Self-Regulatory Organizations; Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Modify FINRA/Nasdaq Trade Reporting Securities Transaction Credit, 17460-17462 [2010-7694]

Download as PDF 17460 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 65 / Tuesday, April 6, 2010 / Notices C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others No written comments were solicited or received with respect to the proposed rule change. 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. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action Because the foregoing rule change does not: (1) Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (2) impose any significant burden on competition; and (3) become operative for 30 days after the date of this filing, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 10 and Rule 19b– 4(f)(6) thereunder.11 A proposed rule change filed under 19b–4(f)(6) normally may not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of filing.12 However, Rule 19b– 4(f)(6)(iii)13 permits the Commission to 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. The Exchange notes that the proposal will allow the Exchange to continue receiving inbound routes of equities orders from Arca Securities, in a manner consistent with prior approvals and established protections, while also permitting the Exchange and the Commission to assess the impact of the pilot.14 The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest because such waiver would allow the pilot period to be extended without interruption through September 30, 2010. For this reason, the Commission designates the proposed rule change to be operative upon filing with the Commission.15 At any time within 60 days of the filing of such proposed rule change the 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: 10 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 12 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). In addition, Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) requires that a self-regulatory organization submit to the Commission written notice of its 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 this requirement. 13 Id. 14 See supra note 9 and accompanying text. 15 For the purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, the Commission has considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES 11 17 VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:37 Apr 05, 2010 Jkt 220001 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–NYSEArca–2010–19 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–NYSEArca–2010–19. 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 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 Exchange. 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– NYSEArca–2010–19 and should be submitted on or before April 27, 2010. PO 00000 Frm 00093 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.16 Florence E. Harmon, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2010–7696 Filed 4–5–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–61806; File No. SR–FINRA– 2010–013] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Modify FINRA/Nasdaq Trade Reporting Securities Transaction Credit March 31, 2010. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on March 26, 2010, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (‘‘FINRA’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘SEC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II and III below, which Items have been prepared by FINRA. FINRA has designated the proposed rule change as ‘‘establishing or changing a due, fee or other charge’’ under Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act 3 and Rule 19b– 4(f)(2) thereunder,4 which renders the proposal effective upon receipt of this filing by the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change FINRA is proposing to amend FINRA Rule 7610A (Securities Transaction Credit) to modify credits provided to members that use the FINRA/Nasdaq Trade Reporting Facility (‘‘FINRA/ Nasdaq TRF’’). The text of the proposed rule change is available on FINRA’s Web site at https://www.finra.org, at the principal office of FINRA and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. 16 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii). 4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2). 1 15 E:\FR\FM\06APN1.SGM 06APN1 17461 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 65 / Tuesday, April 6, 2010 / Notices II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, FINRA included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. FINRA has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose Background The FINRA/Nasdaq TRF is a facility of FINRA that is operated by The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. (‘‘NASDAQ OMX’’). In connection with the establishment of the FINRA/Nasdaq TRF, FINRA and NASDAQ OMX entered into a limited liability company agreement (the ‘‘LLC Agreement’’). Under the LLC Agreement, FINRA, the ‘‘SRO Member,’’ has sole regulatory responsibility for the FINRA/Nasdaq TRF. NASDAQ OMX, the ‘‘Business Member,’’ is primarily responsible for the management of the FINRA/Nasdaq TRF’s business affairs, including establishing pricing for use of the FINRA/Nasdaq TRF, to the extent those affairs are not inconsistent with the regulatory and oversight functions of FINRA. Additionally, the Business Member is obligated to pay the cost of regulation and is entitled to the profits and losses, if any, derived from the operation of the FINRA/Nasdaq TRF. The FINRA/Nasdaq TRF receives revenue for transactions reported to the three tapes 5 from the Consolidated Tape Association and Nasdaq Securities Information Processor (the ‘‘Tapes’’). Pursuant to Rule 7610A, FINRA members are provided with a fractional share of this revenue based on their ‘‘Market Share.’’ 6 Market Share is calculated quarterly for each member based on the transactions attributed to them in each of the three Tapes. Rule 7610A provides four tiers of revenue share: 0%, 50%, 80% and 100%. Eligibility for a tier is based on the percentage of Market Share, and the percentage of Market Share required increases as the tiers of revenue share increase. Currently, the amount of Market Share required to receive an allocation under each tier is different for each Tape. For example, to receive an 80% share of revenue, a member must have 0.15% but less than 0.25% of Market Share if reporting an NYSE security, 0.25% but less than 0.50% if reporting an Amex security, or 0.25% but less than 0.75% if reporting a Nasdaq security. Proposed Amendments to Credit Schedule NASDAQ OMX, as the FINRA/Nasdaq TRF Business Member, has determined to amend the Market Share percentages for revenue sharing eligibility applicable to Tapes A and B so that they are consistent with the current levels of Tape C. Accordingly, FINRA is proposing to amend Rule 7610A to reflect the new credit schedule. The following table provides a comparison of the old Market Share tier structure with the proposed new structure: Previous tier break point New tier break point Revenue share (percent) A A A A Tier Tier Tier Tier 1 2 3 4 ..................................................................................... ..................................................................................... ..................................................................................... ..................................................................................... =>0.25% ............................. <0.25%, =>0.15% ............... <0.15%, =>0.10% ............... <0.10% ............................... =>0.75% ............................. <0.75%, =>0.25% ............... <0.25%, =>10% .................. <0.10% ............................... 100 80 50 0 Tape Tape Tape Tape B B B B Tier Tier Tier Tier 1 2 3 4 ..................................................................................... ..................................................................................... ..................................................................................... ..................................................................................... =>0.50% ............................. <0.50%, =>0.25% ............... <0.25%, =>0.10% ............... <0.10% ............................... =>0.75% ............................. <0.75%, =>0.25% ............... <0.25%, =>0.10% ............... <0.10% ............................... 100 80 50 0 Tape Tape Tape Tape sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES Tape Tape Tape Tape C C C C Tier Tier Tier Tier 1 2 3 4 .................................................................................... .................................................................................... .................................................................................... .................................................................................... =>0.75% ............................. <0.75%, =>0.25% ............... <0.25%, =>0.10% ............... <0.10% ............................... =>0.75% ............................. <0.75%, =>0.25% ............... <0.25%, =>0.10% ............... <0.10% ............................... 100 80 50 0 The Business Member notes that the volume and distribution of Market Share among both Tapes A and B have matured so that they more closely resemble the Market Share distribution of Tape C. As such, the Business Member believes that it is appropriate to align the tier structure of Tapes A and B to that of Tape C. The Business Member has advised FINRA that it believes that the proposed amended credit schedule more equitably allocates the revenue share provided to members for their use of the FINRA/Nasdaq TRF. The proposed rule change will eliminate the differences in allocation, thus rewarding each member consistently for its use of the FINRA/ Nasdaq TRF, irrespective of the Tape to which the transaction is reported. Under the proposed credit schedule, the thresholds for receiving revenue share under the tiers of Tapes A and B have increased. As a consequence, members that have historically qualified to receive revenue share from Tapes A and B may no longer qualify for the same tier, notwithstanding that they have achieved the same level of Market Share. The Business Member believes that this is an appropriate result of aligning Market Share with the revenues received from the Tapes for reporting those transactions. FINRA has filed the proposed rule change for immediate effectiveness. 5 Market data is transmitted to three tapes based on the listing venue of the security: New York Stock Exchange securities (‘‘Tape A’’), American Stock Exchange and regional exchange securities (‘‘Tape B’’), and Nasdaq Stock Market securities (‘‘Tape C’’). Tape A and Tape B are generally referred to as the Consolidated Tape. 6 Rule 7610A defines Market Share as a percentage calculated by dividing the total number of shares represented by trades reported by a FINRA member to the FINRA/Nasdaq TRF during a given calendar quarter by the total number of shares represented by all trades reported to the Consolidated Tape Association or the Nasdaq Securities Information Processor, as applicable, during that quarter. Market Share is calculated separately for each tape. VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:37 Apr 05, 2010 Jkt 220001 PO 00000 Frm 00094 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\06APN1.SGM 06APN1 17462 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 65 / Tuesday, April 6, 2010 / Notices FINRA is proposing that the operative date of the proposed rule change will be April 1, 2010. 2. Statutory Basis FINRA believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the provisions of Section 15A(b)(5) of the Act,7 which requires, among other things, that FINRA rules provide for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees and other charges among members and issuers and other persons using any facility or system that FINRA operates or controls. FINRA believes that the amended credit schedule is fair and provides an equitable allocation of the credits provided to the FINRA/Nasdaq TRF in that it will apply uniformly to all FINRA members that use the FINRA/ Nasdaq TRF. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition FINRA does not believe that the proposed rule change will result in any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others No written comments were either solicited or received. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action The foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act 8 and paragraph (f)(2) of Rule 19b–4 thereunder.9 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. sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES 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 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an e-mail to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–FINRA–2010–013 on the subject line. Surface Transportation Board Paper Comments 16:37 Apr 05, 2010 AGENCY: ACTION: Surface Transportation Board. Approval of rail cost adjustment factor. Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.10 Florence E. Harmon, Deputy Secretary. Decided: March 31, 2010. By the Board, Chairman Elliott, Vice Chairman Mulvey, and Commissioner Nottingham. Jeffrey Herzig, Clearance Clerk. SUMMARY: The Board has approved the second quarter 2010 Rail Cost Adjustment Factor (RCAF) and cost index filed by the Association of All submissions should refer to File American Railroads. The second quarter Number SR–FINRA–2010–013. This file 2010 RCAF (Unadjusted) is 1.060. The number should be included on the second quarter 2010 RCAF (Adjusted) is subject line if e-mail is used. To help the 0.477. The second quarter 2010 RCAF– Commission process and review your 5 is 0.452. As part of its March 30, 2010 comments more efficiently, please use submission, AAR asks the Board to only one method. The Commission will ‘‘correct the productivity calculation for post all comments on the Commission’s the period 2003–2007,’’ and requests Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/ that the Board recalculate earlier RCAF rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the (Adjusted) and RCAF–5 values that submission, all subsequent were determined with the 2003–2007 amendments, all written statements productivity adjustment factor. AAR’s with respect to the proposed rule additional request will be considered in change that are filed with the a separate proceeding. Commission, and all written DATES: Effective Date: April 1, 2010. communications relating to the proposed rule change between the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Commission and any person, other than Pedro Ramirez, (202) 245–0333. (Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) for the those that may be withheld from the hearing impaired: 1–800–877–8339.) public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: available for Web site viewing and Additional information is contained in printing in the Commission’s Public the Board’s decision, which is available Reference Room, 100 F Street, NE., on our Web site https://www.stb.dot.gov. Washington, DC 20549, on official Copies of the decision may be business days between the hours of 10 purchased by contacting the office of a.m. and 3 p.m. Copies of such filing Public Assistance, Governmental also will be available for inspection and Affairs, and Compliance at (202)–245– copying at the principal office of 0235. Assistance for the hearing FINRA. All comments received will be impaired is available through FIRS at 1– posted without change; the Commission 800–877–8339. does not edit personal identifying This action will not significantly information from submissions. You affect either the quality of the human should submit only information that environment or energy conservation. you wish to make publicly available. All Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b), we submissions should refer to File conclude that our action will not have Number SR–FINRA–2010–013 and a significant economic impact on a should be submitted on or before April substantial number of small entities 27, 2010. within the meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. For the Commission, by the Division of [FR Doc. 2010–7694 Filed 4–5–10; 8:45 am] 7 15 VerDate Nov<24>2008 Quarterly Rail Cost Adjustment Factor • Send paper comments in triplicate to Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. BILLING CODE 8011–01–P U.S.C. 78o–3(b)(5). 8 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii). 9 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2). [STB Ex Parte No. 290 (Sub-No. 5) (2010– 2)] [FR Doc. 2010–7684 Filed 4–5–10; 8:45 am] 10 17 Jkt 220001 PO 00000 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). Frm 00095 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 BILLING CODE 4915–01–P E:\FR\FM\06APN1.SGM 06APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 6, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17460-17462]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-7694]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-61806; File No. SR-FINRA-2010-013]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Financial Industry Regulatory 
Authority, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of 
Proposed Rule Change To Modify FINRA/Nasdaq Trade Reporting Securities 
Transaction Credit

March 31, 2010.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that 
on March 26, 2010, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. 
(``FINRA'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'' 
or ``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II 
and III below, which Items have been prepared by FINRA. FINRA has 
designated the proposed rule change as ``establishing or changing a 
due, fee or other charge'' under Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act \3\ 
and Rule 19b-4(f)(2) thereunder,\4\ which renders the proposal 
effective upon receipt of this filing by 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)(ii).
    \4\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    FINRA is proposing to amend FINRA Rule 7610A (Securities 
Transaction Credit) to modify credits provided to members that use the 
FINRA/Nasdaq Trade Reporting Facility (``FINRA/Nasdaq TRF'').
    The text of the proposed rule change is available on FINRA's Web 
site at https://www.finra.org, at the principal office of FINRA and at 
the Commission's Public Reference Room.

[[Page 17461]]

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

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

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

1. Purpose
Background
    The FINRA/Nasdaq TRF is a facility of FINRA that is operated by The 
NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. (``NASDAQ OMX''). In connection with the 
establishment of the FINRA/Nasdaq TRF, FINRA and NASDAQ OMX entered 
into a limited liability company agreement (the ``LLC Agreement''). 
Under the LLC Agreement, FINRA, the ``SRO Member,'' has sole regulatory 
responsibility for the FINRA/Nasdaq TRF. NASDAQ OMX, the ``Business 
Member,'' is primarily responsible for the management of the FINRA/
Nasdaq TRF's business affairs, including establishing pricing for use 
of the FINRA/Nasdaq TRF, to the extent those affairs are not 
inconsistent with the regulatory and oversight functions of FINRA. 
Additionally, the Business Member is obligated to pay the cost of 
regulation and is entitled to the profits and losses, if any, derived 
from the operation of the FINRA/Nasdaq TRF.
    The FINRA/Nasdaq TRF receives revenue for transactions reported to 
the three tapes \5\ from the Consolidated Tape Association and Nasdaq 
Securities Information Processor (the ``Tapes''). Pursuant to Rule 
7610A, FINRA members are provided with a fractional share of this 
revenue based on their ``Market Share.'' \6\ Market Share is calculated 
quarterly for each member based on the transactions attributed to them 
in each of the three Tapes. Rule 7610A provides four tiers of revenue 
share: 0%, 50%, 80% and 100%. Eligibility for a tier is based on the 
percentage of Market Share, and the percentage of Market Share required 
increases as the tiers of revenue share increase. Currently, the amount 
of Market Share required to receive an allocation under each tier is 
different for each Tape. For example, to receive an 80% share of 
revenue, a member must have 0.15% but less than 0.25% of Market Share 
if reporting an NYSE security, 0.25% but less than 0.50% if reporting 
an Amex security, or 0.25% but less than 0.75% if reporting a Nasdaq 
security.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ Market data is transmitted to three tapes based on the 
listing venue of the security: New York Stock Exchange securities 
(``Tape A''), American Stock Exchange and regional exchange 
securities (``Tape B''), and Nasdaq Stock Market securities (``Tape 
C''). Tape A and Tape B are generally referred to as the 
Consolidated Tape.
    \6\ Rule 7610A defines Market Share as a percentage calculated 
by dividing the total number of shares represented by trades 
reported by a FINRA member to the FINRA/Nasdaq TRF during a given 
calendar quarter by the total number of shares represented by all 
trades reported to the Consolidated Tape Association or the Nasdaq 
Securities Information Processor, as applicable, during that 
quarter. Market Share is calculated separately for each tape.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Proposed Amendments to Credit Schedule
    NASDAQ OMX, as the FINRA/Nasdaq TRF Business Member, has determined 
to amend the Market Share percentages for revenue sharing eligibility 
applicable to Tapes A and B so that they are consistent with the 
current levels of Tape C. Accordingly, FINRA is proposing to amend Rule 
7610A to reflect the new credit schedule. The following table provides 
a comparison of the old Market Share tier structure with the proposed 
new structure:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                                           Revenue share
                                                      Previous tier break point                         New tier break point                 (percent)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tape A Tier 1............................  =>0.25%.......................................  =>0.75%......................................             100
Tape A Tier 2............................  <0.25%, =>0.15%...............................  <0.75%, =>0.25%..............................              80
Tape A Tier 3............................  <0.15%, =>0.10%...............................  <0.25%, =>10%................................              50
Tape A Tier 4............................  <0.10%........................................  <0.10%.......................................               0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tape B Tier 1............................  =>0.50%.......................................  =>0.75%......................................             100
Tape B Tier 2............................  <0.50%, =>0.25%...............................  <0.75%, =>0.25%..............................              80
Tape B Tier 3............................  <0.25%, =>0.10%...............................  <0.25%, =>0.10%..............................              50
Tape B Tier 4............................  <0.10%........................................  <0.10%.......................................               0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tape C Tier 1............................  =>0.75%.......................................  =>0.75%......................................             100
Tape C Tier 2............................  <0.75%, =>0.25%...............................  <0.75%, =>0.25%..............................              80
Tape C Tier 3............................  <0.25%, =>0.10%...............................  <0.25%, =>0.10%..............................              50
Tape C Tier 4............................  <0.10%........................................  <0.10%.......................................               0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Business Member notes that the volume and distribution of 
Market Share among both Tapes A and B have matured so that they more 
closely resemble the Market Share distribution of Tape C. As such, the 
Business Member believes that it is appropriate to align the tier 
structure of Tapes A and B to that of Tape C.
    The Business Member has advised FINRA that it believes that the 
proposed amended credit schedule more equitably allocates the revenue 
share provided to members for their use of the FINRA/Nasdaq TRF. The 
proposed rule change will eliminate the differences in allocation, thus 
rewarding each member consistently for its use of the FINRA/Nasdaq TRF, 
irrespective of the Tape to which the transaction is reported.
    Under the proposed credit schedule, the thresholds for receiving 
revenue share under the tiers of Tapes A and B have increased. As a 
consequence, members that have historically qualified to receive 
revenue share from Tapes A and B may no longer qualify for the same 
tier, notwithstanding that they have achieved the same level of Market 
Share. The Business Member believes that this is an appropriate result 
of aligning Market Share with the revenues received from the Tapes for 
reporting those transactions.
    FINRA has filed the proposed rule change for immediate 
effectiveness.

[[Page 17462]]

FINRA is proposing that the operative date of the proposed rule change 
will be April 1, 2010.
2. Statutory Basis
    FINRA believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the 
provisions of Section 15A(b)(5) of the Act,\7\ which requires, among 
other things, that FINRA rules provide for the equitable allocation of 
reasonable dues, fees and other charges among members and issuers and 
other persons using any facility or system that FINRA operates or 
controls. FINRA believes that the amended credit schedule is fair and 
provides an equitable allocation of the credits provided to the FINRA/
Nasdaq TRF in that it will apply uniformly to all FINRA members that 
use the FINRA/Nasdaq TRF.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ 15 U.S.C. 78o-3(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

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

    No written comments were either solicited or received.

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

    The foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 
19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act \8\ and paragraph (f)(2) of Rule 19b-4 
thereunder.\9\ 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii).
    \9\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

IV. Solicitation of Comments

    Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and 
arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule 
change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of 
the following methods:

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an e-mail to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include 
File Number SR-FINRA-2010-013 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-FINRA-2010-013. 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 Web site 
viewing and printing 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 FINRA. 
All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission 
does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You 
should submit only information that you wish to make publicly 
available. All submissions should refer to File Number SR-FINRA-2010-
013 and should be submitted on or before April 27, 2010.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\10\
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    \10\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Florence E. Harmon,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2010-7694 Filed 4-5-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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