Self-Regulatory Organizations; American Stock Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change and Amendment No. 1 Thereto Amending Associate Member Fees, 3447-3448 [E7-1110]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 16 / Thursday, January 25, 2007 / Notices IV. Conclusion It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act, that the proposed rule change (SR–Amex–2006– 101), as modified by Amendments No. 1 and 2, be, and it hereby is, approved on an accelerated basis. For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority.23 Nancy M. Morris, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7–1057 Filed 1–24–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–55122; File No. SR–Amex– 2006–116] Self-Regulatory Organizations; American Stock Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change and Amendment No. 1 Thereto Amending Associate Member Fees January 18, 2007. 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 December 19, 2006, the American Stock Exchange LLC (‘‘Amex’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III below, which Items have been substantially prepared by the Exchange. Amex has designated this proposal as one establishing or changing a due, fee, or other charge imposed by a self-regulatory organization pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act 3 and Rule 19b–4(f)(2) thereunder,4 which renders the proposal effective upon filing with the Commission. On January 16, 2007, the Exchange submitted Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule change.5 The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change, as amended, from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange proposes to amend Amex’s Member Fees to eliminate the ycherry on PROD1PC64 with NOTICES 23 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii). 4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2). 5 In Amendment No. 1, the Exchange made cleanup changes to its proposed rule text and added text to its discussion section. VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:58 Jan 24, 2007 Jkt 211001 Associate Members’ Initiation Fee and the Financial Regulation Fee, to reduce the Electronic Access Fee paid by Associate Members, and to increase the Associate Member Nominee initiation fee of $1,500 currently charged to $2,000 and re-designate such fee as an application fee (in order to conform this fee to the application fee charged to all members). The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s Web site (https://www.amex.com/atamex/ ruleFilings/2006/ SR_Amex_2006_116_initial.pdf), at the Exchange’s principal office, 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 Amex currently charges a one-time initiation fee (the ‘‘Initiation Fee’’) to Associate Members that is equivalent to 5% of the price of the last completed regular membership sold. The Exchange proposes to eliminate this Initiation Fee, which has become disproportionate to the cost of other types of seat-based, Regular, Option Principal, and Limited Trading Permit Memberships. The Exchange believes that the Initiation Fee may act as a deterrent for firms seeking to apply for membership. Associate Members are also currently required to pay a financial regulation fee (‘‘Financial Regulation Fee’’) which is imposed in instances where the Exchange is the Designated Examining Authority ( ‘‘DEA’’). This fee may be waived by demonstrating to the Exchange’s Financial Regulatory Services Department that 10% of the firm’s volume is transacted on the floor of the Exchange. The Financial Regulation Fee is $4,000 a month for associate member firms and $3,000 annually for individual Associate Members. The Exchange submits that PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 3447 this fee does not generate significant income, and further acts as an impediment to expanding Associate Memberships. Associate Members, however, will continue to be subject to Regulatory Fees that are applicable to all members, as set forth in the Exchange’s Examination Fees section of the Member Fees. The Exchange is also proposing to reduce the current Electronic Access Fee from $30,000 to $15,000, to reflect the current prices of seats and the prices to lease a seat. The Exchange notes that Associate Member firms will continue to be subject to Annual Membership dues of $1,500. In addition, the Exchange proposes to amend the Amex Constitution to charge Nominees of Associate Firms a $2,000 Application Processing fee to replace the Initiation Fee of $1,500. A $2,000 Application Processing fee is currently charged to all Members. The Exchange believes that elimination of the Initiation Fee and the Financial Regulation Fee and the reduction of the Electronic Access Fee will help to adjust an imbalance in membership costs, and encourage firms to utilize this type of Membership. The Exchange represents that the foregoing fee adjustments will accordingly place the Associate Member status on a comparable level with the cost of floor memberships. 2. Statutory Basis The proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b) of the 1934 Act,6 in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(4),7 in particular, in that it is designed to provide for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and other charges among its members and issuers and other persons using facilities. The Exchange asserts that the proposal is equitable as required by Section 6(b)(4) of the Act in that it places Associate Member Fees on the same level as Regular, Option Principal, and Limited Trading Permit Memberships. 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 that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. 6 15 7 15 E:\FR\FM\25JAN1.SGM U.S.C. 78f(b). U.S.C. 78f(b)(4). 25JAN1 3448 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 16 / Thursday, January 25, 2007 / Notices C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants or Others No written comments were solicited or received with respect to the proposed rule change. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action The foregoing proposed rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act 8 and Rule 19b–4(f)(2) thereunder 9 because it establishes or changes a due, fee, or other charge imposed by the Exchange. At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission may summarily abrogate 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.10 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 inspection and copying in the Commission’s Public Reference Room. Copies of the filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of Amex. 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–Amex–2006–116 and should be submitted on or before February 15, 2007. 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: For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority.11 Florence E. Harmon, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. E7–1110 Filed 1–24–07; 8:45 am] Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an e-mail to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File No. SR–Amex–2006–116 on the subject line. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Nancy M. Morris, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, Station Place, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–Amex–2006–116. This file number should be included on the subject line if e-mail 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 Commissions Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the ycherry on PROD1PC64 with NOTICES 8 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii). CFR 19b–4(f)(2). 10 For purposes of calculating the 60-day period within which the Commission may summarily abrogate the proposed rule change, the Commission considers the period to commence on January 16, 2007, the date on which the Exchange filed Amendment No. 1. 9 17 VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:58 Jan 24, 2007 Jkt 211001 BILLING CODE 8011–01–P [Release No. 34–55139; File No. SR–BSE– 2007–01] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Boston Stock Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Extend the Effective Date of a Previous Rule Change Relating to Information Contained in a Directed Order on the Boston Options Exchange January 19, 2007. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on January 16, 2007, the Boston Stock Exchange, Inc. (‘‘BSE’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II below, which Items have been substantially prepared by the BSE. The BSE filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the 11 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 1 15 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Act 3 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder,4 which renders the proposed rule change effective upon filing with the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The BSE proposes to extend the effective date of the amended rule governing the Exchange’s Directed Order process on the Boston Options Exchange (‘‘BOX’’) from January 31, 2007 to July 31, 2007. 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 BSE 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 BSE has prepared summaries, set forth in Sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose On March 20, 2006 the BSE proposed an amendment to its rules governing its Directed Order process on the BOX.5 The rules were amended to clearly state that the BOX Trading Host identifies to an Executing Participant (‘‘EP’’) the identity of the firm entering a Directed Order. The amended rule was to be effective until June 30, 2006, while the Commission considered a corresponding Exchange proposal 6 to amend its rules to permit EPs to choose the firms from which they will accept Directed Orders, while providing complete anonymity of the firm entering a Directed Order. On June 30, 2006, the Exchange proposed extending the effective date of the amended rule governing its Directed Order process on the BOX from June 30, 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 5 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 53516 (March 20, 2006), 71 FR 15232 (March 27, 2006) (SR–BSE–2006–14). 6 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 53357 (February 23, 2006), 71 FR 10730 (March 2, 2006) (SR-BSE–2005–52). 4 17 E:\FR\FM\25JAN1.SGM 25JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 16 (Thursday, January 25, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3447-3448]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-1110]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-55122; File No. SR-Amex-2006-116]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; American Stock Exchange LLC; 
Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change 
and Amendment No. 1 Thereto Amending Associate Member Fees

January 18, 2007.
    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 December 19, 2006, the American Stock Exchange LLC (``Amex'' or 
``Exchange'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, 
and III below, which Items have been substantially prepared by the 
Exchange. Amex has designated this proposal as one establishing or 
changing a due, fee, or other charge imposed by a self-regulatory 
organization pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act \3\ and 
Rule 19b-4(f)(2) thereunder,\4\ which renders the proposal effective 
upon filing with the Commission. On January 16, 2007, the Exchange 
submitted Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule change.\5\ The 
Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the 
proposed rule change, as amended, from interested persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii).
    \4\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(2).
    \5\ In Amendment No. 1, the Exchange made clean-up changes to 
its proposed rule text and added text to its discussion section.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange proposes to amend Amex's Member Fees to eliminate the 
Associate Members' Initiation Fee and the Financial Regulation Fee, to 
reduce the Electronic Access Fee paid by Associate Members, and to 
increase the Associate Member Nominee initiation fee of $1,500 
currently charged to $2,000 and re-designate such fee as an application 
fee (in order to conform this fee to the application fee charged to all 
members).
    The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's 
Web site (https://www.amex.com/atamex/ruleFilings/2006/SR_Amex_2006_
116_initial.pdf), at the Exchange's principal office, 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
    Amex currently charges a one-time initiation fee (the ``Initiation 
Fee'') to Associate Members that is equivalent to 5% of the price of 
the last completed regular membership sold. The Exchange proposes to 
eliminate this Initiation Fee, which has become disproportionate to the 
cost of other types of seat-based, Regular, Option Principal, and 
Limited Trading Permit Memberships. The Exchange believes that the 
Initiation Fee may act as a deterrent for firms seeking to apply for 
membership.
    Associate Members are also currently required to pay a financial 
regulation fee (``Financial Regulation Fee'') which is imposed in 
instances where the Exchange is the Designated Examining Authority ( 
``DEA''). This fee may be waived by demonstrating to the Exchange's 
Financial Regulatory Services Department that 10% of the firm's volume 
is transacted on the floor of the Exchange. The Financial Regulation 
Fee is $4,000 a month for associate member firms and $3,000 annually 
for individual Associate Members. The Exchange submits that this fee 
does not generate significant income, and further acts as an impediment 
to expanding Associate Memberships. Associate Members, however, will 
continue to be subject to Regulatory Fees that are applicable to all 
members, as set forth in the Exchange's Examination Fees section of the 
Member Fees.
    The Exchange is also proposing to reduce the current Electronic 
Access Fee from $30,000 to $15,000, to reflect the current prices of 
seats and the prices to lease a seat.
    The Exchange notes that Associate Member firms will continue to be 
subject to Annual Membership dues of $1,500. In addition, the Exchange 
proposes to amend the Amex Constitution to charge Nominees of Associate 
Firms a $2,000 Application Processing fee to replace the Initiation Fee 
of $1,500. A $2,000 Application Processing fee is currently charged to 
all Members.
    The Exchange believes that elimination of the Initiation Fee and 
the Financial Regulation Fee and the reduction of the Electronic Access 
Fee will help to adjust an imbalance in membership costs, and encourage 
firms to utilize this type of Membership. The Exchange represents that 
the foregoing fee adjustments will accordingly place the Associate 
Member status on a comparable level with the cost of floor memberships.
2. Statutory Basis
    The proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b) of the 
1934 Act,\6\ in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 
6(b)(4),\7\ in particular, in that it is designed to provide for the 
equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and other charges among 
its members and issuers and other persons using facilities. The 
Exchange asserts that the proposal is equitable as required by Section 
6(b)(4) of the Act in that it places Associate Member Fees on the same 
level as Regular, Option Principal, and Limited Trading Permit 
Memberships.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \7\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 that is not necessary or appropriate 
in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.

[[Page 3448]]

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

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

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

    The foregoing proposed rule change has become effective pursuant to 
Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act \8\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(2) thereunder 
\9\ because it establishes or changes a due, fee, or other charge 
imposed by the Exchange. At any time within 60 days of the filing of 
the proposed rule change, the Commission may summarily abrogate 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.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii).
    \9\ 17 CFR 19b-4(f)(2).
    \10\ For purposes of calculating the 60-day period within which 
the Commission may summarily abrogate the proposed rule change, the 
Commission considers the period to commence on January 16, 2007, the 
date on which the Exchange filed Amendment No. 1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 e-mail to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include 
File No. SR-Amex-2006-116 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

     Send paper comments in triplicate to Nancy M. Morris, 
Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, Station Place, 100 F 
Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549-1090.

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-Amex-2006-116. This file 
number should be included on the subject line if e-mail 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 Commissions 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 inspection and copying in the 
Commission's Public Reference Room. Copies of the filing also will be 
available for inspection and copying at the principal office of Amex. 
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-Amex-2006-116 
and should be submitted on or before February 15, 2007.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\11\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Florence E. Harmon,
Deputy Secretary.
 [FR Doc. E7-1110 Filed 1-24-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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