82_FR_3832 82 FR 3824 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Extend the Expiration Date of FINRA Rule 0180 (Application of Rules to Security-Based Swaps)

82 FR 3824 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Extend the Expiration Date of FINRA Rule 0180 (Application of Rules to Security-Based Swaps)

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 8 (January 12, 2017)

Page Range3824-3825
FR Document2017-00493

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 8 (Thursday, January 12, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 8 (Thursday, January 12, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3824-3825]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-00493]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-79752; File No. SR-FINRA-2017-001]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Financial Industry Regulatory 
Authority, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a 
Proposed Rule Change To Extend the Expiration Date of FINRA Rule 0180 
(Application of Rules to Security-Based Swaps)

January 6, 2017.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that 
on January 5, 2017, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. 
(``FINRA'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'' 
or ``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, 
II, and III below, which Items have been prepared by FINRA. FINRA has 
designated the proposed rule change as constituting a ``non-
controversial'' rule change under paragraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b-4 under 
the Act,\3\ which renders the proposal effective upon receipt of this 
filing by the Commission. 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\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    FINRA is proposing to extend the expiration date of FINRA Rule 0180 
(Application of Rules to Security-Based Swaps) to February 12, 2018. 
FINRA Rule 0180 temporarily limits, with certain exceptions, the 
application of FINRA rules with respect to security-based swaps.
    The text of the proposed rule change is available on FINRA's Web 
site at http://www.finra.org, at the principal office of FINRA 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, FINRA 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 these statements may be examined at the places specified in 
Item IV below. FINRA has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, 
B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements.

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

1. Purpose
    On July 1, 2011, the SEC issued an Order granting temporary 
exemptive relief (the ``Temporary Exemptions'') from compliance with 
certain provisions of the Exchange Act in connection with the revision, 
pursuant to Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer 
Protection Act (the ``Dodd-Frank Act''),\4\ of the Exchange Act 
definition of ``security'' to encompass security-based swaps.\5\ 
Consistent with the Commission's action, on July 8, 2011, FINRA filed 
for immediate effectiveness FINRA Rule 0180,\6\ which, with certain 
exceptions, is intended to temporarily limit the application of FINRA 
rules \7\ with respect to security-based swaps, thereby helping to 
avoid undue market disruptions resulting from the change to the 
definition of ``security'' under the Act.\8\
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    \4\ Public Law 111-203, 124 Stat. 1376 (2010).
    \5\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 64795 (July 1, 
2011), 76 FR 39927 (July 7, 2011) (Order Granting Temporary 
Exemptions Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in Connection 
With the Pending Revision of the Definition of ``Security'' To 
Encompass Security-Based Swaps, and Request for Comment) (the 
``Exemptive Release''). The term ``security-based swap'' is defined 
in Section 761 of the Dodd-Frank Act. See also Securities Exchange 
Act Release No. 67453 (July 18, 2012), 77 FR 48207 (August 13, 2012) 
(Further Definition of ``Swap,'' ``Security-Based Swap,'' and 
``Security-Based Swap Agreement''; Mixed Swaps; Security-Based Swap 
Agreement Recordkeeping).
    \6\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 64884 (July 14, 
2011), 76 FR 42755 (July 19, 2011) (Notice of Filing and Immediate 
Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change; File No. SR-FINRA-2011-033) 
(``FINRA Rule 0180 Notice of Filing''). See also Securities Exchange 
Act Release No. 76850 (January 7, 2016), 81 FR 1666 (January 13, 
2016) (Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule 
Change; File No. SR-FINRA-2016-001) (extending the expiration date 
of FINRA Rule 0180 to February 11, 2017).
    \7\ The current FINRA rulebook consists of: (1) FINRA Rules; (2) 
NASD Rules; and (3) rules incorporated from NYSE (``Incorporated 
NYSE Rules''). While the NASD Rules generally apply to all FINRA 
members, the Incorporated NYSE Rules apply only to those members of 
FINRA that are also members of the NYSE. The FINRA Rules apply to 
all FINRA members, unless such rules have a more limited application 
by their terms. For more information about the rulebook 
consolidation process, see Information Notice, March 12, 2008 
(Rulebook Consolidation Process).
    \8\ In its Exemptive Release, the Commission noted that the 
relief is targeted and does not include, for instance, relief from 
the Act's antifraud and anti-manipulation provisions. FINRA has 
noted that FINRA Rule 0180 is similarly targeted. For instance, 
paragraph (a) of FINRA Rule 0180 provides that FINRA rules shall not 
apply to members' activities and positions with respect to security-
based swaps, except for FINRA Rules 2010 (Standards of Commercial 
Honor and Principles of Trade), 2020 (Use of Manipulative, Deceptive 
or Other Fraudulent Devices), 3310 (Anti-Money Laundering Compliance 
Program) and 4240 (Margin Requirements for Credit Default Swaps). 
See also paragraphs (b) and (c) of FINRA Rule 0180 (addressing the 
applicability of additional rules) and FINRA Rule 0180 Notice of 
Filing.
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    The Commission, noting the need to avoid a potential unnecessary 
disruption to the security-based swap market in the absence of an 
extension of the Temporary Exemptions, and the need for additional time 
to consider the potential impact of the revision of the Exchange Act 
definition of ``security'' in light of ongoing Commission rulemaking 
efforts under Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act, issued an Order which 
extended and refined the applicable expiration dates for the previously 
granted Temporary Exemptions.\9\ The Commission previously noted that 
extending the Temporary Exemptions would facilitate a coordinated 
consideration of these issues with the

[[Page 3825]]

relief provided pursuant to FINRA Rule 0180.\10\ In establishing Rule 
0180, and in extending the rule's expiration date, FINRA noted its 
intent, pending the implementation of any SEC rules and guidance that 
would provide greater regulatory clarity in relation to security-based 
swap activities, to align the expiration date of FINRA Rule 0180 with 
the termination of relevant provisions of the Temporary Exemptions.\11\
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    \9\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 71485 (February 5, 
2014), 79 FR 7731 (February 10, 2014) (Order Extending Temporary 
Exemptions Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in Connection 
With the Revision of the Definition of ``Security'' to Encompass 
Security-Based Swaps, and Request for Comment) (``Temporary 
Exemptions Extension Release'') stating that, for those expiring 
Temporary Exemptions ``that are not directly linked to pending 
security-based swap rulemakings, the Commission is extending the 
expiration date until the earlier of such time as the Commission 
issues an order or rule determining whether any continuing exemptive 
relief is appropriate for security-based swap activities with 
respect to any of these Exchange Act provisions or until three years 
following the effective date of this Order.'' The Temporary 
Exemptions Extension Release further stated that for each expiring 
Temporary Exemption ``that is related to pending security-based swap 
rulemakings, the Commission is extending the expiration date until 
the compliance date for the related security-based swap-specific 
rulemaking.'' See also Securities Exchange Act Release No. 71482 
(February 5, 2014), 79 FR 7570 (February 10, 2014) (Extension of 
Exemptions for Security-Based Swaps) (extending the expiration dates 
in interim final rules that provide exemptions under the Securities 
Act of 1933 (the ``Securities Act''), the Exchange Act, and the 
Trust Indenture Act of 1939 for those security-based swaps that 
prior to July 16, 2011 were security-based swap agreements and are 
defined as ``securities'' under the Securities Act and the Exchange 
Act as of July 16, 2011 due solely to the provisions of Title VII of 
the Dodd-Frank Act).
    \10\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 68864 (February 7, 
2013), 78 FR 10218 (February 13, 2013) (Order Extending Temporary 
Exemptions Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in Connection 
With the Revision of the Definition of ``Security'' to Encompass 
Security-Based Swaps, and Request for Comment).
    \11\ See note 6 supra.
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    The Commission's rulemaking and development of guidance in relation 
to security-based swap activities is ongoing. As such, FINRA believes 
it is appropriate and in the public interest, in light of the 
Commission's goals as set forth in the Exemptive Release and the 
Temporary Exemptions Extension Release, to extend FINRA Rule 0180 for a 
limited period, to February 12, 2018, so as to avoid undue market 
disruptions resulting from the change to the definition of ``security'' 
under the Act.\12\
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    \12\ FINRA may amend the expiration date of FINRA Rule 0180 
based on any related Commission action.
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    FINRA has filed the proposed rule change for immediate 
effectiveness. FINRA is proposing that the implementation date of the 
proposed rule change will be February 11, 2017.
2. Statutory Basis
    FINRA believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the 
provisions of Section 15A(b)(6) of the Act,\13\ which requires, among 
other things, that FINRA rules must be designed to prevent fraudulent 
and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable 
principles of trade, and, in general, to protect investors and the 
public interest. FINRA believes that the proposed rule change would 
further the purposes of the Act because, consistent with the goals set 
forth by the Commission in the Exemptive Release and in the Temporary 
Exemptions Extension Release, the proposed rule change will help to 
avoid undue market disruption that could result if FINRA Rule 0180 
expires before the implementation of any SEC rules and guidance that 
would provide greater regulatory clarity in relation to security-based 
swap activities.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ 15 U.S.C. 78o-3(b)(6).
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B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition

    FINRA does not believe that the proposed rule change will result in 
any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in 
furtherance of the purposes of the Act. FINRA believes that the 
proposed rule change would prevent undue market disruption that would 
otherwise result if security-based swaps were, by virtue of the 
expansion of the Act's definition of ``security'' to encompass 
security-based swaps, subject to the application of all FINRA rules 
before the implementation of any SEC rules and guidance that would 
provide greater regulatory clarity in relation to security-based swap 
activities. FINRA believes that, by extending the expiration of FINRA 
Rule 0180, the proposed rule change will serve to promote regulatory 
clarity and consistency, thereby reducing burdens on the marketplace 
and facilitating investor protection.

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

    Written comments were neither solicited nor received.

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

    Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not: (i) 
Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public 
interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) 
become operative for 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or 
such shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become 
effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \14\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6) thereunder.\15\
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    \14\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \15\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    At any time within 60 days of the filing of the 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 to 
determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved.

IV. Solicitation of Comments

    Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views and 
arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule 
change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of 
the following methods:

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's Internet comment form (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an email to [email protected]. Please include 
File Number SR-FINRA-2017-001 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-FINRA-2017-001. 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 such filing also will be available 
for inspection and copying at the principal office of FINRA. 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-FINRA-2017-001 and should be 
submitted on or before February 2, 2017.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\16\
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    \16\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Eduardo A. Aleman,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2017-00493 Filed 1-11-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P



                                                  3824                          Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 8 / Thursday, January 12, 2017 / Notices

                                                    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 3301 and 3302; E.O.               II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                     respect to security-based swaps, thereby
                                                  10577, 3 CFR, 1954–1958 Comp., p. 218. U.S.             Statement of the Purpose of, and                       helping to avoid undue market
                                                  Office of Personnel Management.                         Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule                 disruptions resulting from the change to
                                                                                                          Change                                                 the definition of ‘‘security’’ under the
                                                  Beth F. Cobert,
                                                                                                            In its filing with the Commission,                   Act.8
                                                  Acting Director.                                                                                                  The Commission, noting the need to
                                                  [FR Doc. 2017–00576 Filed 1–11–17; 8:45 am]             FINRA included statements concerning
                                                                                                                                                                 avoid a potential unnecessary
                                                                                                          the purpose of and basis for the
                                                  BILLING CODE 6325–39–P                                                                                         disruption to the security-based swap
                                                                                                          proposed rule change and discussed any
                                                                                                                                                                 market in the absence of an extension of
                                                                                                          comments it received on the proposed                   the Temporary Exemptions, and the
                                                                                                          rule change. The text of these statements              need for additional time to consider the
                                                                                                          may be examined at the places specified                potential impact of the revision of the
                                                  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
                                                                                                          in Item IV below. FINRA has prepared                   Exchange Act definition of ‘‘security’’ in
                                                  COMMISSION
                                                                                                          summaries, set forth in sections A, B,                 light of ongoing Commission
                                                                                                          and C below, of the most significant                   rulemaking efforts under Title VII of the
                                                  [Release No. 34–79752; File No. SR–FINRA–               aspects of such statements.
                                                  2017–001]                                                                                                      Dodd-Frank Act, issued an Order which
                                                                                                          A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                      extended and refined the applicable
                                                  Self-Regulatory Organizations;                          Statement of the Purpose of, and                       expiration dates for the previously
                                                  Financial Industry Regulatory                           Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule                 granted Temporary Exemptions.9 The
                                                  Authority, Inc.; Notice of Filing and                   Change                                                 Commission previously noted that
                                                  Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed                                                                          extending the Temporary Exemptions
                                                                                                          1. Purpose                                             would facilitate a coordinated
                                                  Rule Change To Extend the Expiration
                                                  Date of FINRA Rule 0180 (Application                       On July 1, 2011, the SEC issued an                  consideration of these issues with the
                                                  of Rules to Security-Based Swaps)                       Order granting temporary exemptive
                                                                                                          relief (the ‘‘Temporary Exemptions’’)                  limited application by their terms. For more
                                                                                                                                                                 information about the rulebook consolidation
                                                  January 6, 2017.                                        from compliance with certain                           process, see Information Notice, March 12, 2008
                                                     Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the                  provisions of the Exchange Act in                      (Rulebook Consolidation Process).
                                                  Securities Exchange Act of 1934                         connection with the revision, pursuant                    8 In its Exemptive Release, the Commission noted

                                                                                                          to Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Wall                    that the relief is targeted and does not include, for
                                                  (‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2                                                                        instance, relief from the Act’s antifraud and anti-
                                                                                                          Street Reform and Consumer Protection
                                                  notice is hereby given that on January 5,                                                                      manipulation provisions. FINRA has noted that
                                                                                                          Act (the ‘‘Dodd-Frank Act’’),4 of the                  FINRA Rule 0180 is similarly targeted. For instance,
                                                  2017, Financial Industry Regulatory
                                                                                                          Exchange Act definition of ‘‘security’’ to             paragraph (a) of FINRA Rule 0180 provides that
                                                  Authority, Inc. (‘‘FINRA’’) filed with the                                                                     FINRA rules shall not apply to members’ activities
                                                                                                          encompass security-based swaps.5
                                                  Securities and Exchange Commission                                                                             and positions with respect to security-based swaps,
                                                                                                          Consistent with the Commission’s                       except for FINRA Rules 2010 (Standards of
                                                  (‘‘SEC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed
                                                                                                          action, on July 8, 2011, FINRA filed for               Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade), 2020
                                                  rule change as described in Items I, II,                immediate effectiveness FINRA Rule                     (Use of Manipulative, Deceptive or Other
                                                  and III below, which Items have been                    0180,6 which, with certain exceptions,                 Fraudulent Devices), 3310 (Anti-Money Laundering
                                                  prepared by FINRA. FINRA has                            is intended to temporarily limit the
                                                                                                                                                                 Compliance Program) and 4240 (Margin
                                                                                                                                                                 Requirements for Credit Default Swaps). See also
                                                  designated the proposed rule change as                  application of FINRA rules 7 with                      paragraphs (b) and (c) of FINRA Rule 0180
                                                  constituting a ‘‘non-controversial’’ rule                                                                      (addressing the applicability of additional rules)
                                                  change under paragraph (f)(6) of Rule                     4 Public  Law 111–203, 124 Stat. 1376 (2010).        and FINRA Rule 0180 Notice of Filing.
                                                                                                                                                                    9 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 71485
                                                  19b–4 under the Act,3 which renders                       5 See  Securities Exchange Act Release No. 64795
                                                                                                                                                                 (February 5, 2014), 79 FR 7731 (February 10, 2014)
                                                  the proposal effective upon receipt of                  (July 1, 2011), 76 FR 39927 (July 7, 2011) (Order
                                                                                                                                                                 (Order Extending Temporary Exemptions Under the
                                                  this filing by the Commission. The                      Granting Temporary Exemptions Under the
                                                                                                          Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in Connection          Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in Connection
                                                  Commission is publishing this notice to                 With the Pending Revision of the Definition of         With the Revision of the Definition of ‘‘Security’’
                                                  solicit comments on the proposed rule                   ‘‘Security’’ To Encompass Security-Based Swaps,        to Encompass Security-Based Swaps, and Request
                                                                                                          and Request for Comment) (the ‘‘Exemptive              for Comment) (‘‘Temporary Exemptions Extension
                                                  change from interested persons.                                                                                Release’’) stating that, for those expiring Temporary
                                                                                                          Release’’). The term ‘‘security-based swap’’ is
                                                                                                                                                                 Exemptions ‘‘that are not directly linked to pending
                                                  I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                       defined in Section 761 of the Dodd-Frank Act. See
                                                                                                                                                                 security-based swap rulemakings, the Commission
                                                  Statement of the Terms of Substance of                  also Securities Exchange Act Release No. 67453
                                                                                                                                                                 is extending the expiration date until the earlier of
                                                                                                          (July 18, 2012), 77 FR 48207 (August 13, 2012)
                                                  the Proposed Rule Change                                (Further Definition of ‘‘Swap,’’ ‘‘Security-Based
                                                                                                                                                                 such time as the Commission issues an order or rule
                                                                                                                                                                 determining whether any continuing exemptive
                                                                                                          Swap,’’ and ‘‘Security-Based Swap Agreement’’;
                                                     FINRA is proposing to extend the                                                                            relief is appropriate for security-based swap
                                                                                                          Mixed Swaps; Security-Based Swap Agreement
                                                                                                                                                                 activities with respect to any of these Exchange Act
                                                  expiration date of FINRA Rule 0180                      Recordkeeping).
                                                                                                                                                                 provisions or until three years following the
                                                                                                             6 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 64884
                                                  (Application of Rules to Security-Based                                                                        effective date of this Order.’’ The Temporary
                                                                                                          (July 14, 2011), 76 FR 42755 (July 19, 2011) (Notice
                                                  Swaps) to February 12, 2018. FINRA                      of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed
                                                                                                                                                                 Exemptions Extension Release further stated that
                                                                                                                                                                 for each expiring Temporary Exemption ‘‘that is
                                                  Rule 0180 temporarily limits, with                      Rule Change; File No. SR–FINRA–2011–033)               related to pending security-based swap
                                                  certain exceptions, the application of                  (‘‘FINRA Rule 0180 Notice of Filing’’). See also       rulemakings, the Commission is extending the
                                                  FINRA rules with respect to security-                   Securities Exchange Act Release No. 76850 (January     expiration date until the compliance date for the
                                                                                                          7, 2016), 81 FR 1666 (January 13, 2016) (Notice of     related security-based swap-specific rulemaking.’’
                                                  based swaps.                                            Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed         See also Securities Exchange Act Release No. 71482
                                                     The text of the proposed rule change                 Rule Change; File No. SR–FINRA–2016–001)               (February 5, 2014), 79 FR 7570 (February 10, 2014)
                                                                                                          (extending the expiration date of FINRA Rule 0180      (Extension of Exemptions for Security-Based
                                                  is available on FINRA’s Web site at
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                          to February 11, 2017).                                 Swaps) (extending the expiration dates in interim
                                                  http://www.finra.org, at the principal                     7 The current FINRA rulebook consists of: (1)
                                                                                                                                                                 final rules that provide exemptions under the
                                                  office of FINRA and at the                              FINRA Rules; (2) NASD Rules; and (3) rules             Securities Act of 1933 (the ‘‘Securities Act’’), the
                                                  Commission’s Public Reference Room.                     incorporated from NYSE (‘‘Incorporated NYSE            Exchange Act, and the Trust Indenture Act of 1939
                                                                                                          Rules’’). While the NASD Rules generally apply to      for those security-based swaps that prior to July 16,
                                                                                                          all FINRA members, the Incorporated NYSE Rules         2011 were security-based swap agreements and are
                                                    1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).                                apply only to those members of FINRA that are also     defined as ‘‘securities’’ under the Securities Act and
                                                    2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.                                   members of the NYSE. The FINRA Rules apply to          the Exchange Act as of July 16, 2011 due solely to
                                                    3 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6).                             all FINRA members, unless such rules have a more       the provisions of Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act).



                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014   18:28 Jan 11, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00109   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\12JAN1.SGM   12JAN1


                                                                                Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 8 / Thursday, January 12, 2017 / Notices                                                  3825

                                                  relief provided pursuant to FINRA Rule                  B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                      change is consistent with the Act.
                                                  0180.10 In establishing Rule 0180, and                  Statement on Burden on Competition                     Comments may be submitted by any of
                                                  in extending the rule’s expiration date,                   FINRA does not believe that the                     the following methods:
                                                  FINRA noted its intent, pending the                     proposed rule change will result in any                Electronic Comments
                                                  implementation of any SEC rules and                     burden on competition that is not
                                                  guidance that would provide greater                     necessary or appropriate in furtherance                  • Use the Commission’s Internet
                                                  regulatory clarity in relation to security-             of the purposes of the Act. FINRA                      comment form (http://www.sec.gov/
                                                  based swap activities, to align the                     believes that the proposed rule change                 rules/sro.shtml); or
                                                  expiration date of FINRA Rule 0180                      would prevent undue market disruption
                                                                                                                                                                   • Send an email to rule-comments@
                                                  with the termination of relevant                        that would otherwise result if security-
                                                                                                                                                                 sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–
                                                  provisions of the Temporary                             based swaps were, by virtue of the
                                                                                                                                                                 FINRA–2017–001 on the subject line.
                                                  Exemptions.11                                           expansion of the Act’s definition of
                                                     The Commission’s rulemaking and                      ‘‘security’’ to encompass security-based               Paper Comments
                                                  development of guidance in relation to                  swaps, subject to the application of all
                                                                                                          FINRA rules before the implementation                    • Send paper comments in triplicate
                                                  security-based swap activities is                                                                              to Secretary, Securities and Exchange
                                                                                                          of any SEC rules and guidance that
                                                  ongoing. As such, FINRA believes it is                                                                         Commission, 100 F Street NE.,
                                                                                                          would provide greater regulatory clarity
                                                  appropriate and in the public interest,                                                                        Washington, DC 20549–1090.
                                                                                                          in relation to security-based swap
                                                  in light of the Commission’s goals as set               activities. FINRA believes that, by
                                                  forth in the Exemptive Release and the                                                                         All submissions should refer to File
                                                                                                          extending the expiration of FINRA Rule
                                                  Temporary Exemptions Extension                                                                                 Number SR–FINRA–2017–001. This file
                                                                                                          0180, the proposed rule change will
                                                  Release, to extend FINRA Rule 0180 for                                                                         number should be included on the
                                                                                                          serve to promote regulatory clarity and
                                                  a limited period, to February 12, 2018,                 consistency, thereby reducing burdens                  subject line if email is used. To help the
                                                  so as to avoid undue market disruptions                 on the marketplace and facilitating                    Commission process and review your
                                                  resulting from the change to the                        investor protection.                                   comments more efficiently, please use
                                                  definition of ‘‘security’’ under the Act.12                                                                    only one method. The Commission will
                                                                                                          C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                      post all comments on the Commission’s
                                                     FINRA has filed the proposed rule                    Statement on Comments on the
                                                  change for immediate effectiveness.                                                                            Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/
                                                                                                          Proposed Rule Change Received From                     rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the
                                                  FINRA is proposing that the                             Members, Participants, or Others
                                                  implementation date of the proposed                                                                            submission, all subsequent
                                                  rule change will be February 11, 2017.                    Written comments were neither                        amendments, all written statements
                                                                                                          solicited nor received.                                with respect to the proposed rule
                                                  2. Statutory Basis                                                                                             change that are filed with the
                                                                                                          III. Date of Effectiveness of the
                                                                                                          Proposed Rule Change and Timing for                    Commission, and all written
                                                    FINRA believes that the proposed rule                                                                        communications relating to the
                                                  change is consistent with the provisions                Commission Action
                                                                                                                                                                 proposed rule change between the
                                                  of Section 15A(b)(6) of the Act,13 which                   Because the foregoing proposed rule                 Commission and any person, other than
                                                  requires, among other things, that                      change does not: (i) Significantly affect              those that may be withheld from the
                                                  FINRA rules must be designed to                         the protection of investors or the public              public in accordance with the
                                                  prevent fraudulent and manipulative                     interest; (ii) impose any significant                  provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be
                                                  acts and practices, to promote just and                 burden on competition; and (iii) become                available for Web site viewing and
                                                  equitable principles of trade, and, in                  operative for 30 days from the date on                 printing in the Commission’s Public
                                                  general, to protect investors and the                   which it was filed, or such shorter time               Reference Room, 100 F Street NE.,
                                                  public interest. FINRA believes that the                as the Commission may designate, it has                Washington, DC 20549, on official
                                                  proposed rule change would further the                  become effective pursuant to Section                   business days between the hours of
                                                  purposes of the Act because, consistent                 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 14 and Rule 19b–                10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of such
                                                  with the goals set forth by the                         4(f)(6) thereunder.15                                  filing also will be available for
                                                  Commission in the Exemptive Release                        At any time within 60 days of the
                                                                                                                                                                 inspection and copying at the principal
                                                  and in the Temporary Exemptions                         filing of the proposed rule change, the
                                                                                                                                                                 office of FINRA. All comments received
                                                  Extension Release, the proposed rule                    Commission summarily may
                                                                                                                                                                 will be posted without change; the
                                                  change will help to avoid undue market                  temporarily suspend such rule change if
                                                                                                                                                                 Commission does not edit personal
                                                  disruption that could result if FINRA                   it appears to the Commission that such
                                                                                                                                                                 identifying information from
                                                  Rule 0180 expires before the                            action is necessary or appropriate in the
                                                                                                                                                                 submissions. You should submit only
                                                  implementation of any SEC rules and                     public interest, for the protection of
                                                                                                                                                                 information that you wish to make
                                                  guidance that would provide greater                     investors, or otherwise in furtherance of
                                                                                                                                                                 available publicly. All submissions
                                                  regulatory clarity in relation to security-             the purposes of the Act. If the
                                                                                                                                                                 should refer to File Number SR–FINRA–
                                                  based swap activities.                                  Commission takes such action, the
                                                                                                                                                                 2017–001 and should be submitted on
                                                                                                          Commission shall institute proceedings
                                                                                                          to determine whether the proposed rule                 or before February 2, 2017.
                                                    10 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 68864

                                                  (February 7, 2013), 78 FR 10218 (February 13, 2013)     should be approved or disapproved.                       For the Commission, by the Division of
                                                  (Order Extending Temporary Exemptions Under the                                                                Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
                                                                                                          IV. Solicitation of Comments
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES




                                                  Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in Connection                                                                  authority.16
                                                  With the Revision of the Definition of ‘‘Security’’       Interested persons are invited to                    Eduardo A. Aleman,
                                                  to Encompass Security-Based Swaps, and Request          submit written data, views and
                                                  for Comment).                                                                                                  Assistant Secretary.
                                                    11 See note 6 supra.
                                                                                                          arguments concerning the foregoing,
                                                                                                                                                                 [FR Doc. 2017–00493 Filed 1–11–17; 8:45 am]
                                                    12 FINRA may amend the expiration date of             including whether the proposed rule
                                                                                                                                                                 BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
                                                  FINRA Rule 0180 based on any related Commission
                                                  action.                                                   14 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
                                                    13 15 U.S.C. 78o–3(b)(6).                               15 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6).                             16 17   CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).



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Document Created: 2017-03-21 14:40:09
Document Modified: 2017-03-21 14:40:09
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 3824 

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