Self-Regulatory Organizations; the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Order Approving Proposed Rule Change, as Modified By Amendment No. 1 Thereto, Amending Nasdaq's Membership Application Rules, 70632-70634 [E7-24045]

Download as PDF 70632 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 238 / Wednesday, December 12, 2007 / Notices mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES that the proposed generic listing standards for Commodity-Linked Securities, in addition to the proposed conforming changes to the generic listing standards applicable to all Linked Securities and Equity IndexLinked Securities, should fulfill the intended objective of Rule 19b–4(e) and allow securities that satisfy the proposed generic listing standards to commence trading without the need for public comment and Commission approval.35 The Commission notes that any Linked Securities approved for listing and trading would be subject to the FINRA’s surveillance procedures to monitor the trading in such securities. The Exchange has represented that, to the extent applicable, NASDAQ and/or FINRA will be able to obtain trading and beneficial holder information from other primary trading markets either pursuant to information sharing agreements with such markets or because such markets are members or affiliate members of ISG. The Exchange has represented that it will distribute, as appropriate, an Information Circular to members describing the product, the particular structure of the product, and the corresponding risks of trading Linked Securities, including the risks involved in trading such securities during markets sessions other than NASDAQ’s Regular Market Session, when an updated index or Reference Asset value, or indicative value, if required, is not calculated or publicly disseminated.36 In addition, the Information Circular will set forth the Exchange’s suitability generic listing standards for Equity Index-Linked Securities, Commodity-Linked Securities, and Currency-Linked Securities). NASDAQ’s proposal also takes into account certain modifications recently made by other national securities exchanges to the various types of Linked Securities, as applicable. See, e.g., 107A of the American Stock Exchange LLC Company Guide (reflecting exceptions to the minimum public distribution requirements for certain types of securities, including Linked Securities); Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 56879 (December 3, 2007) (SR– NYSEArca–2007–110) (approving certain proposed changes to the initial listing and trading standards for Equity Index-Linked Securities); 56838 (November 26, 2007), 72 FR 67774 (November 30, 2007) (SR–NYSEArca–2007–118) (approving certain modifications made to the requirements relating to the indexes underlying Equity Index-Linked Securities); and 56525 (September 25, 2007), 72 FR 56114 (October 2, 2007) (SR–NYSE–2007–76) (approving certain exceptions to the requirement relating to pricing information of components comprising Commodity-Linked Securities and Currency-Linked Securities). 35 The Commission notes that the failure of a particular product or index to comply with the proposed generic listing standards under Rule 19b– 4(e), however, would not preclude the Exchange from submitting a separate filing pursuant to Section 19(b)(2), requesting Commission approval to list and trade a particular index-linked product. 36 See supra note 13 and accompanying text. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:54 Dec 11, 2007 Jkt 214001 requirements with respect to recommendations in transactions in Linked Securities to customers and the registration statement or prospectus delivery requirements. The Information Circular will also note that the Exchange’s equity trading rules will be applicable to the trading of Linked Securities. Acceleration The Commission finds good cause for approving the proposed rule change, as modified by Amendment Nos. 1, 2, and 3 thereto, before the 30th day after the date of publication of notice of filing thereof in the Federal Register. The Commission notes that the Exchange’s proposed conforming changes to the generic listing standards that apply to all Linked Securities, proposed changes to the generic listing standards for Equity Index-Linked Securities, and the proposed generic listing standards for Commodity-Linked Securities are based on previously approved listing standards for such securities.37 The Commission is presently not aware of any regulatory issue that should cause it to revisit that finding or would preclude the trading of such securities on the Exchange. Therefore, accelerating approval of this proposal should benefit investors by creating, without undue delay, additional competition in the market for Linked Securities, subject to the standards and representations discussed herein. Therefore, the Commission finds good cause, consistent with section 19(b)(2) of the Act,38 to approve the proposed rule change on an accelerated basis. V. Conclusion It is therefore ordered, pursuant to section 19(b)(2) of the Act,39 that the proposed rule change (SR–NASDAQ– 2007–071), as modified by Amendment Nos. 1, 2, and 3 thereto, be, and it hereby is, approved on an accelerated basis. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.40 Florence E. Harmon, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. E7–23973 Filed 12–11–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P 37 See 38 15 supra notes 4 and 34. U.S.C. 78s(b)(2). 39 Id. 40 17 PO 00000 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). Frm 00074 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–56917; File No. SR– NASDAQ–2007–085] Self-Regulatory Organizations; the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Order Approving Proposed Rule Change, as Modified By Amendment No. 1 Thereto, Amending Nasdaq’s Membership Application Rules December 6, 2007. I. Introduction On October 30, 2007, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (‘‘Nasdaq’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’), pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 a proposed rule change to modify Nasdaq’s membership application procedures. The proposed rule change was published for comment in the Federal Register on November 6, 2007.3 On December 4, 2007, Nasdaq filed Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule change.4 The Commission received no comment letters on the proposed rule change. This order approves the proposed rule change, as modified by Amendment No. 1 thereto. II. Description of the Proposal Nasdaq is proposing to amend its 1000 Series rules governing its membership application process to tailor the rules to proprietary trading firms. Under the proposed rule, a ‘‘proprietary trading firm’’ is defined as an applicant: (1) That is not required to become a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (‘‘FINRA’’) by section 15(b)(8) of the Act 5 but is a member of another registered securities exchange not registered solely under section 6(g) of the Act; (2) whose source of funds or proposed source of funds to be used for trading are the applicant’s own capital, traded through the applicant’s own accounts; (3) that does not, and will not have ‘‘customers’’ 6; and (4) whose principals and representatives acting or 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. Securities Exchange Act Release No. 56722 (October 31, 2007), 72 FR 62709 (‘‘Notice’’). 4 In Amendment No. 1, Nasdaq corrected typographical errors and clarified that in Rule 1013(a)(1), an applicant should file an amendment to its membership application no later than 15 days after the applicant ‘‘knew or should have known’’ about facts and circumstances that gave rise to the need for the amendment. Because Amendment No. 1 is technical in nature, it is not subject to notice and comment. 5 15 U.S.C. 78o(b)(8). 6 The term ‘‘customer’’ does not include a broker or dealer. See Nasdaq Rule 0120(g). 2 17 3 See E:\FR\FM\12DEN1.SGM 12DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 238 / Wednesday, December 12, 2007 / Notices to be acting in the capacity of a trader must be owners of, employees of, or contractors to the applicant.7 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES A. Required Information in the Application Under the new application process, an applicant would be required to submit certain information in its application.8 This information includes the following: • A copy of the applicant’s current Form BD; • an original Nasdaq-approved fingerprint card for each Associated Person who will be subject to Rule 17f– 2 under the Act and for whom a fingerprint card has not been filed with another SRO; • Nasdaq’s application fee; • a description of the applicant’s proposed trading activities on Nasdaq; • a copy of the applicant’s most recent audited financial statements and a description of any material changes in the applicant’s financial condition since the date of the financial statements; • an organizational chart; • the intended location of the applicant’s principal place of business and all other offices, if any, whether or not such offices would be required to be registered under the Nasdaq Rules, and the names of the persons who will be in charge of each office; 9 • a description of the communications and operational systems the applicant will employ to conduct business and the plans and procedures the applicant will employ to ensure business continuity; • a copy of any decision or order by a federal or state authority or SRO taking permanent or temporary adverse action with respect to a registration or licensing determination regarding the applicant or an Associated Person; • a statement indicating whether the applicant is currently or has recently been the subject of any investigation or disciplinary proceeding; • a statement indicating whether any person listed on Schedule A of the applicant’s Form BD (i.e., the direct owners and executive officers of the applicant) is currently or has recently been the subject of any investigation or disciplinary proceeding; • a copy of any contract or agreement with another broker-dealer, a bank, a clearing entity, a service bureau or a similar entity to provide the applicant 7 See proposed Nasdaq Rule 1011(o). proposed Nasdaq Rules 1013(a)(1)(A)–(V). A more detailed description of the required information is described in the Notice, supra note 3. 9 Nasdaq believes that most proprietary trading firms will only have one office. 8 See VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:54 Dec 11, 2007 Jkt 214001 with services regarding the execution or clearance and settlement of transactions effected on Nasdaq; • if the applicant proposes to make markets on Nasdaq, a description of the source and amount of applicant’s capital to support its market making activities on Nasdaq, and the source of any additional capital that may become necessary; • a description of the financial controls to be employed by the applicant with respect to Nasdaq Rule 3011, which governs anti-money laundering controls; • a copy of the applicant’s written supervisory procedures with respect to the applicant’s proposed trading activities on Nasdaq; • a list of the persons conducting the applicant’s market making and other trading activities, and a list of the persons responsible for such persons’ supervision, together with the CRD number (if applicable) or a copy of Form U4 for each such person; • unless previously provided to FINRA, a FINRA Entitlement Program Agreement and Terms of Use and an Account Administration Entitlement Form; • a copy of the applicant’s most recent ‘‘FOCUS Report’’ (Form X–17A– 5) filed with the Commission; • all examination reports and corresponding responses regarding the applicant for the previous two years from the SROs of which it is a member; • An agreement to comply with the federal securities laws, the rules and regulations thereunder, the Nasdaq Rules, and all rulings, orders, directions, and decisions issued and sanctions imposed under the Nasdaq Rules; • An agreement to pay such dues, assessments, and other charges; and • Other reasonable information with respect to the applicant as Nasdaq may require. Applicants must keep their application current by submitting amendments if facts and circumstances change.10 Nasdaq proposes to amend Rule 1013(a)(1) to require applicants to file amendments with Nasdaq no later than 15 business days after the applicant or Nasdaq member knew or should have known about the facts or circumstances giving rise to the need for the amendment. Nasdaq also amended Rule 1013(a)(1) to add that an applicant must promptly notify the Nasdaq Membership Department (‘‘Department’’) 11 of any material adverse change in financial condition. 10 See Nasdaq Rule 1013(a)(1). term includes FINRA staff acting on Nasdaq’s behalf. 11 The PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 70633 B. Membership Admission Standard Nasdaq proposes to amend the admission standard in Rule 1014. Currently, the Department must make specific findings in order to admit an applicant as a Nasdaq member. The proposed rule would allow the Department to approve an application unless there is a basis for denying or conditioning approval.12 The proposed rule further provides that the Department may deny (or condition) approval of an applicant for the same reasons that the Commission may deny or revoke a broker-dealer’s registration and for those reasons required or allowed under the Act. The proposed rule lists specific bases upon which the Department may deny (or condition) approval of an applicant which include: 13 (1) inability of the applicant to satisfactorily demonstrate the capacity to adhere to applicable Nasdaq and Commission policies, rules, and regulations, including, those concerning record-keeping, reporting, finance, and trading procedures; (2) past rule violations by the applicant and a reasonable likelihood that the applicant will again engage in acts or practices that violate any Nasdaq or Commission policies, rules, or regulations; (3) behavior in which the applicant engaged and the existence of a reasonable likelihood that the applicant will again engage in, acts or practices inconsistent with just and equitable principles of trade; (4) factors indicative of financial difficulties, such as not being in compliance with the Commission’s net capital rule or having financial difficulties involving an amount that is more than 5% of the applicant’s net worth; (5) the applicant is the subject of a current or recent bankruptcy proceeding; (6) the applicant has an established pattern of failure to pay just debts; (7) failure to have required governmental and SRO registrations; or (8) inability to demonstrate reasonably adequate systems capability and capacity. The proposed rule would provide the Department with the discretion to conduct a membership interview if it determines an interview is necessary to clarify aspects of an application.14 The proposed rule change also reduces the time allotted for various aspects of review, both for initial applications and for changes of ownership, control and 12 A similar change would be made in Nasdaq Rule 1017(g)(1)(A), providing that an application for a material change in business operations will be approved unless there is a basis for denying it under the standards in Rule 1014. 13 See proposed Nasdaq Rule 1014(a)(2). 14 See proposed Nasdaq Rule 1013(b)(1). E:\FR\FM\12DEN1.SGM 12DEN1 70634 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 238 / Wednesday, December 12, 2007 / Notices business operations under Nasdaq Rule 1017. C. Material Change in Business Operations Currently, Nasdaq Rule 1017(a) provides that if there is a material change in business operations, the member will be required to file an application for approval that describes in detail the change in ownership, control, or business operations and include a business plan, pro forma financials, an organizational chart, and written supervisory procedures reflecting the change. The proposed rule change amends the definition of ‘‘material change in business operations’’ in Nasdaq Rule 1011(g) to include ‘‘adding business activities that would cause a proprietary trading firm no longer to meet the definition of that term. * * *’’ If a proprietary trading firm seeks to expand its activities to include dealings with customers, the member would be required to undergo an assessment and obtain approval of this change under Nasdaq Rule 1017. If a firm is required to become a FINRA member due to a change in ownership, control, or business operations, the amended rule provides that the Department is not required to take action on an application for approval under Rule 1017 until FINRA has acted on the application under its rule or the firm has become a FINRA member, as applicable.15 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES E. Other Changes In addition, Nasdaq proposes to (1) amend Rule 1021 to provide that a proprietary trading firm with 25 or fewer registered representatives is required to have only one, rather than two registered principals; (2) eliminate the requirement that traders for proprietary trading firms register as equity traders under Nasdaq Rule 1032(f); (3) amend Rule 1150 to require that a firm’s executive representative under Nasdaq rules be the same as its executive representative under FINRA rules; and (4) amend Nasdaq Rule 1130 to provide that the names and addresses of executive representatives will not be available to members or the general public. Finally, the proposed rule change also makes conforming changes to provisions of Nasdaq rules 1014, 1015, and 1017 that refer to the standards for admission in Nasdaq Rule 1014. 15 See proposed Nasdaq Rule 1017(g)(4). VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:54 Dec 11, 2007 Jkt 214001 III. Discussion and Commission Findings After careful consideration, the Commission finds that the proposed rule change, as amended, is consistent with the requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to a national securities exchange 16 and, in particular, the requirements of section 6 of the Act.17 Specifically, the Commission finds that the proposed rule change is consistent with section 6(b)(5) of the Act,18 which requires, among other things, that the rules of a national securities exchange be designed to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in regulating, clearing, settling, and processing information with respect to, and facilitating transactions in securities, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. The Commission has reviewed the provisions of the proposed rule change and believes that they are consistent with the requirements of the Act. In particular, the Commission believes that the proposed rule under which Nasdaq may deny or condition membership is reasonable and consistent with section 6(b)(5) of the Act in that it promotes just and equitable principles of trade and, in general, serves to protect investors and the public interest, and is also consistent with the grounds upon which an exchange may deny or condition membership under section 6(c)(3) of the Act. The circumstances described in the proposed rule under which the Exchange may deny or condition membership address situations in which an applicant has failed to demonstrate the ability to comply with the financial and regulatory responsibilities necessary for Exchange membership. The Commission notes that these bases for denial of membership are similar to those of NYSE Arca, Inc. (‘‘NYSE Arca’’) and the International Securities Exchange, LLC (‘‘ISE’’) which were approved by the Commission.19 The Commission also notes that an applicant 16 In approving this proposed rule change the Commission has considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). 17 15 U.S.C. 78f. 18 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). 19 See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 42455 (February 24, 2000), 65 FR 11388 (March 2, 2000); and 49718 (May 17, 2004), 69 FR 29611 (May 24, 2004). See also ISE Rule 302 (Denial of and Conditions of Becoming a Member); NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.4 (Denial of or Conditions to ETPs). PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 who has been denied membership would always have the right to appeal that decision.20 In addition, the Commission believes that the proposal to amend the current membership application requirements which focus on a member’s relationship with its customers is appropriate because a proprietary trading firm, by definition, does not handle customer orders. Because Nasdaq’s rules provide that all applicants must already be a member either of FINRA, if they transact business with the public, or of another national securities exchange, which acts as an Examining Authority for purposes of Rule 15c3–1 under the Act,21 the Commission believes the level of information required in the amended membership application is reasonable. As stated in the Nasdaq rules, if a Nasdaq member undergoes a material change in ownership, control, or business operations, the member will be required to file an application for approval and may need to register as a member of FINRA. Further, based on Nasdaq’s representation that the proposal to reduce time allotted to review applications (for both initial applications and for changes of ownership, control and business operations) is due to centralizing the review of applications as well as the less complex nature of the applicant firms (i.e., proprietary trading firms and members of other SROs), the Commission believes that the reduction in review time is reasonable. IV. Conclusion It is therefore ordered, pursuant to section 19(b)(2) of the Act,22 that the proposed rule change (File No. SR– NASDAQ–2007–085), as modified by Amendment No. 1 thereto, be, and it hereby is, approved. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.23 Florence E. Harmon, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. E7–24045 Filed 12–11–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P 20 See 15 U.S.C. 78s(f). CFR 240.15c3–1. 22 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2). 23 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). 21 17 E:\FR\FM\12DEN1.SGM 12DEN1

Agencies

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 238 (Wednesday, December 12, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 70632-70634]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-24045]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-56917; File No. SR-NASDAQ-2007-085]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Order 
Approving Proposed Rule Change, as Modified By Amendment No. 1 Thereto, 
Amending Nasdaq's Membership Application Rules

December 6, 2007.

I. Introduction

    On October 30, 2007, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (``Nasdaq'') filed 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission''), pursuant 
to section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (``Act'') 
\1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ a proposed rule change to modify 
Nasdaq's membership application procedures. The proposed rule change 
was published for comment in the Federal Register on November 6, 
2007.\3\ On December 4, 2007, Nasdaq filed Amendment No. 1 to the 
proposed rule change.\4\ The Commission received no comment letters on 
the proposed rule change. This order approves the proposed rule change, 
as modified by Amendment No. 1 thereto.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 56722 (October 31, 
2007), 72 FR 62709 (``Notice'').
    \4\ In Amendment No. 1, Nasdaq corrected typographical errors 
and clarified that in Rule 1013(a)(1), an applicant should file an 
amendment to its membership application no later than 15 days after 
the applicant ``knew or should have known'' about facts and 
circumstances that gave rise to the need for the amendment. Because 
Amendment No. 1 is technical in nature, it is not subject to notice 
and comment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

II. Description of the Proposal

    Nasdaq is proposing to amend its 1000 Series rules governing its 
membership application process to tailor the rules to proprietary 
trading firms. Under the proposed rule, a ``proprietary trading firm'' 
is defined as an applicant: (1) That is not required to become a member 
of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (``FINRA'') by section 
15(b)(8) of the Act \5\ but is a member of another registered 
securities exchange not registered solely under section 6(g) of the 
Act; (2) whose source of funds or proposed source of funds to be used 
for trading are the applicant's own capital, traded through the 
applicant's own accounts; (3) that does not, and will not have 
``customers'' \6\; and (4) whose principals and representatives acting 
or

[[Page 70633]]

to be acting in the capacity of a trader must be owners of, employees 
of, or contractors to the applicant.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ 15 U.S.C. 78o(b)(8).
    \6\ The term ``customer'' does not include a broker or dealer. 
See Nasdaq Rule 0120(g).
    \7\ See proposed Nasdaq Rule 1011(o).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

A. Required Information in the Application

    Under the new application process, an applicant would be required 
to submit certain information in its application.\8\ This information 
includes the following:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ See proposed Nasdaq Rules 1013(a)(1)(A)-(V). A more detailed 
description of the required information is described in the Notice, 
supra note 3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     A copy of the applicant's current Form BD;
     an original Nasdaq-approved fingerprint card for each 
Associated Person who will be subject to Rule 17f-2 under the Act and 
for whom a fingerprint card has not been filed with another SRO;
     Nasdaq's application fee;
     a description of the applicant's proposed trading 
activities on Nasdaq;
     a copy of the applicant's most recent audited financial 
statements and a description of any material changes in the applicant's 
financial condition since the date of the financial statements;
     an organizational chart;
     the intended location of the applicant's principal place 
of business and all other offices, if any, whether or not such offices 
would be required to be registered under the Nasdaq Rules, and the 
names of the persons who will be in charge of each office; \9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ Nasdaq believes that most proprietary trading firms will 
only have one office.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     a description of the communications and operational 
systems the applicant will employ to conduct business and the plans and 
procedures the applicant will employ to ensure business continuity;
     a copy of any decision or order by a federal or state 
authority or SRO taking permanent or temporary adverse action with 
respect to a registration or licensing determination regarding the 
applicant or an Associated Person;
     a statement indicating whether the applicant is currently 
or has recently been the subject of any investigation or disciplinary 
proceeding;
     a statement indicating whether any person listed on 
Schedule A of the applicant's Form BD (i.e., the direct owners and 
executive officers of the applicant) is currently or has recently been 
the subject of any investigation or disciplinary proceeding;
     a copy of any contract or agreement with another broker-
dealer, a bank, a clearing entity, a service bureau or a similar entity 
to provide the applicant with services regarding the execution or 
clearance and settlement of transactions effected on Nasdaq;
     if the applicant proposes to make markets on Nasdaq, a 
description of the source and amount of applicant's capital to support 
its market making activities on Nasdaq, and the source of any 
additional capital that may become necessary;
     a description of the financial controls to be employed by 
the applicant with respect to Nasdaq Rule 3011, which governs anti-
money laundering controls;
     a copy of the applicant's written supervisory procedures 
with respect to the applicant's proposed trading activities on Nasdaq;
     a list of the persons conducting the applicant's market 
making and other trading activities, and a list of the persons 
responsible for such persons' supervision, together with the CRD number 
(if applicable) or a copy of Form U4 for each such person;
     unless previously provided to FINRA, a FINRA Entitlement 
Program Agreement and Terms of Use and an Account Administration 
Entitlement Form;
     a copy of the applicant's most recent ``FOCUS Report'' 
(Form X-17A-5) filed with the Commission;
     all examination reports and corresponding responses 
regarding the applicant for the previous two years from the SROs of 
which it is a member;
     An agreement to comply with the federal securities laws, 
the rules and regulations thereunder, the Nasdaq Rules, and all 
rulings, orders, directions, and decisions issued and sanctions imposed 
under the Nasdaq Rules;
     An agreement to pay such dues, assessments, and other 
charges; and
     Other reasonable information with respect to the applicant 
as Nasdaq may require.
    Applicants must keep their application current by submitting 
amendments if facts and circumstances change.\10\ Nasdaq proposes to 
amend Rule 1013(a)(1) to require applicants to file amendments with 
Nasdaq no later than 15 business days after the applicant or Nasdaq 
member knew or should have known about the facts or circumstances 
giving rise to the need for the amendment. Nasdaq also amended Rule 
1013(a)(1) to add that an applicant must promptly notify the Nasdaq 
Membership Department (``Department'') \11\ of any material adverse 
change in financial condition.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ See Nasdaq Rule 1013(a)(1).
    \11\ The term includes FINRA staff acting on Nasdaq's behalf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Membership Admission Standard

    Nasdaq proposes to amend the admission standard in Rule 1014. 
Currently, the Department must make specific findings in order to admit 
an applicant as a Nasdaq member. The proposed rule would allow the 
Department to approve an application unless there is a basis for 
denying or conditioning approval.\12\ The proposed rule further 
provides that the Department may deny (or condition) approval of an 
applicant for the same reasons that the Commission may deny or revoke a 
broker-dealer's registration and for those reasons required or allowed 
under the Act. The proposed rule lists specific bases upon which the 
Department may deny (or condition) approval of an applicant which 
include: \13\ (1) inability of the applicant to satisfactorily 
demonstrate the capacity to adhere to applicable Nasdaq and Commission 
policies, rules, and regulations, including, those concerning record-
keeping, reporting, finance, and trading procedures; (2) past rule 
violations by the applicant and a reasonable likelihood that the 
applicant will again engage in acts or practices that violate any 
Nasdaq or Commission policies, rules, or regulations; (3) behavior in 
which the applicant engaged and the existence of a reasonable 
likelihood that the applicant will again engage in, acts or practices 
inconsistent with just and equitable principles of trade; (4) factors 
indicative of financial difficulties, such as not being in compliance 
with the Commission's net capital rule or having financial difficulties 
involving an amount that is more than 5% of the applicant's net worth; 
(5) the applicant is the subject of a current or recent bankruptcy 
proceeding; (6) the applicant has an established pattern of failure to 
pay just debts; (7) failure to have required governmental and SRO 
registrations; or (8) inability to demonstrate reasonably adequate 
systems capability and capacity.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ A similar change would be made in Nasdaq Rule 
1017(g)(1)(A), providing that an application for a material change 
in business operations will be approved unless there is a basis for 
denying it under the standards in Rule 1014.
    \13\ See proposed Nasdaq Rule 1014(a)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed rule would provide the Department with the discretion 
to conduct a membership interview if it determines an interview is 
necessary to clarify aspects of an application.\14\ The proposed rule 
change also reduces the time allotted for various aspects of review, 
both for initial applications and for changes of ownership, control and

[[Page 70634]]

business operations under Nasdaq Rule 1017.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ See proposed Nasdaq Rule 1013(b)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

C. Material Change in Business Operations

    Currently, Nasdaq Rule 1017(a) provides that if there is a material 
change in business operations, the member will be required to file an 
application for approval that describes in detail the change in 
ownership, control, or business operations and include a business plan, 
pro forma financials, an organizational chart, and written supervisory 
procedures reflecting the change. The proposed rule change amends the 
definition of ``material change in business operations'' in Nasdaq Rule 
1011(g) to include ``adding business activities that would cause a 
proprietary trading firm no longer to meet the definition of that term. 
* * *'' If a proprietary trading firm seeks to expand its activities to 
include dealings with customers, the member would be required to 
undergo an assessment and obtain approval of this change under Nasdaq 
Rule 1017.
    If a firm is required to become a FINRA member due to a change in 
ownership, control, or business operations, the amended rule provides 
that the Department is not required to take action on an application 
for approval under Rule 1017 until FINRA has acted on the application 
under its rule or the firm has become a FINRA member, as 
applicable.\15\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ See proposed Nasdaq Rule 1017(g)(4).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

E. Other Changes

    In addition, Nasdaq proposes to (1) amend Rule 1021 to provide that 
a proprietary trading firm with 25 or fewer registered representatives 
is required to have only one, rather than two registered principals; 
(2) eliminate the requirement that traders for proprietary trading 
firms register as equity traders under Nasdaq Rule 1032(f); (3) amend 
Rule 1150 to require that a firm's executive representative under 
Nasdaq rules be the same as its executive representative under FINRA 
rules; and (4) amend Nasdaq Rule 1130 to provide that the names and 
addresses of executive representatives will not be available to members 
or the general public. Finally, the proposed rule change also makes 
conforming changes to provisions of Nasdaq rules 1014, 1015, and 1017 
that refer to the standards for admission in Nasdaq Rule 1014.

III. Discussion and Commission Findings

    After careful consideration, the Commission finds that the proposed 
rule change, as amended, is consistent with the requirements of the Act 
and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to a national 
securities exchange \16\ and, in particular, the requirements of 
section 6 of the Act.\17\ Specifically, the Commission finds that the 
proposed rule change is consistent with section 6(b)(5) of the Act,\18\ 
which requires, among other things, that the rules of a national 
securities exchange be designed to promote just and equitable 
principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination with 
persons engaged in regulating, clearing, settling, and processing 
information with respect to, and facilitating transactions in 
securities, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a 
free and open market and a national market system, and, in general, to 
protect investors and the public interest.
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    \16\ In approving this proposed rule change the Commission has 
considered the proposed rule's impact on efficiency, competition, 
and capital formation. 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
    \17\ 15 U.S.C. 78f.
    \18\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
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    The Commission has reviewed the provisions of the proposed rule 
change and believes that they are consistent with the requirements of 
the Act. In particular, the Commission believes that the proposed rule 
under which Nasdaq may deny or condition membership is reasonable and 
consistent with section 6(b)(5) of the Act in that it promotes just and 
equitable principles of trade and, in general, serves to protect 
investors and the public interest, and is also consistent with the 
grounds upon which an exchange may deny or condition membership under 
section 6(c)(3) of the Act. The circumstances described in the proposed 
rule under which the Exchange may deny or condition membership address 
situations in which an applicant has failed to demonstrate the ability 
to comply with the financial and regulatory responsibilities necessary 
for Exchange membership. The Commission notes that these bases for 
denial of membership are similar to those of NYSE Arca, Inc. (``NYSE 
Arca'') and the International Securities Exchange, LLC (``ISE'') which 
were approved by the Commission.\19\ The Commission also notes that an 
applicant who has been denied membership would always have the right to 
appeal that decision.\20\
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    \19\ See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 42455 (February 
24, 2000), 65 FR 11388 (March 2, 2000); and 49718 (May 17, 2004), 69 
FR 29611 (May 24, 2004). See also ISE Rule 302 (Denial of and 
Conditions of Becoming a Member); NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.4 
(Denial of or Conditions to ETPs).
    \20\ See 15 U.S.C. 78s(f).
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    In addition, the Commission believes that the proposal to amend the 
current membership application requirements which focus on a member's 
relationship with its customers is appropriate because a proprietary 
trading firm, by definition, does not handle customer orders. Because 
Nasdaq's rules provide that all applicants must already be a member 
either of FINRA, if they transact business with the public, or of 
another national securities exchange, which acts as an Examining 
Authority for purposes of Rule 15c3-1 under the Act,\21\ the Commission 
believes the level of information required in the amended membership 
application is reasonable. As stated in the Nasdaq rules, if a Nasdaq 
member undergoes a material change in ownership, control, or business 
operations, the member will be required to file an application for 
approval and may need to register as a member of FINRA. Further, based 
on Nasdaq's representation that the proposal to reduce time allotted to 
review applications (for both initial applications and for changes of 
ownership, control and business operations) is due to centralizing the 
review of applications as well as the less complex nature of the 
applicant firms (i.e., proprietary trading firms and members of other 
SROs), the Commission believes that the reduction in review time is 
reasonable.
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    \21\ 17 CFR 240.15c3-1.
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IV. Conclusion

    It is therefore ordered, pursuant to section 19(b)(2) of the 
Act,\22\ that the proposed rule change (File No. SR-NASDAQ-2007-085), 
as modified by Amendment No. 1 thereto, be, and it hereby is, approved.
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    \22\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
    \23\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).

For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant 
to delegated authority.\23\
Florence E. Harmon,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. E7-24045 Filed 12-11-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P

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