Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Regarding FLEX No Minimum Value Pilot, 53606-53608 [2015-21956]

Download as PDF 53606 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 172 / Friday, September 4, 2015 / Notices and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–ISE–2015–26. 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 (https://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 will also be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–ISE– 2015–26 and should be submitted on or before September 25,2015. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.22 Robert W. Errett, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2015–21958 Filed 9–3–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–75794; File No. SR–Phlx– 2015–74] mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Regarding FLEX No Minimum Value Pilot August 31, 2015. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 22 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 1 15 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:57 Sep 03, 2015 Jkt 235001 notice is hereby given that on August 21, 2015, NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC (‘‘Phlx’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘SEC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. minimum value size requirements for FLEX options. * * * * * The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s Web site at https:// nasdaqomxphlx.cchwallstreet.com, at the principal office of the Exchange, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of the Substance of the Proposed Rule Change II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange is filing with the Commission a proposal to amend Phlx Rule 1079 (FLEX Index, Equity and Currency Options) to extend a pilot program that eliminates minimum value sizes for opening transactions in new series of FLEX index options and FLEX equity options (together known as ‘‘FLEX Options’’).3 The text of the amended Exchange rule is set forth immediately below. Additions are in italics and deletions are [bracketed]. In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange 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. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. Rules of the Exchange Options Rules * * * * * Rule 1079. FLEX Index, Equity and Currency Options A Requesting Member shall obtain quotes and execute trades in certain non-listed FLEX options at the specialist post of the non-FLEX option on the Exchange. The term ‘‘FLEX option’’ means a FLEX option contract that is traded subject to this Rule. Although FLEX options are generally subject to the Rules in this section, to the extent that the provisions of this Rule are inconsistent with other applicable Exchange Rules, this Rule takes precedence with respect to FLEX options. (a)–(f) No Change. • • • Commentary: —————— .01 Notwithstanding subparagraphs (a)(8)(A)(i) and (a)(8)(A)(ii) above, for a pilot period ending the earlier of [August]January 31, [2015]2016, or the date on which the pilot is approved on a permanent basis, there shall be no 3 In addition to FLEX Options, FLEX currency options are also traded on the Exchange. These flexible index, equity, and currency options provide investors the ability to customize basic option features including size, expiration date, exercise style, and certain exercise prices; and may have expiration dates within five years. See Rule 1079. FLEX currency options traded on the Exchange are also known as FLEX FX Options. The pilot program discussed herein does not encompass FLEX currency options. PO 00000 Frm 00122 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The purpose of this proposed rule change is to amend Phlx Rule 1079 (FLEX Index, Equity and Currency Options) to extend a pilot program that eliminates minimum value sizes for opening transactions in new series of FLEX Options (the ‘‘Pilot Program’’ or ‘‘Pilot’’).4 Rule 1079 deals with the process of listing and trading FLEX equity, index, and currency options on the Exchange. Rule 1079(a)(8)(A) currently sets the minimum opening transaction value size in the case of a FLEX Option in a newly established (opening) series if there is no open interest in the particular series when a Request-forQuote (‘‘RFQ’’) is submitted (except as provided in Commentary .01 to Rule 1079): (i) $10 million underlying equivalent value, respecting FLEX market index options, and $5 million underlying equivalent value respecting FLEX industry index options; 5 (ii) the lesser of 250 contracts or the number of contracts overlying $1 million in the underlying securities, with respect to 4 The Exchange is also filing a separate proposal to permanently approve the Pilot Program. See footnote 10. 5 Market index options and industry index options are broad-based index options and narrowbased index options, respectively. See Rule 1000A(b)(11) and (12). E:\FR\FM\04SEN1.SGM 04SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 172 / Friday, September 4, 2015 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES FLEX equity options (together the ‘‘minimum value size’’).6 Presently, Commentary .01 to Rule 1079 states that by virtue of the Pilot Program ending August 31, 2015, or the date on which the pilot is approved on a permanent basis, there shall be no minimum value size requirements for FLEX Options as noted in subsections (a)(8)(A)(i) and (a)(8)(A)(ii) of Rule 1079.7 The Exchange now proposes to extend the Pilot Program for a pilot period ending the earlier of January 31, 2016, or the date on which the Pilot is approved on a permanent basis.8 The Exchange believes that there is sufficient investor interest and demand in the Pilot Program to warrant an extension. The Exchange believes that the Pilot Program has provided investors with additional means of managing their risk exposures and carrying out their investment objectives. Extension of the Pilot Program would continue to provide greater opportunities for traders and investors to manage risk through the use of FLEX Options, including investors that may otherwise trade in the unregulated over the counter (‘‘OTC’’) market where similar size restrictions do not apply.9 In support of the proposed extension of the Pilot Program, the Exchange has under separate cover submitted to the Commission a Pilot Program Report (‘‘Report’’) that provides an analysis of the Pilot Program covering the period during which the Pilot has been in effect. This Report includes: (i) Data and analysis on the open interest and trading volume in (a) FLEX equity options that have an opening transaction with a minimum size of 0 to 249 contracts and less than $1 million in underlying value; (b) FLEX index 6 Subsection (a)(8)(A) also provides a third alternative: (iii) 50 Contracts in the case of FLEX currency options. However, this alternative is not part of the Pilot Program. 7 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 74481 (March 11, 2015), 80 FR 13923 (March 17, 2015) (SR–Phlx–2015–22) (notice of filing and immediate effectiveness of proposal to extend Pilot Program). The Pilot Program was instituted in 2010. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 62900 (September 13, 2010), 75 FR 57098 (September 17, 2010) (SR–Phlx–2010–123) (notice of filing and immediate effectiveness of proposal to institute Pilot Program). 8 The Exchange notes that any positions established under this Pilot would not be impacted by the expiration of the Pilot. For example, a 10 contract FLEX equity option opening position that overlies less than $1 million in the underlying security and expires in January 2016 could be established during the Pilot. If the Pilot Program were not extended, the position would continue to exist and any further trading in the series would be subject to the minimum value size requirements for continued trading in that series. 9 The Exchange has not experienced any adverse market effects with respect to the Pilot Program. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:57 Sep 03, 2015 Jkt 235001 options that have an opening transaction with a minimum opening size of less than $10 million in underlying equivalent value; and (ii) analysis of the types of investors that initiated opening FLEX Options transactions (i.e., institutional, high net worth, or retail). The Report has been submitted to the Commission and the Exchange has requested confidential treatment under the Freedom of Information Act.10 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange’s proposal is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act 11 in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the Act 12 in particular, in that it is designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in facilitating transactions in securities, and to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanisms of a free and open market and a national market system. Specifically, the Exchange believes that the proposed extension of the Pilot Program, which eliminates the minimum value size applicable to opening transactions in new series of FLEX Options, would provide greater opportunities for investors to manage risk through the use of FLEX Options. The Exchange notes that it has not experienced any adverse market effects with respect to the Pilot Program. 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. To the contrary, the proposal would give traders and investors the opportunity to more effectively tailor their trading, investing and hedging through FLEX options traded on the Exchange. Prior to the Pilot, options that represented opening transactions in new series that could not meet a minimum value size could not trade via FLEX on the Exchange, but rather had to trade OTC. Extension of the Pilot enables such options to continue to trade on the Exchange. 10 5 U.S.C. 552. The Exchange notes that it expects to file a proposal for permanent approval of the Pilot Program. With this proposal, the Exchange will submit a Report that is publicly available. In the event the Pilot Program is not permanently approved by January 31, 2016, the Exchange will submit an additional Report covering the extended Pilot period. 11 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). 12 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). PO 00000 Frm 00123 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 53607 C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others No written comments were either solicited or 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 and Rule 19b– 4(f)(6) thereunder.13 A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b–4(f)(6) 14 normally does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii),15 the Commission may 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 Exchange may seamlessly continue its Pilot Program without interruption. The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest.16 The Commission notes that waiving the 30-day operative delay would prevent the expiration of the Pilot Program on August 31, 2015, prior to the extension of the pilot program becoming operative. Therefore, the Commission hereby waives the 30-day operative delay and designates the proposal operative upon filing. 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 13 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b– 4(f)(6)(iii) 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. 14 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 15 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). 16 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, the Commission has considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). E:\FR\FM\04SEN1.SGM 04SEN1 53608 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 172 / Friday, September 4, 2015 / Notices Commission takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved. IV. Solicitation of Comments For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.17 Robert W. Errett, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2015–21956 Filed 9–3–15; 8:45 am] 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: BILLING CODE 8011–01–P Electronic Comments Pursuant to the authority granted to the United States Small Business Administration under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, as amended, under Section 309 of the Act and Section 107.1900 of the Small Business Administration Rules and Regulations (13 CFR 107.1900) to function as a small business investment company under the Small Business Investment Company License No. 05/ 05–0248 issued to Banc of America Capital Investors SBIC II, LP said license is hereby declared null and void. • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an email to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–Phlx–2015–74 on the subject line. Paper Comments mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES • 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–Phlx–2015–74. 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 (https://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 the Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–Phlx– 2015–74, and should be submitted on or before September 25, 2015. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:57 Sep 03, 2015 Jkt 235001 SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company United States Small Business Administration. Dated: August 31, 2015. Javier Saade, Associate Administrator for Investment and Innovation. [FR Doc. 2015–21948 Filed 9–3–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION [Docket No: SSA–2015–0052] Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request and Comment Request the Social Security Administration (SSA) Publishes a List of Information Collection Packages Requiring Clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in Compliance With Public Law 104–13, the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, effective October 1, 1995. This Notice Includes Revisions and Extensions of OMB-Approved Information Collections. SSA is soliciting comments on the accuracy of the agency’s burden estimate; the need for the information; its practical utility; ways to enhance its quality, utility, and clarity; and ways to minimize burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Mail, email, or fax your comments and recommendations on the information 17 17 PO 00000 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). Frm 00124 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 collection(s) to the OMB Desk Officer and SSA Reports Clearance Officer at the following addresses or fax numbers. (OMB), Office of Management and Budget, Attn: Desk Officer for SSA, Fax: 202–395–6974, Email address: OIRA_ Submission@omb.eop.gov. (SSA), Social Security Administration, OLCA, Attn: Reports Clearance Director, 3100 West High Rise, 6401 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21235, Fax: 410–966–2830, Email address: OR.Reports.Clearance@ssa.gov. Or you may submit your comments online through www.regulations.gov, referencing Docket ID Number [SSA– 2015–0052]. I. The information collections below are pending at SSA. SSA will submit them to OMB within 60 days from the date of this notice. To be sure we consider your comments, we must receive them no later than November 3, 2015. Individuals can obtain copies of the collection instruments by writing to the above email address. 1. The Ticket to Work and SelfSufficiency Program—20 CFR 411— 0960–0644. SSA’s Ticket to Work (TTW) Program transitions Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients toward independence by allowing them to receive Social Security payments while maintaining employment under the auspices of the program. SSA uses service providers, called Employment Networks (ENs), to supervise participant progress through the stages of TTW Program participation, such as job searches and interviews, progress reviews, and changes in ticket status. ENs can be private for-profit and nonprofit organizations, as well as state vocational rehabilitation agencies (VRs). SSA and the ENs utilize the TTW program manager to operate the TTW Program and exchange information about participants. For example, the ENs use the program manager to provide updates on tasks such as selecting a payment system or requesting payments for helping the beneficiary achieve certain work goals. Since the ENs are not PRAexempt, the multiple information collections within the TTW program manager require OMB approval, and we clear them under this information collection request (ICR). Most of the categories of information in this ICR are necessary for SSA to: (1) Comply with the Ticket to Work legislation; and (2) provide proper oversight of the program. SSA collects this information through several modalities, including forms, electronic exchanges, and written documentation. The respondents are the ENs or state VRs, as well as SSDI E:\FR\FM\04SEN1.SGM 04SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 172 (Friday, September 4, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53606-53608]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-21956]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-75794; File No. SR-Phlx-2015-74]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC; Notice of 
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Regarding 
FLEX No Minimum Value Pilot

August 31, 2015.
    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 August 21, 2015, NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC (``Phlx'' or ``Exchange'') 
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'' or 
``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II 
below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. 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.
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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of the 
Substance of the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange is filing with the Commission a proposal to amend Phlx 
Rule 1079 (FLEX Index, Equity and Currency Options) to extend a pilot 
program that eliminates minimum value sizes for opening transactions in 
new series of FLEX index options and FLEX equity options (together 
known as ``FLEX Options'').\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ In addition to FLEX Options, FLEX currency options are also 
traded on the Exchange. These flexible index, equity, and currency 
options provide investors the ability to customize basic option 
features including size, expiration date, exercise style, and 
certain exercise prices; and may have expiration dates within five 
years. See Rule 1079. FLEX currency options traded on the Exchange 
are also known as FLEX FX Options. The pilot program discussed 
herein does not encompass FLEX currency options.
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    The text of the amended Exchange rule is set forth immediately 
below.
    Additions are in italics and deletions are [bracketed].

Rules of the Exchange

Options Rules

* * * * *

Rule 1079. FLEX Index, Equity and Currency Options

    A Requesting Member shall obtain quotes and execute trades in 
certain non-listed FLEX options at the specialist post of the non-FLEX 
option on the Exchange. The term ``FLEX option'' means a FLEX option 
contract that is traded subject to this Rule. Although FLEX options are 
generally subject to the Rules in this section, to the extent that the 
provisions of this Rule are inconsistent with other applicable Exchange 
Rules, this Rule takes precedence with respect to FLEX options.
    (a)-(f) No Change.

   Commentary: ------------

    .01 Notwithstanding subparagraphs (a)(8)(A)(i) and (a)(8)(A)(ii) 
above, for a pilot period ending the earlier of [August]January 31, 
[2015]2016, or the date on which the pilot is approved on a permanent 
basis, there shall be no minimum value size requirements for FLEX 
options.
* * * * *
    The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's 
Web site at https://nasdaqomxphlx.cchwallstreet.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 Exchange 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. The Exchange 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
    The purpose of this proposed rule change is to amend Phlx Rule 1079 
(FLEX Index, Equity and Currency Options) to extend a pilot program 
that eliminates minimum value sizes for opening transactions in new 
series of FLEX Options (the ``Pilot Program'' or ``Pilot'').\4\
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    \4\ The Exchange is also filing a separate proposal to 
permanently approve the Pilot Program. See footnote 10.
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    Rule 1079 deals with the process of listing and trading FLEX 
equity, index, and currency options on the Exchange. Rule 1079(a)(8)(A) 
currently sets the minimum opening transaction value size in the case 
of a FLEX Option in a newly established (opening) series if there is no 
open interest in the particular series when a Request-for-Quote 
(``RFQ'') is submitted (except as provided in Commentary .01 to Rule 
1079): (i) $10 million underlying equivalent value, respecting FLEX 
market index options, and $5 million underlying equivalent value 
respecting FLEX industry index options; \5\ (ii) the lesser of 250 
contracts or the number of contracts overlying $1 million in the 
underlying securities, with respect to

[[Page 53607]]

FLEX equity options (together the ``minimum value size'').\6\
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    \5\ Market index options and industry index options are broad-
based index options and narrow-based index options, respectively. 
See Rule 1000A(b)(11) and (12).
    \6\ Subsection (a)(8)(A) also provides a third alternative: 
(iii) 50 Contracts in the case of FLEX currency options. However, 
this alternative is not part of the Pilot Program.
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    Presently, Commentary .01 to Rule 1079 states that by virtue of the 
Pilot Program ending August 31, 2015, or the date on which the pilot is 
approved on a permanent basis, there shall be no minimum value size 
requirements for FLEX Options as noted in subsections (a)(8)(A)(i) and 
(a)(8)(A)(ii) of Rule 1079.\7\
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    \7\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 74481 (March 11, 
2015), 80 FR 13923 (March 17, 2015) (SR-Phlx-2015-22) (notice of 
filing and immediate effectiveness of proposal to extend Pilot 
Program). The Pilot Program was instituted in 2010. See Securities 
Exchange Act Release No. 62900 (September 13, 2010), 75 FR 57098 
(September 17, 2010) (SR-Phlx-2010-123) (notice of filing and 
immediate effectiveness of proposal to institute Pilot Program).
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    The Exchange now proposes to extend the Pilot Program for a pilot 
period ending the earlier of January 31, 2016, or the date on which the 
Pilot is approved on a permanent basis.\8\
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    \8\ The Exchange notes that any positions established under this 
Pilot would not be impacted by the expiration of the Pilot. For 
example, a 10 contract FLEX equity option opening position that 
overlies less than $1 million in the underlying security and expires 
in January 2016 could be established during the Pilot. If the Pilot 
Program were not extended, the position would continue to exist and 
any further trading in the series would be subject to the minimum 
value size requirements for continued trading in that series.
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    The Exchange believes that there is sufficient investor interest 
and demand in the Pilot Program to warrant an extension. The Exchange 
believes that the Pilot Program has provided investors with additional 
means of managing their risk exposures and carrying out their 
investment objectives. Extension of the Pilot Program would continue to 
provide greater opportunities for traders and investors to manage risk 
through the use of FLEX Options, including investors that may otherwise 
trade in the unregulated over the counter (``OTC'') market where 
similar size restrictions do not apply.\9\
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    \9\ The Exchange has not experienced any adverse market effects 
with respect to the Pilot Program.
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    In support of the proposed extension of the Pilot Program, the 
Exchange has under separate cover submitted to the Commission a Pilot 
Program Report (``Report'') that provides an analysis of the Pilot 
Program covering the period during which the Pilot has been in effect. 
This Report includes: (i) Data and analysis on the open interest and 
trading volume in (a) FLEX equity options that have an opening 
transaction with a minimum size of 0 to 249 contracts and less than $1 
million in underlying value; (b) FLEX index options that have an 
opening transaction with a minimum opening size of less than $10 
million in underlying equivalent value; and (ii) analysis of the types 
of investors that initiated opening FLEX Options transactions (i.e., 
institutional, high net worth, or retail). The Report has been 
submitted to the Commission and the Exchange has requested confidential 
treatment under the Freedom of Information Act.\10\
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    \10\ 5 U.S.C. 552. The Exchange notes that it expects to file a 
proposal for permanent approval of the Pilot Program. With this 
proposal, the Exchange will submit a Report that is publicly 
available. In the event the Pilot Program is not permanently 
approved by January 31, 2016, the Exchange will submit an additional 
Report covering the extended Pilot period.
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2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange's proposal is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act 
\11\ in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the 
Act \12\ in particular, in that it is designed to prevent fraudulent 
and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable 
principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination with 
persons engaged in facilitating transactions in securities, and to 
remove impediments to and perfect the mechanisms of a free and open 
market and a national market system. Specifically, the Exchange 
believes that the proposed extension of the Pilot Program, which 
eliminates the minimum value size applicable to opening transactions in 
new series of FLEX Options, would provide greater opportunities for 
investors to manage risk through the use of FLEX Options. The Exchange 
notes that it has not experienced any adverse market effects with 
respect to the Pilot Program.
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    \11\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \12\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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. To the contrary, the proposal 
would give traders and investors the opportunity to more effectively 
tailor their trading, investing and hedging through FLEX options traded 
on the Exchange. Prior to the Pilot, options that represented opening 
transactions in new series that could not meet a minimum value size 
could not trade via FLEX on the Exchange, but rather had to trade OTC. 
Extension of the Pilot enables such options to continue to trade on the 
Exchange.

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

    No written comments were either solicited or 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 and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6) thereunder.\13\
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    \13\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) 
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.
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    A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \14\ normally 
does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the 
filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii),\15\ the Commission 
may 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 Exchange 
may seamlessly continue its Pilot Program without interruption. The 
Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is 
consistent with the protection of investors and the public 
interest.\16\ The Commission notes that waiving the 30-day operative 
delay would prevent the expiration of the Pilot Program on August 31, 
2015, prior to the extension of the pilot program becoming operative. 
Therefore, the Commission hereby waives the 30-day operative delay and 
designates the proposal operative upon filing.
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    \14\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \15\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
    \16\ For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, 
the Commission has considered the proposed rule's impact on 
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 
78c(f).
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    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

[[Page 53608]]

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 (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an email to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include 
File Number SR-Phlx-2015-74 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-Phlx-2015-74. 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 (https://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 the Exchange. All 
comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does 
not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should 
submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All 
submissions should refer to File Number SR-Phlx-2015-74, and should be 
submitted on or before September 25, 2015.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\17\
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    \17\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Robert W. Errett,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2015-21956 Filed 9-3-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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