82_FR_50413 82 FR 50205 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE American LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Modify Rule 964.2NY Regarding the Participation Entitlement Formula for Specialists and e-Specialists

82 FR 50205 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE American LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Modify Rule 964.2NY Regarding the Participation Entitlement Formula for Specialists and e-Specialists

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 208 (October 30, 2017)

Page Range50205-50207
FR Document2017-23475

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 208 (Monday, October 30, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 208 (Monday, October 30, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50205-50207]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-23475]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-81928; File No. SR-NYSEAMER-2017-23]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE American LLC; Notice of 
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Modify 
Rule 964.2NY Regarding the Participation Entitlement Formula for 
Specialists and e-Specialists

October 24, 2017.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) \1\ of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 (the ``Act''),\2\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\3\ notice is hereby 
given that, on October 10, 2017, NYSE American LLC (the ``Exchange'' or 
``NYSE American'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(the ``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I 
and II below, which Items have been prepared by the self-regulatory 
organization. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit 
comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 15 U.S.C. 78a.
    \3\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange proposes to modify Rule 964.2NY regarding the 
participation entitlement formula for Specialists and e-Specialists. 
The proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's Web site at 
www.nyse.com, at the principal office of the Exchange, and at the 
Commission's Public Reference Room.

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

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

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

1. Purpose
    The purpose of the filing is to modify Rule 964.2NY regarding the 
participation entitlement of Specialists and e-Specialists.\4\
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    \4\ A Specialist is ``an individual or entity that has been 
deemed qualified by the Exchange for the purpose of making 
transactions on the Exchange in accordance with the provisions of 
Rule 920NY [Market Makers], and who meets the qualification 
requirements of Rule 927NY(b) [Specialists]. Each Specialist must be 
registered with the Exchange as a Market Maker. Any ATP Holder 
registered as a Market Maker with the Exchange is eligible to be 
qualified as a Specialist. See Rule 900.2NY(76). Rule 923NY(b) also 
provides that ``[t]he Exchange may designate e-Specialists in an 
option class in accordance with Rule 927.4NY [e-Specialists].'' See 
Rule 923NY(b).
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    Rule 964NY sets forth the priority for the allocation of incoming 
orders to resting interest at a particular price in the System,\5\ 
which includes the allocation to the Specialist Pool.\6\ Rule 964.2NY 
sets forth the participant entitlement formula applicable to the 
Specialist Pool and provides that, on a quarterly basis, the Exchange 
will determine a Primary Specialist from among the Specialists e-
Specialists [sic] in each option class.
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    \5\ The term ``System'' refers to the Exchange's electronic 
order delivery, execution and reporting system through which orders 
and quotes for listed options are consolidated for execution and/or 
display. See Rule 900.2NY (48) (defining ``Exchange System'' or 
``System'').
    \6\ The Specialist Pool refers to the aggregated size of the 
best bid and best offer, in a given series, amongst the Specialist 
and e-Specialists that match in price. See Rule 900.2NY(75).
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    Generally, the Specialist Pool is entitled to 40% of the remaining 
balance of an order after any orders on behalf of Customers in the 
Consolidated Book are satisfied.\7\ Rule 964.2NY(b)(3)(A) provides that 
Specialists and e-Specialists quoting at the NBBO will share in the 
Specialist Pool participation entitlement on a size pro rata basis and 
provides that the Primary Specialist's size pro rata participation will 
receive additional weighting, as determined by the Exchange and 
announced by Trader Update (the ``Additional Weighting''). Pursuant to 
the current Rule, this Additional Weighting afforded to the Primary 
Specialist is capped at 66\2/3\% if there is only one e-Specialist, and 
at 50% if there are two or more e-Specialists (the ``Cap'').\8\
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    \7\ See Rule 964.2NY(b)(2).
    \8\ See Rule 964.2NY(b)(3)(A).
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    Currently, the Exchange applies the Additional Weighting as 
follows: When an inbound order is allocated against the Specialist 
Pool, the Primary Specialist's quoted size is treated as if it were 
double (i.e., two (2) times the number of contracts being quoted) and 
this doubled size is then used in the calculation (as shown in the 
examples below) to determine the allocation to both the Primary 
Specialist as well as the other participants in the Specialist Pool.\9\ 
When there is only one e-Specialist and both the Specialist and e-
Specialist are quoting the same size, this Additional Weighting will 
not be greater than 66\2/3\%. When there is more than one e-Specialist 
and the Specialist and e-Specialists are all quoting the same size, 
this Additional Weighting will not be greater than 50%.
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    \9\ The Exchange may modify how it calculates the Additional 
Weighting, which calculation would be announced by Trader Update. 
See Rule 964.2NY(b)(3)(A). See, e.g., September 27, 2012 Trader 
Update, available here, https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/notifications/trader-update/NYSE%20AMEX%20OPTIONS%20Trader%20Update%20Primary%20Specialist%20Implementation%209-27-12%20FINALtw.pdf; and December 21, 2012 Trader 
Update, available here, https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/notifications/trader-update/NYSE%20AMEX%20OPTIONS%20Trader%20Update%20Primary%20Specialist%20Implementation%20010213%20%20%20.pdf.
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    Because current Rule 964.2NY(b)(3)(A) does not specify the 
circumstances under which the Primary Specialist's allocation in the 
Specialist Pool is subject to the Cap, the Exchange proposes to make 
clear that the Cap only applies if ``all participants in the Specialist 
Pool are quoting the same size.'' \10\ When all participants in the 
Specialist Pool are not quoting the same size, the Primary Specialist 
may receive up to the entirety of the Specialist Pool's participation 
allocation. However, for this scenario to occur, the Primary 
Specialist's quoted size would need to be disproportionately larger 
than the other participants in the Specialist Pool such that the 
allocation to which the other participant(s) in the Specialist Pool is 
entitled is less than one contract (i.e., a fractional share). For 
example, if the Primary Specialist is quoting 300 contracts and the 
other eSpecialist in

[[Page 50206]]

the Specialist Pool is quoting 1 contract [sic].
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    \10\ See proposed Rule 964.2NY(b)(3)(A) (providing, in part, 
that the ``Primary Specialist's size pro-rata participation in the 
Specialist Pool will receive additional weighting, as determined by 
the Exchange, and announced via Trader Update; provided, however, 
that if all participants in the Specialist Pool are quoting the same 
size, this additional weighting will be no greater than 66\2/3\% if 
there is only one e-Specialist, and no greater than 50% if there are 
two or more e-Specialists''). The Exchange also proposes to 
capitalize the ``s'' in the defined term ``e-Specialist.'' See id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Pursuant to Rule 964.2NY(b)(1)(iv), each participant in the 
Specialist Pool would ``be allocated a number of contracts equal to the 
greater of their share in the Specialist Pool guaranteed participation 
or their `size pro rata' allocation as provided in Rule 964NY(b)(3), 
but in either case, no greater than the size of the Specialist's 
disseminated size.'' \11\ Thus, it may be possible that the Primary 
Specialist receives its allocation based on its share of the Specialist 
Pool, while other participants in the Pool receive a pro rata 
allocation, because the latter allocation is more favorable to that 
participant (i.e., provides a ``greater share'') to that participant. 
In this regard, because the Exchange maximizes the allocation to each 
participant in the Specialist Pool, certain non-Specialist participants 
(at the same price) may be allocated fewer contracts than their pro 
rata share.\12\
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    \11\ See Rule 964.2NY(b)(1)(iv).
    \12\ See generally Rule 964NY(b).
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    Below are examples of how the Exchange applies the Additional 
Weighting in circumstances where the Specialist Pool participation 
guarantee entitles each participant to a more favorable allocation than 
size pro rata: \13\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ The Exchange notes that when a participant in the 
Specialist Pool would fare better based on its pro rata share, 
rather than its share of the Specialist Pool guaranteed 
participation, the pro rata share allocation will be applied. See 
Rule 964.2NY(b)(1)(iv).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Example 1 to illustrate application of 66\2/3\% cap:

Primary Specialist quoting 60 contracts
Only one other participant in the Specialist Pool also quoting 60 
contracts
Other non-customer interest resting on the Consolidated Book for 500 
contracts
An inbound order arrives for 200 contracts

    Allocation Results:

The Specialist Pool is entitled to a 40% allocation of the inbound 
order (80 contracts).
The Primary Specialist is entitled to an allocation of (2 x 60)/[60 + 
(2 x 60)] = 66\2/3\% of the 80 contracts allocated to the Specialist 
Pool. The Primary Specialist will receive 53 contracts.
The other participant in the Specialist Pool is entitled to an 
allocation of 60/[60 + (2 x 60)] = 33 \1/3\% of the 80 contracts 
allocated to the Specialist Pool. The e-Specialist will receive 27 
contracts.

    Example 2 to illustrate application of 50% cap:

Primary Specialist quoting 60 contracts
Two other participants in the Specialist Pool each quoting 60 contracts
Other non-customer interest resting on the Consolidated Book for 500 
contracts
An inbound order arrives for 200 contracts

    Allocation Results:

The Specialist Pool is entitled to a 40% allocation of the inbound 
order (80 contracts).
The Primary Specialist is entitled to an allocation of (2 x 60)/[60 + 
60 + (2 x 60)] = 50% of the 80 contracts allocated to the Specialist 
Pool. The Primary Specialist will receive 40 contracts.
Each other participant in the Specialist Pool is entitled to an 
allocation of 60/[60 + 60 + (2 x 60)] = 25% of the 80 contracts 
allocated to the Specialist Pool. Each other participant in the 
Specialist Pool will receive 20 contracts.

    Example 3 to illustrate allocation (i.e., no cap) when all are not 
quoting the same size:

Primary Specialist quoting 60 contracts
Only one other participant in the Specialist Pool also quoting 30 
contracts
Other non-customer interest resting on the Consolidated Book for 500 
contracts
An inbound order arrives for 200 contracts

    Allocation Results:

The Specialist Pool is entitled to a 40% allocation of the inbound 
order (80 contracts).
The Primary Specialist is entitled to an allocation of (2 x 60)/[30 + 
(2 x 60)] = 80% of the 80 contracts allocated to the Specialist Pool. 
The Primary Specialist is entitled to 64 contracts, which exceeds the 
size of their quote. Rule 964.2NY(b)(1)(iv), the Primary Specialist 
will receive no more than 60 contracts, so their allocation does not 
exceed their quoted size.
The other participant in the Specialist Pool is entitled to an 
allocation of 30/[30 + (2 x 60)] = 20% of the 80 contracts allocated to 
the Specialist Pool. The other participant in the Specialist Pool is 
entitled to 16 contracts and will receive 20 contracts, which represent 
the remaining of the Specialist Pool allocation. In this case, the 
other participant in the Specialist Pool is granted the balance of its 
share in the Specialist Pool guaranteed participation, as it is greater 
than the contracts to which it is entitled per Rule 964.2NY(1)(iv) 
[sic].

    Example 4 to illustrate allocating each Specialist the ``greater 
of'' their share in either the Specialist Pool or size pro rata:

Primary Specialist quoting 90 contracts
Other participant in the Specialist Pool quoting 200 contracts
Market Maker quoting 200 contracts
An inbound order arrives for 100 contracts

    Allocation Results:

The Specialist Pool is entitled to a 40% allocation of the inbound 
order (40 contracts).
The Primary Specialist is entitled to an allocation of (2 x 90)/[200 + 
(2 x 90)] = 47.37% of the 40 contracts allocated to the Specialist Pool 
(19 contracts).
The Primary Specialist pro rata allocation would be 90/(200 + 200 + 90) 
= 18.37% of the 100 contracts of the inbound order (18 contracts). 
Since the 19-contract Specialist Pool allocation is greater than the 
18-contract pro rata allocation, the Primary Specialist will receive 19 
contracts.
The other participant in the Specialist Pool is entitled to an 
allocation of 200/[200 + (2 x 90)] = 52.63% of the 40 contracts 
allocated to the Specialist Pool (21 contracts).
The other participant in the Specialist Pool would also be entitled to 
a pro rata allocation 200/(200 + 200) = 50% of the remaining 81 
contracts of the inbound order (41 contracts). Since the 41-contract 
pro rata allocation of the balance is greater than the 21-contract 
Specialist Pool allocation, the other participant in the Specialist 
Pool will receive 41 contracts, pursuant to Rule 964.2NY(1)(iv) [sic].
The Market Maker will receive the remaining 40 contracts.
* * * * *
    The Exchange believes the proposed change, which does not alter 
current functionality, would provide additional specificity regarding 
how orders are allocated and the circumstances under which the Cap 
would apply to the Primary Specialist allocation, which adds clarity 
and transparency to Exchange rules to the benefit of all market 
participants.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that its proposal is consistent with the 
requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ``Act'') and 
the rules and regulations thereunder that are applicable to a national 
securities exchange, and, in particular, with the requirements of 
Section 6(b) of the Act.\14\ In particular, the proposal is

[[Page 50207]]

consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act \15\ because it is designed 
promote [sic] just and equitable principles of trade, [sic] foster 
cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in facilitating 
transactions in securities, and to remove impediments to, and perfect 
the mechanisms [sic] of, [sic] a free and open market and a national 
market system.
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    \14\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \15\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed rule change would promote just and equitable 
principles of trade as it is intended to provide additional specificity 
regarding the circumstances under which the Primary Specialist's 
allocation would be subject to a Cap, which adds clarity and 
transparency to Exchange rules regarding order allocation. The Exchange 
believes that the proposed change promotes just and equitable 
principles of trade, fosters cooperation and coordination among persons 
engaged in facilitating securities transactions, and removes 
impediments to and perfects the mechanism of a free and open market by 
ensuring that members, regulators and the public can more easily 
navigate and better understand the Exchange's rulebook.

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

    The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will 
impose any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in 
furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The proposed rule change is not 
designed to address any competitive issues. Rather, the proposed change 
is designed to provide ATP Holders and the investing public with 
additional specificity and transparency regarding the circumstances 
under which the Primary Specialist's allocation would be subject to a 
Cap, which in turn adds clarity and transparency to Exchange rules.

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

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

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

    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)(iii) of the Act \16\ and 
subparagraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b-4 thereunder.\17\
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    \16\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
    \17\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6) 
requires a self-regulatory organization to give the Commission 
written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change, along 
with a brief description and text of the proposed rule change, at 
least five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed 
rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. 
The Exchange has satisfied this requirement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A proposed rule change filed pursuant to Rule 19b-4(f)(6) under the 
Act \18\ normally does not become operative for 30 days after the date 
of its filing. However, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) \19\ permits the 
Commission to designate a shorter time if such action is consistent 
with the protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange 
has asked the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that 
the proposal may become operative immediately upon filing. The 
Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is 
consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest as 
it will allow the Exchange to immediately provide greater clarity to 
market participants concerning order allocation on the Exchange. 
Accordingly, the Commission hereby waives the operative delay and 
designates the proposal operative upon filing.\20\
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    \18\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \19\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
    \20\ For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, 
the Commission has also considered the proposed rule's impact on 
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 
78c(f).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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: (i) 
Necessary or appropriate in the public interest; (ii) for the 
protection of investors; or (iii) 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-NYSEAMER-2017-23 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-NYSEAMER-2017-23. 
This file number should be included on the subject line if email is 
used. To help the Commission process and review your comments more 
efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will post all 
comments on the Commission's Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, 
all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that 
are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating 
to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, 
other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance 
with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site 
viewing and printing in the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F 
Street NE., Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between the 
hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be 
available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the 
Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change. Persons 
submitting comments are cautioned that we do not redact or edit 
personal identifying information from comment submissions. You should 
submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All 
submissions should refer to File Number SR-NYSEAMER-2017-23 and should 
be submitted on or before November 20, 2017.
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    \21\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\21\
Eduardo A. Aleman,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2017-23475 Filed 10-27-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P



                                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 208 / Monday, October 30, 2017 / Notices                                                        50205

                                                  For the Commission, by the Division of                 set forth in sections A, B, and C below,                    Currently, the Exchange applies the
                                                Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated               of the most significant parts of such                    Additional Weighting as follows: When
                                                authority.9                                              statements.                                              an inbound order is allocated against
                                                Robert W. Errett,                                                                                                 the Specialist Pool, the Primary
                                                Deputy Secretary.
                                                                                                         A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                                                                         Statement of the Purpose of, and the                     Specialist’s quoted size is treated as if
                                                [FR Doc. 2017–23487 Filed 10–27–17; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                         Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule                   it were double (i.e., two (2) times the
                                                BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
                                                                                                         Change                                                   number of contracts being quoted) and
                                                                                                                                                                  this doubled size is then used in the
                                                                                                         1. Purpose                                               calculation (as shown in the examples
                                                SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE                                     The purpose of the filing is to modify                below) to determine the allocation to
                                                COMMISSION                                               Rule 964.2NY regarding the                               both the Primary Specialist as well as
                                                [Release No. 34–81928; File No. SR–                      participation entitlement of Specialists                 the other participants in the Specialist
                                                NYSEAMER–2017–23]                                        and e-Specialists.4                                      Pool.9 When there is only one
                                                                                                            Rule 964NY sets forth the priority for                e-Specialist and both the Specialist and
                                                Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE                      the allocation of incoming orders to                     e-Specialist are quoting the same size,
                                                American LLC; Notice of Filing and                       resting interest at a particular price in                this Additional Weighting will not be
                                                Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed                      the System,5 which includes the                          greater than 662⁄3%. When there is more
                                                Rule Change To Modify Rule 964.2NY                       allocation to the Specialist Pool.6 Rule                 than one e-Specialist and the Specialist
                                                Regarding the Participation                              964.2NY sets forth the participant                       and e-Specialists are all quoting the
                                                Entitlement Formula for Specialists                      entitlement formula applicable to the                    same size, this Additional Weighting
                                                and e-Specialists                                        Specialist Pool and provides that, on a                  will not be greater than 50%.
                                                                                                         quarterly basis, the Exchange will
                                                October 24, 2017.                                        determine a Primary Specialist from                         Because current Rule
                                                   Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) 1 of the                 among the Specialists e-Specialists [sic]                964.2NY(b)(3)(A) does not specify the
                                                Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the                     in each option class.                                    circumstances under which the Primary
                                                ‘‘Act’’),2 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,3                      Generally, the Specialist Pool is                     Specialist’s allocation in the Specialist
                                                notice is hereby given that, on October                  entitled to 40% of the remaining                         Pool is subject to the Cap, the Exchange
                                                10, 2017, NYSE American LLC (the                         balance of an order after any orders on                  proposes to make clear that the Cap only
                                                ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘NYSE American’’) filed                 behalf of Customers in the Consolidated                  applies if ‘‘all participants in the
                                                with the Securities and Exchange                         Book are satisfied.7 Rule                                Specialist Pool are quoting the same
                                                Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’) the                      964.2NY(b)(3)(A) provides that                           size.’’ 10 When all participants in the
                                                proposed rule change as described in                     Specialists and e-Specialists quoting at                 Specialist Pool are not quoting the same
                                                Items I and II below, which Items have                   the NBBO will share in the Specialist                    size, the Primary Specialist may receive
                                                been prepared by the self-regulatory                     Pool participation entitlement on a size                 up to the entirety of the Specialist Pool’s
                                                organization. The Commission is                          pro rata basis and provides that the                     participation allocation. However, for
                                                publishing this notice to solicit                        Primary Specialist’s size pro rata                       this scenario to occur, the Primary
                                                comments on the proposed rule change                     participation will receive additional                    Specialist’s quoted size would need to
                                                from interested persons.                                 weighting, as determined by the                          be disproportionately larger than the
                                                I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                        Exchange and announced by Trader                         other participants in the Specialist Pool
                                                Statement of the Terms of Substance of                   Update (the ‘‘Additional Weighting’’).                   such that the allocation to which the
                                                the Proposed Rule Change                                 Pursuant to the current Rule, this                       other participant(s) in the Specialist
                                                                                                         Additional Weighting afforded to the                     Pool is entitled is less than one contract
                                                   The Exchange proposes to modify                       Primary Specialist is capped at 662⁄3%
                                                Rule 964.2NY regarding the                                                                                        (i.e., a fractional share). For example, if
                                                                                                         if there is only one e-Specialist, and at                the Primary Specialist is quoting 300
                                                participation entitlement formula for                    50% if there are two or more
                                                Specialists and e-Specialists. The                                                                                contracts and the other eSpecialist in
                                                                                                         e-Specialists (the ‘‘Cap’’).8
                                                proposed rule change is available on the
                                                                                                                                                                     9 The Exchange may modify how it calculates the
                                                Exchange’s Web site at www.nyse.com,                       4 A Specialist is ‘‘an individual or entity that has
                                                                                                                                                                  Additional Weighting, which calculation would be
                                                at the principal office of the Exchange,                 been deemed qualified by the Exchange for the            announced by Trader Update. See Rule
                                                and at the Commission’s Public                           purpose of making transactions on the Exchange in        964.2NY(b)(3)(A). See, e.g., September 27, 2012
                                                                                                         accordance with the provisions of Rule 920NY
                                                Reference Room.                                          [Market Makers], and who meets the qualification
                                                                                                                                                                  Trader Update, available here, https://
                                                                                                                                                                  www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/notifications/
                                                II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                       requirements of Rule 927NY(b) [Specialists]. Each        trader-update/NYSE%20AMEX%20OPTIONS%20
                                                                                                         Specialist must be registered with the Exchange as       Trader%20Update%20Primary%20Specialist%20
                                                Statement of the Purpose of, and                         a Market Maker. Any ATP Holder registered as a           Implementation%209-27-12%20FINALtw.pdf; and
                                                Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule                   Market Maker with the Exchange is eligible to be         December 21, 2012 Trader Update, available here,
                                                Change                                                   qualified as a Specialist. See Rule 900.2NY(76).         https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/
                                                                                                         Rule 923NY(b) also provides that ‘‘[t]he Exchange        notifications/trader-update/NYSE%20AMEX%20
                                                  In its filing with the Commission, the                 may designate e-Specialists in an option class in        OPTIONS%20Trader%20Update%20Primary%20
                                                self-regulatory organization included                    accordance with Rule 927.4NY [e-Specialists].’’ See      Specialist%20Implementation%20010213
                                                statements concerning the purpose of,                    Rule 923NY(b).                                           %20%20%20.pdf.
                                                                                                           5 The term ‘‘System’’ refers to the Exchange’s
                                                and basis for, the proposed rule change                  electronic order delivery, execution and reporting
                                                                                                                                                                     10 See proposed Rule 964.2NY(b)(3)(A)

                                                and discussed any comments it received                                                                            (providing, in part, that the ‘‘Primary Specialist’s
                                                                                                         system through which orders and quotes for listed        size pro-rata participation in the Specialist Pool
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES




                                                on the proposed rule change. The text                    options are consolidated for execution and/or            will receive additional weighting, as determined by
                                                of those statements may be examined at                   display. See Rule 900.2NY (48) (defining ‘‘Exchange      the Exchange, and announced via Trader Update;
                                                                                                         System’’ or ‘‘System’’).
                                                the places specified in Item IV below.                     6 The Specialist Pool refers to the aggregated size
                                                                                                                                                                  provided, however, that if all participants in the
                                                The Exchange has prepared summaries,                                                                              Specialist Pool are quoting the same size, this
                                                                                                         of the best bid and best offer, in a given series,       additional weighting will be no greater than 662⁄3%
                                                                                                         amongst the Specialist and e-Specialists that match      if there is only one e-Specialist, and no greater than
                                                  1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).                                 in price. See Rule 900.2NY(75).                          50% if there are two or more e-Specialists’’). The
                                                  2 15 U.S.C. 78a.                                         7 See Rule 964.2NY(b)(2).
                                                                                                                                                                  Exchange also proposes to capitalize the ‘‘s’’ in the
                                                  3 17 CFR 240.19b–4.                                      8 See Rule 964.2NY(b)(3)(A).                           defined term ‘‘e-Specialist.’’ See id.



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                                                50206                         Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 208 / Monday, October 30, 2017 / Notices

                                                the Specialist Pool is quoting 1 contract                 Primary Specialist quoting 60 contracts                 Example 4 to illustrate allocating
                                                [sic].                                                    Two other participants in the Specialist             each Specialist the ‘‘greater of’’ their
                                                   Pursuant to Rule 964.2NY(b)(1)(iv),                      Pool each quoting 60 contracts                     share in either the Specialist Pool or size
                                                each participant in the Specialist Pool                   Other non-customer interest resting on               pro rata:
                                                would ‘‘be allocated a number of                            the Consolidated Book for 500                      Primary Specialist quoting 90 contracts
                                                contracts equal to the greater of their                     contracts                                          Other participant in the Specialist Pool
                                                share in the Specialist Pool guaranteed                   An inbound order arrives for 200                        quoting 200 contracts
                                                participation or their ‘size pro rata’                      contracts                                          Market Maker quoting 200 contracts
                                                allocation as provided in Rule                              Allocation Results:                                An inbound order arrives for 100
                                                964NY(b)(3), but in either case, no                                                                               contracts
                                                                                                          The Specialist Pool is entitled to a 40%
                                                greater than the size of the Specialist’s                                                                         Allocation Results:
                                                                                                            allocation of the inbound order (80
                                                disseminated size.’’ 11 Thus, it may be                     contracts).                                        The Specialist Pool is entitled to a 40%
                                                possible that the Primary Specialist                      The Primary Specialist is entitled to an                allocation of the inbound order (40
                                                receives its allocation based on its share                  allocation of (2 × 60)/[60 + 60 + (2 ×                contracts).
                                                of the Specialist Pool, while other                         60)] = 50% of the 80 contracts                     The Primary Specialist is entitled to an
                                                participants in the Pool receive a pro                      allocated to the Specialist Pool. The                 allocation of (2 × 90)/[200 + (2 × 90)]
                                                rata allocation, because the latter                                                                               = 47.37% of the 40 contracts allocated
                                                                                                            Primary Specialist will receive 40
                                                allocation is more favorable to that                                                                              to the Specialist Pool (19 contracts).
                                                                                                            contracts.
                                                participant (i.e., provides a ‘‘greater                                                                        The Primary Specialist pro rata
                                                                                                          Each other participant in the Specialist                allocation would be 90/(200 + 200 +
                                                share’’) to that participant. In this                       Pool is entitled to an allocation of 60/
                                                regard, because the Exchange maximizes                                                                            90) = 18.37% of the 100 contracts of
                                                                                                            [60 + 60 + (2 × 60)] = 25% of the 80                  the inbound order (18 contracts).
                                                the allocation to each participant in the                   contracts allocated to the Specialist
                                                Specialist Pool, certain non-Specialist                                                                           Since the 19-contract Specialist Pool
                                                                                                            Pool. Each other participant in the                   allocation is greater than the 18-
                                                participants (at the same price) may be                     Specialist Pool will receive 20
                                                allocated fewer contracts than their pro                                                                          contract pro rata allocation, the
                                                                                                            contracts.                                            Primary Specialist will receive 19
                                                rata share.12
                                                   Below are examples of how the                            Example 3 to illustrate allocation (i.e.,             contracts.
                                                Exchange applies the Additional                           no cap) when all are not quoting the                 The other participant in the Specialist
                                                Weighting in circumstances where the                      same size:                                              Pool is entitled to an allocation of
                                                Specialist Pool participation guarantee                   Primary Specialist quoting 60 contracts                 200/[200 + (2 × 90)] = 52.63% of the
                                                entitles each participant to a more                       Only one other participant in the                       40 contracts allocated to the Specialist
                                                favorable allocation than size pro rata: 13                 Specialist Pool also quoting 30                       Pool (21 contracts).
                                                                                                            contracts                                          The other participant in the Specialist
                                                   Example 1 to illustrate application of
                                                                                                          Other non-customer interest resting on                  Pool would also be entitled to a pro
                                                662⁄3% cap:
                                                                                                            the Consolidated Book for 500                         rata allocation 200/(200 + 200) = 50%
                                                Primary Specialist quoting 60 contracts                                                                           of the remaining 81 contracts of the
                                                Only one other participant in the                           contracts
                                                                                                          An inbound order arrives for 200                        inbound order (41 contracts). Since
                                                   Specialist Pool also quoting 60                                                                                the 41-contract pro rata allocation of
                                                   contracts                                                contracts
                                                                                                                                                                  the balance is greater than the 21-
                                                Other non-customer interest resting on                      Allocation Results:
                                                                                                                                                                  contract Specialist Pool allocation, the
                                                   the Consolidated Book for 500                          The Specialist Pool is entitled to a 40%                other participant in the Specialist
                                                   contracts                                                allocation of the inbound order (80                   Pool will receive 41 contracts,
                                                An inbound order arrives for 200                            contracts).                                           pursuant to Rule 964.2NY(1)(iv) [sic].
                                                   contracts                                              The Primary Specialist is entitled to an             The Market Maker will receive the
                                                   Allocation Results:                                      allocation of (2 × 60)/[30 + (2 × 60)]                remaining 40 contracts.
                                                The Specialist Pool is entitled to a 40%                    = 80% of the 80 contracts allocated to             *      *     *     *     *
                                                   allocation of the inbound order (80                      the Specialist Pool. The Primary                      The Exchange believes the proposed
                                                   contracts).                                              Specialist is entitled to 64 contracts,            change, which does not alter current
                                                The Primary Specialist is entitled to an                    which exceeds the size of their quote.             functionality, would provide additional
                                                   allocation of (2 × 60)/[60 + (2 × 60)]                   Rule 964.2NY(b)(1)(iv), the Primary                specificity regarding how orders are
                                                   = 662⁄3% of the 80 contracts allocated                   Specialist will receive no more than               allocated and the circumstances under
                                                   to the Specialist Pool. The Primary                      60 contracts, so their allocation does             which the Cap would apply to the
                                                   Specialist will receive 53 contracts.                    not exceed their quoted size.                      Primary Specialist allocation, which
                                                The other participant in the Specialist                   The other participant in the Specialist              adds clarity and transparency to
                                                   Pool is entitled to an allocation of 60/                 Pool is entitled to an allocation of 30/           Exchange rules to the benefit of all
                                                   [60 + (2 × 60)] = 33 1⁄3% of the 80                      [30 + (2 × 60)] = 20% of the 80                    market participants.
                                                   contracts allocated to the Specialist                    contracts allocated to the Specialist
                                                   Pool. The e-Specialist will receive 27                   Pool. The other participant in the                 2. Statutory Basis
                                                   contracts.                                               Specialist Pool is entitled to 16                     The Exchange believes that its
                                                   Example 2 to illustrate application of                   contracts and will receive 20                      proposal is consistent with the
                                                50% cap:                                                    contracts, which represent the                     requirements of the Securities Exchange
                                                                                                            remaining of the Specialist Pool
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                                                                               Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’) and the rules
                                                  11 See Rule 964.2NY(b)(1)(iv).                            allocation. In this case, the other                and regulations thereunder that are
                                                  12 See generally Rule 964NY(b).                           participant in the Specialist Pool is              applicable to a national securities
                                                   13 The Exchange notes that when a participant in         granted the balance of its share in the            exchange, and, in particular, with the
                                                the Specialist Pool would fare better based on its          Specialist Pool guaranteed                         requirements of Section 6(b) of the
                                                pro rata share, rather than its share of the Specialist
                                                Pool guaranteed participation, the pro rata share
                                                                                                            participation, as it is greater than the           Act.14 In particular, the proposal is
                                                allocation will be applied. See Rule                        contracts to which it is entitled per
                                                964.2NY(b)(1)(iv).                                          Rule 964.2NY(1)(iv) [sic].                           14 15   U.S.C. 78f(b).



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                                                                                Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 208 / Monday, October 30, 2017 / Notices                                                    50207

                                                consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the                     as the Commission may designate, it has                   Electronic Comments
                                                Act 15 because it is designed promote                      become effective pursuant to Section
                                                [sic] just and equitable principles of                     19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act 16 and                           • Use the Commission’s Internet
                                                trade, [sic] foster cooperation and                        subparagraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b–4                         comment form (http://www.sec.gov/
                                                coordination with persons engaged in                       thereunder.17                                             rules/sro.shtml); or
                                                facilitating transactions in securities,
                                                                                                              A proposed rule change filed                              • Send an email to rule-comments@
                                                and to remove impediments to, and                                                                                    sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–
                                                perfect the mechanisms [sic] of, [sic] a                   pursuant to Rule 19b–4(f)(6) under the
                                                                                                           Act 18 normally does not become                           NYSEAMER–2017–23 on the subject
                                                free and open market and a national                                                                                  line.
                                                market system.                                             operative for 30 days after the date of its
                                                   The proposed rule change would                          filing. However, Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) 19                 Paper Comments
                                                promote just and equitable principles of                   permits the Commission to designate a
                                                trade as it is intended to provide                         shorter time if such action is consistent                    • Send paper comments in triplicate
                                                additional specificity regarding the                       with the protection of investors and the                  to Secretary, Securities and Exchange
                                                circumstances under which the Primary                      public interest. The Exchange has asked                   Commission, 100 F Street NE.,
                                                Specialist’s allocation would be subject                   the Commission to waive the 30-day                        Washington, DC 20549–1090.
                                                to a Cap, which adds clarity and                           operative delay so that the proposal may                     All submissions should refer to File
                                                transparency to Exchange rules                             become operative immediately upon                         Number SR–NYSEAMER–2017–23. This
                                                regarding order allocation. The                            filing. The Commission believes that                      file number should be included on the
                                                Exchange believes that the proposed                        waiving the 30-day operative delay is                     subject line if email is used. To help the
                                                change promotes just and equitable                         consistent with the protection of                         Commission process and review your
                                                principles of trade, fosters cooperation                   investors and the public interest as it                   comments more efficiently, please use
                                                and coordination among persons                             will allow the Exchange to immediately                    only one method. The Commission will
                                                engaged in facilitating securities                         provide greater clarity to market                         post all comments on the Commission’s
                                                transactions, and removes impediments                      participants concerning order allocation                  Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/
                                                to and perfects the mechanism of a free                    on the Exchange. Accordingly, the                         rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the
                                                and open market by ensuring that                           Commission hereby waives the                              submission, all subsequent
                                                members, regulators and the public can                                                                               amendments, all written statements
                                                                                                           operative delay and designates the
                                                more easily navigate and better                                                                                      with respect to the proposed rule
                                                                                                           proposal operative upon filing.20
                                                understand the Exchange’s rulebook.
                                                                                                              At any time within 60 days of the                      change that are filed with the
                                                B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s                          filing of the proposed rule change, the                   Commission, and all written
                                                Statement on Burden on Competition                         Commission summarily may                                  communications relating to the
                                                   The Exchange does not believe that                      temporarily suspend such rule change if                   proposed rule change between the
                                                the proposed rule change will impose                       it appears to the Commission that such                    Commission and any person, other than
                                                any burden on competition not                              action is: (i) Necessary or appropriate in                those that may be withheld from the
                                                necessary or appropriate in furtherance                    the public interest; (ii) for the protection              public in accordance with the
                                                of the purposes of the Act. The                            of investors; or (iii) otherwise in                       provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be
                                                proposed rule change is not designed to                                                                              available for Web site viewing and
                                                                                                           furtherance of the purposes of the Act.
                                                address any competitive issues. Rather,                                                                              printing in the Commission’s Public
                                                                                                           If the Commission takes such action, the
                                                the proposed change is designed to                                                                                   Reference Room, 100 F Street NE.,
                                                                                                           Commission shall institute proceedings
                                                provide ATP Holders and the investing                                                                                Washington, DC 20549, on official
                                                                                                           to determine whether the proposed rule
                                                public with additional specificity and                                                                               business days between the hours of
                                                                                                           should be approved or disapproved.
                                                transparency regarding the                                                                                           10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the
                                                circumstances under which the Primary                      IV. Solicitation of Comments                              filing also will be available for
                                                Specialist’s allocation would be subject                                                                             inspection and copying at the principal
                                                to a Cap, which in turn adds clarity and                     Interested persons are invited to                       office of the Exchange. All comments
                                                transparency to Exchange rules.                            submit written data, views, and                           received will be posted without change.
                                                                                                           arguments concerning the foregoing,                       Persons submitting comments are
                                                C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
                                                                                                           including whether the proposed rule                       cautioned that we do not redact or edit
                                                Statement on Comments on the
                                                                                                           change is consistent with the Act.                        personal identifying information from
                                                Proposed Rule Change Received From
                                                                                                           Comments may be submitted by any of                       comment submissions. You should
                                                Members, Participants, or Others
                                                                                                           the following methods:                                    submit only information that you wish
                                                  No written comments were solicited
                                                                                                                                                                     to make available publicly. All
                                                or received with respect to the proposed                     16 15  U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
                                                rule change.                                                                                                         submissions should refer to File
                                                                                                             17 17  CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b–      Number SR–NYSEAMER–2017–23 and
                                                                                                           4(f)(6) requires a self-regulatory organization to give
                                                III. Date of Effectiveness of the                          the Commission written notice of its intent to file       should be submitted on or before
                                                Proposed Rule Change and Timing for                        the proposed rule change, along with a brief              November 20, 2017.
                                                Commission Action                                          description and text of the proposed rule change,
                                                                                                           at least five business days prior to the date of filing     For the Commission, by the Division of
                                                   Because the foregoing proposed rule                     of the proposed rule change, or such shorter time         Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES




                                                change does not: (i) Significantly affect                  as designated by the Commission. The Exchange             authority.21
                                                the protection of investors or the public                  has satisfied this requirement.
                                                                                                                                                                     Eduardo A. Aleman,
                                                interest; (ii) impose any significant                         18 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6).
                                                                                                              19 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii).                        Assistant Secretary.
                                                burden on competition; and (iii) become
                                                operative for 30 days from the date on
                                                                                                              20 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day             [FR Doc. 2017–23475 Filed 10–27–17; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                           operative delay, the Commission has also
                                                which it was filed, or such shorter time                   considered the proposed rule’s impact on
                                                                                                                                                                     BILLING CODE 8011–01–P

                                                                                                           efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See
                                                  15 15   U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).                                15 U.S.C. 78c(f).                                           21 17   CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).



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Document Created: 2017-10-28 00:28:39
Document Modified: 2017-10-28 00:28:39
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 50205 

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