Self-Regulatory Organizations; New York Stock Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Amending NYSE Rule 103A To Exempt Executive Floor Governors From Floor Member Continuing Education, 37521-37523 [E8-14832]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 127 / Tuesday, July 1, 2008 / Notices Nasdaq. In that case, under Nasdaq’s current rule, Nasdaq would lack an approved rule to assess an execution fee to that non-member. Nasdaq believes it is proper to charge the same fee for executions regardless of whether an order was entered directly into Nasdaq’s systems or routed to Nasdaq via the Linkage. Since most firms join multiple exchanges, pricing that differentiates between orders originating in different markets tends to skew trading behaviors in ways that are unintended and possibly detrimental. B. Institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule change should be disapproved. 2. Statutory Basis • 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–NASDAQ–2008–055 on the subject line. The proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act,4 in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(4) of the Act,5 in particular, in that it is designed to provide for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and other charges among its members and other persons using its facilities. The proposed Linkage Fee Pilot Program will result in the same fee being charged for the execution of all orders regardless of the manner in which they are sent to the Exchange. 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. To the contrary, Nasdaq notes that the options markets compete aggressively on the basis of execution price and that the proposal is part of Nasdaq’s attempt to compete effectively. 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. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action Within 35 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 90 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 4 15 5 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). U.S.C. 78f(b)(4). VerDate Aug<31>2005 21:01 Jun 30, 2008 Jkt 214001 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 37521 For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.6 Florence E. Harmon, Acting Secretary. [FR Doc. E8–14833 Filed 6–30–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8010–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–58013; File No. SR–NYSE– 2008–48] Self-Regulatory Organizations; New York Stock Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Amending NYSE Rule 103A To Exempt Executive Floor Governors From Floor Member Continuing Education June 24, 2008. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the • Send paper comments in triplicate ‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on June 19, to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, Station Place, 100 F Street, 2008, New York Stock Exchange LLC (‘‘NYSE’’ or the ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. the Securities and Exchange All submissions should refer to File Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’) the Number SR–NASDAQ–2008–055. This proposed rule change as described in file number should be included on the Items I and II below, which Items have subject line if e-mail is used. To help the been substantially prepared by the Commission process and review your Exchange. The Exchange filed the comments more efficiently, please use proposal as a ‘‘non-controversial’’ only one method. The Commission will proposed rule change pursuant to post all comments on the Commission’s Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 3 and Rule Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/ 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder,4 which rendered rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the the proposal effective upon filing with the Commission. The Commission is submission, all subsequent publishing this notice to solicit amendments, all written statements comments on the proposed rule change with respect to the proposed rule from interested persons. change that are filed with the Commission, and all written I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s communications relating to the Statement of the Terms of Substance of proposed rule change between the the Proposed Rule Change Commission and any person, other than The Exchange is proposing to amend those that may be withheld from the NYSE Rule 103A(a)(3) (Specialist Stock public in accordance with the Reallocation and Member Education provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be and Performance) to exempt Executive available for inspection and copying in Floor Governors (‘‘EFGs’’) of the the Commission’s Public Reference Exchange from Floor Member Room, on official business days between Continuing Education (‘‘FMCE’’) the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Copies requirements. The Exchange further of such filing also will be available for proposes, in connection with specific inspection and copying at the principal FMCE modules, to deem members who office of the Exchange. All comments substantially assisted NYSE Regulation, received will be posted without change; Inc. (‘‘NYSE Regulation’’) staff in the the Commission does not edit personal development of such modules as having identifying information from fulfilled their obligation to complete submissions. You should submit only required training on that module. The information that you wish to make 6 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). available publicly. All submissions 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). should refer to File Number SR– 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. NASDAQ–2008–055 and should be 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii). submitted on or before July 22, 2008. 4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). Paper Comments PO 00000 Frm 00115 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\01JYN1.SGM 01JYN1 37522 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 127 / Tuesday, July 1, 2008 / Notices text of the proposed rule change is available at https://www.nyse.com, the Exchange, and 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 those statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant parts of such statements. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES 1. Purpose The Exchange is submitting this proposed amendment to NYSE Rule 103A(a)(3) to permit the Exchange to exempt EFGs from the Exchange’s mandatory FMCE program and to deem certain other members who have substantially assisted NYSE Regulation in developing a training module to have fulfilled their obligation to complete training on that module. NYSE Rule 103A(a)(3) requires that the Exchange, via NYSE Regulation, provide mandatory continuing education for all Floor members and permits the Exchange to deny noncomplying members access to the Trading Floor until they complete their required education. On March 18, 2008, NYSE Regulation, which supervises the creation and delivery of content for the Exchange’s FMCE program, launched the Learning Management System (‘‘LMS’’), which automates the delivery of program content to members via a Web-based interactive program that participants can access from an internet-capable computer. The Exchange filed certain amendments to Rule 103A to update the Rule in light of the new system requirements.5 This proposed rule change seeks limited relief from the technical program requirements for two groups of members: (i) EFGs; and (ii) members who provide substantial assistance to NYSE Regulation staff in the 5 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 56851 (November 28, 2007), 72 FR 68932 (December 6, 2007) (SR–NYSE–2007–106). VerDate Aug<31>2005 21:01 Jun 30, 2008 Jkt 214001 development of specific training modules. EFGs are experienced and knowledgeable Exchange members who volunteer substantial amounts of time providing consultative and interpretive advice with respect to many NYSE rules. Among other things, EFGs: • Take an active role in supervising unusual trading situations pursuant to NYSE Rules 46 and 47, which requires them to know and keep abreast of changes to NYSE rules and policies; • Are frequently called on by NYSE rule development staff to provide feedback from the perspective of a knowledgeable practitioner with respect to proposed rules changes; • Are regularly consulted with respect to trading situations on the Floor and provide trading dispute rulings in conjunction with NYSE Market, Inc. and NYSE Regulation staff; and • Participate in regular meetings with NYSE Regulation senior staff to discuss various issues regarding trading on the Exchange and other Floor-related issues. In addition to the foregoing, NYSE Regulation also consults with the EFGs on FMCE content, including previewing LMS modules to some or all of the EFGs during the development phase. In view of their participation in the development of policies that are then taught to all members through the FMCE program, and in view of their contact with the FMCE program during its development, the Exchange believes it is appropriate to exempt EFGs from sitting through the completed FMCE program modules; the EFGs clearly have provided valuable assistance by the time the modules are rolled out to the general membership. Accordingly, NYSE Regulation seeks a limited exemption for EFGs from FMCE requirements. Additionally, in conjunction with creating educational materials for the FMCE program, NYSE Regulation staff from time to time may consult at length with experienced Floor members, including but not limited to Floor Officials (who act in such capacity by volunteering their time), in the development of content (e.g., slide shows and scripts). The purpose of such consultations is to ensure that the educational materials are both practical and effective as educational tools. Floor member contributions include, but are not limited to, ensuring that market examples used to drive home teaching points are realistic, that descriptions of how members interact with trading systems are feasible, that trading examples used to demonstrate applicable rules are useful, and that descriptions of trading activities are phrased in language that is familiar to PO 00000 Frm 00116 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 qualified Floor members. Such member participation may include attending applicable meetings, drafting and reviewing documents, providing input on visuals and narration used for the module, and conducting research. Where such members have made a substantial contribution to the development of an educational module, the Exchange seeks authority to deem such members as having fulfilled their obligation to complete only that particular module on which they were consulted, in recognition of the fact that they have partnered with staff to create the final product and, in doing so, have become educated on the related regulatory aspects. These members would still be obligated to complete modules on which they were not consulted, just like any other member. 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,6 in that it is designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to remove impediments to, and perfect the mechanisms of, a free and open market and a national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. The Exchange believes this proposed rule change will serve all of these goals by providing for a more reasonable and robust program for developing educational materials for Floor members that are accurate in accordance with applicable rules and policies and couched in terms that are better understood by trading practitioners. Offering the exemptions proposed in this filing will encourage participation by experienced Floor members in the development of the program. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition 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 No written comments were solicited or received with respect to the proposed rule change. 6 15 E:\FR\FM\01JYN1.SGM U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). 01JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 127 / Tuesday, July 1, 2008 / Notices III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action The Exchange has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act 7 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.8 Because the proposed rule change does not: (i) Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative prior to 30 days from the date on which it was filed, 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)(iii) thereunder.9 A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b–4(f)(6) 10 normally does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii),11 the Commission may designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has requested that the Commission waive the 30-day operative delay. In support of its request, the Exchange has represented that certain EFGs are overdue or have pending due dates for completion of their FMCE requirements. The Exchange has stated that it would prefer to grant the waivers proposed in this filing to the EFGs, rather than continuing to apply a deadline extension for these individuals.12 The Commission believes that the proposed exemptions should not unduly advantage the affected members or subvert the intent of the continuing education requirement in NYSE Rule 103A. Waiving the operative delay will allow the Exchange to grant waivers immediately to those floor members who are eligible under the proposed rule change, rather than continuing to 7 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 9 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). In addition, Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) requires the Exchange to give the Commission written notice of the Exchange’s intent to file the proposed rule change along with a brief description and text of the proposed rule change, at least five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. The Exchange has satisfied the pre-filing requirement. 10 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 11 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). 12 The Exchange further noted that the proposed rule change also seeks limited relief from technical program requirements for a very small number of members in recognition of important contributions to the development of educational materials that are then presented to the general membership. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES 8 17 VerDate Aug<31>2005 21:01 Jun 30, 2008 Jkt 214001 37523 extend to deadline for these floor members during the 30-day operative delay. For these reasons, the Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. Accordingly, the Commission designates the proposed rule change to be operative upon filing with the Commission.13 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. 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 am and 3 pm. Copies of the filing will also be available for inspection and copying at the NYSE’s principal office and on its Internet Web site at https:// www.nyse.com. 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–NYSE– 2008–48 and should be submitted on or before July 22, 2008. IV. Solicitation of Comments For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.14 Florence E. Harmon, Acting Secretary. [FR Doc. E8–14832 Filed 6–30–08; 8:45 am] Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Electronic Comments SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • 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–NYSE–2008–48 on the subject line. Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NYSE–2008–48. 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 those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the 13 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). PO 00000 Frm 00117 Fmt 4703 BILLING CODE 8010–01–P Sfmt 4703 SBA North Florida District Advisory Council U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice of open Federal advisory committee meeting. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The SBA is issuing this notice to announce the location, date, time, and agenda for the next meeting of the SBA North Florida District Advisory Council. The meeting will be open to the public. DATES: The meeting will be held on Thursday, July 10th from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the University Center Club, FSU Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL 32306. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C., Appendix 2), SBA announces the meeting of the SBA North Florida District Advisory Council. The SBA North Florida District Advisory Council is tasked with providing advice and opinions to SBA regarding the effectiveness of and need for SBA programs, particularly within North Florida and for listening to what is currently happening in the Florida small business community. 14 17 E:\FR\FM\01JYN1.SGM CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). 01JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 127 (Tuesday, July 1, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37521-37523]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-14832]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-58013; File No. SR-NYSE-2008-48]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; New York Stock Exchange LLC; 
Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change 
Amending NYSE Rule 103A To Exempt Executive Floor Governors From Floor 
Member Continuing Education

June 24, 2008.
    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 June 19, 2008, New York Stock Exchange LLC (``NYSE'' or the 
``Exchange'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 
``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II 
below, which Items have been substantially prepared by the Exchange. 
The Exchange filed the proposal as a ``non-controversial'' proposed 
rule change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \3\ and Rule 
19b-4(f)(6) thereunder,\4\ which rendered 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
    \4\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The Exchange is proposing to amend NYSE Rule 103A(a)(3) (Specialist 
Stock Reallocation and Member Education and Performance) to exempt 
Executive Floor Governors (``EFGs'') of the Exchange from Floor Member 
Continuing Education (``FMCE'') requirements. The Exchange further 
proposes, in connection with specific FMCE modules, to deem members who 
substantially assisted NYSE Regulation, Inc. (``NYSE Regulation'') 
staff in the development of such modules as having fulfilled their 
obligation to complete required training on that module. The

[[Page 37522]]

text of the proposed rule change is available at https://www.nyse.com, 
the Exchange, and 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 those statements may be examined at the places specified in 
Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in 
sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant parts of such 
statements.

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

1. Purpose
    The Exchange is submitting this proposed amendment to NYSE Rule 
103A(a)(3) to permit the Exchange to exempt EFGs from the Exchange's 
mandatory FMCE program and to deem certain other members who have 
substantially assisted NYSE Regulation in developing a training module 
to have fulfilled their obligation to complete training on that module.
    NYSE Rule 103A(a)(3) requires that the Exchange, via NYSE 
Regulation, provide mandatory continuing education for all Floor 
members and permits the Exchange to deny non-complying members access 
to the Trading Floor until they complete their required education.
    On March 18, 2008, NYSE Regulation, which supervises the creation 
and delivery of content for the Exchange's FMCE program, launched the 
Learning Management System (``LMS''), which automates the delivery of 
program content to members via a Web-based interactive program that 
participants can access from an internet-capable computer. The Exchange 
filed certain amendments to Rule 103A to update the Rule in light of 
the new system requirements.\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 56851 (November 28, 
2007), 72 FR 68932 (December 6, 2007) (SR-NYSE-2007-106).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This proposed rule change seeks limited relief from the technical 
program requirements for two groups of members: (i) EFGs; and (ii) 
members who provide substantial assistance to NYSE Regulation staff in 
the development of specific training modules.
    EFGs are experienced and knowledgeable Exchange members who 
volunteer substantial amounts of time providing consultative and 
interpretive advice with respect to many NYSE rules. Among other 
things, EFGs:
     Take an active role in supervising unusual trading 
situations pursuant to NYSE Rules 46 and 47, which requires them to 
know and keep abreast of changes to NYSE rules and policies;
     Are frequently called on by NYSE rule development staff to 
provide feedback from the perspective of a knowledgeable practitioner 
with respect to proposed rules changes;
     Are regularly consulted with respect to trading situations 
on the Floor and provide trading dispute rulings in conjunction with 
NYSE Market, Inc. and NYSE Regulation staff; and
     Participate in regular meetings with NYSE Regulation 
senior staff to discuss various issues regarding trading on the 
Exchange and other Floor-related issues.
    In addition to the foregoing, NYSE Regulation also consults with 
the EFGs on FMCE content, including previewing LMS modules to some or 
all of the EFGs during the development phase.
    In view of their participation in the development of policies that 
are then taught to all members through the FMCE program, and in view of 
their contact with the FMCE program during its development, the 
Exchange believes it is appropriate to exempt EFGs from sitting through 
the completed FMCE program modules; the EFGs clearly have provided 
valuable assistance by the time the modules are rolled out to the 
general membership. Accordingly, NYSE Regulation seeks a limited 
exemption for EFGs from FMCE requirements.
    Additionally, in conjunction with creating educational materials 
for the FMCE program, NYSE Regulation staff from time to time may 
consult at length with experienced Floor members, including but not 
limited to Floor Officials (who act in such capacity by volunteering 
their time), in the development of content (e.g., slide shows and 
scripts). The purpose of such consultations is to ensure that the 
educational materials are both practical and effective as educational 
tools. Floor member contributions include, but are not limited to, 
ensuring that market examples used to drive home teaching points are 
realistic, that descriptions of how members interact with trading 
systems are feasible, that trading examples used to demonstrate 
applicable rules are useful, and that descriptions of trading 
activities are phrased in language that is familiar to qualified Floor 
members. Such member participation may include attending applicable 
meetings, drafting and reviewing documents, providing input on visuals 
and narration used for the module, and conducting research. Where such 
members have made a substantial contribution to the development of an 
educational module, the Exchange seeks authority to deem such members 
as having fulfilled their obligation to complete only that particular 
module on which they were consulted, in recognition of the fact that 
they have partnered with staff to create the final product and, in 
doing so, have become educated on the related regulatory aspects. These 
members would still be obligated to complete modules on which they were 
not consulted, just like any other member.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with 
and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,\6\ in that 
it is designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative practices, to 
promote just and equitable principles of trade, to remove impediments 
to, and perfect the mechanisms of, a free and open market and a 
national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the 
public interest. The Exchange believes this proposed rule change will 
serve all of these goals by providing for a more reasonable and robust 
program for developing educational materials for Floor members that are 
accurate in accordance with applicable rules and policies and couched 
in terms that are better understood by trading practitioners. Offering 
the exemptions proposed in this filing will encourage participation by 
experienced Floor members in the development of the program.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will 
impose any burden on competition 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

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

[[Page 37523]]

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

    The Exchange has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 
19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act \7\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\8\ 
Because the proposed rule change does not: (i) Significantly affect the 
protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any 
significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative prior to 
30 days from the date on which it was filed, 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)(iii) thereunder.\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
    \8\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \9\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii). In addition, Rule 19b-
4(f)(6)(iii) requires the Exchange to give the Commission written 
notice of the Exchange's intent to file the proposed rule change 
along with a brief description and text of the proposed rule change, 
at least five business days prior to the date of filing of the 
proposed rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the 
Commission. The Exchange has satisfied the pre-filing requirement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \10\ normally 
does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the 
filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii),\11\ the Commission 
may designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the 
protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has 
requested that the Commission waive the 30-day operative delay.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \11\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In support of its request, the Exchange has represented that 
certain EFGs are overdue or have pending due dates for completion of 
their FMCE requirements. The Exchange has stated that it would prefer 
to grant the waivers proposed in this filing to the EFGs, rather than 
continuing to apply a deadline extension for these individuals.\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ The Exchange further noted that the proposed rule change 
also seeks limited relief from technical program requirements for a 
very small number of members in recognition of important 
contributions to the development of educational materials that are 
then presented to the general membership.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission believes that the proposed exemptions should not 
unduly advantage the affected members or subvert the intent of the 
continuing education requirement in NYSE Rule 103A. Waiving the 
operative delay will allow the Exchange to grant waivers immediately to 
those floor members who are eligible under the proposed rule change, 
rather than continuing to extend to deadline for these floor members 
during the 30-day operative delay.
    For these reasons, the Commission believes that waiving the 30-day 
operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the 
public interest. Accordingly, the Commission designates the proposed 
rule change to be operative upon filing with the Commission.\13\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ 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 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.

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-NYSE-2008-48 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

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

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-NYSE-2008-48. 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 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 
am and 3 pm. Copies of the filing will also be available for inspection 
and copying at the NYSE's principal office and on its Internet Web site 
at https://www.nyse.com. 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-NYSE-2008-48 and should be submitted on or before July 22, 2008.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\14\
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    \14\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Florence E. Harmon,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. E8-14832 Filed 6-30-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8010-01-P
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