Self-Regulatory Organizations; Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Reflect the Closing of the NASD/BSE Trade Reporting Facility, 58920-58922 [E7-20406]

Download as PDF 58920 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 200 / Wednesday, October 17, 2007 / Notices (C) Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others Written comments were neither solicited nor received. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action Within thirty-five days of the date of publication of this notice in the Federal Register or within such longer period (i) as the Commission may designate up to ninety days of such date if it finds such longer period to be appropriate and publishes its reasons for so finding or (ii) as to which the self-regulatory organization consents, the Commission will: (A) By order approve such proposed rule change or (B) Institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule change should be 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 e-mail to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–NASD–2007–035 in the subject line. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Nancy M. Morris, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NASD–2007–035. 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 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:05 Oct 16, 2007 Jkt 214001 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 Section, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Copies of such filings also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the NASD and on NASD’s Web site, https://www.finra.org/ RulesRegulation/RuleFilings/index.htm. 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–NASD–2007–035 and should be submitted on or before November 7, 2007. upon filing with the Commission.5 The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. For the Commission by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority.8 Florence E. Harmon, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. E7–20385 Filed 10–16–07; 8:45 am] II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, FINRA included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. FINRA has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–56644; File No. SR–FINRA– 2007–016] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Reflect the Closing of the NASD/BSE Trade Reporting Facility October 11, 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 October 9, 2007, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (‘‘FINRA’’) (f/k/a the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (‘‘NASD’’)) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II below, which Items have been prepared substantially by FINRA. FINRA has submitted the proposed rule change under Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 3 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder,4 which renders the proposal effective 8 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). 4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 1 15 PO 00000 Frm 00117 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change FINRA proposes to delete in their entirety the NASD Rule 4000D, 6000D, and 7000D Series and the Limited Liability Company Agreement of The NASD/BSE Trade Reporting Facility LLC (the ‘‘NASD/BSE TRF LLC Agreement’’), in light of the recent closing of the NASD/BSE Trade Reporting Facility (the ‘‘NASD/BSE TRF’’).6 The text of the proposed rule change is available at https://www.finra.org, at the principal offices of FINRA, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The NASD/BSE TRF was approved by the Commission 7 and commenced operation in February 2007 to provide members with a mechanism for reporting locked-in trades in NMS stocks, as defined in Rule 600(b)(47) of Regulation NMS under the Act,8 effected otherwise than on an exchange. The Boston Stock Exchange, Inc. (‘‘BSE’’), the ‘‘Business Member’’ under the NASD/BSE TRF LLC Agreement, 5 FINRA has asked the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay provided in Rule 19b– 4(f)(6)(iii). 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). 6 Effective July 30, 2007, FINRA was formed through the consolidation of NASD and the member regulatory functions of NYSE Regulation, Inc. Accordingly, from that date until the date it closed on September 21, 2007, the NASD/BSE TRF was doing business as the FINRA/BSE TRF. 7 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 54931 (December 13, 2006), 71 FR 76409 (December 20, 2006) (order approving File No. SR–NASD–2006– 115). 8 17 CFR 242.600(b)(47). E:\FR\FM\17OCN1.SGM 17OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 200 / Wednesday, October 17, 2007 / Notices determined to close the NASD/BSE TRF for business reasons. Accordingly, as of the close of business on September 21, 2007, the NASD/BSE TRF ceased accepting trade reports.9 FINRA members were given prior notice of the closing and were further notified that any members using the NASD/BSE TRF to report trades were required to find an alternative mechanism to satisfy their trade reporting obligations. Prior to September 21, 2007, FINRA and BSE staff worked to ensure that FINRA members that had been reporting trades to the NASD/BSE TRF were transitioned to another FINRA facility. FINRA represents that, notwithstanding the closing of the NASD/BSE TRF, FINRA is able to fulfill all of its regulatory obligations with respect to over-thecounter trade reporting through its other facilities, i.e., the Alternative Display Facility, the NASD/Nasdaq Trade Reporting Facility, the NASD/NSX Trade Reporting Facility, and the NASD/NYSE Trade Reporting Facility. Accordingly, FINRA proposes to delete the NASD Rule 4000D and 6000D Series relating to trade reporting to the NASD/BSE TRF and the NASD Rule 7000D Series relating to fees and credits for use of the NASD/BSE TRF. In addition, FINRA proposes to delete the NASD/BSE TRF LLC Agreement, a copy of which is included in the Manual. The proposed rule change will ensure that FINRA’s rules accurately reflect only the FINRA facilities that are available to members for trade reporting.10 FINRA has filed the proposed rule change for immediate effectiveness and requested a waiver of the 30-day operative delay. FINRA proposes that the proposed rule change be operative on the date of filing. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES 2. Statutory Basis FINRA believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 15A(b)(6) of the Act,11 which requires, among other things, that FINRA rules be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to 9 Although the NASD/BSE TRF is no longer operating, pursuant to the termination provisions in the NASD/BSE TRF LLC Agreement, the NASD/BSE Trade Reporting Facility LLC will continue its corporate existence until October 30, 2007. 10 On September 12, 2007, FINRA filed a proposed rule change, SR–FINRA–2007–012, proposing certain changes to its trade reporting rules, including NASD Rule 6130D. See SR– FINRA–2007–012, available at https:// www.finra.org/RulesRegulation/RuleFilings/ 2007RuleFilings/P036903. FINRA will file an amendment to SR–FINRA–2007–012 to delete the references to the NASD/BSE TRF and the proposed changes to NASD Rule 6130D contained in that filing. 11 15 U.S.C. 78o–3(b)(6). VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:05 Oct 16, 2007 Jkt 214001 promote just and equitable principles of trade, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. FINRA believes that by deleting rules that apply to a FINRA facility that is no longer in operation, the proposed rule change will prevent potential member confusion and trade reporting errors and violations. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition FINRA does not believe that the proposed rule change will result in any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants or Others Written comments were neither solicited nor received. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action FINRA has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 12 and subparagraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b–4 thereunder.13 Because FINRA has designated the foregoing proposed rule change as one that: (1) Does not significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (2) does not impose any significant burden on competition; and (3) does not become operative for 30 days from the date of filing, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate if consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest, the proposed rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act and Rule 19b– 4(f)(6) thereunder. As required under Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii), FINRA provided the Commission with written notice of its intention to file the proposed rule change at least five business days prior to filing the proposal with the Commission or such shorter period as designated by the Commission. A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) normally does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of filing. However, Rule 19b4(f)(6)(iii) permits the Commission to designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. FINRA has asked the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay to expedite the deletion of rules that applied to the NASD/BSE TRF, a FINRA facility that is 12 15 13 17 PO 00000 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). Frm 00118 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 58921 no longer in operation, thereby preventing potential member confusion and trade reporting errors and violations. The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest because the proposal will delete rules that applied to the NASD/BSE TRF, a FINRA facility that ceased operations on September 21, 2007.14 Accordingly, the Commission believes that the proposal will ensure that FINRA’s rules accurately reflect the FINRA trade reporting facilities that are in operation currently and available to accept trade reports. For these reasons, the Commission designates the proposal to be operative on filing with the Commission. At any time within 60 days of the filing of such 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. 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 rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File Number SR-FINRA–2007–016 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-FINRA–2007–016. 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 Commission’s Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/ 14 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. 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). E:\FR\FM\17OCN1.SGM 17OCN1 58922 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 200 / Wednesday, October 17, 2007 / Notices 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, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Copies of such filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the FINRA. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make publicly available. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–FINRA–2007–016 and should be submitted on or before November 7, 2007. For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority.15 Florence E. Harmon, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. E7–20406 Filed 10–16–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–56646; File No. SR–ISE– 2007–96] Self-Regulatory Organizations; International Securities Exchange, LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change Relating to Payment for Order Flow Fees sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES October 11, 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 October 9, 2007, the International Securities Exchange, LLC (‘‘ISE’’ 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. ISE has designated this proposal as one establishing or changing 15 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:05 Oct 16, 2007 Jkt 214001 a due, fee, or other charge imposed by ISE under 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. 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 ISE is proposing to amend its payment for order flow program. The text of the proposed rule change is available at the Exchange, the Commission’s Public Reference Room, and www.iseoptions.com. 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 ISE has substantially 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 Exchange currently has a payment-for-order-flow (‘‘PFOF’’) program that helps its market makers establish PFOF arrangements with an EAM (‘‘Electronic Access Member’’) in exchange for that EAM preferencing some or all of its order flow to that market maker. This program is funded through a fee paid by Exchange market makers for each customer contract they execute, and is administered by both Primary Market Makers (‘‘PMM’’) 5 and Competitive Market Makers (‘‘CMM’’),6 depending on who the order is preferenced to. Further, the maximum amount of PFOF fees currently collected by the exchange for PMMs and CMMs to administer is $450,000 and $50,000, respectively. When the pool balance exceeds these threshold levels, ISE 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2). 5 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 43833 (January 10, 2001), 66 FR 7822 (January 25, 2001) (SR–ISE–00–10). 6 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 53127 (January 13, 2006), 71 FR 3582 (January 23, 2006) (SR–ISE–2005–57). 4 17 PO 00000 Frm 00119 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 rebates funds proportionately to those who have paid the PFOF fees. The Exchange states that it closely monitors the levels of the cap to ensure that there are adequate funds available to market makers to be competitive. In order to allow the Exchange’s market makers to better compete in attracting order flow to the Exchange, it proposes to adopt a uniform PFOF cap of $100,000 for both its PMM- and CMM-administered pools.The Exchange believes that the PMM ceiling of $450,000 is a considerable amount of money, and thus seeks to reduce that amount to $100,000. With regard to the CMM ceiling, the Exchange believes that $50,000 is too little an amount for these market makers to better compete in attracting order flow and thus proposes to raise that ceiling to $100,000. Additionally, the Exchange proposes to amend its fee schedule to reflect that PFOF funds are rebated on a monthly basis, instead of on a quarterly basis. 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act 7 in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(4) of the Act 8 in particular, because it is an equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and other charges among exchange members and other persons using exchange facilities. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange believes 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. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others The Exchange has not solicited, and does not intend to solicit, comments on this proposed rule change. The Exchange has not received any unsolicited written comments 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 been designated as a fee change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act 9 and Rule 19b–4(f)(2) 10 thereunder, because it establishes or changes a due, 7 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). U.S.C. 78f(b)(4). 9 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii). 10 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2). 8 15 E:\FR\FM\17OCN1.SGM 17OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 200 (Wednesday, October 17, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58920-58922]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-20406]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-56644; File No. SR-FINRA-2007-016]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Financial Industry Regulatory 
Authority, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a 
Proposed Rule Change To Reflect the Closing of the NASD/BSE Trade 
Reporting Facility

October 11, 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 October 9, 2007, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. 
(``FINRA'') (f/k/a the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. 
(``NASD'')) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I and 
II below, which Items have been prepared substantially by FINRA. FINRA 
has submitted the proposed rule change under Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the 
Act \3\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder,\4\ which renders the proposal 
effective upon filing with the Commission.\5\ The Commission is 
publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change 
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).
    \4\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \5\ FINRA has asked the Commission to waive the 30-day operative 
delay provided in Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii). 17 CFR 240.19b-
4(f)(6)(iii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    FINRA proposes to delete in their entirety the NASD Rule 4000D, 
6000D, and 7000D Series and the Limited Liability Company Agreement of 
The NASD/BSE Trade Reporting Facility LLC (the ``NASD/BSE TRF LLC 
Agreement''), in light of the recent closing of the NASD/BSE Trade 
Reporting Facility (the ``NASD/BSE TRF'').\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ Effective July 30, 2007, FINRA was formed through the 
consolidation of NASD and the member regulatory functions of NYSE 
Regulation, Inc. Accordingly, from that date until the date it 
closed on September 21, 2007, the NASD/BSE TRF was doing business as 
the FINRA/BSE TRF.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The text of the proposed rule change is available at https://
www.finra.org, at the principal offices of FINRA, and at the 
Commission's Public Reference Room.

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

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

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

1. Purpose
    The NASD/BSE TRF was approved by the Commission \7\ and commenced 
operation in February 2007 to provide members with a mechanism for 
reporting locked-in trades in NMS stocks, as defined in Rule 600(b)(47) 
of Regulation NMS under the Act,\8\ effected otherwise than on an 
exchange. The Boston Stock Exchange, Inc. (``BSE''), the ``Business 
Member'' under the NASD/BSE TRF LLC Agreement,

[[Page 58921]]

determined to close the NASD/BSE TRF for business reasons. Accordingly, 
as of the close of business on September 21, 2007, the NASD/BSE TRF 
ceased accepting trade reports.\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 54931 (December 13, 
2006), 71 FR 76409 (December 20, 2006) (order approving File No. SR-
NASD-2006-115).
    \8\ 17 CFR 242.600(b)(47).
    \9\ Although the NASD/BSE TRF is no longer operating, pursuant 
to the termination provisions in the NASD/BSE TRF LLC Agreement, the 
NASD/BSE Trade Reporting Facility LLC will continue its corporate 
existence until October 30, 2007.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    FINRA members were given prior notice of the closing and were 
further notified that any members using the NASD/BSE TRF to report 
trades were required to find an alternative mechanism to satisfy their 
trade reporting obligations. Prior to September 21, 2007, FINRA and BSE 
staff worked to ensure that FINRA members that had been reporting 
trades to the NASD/BSE TRF were transitioned to another FINRA facility. 
FINRA represents that, notwithstanding the closing of the NASD/BSE TRF, 
FINRA is able to fulfill all of its regulatory obligations with respect 
to over-the-counter trade reporting through its other facilities, i.e., 
the Alternative Display Facility, the NASD/Nasdaq Trade Reporting 
Facility, the NASD/NSX Trade Reporting Facility, and the NASD/NYSE 
Trade Reporting Facility.
    Accordingly, FINRA proposes to delete the NASD Rule 4000D and 6000D 
Series relating to trade reporting to the NASD/BSE TRF and the NASD 
Rule 7000D Series relating to fees and credits for use of the NASD/BSE 
TRF. In addition, FINRA proposes to delete the NASD/BSE TRF LLC 
Agreement, a copy of which is included in the Manual. The proposed rule 
change will ensure that FINRA's rules accurately reflect only the FINRA 
facilities that are available to members for trade reporting.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ On September 12, 2007, FINRA filed a proposed rule change, 
SR-FINRA-2007-012, proposing certain changes to its trade reporting 
rules, including NASD Rule 6130D. See SR-FINRA-2007-012, available 
at https://www.finra.org/RulesRegulation/RuleFilings/2007RuleFilings/
P036903. FINRA will file an amendment to SR-FINRA-2007-012 to delete 
the references to the NASD/BSE TRF and the proposed changes to NASD 
Rule 6130D contained in that filing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    FINRA has filed the proposed rule change for immediate 
effectiveness and requested a waiver of the 30-day operative delay. 
FINRA proposes that the proposed rule change be operative on the date 
of filing.
2. Statutory Basis
    FINRA believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with 
Section 15A(b)(6) of the Act,\11\ which requires, among other things, 
that FINRA rules be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative 
acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, 
and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. FINRA 
believes that by deleting rules that apply to a FINRA facility that is 
no longer in operation, the proposed rule change will prevent potential 
member confusion and trade reporting errors and violations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ 15 U.S.C. 78o-3(b)(6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    FINRA does not believe that the proposed rule change will result in 
any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in 
furtherance of the purposes of the Act.

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

    Written comments were neither solicited nor received.

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

    FINRA has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 
19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \12\ and subparagraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b-4 
thereunder.\13\ Because FINRA has designated the foregoing proposed 
rule change as one that: (1) Does not significantly affect the 
protection of investors or the public interest; (2) does not impose any 
significant burden on competition; and (3) does not become operative 
for 30 days from the date of filing, or such shorter time as the 
Commission may designate if consistent with the protection of investors 
and the public interest, the proposed rule change has become effective 
pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) 
thereunder. As required under Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii), FINRA provided the 
Commission with written notice of its intention to file the proposed 
rule change at least five business days prior to filing the proposal 
with the Commission or such shorter period as designated by the 
Commission.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \13\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) normally does 
not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of filing. 
However, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) permits the Commission to designate a 
shorter time if such action is consistent with the protection of 
investors and the public interest. FINRA has asked the Commission to 
waive the 30-day operative delay to expedite the deletion of rules that 
applied to the NASD/BSE TRF, a FINRA facility that is no longer in 
operation, thereby preventing potential member confusion and trade 
reporting errors and violations.
    The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is 
consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest 
because the proposal will delete rules that applied to the NASD/BSE 
TRF, a FINRA facility that ceased operations on September 21, 2007.\14\ 
Accordingly, the Commission believes that the proposal will ensure that 
FINRA's rules accurately reflect the FINRA trade reporting facilities 
that are in operation currently and available to accept trade reports. 
For these reasons, the Commission designates the proposal to be 
operative on filing with the Commission.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ 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. 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    At any time within 60 days of the filing of such 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.

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 Number SR-FINRA-2007-016 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-FINRA-2007-016. 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 Commission's Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/

[[Page 58922]]

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, 100 F Street, 
NE., Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between the hours 
of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Copies of such filing also will be available for 
inspection and copying at the principal office of the FINRA. All 
comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does 
not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should 
submit only information that you wish to make publicly available. All 
submissions should refer to File Number SR-FINRA-2007-016 and should be 
submitted on or before November 7, 2007.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\15\
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    \15\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Florence E. Harmon,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. E7-20406 Filed 10-16-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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