that
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                                                    be provided to the Commission on a                      comparison of the calculated share                    the Commission approve pilot programs for a set
                                                    confidential basis. The annual report                   volume for securities in the sample set               period of time, such as three years, after which the
                                                    would contain the following volume                      to the average daily trading volumes of
                                                                                                                                                                  respective pilot may become permanent or, if the
                                                    and open interest data:                                                                                       Commission finds that the pilot resulted in adverse
                                                                                                            those securities over a sample period.                effects to the market, conclude. See id. at 3. The
                                                       (1) Monthly volume aggregated for all                                                                      Commission notes that this comment is beyond the
                                                                                                            The minimum open interest parameters,
                                                    trades;                                                                                                       scope of the specific proposed rule change under
                                                                                                            control sample, time intervals, method                consideration.
                                                     11 For a more detailed description of the proposed
                                                                                                            for randomly selecting the component                     17 See Phlx Letter I at 1.

                                                    NDXPM contract, see Notice, supra note 3.               securities, and sample periods would be                  18 See id. at 2.




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                                                    37140                         Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 151 / Tuesday, August 8, 2017 / Notices

                                                    to the Commission on a confidential                     concerns about the potential adverse                     component stocks. In particular, the
                                                    basis.19                                                effects and impact of P.M. settlement                    data collected from Phlx’s NDXPM Pilot
                                                       In its second comment letter, the                    upon market volatility and the operation                 Program will help inform the
                                                    Exchange responds to the Order                          of fair and orderly markets on the                       Commission’s consideration of whether
                                                    Instituting Proceedings and states that it              underlying cash market at or near the                    the Pilot Program should be modified,
                                                    does not expect any significant impact                  close of trading, including for cash-                    discontinued, extended, or permanently
                                                    on trading in the underlying securities                 settled derivatives contracts based on a                 approved. Furthermore, the Exchange’s
                                                    of NDXPM given the similarity to                        broad-based index.27 In particular, the                  ongoing analysis of the Pilot Program
                                                    SPXPM options that are currently                        Commission sought input from                             should help it monitor any potential
                                                    trading.20 The Exchange believes that                   commenters to inform its evaluation of                   risks from large P.M.-settled positions
                                                    the changes in the operation and                        whether P.M.-settled, cash-settled index
                                                    structure of the options markets over                                                                            and take appropriate action on a timely
                                                                                                            options such as NDXPM could impact                       basis if warranted.
                                                    time, in conjunction with the proposed                  volume and volatility on the underlying
                                                    NDXPM Pilot Program’s similarity to the                 cash equities markets at the close of the                   The Exchange represents that it has
                                                    SPXPM options pilot and its lack of                     trading day, and the potential                           adequate surveillance procedures to
                                                    novel issues, further support permitting                consequences this might have for                         monitor trading in these options thereby
                                                    trading in NDXPM on a pilot basis.21                    investors and the overall stability of the               helping to ensure the maintenance of a
                                                    The Exchange further states that it                     markets.28 The potential impact today                    fair and orderly market, and has
                                                    expects the data to be provided under                   remains unclear, given the significant                   represented that it has sufficient
                                                    the NDXPM Pilot Program should be                       changes in the closing procedures of the                 capacity to handle additional traffic
                                                    similar to data submitted in connection                 primary markets in recent decades. The                   associated with this new listing.29
                                                    with the SPXPM options pilot, with the                  Commission is mindful of the historical                     For the reasons discussed above, the
                                                    exception of the index to be used to                    experience with the impact of P.M.
                                                    normalize the pilot data for prevailing                                                                          Commission finds that Phlx’s proposal
                                                                                                            settlement of cash-settled index                         is consistent with the Act, including
                                                    market volatility, for which the                        derivatives on the underlying cash
                                                    Exchange proposes to work with the                                                                               Section 6(b)(5) thereof, in that it is
                                                                                                            markets, but recognizes that these risks
                                                    Commission to identify an index it                                                                               designed to remove impediments to and
                                                                                                            may be mitigated today by the enhanced
                                                    believes would be more suitable to the                  closing procedures that are now in use                   perfect the mechanism of a free and
                                                    NDXPM Pilot Program.22 The Exchange                     at the primary equity markets.                           open market, and, in general, to protect
                                                    also reiterated its belief that the                        For the reasons described below, the                  investors and the public interest. In
                                                    proposal could benefit investors to the                 Commission believes that Phlx’s                          light of the enhanced closing procedures
                                                    extent it attracts trading from opaque                  proposed NDXPM Pilot Program is                          at the underlying markets and the
                                                    over-the-counter markets to an                          designed to mitigate concerns regarding                  potential benefits to investors discussed
                                                    exchange-listed market and could offer                  P.M. settlement and will provide                         by the Exchange in the Notice,30 the
                                                    investors additional flexibility.23                     additional trading opportunities for                     Commission finds that it is appropriate
                                                    IV. Discussion and Commission                           investors while providing the                            and consistent with the Act to approve
                                                    Findings                                                Commission with data to monitor the                      Phlx’s proposal on a pilot basis. The
                                                                                                            effects of NDXPM and the impact of                       collection of data during the Pilot
                                                      After careful consideration of the                    P.M. settlement on the markets. To                       Program and Phlx’s active monitoring of
                                                    proposal, the Commission finds that the                 assist the Commission in assessing any                   any effects of NDXPM on the markets
                                                    proposed rule change is consistent with                 potential impact of a P.M.-settled                       will help Phlx and the Commission
                                                    the requirements of the Act and the                     NASDAQ–100 index option on the                           assess any impact of P.M. settlement in
                                                    rules and regulations thereunder                        options markets as well as the                           today’s market.
                                                    applicable to a national securities                     underlying cash equities markets, Phlx
                                                    exchange,24 and, in particular, the                     will be required to submit data to the                   V. Conclusion
                                                    requirements of Section 6 of the Act.25                 Commission in connection with the
                                                    Specifically, the Commission finds that                                                                            It is therefore ordered, pursuant to
                                                                                                            Pilot Program. The Commission believes
                                                    the proposed rule change is consistent                                                                           Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,31 that the
                                                                                                            that Phlx’s proposed Pilot Program,
                                                    with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,26 which                                                                         proposed rule change (SR–Phlx–2017–
                                                                                                            together with the data and analysis that
                                                    requires that an exchange have rules                    Phlx will provide to the Commission,                     04), as modified by Amendment Nos. 1
                                                    designed to remove impediments to and                   will allow Phlx and the Commission to                    and 2, be, and hereby is, approved,
                                                    perfect the mechanism of a free and                     monitor for and assess any potential for                 subject to a pilot period set to expire on
                                                    open market and to protect investors                    adverse market effects of allowing P.M.                  the earlier of: (1) Twelve months
                                                    and the public interest, to allow Phlx to               settlement for Nasdaq–100 index                          following the date of the first listing of
                                                    conduct a limited, and carefully                        options, including on the underlying                     NDXPM; or (2) December 29, 2018.
                                                    monitored, pilot as proposed.
                                                      As noted in the Order Instituting                        27 See Order Instituting Proceedings, supra note 7,      29 See Notice, supra note 3, at 9261. In addition,
                                                    Proceedings, the Commission has had                     at 21589. See also Securities Exchange Act Release       the Commission notes that Phlx would have access
                                                                                                            Nos. 64599 (June 3, 2011), 76 FR 33798, 33801–02         to information through its membership in the
                                                      19 See id.                                            (June 9, 2011) (order instituting proceedings to         Intermarket Surveillance Group with respect to the
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                                                      20 See Phlx Letter II at 2–4.                         determine whether to approve or disapprove a             trading of the securities underlying the Nasdaq–100
                                                      21 See id. at 4–5.                                    proposed rule change to allow the listing and            index, as well as tools such as large options
                                                      22 See id. at 5–6.
                                                                                                            trading of SPXPM options); 65256 (September 2,           positions reports to assist its surveillance of
                                                                                                            2011), 76 FR 55969, 55970–76 (September 9, 2011)
                                                      23 See id. at 7.                                                                                               NDXPM options. In approving the proposed rule
                                                                                                            (order approving proposed rule change to establish
                                                      24 In approving this proposed rule change, the
                                                                                                            a pilot program to list and trade SPXPM options);        change, the Commission also has relied upon the
                                                    Commission has considered the proposed rule’s           and 68888 (February 8, 2013), 78 FR 10668, 10669         Exchange’s representation that it has the necessary
                                                    impact on efficiency, competition, and capital          (February 14, 2013) (order approving the listing and     systems capacity to support new options series that
                                                    formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).                        trading of SPXPM on CBOE).                               will result from this proposal. See id.
                                                      25 15 U.S.C. 78f.                                        28 See Order Instituting Proceedings, supra note 7,      30 See id. at 9262.

                                                      26 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).                               at 21589.                                                   31 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).




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                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 151 / Tuesday, August 8, 2017 / Notices                                                      37141

                                                      For the Commission, by the Division of                that was issued by a Member or by an                  Fund formula calculated for all
                                                    Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated              affiliate of that Member, as described in             Members.
                                                    authority.32                                            greater detail below.                                    As a central counterparty, NSCC
                                                    Eduardo A. Aleman,                                                                                            occupies an important role in the
                                                    Assistant Secretary.
                                                                                                            II. Clearing Agency’s Statement of the                securities settlement system by
                                                                                                            Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the              interposing itself between
                                                    [FR Doc. 2017–16639 Filed 8–7–17; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                            Advance Notice                                        counterparties to financial transactions
                                                    BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
                                                                                                               In its filing with the Commission, the             and thereby reducing the risk faced by
                                                                                                            clearing agency included statements                   participants and contributing to global
                                                    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE                                 concerning the purpose of and basis for               financial stability. The effectiveness of a
                                                    COMMISSION                                              the Advance Notice and discussed any                  central counterparty’s risk controls and
                                                                                                            comments it received on the Advance                   the adequacy of its financial resources
                                                    [Release No. 34–81286; File No. SR–NSCC–                Notice. The text of these statements may              are critical to achieving these risk-
                                                    2017–804]                                               be examined at the places specified in                reducing goals. In that context, NSCC
                                                                                                            Item IV below. The clearing agency has                continuously reviews its margining
                                                    Self-Regulatory Organizations;
                                                                                                            prepared summaries, set forth in                      methodology in order to ensure the
                                                    National Securities Clearing
                                                                                                            sections A, B, and C below, of the most               reliability of its margining in achieving
                                                    Corporation; Notice of Filing of
                                                                                                            significant aspects of such statements.               the desired coverage. In order to be most
                                                    Advance Notice To Expand the
                                                    Application of the Family-Issued                        (A) Clearing Agency’s Statement on                    effective, NSCC must take into
                                                    Securities Charge                                       Comments on the Advance Notice                        consideration the risk characteristics
                                                                                                            Received From Members, Participants,                  specific to certain securities when
                                                    August 2, 2017.                                         or Others                                             margining those securities.
                                                       Pursuant to Section 806(e)(1) of Title                                                                        Among the various risks that NSCC
                                                    VIII of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street                        NSCC has not received or solicited                  considers when evaluating the
                                                    Reform and Consumer Protection Act                      any written comments relating to this                 effectiveness of its margining
                                                    entitled the Payment, Clearing, and                     proposal. NSCC will notify the                        methodology are its counterparty risks
                                                                                                            Commission of any written comments                    and identification and mitigation of
                                                    Settlement Supervision Act of 2010
                                                                                                            received by NSCC.                                     ‘‘wrong-way’’ risk, particularly specific
                                                    (‘‘Clearing Supervision Act’’) 1 and Rule
                                                    19b–4(n)(1)(i) under the Securities                     (B) Advance Notice Filed Pursuant to                  wrong-way risk, defined as the risk that
                                                    Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’),2 notice is              Section 806(e) of the Payment, Clearing,              an exposure to a counterparty is highly
                                                    hereby given that on July 10, 2017,                     and Settlement Supervision Act                        likely to increase when the
                                                    National Securities Clearing Corporation                                                                      creditworthiness of that counterparty
                                                                                                            Description of Proposed Changes                       deteriorates. 7 NSCC has identified an
                                                    (‘‘NSCC’’) filed with the Securities and
                                                    Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’)                       Currently, in calculating its Members’             exposure to specific wrong-way risk
                                                    the advance notice SR–NSCC–2017–804                     required deposits to the Clearing Fund,               when it acts as central counterparty to
                                                    (‘‘Advance Notice’’) as described in                    NSCC excludes positions in Family-                    a Member with respect to positions in
                                                    Items I, II and III below, which Items                  Issued Securities of certain Members                  Family-Issued Securities. In the event
                                                    have been prepared by the clearing                      from its parametric volatility Clearing               that a Member with unsettled long
                                                    agency.3 The Commission is publishing                   Fund component (‘‘VaR Charge’’), and                  positions in Family-Issued Securities
                                                    this notice to solicit comments on the                  instead charges an amount calculated by               defaults, NSCC would close out those
                                                    Advance Notice from interested                          multiplying the absolute value of the                 positions following a likely drop in the
                                                    persons.                                                long, net unsettled positions in that                 credit-worthiness of the issuer, possibly
                                                                                                            Member’s Family-Issued Securities by a                resulting in a loss to NSCC.
                                                    I. Clearing Agency’s Statement of the                   percentage that is no less than 40                       In 2015, NSCC proposed to address its
                                                    Terms of Substance of the Advance                       percent (‘‘FIS Charge’’). The FIS Charge              exposure to specific wrong-way risk in
                                                    Notice                                                  is currently only applied to Members                  two ways.8 First, NSCC proposed to
                                                       The Advance Notice consists of                       that are rated 5, 6, or 7 on the Credit               apply the FIS Charge to its Members
                                                    amendments to the NSCC Rules and                        Risk Rating Matrix (‘‘CRRM’’). The                    that are rated a 5, 6, or 7 on the CRRM
                                                    Procedures (‘‘Rules’’) 4 in order to (i)                proposed change would expand the                      (i.e., Members on the Watch List).9
                                                    expand the application of NSCC’s                        application of the FIS Charge to the
                                                    existing family-issued securities charge 5              positions in Family-Issued Securities of                 7 See Principles for financial market

                                                                                                            all Members to help NSCC cover the                    infrastructures, issued by the Committee on
                                                    to apply to all Members, as described                                                                         Payment and Settlement Systems and the Technical
                                                    below, and (ii) include a definition of                 specific wrong-way risk posed by                      Committee of the International Organization of
                                                    ‘‘Family-Issued Security’’ as a security                Family-Issued Securities, as described                Securities Commissions 47 n.65 (April 2012),
                                                                                                            further below.6 Therefore, NSCC is                    available at http://www.bis.org/publ/cpss101a.pdf.
                                                                                                                                                                     8 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 76077
                                                      32 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).                            proposing to amend (i) Rule 1
                                                                                                                                                                  (October 5, 2015), 80 FR 61256 (October 9, 2015),
                                                      1 12 U.S.C. 5465(e)(1).                               (Definitions and Descriptions) to add a               (SR–NSCC–2015–003) (‘‘FIS Phase 1 Rule Change’’).
                                                      2 17 CFR 240.19b–4(n)(1)(i).                          definition of ‘‘Family-Issued Security,’’                9 As part of its ongoing monitoring of its
                                                      3 On July 10, 2017, NSCC filed this Advance
                                                                                                            and (ii) Procedure XV (Clearing Fund                  membership, NSCC utilizes the CRRM to rate its
                                                    Notice as a proposed rule change (SR–NSCC–2017–         Formula and Other Matters) to expand                  risk exposures to its Members based on a scale from
                                                    010) with the Commission pursuant to Section
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                            the application of the FIS Charge to all              1 (the strongest) to 7 (the weakest). Members that
                                                    19(b)(1) of the Act, 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1), and Rule                                                            fall within the higher risk rating categories (i.e., 5,
                                                    19b–4, 17 CFR 240.19b–4. A copy of the proposed         Members by moving the description of                  6, and 7) are placed on NSCC’s ‘‘Watch List,’’ and
                                                    rule change is available at http://www.dtcc.com/        FIS Charge from Section I.(B)(1) to                   may be subject to enhanced surveillance or
                                                    legal/sec-rule-filings.aspx.                            Sections I.(A)(1) and I.(A)(2) in order to            additional margin charges, as permitted under the
                                                      4 Terms not defined herein are defined in the
                                                                                                            make clear that the FIS Charge would be               Rules. See Rule 2B, Section 4 and Procedure XV,
                                                    Rules, available at www.dtcc.com/∼/media/Files/                                                               Section I.(B)(1) of the Rules, supra note 4. See also
                                                    Downloads/legal/rules/nscc_rules.pdf.                   included as a component of the Clearing               Securities Exchange Act Release No. 80734 (May
                                                      5 The family-issued securities charge is currently                                                          19, 2017), 82 FR 24174 (May 25, 2017), (SR–DTC–
                                                    described in Procedure XV, Section I.(B)(1) of the        6 Members that do not trade in Family-Issued        2017–002, SR–FICC–2017–006, SR–NSCC–2017–
                                                    Rules, supra note 4.                                    Securities would not be subject to the FIS Charge.                                                 Continued




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Document Created: 2017-08-08 00:18:08
Document Modified: 2017-08-08 00:18:08
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 37138 

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