Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change by New York Stock Exchange LLC Deleting NYSE Rule 409A and Adopting New Rule 2266 To Correspond With Rule Changes Recently Filed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., 41763-41765 [E9-19730]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 158 / Tuesday, August 18, 2009 / Notices
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–CBOE–2009–058 on the
subject line.
Paper Comments
jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES
• Send paper comments in triplicate
to Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary,
Securities and Exchange Commission,
100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC
20549–1090.
All submissions should refer to File
Number SR–CBOE–2009–058. 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 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Copies of such filing also will be
available for inspection and copying at
the principal office of the CBOE. 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–CBOE–2009–058 and
should be submitted on or before
September 8, 2009.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.19
Florence E. Harmon,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. E9–19692 Filed 8–17–09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8010–01–P
19 17
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
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16:30 Aug 17, 2009
Jkt 217001
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–60457; File No. SR–NYSE–
2009–76]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice
of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness
of Proposed Rule Change by New York
Stock Exchange LLC Deleting NYSE
Rule 409A and Adopting New Rule
2266 To Correspond With Rule
Changes Recently Filed by the
Financial Industry Regulatory
Authority, Inc.
August 7, 2009.
Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1)1 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
‘‘Act’’)2 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,3
notice is hereby given that, on July 28,
2009, 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 prepared by the self-regulatory
organization. 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 Exchange proposes to proposes to
[sic] delete NYSE Rule 409A and to
adopt new Rule 2266 to correspond
with rule changes recently filed by the
Financial Industry Regulatory
Authority, Inc. (‘‘FINRA’’) and approved
by the Commission.4 The text of the
proposed rule change is available at the
Exchange, the Commission’s Public
Reference Room, and https://
www.nyse.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
self-regulatory organization 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.
1 15
U.S.C.78s(b)(1).
U.S.C. 78a.
3 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
4 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 59987
(May 27, 2009), 74 FR 26902 (June 4, 2009) (order
approving FINRA 2009–016).
2 15
PO 00000
Frm 00090
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
41763
A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of the Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
Change
1. Purpose
The purpose of the proposed rule
change is to delete NYSE Rule 409A and
to adopt new Rule 2266 to correspond
with rule changes recently filed by
FINRA and approved by the
Commission.
Background
On July 30, 2007, FINRA’s
predecessor, the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (‘‘NASD’’), and
NYSE Regulation, Inc. (‘‘NYSER’’)
consolidated their member firm
regulation operations into a combined
organization, FINRA. Pursuant to Rule
17d–2 under the Act, NYSE, NYSER and
FINRA entered into an agreement (the
‘‘Agreement’’) to reduce regulatory
duplication for their members by
allocating to FINRA certain regulatory
responsibilities for certain NYSE rules
and rule interpretations (‘‘FINRA
Incorporated NYSE Rules’’).5 As part of
its effort to reduce regulatory
duplication and relieve firms that are
members of both FINRA and the
Exchange of conflicting or unnecessary
regulatory burdens, FINRA is now
engaged in the process of reviewing and
amending the NASD and FINRA
Incorporated NYSE Rules in order to
create a consolidated FINRA rulebook.6
Proposed Conforming Amendments to
NYSE Rules
As discussed in more detail below,
FINRA amended certain NASD and
FINRA Incorporated NYSE Rules and
adopted consolidated FINRA Rules to
replace them. The NYSE hereby
proposes to delete NYSE Rule 409A and
to adopt new Rule 2266 to conform to
the changes adopted by FINRA.7
5 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 56148
(July 26, 2007), 72 FR 42146 (August 1, 2007) (order
approving the Agreement) and Securities Exchange
Act Release No. 56147 (July 26, 2007), 72 FR 42166
(August 1, 2007) (SR–NASD–2007–054) (order
approving the incorporation of certain NYSE Rules
as ‘‘Common Rules’’). Paragraph 2(b) of the 17d–2
Agreement sets forth procedures regarding
proposed changes by either NYSE or FINRA to the
substance of any of the Common Rules.
6 FINRA’s rulebook currently has three sets of
rules: (1) NASD Rules, (2) FINRA Incorporated
NYSE Rules, and (3) consolidated FINRA Rules.
The FINRA Incorporated NYSE Rules apply only to
those members of FINRA that are also members of
the NYSE (‘‘Dual Members’’), while the
consolidated FINRA Rules apply to all FINRA
members. For more information about the FINRA
rulebook consolidation process, see FINRA
Information Notice, March 12, 2008.
7 NYSE Amex LLC has submitted a companion
rule filing to conform its corresponding NYSE
E:\FR\FM\18AUN1.SGM
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18AUN1
41764
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 158 / Tuesday, August 18, 2009 / Notices
jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES
In relevant part, FINRA adopted
NASD Rule 2342 (SIPC Information) as
consolidated FINRA Rule 2266.8 FINRA
Rule 2266 requires all FINRA members,
except for those members that are not
Securities Investor Protection
Corporation (‘‘SIPC’’) members or whose
business consists exclusively of the sale
of investments that are not subject to
SIPC protection, to advise all new
customers in writing at the time they
open an account that they may obtain
information about SIPC by contacting
SIPC and to provide such customers
with SIPC’s contact information. Such
information must also be provided
annually to all existing customers.
Where both an introducing firm and a
clearing firm service the same account,
the firms may assign these requirements
to one or the other firm.9
Because it is substantively similar to
this new FINRA Rule, FINRA deleted
FINRA Incorporated NYSE Rule 409A
(SIPC Disclosures). In particular, FINRA
Incorporated NYSE Rule 409A requires
member organizations to advise each
customer in writing, upon the opening
of an account and annually thereafter,
that they may obtain information about
SIPC and to provide such customers
with SIPC’s contact information. Similar
to FINRA Rule 2266, where a clearing
agreement is in place, these
requirements may be assigned to either
the introducing or clearing firm.
However, FINRA Incorporated NYSE
Rule 409A does not contain the
exclusions in FINRA Rule 2266.10
FINRA deleted FINRA Incorporated
NYSE Rule 409A because it believes
that FIRNA [sic] Rule 2266, which
includes the exclusionary provisions for
non-SIPC members or members that sell
exclusively non-SIPC securities, is the
more appropriate rule for its members.11
To harmonize the NYSE Rules with
the approved FINRA Rules, the
Exchange correspondingly proposes to
delete NYSE Rule 409A and to adopt
Amex Equities Rules to the changes proposed in
this filing. See SR–NYSE–Amex-2009–52, formally
submitted July 28, 2009).
8 In its filing, FINRA also adopted NASD Rules
2130 (Obtaining an Order of Expungement of
Customer Dispute Information from the Central
Registration Depository (CRD System)), 2810 (Direct
Participation Programs) and 3115 (Requirements for
Alternative Trading Systems to Record and
Transmit Order and Execution Information for
Security Futures) as consolidated FINRA Rules
2080, 2310 and 4551, respectively. See Securities
Exchange Act Release No. 59987 (May 27, 2009), 74
FR 26902 (June 4, 2009). NYSE is not adopting
these FINRA Rules.
9 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 59987
(May 27, 2009), 74 FR 26902 (June 4, 2009).
10 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 59987
(May 27, 2009), 74 FR 26902 (June 4, 2009).
11 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 59987
(May 27, 2009), 74 FR 26902 (June 4, 2009).
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16:30 Aug 17, 2009
Jkt 217001
proposed NYSE Rule 2266, which is
substantially similar to the new FINRA
Rule. As proposed, NYSE Rule 2266
adopts the same language as FINRA
Rule 2266, except for substituting for or
adding to, as needed, the term ‘‘member
organization’’ for the term ‘‘member’’,
and making corresponding technical
changes. As with the consolidated
FINRA Rule, under proposed NYSE
Rule 2266 Exchange members and
member organizations will be required
to provide SIPC disclosures to all new
customers upon opening an account and
to existing customers on an annual
basis.
2. Statutory Basis
The Exchange believes that the
proposed rule changes are consistent
with Section 6(b) of the Act,12 in
general, and further the objectives of
Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,13 in
particular, in that they are designed to
prevent fraudulent and manipulative
acts and practices, to promote just and
equitable principles of trade, 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 proposed rule
changes also support the principles of
Section 11A(a)(1) 14 of the Act in that
they seek to ensure the economically
efficient execution of securities
transactions and fair competition among
brokers and dealers and among
exchange markets.
The Exchange believes that the
proposed rule changes support the
objectives of the Act by providing
greater harmonization between NYSE
Rules and FINRA Rules (including
Common Rules) of similar purpose,
resulting in less burdensome and more
efficient regulatory compliance for Dual
Members. To the extent the Exchange
has proposed changes that differ from
the FINRA version of the Rule, such
changes are technical in nature and do
not change the substance of the
proposed NYSE Rule.
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.
12 15
U.S.C. 78f(b).
U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
14 15 U.S.C. 78k–1(a)(1).
13 15
PO 00000
Frm 00091
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement on Comments on the
Proposed Rule Change Received From
Members, Participants or Others
No written comments were solicited
or received with respect to the proposed
rule change.
III. Date of Effectiveness of the
Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
Commission Action
The Exchange has filed the proposed
rule change pursuant to Section
19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act 15 and Rule
19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.16 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.17
A proposed rule change filed under
Rule 19b–4(f)(6) 18 normally does not
become operative prior to 30 days after
the date of the filing. However, pursuant
to Rule 19b4(f)(6)(iii),19 the Commission
may designate a shorter time if such
action is consistent with the protection
of investors and the public interest. The
Exchange has asked the Commission to
waive the 30-day operative delay so that
the proposal may become operative
immediately upon filing. The
Commission believes waiving the 30day operative delay is consistent with
the protection of investors and the
public interest. Acceleration of the
operative date will allow the immediate
change of the NYSE’s rule to make it
consistent with the FINRA rule, thereby
making compliance for dual members
less burdensome. For these reasons, the
Commission designates the proposal to
be effective and operative upon filing.20
15 15
U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6).
17 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b–
4(f)(6) requires a self-regulatory organization to give
the Commission written notice of its intent to file
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
requirement.
18 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6).
19 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii).
20 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day
operative delay of the proposal, the Commission
has considered the proposed rule’s impact on
efficiency, competition and capital formation. 15
U.S.C. 78c(f).
16 17
E:\FR\FM\18AUN1.SGM
18AUN1
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 158 / Tuesday, August 18, 2009 / Notices
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:
jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES
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–NYSE–2009–76 on the
subject line.
should refer to File Number SR–NYSE–
2009–76 and should be submitted on or
before September 8, 2009.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.21
Florence E. Harmon,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. E9–19730 Filed 8–17–09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8010–01–P
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–60465; File No. SR–BX–
2009–041]
Self-Regulatory Organizations;
NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc.; Notice of Filing
of Proposed Rule Change To Eliminate
Chapter V, Section 13 (Unusual Market
Conditions) of the BOX Trading Rules
and To Modify Related Rules
August 10, 2009.
Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) 1 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Paper Comments
(‘‘Act’’),2 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,3
notice is hereby given that on August 3,
• Send paper comments in triplicate
2009, NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc. (the
to Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary,
‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities
Securities and Exchange Commission,
and Exchange Commission
100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC
(‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule
20549–1090.
change as described in Items I, II and III
All submissions should refer to File
below, which Items have been prepared
Number SR–NYSE–2009–76. This file
by the Exchange. The Commission is
number should be included on the
subject line if e-mail is used. To help the publishing this notice to solicit
comments on the proposed rule change
Commission process and review your
from interested persons.
comments more efficiently, please use
only one method. The Commission will I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
post all comments on the Commission’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of
Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/
the Proposed Rule Change
rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the
The purpose of the proposed rule
submission, all subsequent
change is to eliminate Chapter V,
amendments, all written statements
Section 13 (Unusual Market Conditions)
with respect to the proposed rule
of the Trading Rules of the Boston
change that are filed with the
Options Exchange Group, LLC (‘‘BOX’’)
Commission, and all written
and to modify related rules. The text of
communications relating to the
the proposed rule change is available
proposed rule change between the
from the principal office of the
Commission and any person, other than
Exchange, at the Commission’s Public
those that may be withheld from the
Reference Room and also on the
public in accordance with the
Exchange’s Internet Web site at https://
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be
nasdaqomxbx.cchwallstreet.com/
available for inspection and copying in
NASDAQOMXBX/Filings/.
the Commission’s Public Reference
Room, 100 F Street, NE., Washington,
II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
DC 20549, on official business days
Statement of the Purpose of, and
between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
Copies of the filing also will be available Change
for inspection and copying at the
In its filing with the Commission, the
principal office of NYSE. All comments Exchange included statements
received will be posted without change; concerning the purpose of, and basis for,
the Commission does not edit personal
identifying information from
21 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
submissions. You should submit only
1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
2 15 U.S.C. 78a.
information that you wish to make
3 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
available publicly. All submissions
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16:30 Aug 17, 2009
Jkt 217001
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Frm 00092
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
41765
the proposed rule change and discussed
any comments it received on the
proposed rule change. The text of these
statements may be examined at the
places specified in Item IV below. The
Exchange has prepared summaries, set
forth in Sections A, B, and C below, of
the most significant aspects of such
statements.
A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of the Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
Change
1. Purpose
The purpose of the proposed rule is
to eliminate Chapter V, Section 13, as
well as certain ancillary rules, which
deal with so-called ‘‘fast markets.’’ The
Exchange believes that ‘‘fast market’’
conditions do not occur on the
electronic and automated BOX market.
In cases in which a system malfunction
or other occurrence caused a delay in
disseminating accurate quotes, rather
than relying on the current rules in
Chapter V, Section 13, the Exchange
would halt trading until the issue could
be resolved.
The Exchange proposes to eliminate
Chapter V, Section 13, as well as certain
ancillary rules relating to fast markets.
The Exchange has never declared a fast
market. Generally, a fast market is
characterized by heavy trading and high
price volatility in which orders may be
submitted to market makers at such a
rapid pace that a backlog of orders
builds, causing delays in execution. If
such a fast market occurred, delays
could in turn cause significant price
differentials between the quoted price
and executed price. Generally, Chapter
V, Section 13 provides that if the
Exchange declared a fast market, it may
inform traders that quotes are not firm
and to take other actions as necessary in
furtherance of a fair and orderly market.
Chapter V, Section 13 provides for an
Options Official to determine that the
level of trading activity or the existence
of unusual market conditions is such
that BOX is incapable of collecting,
processing, and making available to
quotation vendors the data for the
option in a manner that accurately
reflects the current state of the market
on BOX. Pursuant to current rules, if an
Options Official determined the market
in the option to be ‘‘fast,’’ the Official
could take various steps including
suspending minimum size requirements
for quotations, turning off the Price
Improvement Period (‘‘PIP’’) process, or
taking other actions in order to promote
a fair and orderly market.
In an electronic market such as BOX,
during trading hours, orders are
E:\FR\FM\18AUN1.SGM
18AUN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 158 (Tuesday, August 18, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41763-41765]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-19730]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
[Release No. 34-60457; File No. SR-NYSE-2009-76]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing and Immediate
Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change by New York Stock Exchange LLC
Deleting NYSE Rule 409A and Adopting New Rule 2266 To Correspond With
Rule Changes Recently Filed by the Financial Industry Regulatory
Authority, Inc.
August 7, 2009.
Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1)\1\ of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 (the ``Act'')\2\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\3\ notice is hereby
given that, on July 28, 2009, 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 prepared by the self-regulatory
organization. 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\ 15 U.S.C. 78a.
\3\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance
of the Proposed Rule Change
The Exchange proposes to proposes to [sic] delete NYSE Rule 409A
and to adopt new Rule 2266 to correspond with rule changes recently
filed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (``FINRA'')
and approved by the Commission.\4\ The text of the proposed rule change
is available at the Exchange, the Commission's Public Reference Room,
and https://www.nyse.com.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 59987 (May 27,
2009), 74 FR 26902 (June 4, 2009) (order approving FINRA 2009-016).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 self-regulatory organization
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 purpose of the proposed rule change is to delete NYSE Rule 409A
and to adopt new Rule 2266 to correspond with rule changes recently
filed by FINRA and approved by the Commission.
Background
On July 30, 2007, FINRA's predecessor, the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (``NASD''), and NYSE Regulation, Inc.
(``NYSER'') consolidated their member firm regulation operations into a
combined organization, FINRA. Pursuant to Rule 17d-2 under the Act,
NYSE, NYSER and FINRA entered into an agreement (the ``Agreement'') to
reduce regulatory duplication for their members by allocating to FINRA
certain regulatory responsibilities for certain NYSE rules and rule
interpretations (``FINRA Incorporated NYSE Rules'').\5\ As part of its
effort to reduce regulatory duplication and relieve firms that are
members of both FINRA and the Exchange of conflicting or unnecessary
regulatory burdens, FINRA is now engaged in the process of reviewing
and amending the NASD and FINRA Incorporated NYSE Rules in order to
create a consolidated FINRA rulebook.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 56148 (July 26,
2007), 72 FR 42146 (August 1, 2007) (order approving the Agreement)
and Securities Exchange Act Release No. 56147 (July 26, 2007), 72 FR
42166 (August 1, 2007) (SR-NASD-2007-054) (order approving the
incorporation of certain NYSE Rules as ``Common Rules''). Paragraph
2(b) of the 17d-2 Agreement sets forth procedures regarding proposed
changes by either NYSE or FINRA to the substance of any of the
Common Rules.
\6\ FINRA's rulebook currently has three sets of rules: (1) NASD
Rules, (2) FINRA Incorporated NYSE Rules, and (3) consolidated FINRA
Rules. The FINRA Incorporated NYSE Rules apply only to those members
of FINRA that are also members of the NYSE (``Dual Members''), while
the consolidated FINRA Rules apply to all FINRA members. For more
information about the FINRA rulebook consolidation process, see
FINRA Information Notice, March 12, 2008.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed Conforming Amendments to NYSE Rules
As discussed in more detail below, FINRA amended certain NASD and
FINRA Incorporated NYSE Rules and adopted consolidated FINRA Rules to
replace them. The NYSE hereby proposes to delete NYSE Rule 409A and to
adopt new Rule 2266 to conform to the changes adopted by FINRA.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\7\ NYSE Amex LLC has submitted a companion rule filing to
conform its corresponding NYSE Amex Equities Rules to the changes
proposed in this filing. See SR-NYSE-Amex-2009-52, formally
submitted July 28, 2009).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 41764]]
In relevant part, FINRA adopted NASD Rule 2342 (SIPC Information)
as consolidated FINRA Rule 2266.\8\ FINRA Rule 2266 requires all FINRA
members, except for those members that are not Securities Investor
Protection Corporation (``SIPC'') members or whose business consists
exclusively of the sale of investments that are not subject to SIPC
protection, to advise all new customers in writing at the time they
open an account that they may obtain information about SIPC by
contacting SIPC and to provide such customers with SIPC's contact
information. Such information must also be provided annually to all
existing customers. Where both an introducing firm and a clearing firm
service the same account, the firms may assign these requirements to
one or the other firm.\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\8\ In its filing, FINRA also adopted NASD Rules 2130 (Obtaining
an Order of Expungement of Customer Dispute Information from the
Central Registration Depository (CRD System)), 2810 (Direct
Participation Programs) and 3115 (Requirements for Alternative
Trading Systems to Record and Transmit Order and Execution
Information for Security Futures) as consolidated FINRA Rules 2080,
2310 and 4551, respectively. See Securities Exchange Act Release No.
59987 (May 27, 2009), 74 FR 26902 (June 4, 2009). NYSE is not
adopting these FINRA Rules.
\9\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 59987 (May 27,
2009), 74 FR 26902 (June 4, 2009).
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Because it is substantively similar to this new FINRA Rule, FINRA
deleted FINRA Incorporated NYSE Rule 409A (SIPC Disclosures). In
particular, FINRA Incorporated NYSE Rule 409A requires member
organizations to advise each customer in writing, upon the opening of
an account and annually thereafter, that they may obtain information
about SIPC and to provide such customers with SIPC's contact
information. Similar to FINRA Rule 2266, where a clearing agreement is
in place, these requirements may be assigned to either the introducing
or clearing firm. However, FINRA Incorporated NYSE Rule 409A does not
contain the exclusions in FINRA Rule 2266.\10\
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\10\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 59987 (May 27,
2009), 74 FR 26902 (June 4, 2009).
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FINRA deleted FINRA Incorporated NYSE Rule 409A because it believes
that FIRNA [sic] Rule 2266, which includes the exclusionary provisions
for non-SIPC members or members that sell exclusively non-SIPC
securities, is the more appropriate rule for its members.\11\
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\11\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 59987 (May 27,
2009), 74 FR 26902 (June 4, 2009).
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To harmonize the NYSE Rules with the approved FINRA Rules, the
Exchange correspondingly proposes to delete NYSE Rule 409A and to adopt
proposed NYSE Rule 2266, which is substantially similar to the new
FINRA Rule. As proposed, NYSE Rule 2266 adopts the same language as
FINRA Rule 2266, except for substituting for or adding to, as needed,
the term ``member organization'' for the term ``member'', and making
corresponding technical changes. As with the consolidated FINRA Rule,
under proposed NYSE Rule 2266 Exchange members and member organizations
will be required to provide SIPC disclosures to all new customers upon
opening an account and to existing customers on an annual basis.
2. Statutory Basis
The Exchange believes that the proposed rule changes are consistent
with Section 6(b) of the Act,\12\ in general, and further the
objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,\13\ in particular, in that
they are designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and
practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, 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 proposed rule changes also support the principles
of Section 11A(a)(1) \14\ of the Act in that they seek to ensure the
economically efficient execution of securities transactions and fair
competition among brokers and dealers and among exchange markets.
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\12\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
\13\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
\14\ 15 U.S.C. 78k-1(a)(1).
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The Exchange believes that the proposed rule changes support the
objectives of the Act by providing greater harmonization between NYSE
Rules and FINRA Rules (including Common Rules) of similar purpose,
resulting in less burdensome and more efficient regulatory compliance
for Dual Members. To the extent the Exchange has proposed changes that
differ from the FINRA version of the Rule, such changes are technical
in nature and do not change the substance of the proposed NYSE Rule.
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.
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 \15\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\16\
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.\17\
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\15\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
\16\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
\17\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)
requires a self-regulatory organization to give the Commission
written notice of its intent to file 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 requirement.
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A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \18\ normally
does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the
filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b4(f)(6)(iii),\19\ the Commission
may designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the
protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has asked
the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that the proposal
may become operative immediately upon filing. The Commission believes
waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of
investors and the public interest. Acceleration of the operative date
will allow the immediate change of the NYSE's rule to make it
consistent with the FINRA rule, thereby making compliance for dual
members less burdensome. For these reasons, the Commission designates
the proposal to be effective and operative upon filing.\20\
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\18\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
\19\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
\20\ For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay of
the proposal, the Commission has considered the proposed rule's
impact on efficiency, competition and capital formation. 15 U.S.C.
78c(f).
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[[Page 41765]]
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-2009-76 on the subject line.
Paper Comments
Send paper comments in triplicate to Elizabeth M. Murphy,
Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE.,
Washington, DC 20549-1090.
All submissions should refer to File Number SR-NYSE-2009-76. 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
a.m. and 3 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for
inspection and copying at the principal office of NYSE. 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-2009-76 and should be
submitted on or before September 8, 2009.
For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\21\
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\21\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Florence E. Harmon,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. E9-19730 Filed 8-17-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8010-01-P