Justia Agencies And Commissions Securities And Exchange Commission Program for Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Pursuant to Rule 17d-2; Notice of Filing and Order Approving and Declaring Effective an Amendment to the Plan for the Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Among BATS Exchange, Inc., BATS Y-Exchange, Inc., Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated, Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc., EDGA Exchange, Inc., EDGX Exchange, Inc., Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc., NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, National Stock Exchange, Inc., New York Stock Exchange LLC, NYSE Amex LLC, and NYSE Arca, Inc. Relating to the Surveillance, Investigation, and Enforcement of Insider Trading Rules, 4948-4958 [2011-1764]

Program for Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Pursuant to Rule 17d-2; Notice of Filing and Order Approving and Declaring Effective an Amendment to the Plan for the Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Among BATS Exchange, Inc., BATS Y-Exchange, Inc., Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated, Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc., EDGA Exchange, Inc., EDGX Exchange, Inc., Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc., NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, National Stock Exchange, Inc., New York Stock Exchange LLC, NYSE Amex LLC, and NYSE Arca, Inc. Relating to the Surveillance, Investigation, and Enforcement of Insider Trading Rules, 4948-4958 [2011-1764]

Download as PDF 4948 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 18 / Thursday, January 27, 2011 / Notices For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [NRC–2011–0020] mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy; Notice of Receipt and Availability of an Application for Renewal of the U.S. Advanced Boiling Water Reactor Design Certification On December 7, 2010, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) filed with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC, the Commission) pursuant to Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Part 52, ‘‘Licenses, Certifications, and Approvals for Nuclear Power Plants,’’ an application for a design certification (DC) renewal for the U.S. Advanced Boiling Water Reactor (ABWR). An applicant may seek a DC Renewal in accordance with subpart B of 10 CFR part 52. The application was submitted in accordance with the requirements of 10 CFR 52.57(a). The information submitted by the applicant includes a request that the U.S. ABWR design certification be amended pursuant to 10 CFR 52.59(c); an aircraft impact assessment amendment pursuant to 10 CFR 50.150; and an environmental report pursuant to 10 CFR 52.47(b)(2) and 10 CFR 51.55(b). Subsequent Federal Register notices will address the acceptability of the tendered DC Renewal application for docketing and provisions for participation of the public in the DC Renewal review process. A copy of the application is available for public inspection at the Commission’s Public Document Room (PDR), located at One White Flint North, Public File Area O1–F21, 11555 Rockville Pike (first floor), Rockville, Maryland, and via the Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) Public Electronic Reading Room on the Internet at the NRC Web site, https://www.nrc.gov/ reading-rm/adams.html. The accession numbers for the application are ML110040175 and ML110040323. Future publicly available documents related to the application will also be posted in ADAMS. Persons who do not have access to ADAMS, or who encounter problems in accessing the documents located in ADAMS, should contact the NRC Public Document Room staff by telephone at 1–800–397–4209 or 301–415–4737, or by e-mail to pdr.resource@nrc.gov. The application is also available at https://www.nrc.gov/ reactors/new-reactors/design-cert.html. Dated at Rockville, Maryland this 19th day of January 2011. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:51 Jan 26, 2011 Jkt 223001 ˜ Adrian Muniz, Project Manager, BWR Projects Branch, Division of New Reactor Licensing, Office of New Reactors. [FR Doc. 2011–1814 Filed 1–26–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–63750; File No. 4–566] Program for Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Pursuant to Rule 17d– 2; Notice of Filing and Order Approving and Declaring Effective an Amendment to the Plan for the Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Among BATS Exchange, Inc., BATS Y-Exchange, Inc., Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated, Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc., EDGA Exchange, Inc., EDGX Exchange, Inc., Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc., NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, National Stock Exchange, Inc., New York Stock Exchange LLC, NYSE Amex LLC, and NYSE Arca, Inc. Relating to the Surveillance, Investigation, and Enforcement of Insider Trading Rules January 21, 2011. Notice is hereby given that the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) has issued an Order, pursuant to Section 17(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’),1 approving and declaring effective an amendment to the plan for allocating regulatory responsibility (‘‘Plan’’) filed pursuant to Rule 17d–2 of the Act,2 by and among BATS Exchange, Inc. (‘‘BATS’’), BATS YExchange, Inc. (‘‘BYX’’), Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated (‘‘CBOE’’), Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc. (‘‘CHX’’), EDGA Exchange, Inc. (‘‘EDGA’’), EDGX Exchange, Inc. (‘‘EDGX’’), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (‘‘FINRA’’), NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc., (‘‘NASDAQ OMX BX’’), NASDAQ OMX PHLX, LLC, (‘‘NASDAQ OMX PHLX’’), The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (‘‘Nasdaq’’), National Stock Exchange, Inc. (‘‘NSX’’), New York Stock Exchange LLC (‘‘NYSE’’), NYSE Amex, LLC (‘‘NYSE Amex’’), and NYSE Arca, Inc. (‘‘NYSE Arca’’) (each a ‘‘Participating Organization’’ and collectively, 1 15 2 17 PO 00000 U.S.C. 78q(d). CFR 240.17d–2. Frm 00091 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 ‘‘Participating Organizations’’ or ‘‘parties’’). I. Introduction Section 19(g)(1) of the Act,3 among other things, requires every selfregulatory organization (‘‘SRO’’) registered as either a national securities exchange or national securities association to examine for, and enforce compliance by, its members and persons associated with its members with the Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, and the SRO’s own rules, unless the SRO is relieved of this responsibility pursuant to Section 17(d) 4 or Section 19(g)(2) 5 of the Act. Without this relief, the statutory obligation of each individual SRO could result in a pattern of multiple examinations of broker-dealers that maintain memberships in more than one SRO (‘‘common members’’). Such regulatory duplication would add unnecessary expenses for common members and their SROs. Section 17(d)(1) of the Act 6 was intended, in part, to eliminate unnecessary multiple examinations and regulatory duplication.7 With respect to a common member, Section 17(d)(1) authorizes the Commission, by rule or order, to relieve an SRO of the responsibility to receive regulatory reports, to examine for and enforce compliance with applicable statutes, rules, and regulations, or to perform other specified regulatory functions. To implement Section 17(d)(1), the Commission adopted two rules: Rule 17d–1 and Rule 17d–2 under the Act.8 Rule 17d–1 authorizes the Commission to name a single SRO as the designated examining authority (‘‘DEA’’) to examine common members for compliance with the financial responsibility requirements imposed by the Act, or by Commission or SRO rules.9 When an SRO has been named as a common member’s DEA, all other SROs to which the common member belongs are relieved of the responsibility to examine the firm for compliance with the applicable financial responsibility rules. On its face, Rule 17d–1 deals only with an SRO’s obligations to enforce member compliance with financial responsibility 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(g)(1). U.S.C. 78q(d). 5 15 U.S.C. 78s(g)(2). 6 15 U.S.C. 78q(d)(1). 7 See Securities Act Amendments of 1975, Report of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs to Accompany S. 249, S. Rep. No. 94– 75, 94th Cong., 1st Session 32 (1975). 8 17 CFR 240.17d–1 and 17 CFR 240.17d–2, respectively. 9 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 12352 (April 20, 1976), 41 FR 18808 (May 7, 1976). 4 15 E:\FR\FM\27JAN1.SGM 27JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 18 / Thursday, January 27, 2011 / Notices requirements. Rule 17d–1 does not relieve an SRO from its obligation to examine a common member for compliance with its own rules and provisions of the federal securities laws governing matters other than financial responsibility, including sales practices and trading activities and practices. To address regulatory duplication in these and other areas, the Commission adopted Rule 17d–2 under the Act.10 Rule 17d–2 permits SROs to propose joint plans for the allocation of regulatory responsibilities with respect to their common members. Under paragraph (c) of Rule 17d–2, the Commission may declare such a plan effective if, after providing for notice and comment, it determines that the plan is necessary or appropriate in the public interest and for the protection of investors, to foster cooperation and coordination among the SROs, to remove impediments to, and foster the development of, a national market system and a national clearance and settlement system, and is in conformity with the factors set forth in Section 17(d) of the Act. Commission approval of a plan filed pursuant to Rule 17d–2 relieves an SRO of those regulatory responsibilities allocated by the plan to another SRO. II. The Plan mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES On September 12, 2008, the Commission declared effective the Participating Organizations’ Plan for allocating regulatory responsibilities pursuant to Rule 17d–2.11 The Plan is designed to eliminate regulatory duplication by allocating regulatory responsibility over Common NYSE Members 12 or Common FINRA Members,13 as applicable (collectively ‘‘Common Members’’), for the surveillance, investigation, and enforcement of common insider trading rules (‘‘Common Rules’’).14 The Plan assigns regulatory responsibility over 10 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 12935 (October 28, 1976), 41 FR 49091 (November 8, 1976). 11 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 58536 (September 12, 2008), 73 FR 54646 (September 22, 2008). See also Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 58806 (October 17, 2008), 73 FR 63216 (October 23, 2008); 61919 (April 15, 2010), 75 FR 21051 (April 22, 2010); and 63103 (October 14, 2010), 75 FR 64755 (October 20, 2010). 12 Common NYSE Members include members of the NYSE and at least one of the Participating Organizations. 13 Common FINRA Members include members of FINRA and at least one of the Participating Organizations. 14 Common rules are defined as: (i) Federal securities laws and rules promulgated by the Commission pertaining to insider trading, and (ii) the rules of the Participating Organizations that are related to insider trading. See Exhibit A to the Plan. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:51 Jan 26, 2011 Jkt 223001 Common NYSE Members to NYSE Regulation for surveillance, investigation, and enforcement of insider trading by broker-dealers, and their associated persons, with respect to NYSE-listed stocks and NYSE Arcalisted stocks, irrespective of the marketplace(s) maintained by the Participating Organizations on which the relevant trading may occur. The Plan assigns regulatory responsibility over Common FINRA Members to FINRA for surveillance, investigation, and enforcement of insider trading by broker-dealers, and their associated persons, with respect to NASDAQ-listed stocks and Amex-listed stocks, as well as any CHX solely-listed stock, irrespective of the marketplace(s) maintained by the Participating Organizations on which the relevant trading may occur. III. Proposed Amendment to the Plan On November 23, 2010, the Participating Organizations submitted an amendment to the Plan. The proposed amendment was submitted as a result of a recently completed agreement under which FINRA would assume responsibility for performing the market surveillance and enforcement functions previously conducted by NYSE Regulation for its U.S. equities and options markets (NYSE, NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex). As part of this acquisition agreement, most of the NYSE personnel performing these responsibilities under the Plan have been transferred to FINRA. The Participating Organizations believe that consolidating surveillance, investigation, and enforcement for insider trading within FINRA will lead to a more unified and effective system of regulation. Accordingly, the proposed amendment would modify the Plan to reflect that NYSE Regulation, Inc. would no longer perform any regulatory responsibilities under the Plan. Under the amended Plan, FINRA would perform surveillance, investigation, and enforcement of the common insider trading rules listed in the Plan with respect to equity securities listed on the NYSE, NASDAQ, NYSE Amex, NYSE Arca, or Chicago Stock Exchange, irrespective of the marketplaces maintained by the parties to the Plan. As with the current version of the Plan, FINRA will have regulatory responsibility for members of FINRA that are also members of at least one of the Participating Organizations. Separately, FINRA performs investigations and enforcement with respect to non-Common FINRA Members pursuant to a regulatory PO 00000 Frm 00092 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 4949 services agreement between FINRA and the other Participating Organizations. The amended Plan replaces the previous agreement in its entirety. The text of the proposed amended 17d–2 plan is as follows (additions are italicized; deletions are [bracketed]): * * * * * Agreement for the Allocation of Regulatory Responsibility of Surveillance, Investigation and Enforcement for Insider Trading Pursuant to § 17(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C. § 78q(d), and Rule 17d–2 Thereunder This agreement (the ‘‘Agreement’’) by and among BATS Exchange, Inc. (‘‘BATS’’), BATS Y-Exchange, Inc. (‘‘BYX’’), Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc. (‘‘CBOE’’) *, Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc. (‘‘CHX’’), EDGA Exchange, Inc. (‘‘EDGA’’), EDGX Exchange, Inc. (‘‘EDGX’’), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (‘‘FINRA’’), NASDAQ OMX[,] BX, Inc. (‘‘NASDAQ OMX BX’’), NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC (‘‘NASDAQ OMX PHLX’’), The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (‘‘NASDAQ’’), National Stock Exchange, Inc. (‘‘NSX’’), New York Stock Exchange[,] LLC (‘‘NYSE’’), NYSE Amex LLC (‘‘NYSE Amex’’), and NYSE Arca, Inc. (‘‘NYSE Arca’’)[, and NYSE Regulation, Inc. (pursuant to delegated authority) (‘‘NYSE Regulation’’)] (each a ‘‘Participating Organization’’ and together, the ‘‘Participating Organizations’’), is made pursuant to § 17(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’), 15 U.S.C. § 78q(d), and Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘SEC’’) Rule 17d–2, which allow for plans to allocate regulatory responsibility among self-regulatory organizations (‘‘SROs’’). Upon approval by the SEC, this Agreement shall amend and restate the agreement among the Participating Organizations [(except BYX)] approved by the SEC on [April 15]October 14, 2010. [WHEREAS, NYSE delegates to NYSE Regulation the regulation of trading by members in its market, and NYSE Regulation is a subsidiary of NYSE, all references to NYSE Regulation in this Agreement shall be read as references to both entities;] WHEREAS, the Participating Organizations desire to: (a) Foster cooperation and coordination among the SROs; (b) remove impediments to, and foster the development of, a national market system; (c) strive to protect the * CBOE’s allocation of certain regulatory responsibilities to [NYSE/]FINRA under this Agreement is limited to the activities of the CBOE Stock Exchange, LLC, a facility of CBOE. E:\FR\FM\27JAN1.SGM 27JAN1 mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES 4950 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 18 / Thursday, January 27, 2011 / Notices interest of investors; and (d) eliminate duplication in their regulatory surveillance, investigation and enforcement of insider trading; [WHEREAS, the Participating Organizations are interested in allocating to NYSE Regulation regulatory responsibility for Common NYSE Members for surveillance, investigation and enforcement of Insider Trading (as defined below) in NYSE Listed Stocks (as defined below) irrespective of the marketplace(s) maintained by the Participating Organizations on which the relevant trading may occur in violation of Common Insider Trading Rules;] WHEREAS, the Participating Organizations are interested in allocating to FINRA regulatory responsibility for Common FINRA Members (as defined below) for surveillance, investigation and enforcement of Insider Trading (as defined below) in [NASDAQ] Listed Stocks (as defined below) [, Amex Listed Stocks, and CHX Solely Listed Stocks] irrespective of the marketplace(s) maintained by the Participating Organizations on which the relevant trading may occur in violation of Common Insider Trading Rules (as defined below); WHEREAS, the Participating Organizations will request regulatory allocation of these regulatory responsibilities by executing and filing with the SEC a plan for the above stated purposes (this Agreement, also known herein as the ‘‘Plan’’) pursuant to the provisions of § 17(d) of the Act, and SEC Rule 17d–2 thereunder, as described below; and WHEREAS, the Participating Organizations will also enter into [certain]a Regulatory Services Agreement[s] (the ‘‘Insider Trading RSA[s]’’), of even date herewith, to provide for the investigation and enforcement of suspected Insider Trading against broker-dealers, and their associated persons, that [(i) are not Common NYSE Members (as defined below) in the case of Insider Trading in NYSE Listed Stocks, and (ii)] are not Common FINRA Members [(as defined below)] in the case of Insider Trading in [NASDAQ] Listed Stocks[, Amex Listed Stocks, and CHX Solely Listed Stocks]. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained hereafter, and other valuable consideration to be mutually exchanged, the Participating Organizations hereby agree as follows: 1. Definitions. Unless otherwise defined in this Agreement, or the context otherwise requires, the terms used in this Agreement will have the VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:51 Jan 26, 2011 Jkt 223001 same meaning they have under the Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder. As used in this Agreement, the following terms will have the following meanings: a. ‘‘Rule’’ of an ‘‘exchange’’ or an ‘‘association’’ shall have the meaning defined in Section 3(a)(27) of the Act. b. ‘‘Common [NYSE Members’’ shall mean members of the NYSE and at least one of the Participating Organizations. c. ‘‘Common] FINRA Members’’ shall mean members of FINRA and at least one of the Participating Organizations. [d]c. ‘‘Common Insider Trading Rules’’ shall mean (i) the federal securities laws and rules thereunder promulgated by the SEC pertaining to insider trading, and (ii) the rules of the Participating Organizations that are related to insider trading, as provided on Exhibit A to this Agreement. [e]d. ‘‘Effective Date’’ shall have the meaning set forth in paragraph 28. [f]e. ‘‘Insider Trading’’ shall mean any conduct or action taken by a natural person or entity related in any way to the trading of securities by an insider or a related party based on or on the basis of material non-public information obtained during the performance of the insider’s duties at the corporation, or otherwise misappropriated, that could be deemed a violation of the Common Insider Trading Rules. [g]f. ‘‘Intellectual Property’’ will mean any: (1) processes, methodologies, procedures, or technology, whether or not patentable; (2) trademarks, copyrights, literary works or other works of authorship, service marks and trade secrets; or (3) software, systems, machine-readable texts and files and related documentation. [h]g. ‘‘Plan’’ shall mean this Agreement, which is submitted as a Plan for the allocation of regulatory responsibilities of surveillance for insider trading pursuant to § 17(d) of the [Securities and Exchange] Act [of 1934], 15 U.S.C. § 78q(d), and SEC Rule 17d– 2. h. ‘‘Listed Stock(s)’’ shall mean NYSE Listed Stock(s), NASDAQ Listed Stock(s), NYSE Amex Listed Stock(s), NYSE Arca Listed Stock(s) or CHX Solely Listed Stock(s). i. ‘‘NYSE Listed Stock’’ shall mean an equity security that is listed on the NYSE[, or NYSE Arca]. j. ‘‘NASDAQ Listed Stock’’ shall mean an equity security that is listed on [the] NASDAQ. k. ‘‘NYSE Amex Listed Stock’’ shall mean an equity security that is listed on [the]NYSE Amex. l. ‘‘NYSE Arca Listed Stock’’ shall mean an equity security that is listed on NYSE Arca. PO 00000 Frm 00093 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 [l]m. ‘‘CHX Solely Listed Stock’’ shall mean an equity security that is listed only [in]on the [Chicago Stock Exchange]CHX. [m]n. ‘‘Listing Market’’ shall mean NYSE Amex, [Nasdaq]NASDAQ, NYSE, or NYSE Arca, but not CHX. 2. Assumption of Regulatory Responsibilities. [a. NYSE Regulation: Assumption of Regulatory Responsibilities. On the Effective Date of the Plan, NYSE Regulation will assume regulatory responsibilities for surveillance, investigation and enforcement of Insider Trading by broker-dealers, and their associated persons, for Common NYSE Members with respect to NYSE Listed Stocks irrespective of the marketplace(s) maintained by the Participant Organizations on which the relevant trading may occur in violation of the Common Insider Trading Rules (‘‘NYSE’s Regulatory Responsibility’’).] [b. FINRA: Assumption of Regulatory Responsibilities.] On the Effective Date of the Plan, FINRA will assume regulatory responsibilities for surveillance, investigation and enforcement of Insider Trading by broker-dealers, and their associated persons, for Common FINRA Members with respect to [NASDAQ and Amex] Listed Stocks, [as well as any CHX Solely Listed equity security,] irrespective of the marketplace(s) maintained by the Participant Organizations on which the relevant trading may occur in violation of the Common Insider Trading Rules (‘‘[FINRA’s] Regulatory Responsibilit[y]ies’’). [c. Change in Control. In the event of a change of control of a Listing Market, the Listing Market will have the discretion to transfer the regulatory responsibility for its listed stocks from NYSE Regulation to FINRA or from FINRA to NYSE Regulation, provided the SRO assuming regulatory responsibility consents to such transfer.] 3. Certification of Insider Trading Rules. a. Initial Certification. By signing this Agreement, the Participating Organizations, other than [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA, hereby certify to [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA that their respective lists of Common Insider Trading Rules contained in [Attachment]Exhibit A hereto are correct, and [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA hereby confirms that such rules are Common Insider Trading Rules as defined in this Agreement. b. Yearly Certification. Each year following the commencement of operation of this Agreement, or more frequently if required by changes in the E:\FR\FM\27JAN1.SGM 27JAN1 mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 18 / Thursday, January 27, 2011 / Notices rules of the Participating Organizations, each Participating Organization shall submit a certified and updated list of Common Insider Trading Rules to [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA for review, which shall (i) add Participating Organization rules not included in the then-current list of Common Insider Trading Rules that qualify as Common Insider Trading Rules as defined in this Agreement; (ii) delete Participating Organization rules included in the current list of Common Insider Trading Rules that no longer qualify as Common Insider Trading Rules as defined in this Agreement; and (iii) confirm that the remaining rules on the current list of Common Insider Trading Rules continue to be Participating Organization rules that qualify as Common Insider Trading Rules as defined in this Agreement. [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA shall review each Participating Organization’s annual certification and confirm whether [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA agrees with the submitted certified and updated list of Common Insider Trading Rules by each of the Participating Organizations. 4. No Retention of Regulatory Responsibility. The Participating Organizations do not contemplate the retention of any responsibilities with respect to the regulatory activities being assumed by [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA[, respectively,] under the terms of this Agreement. [Nothing in this Agreement will be interpreted to prevent NYSE Regulation or FINRA from entering into Regulatory Services Agreement(s) to perform their Regulatory Responsibilities.] 5. Dually Listed Stocks. Stocks that are listed on more than one Participating Organization shall be designated as an NYSE Listed Stock, a NASDAQ Listed Stock, an NYSE Arca Listed Stock or an NYSE Amex Listed Stock based on the applicable transaction reporting plan for the equity security as set forth in paragraph 1.b. of Exhibit B. 6. Fees. [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA shall charge Participating Organizations for performing [their respective]the Regulatory Responsibilities, as set forth in the Schedule of Fees, attached as Exhibit B. 7. Applicability of Certain Laws, Rules, Regulations or Orders. Notwithstanding any provision hereof, this Agreement shall be subject to any statute, or any rule or order of the SEC. To the extent such statute, rule, or order is inconsistent with one or more provisions of this Agreement, the statute, rule, or order shall supersede the provision(s) hereof to the extent VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:51 Jan 26, 2011 Jkt 223001 necessary to be properly effectuated and the provision(s) hereof in that respect shall be null and void. 8. Exchange Committee; Reports. a. Exchange Committee. The Participating Organizations shall form a committee (the ‘‘Exchange Committee’’), which shall act on behalf of all of Participating Organizations in receiving copies of the reports described below and in reviewing issues that arise under this Agreement. Each Participating Organization shall appoint a representative to the Exchange Committee. The Exchange Committee representatives shall report to their respective executive management bodies regarding status or issues under [the]this Agreement. The Participating Organizations agree that the Exchange Committee will meet regularly up to four (4) times a year, with no more than one meeting per calendar quarter. At these meetings, the Exchange Committee will discuss the conduct of the Regulatory Responsibilities and identify issues or concerns with respect to this Agreement, including matters related to the calculation of the cost formula and accuracy of fees charged and provision of information related to the same. The SEC shall be permitted to attend the meetings as an observer. b. Reports. [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA shall provide the reports set forth in Exhibit C hereto and any additional reports related to [the]this Agreement reasonably requested by a majority vote of all representatives to the Exchange Committee at each Exchange Committee meeting, or more often as the Participating Organizations deem appropriate, but no more often than once every quarterly billing period. 9. Customer Complaints. [a. If a Participating Organization receives a copy of a customer complaint relating to Insider Trading or other activity or conduct that is within the NYSE’s Regulatory Responsibilities as set forth in this Agreement, the Participating Organization shall promptly forward to NYSE Regulation, as applicable, a copy of such customer complaint. b. ]If a Participating Organization receives a copy of a customer complaint relating to Insider Trading or other activity or conduct that is within FINRA’s Regulatory Responsibilities as set forth in this Agreement, the Participating Organization shall promptly forward to FINRA, as applicable, a copy of such customer complaint. 10. Parties to Make Personnel Available as Witnesses. Each Participating Organization shall make its personnel available to [NYSE PO 00000 Frm 00094 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 4951 Regulation or] FINRA to serve as testimonial or non-testimonial witnesses as necessary to assist [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA in fulfilling the Regulatory Responsibilities allocated under this Agreement. FINRA [and NYSE Regulation] shall provide reasonable advance notice when practicable and shall work with a Participating Organization to accommodate reasonable scheduling conflicts within the context and demands as the entit[ies]y with ultimate regulatory responsibility. The Participating Organization shall pay all reasonable travel and other expenses incurred by its employees to the extent that [NYSE Regulation or] FINRA requires such employees to serve as witnesses, and provide information or other assistance pursuant to this Agreement. 11. Market Data; Sharing of WorkPapers, Data and Related Information. a. Market Data. FINRA [and NYSE Regulation] shall obtain raw market data necessary to the performance of regulation under this Agreement from (a) the Consolidated Tape Association (‘‘CTA’’) as the exclusive securities information processor (‘‘SIP’’) for all NYSE[-listed, AMEX-listed securities,]Listed Stocks, NYSE Amex Listed Stocks, NYSE Arca Listed Stocks and CHX [solely listed securities]Solely Listed Stocks and (b) the NASDAQ Unlisted Trading Privileges Plan as the exclusive SIP for all NASDAQ[-listed securities] Listed Stocks. b. Sharing. A Participating Organization shall make available to [each of NYSE Regulation and] FINRA information necessary to assist [NYSE Regulation or] FINRA in fulfilling the [regulatory responsibilities]Regulatory Responsibilities assumed under the terms of this Agreement. Such information shall include any information collected by [an exchange or association]a Participating Organization in the course of performing its regulatory obligations under the Act, including information relating to an on-going disciplinary investigation or action against a member, the amount of a fine imposed on a member, financial information, or information regarding proprietary trading systems gained in the course of examining a member (‘‘Regulatory Information’’). This Regulatory Information shall be used by [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA solely for the purposes of fulfilling [their respective regulatory responsibilities]its Regulatory Responsibilities. c. No Waiver of Privilege. The sharing of documents or information between the parties pursuant to this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver as against E:\FR\FM\27JAN1.SGM 27JAN1 mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES 4952 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 18 / Thursday, January 27, 2011 / Notices third parties of regulatory or other privileges relating to the discovery of documents or information. d. Intellectual Property. (i) Existing Intellectual Property. [Each of NYSE Regulation and] FINRA[, respectively,] is and will remain the owner of all right, title and interest in and to the proprietary Intellectual Property it employs in the provision of regulation hereunder (including the SONAR and Stock Watch systems), and any derivative works thereof. To the extent certain elements of [either of these parties’]FINRA’s systems, or portions thereof, may be licensed or leased from third parties, all such third party elements shall remain the property of such third parties, as applicable. Likewise, any other Participating Organization is and will remain the owner of all right, title and interest in and to its own existing proprietary Intellectual Property. (ii) Enhancements to Existing Intellectual Property or New Developments[ of NYSE Regulation or FINRA]. In the event [NYSE Regulation or] FINRA (a) makes any changes, modifications or enhancements to its [respective] Intellectual Property for any reason, or (b) creates any newly developed Intellectual Property for any reason, including as a result of requested enhancements or new development by the Exchange Committee (collectively, the ‘‘New IP’’), the Participating Organizations acknowledge and agree that [each of NYSE Regulation and] FINRA shall be deemed the owner of the New IP created by [each of them, respectively]it (and any derivative works thereof), and shall retain all right, title and interest therein and thereto, and each other Participating Organization hereby irrevocably assigns, transfers and conveys to [each of NYSE Regulation and] FINRA[, as applicable,] without further consideration all of its right, title and interest in or to all such New IP (and any derivative works thereof). (iii) Fees for New IP. [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA will not charge the Participating Organizations any fees for any New IP created and used by [NYSE Regulation or] FINRA[, respectively]; provided, however, that [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA will [each] be permitted to charge fees for software maintenance work performed on systems used in the discharge of [their respective]its duties hereunder. 12. Special or Cause Examinations. Nothing in this Agreement shall restrict or in any way encumber the right of a party to conduct special or cause examinations of [Common NYSE Members or] Common FINRA Members VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:51 Jan 26, 2011 Jkt 223001 as any party, in its sole discretion, shall deem appropriate or necessary. 13. Dispute Resolution Under this Agreement. a. Negotiation. The [P]parties to this Agreement will attempt to resolve any disputes through good faith negotiation and discussion, escalating such discussion up through the appropriate management levels until reaching the executive management level. In the event a dispute cannot be settled through these means, the [P]parties shall refer the dispute to binding arbitration. b. Binding Arbitration. All claims, disputes, controversies, and other matters in question between the [P]parties to this Agreement arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach thereof that cannot be resolved by the [P]parties will be resolved through binding arbitration. Unless otherwise agreed by the [P]parties, a dispute submitted to binding arbitration pursuant to this paragraph shall be resolved using the following procedures: (i) The arbitration shall be conducted in the city of New York in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof; and (ii) There shall be three arbitrators, and the chairperson of the arbitration panel shall be an attorney. 14. Limitation of Liability. As between the Participating Organizations, no Participating Organization, including its respective directors, governors, officers, employees and agents, will be liable to any other Participating Organization, or its directors, governors, officers, employees and agents, for any liability, loss or damage resulting from any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions with respect to its performing or failing to perform regulatory responsibilities, obligations, or functions, except (a) as otherwise provided for under the Act, (b) in instances of a Participating Organization’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or reckless disregard with respect to another Participating Organization, (c) in instances of a breach of confidentiality obligations owed to another Participating Organization, or (d) in the case of any Participating Organization paying fees hereunder, for any payments due. The Participating Organizations understand and agree that the [regulatory responsibilities]Regulatory Responsibilities are being performed on a good faith and best effort basis and no warranties, express or implied, are made by any Participating Organization to any other Participating Organization with PO 00000 Frm 00095 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 respect to any of the responsibilities to be performed hereunder. This paragraph is not intended to create liability of any Participating Organization to any third party. 15. SEC Approval. a. The parties agree to file promptly this Agreement with the SEC for its review and approval. [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA shall [jointly] file this Agreement on behalf, and with the explicit consent, of all Participating Organizations. b. If approved by the SEC, the Participating Organizations will notify their members of the general terms of [the]this Agreement and of its impact on their members. 16. Subsequent Parties; Limited Relationship. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the Participating Organizations hereto and their respective legal representatives, successors, and assigns. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended or shall: (a) confer on any person other than the Participating Organizations hereto, or their respective legal representatives, successors, and assigns, any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, (b) constitute the Participating Organizations hereto partners or participants in a joint venture, or (c) appoint one Participating Organization the agent of the other. 17. Assignment. No Participating Organization may assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of all the other Participating Organizations, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed; provided, however, that any Participating Organization may assign [the]this Agreement to a corporation controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Participating Organization without the prior written consent of any other party. 18. Severability. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction. 19. Termination. a. Any Participating Organization may cancel its participation in [the]this Agreement at any time, provided that it has given 180 days written notice to the other Participating Organizations (or in the case of a change of control in E:\FR\FM\27JAN1.SGM 27JAN1 mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 18 / Thursday, January 27, 2011 / Notices ownership of a Participating Organization, such other notice time period as that Participating Organization may choose), and provided that such termination has been approved by the SEC. The cancellation of its participation in this Agreement by any Participating Organization shall not terminate this Agreement as to the remaining Participating Organizations. b. The Regulatory Responsibilities assumed under this Agreement by [NYSE Regulation or] FINRA [(either, an ‘‘Invoicing Party’’)] may be terminated by [the Invoicing Party]FINRA against any Participating Organization as follows. The Participating Organization will have thirty (30) days from receipt to satisfy the invoice. If the Participating Organization fails to satisfy the invoice within thirty (30) days of receipt (‘‘Default’’), [the Invoicing Party]FINRA will notify the Participating Organization of the Default. The Participating Organization will have thirty (30) days from receipt of the Default notice to satisfy the invoice. c. [The Invoicing Party] FINRA will have the right to terminate the Regulatory Responsibilities assumed under this Agreement if a Participating Organization has Defaulted in its obligation to pay the invoice on more than three (3) occasions in any rolling twenty-four (24) month period. 20. Intermarket Surveillance Group (‘‘ISG’’). In order to participate in this Agreement, all Participating Organizations to this Agreement must be members of the ISG. 21. General. The Participating Organizations agree to perform all acts and execute all supplementary instruments or documents that may be reasonably necessary or desirable to carry out the provisions of this Agreement. 22. Liaison and Notices. All questions regarding the implementation of this Agreement shall be directed to the persons identified below, as applicable. All notices and other communications required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given upon (i) actual receipt by the notified party or (ii) constructive receipt (as of the date marked on the return receipt) if sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, to the following addresses: * * * * * 23. Confidentiality. The parties agree that documents or information shared shall be held in confidence, and used only for the purposes of carrying out their respective regulatory obligations under this Agreement. No party shall VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:51 Jan 26, 2011 Jkt 223001 assert regulatory or other privileges as against the other with respect to Regulatory Information that is required to be shared pursuant to this Agreement, as defined by paragraph 11, above. 24. Regulatory Responsibility. Pursuant to Section 17(d)(1)(A) of the Act, and Rule 17d–2 thereunder, the Participating Organizations jointly and severally request the SEC, upon its approval of this Agreement, to relieve the Participating Organizations, jointly and severally, of any and all responsibilities with respect to the matters allocated to [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA pursuant to this Agreement for purposes of §§ 17(d) and 19(g) of the Act. 25. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been made in the State of New York, and shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the law of the State of New York, without reference to principles of conflicts of laws thereof. Each of the parties hereby consents to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York in connection with any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement. 26. Survival of Provisions. Provisions intended by their terms or context to survive and continue notwithstanding delivery of the regulatory services by [NYSE Regulation or] FINRA[, as applicable,] the payment of the Fees by the Participating Organizations, and any expiration of this Agreement shall survive and continue. 27. Amendment. a. This Agreement may be amended to add a new Participating Organization, provided that such Participating Organization does not assume regulatory responsibility, solely by an amendment executed by [NYSE Regulation,] FINRA and such new Participating Organization. All other Participating Organizations expressly consent to allow [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA to [jointly] add new Participating Organizations to [the]this Agreement as provided above. [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA will promptly notify all Participating Organizations of any such amendments to add a new Participating Organization. b. All other amendments must be [made] approved by each Participating Organization. All amendments, including adding a new Participating Organization, must be filed with and approved by the [Commission]SEC before they become effective. 28. Effective Date. The Effective Date of this Agreement will be the date the SEC declares this Agreement to be effective pursuant to authority conferred PO 00000 Frm 00096 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 4953 by § 17(d) of the Act, and SEC Rule 17d–2 thereunder. 29. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, including facsimile, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one single agreement between the [P]parties. * * * * * EXHIBIT A: COMMON INSIDER TRADING RULES 1. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Section 10(b), and rules and regulations promulgated there under in connection with insider trading, including SEC Rule 10b–5 (as it pertains to insider trading), which states that: Rule 10b–5—Employment of Manipulative and Deceptive Devices It shall be unlawful for any person, directly or indirectly, by the use of any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce, or of the mails or of any facility of any national securities exchange, a. To employ any device, scheme, or artifice to defraud, b. To make any untrue statement of a material fact or to omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or c. To engage in any act, practice, or course of business which operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon any person, in connection with the purchase or sale of any security. 2. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Section 17(a), and rules and regulations promulgated thereunder in connection with insider trading, including SEC Rule 17a–3 (as it pertains to insider trading). 3. The following SRO Rules as they pertain to violations of insider trading: FINRA Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade) FINRA Rule 2020 (Use of Manipulative, Deceptive or Other Fraudulent Devices) FINRA NASD Rule 3010 (Supervision) FINRA NASD Rule 3110 (a) and (c) (Books and Records; Financial Condition) NYSE Rule 401(a) (Business Conduct) NYSE Rule 476(a) (Disciplinary Proceedings Involving Charges Against Members, Member Organizations, Allied Members, Approved Persons, Employees, or Others) NYSE Rule 440 (Books and Records) NYSE Rule 342 (Offices—Approval, Supervision and Control) E:\FR\FM\27JAN1.SGM 27JAN1 mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES 4954 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 18 / Thursday, January 27, 2011 / Notices NYSE AMEX Cons. Art. II Sec. 3, Confidential Information NYSE AMEX Cons. Art. V Sec. 4 Suspension or Expulsion (b), (h), (i), (j) and (r) NYSE AMEX Cons. Art. XI Sec. 4 Controlled Corporations and Associations—Responsibility for Corporate Subsidiary; Duty to Produce Books NYSE AMEX Rule 3 General Prohibitions and Duty to Report (d), (h) (j) and (l) NYSE AMEX Rule 3–AEMI General Prohibitions and Duty to Report (d) and (h) NYSE AMEX Rule 16 Business Conduct NYSE AMEX Rule 320 Offices— Approval, Supervision and Control NYSE AMEX Rule 324 Books and Records NASDAQ OMX Rule 2110 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade) NASDAQ OMX Rule 2120 (Use of Manipulative, Deceptive or Other Fraudulent Devices) NASDAQ OMX Rule 3010 (Supervision) NASDAQ OMX Rule 3110 (a) and (c) (Books and Records; Financial Condition) CHX Article 8, Rule 3 (Fraudulent Acts) CHX Article 9, Rule 2 (Just & Equitable Trade Principles) CHX Article 11, Rule 2 (Maintenance of Books and Records) CHX Article 6, Rule 5 (Supervision of Registered Persons and Branch and Resident Offices) CBOE [RULE]Rule 4.1 (Practices inconsistent with just and equitable principles) CBOE [RULE]Rule 4.2 (adherence to law) CBOE [RULE]Rule 4.7 (Manipulation) CBOE [RULE]Rule 4.18 (Prevention of the misuse of material nonpublic information) NASDAQ OMX PHLX [RULE]Rule 707 (Conduct Inconsistent with Just and Equitable Principles of Trade) NASDAQ OMX PHLX [RULE]Rule 748 (Supervision) NASDAQ OMX PHLX [RULE]Rule 760 (Maintenance, Retention and Furnishing of Books, Records and Other Information) NASDAQ OMX PHLX [RULE]Rule 761 (Supervisory Procedures Relating to ITSFEA and to Prevention of Misuse or Material Nonpublic Information) NASDAQ OMX PHLX [RULE]Rule 782 (Manipulative Operations) NYSE Arca Rule 6.3 (Prevention of the Misuse of Material, Nonpublic Information) NYSE Arca Rule 6.2(b) Prohibited Acts (J&E) NYSE Arca Rule 6.1 Adherence to Law VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:51 Jan 26, 2011 Jkt 223001 NYSE Arca Rule 6.18 Supervision NYSE Arca Rule 9.1(c) Office Supervision NYSE Arca Rule 9.2(b) Account Supervision NYSE Arca Rule 9.2(c) Customer Records NYSE Arca Rule 9.17 Books and Records NSX Rule 3.1 Business Conduct of ETP Holders NSX Rule 3.2[.] Violations Prohibited NSX Rule 3.3[.] Use of Fraudulent Devices NSX Rule 4.1 Requirements NSX Rule 5.1[.] Written Procedures NSX Rule 5.3 Records NSX Rule 5.5 Chinese Wall Procedures NASDAQ OMX BX Rule 2110 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade) NASDAQ OMX BX Rule 2120 (Use of Manipulative, Deceptive or Other Fraudulent Devices) NASDAQ OMX BX Rule 3010 (Supervision) NASDAQ OMX BX Rule 3110 (a) and (c) (Books and Records; Financial Condition) BATS Rule 3.1 Business Conduct of [ETP Holders]Members BATS Rule 3.2[.] Violations Prohibited BATS Rule 3.3[.] Use of Fraudulent Devices BATS Rule 4.1 Requirements BATS Rule 5.1[.] Written Procedures BATS Rule 5.3 Records BATS Rule 5.5 Prevention of the Misuse of Material, Non-Public Information BATS Rule 12.4 Manipulative Transactions BYX Rule 3.1 Business Conduct of ETP Holders BYX Rule 3.2[.] Violations Prohibited BYX Rule 3.3[.] Use of Fraudulent Devices BYX Rule 4.1 Requirements BYX Rule 5.1[.] Written Procedures BYX Rule 5.3 Records BYX Rule 5.5 Prevention of the Misuse of Material, Non-Public Information BYX Rule 12.4 Manipulative Transactions EDGA 3.1 Business Conduct of Members EDGA 3.2 Violations Prohibited EDGA 3.3 Use of Fraudulent Devices EDGA 4.1 Requirements EDGA 5.1 Written Procedures EDGA 5.3 Records EDGA 5.5 Prevention of misuse of material, nonpublic information EDGA 12.4 Manipulative Transactions EDGX 3.1 Business Conduct of Members EDGX 3.2 Violations Prohibited EDGX 3.3 Use of Fraudulent Devices EDGX 4.1 Requirements EDGX 5.1 Written Procedures EDGX 5.3 Records PO 00000 Frm 00097 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 EDGX 5.5 Prevention of misuse of material, nonpublic information EDGX 12.4 Manipulative Transactions EXHIBIT B: FEE SCHEDULE 1. Fees. [NYSE Regulation and, separately,] FINRA shall charge each Participating Organization a Quarterly Fee in arrears for the performance of [NYSE Regulation’s and] FINRA’s [respective regulatory responsibilities]Regulatory Responsibilities under the Plan (each, a ‘‘Quarterly Fee,’’[,] and together, the ‘‘Fees’’). a. Quarterly Fees. (1) Quarterly Fees for each Participating Organization will be charged by [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA[, respectively,] according to the Participating Organization’s ‘‘Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades’’ occurring over three-month billing periods. The ‘‘Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades’’ shall equal a Participating Organization’s number of reported [NYSE-listed]Listed Stock trades [(when billing originates from NYSE Regulation) and combined AMEX-listed, NASDAQ-listed, and CHX solely-listed trades (when billing originates from FINRA)] during the relevant period (the ‘‘Numerator’’), divided by the total number of [either all NYSE-listed trades or all combined AMEX-listed, NASDAQ-listed, and CHX solelylisted trades, respectively,]all Listed Stock trades for the same period (the ‘‘Denominator’’). For purposes of clarification, ADF and Trade Reporting Facility (‘‘TRF’’) activity will be included in the Denominator. Additionally, with regard to TRFs, TRF trade volume will be charged to FINRA. Consequently, for purposes of calculating the Quarterly Fees, the volume for each Participant Organization’s TRF will be calculated separately (that is, TRF volume will be broken out from the Participating Organization’s overall Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades) and the fees for such will be billed to FINRA in accordance with paragraph 1[(]a[)].(2), rather than to the applicable Participating Organization. (2) The Quarterly Fees shall be determined by [each of NYSE Regulation and] FINRA[, as applicable,] in the following manner for each Participating Organization: (a) Less than 1.0%: If the Participating Organization’s Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades for [NYSE-listed trades (in the case of NYSE Regulation) or for combined AMEX-listed, NASDAQlisted, and CHX solelylisted trades (in the case of FINRA) for] the relevant three-month billing period is less than E:\FR\FM\27JAN1.SGM 27JAN1 mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 18 / Thursday, January 27, 2011 / Notices 1.0%, the Quarterly Fee shall be $[3,125]6,250, per quarter (‘‘Static Fee’’); (b) Less than 2.0% but No Less than 1.0%: If the Participating Organization’s Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades for [NYSE-listed trades (in the case of NYSE Regulation) or for combined AMEX-listed, NASDAQ-listed, and CHX solely-listed trades (in the case of FINRA) for] the relevant three-month billing period is less than 2.0% but no less than 1.0%, the Quarterly Fee shall be $[9,375]18,750, per quarter (‘‘Static Fee’’); (c) 2.0% or Greater: If the Participating Organization’s Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades for [NYSElisted trades (in the case of NYSE Regulation) or for combined AMEXlisted, NASDAQ-listed, and CHX solely listed trades (in the case of FINRA) for] the relevant three-month billing period is 2.0% or greater, the Quarterly Fee shall be the amount equal to the Participating Organization’s Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades multiplied by [NYSE Regulation’s or] FINRA’s total charge (‘‘Total Charge’’)[, respectively,] for its performance of [Insider Trading regulatory responsibilities]Regulatory Responsibilities for the relevant threemonth billing period. (3) Increases in Static Fees. [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA will re-evaluate the Quarterly Fees on an annual basis during the annual budget process outlined in paragraph 1.c. below. During each annual re-evaluation, [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA will have the discretion to increase the Static Fees by a percentage no greater than the percentage increase in the Final Budget over the preceding year’s Final Budget. Any changes to the Static Fees shall not require an amendment to this Agreement, but rather shall be memorialized through the [B]budget [P]process. (4) Increases in Total Charges. Any change in the Total Charges (whether a Final Budget increase or any mid year change) shall not require an amendment to this Agreement, but rather shall be memorialized through the budget process. b. Source of Data. For purposes of calculation of the Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades for each Participating Organization, [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA shall use (a) the Consolidated Tape Association (‘‘CTA’’) as the exclusive securities information processor (‘‘SIP’’) for all NYSE Listed Stocks, [AMEX]NYSE Amex Listed Stocks, NYSE Arca Listed Stocks and CHX Solely Listed Stocks, and (b) the Unlisted Trading Privileges Plan as the exclusive SIP for NASDAQ[-l] Listed Stocks. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:51 Jan 26, 2011 Jkt 223001 c. Annual Budget Forecast. [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA will notify the Participating Organizations of the forecasted costs of [their respective]its insider trading program[s] for the following calendar year by close of business on October 15 of the thencurrent year (the ‘‘Forecasted Budget’’). [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA shall use best efforts to provide as accurate a forecast as possible. [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA shall then provide a final submission of the costs following approval of such costs by [their respective governing Boards]its Board of Governors (the ‘‘Final Budget’’). Subject to paragraph 1[(]d[)]. below, in the event of a difference between the Forecasted Budget and the Final Budget, the Final Budget will govern. d. Increases in Fees over [Twenty]Five Percent. (1) In the event that any proposed increase to Fees [by NYSE Regulation or] by FINRA for a given calendar year (which increase may arise either during the annual budgetary forecasting process or through any mid-year increase) will result in a cumulative increase in such calendar year’s Fees of more than [twenty]five percent ([20]5%) above the preceding calendar year’s Final Budget (a ‘‘Major Increase’’), then senior management of any Participating Organization (a) that is a Listing Market or (b) for which the Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades is then currently twenty percent (20%) or greater, shall have the right to call a meeting with the senior management of [NYSE Regulation or] FINRA[, respectively,] in order to discuss any disagreement over such proposed Major Increase. By way of example, if [NYSE Regulation]FINRA provides a Final Budget for [2009]2011 that represents an [8]4% increase above the Final Budget for [2008]2010, the terms of this paragraph 1.d.(1) shall not apply; if, however, in April of [2009, NYSE Regulation]2011, FINRA notifies the Exchange Committee of an increase in Fees that represents an additional [14]3% increase above the Final Budget for [2008]2010, then the increase shall be deemed a Major Increase, and the terms of this paragraph 1.d.(1) shall become applicable (i.e., [8% + 14% =]4% and 3% represents a cumulative increase of [22]7% above [2008]the 2010 Final Budget). (2) In the event that senior management members of the involved parties are unable to reach an agreement regarding the proposed Major Increase, then the matter shall be referred back to the Exchange Committee for final resolution. Prior to the matter being referred back to the Exchange PO 00000 Frm 00098 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 4955 Committee, nothing shall prohibit the parties from conferring with the SEC. Resolution shall be reached through a vote of no fewer than all Participating Organizations seated on the Exchange Committee, and a simple majority shall be required in order to reject the proposed Major Increase. e. Time Tracking. [NYSER and] FINRA shall track the time spent by staff on insider trading responsibilities under this Agreement; however, time tracking will not be used to allocate costs. 2. Invoicing and Payment.[ a. NYSE Regulation shall invoice each Participating Organization for the Quarterly Fee associated with the regulatory activities performed pursuant to this Agreement during the previous three-month billing period within forty five (45) days of the end of such previous 3-month billing period. A Participating Organization shall have thirty (30) days from date of invoice to make payment to NYSE Regulation on such invoice. The invoice will reflect the Participating Organization’s Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades for that billing period. b. ]FINRA shall invoice each Participating Organization for the Quarterly Fee associated with the regulatory activities performed pursuant to this Agreement during the previous three-month billing period within forty five (45) days of the end of such previous 3-month billing period. A Participating Organization shall have thirty (30) days from date of invoice to make payment to FINRA on such invoice. The invoice will reflect the Participating Organization’s Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades for that billing period. 3. Disputed Invoices; Interest. In the event that a Participating Organization disputes an invoice or a portion of an invoice, the Participating Organization shall notify [in writing either FINRA or NYSE Regulation (each, an ‘‘Invoicing Party’’), as applicable,] FINRA in writing of the disputed item(s) within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the invoice. In its notification to [the Invoicing Party]FINRA of the disputed invoice, the Participating Organization shall identify the disputed item(s) and provide a brief explanation of why the Participating Organization disputes the charges. [An Invoicing Party]FINRA may charge a Participating Organization interest on any undisputed invoice or the undisputed portions of a disputed invoice that a Participating Organization fails to pay within thirty (30) days of its receipt of such invoice. Such interest shall be assessed monthly. Interest will mean one and one half percent per month, or the maximum allowable E:\FR\FM\27JAN1.SGM 27JAN1 mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES 4956 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 18 / Thursday, January 27, 2011 / Notices under applicable [L]law, whichever is less. 4. Taxes. In the event any governmental authority deems the regulatory activities allocated to [NYSE Regulation or] FINRA to be taxable activities similar to the provision of services in a commercial context, the other Participating Organizations agree that they shall bear full responsibility, on a joint and several basis, for the payment of any such taxes levied on [NYSE Regulation or] FINRA, or, if such taxes are paid by [NYSE Regulation or] FINRA directly to the governmental authority, the other Participating Organizations agree that they shall reimburse [NYSE Regulation and/or] FINRA[, as applicable,] for the amount of any such taxes paid. 5. Audit Right; Record Keeping. a. Audit Right. [(i) Audit of NYSE Regulation. ] [(a) Once every rolling twelve (12) month period, NYSE Regulation shall permit no more than one audit (to be performed by one or more Participating Organizations) of the Fees charged by NYSE Regulation to the Participating Organizations hereunder and a detailed cost analysis supporting such Fees (the ‘‘Audit’’). The Participating Organization or Organizations that conduct this Audit will select a nationally-recognized independent auditing firm (or may use its regular independent auditor, providing it is a nationally-recognized auditing firm) (‘‘Auditing Firm’’) to act on its, or their behalf, and will provide reasonable notice to other Participating Organizations of the Audit and invite the other Participating Organizations to participate in the Audit. NYSE Regulation will permit the Auditing Firm reasonable access during NYSE Regulation’s normal business hours, with reasonable advance notice, to such financial records and supporting documentation as are necessary to permit review of the accuracy of the calculation of the Fees charged to the Participating Organizations. The Participating Organization, or Organizations, as applicable, other than NYSE Regulation, shall be responsible for the costs of performing any such audit.] [(b) If, through an Audit, the Exchange Committee determines that NYSE Regulation has inaccurately calculated the Fees for any Participating Organization, the Exchange Committee will promptly notify NYSE Regulation in writing of the amount of such difference in the Fees, and, if applicable, NYSE Regulation shall issue a reimbursement of the overage amount to the relevant Participating Organization(s), less any amount owed VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:51 Jan 26, 2011 Jkt 223001 by the Participating Organization under any outstanding, undisputed invoice(s). If such an Audit reveals that any Participating Organization paid less than what was required pursuant to the Agreement, then that Participating Organization shall promptly pay NYSE Regulation the difference between what the Participating Organization owed pursuant to the Agreement and what that Participating Organization originally paid NYSE Regulation. If NYSE Regulation disputes the results of an audit regarding the accuracy of the Fees, it will submit the dispute for resolution pursuant to the dispute resolution procedures in paragraph 13 hereof.] [(c) In the event that through the review of any supporting documentation provided during the Audit, any one or more Participating Organizations desire to discuss with NYSE Regulation the supporting documentation and any questions arising therefrom with regard to the manner in which regulation was conducted, the Participating Organization(s) shall call a meeting with NYSE Regulation. NYSE Regulation shall in turn notify the Exchange Committee of this meeting in advance, and all Participating Organizations shall be welcome to attend (the ‘‘Fee Analysis Meeting’’). The parties to this Agreement acknowledge and agree that while NYSE Regulation commits to discuss the supporting documentation at the Fee Analysis Meeting, NYSE Regulation shall not be subject, by virtue of the above Audit rights or any discussions during the Fee Analysis Meeting or otherwise, to any limitation whatsoever, other than the Increase in Fee provisions set forth in paragraph 1.d. of this Exhibit, on its discretion as to the manner and means by which it conducts its regulatory efforts in its role as the SRO primarily liable for regulatory decisions under this Agreement. To that end, no disagreement among the Participating Organizations as to the manner or means by which NYSE Regulation conducts its regulatory efforts hereunder shall be subject to the dispute resolution procedures hereunder, and no Participating Organization shall have the right to compel NYSE Regulation to alter the manner or means by which it conducts its regulatory efforts. Further, a Participating Organization shall not have the right to compel a rebate or reassessment of fees for services rendered, on the basis that the Participating Organization would have conducted regulatory efforts in a different manner than NYSE Regulation PO 00000 Frm 00099 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 in its professional judgment chose to conduct its regulatory efforts.] [ii. Audit of FINRA.] [(a)](i) Once every rolling twelve (12) month period, FINRA shall permit no more than one audit (to be performed by one or more Participating Organizations) of the Fees charged by FINRA to the Participating Organizations hereunder and a detailed cost analysis supporting such Fees (the ‘‘Audit’’). The Participating Organization or Organizations that conduct this Audit will select a nationally-recognized independent auditing firm (or may use its regular independent auditor, providing it is a nationally-recognized auditing firm) (‘‘Auditing Firm’’) to act on its, or their behalf, and will provide reasonable notice to other Participating Organizations of the Audit. FINRA will permit the Auditing Firm reasonable access during FINRA’s normal business hours, with reasonable advance notice, to such financial records and supporting documentation as are necessary to permit review of the accuracy of the calculation of the Fees charged to the Participating Organizations. The Participating Organization, or Organizations, as applicable, other than FINRA, shall be responsible for the costs of performing any such audit. [(b)](ii) If, through an Audit, the Exchange Committee determines that FINRA has inaccurately calculated the Fees for any Participating Organization, the Exchange Committee will promptly notify FINRA in writing of the amount of such difference in the Fees, and, if applicable, FINRA shall issue a reimbursement of the overage amount to the relevant Participating Organization(s), less any amount owed by the Participating Organization under any outstanding, undisputed invoice(s). If such an Audit reveals that any Participating Organization paid less than what was required pursuant to the Agreement, then that Participating Organization shall promptly pay FINRA the difference between what the Participating Organization owed pursuant to the Agreement and what that Participating Organization originally paid FINRA. If FINRA disputes the results of an [a]Audit regarding the accuracy of the Fees, it will submit the dispute for resolution pursuant to the dispute resolution procedures in paragraph 13 [hereof]of the Agreement. [(c)](iii) In the event that through the review of any supporting documentation provided during the Audit, any one or more Participating Organizations desire to discuss with FINRA the supporting documentation and any questions arising therefrom E:\FR\FM\27JAN1.SGM 27JAN1 4957 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 18 / Thursday, January 27, 2011 / Notices with regard to the manner in which regulation was conducted, the Participating Organization(s) shall call a meeting with FINRA. FINRA shall in turn notify the Exchange Committee of this meeting in advance, and all Participating Organizations shall be welcome to attend (the ‘‘Fee Analysis Meeting’’). The parties to this Agreement acknowledge and agree that while FINRA commits to discuss the supporting documentation at the Fee Analysis Meeting, FINRA shall not be subject, by virtue of the above Audit rights or any discussions during the Fee Analysis Meeting or otherwise, to any limitation whatsoever, other than the Increase in Fee provisions set forth in paragraph 1.d. of this Exhibit, on its discretion as to the manner and means by which it conducts its regulatory efforts in its role as the SRO primarily liable for regulatory decisions under this Agreement. To that end, no disagreement among the Participating Organizations as to the manner or means by which FINRA conducts its regulatory efforts hereunder shall be subject to the dispute resolution procedures hereunder, and no Participating Organization shall have the right to compel FINRA to alter the manner or means by which it conducts its regulatory efforts. Further, a Participating Organization shall not have the right to compel a rebate or reassessment of fees for services rendered, on the basis that the Participating Organization would have conducted regulatory efforts in a different manner than FINRA in its professional judgment chose to conduct its regulatory efforts. b. Record Keeping. In anticipation of any audit that may be performed by the Exchange Committee under paragraph 5.a. above, [NYSE and] FINRA shall [each] keep accurate financial records and documentation relating to the Fees charged by [each, respectively,]it under this Agreement. EXHIBIT C: REPORTS [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA shall provide the following information in reports to the Exchange Committee, which information covers activity occurring under this Agreement: 1. Alert Summary Statistics: Total number of surveillance system alerts generated by quarter along with associated number of reviews and investigations. In addition, this paragraph shall also reflect the number of reviews and investigations originated from a source other than an alert. A separate table would be presented for NYSE Listed Stock, NYSE Amex Listed[, Nasdaq] Stock, NYSE Arca Listed Stock, NASDAQ Listed Stock, and CHX Solely Listed [equity]Stock trading activity. 2008 Surveillance alerts Investigations 1st Quarter ................................................................................................................................................... 2nd Quarter .................................................................................................................................................. 3rd Quarter .................................................................................................................................................. 4th Quarter ................................................................................................................................................... 2008 Total ............................................................................................................................................. 2. Aging of Open Matters: Would reflect the aging for all currently open matters for the quarterly period being reported. A separate table would be presented for NYSE Listed Stock, NYSE Amex Listed[, Nasdaq] Stock, NYSE Arca Listed Stock, NASDAQ Listed Stock, and CHX Solely Listed [equity]Stock trading activity. Example: Surveillance alerts Investigations 0–6 months .................................................................................................................................................. 6–9 months .................................................................................................................................................. 9–12 months ................................................................................................................................................ 12+ months .................................................................................................................................................. Total ...................................................................................................................................................... 3. Timeliness of Completed Matters: Would reflect the total age of those matters that were completed or closed during the quarterly period being reported. [NYSE and] FINRA will provide total referrals to the SEC. Example: Surveillance alerts Investigations 0–6 months .................................................................................................................................................. 6–9 months .................................................................................................................................................. 9–12 months ................................................................................................................................................ 12+ months .................................................................................................................................................. mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES Total ...................................................................................................................................................... 4. Disposition of Closed Matters: Would reflect the disposition of those matters that were completed or closed during the quarterly period being VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:51 Jan 26, 2011 Jkt 223001 reported. A separate table would be presented for NYSE Listed Stock, NYSE Amex Listed[, Nasdaq] Stock, NYSE Arca Listed Stock, NASDAQ Listed PO 00000 Frm 00100 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Stock, and CHX Solely Listed [equity]Stock trading activity. Example: E:\FR\FM\27JAN1.SGM 27JAN1 4958 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 18 / Thursday, January 27, 2011 / Notices Surveillance YTD Investigations YTD No Further Review ....................................................................................................................................... Letter of Caution/Admonition/Fine ............................................................................................................... Referred to Legal/Enforcement ................................................................................................................... Referred to SEC/SRO ................................................................................................................................. Merged ......................................................................................................................................................... Other ............................................................................................................................................................ Total ...................................................................................................................................................... IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing. 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 4–566 on the subject line. mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES 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 4–566. 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:51 Jan 26, 2011 Jkt 223001 plan that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed plan 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 the plan also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal offices of BATS, BYX, CBOE, CHX, EDGA, EDGX, FINRA, NASDAQ OMX BX, NASDAQ OMX Phlx, NASDAQ, NSX, NYSE, NYSE Amex, and NYSE Arca. 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 4–566 and should be submitted on or before February 17, 2011. Under paragraph (c) of Rule 17d–2, the Commission may, after appropriate notice and comment, declare a plan, or any part of a plan, effective. In this instance, the Commission believes that appropriate notice and comment can take place after the proposed amendment is effective. The purpose of the amendment is to amend the Plan to reflect that FINRA has assumed responsibility for performing the market surveillance and enforcement functions previously conducted by NYSE Regulation for its U.S. equities and options markets. The Commission believes that the amended Plan should become effective and be implemented without undue delay in order to conform the terms of the Plan to reflect that new arrangement. In addition, the Commission notes that the prior version of this Plan was published for comment, and the Commission did not receive any comments thereon.17 Finally, the Commission does not believe that the amendment to the Plan raises any new regulatory issues that the Commission has not previously considered. V. Discussion 5. Pending Reviews. In addition to the above reports, the Chief Regulatory Officer (CRO) (or his or her designee) of any Participating Organization that is also a [l]Listing [m]Market (including CHX) may inquire about pending reviews involving stocks listed on that Participating Organization’s market. [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA[, respectively,] will respond to such inquiries from a CRO; provided, however, that (a) the CRO must hold any information provided by [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA in confidence and (b) [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA will not be compelled to provide information in contradiction of any mandate, directive or order from the SEC, US Attorney’s Office, the Office of any State Attorney General or court of competent jurisdiction. * * * * * VI. Conclusion The Commission finds that the Plan, as proposed to be amended, is consistent with the factors set forth in Section 17(d) of the Act 15 and Rule 17d–2 16 thereunder in that it is necessary or appropriate in the public interest and for the protection of investors, fosters cooperation and coordination among SROs, and removes impediments to and fosters the development of the national market system. The Commission continues to believe that the Plan, as amended, should reduce unnecessary regulatory duplication by allocating regulatory responsibility for the surveillance, investigation, and enforcement of Common Rules to FINRA. Accordingly, the proposed amendment to the Plan promotes efficiency by consolidating these regulatory functions in a single SRO. This order gives effect to the amended Plan submitted to the Commission that is contained in File No. 4–566. It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 17(d) of the Act,18 that the Plan, as amended, is hereby approved and declared effective. It is further ordered that the Participating Organizations are relieved of those regulatory responsibilities allocated to FINRA under the amended Plan to the extent of such allocation. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.19 Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2011–1764 Filed 1–26–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P 17 See supra note 11. U.S.C. 78q(d). 19 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(24). 15 15 U.S.C. 78q(d). 16 17 CFR 240.17d–2 PO 00000 Frm 00101 Fmt 4703 18 15 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\27JAN1.SGM 27JAN1

Agencies

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 18 (Thursday, January 27, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4948-4958]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-1764]


=======================================================================
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-63750; File No. 4-566]


Program for Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Pursuant to 
Rule 17d-2; Notice of Filing and Order Approving and Declaring 
Effective an Amendment to the Plan for the Allocation of Regulatory 
Responsibilities Among BATS Exchange, Inc., BATS Y-Exchange, Inc., 
Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated, Chicago Stock Exchange, 
Inc., EDGA Exchange, Inc., EDGX Exchange, Inc., Financial Industry 
Regulatory Authority, Inc., NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc., NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC, 
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, National Stock Exchange, Inc., New York 
Stock Exchange LLC, NYSE Amex LLC, and NYSE Arca, Inc. Relating to the 
Surveillance, Investigation, and Enforcement of Insider Trading Rules

January 21, 2011.
    Notice is hereby given that the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(``Commission'') has issued an Order, pursuant to Section 17(d) of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (``Act''),\1\ approving and declaring 
effective an amendment to the plan for allocating regulatory 
responsibility (``Plan'') filed pursuant to Rule 17d-2 of the Act,\2\ 
by and among BATS Exchange, Inc. (``BATS''), BATS Y-Exchange, Inc. 
(``BYX''), Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated (``CBOE''), 
Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc. (``CHX''), EDGA Exchange, Inc. (``EDGA''), 
EDGX Exchange, Inc. (``EDGX''), the Financial Industry Regulatory 
Authority, Inc. (``FINRA''), NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc., (``NASDAQ OMX BX''), 
NASDAQ OMX PHLX, LLC, (``NASDAQ OMX PHLX''), The NASDAQ Stock Market 
LLC (``Nasdaq''), National Stock Exchange, Inc. (``NSX''), New York 
Stock Exchange LLC (``NYSE''), NYSE Amex, LLC (``NYSE Amex''), and NYSE 
Arca, Inc. (``NYSE Arca'') (each a ``Participating Organization'' and 
collectively, ``Participating Organizations'' or ``parties'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78q(d).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.17d-2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. Introduction

    Section 19(g)(1) of the Act,\3\ among other things, requires every 
self-regulatory organization (``SRO'') registered as either a national 
securities exchange or national securities association to examine for, 
and enforce compliance by, its members and persons associated with its 
members with the Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, and the 
SRO's own rules, unless the SRO is relieved of this responsibility 
pursuant to Section 17(d) \4\ or Section 19(g)(2) \5\ of the Act. 
Without this relief, the statutory obligation of each individual SRO 
could result in a pattern of multiple examinations of broker-dealers 
that maintain memberships in more than one SRO (``common members''). 
Such regulatory duplication would add unnecessary expenses for common 
members and their SROs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(g)(1).
    \4\ 15 U.S.C. 78q(d).
    \5\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(g)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Section 17(d)(1) of the Act \6\ was intended, in part, to eliminate 
unnecessary multiple examinations and regulatory duplication.\7\ With 
respect to a common member, Section 17(d)(1) authorizes the Commission, 
by rule or order, to relieve an SRO of the responsibility to receive 
regulatory reports, to examine for and enforce compliance with 
applicable statutes, rules, and regulations, or to perform other 
specified regulatory functions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ 15 U.S.C. 78q(d)(1).
    \7\ See Securities Act Amendments of 1975, Report of the Senate 
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs to Accompany S. 
249, S. Rep. No. 94-75, 94th Cong., 1st Session 32 (1975).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To implement Section 17(d)(1), the Commission adopted two rules: 
Rule 17d-1 and Rule 17d-2 under the Act.\8\ Rule 17d-1 authorizes the 
Commission to name a single SRO as the designated examining authority 
(``DEA'') to examine common members for compliance with the financial 
responsibility requirements imposed by the Act, or by Commission or SRO 
rules.\9\ When an SRO has been named as a common member's DEA, all 
other SROs to which the common member belongs are relieved of the 
responsibility to examine the firm for compliance with the applicable 
financial responsibility rules. On its face, Rule 17d-1 deals only with 
an SRO's obligations to enforce member compliance with financial 
responsibility

[[Page 4949]]

requirements. Rule 17d-1 does not relieve an SRO from its obligation to 
examine a common member for compliance with its own rules and 
provisions of the federal securities laws governing matters other than 
financial responsibility, including sales practices and trading 
activities and practices.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ 17 CFR 240.17d-1 and 17 CFR 240.17d-2, respectively.
    \9\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 12352 (April 20, 
1976), 41 FR 18808 (May 7, 1976).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To address regulatory duplication in these and other areas, the 
Commission adopted Rule 17d-2 under the Act.\10\ Rule 17d-2 permits 
SROs to propose joint plans for the allocation of regulatory 
responsibilities with respect to their common members. Under paragraph 
(c) of Rule 17d-2, the Commission may declare such a plan effective if, 
after providing for notice and comment, it determines that the plan is 
necessary or appropriate in the public interest and for the protection 
of investors, to foster cooperation and coordination among the SROs, to 
remove impediments to, and foster the development of, a national market 
system and a national clearance and settlement system, and is in 
conformity with the factors set forth in Section 17(d) of the Act. 
Commission approval of a plan filed pursuant to Rule 17d-2 relieves an 
SRO of those regulatory responsibilities allocated by the plan to 
another SRO.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 12935 (October 28, 
1976), 41 FR 49091 (November 8, 1976).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

II. The Plan

    On September 12, 2008, the Commission declared effective the 
Participating Organizations' Plan for allocating regulatory 
responsibilities pursuant to Rule 17d-2.\11\ The Plan is designed to 
eliminate regulatory duplication by allocating regulatory 
responsibility over Common NYSE Members \12\ or Common FINRA 
Members,\13\ as applicable (collectively ``Common Members''), for the 
surveillance, investigation, and enforcement of common insider trading 
rules (``Common Rules'').\14\ The Plan assigns regulatory 
responsibility over Common NYSE Members to NYSE Regulation for 
surveillance, investigation, and enforcement of insider trading by 
broker-dealers, and their associated persons, with respect to NYSE-
listed stocks and NYSE Arca-listed stocks, irrespective of the 
marketplace(s) maintained by the Participating Organizations on which 
the relevant trading may occur. The Plan assigns regulatory 
responsibility over Common FINRA Members to FINRA for surveillance, 
investigation, and enforcement of insider trading by broker-dealers, 
and their associated persons, with respect to NASDAQ-listed stocks and 
Amex-listed stocks, as well as any CHX solely-listed stock, 
irrespective of the marketplace(s) maintained by the Participating 
Organizations on which the relevant trading may occur.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 58536 (September 
12, 2008), 73 FR 54646 (September 22, 2008). See also Securities 
Exchange Act Release Nos. 58806 (October 17, 2008), 73 FR 63216 
(October 23, 2008); 61919 (April 15, 2010), 75 FR 21051 (April 22, 
2010); and 63103 (October 14, 2010), 75 FR 64755 (October 20, 2010).
    \12\ Common NYSE Members include members of the NYSE and at 
least one of the Participating Organizations.
    \13\ Common FINRA Members include members of FINRA and at least 
one of the Participating Organizations.
    \14\ Common rules are defined as: (i) Federal securities laws 
and rules promulgated by the Commission pertaining to insider 
trading, and (ii) the rules of the Participating Organizations that 
are related to insider trading. See Exhibit A to the Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. Proposed Amendment to the Plan

    On November 23, 2010, the Participating Organizations submitted an 
amendment to the Plan. The proposed amendment was submitted as a result 
of a recently completed agreement under which FINRA would assume 
responsibility for performing the market surveillance and enforcement 
functions previously conducted by NYSE Regulation for its U.S. equities 
and options markets (NYSE, NYSE Arca and NYSE Amex). As part of this 
acquisition agreement, most of the NYSE personnel performing these 
responsibilities under the Plan have been transferred to FINRA. The 
Participating Organizations believe that consolidating surveillance, 
investigation, and enforcement for insider trading within FINRA will 
lead to a more unified and effective system of regulation.
    Accordingly, the proposed amendment would modify the Plan to 
reflect that NYSE Regulation, Inc. would no longer perform any 
regulatory responsibilities under the Plan. Under the amended Plan, 
FINRA would perform surveillance, investigation, and enforcement of the 
common insider trading rules listed in the Plan with respect to equity 
securities listed on the NYSE, NASDAQ, NYSE Amex, NYSE Arca, or Chicago 
Stock Exchange, irrespective of the marketplaces maintained by the 
parties to the Plan. As with the current version of the Plan, FINRA 
will have regulatory responsibility for members of FINRA that are also 
members of at least one of the Participating Organizations. Separately, 
FINRA performs investigations and enforcement with respect to non-
Common FINRA Members pursuant to a regulatory services agreement 
between FINRA and the other Participating Organizations. The amended 
Plan replaces the previous agreement in its entirety. The text of the 
proposed amended 17d-2 plan is as follows (additions are italicized; 
deletions are [bracketed]):
* * * * *

Agreement for the Allocation of Regulatory Responsibility of 
Surveillance, Investigation and Enforcement for Insider Trading 
Pursuant to Sec.  17(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 
U.S.C. Sec.  78q(d), and Rule 17d-2 Thereunder

    This agreement (the ``Agreement'') by and among BATS Exchange, Inc. 
(``BATS''), BATS Y-Exchange, Inc. (``BYX''), Chicago Board Options 
Exchange, Inc. (``CBOE'') *, Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc. (``CHX''), 
EDGA Exchange, Inc. (``EDGA''), EDGX Exchange, Inc. (``EDGX''), 
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (``FINRA''), NASDAQ 
OMX[,] BX, Inc. (``NASDAQ OMX BX''), NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC (``NASDAQ OMX 
PHLX''), The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (``NASDAQ''), National Stock 
Exchange, Inc. (``NSX''), New York Stock Exchange[,] LLC (``NYSE''), 
NYSE Amex LLC (``NYSE Amex''), and NYSE Arca, Inc. (``NYSE Arca'')[, 
and NYSE Regulation, Inc. (pursuant to delegated authority) (``NYSE 
Regulation'')] (each a ``Participating Organization'' and together, the 
``Participating Organizations''), is made pursuant to Sec.  17(d) of 
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ``Act''), 15 U.S.C. Sec.  
78q(d), and Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'') Rule 17d-2, 
which allow for plans to allocate regulatory responsibility among self-
regulatory organizations (``SROs''). Upon approval by the SEC, this 
Agreement shall amend and restate the agreement among the Participating 
Organizations [(except BYX)] approved by the SEC on [April 15]October 
14, 2010.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    * CBOE's allocation of certain regulatory responsibilities to 
[NYSE/]FINRA under this Agreement is limited to the activities of 
the CBOE Stock Exchange, LLC, a facility of CBOE.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    [WHEREAS, NYSE delegates to NYSE Regulation the regulation of 
trading by members in its market, and NYSE Regulation is a subsidiary 
of NYSE, all references to NYSE Regulation in this Agreement shall be 
read as references to both entities;]
    WHEREAS, the Participating Organizations desire to: (a) Foster 
cooperation and coordination among the SROs; (b) remove impediments to, 
and foster the development of, a national market system; (c) strive to 
protect the

[[Page 4950]]

interest of investors; and (d) eliminate duplication in their 
regulatory surveillance, investigation and enforcement of insider 
trading;
    [WHEREAS, the Participating Organizations are interested in 
allocating to NYSE Regulation regulatory responsibility for Common NYSE 
Members for surveillance, investigation and enforcement of Insider 
Trading (as defined below) in NYSE Listed Stocks (as defined below) 
irrespective of the marketplace(s) maintained by the Participating 
Organizations on which the relevant trading may occur in violation of 
Common Insider Trading Rules;]
    WHEREAS, the Participating Organizations are interested in 
allocating to FINRA regulatory responsibility for Common FINRA Members 
(as defined below) for surveillance, investigation and enforcement of 
Insider Trading (as defined below) in [NASDAQ] Listed Stocks (as 
defined below) [, Amex Listed Stocks, and CHX Solely Listed Stocks] 
irrespective of the marketplace(s) maintained by the Participating 
Organizations on which the relevant trading may occur in violation of 
Common Insider Trading Rules (as defined below);
    WHEREAS, the Participating Organizations will request regulatory 
allocation of these regulatory responsibilities by executing and filing 
with the SEC a plan for the above stated purposes (this Agreement, also 
known herein as the ``Plan'') pursuant to the provisions of Sec.  17(d) 
of the Act, and SEC Rule 17d-2 thereunder, as described below; and
    WHEREAS, the Participating Organizations will also enter into 
[certain]a Regulatory Services Agreement[s] (the ``Insider Trading 
RSA[s]''), of even date herewith, to provide for the investigation and 
enforcement of suspected Insider Trading against broker-dealers, and 
their associated persons, that [(i) are not Common NYSE Members (as 
defined below) in the case of Insider Trading in NYSE Listed Stocks, 
and (ii)] are not Common FINRA Members [(as defined below)] in the case 
of Insider Trading in [NASDAQ] Listed Stocks[, Amex Listed Stocks, and 
CHX Solely Listed Stocks].
    NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained 
hereafter, and other valuable consideration to be mutually exchanged, 
the Participating Organizations hereby agree as follows:
    1. Definitions. Unless otherwise defined in this Agreement, or the 
context otherwise requires, the terms used in this Agreement will have 
the same meaning they have under the Act, and the rules and regulations 
thereunder. As used in this Agreement, the following terms will have 
the following meanings:
    a. ``Rule'' of an ``exchange'' or an ``association'' shall have the 
meaning defined in Section 3(a)(27) of the Act.
    b. ``Common [NYSE Members'' shall mean members of the NYSE and at 
least one of the Participating Organizations.
    c. ``Common] FINRA Members'' shall mean members of FINRA and at 
least one of the Participating Organizations.
    [d]c. ``Common Insider Trading Rules'' shall mean (i) the federal 
securities laws and rules thereunder promulgated by the SEC pertaining 
to insider trading, and (ii) the rules of the Participating 
Organizations that are related to insider trading, as provided on 
Exhibit A to this Agreement.
    [e]d. ``Effective Date'' shall have the meaning set forth in 
paragraph 28.
    [f]e. ``Insider Trading'' shall mean any conduct or action taken by 
a natural person or entity related in any way to the trading of 
securities by an insider or a related party based on or on the basis of 
material non-public information obtained during the performance of the 
insider's duties at the corporation, or otherwise misappropriated, that 
could be deemed a violation of the Common Insider Trading Rules.
    [g]f. ``Intellectual Property'' will mean any: (1) processes, 
methodologies, procedures, or technology, whether or not patentable; 
(2) trademarks, copyrights, literary works or other works of 
authorship, service marks and trade secrets; or (3) software, systems, 
machine-readable texts and files and related documentation.
    [h]g. ``Plan'' shall mean this Agreement, which is submitted as a 
Plan for the allocation of regulatory responsibilities of surveillance 
for insider trading pursuant to Sec.  17(d) of the [Securities and 
Exchange] Act [of 1934], 15 U.S.C. Sec.  78q(d), and SEC Rule 17d-2.
    h. ``Listed Stock(s)'' shall mean NYSE Listed Stock(s), NASDAQ 
Listed Stock(s), NYSE Amex Listed Stock(s), NYSE Arca Listed Stock(s) 
or CHX Solely Listed Stock(s).
    i. ``NYSE Listed Stock'' shall mean an equity security that is 
listed on the NYSE[, or NYSE Arca].
    j. ``NASDAQ Listed Stock'' shall mean an equity security that is 
listed on [the] NASDAQ.
    k. ``NYSE Amex Listed Stock'' shall mean an equity security that is 
listed on [the]NYSE Amex.
    l. ``NYSE Arca Listed Stock'' shall mean an equity security that is 
listed on NYSE Arca.
    [l]m. ``CHX Solely Listed Stock'' shall mean an equity security 
that is listed only [in]on the [Chicago Stock Exchange]CHX.
    [m]n. ``Listing Market'' shall mean NYSE Amex, [Nasdaq]NASDAQ, 
NYSE, or NYSE Arca, but not CHX.
    2. Assumption of Regulatory Responsibilities.
    [a. NYSE Regulation: Assumption of Regulatory Responsibilities. On 
the Effective Date of the Plan, NYSE Regulation will assume regulatory 
responsibilities for surveillance, investigation and enforcement of 
Insider Trading by broker-dealers, and their associated persons, for 
Common NYSE Members with respect to NYSE Listed Stocks irrespective of 
the marketplace(s) maintained by the Participant Organizations on which 
the relevant trading may occur in violation of the Common Insider 
Trading Rules (``NYSE's Regulatory Responsibility'').]
    [b. FINRA: Assumption of Regulatory Responsibilities.] On the 
Effective Date of the Plan, FINRA will assume regulatory 
responsibilities for surveillance, investigation and enforcement of 
Insider Trading by broker-dealers, and their associated persons, for 
Common FINRA Members with respect to [NASDAQ and Amex] Listed Stocks, 
[as well as any CHX Solely Listed equity security,] irrespective of the 
marketplace(s) maintained by the Participant Organizations on which the 
relevant trading may occur in violation of the Common Insider Trading 
Rules (``[FINRA's] Regulatory Responsibilit[y]ies'').
    [c. Change in Control. In the event of a change of control of a 
Listing Market, the Listing Market will have the discretion to transfer 
the regulatory responsibility for its listed stocks from NYSE 
Regulation to FINRA or from FINRA to NYSE Regulation, provided the SRO 
assuming regulatory responsibility consents to such transfer.]
    3. Certification of Insider Trading Rules.
    a. Initial Certification. By signing this Agreement, the 
Participating Organizations, other than [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA, 
hereby certify to [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA that their respective 
lists of Common Insider Trading Rules contained in [Attachment]Exhibit 
A hereto are correct, and [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA hereby confirms 
that such rules are Common Insider Trading Rules as defined in this 
Agreement.
    b. Yearly Certification. Each year following the commencement of 
operation of this Agreement, or more frequently if required by changes 
in the

[[Page 4951]]

rules of the Participating Organizations, each Participating 
Organization shall submit a certified and updated list of Common 
Insider Trading Rules to [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA for review, which 
shall (i) add Participating Organization rules not included in the 
then-current list of Common Insider Trading Rules that qualify as 
Common Insider Trading Rules as defined in this Agreement; (ii) delete 
Participating Organization rules included in the current list of Common 
Insider Trading Rules that no longer qualify as Common Insider Trading 
Rules as defined in this Agreement; and (iii) confirm that the 
remaining rules on the current list of Common Insider Trading Rules 
continue to be Participating Organization rules that qualify as Common 
Insider Trading Rules as defined in this Agreement. [NYSE Regulation 
and] FINRA shall review each Participating Organization's annual 
certification and confirm whether [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA agrees 
with the submitted certified and updated list of Common Insider Trading 
Rules by each of the Participating Organizations.
    4. No Retention of Regulatory Responsibility. The Participating 
Organizations do not contemplate the retention of any responsibilities 
with respect to the regulatory activities being assumed by [NYSE 
Regulation and] FINRA[, respectively,] under the terms of this 
Agreement. [Nothing in this Agreement will be interpreted to prevent 
NYSE Regulation or FINRA from entering into Regulatory Services 
Agreement(s) to perform their Regulatory Responsibilities.]
    5. Dually Listed Stocks. Stocks that are listed on more than one 
Participating Organization shall be designated as an NYSE Listed Stock, 
a NASDAQ Listed Stock, an NYSE Arca Listed Stock or an NYSE Amex Listed 
Stock based on the applicable transaction reporting plan for the equity 
security as set forth in paragraph 1.b. of Exhibit B.
    6. Fees. [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA shall charge Participating 
Organizations for performing [their respective]the Regulatory 
Responsibilities, as set forth in the Schedule of Fees, attached as 
Exhibit B.
    7. Applicability of Certain Laws, Rules, Regulations or Orders. 
Notwithstanding any provision hereof, this Agreement shall be subject 
to any statute, or any rule or order of the SEC. To the extent such 
statute, rule, or order is inconsistent with one or more provisions of 
this Agreement, the statute, rule, or order shall supersede the 
provision(s) hereof to the extent necessary to be properly effectuated 
and the provision(s) hereof in that respect shall be null and void.
    8. Exchange Committee; Reports.
    a. Exchange Committee. The Participating Organizations shall form a 
committee (the ``Exchange Committee''), which shall act on behalf of 
all of Participating Organizations in receiving copies of the reports 
described below and in reviewing issues that arise under this 
Agreement. Each Participating Organization shall appoint a 
representative to the Exchange Committee. The Exchange Committee 
representatives shall report to their respective executive management 
bodies regarding status or issues under [the]this Agreement. The 
Participating Organizations agree that the Exchange Committee will meet 
regularly up to four (4) times a year, with no more than one meeting 
per calendar quarter. At these meetings, the Exchange Committee will 
discuss the conduct of the Regulatory Responsibilities and identify 
issues or concerns with respect to this Agreement, including matters 
related to the calculation of the cost formula and accuracy of fees 
charged and provision of information related to the same. The SEC shall 
be permitted to attend the meetings as an observer.
    b. Reports. [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA shall provide the reports 
set forth in Exhibit C hereto and any additional reports related to 
[the]this Agreement reasonably requested by a majority vote of all 
representatives to the Exchange Committee at each Exchange Committee 
meeting, or more often as the Participating Organizations deem 
appropriate, but no more often than once every quarterly billing 
period.
    9. Customer Complaints.
    [a. If a Participating Organization receives a copy of a customer 
complaint relating to Insider Trading or other activity or conduct that 
is within the NYSE's Regulatory Responsibilities as set forth in this 
Agreement, the Participating Organization shall promptly forward to 
NYSE Regulation, as applicable, a copy of such customer complaint.
    b. ]If a Participating Organization receives a copy of a customer 
complaint relating to Insider Trading or other activity or conduct that 
is within FINRA's Regulatory Responsibilities as set forth in this 
Agreement, the Participating Organization shall promptly forward to 
FINRA, as applicable, a copy of such customer complaint.
    10. Parties to Make Personnel Available as Witnesses. Each 
Participating Organization shall make its personnel available to [NYSE 
Regulation or] FINRA to serve as testimonial or non-testimonial 
witnesses as necessary to assist [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA in 
fulfilling the Regulatory Responsibilities allocated under this 
Agreement. FINRA [and NYSE Regulation] shall provide reasonable advance 
notice when practicable and shall work with a Participating 
Organization to accommodate reasonable scheduling conflicts within the 
context and demands as the entit[ies]y with ultimate regulatory 
responsibility. The Participating Organization shall pay all reasonable 
travel and other expenses incurred by its employees to the extent that 
[NYSE Regulation or] FINRA requires such employees to serve as 
witnesses, and provide information or other assistance pursuant to this 
Agreement.
    11. Market Data; Sharing of Work-Papers, Data and Related 
Information.
    a. Market Data. FINRA [and NYSE Regulation] shall obtain raw market 
data necessary to the performance of regulation under this Agreement 
from (a) the Consolidated Tape Association (``CTA'') as the exclusive 
securities information processor (``SIP'') for all NYSE[-listed, AMEX-
listed securities,]Listed Stocks, NYSE Amex Listed Stocks, NYSE Arca 
Listed Stocks and CHX [solely listed securities]Solely Listed Stocks 
and (b) the NASDAQ Unlisted Trading Privileges Plan as the exclusive 
SIP for all NASDAQ[-listed securities] Listed Stocks.
    b. Sharing. A Participating Organization shall make available to 
[each of NYSE Regulation and] FINRA information necessary to assist 
[NYSE Regulation or] FINRA in fulfilling the [regulatory 
responsibilities]Regulatory Responsibilities assumed under the terms of 
this Agreement. Such information shall include any information 
collected by [an exchange or association]a Participating Organization 
in the course of performing its regulatory obligations under the Act, 
including information relating to an on-going disciplinary 
investigation or action against a member, the amount of a fine imposed 
on a member, financial information, or information regarding 
proprietary trading systems gained in the course of examining a member 
(``Regulatory Information''). This Regulatory Information shall be used 
by [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA solely for the purposes of fulfilling 
[their respective regulatory responsibilities]its Regulatory 
Responsibilities.
    c. No Waiver of Privilege. The sharing of documents or information 
between the parties pursuant to this Agreement shall not be deemed a 
waiver as against

[[Page 4952]]

third parties of regulatory or other privileges relating to the 
discovery of documents or information.
    d. Intellectual Property.
    (i) Existing Intellectual Property. [Each of NYSE Regulation and] 
FINRA[, respectively,] is and will remain the owner of all right, title 
and interest in and to the proprietary Intellectual Property it employs 
in the provision of regulation hereunder (including the SONAR and Stock 
Watch systems), and any derivative works thereof. To the extent certain 
elements of [either of these parties']FINRA's systems, or portions 
thereof, may be licensed or leased from third parties, all such third 
party elements shall remain the property of such third parties, as 
applicable. Likewise, any other Participating Organization is and will 
remain the owner of all right, title and interest in and to its own 
existing proprietary Intellectual Property.
    (ii) Enhancements to Existing Intellectual Property or New 
Developments[ of NYSE Regulation or FINRA]. In the event [NYSE 
Regulation or] FINRA (a) makes any changes, modifications or 
enhancements to its [respective] Intellectual Property for any reason, 
or (b) creates any newly developed Intellectual Property for any 
reason, including as a result of requested enhancements or new 
development by the Exchange Committee (collectively, the ``New IP''), 
the Participating Organizations acknowledge and agree that [each of 
NYSE Regulation and] FINRA shall be deemed the owner of the New IP 
created by [each of them, respectively]it (and any derivative works 
thereof), and shall retain all right, title and interest therein and 
thereto, and each other Participating Organization hereby irrevocably 
assigns, transfers and conveys to [each of NYSE Regulation and] FINRA[, 
as applicable,] without further consideration all of its right, title 
and interest in or to all such New IP (and any derivative works 
thereof).
    (iii) Fees for New IP. [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA will not charge 
the Participating Organizations any fees for any New IP created and 
used by [NYSE Regulation or] FINRA[, respectively]; provided, however, 
that [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA will [each] be permitted to charge 
fees for software maintenance work performed on systems used in the 
discharge of [their respective]its duties hereunder.
    12. Special or Cause Examinations. Nothing in this Agreement shall 
restrict or in any way encumber the right of a party to conduct special 
or cause examinations of [Common NYSE Members or] Common FINRA Members 
as any party, in its sole discretion, shall deem appropriate or 
necessary.
    13. Dispute Resolution Under this Agreement.
    a. Negotiation. The [P]parties to this Agreement will attempt to 
resolve any disputes through good faith negotiation and discussion, 
escalating such discussion up through the appropriate management levels 
until reaching the executive management level. In the event a dispute 
cannot be settled through these means, the [P]parties shall refer the 
dispute to binding arbitration.
    b. Binding Arbitration. All claims, disputes, controversies, and 
other matters in question between the [P]parties to this Agreement 
arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach thereof that 
cannot be resolved by the [P]parties will be resolved through binding 
arbitration. Unless otherwise agreed by the [P]parties, a dispute 
submitted to binding arbitration pursuant to this paragraph shall be 
resolved using the following procedures:
    (i) The arbitration shall be conducted in the city of New York in 
accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American 
Arbitration Association and judgment upon the award rendered by the 
arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof; and
    (ii) There shall be three arbitrators, and the chairperson of the 
arbitration panel shall be an attorney.
    14. Limitation of Liability. As between the Participating 
Organizations, no Participating Organization, including its respective 
directors, governors, officers, employees and agents, will be liable to 
any other Participating Organization, or its directors, governors, 
officers, employees and agents, for any liability, loss or damage 
resulting from any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions with 
respect to its performing or failing to perform regulatory 
responsibilities, obligations, or functions, except (a) as otherwise 
provided for under the Act, (b) in instances of a Participating 
Organization's gross negligence, willful misconduct or reckless 
disregard with respect to another Participating Organization, (c) in 
instances of a breach of confidentiality obligations owed to another 
Participating Organization, or (d) in the case of any Participating 
Organization paying fees hereunder, for any payments due. The 
Participating Organizations understand and agree that the [regulatory 
responsibilities]Regulatory Responsibilities are being performed on a 
good faith and best effort basis and no warranties, express or implied, 
are made by any Participating Organization to any other Participating 
Organization with respect to any of the responsibilities to be 
performed hereunder. This paragraph is not intended to create liability 
of any Participating Organization to any third party.
    15. SEC Approval.
    a. The parties agree to file promptly this Agreement with the SEC 
for its review and approval. [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA shall 
[jointly] file this Agreement on behalf, and with the explicit consent, 
of all Participating Organizations.
    b. If approved by the SEC, the Participating Organizations will 
notify their members of the general terms of [the]this Agreement and of 
its impact on their members.
    16. Subsequent Parties; Limited Relationship. This Agreement shall 
inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the Participating 
Organizations hereto and their respective legal representatives, 
successors, and assigns. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or 
implied, is intended or shall: (a) confer on any person other than the 
Participating Organizations hereto, or their respective legal 
representatives, successors, and assigns, any rights, remedies, 
obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, (b) 
constitute the Participating Organizations hereto partners or 
participants in a joint venture, or (c) appoint one Participating 
Organization the agent of the other.
    17. Assignment. No Participating Organization may assign this 
Agreement without the prior written consent of all the other 
Participating Organizations, which consent shall not be unreasonably 
withheld, conditioned or delayed; provided, however, that any 
Participating Organization may assign [the]this Agreement to a 
corporation controlling, controlled by or under common control with the 
Participating Organization without the prior written consent of any 
other party.
    18. Severability. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is 
invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such 
jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or 
unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the 
remaining terms and provisions of this Agreement or affecting the 
validity or enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of this 
Agreement in any other jurisdiction.
    19. Termination.
    a. Any Participating Organization may cancel its participation in 
[the]this Agreement at any time, provided that it has given 180 days 
written notice to the other Participating Organizations (or in the case 
of a change of control in

[[Page 4953]]

ownership of a Participating Organization, such other notice time 
period as that Participating Organization may choose), and provided 
that such termination has been approved by the SEC. The cancellation of 
its participation in this Agreement by any Participating Organization 
shall not terminate this Agreement as to the remaining Participating 
Organizations.
    b. The Regulatory Responsibilities assumed under this Agreement by 
[NYSE Regulation or] FINRA [(either, an ``Invoicing Party'')] may be 
terminated by [the Invoicing Party]FINRA against any Participating 
Organization as follows. The Participating Organization will have 
thirty (30) days from receipt to satisfy the invoice. If the 
Participating Organization fails to satisfy the invoice within thirty 
(30) days of receipt (``Default''), [the Invoicing Party]FINRA will 
notify the Participating Organization of the Default. The Participating 
Organization will have thirty (30) days from receipt of the Default 
notice to satisfy the invoice.
    c. [The Invoicing Party] FINRA will have the right to terminate the 
Regulatory Responsibilities assumed under this Agreement if a 
Participating Organization has Defaulted in its obligation to pay the 
invoice on more than three (3) occasions in any rolling twenty-four 
(24) month period.
    20. Intermarket Surveillance Group (``ISG''). In order to 
participate in this Agreement, all Participating Organizations to this 
Agreement must be members of the ISG.
    21. General. The Participating Organizations agree to perform all 
acts and execute all supplementary instruments or documents that may be 
reasonably necessary or desirable to carry out the provisions of this 
Agreement.
    22. Liaison and Notices. All questions regarding the implementation 
of this Agreement shall be directed to the persons identified below, as 
applicable. All notices and other communications required or permitted 
to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be 
deemed to have been duly given upon (i) actual receipt by the notified 
party or (ii) constructive receipt (as of the date marked on the return 
receipt) if sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt 
requested, to the following addresses:
* * * * *
    23. Confidentiality. The parties agree that documents or 
information shared shall be held in confidence, and used only for the 
purposes of carrying out their respective regulatory obligations under 
this Agreement. No party shall assert regulatory or other privileges as 
against the other with respect to Regulatory Information that is 
required to be shared pursuant to this Agreement, as defined by 
paragraph 11, above.
    24. Regulatory Responsibility. Pursuant to Section 17(d)(1)(A) of 
the Act, and Rule 17d-2 thereunder, the Participating Organizations 
jointly and severally request the SEC, upon its approval of this 
Agreement, to relieve the Participating Organizations, jointly and 
severally, of any and all responsibilities with respect to the matters 
allocated to [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA pursuant to this Agreement for 
purposes of Sec. Sec.  17(d) and 19(g) of the Act.
    25. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been made 
in the State of New York, and shall be construed and enforced in 
accordance with the law of the State of New York, without reference to 
principles of conflicts of laws thereof. Each of the parties hereby 
consents to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of 
New York in connection with any action or proceeding relating to this 
Agreement.
    26. Survival of Provisions. Provisions intended by their terms or 
context to survive and continue notwithstanding delivery of the 
regulatory services by [NYSE Regulation or] FINRA[, as applicable,] the 
payment of the Fees by the Participating Organizations, and any 
expiration of this Agreement shall survive and continue.
    27. Amendment.
    a. This Agreement may be amended to add a new Participating 
Organization, provided that such Participating Organization does not 
assume regulatory responsibility, solely by an amendment executed by 
[NYSE Regulation,] FINRA and such new Participating Organization. All 
other Participating Organizations expressly consent to allow [NYSE 
Regulation and] FINRA to [jointly] add new Participating Organizations 
to [the]this Agreement as provided above. [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA 
will promptly notify all Participating Organizations of any such 
amendments to add a new Participating Organization.
    b. All other amendments must be [made] approved by each 
Participating Organization. All amendments, including adding a new 
Participating Organization, must be filed with and approved by the 
[Commission]SEC before they become effective.
    28. Effective Date. The Effective Date of this Agreement will be 
the date the SEC declares this Agreement to be effective pursuant to 
authority conferred by Sec.  17(d) of the Act, and SEC Rule 17d-2 
thereunder.
    29. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of 
counterparts, including facsimile, each of which will be deemed an 
original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one single 
agreement between the [P]parties.
* * * * *

EXHIBIT A: COMMON INSIDER TRADING RULES

    1. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Section 10(b), and rules and 
regulations promulgated there under in connection with insider trading, 
including SEC Rule 10b-5 (as it pertains to insider trading), which 
states that:

Rule 10b-5--Employment of Manipulative and Deceptive Devices

    It shall be unlawful for any person, directly or indirectly, by the 
use of any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce, or of the 
mails or of any facility of any national securities exchange,
    a. To employ any device, scheme, or artifice to defraud,
    b. To make any untrue statement of a material fact or to omit to 
state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, 
in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not 
misleading, or
    c. To engage in any act, practice, or course of business which 
operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon any person, in 
connection with the purchase or sale of any security.
    2. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Section 17(a), and rules and 
regulations promulgated thereunder in connection with insider trading, 
including SEC Rule 17a-3 (as it pertains to insider trading).
    3. The following SRO Rules as they pertain to violations of insider 
trading:

FINRA Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade)
FINRA Rule 2020 (Use of Manipulative, Deceptive or Other Fraudulent 
Devices)
FINRA NASD Rule 3010 (Supervision)
FINRA NASD Rule 3110 (a) and (c) (Books and Records; Financial 
Condition)
NYSE Rule 401(a) (Business Conduct)
NYSE Rule 476(a) (Disciplinary Proceedings Involving Charges Against 
Members, Member Organizations, Allied Members, Approved Persons, 
Employees, or Others)
NYSE Rule 440 (Books and Records)
NYSE Rule 342 (Offices--Approval, Supervision and Control)

[[Page 4954]]

NYSE AMEX Cons. Art. II Sec. 3, Confidential Information
NYSE AMEX Cons. Art. V Sec. 4 Suspension or Expulsion (b), (h), (i), 
(j) and (r)
NYSE AMEX Cons. Art. XI Sec. 4 Controlled Corporations and 
Associations--Responsibility for Corporate Subsidiary; Duty to Produce 
Books
NYSE AMEX Rule 3 General Prohibitions and Duty to Report (d), (h) (j) 
and (l)
NYSE AMEX Rule 3-AEMI General Prohibitions and Duty to Report (d) and 
(h)
NYSE AMEX Rule 16 Business Conduct
NYSE AMEX Rule 320 Offices--Approval, Supervision and Control
NYSE AMEX Rule 324 Books and Records
NASDAQ OMX Rule 2110 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of 
Trade)
NASDAQ OMX Rule 2120 (Use of Manipulative, Deceptive or Other 
Fraudulent Devices)
NASDAQ OMX Rule 3010 (Supervision)
NASDAQ OMX Rule 3110 (a) and (c) (Books and Records; Financial 
Condition)
CHX Article 8, Rule 3 (Fraudulent Acts)
CHX Article 9, Rule 2 (Just & Equitable Trade Principles)
CHX Article 11, Rule 2 (Maintenance of Books and Records)
CHX Article 6, Rule 5 (Supervision of Registered Persons and Branch and 
Resident Offices)
CBOE [RULE]Rule 4.1 (Practices inconsistent with just and equitable 
principles)
CBOE [RULE]Rule 4.2 (adherence to law)
CBOE [RULE]Rule 4.7 (Manipulation)
CBOE [RULE]Rule 4.18 (Prevention of the misuse of material nonpublic 
information)
NASDAQ OMX PHLX [RULE]Rule 707 (Conduct Inconsistent with Just and 
Equitable Principles of Trade)
NASDAQ OMX PHLX [RULE]Rule 748 (Supervision)
NASDAQ OMX PHLX [RULE]Rule 760 (Maintenance, Retention and Furnishing 
of Books, Records and Other Information)
NASDAQ OMX PHLX [RULE]Rule 761 (Supervisory Procedures Relating to 
ITSFEA and to Prevention of Misuse or Material Nonpublic Information)
NASDAQ OMX PHLX [RULE]Rule 782 (Manipulative Operations)
NYSE Arca Rule 6.3 (Prevention of the Misuse of Material, Nonpublic 
Information)
NYSE Arca Rule 6.2(b) Prohibited Acts (J&E)
NYSE Arca Rule 6.1 Adherence to Law
NYSE Arca Rule 6.18 Supervision
NYSE Arca Rule 9.1(c) Office Supervision
NYSE Arca Rule 9.2(b) Account Supervision
NYSE Arca Rule 9.2(c) Customer Records
NYSE Arca Rule 9.17 Books and Records
NSX Rule 3.1 Business Conduct of ETP Holders
NSX Rule 3.2[.] Violations Prohibited
NSX Rule 3.3[.] Use of Fraudulent Devices
NSX Rule 4.1 Requirements
NSX Rule 5.1[.] Written Procedures
NSX Rule 5.3 Records
NSX Rule 5.5 Chinese Wall Procedures
NASDAQ OMX BX Rule 2110 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles 
of Trade)
NASDAQ OMX BX Rule 2120 (Use of Manipulative, Deceptive or Other 
Fraudulent
Devices)
NASDAQ OMX BX Rule 3010 (Supervision)
NASDAQ OMX BX Rule 3110 (a) and (c) (Books and Records; Financial 
Condition)
BATS Rule 3.1 Business Conduct of [ETP Holders]Members
BATS Rule 3.2[.] Violations Prohibited
BATS Rule 3.3[.] Use of Fraudulent Devices
BATS Rule 4.1 Requirements
BATS Rule 5.1[.] Written Procedures
BATS Rule 5.3 Records
BATS Rule 5.5 Prevention of the Misuse of Material, Non-Public 
Information
BATS Rule 12.4 Manipulative Transactions
BYX Rule 3.1 Business Conduct of ETP Holders
BYX Rule 3.2[.] Violations Prohibited
BYX Rule 3.3[.] Use of Fraudulent Devices
BYX Rule 4.1 Requirements
BYX Rule 5.1[.] Written Procedures
BYX Rule 5.3 Records
BYX Rule 5.5 Prevention of the Misuse of Material, Non-Public 
Information
BYX Rule 12.4 Manipulative Transactions
EDGA 3.1 Business Conduct of Members
EDGA 3.2 Violations Prohibited
EDGA 3.3 Use of Fraudulent Devices
EDGA 4.1 Requirements
EDGA 5.1 Written Procedures
EDGA 5.3 Records
EDGA 5.5 Prevention of misuse of material, nonpublic information
EDGA 12.4 Manipulative Transactions
EDGX 3.1 Business Conduct of Members
EDGX 3.2 Violations Prohibited
EDGX 3.3 Use of Fraudulent Devices
EDGX 4.1 Requirements
EDGX 5.1 Written Procedures
EDGX 5.3 Records
EDGX 5.5 Prevention of misuse of material, nonpublic information
EDGX 12.4 Manipulative Transactions

EXHIBIT B: FEE SCHEDULE

    1. Fees. [NYSE Regulation and, separately,] FINRA shall charge each 
Participating Organization a Quarterly Fee in arrears for the 
performance of [NYSE Regulation's and] FINRA's [respective regulatory 
responsibilities]Regulatory Responsibilities under the Plan (each, a 
``Quarterly Fee,''[,] and together, the ``Fees'').
    a. Quarterly Fees.
    (1) Quarterly Fees for each Participating Organization will be 
charged by [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA[, respectively,] according to 
the Participating Organization's ``Percentage of Publicly Reported 
Trades'' occurring over three-month billing periods. The ``Percentage 
of Publicly Reported Trades'' shall equal a Participating 
Organization's number of reported [NYSE-listed]Listed Stock trades 
[(when billing originates from NYSE Regulation) and combined AMEX-
listed, NASDAQ-listed, and CHX solely-listed trades (when billing 
originates from FINRA)] during the relevant period (the ``Numerator''), 
divided by the total number of [either all NYSE-listed trades or all 
combined AMEX-listed, NASDAQ-listed, and CHX solelylisted trades, 
respectively,]all Listed Stock trades for the same period (the 
``Denominator''). For purposes of clarification, ADF and Trade 
Reporting Facility (``TRF'') activity will be included in the 
Denominator. Additionally, with regard to TRFs, TRF trade volume will 
be charged to FINRA. Consequently, for purposes of calculating the 
Quarterly Fees, the volume for each Participant Organization's TRF will 
be calculated separately (that is, TRF volume will be broken out from 
the Participating Organization's overall Percentage of Publicly 
Reported Trades) and the fees for such will be billed to FINRA in 
accordance with paragraph 1[(]a[)].(2), rather than to the applicable 
Participating Organization.
    (2) The Quarterly Fees shall be determined by [each of NYSE 
Regulation and] FINRA[, as applicable,] in the following manner for 
each Participating Organization:
    (a) Less than 1.0%: If the Participating Organization's Percentage 
of Publicly Reported Trades for [NYSE-listed trades (in the case of 
NYSE Regulation) or for combined AMEX-listed, NASDAQ-listed, and CHX 
solelylisted trades (in the case of FINRA) for] the relevant three-
month billing period is less than

[[Page 4955]]

1.0%, the Quarterly Fee shall be $[3,125]6,250, per quarter (``Static 
Fee'');
    (b) Less than 2.0% but No Less than 1.0%: If the Participating 
Organization's Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades for [NYSE-listed 
trades (in the case of NYSE Regulation) or for combined AMEX-listed, 
NASDAQ-listed, and CHX solely-listed trades (in the case of FINRA) for] 
the relevant three-month billing period is less than 2.0% but no less 
than 1.0%, the Quarterly Fee shall be $[9,375]18,750, per quarter 
(``Static Fee'');
    (c) 2.0% or Greater: If the Participating Organization's Percentage 
of Publicly Reported Trades for [NYSE-listed trades (in the case of 
NYSE Regulation) or for combined AMEX-listed, NASDAQ-listed, and CHX 
solely listed trades (in the case of FINRA) for] the relevant three-
month billing period is 2.0% or greater, the Quarterly Fee shall be the 
amount equal to the Participating Organization's Percentage of Publicly 
Reported Trades multiplied by [NYSE Regulation's or] FINRA's total 
charge (``Total Charge'')[, respectively,] for its performance of 
[Insider Trading regulatory responsibilities]Regulatory 
Responsibilities for the relevant three-month billing period.
    (3) Increases in Static Fees. [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA will re-
evaluate the Quarterly Fees on an annual basis during the annual budget 
process outlined in paragraph 1.c. below. During each annual re-
evaluation, [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA will have the discretion to 
increase the Static Fees by a percentage no greater than the percentage 
increase in the Final Budget over the preceding year's Final Budget. 
Any changes to the Static Fees shall not require an amendment to this 
Agreement, but rather shall be memorialized through the [B]budget 
[P]process.
    (4) Increases in Total Charges. Any change in the Total Charges 
(whether a Final Budget increase or any mid year change) shall not 
require an amendment to this Agreement, but rather shall be 
memorialized through the budget process.
    b. Source of Data. For purposes of calculation of the Percentage of 
Publicly Reported Trades for each Participating Organization, [NYSE 
Regulation and] FINRA shall use (a) the Consolidated Tape Association 
(``CTA'') as the exclusive securities information processor (``SIP'') 
for all NYSE Listed Stocks, [AMEX]NYSE Amex Listed Stocks, NYSE Arca 
Listed Stocks and CHX Solely Listed Stocks, and (b) the Unlisted 
Trading Privileges Plan as the exclusive SIP for NASDAQ[-l] Listed 
Stocks.
    c. Annual Budget Forecast. [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA will notify 
the Participating Organizations of the forecasted costs of [their 
respective]its insider trading program[s] for the following calendar 
year by close of business on October 15 of the then-current year (the 
``Forecasted Budget''). [NYSE Regulation and] FINRA shall use best 
efforts to provide as accurate a forecast as possible. [NYSE Regulation 
and] FINRA shall then provide a final submission of the costs following 
approval of such costs by [their respective governing Boards]its Board 
of Governors (the ``Final Budget''). Subject to paragraph 1[(]d[)]. 
below, in the event of a difference between the Forecasted Budget and 
the Final Budget, the Final Budget will govern.
    d. Increases in Fees over [Twenty]Five Percent.
    (1) In the event that any proposed increase to Fees [by NYSE 
Regulation or] by FINRA for a given calendar year (which increase may 
arise either during the annual budgetary forecasting process or through 
any mid-year increase) will result in a cumulative increase in such 
calendar year's Fees of more than [twenty]five percent ([20]5%) above 
the preceding calendar year's Final Budget (a ``Major Increase''), then 
senior management of any Participating Organization (a) that is a 
Listing Market or (b) for which the Percentage of Publicly Reported 
Trades is then currently twenty percent (20%) or greater, shall have 
the right to call a meeting with the senior management of [NYSE 
Regulation or] FINRA[, respectively,] in order to discuss any 
disagreement over such proposed Major Increase. By way of example, if 
[NYSE Regulation]FINRA provides a Final Budget for [2009]2011 that 
represents an [8]4% increase above the Final Budget for [2008]2010, the 
terms of this paragraph 1.d.(1) shall not apply; if, however, in April 
of [2009, NYSE Regulation]2011, FINRA notifies the Exchange Committee 
of an increase in Fees that represents an additional [14]3% increase 
above the Final Budget for [2008]2010, then the increase shall be 
deemed a Major Increase, and the terms of this paragraph 1.d.(1) shall 
become applicable (i.e., [8% + 14% =]4% and 3% represents a cumulative 
increase of [22]7% above [2008]the 2010 Final Budget).
    (2) In the event that senior management members of the involved 
parties are unable to reach an agreement regarding the proposed Major 
Increase, then the matter shall be referred back to the Exchange 
Committee for final resolution. Prior to the matter being referred back 
to the Exchange Committee, nothing shall prohibit the parties from 
conferring with the SEC. Resolution shall be reached through a vote of 
no fewer than all Participating Organizations seated on the Exchange 
Committee, and a simple majority shall be required in order to reject 
the proposed Major Increase.
    e. Time Tracking. [NYSER and] FINRA shall track the time spent by 
staff on insider trading responsibilities under this Agreement; 
however, time tracking will not be used to allocate costs.
    2. Invoicing and Payment.[
    a. NYSE Regulation shall invoice each Participating Organization 
for the Quarterly Fee associated with the regulatory activities 
performed pursuant to this Agreement during the previous three-month 
billing period within forty five (45) days of the end of such previous 
3-month billing period. A Participating Organization shall have thirty 
(30) days from date of invoice to make payment to NYSE Regulation on 
such invoice. The invoice will reflect the Participating Organization's 
Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades for that billing period.
    b. ]FINRA shall invoice each Participating Organization for the 
Quarterly Fee associated with the regulatory activities performed 
pursuant to this Agreement during the previous three-month billing 
period within forty five (45) days of the end of such previous 3-month 
billing period. A Participating Organization shall have thirty (30) 
days from date of invoice to make payment to FINRA on such invoice. The 
invoice will reflect the Participating Organization's Percentage of 
Publicly Reported Trades for that billing period.
    3. Disputed Invoices; Interest. In the event that a Participating 
Organization disputes an invoice or a portion of an invoice, the 
Participating Organization shall notify [in writing either FINRA or 
NYSE Regulation (each, an ``Invoicing Party''), as applicable,] FINRA 
in writing of the disputed item(s) within fifteen (15) days of receipt 
of the invoice. In its notification to [the Invoicing Party]FINRA of 
the disputed invoice, the Participating Organization shall identify the 
disputed item(s) and provide a brief explanation of why the 
Participating Organization disputes the charges. [An Invoicing 
Party]FINRA may charge a Participating Organization interest on any 
undisputed invoice or the undisputed portions of a disputed invoice 
that a Participating Organization fails to pay within thirty (30) days 
of its receipt of such invoice. Such interest shall be assessed 
monthly. Interest will mean one and one half percent per month, or the 
maximum allowable

[[Page 4956]]

under applicable [L]law, whichever is less.
    4. Taxes. In the event any governmental authority deems the 
regulatory activities allocated to [NYSE Regulation or] FINRA to be 
taxable activities similar to the provision of services in a commercial 
context, the other Participating Organizations agree that they shall 
bear full responsibility, on a joint and several basis, for the payment 
of any such taxes levied on [NYSE Regulation or] FINRA, or, if such 
taxes are paid by [NYSE Regulation or] FINRA directly to the 
governmental authority, the other Participating Organizations agree 
that they shall reimburse [NYSE Regulation and/or] FINRA[, as 
applicable,] for the amount of any such taxes paid.
    5. Audit Right; Record Keeping.
    a. Audit Right.
    [(i) Audit of NYSE Regulation. ]
    [(a) Once every rolling twelve (12) month period, NYSE Regulation 
shall permit no more than one audit (to be performed by one or more 
Participating Organizations) of the Fees charged by NYSE Regulation to 
the Participating Organizations hereunder and a detailed cost analysis 
supporting such Fees (the ``Audit''). The Participating Organization or 
Organizations that conduct this Audit will select a nationally-
recognized independent auditing firm (or may use its regular 
independent auditor, providing it is a nationally-recognized auditing 
firm) (``Auditing Firm'') to act on its, or their behalf, and will 
provide reasonable notice to other Participating Organizations of the 
Audit and invite the other Participating Organizations to participate 
in the Audit. NYSE Regulation will permit the Auditing Firm reasonable 
access during NYSE Regulation's normal business hours, with reasonable 
advance notice, to such financial records and supporting documentation 
as are necessary to permit review of the accuracy of the calculation of 
the Fees charged to the Participating Organizations. The Participating 
Organization, or Organizations, as applicable, other than NYSE 
Regulation, shall be responsible for the costs of performing any such 
audit.]
    [(b) If, through an Audit, the Exchange Committee determines that 
NYSE Regulation has inaccurately calculated the Fees for any 
Participating Organization, the Exchange Committee will promptly notify 
NYSE Regulation in writing of the amount of such difference in the 
Fees, and, if applicable, NYSE Regulation shall issue a reimbursement 
of the overage amount to the relevant Participating Organization(s), 
less any amount owed by the Participating Organization under any 
outstanding, undisputed invoice(s). If such an Audit reveals that any 
Participating Organization paid less than what was required pursuant to 
the Agreement, then that Participating Organization shall promptly pay 
NYSE Regulation the difference between what the Participating 
Organization owed pursuant to the Agreement and what that Participating 
Organization originally paid NYSE Regulation. If NYSE Regulation 
disputes the results of an audit regarding the accuracy of the Fees, it 
will submit the dispute for resolution pursuant to the dispute 
resolution procedures in paragraph 13 hereof.]
    [(c) In the event that through the review of any supporting 
documentation provided during the Audit, any one or more Participating 
Organizations desire to discuss with NYSE Regulation the supporting 
documentation and any questions arising therefrom with regard to the 
manner in which regulation was conducted, the Participating 
Organization(s) shall call a meeting with NYSE Regulation. NYSE 
Regulation shall in turn notify the Exchange Committee of this meeting 
in advance, and all Participating Organizations shall be welcome to 
attend (the ``Fee Analysis Meeting''). The parties to this Agreement 
acknowledge and agree that while NYSE Regulation commits to discuss the 
supporting documentation at the Fee Analysis Meeting, NYSE Regulation 
shall not be subject, by virtue of the above Audit rights or any 
discussions during the Fee Analysis Meeting or otherwise, to any 
limitation whatsoever, other than the Increase in Fee provisions set 
forth in paragraph 1.d. of this Exhibit, on its discretion as to the 
manner and means by which it conducts its regulatory efforts in its 
role as the SRO primarily liable for regulatory decisions under this 
Agreement. To that end, no disagreement among the Participating 
Organizations as to the manner or means by which NYSE Regulation 
conducts its regulatory efforts hereunder shall be subject to the 
dispute resolution procedures hereunder, and no Participating 
Organization shall have the right to compel NYSE Regulation to alter 
the manner or means by which it conducts its regulatory efforts. 
Further, a Participating Organization shall not have the right to 
compel a rebate or reassessment of fees for services rendered, on the 
basis that the Participating Organization would have conducted 
regulatory efforts in a different manner than NYSE Regulation in its 
professional judgment chose to conduct its regulatory efforts.]
    [ii. Audit of FINRA.]
    [(a)](i) Once every rolling twelve (12) month period, FINRA shall 
permit no more than one audit (to be performed by one or more 
Participating Organizations) of the Fees charged by FINRA to the 
Participating Organizations hereunder and a detailed cost analysis 
supporting such Fees (the ``Audit''). The Participating Organization or 
Organizations that conduct this Audit will select a nationally-
recognized independent auditing firm (or may use its regular 
independent auditor, providing it is a nationally-recognized auditing 
firm) (``Auditing Firm'') to act on its, or their behalf, and will 
provide reasonable notice to other Participating Organizations of the 
Audit. FINRA will permit the Auditing Firm reasonable access during 
FINRA's normal business hours, with reasonable advance notice, to such 
financial records and supporting documentation as are necessary to 
permit review of the accuracy of the calculation of the Fees charged to 
the Participating Organizations. The Participating Organization, or 
Organizations, as applicable, other than FINRA, shall be responsible 
for the costs of performing any such audit.
    [(b)](ii) If, through an Audit, the Exchange Committee determines 
that FINRA has inaccurately calculated the Fees for any Participating 
Organization, the Exchange Committee will promptly notify FINRA in 
writing of the amount of such difference in the Fees, and, if 
applicable, FINRA shall issue a reimbursement of the overage amount to 
the relevant Participating Organization(s), less any amount owed by the 
Participating Organization under any outstanding, undisputed 
invoice(s). If such an Audit reveals that any Participating 
Organization paid less than what was required pursuant to the 
Agreement, then that Participating Organization shall promptly pay 
FINRA the difference between what the Participating Organization owed 
pursuant to the Agreement and what that Participating Organization 
originally paid FINRA. If FINRA disputes the results of an [a]Audit 
regarding the accuracy of the Fees, it will submit the dispute for 
resolution pursuant to the dispute resolution procedures in paragraph 
13 [hereof]of the Agreement.
    [(c)](iii) In the event that through the review of any supporting 
documentation provided during the Audit, any one or more Participating 
Organizations desire to discuss with FINRA the supporting documentation 
and any questions arising therefrom

[[Page 4957]]

with regard to the manner in which regulation was conducted, the 
Participating Organization(s) shall call a meeting with FINRA. FINRA 
shall in turn notify the Exchange Committee of this meeting in advance, 
and all Participating Organizations shall be welcome to attend (the 
``Fee Analysis Meeting''). The parties to this Agreement acknowledge 
and agree that while FINRA commits to discuss the supporting 
documentation at the Fee Analysis Meeting, FINRA shall not be subject, 
by virtue of the above Audit rights or any discussions during the Fee 
Analysis Meeting or otherwise, to any limitation whatsoever, other than 
the Increase in Fee provisions set forth in paragraph 1.d. of this 
Exhibit, on its discretion as to the manner and means by which it 
conducts its regulatory efforts in its role as the SRO primarily liable 
for regulatory decisions under this Agreement. To that end, no 
disagreement among the Participating Organizations as to the manner or 
means by which FINRA conducts its regulatory efforts hereunder shall be 
subject to the dispute resolution procedures hereunder, and no

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