Self-Regulatory Organizations; The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend NASDAQ Rule 3011 To Reflect Changes to a Corresponding Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. Rule, 20407-20409 [2011-8633]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 70 / Tuesday, April 12, 2011 / Notices 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 7 and Rule 19b– 4(f)(6) thereunder.8 The Exchange requested that the Commission waive the 30-day operative delay. The Exchange stated that waiver would allow the Exchange to immediately delete references to the flash functionality and thereby reduce any customer confusion. In addition, the Exchange noted that the proposal is consistent with proposals from other exchanges to eliminate flash functionality.9 Based on the foregoing, the Commission believes it is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest to waive the 30-day operative delay and hereby designates the proposal operative upon filing.10 At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an e-mail to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–CBOE–2011–036 on the subject line. Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–CBOE–2011–036. This file number should be included on the 7 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b– 4(f)(6)(iii) requires the self-regulatory organization to submit to the Commission written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change, along with a brief description and text of the proposed rule change, at least five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. The Exchange has satisfied this requirement. 9 See SR–CBOE–2011–036, Items 7 and 8. 10 For purposes of waiving the 30-day operative delay, the Commission has considered the proposed rule change’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). subject line if e-mail is used. To help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on the Commission’s Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site viewing and printing in the Commission’s Public Reference Room on official business days between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Copies of such filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–CBOE–2011–036 and should be submitted on or before May 3, 2011. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.11 Cathy H. Ahn, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2011–8656 Filed 4–11–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–64215; File No. SR– NASDAQ–2011–045] Self-Regulatory Organizations; The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend NASDAQ Rule 3011 To Reflect Changes to a Corresponding Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. Rule srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES 8 17 VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:00 Apr 11, 2011 Jkt 223001 April 6, 2011. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 2 thereunder, notice is hereby given that on March 31, 2011, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (the ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘NASDAQ’’) filed 11 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 1 15 PO 00000 Frm 00103 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 20407 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II and III below, which Items have been substantially prepared by the Exchange. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange proposes to amend NASDAQ Rule 3011 to reflect recent changes to a corresponding rule of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (‘‘FINRA’’). The text of the proposed rule change is available at https://nasdaq.cchwallstreet.com, at NASDAQ’s principal office, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose Many of NASDAQ’s rules are based on rules of FINRA (formerly the National Association of Securities Dealers (‘‘NASD’’)). During 2008, FINRA embarked on an extended process of moving rules formerly designated as ‘‘NASD Rules’’ into a consolidated FINRA rulebook. In most cases, FINRA has renumbered these rules, and in some cases has substantively amended them. Accordingly, NASDAQ also has been modifying its rulebook to ensure that NASDAQ rules corresponding to FINRA/NASD rules continue to mirror them as closely as practicable. In some cases, it will not be possible for the rule numbers of NASDAQ rules to mirror corresponding FINRA rules, because existing or planned NASDAQ rules make use of those numbers. However, wherever possible, NASDAQ plans to update its rules to reflect changes to corresponding FINRA rules. E:\FR\FM\12APN1.SGM 12APN1 20408 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 70 / Tuesday, April 12, 2011 / Notices srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES This filing addresses NASDAQ Rule 3011, which pertains to anti-money laundering compliance programs.3 In SR–FINRA–2009–039,4 FINRA adopted: (1) NASD Rule 3011 (AML Compliance Program) as FINRA Rule 3310 (AML Compliance Program), without substantive change; (2) NASD IM–3011– 1 (Independent Testing Requirements) as FINRA Rule 3310.01, subject to certain amendments; and (3) NASD IM– 3011–2 (Review of AML Compliance Person Information) as FINRA Rule 3310.02, without substantive change. FINRA Rule 3310 requires that each AML compliance program must, at a minimum: (1) Establish and implement policies and procedures that can be reasonably expected to detect and cause the reporting of suspicious transactions; (2) establish and implement policies, procedures, and internal controls reasonably designed to achieve compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act (‘‘BSA’’) 5 and its implementing regulations promulgated by the Department of the Treasury; (3) provide in most instances for annual (on a calendar-year basis) independent testing for compliance to be conducted by member personnel or a qualified outside party; (4) designate and identify to FINRA an individual or individuals (i.e., AML compliance person(s)) who will be responsible for implementing and monitoring the day-to-day operations and internal controls of the AML compliance program and provide prompt notification to FINRA of any changes to the designation; and (5) provide on-going training for appropriate persons. NASDAQ is proposing to adopt FINRA Rule 3310 in the same form as NASDAQ Rule 3011. FINRA Rule 3310.01 (Independent Testing Requirements) is substantially similar to NASD IM–3011–1 (the predecessor to FINRA Rule 3310.01) in that: (1) Members should undertake more frequent testing than required if circumstances warrant; (2) the person conducting the independent test must have a working knowledge of applicable requirements under the BSA and its implementing regulations; and (3) the testing cannot be conducted by any person who performs the functions being tested, by the AML compliance 3 NASDAQ Rule 3011 will remain numbered as Rule 3011, rather than Rule 3310, like FINRA’s rule, because NASDAQ already has a different rule operating as NASDAQ Rule 3310. 4 Securities Exchange Act Release No. 60645 (September 10, 2009), 74 FR 47630 (September 16, 2009) (SR–FINRA–2009–039). 5 See Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970 (commonly referred to as the Bank Secrecy Act), 12 U.S.C. 1829b, 12 U.S.C. 1951–1959, and 31 U.S.C. 5311–5330. VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:00 Apr 11, 2011 Jkt 223001 person(s), or by any person who reports to any of these persons. However, NASD IM–3011–1 permitted the AML compliance program testing to be conducted by persons who report to either the AML compliance person or persons performing the functions being tested if: (1) The member has no other qualified internal personnel to conduct the test; (2) the member establishes written policies and procedures to address conflicts that may arise from allowing the test to be conducted by a person who reports to the person(s) whose activities he or she is testing (e.g., anti-retaliation procedures); (3) to the extent possible, the person conducting the test reports the results of the test to someone who is senior to the AML compliance person or persons performing the functions being tested; and (4) the member documents its rationale, which must be reasonable, for determining there is no other alternative than to comply in this manner. In addition, if the person does not report the results consistent with (3) above, the member must document a reasonable explanation for not doing so. This provision is referred to as the ‘‘independent testing exception.’’ When it renumbered NASD IM–3011–1 as FINRA Rule 3310.01, FINRA eliminated the independent testing exception, because the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (‘‘FinCEN’’), a bureau within the Department of the Treasury that is responsible for administering the BSA and its implementing regulations, has stated that the independent testing provision of the BSA precludes AML program testing by personnel with an interest in the outcome of the testing and that an independent testing exception, such as the one previously in NASD IM–3011– 1, is inconsistent with the BSA’s independent testing provision and FinCEN’s interpretive guidance on the BSA’s independent testing requirement. In light of this, NASDAQ proposes to adopt FINRA Rule 3310.01, which eliminates the independent testing exception, in the same form as NASDAQ Rule 3011.01. Finally, FINRA Rule 3310.02 (Review of AML Compliance Person Information) requires each member to identify, review, and if necessary, update the information regarding its AML compliance person in the manner prescribed in NASD Rule 1160. NASDAQ is proposing to adopt this in the same form as NASDAQ Rule 3011.02. 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with PO 00000 Frm 00104 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,6 in that it is designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. The proposed changes will conform NASDAQ Rule 3011 to recent changes made to a corresponding FINRA rule in order to promote application of consistent regulatory standards. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others No written comments were either solicited or received. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not: (i) Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative for 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 7 and Rule 19b– 4(f)(6) 8 thereunder. At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved. 6 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). 8 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b– 4(f)(6) requires a self-regulatory organization to give the Commission written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change at least five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. The Exchange has satisfied this requirement. 7 15 E:\FR\FM\12APN1.SGM 12APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 70 / Tuesday, April 12, 2011 / Notices IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.9 Cathy H. Ahn, Deputy Secretary. places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant parts of such statements. [FR Doc. 2011–8633 Filed 4–11–11; 8:45 am] A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an e-mail to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–NASDAQ–2011–045 on the subject line. Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. [Release No. 34–64213; File No. SR–NSX– 2011–04] Self-Regulatory Organizations; National Stock Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend Its Rules To Extend a Pilot Program Regarding Trading Pauses in Individual Securities Due to Extraordinary Market Volatility April 6, 2011. srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on March 31, All submissions should refer to File 2011, National Stock Exchange, Inc. Number SR–NASDAQ–2011–045. This (‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘NSX’’) filed with the file number should be included on the subject line if e-mail is used. To help the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule Commission process and review your change, as described in Items I and II comments more efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will below, which Items have been prepared post all comments on the Commission’s by the Exchange. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/ comment on the proposed rule change rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the from interested persons. submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site viewing and printing in the Commission’s Public Reference Room, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR– NASDAQ–2011–045 and should be submitted on or before May 3, 2011. VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:00 Apr 11, 2011 Jkt 223001 20409 I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change National Stock Exchange, Inc. (‘‘NSX®’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) is proposing to amend its rules to extend a certain pilot program regarding trading pauses in individual securities due to extraordinary market volatility. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s Web site at https://www.nsx.com, at the principal office of the Exchange, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the 9 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 1 15 PO 00000 Frm 00105 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 1. Purpose With this rule change, the Exchange is proposing to extend a pilot program currently in effect regarding trading pauses in individual securities due to extraordinary market volatility under NSX Rule 11.20B. Currently, unless otherwise extended or approved permanently, this pilot program will expire on April 11, 2011. The instant rule filing proposes to extend the pilot program until the earlier of August 11, 2011 or the date on which a limit up/ limit down mechanism to address extraordinary market volatility, if adopted, applies to the Circuit Breaker Securities as defined in Commentary .05 of Rule 11.20. NSX Rule 11.20B (Trading Pauses in Individual Securities Due to Extraordinary Market Volatility) was approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’) on June 10, 2010 on a pilot basis to end on December 10, 2010.3 The pilot program end date was subsequently extended until April 11, 2011.4 Similar rule changes were adopted by other markets in the national market system in a coordinated manner. As the Exchange noted in its filing to adopt NSX Rule 11.20B, during the pilot period, the Exchange, in conjunction with other markets in the national market system, would continue to assess whether additional securities need to be added and whether the parameters of the rule would need to be modified to accommodate trading characteristics of different securities. NSX Rule 11.20B was expanded to include additional exchange traded products on September 10, 2010.5 The Exchange, in consultation with the Commission and other markets, has determined that the duration of this pilot program should be extended until August 11, 2011 or to coincide, if applicable, with the earlier implementation date of the limit up/ limit down mechanism. Accordingly, 3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 62252 (June 10, 2010), 75 FR 34186 (June 16, 2010) (SR– NSX–2010–05). 4 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 63512 (December 9, 2010), 75 FR 78786 (December 16, 2010) (SR–NSX–2010–17). 5 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 62884 (September 10, 2010), 75 FR 56618 (September 16, 2010) (SR–NSX–2010–08). E:\FR\FM\12APN1.SGM 12APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 70 (Tuesday, April 12, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20407-20409]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-8633]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-64215; File No. SR-NASDAQ-2011-045]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; 
Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To 
Amend NASDAQ Rule 3011 To Reflect Changes to a Corresponding Financial 
Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. Rule

April 6, 2011.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b-4 \2\ thereunder, notice is hereby given 
that on March 31, 2011, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (the ``Exchange'' 
or ``NASDAQ'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II 
and III below, which Items have been substantially prepared by the 
Exchange. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments 
on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The Exchange proposes to amend NASDAQ Rule 3011 to reflect recent 
changes to a corresponding rule of the Financial Industry Regulatory 
Authority, Inc. (``FINRA''). The text of the proposed rule change is 
available at https://nasdaq.cchwallstreet.com, at NASDAQ's principal 
office, and at the Commission's Public Reference Room.

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

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

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

1. Purpose
    Many of NASDAQ's rules are based on rules of FINRA (formerly the 
National Association of Securities Dealers (``NASD'')). During 2008, 
FINRA embarked on an extended process of moving rules formerly 
designated as ``NASD Rules'' into a consolidated FINRA rulebook. In 
most cases, FINRA has renumbered these rules, and in some cases has 
substantively amended them. Accordingly, NASDAQ also has been modifying 
its rulebook to ensure that NASDAQ rules corresponding to FINRA/NASD 
rules continue to mirror them as closely as practicable. In some cases, 
it will not be possible for the rule numbers of NASDAQ rules to mirror 
corresponding FINRA rules, because existing or planned NASDAQ rules 
make use of those numbers. However, wherever possible, NASDAQ plans to 
update its rules to reflect changes to corresponding FINRA rules.

[[Page 20408]]

    This filing addresses NASDAQ Rule 3011, which pertains to anti-
money laundering compliance programs.\3\ In SR-FINRA-2009-039,\4\ FINRA 
adopted: (1) NASD Rule 3011 (AML Compliance Program) as FINRA Rule 3310 
(AML Compliance Program), without substantive change; (2) NASD IM-3011-
1 (Independent Testing Requirements) as FINRA Rule 3310.01, subject to 
certain amendments; and (3) NASD IM-3011-2 (Review of AML Compliance 
Person Information) as FINRA Rule 3310.02, without substantive change.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ NASDAQ Rule 3011 will remain numbered as Rule 3011, rather 
than Rule 3310, like FINRA's rule, because NASDAQ already has a 
different rule operating as NASDAQ Rule 3310.
    \4\ Securities Exchange Act Release No. 60645 (September 10, 
2009), 74 FR 47630 (September 16, 2009) (SR-FINRA-2009-039).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    FINRA Rule 3310 requires that each AML compliance program must, at 
a minimum: (1) Establish and implement policies and procedures that can 
be reasonably expected to detect and cause the reporting of suspicious 
transactions; (2) establish and implement policies, procedures, and 
internal controls reasonably designed to achieve compliance with the 
Bank Secrecy Act (``BSA'') \5\ and its implementing regulations 
promulgated by the Department of the Treasury; (3) provide in most 
instances for annual (on a calendar-year basis) independent testing for 
compliance to be conducted by member personnel or a qualified outside 
party; (4) designate and identify to FINRA an individual or individuals 
(i.e., AML compliance person(s)) who will be responsible for 
implementing and monitoring the day-to-day operations and internal 
controls of the AML compliance program and provide prompt notification 
to FINRA of any changes to the designation; and (5) provide on-going 
training for appropriate persons. NASDAQ is proposing to adopt FINRA 
Rule 3310 in the same form as NASDAQ Rule 3011.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ See Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970 
(commonly referred to as the Bank Secrecy Act), 12 U.S.C. 1829b, 12 
U.S.C. 1951-1959, and 31 U.S.C. 5311-5330.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    FINRA Rule 3310.01 (Independent Testing Requirements) is 
substantially similar to NASD IM-3011-1 (the predecessor to FINRA Rule 
3310.01) in that: (1) Members should undertake more frequent testing 
than required if circumstances warrant; (2) the person conducting the 
independent test must have a working knowledge of applicable 
requirements under the BSA and its implementing regulations; and (3) 
the testing cannot be conducted by any person who performs the 
functions being tested, by the AML compliance person(s), or by any 
person who reports to any of these persons.
    However, NASD IM-3011-1 permitted the AML compliance program 
testing to be conducted by persons who report to either the AML 
compliance person or persons performing the functions being tested if: 
(1) The member has no other qualified internal personnel to conduct the 
test; (2) the member establishes written policies and procedures to 
address conflicts that may arise from allowing the test to be conducted 
by a person who reports to the person(s) whose activities he or she is 
testing (e.g., anti-retaliation procedures); (3) to the extent 
possible, the person conducting the test reports the results of the 
test to someone who is senior to the AML compliance person or persons 
performing the functions being tested; and (4) the member documents its 
rationale, which must be reasonable, for determining there is no other 
alternative than to comply in this manner. In addition, if the person 
does not report the results consistent with (3) above, the member must 
document a reasonable explanation for not doing so.
    This provision is referred to as the ``independent testing 
exception.'' When it renumbered NASD IM-3011-1 as FINRA Rule 3310.01, 
FINRA eliminated the independent testing exception, because the 
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (``FinCEN''), a bureau within the 
Department of the Treasury that is responsible for administering the 
BSA and its implementing regulations, has stated that the independent 
testing provision of the BSA precludes AML program testing by personnel 
with an interest in the outcome of the testing and that an independent 
testing exception, such as the one previously in NASD IM-3011-1, is 
inconsistent with the BSA's independent testing provision and FinCEN's 
interpretive guidance on the BSA's independent testing requirement. In 
light of this, NASDAQ proposes to adopt FINRA Rule 3310.01, which 
eliminates the independent testing exception, in the same form as 
NASDAQ Rule 3011.01.
    Finally, FINRA Rule 3310.02 (Review of AML Compliance Person 
Information) requires each member to identify, review, and if 
necessary, update the information regarding its AML compliance person 
in the manner prescribed in NASD Rule 1160. NASDAQ is proposing to 
adopt this in the same form as NASDAQ Rule 3011.02.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent 
with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,\6\ in that it is designed to prevent 
fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and 
equitable principles of trade, to remove impediments to and perfect the 
mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and, 
in general, to protect investors and the public interest. The proposed 
changes will conform NASDAQ Rule 3011 to recent changes made to a 
corresponding FINRA rule in order to promote application of consistent 
regulatory standards.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

    The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will 
impose any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in 
furtherance of the purposes of the Act.

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

    No written comments were either solicited or received.

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

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

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

    At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule 
change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule 
change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or 
appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or 
otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission 
takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to 
determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved.

[[Page 20409]]

IV. Solicitation of Comments

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

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an e-mail to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include 
File Number SR-NASDAQ-2011-045 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

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

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-NASDAQ-2011-045. This 
file number should be included on the subject line if e-mail is used. 
To help the Commission process and review your comments more 
efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will post all 
comments on the Commission's Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, 
all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that 
are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating 
to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, 
other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance 
with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site 
viewing and printing in the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F 
Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between 
the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be 
available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the 
Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change; the 
Commission does not edit personal identifying information from 
submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make 
available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR-
NASDAQ-2011-045 and should be submitted on or before May 3, 2011.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\9\
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    \9\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Cathy H. Ahn,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2011-8633 Filed 4-11-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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