Self-Regulatory Organizations; Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.; Order Approving Proposed Rule Change To Allow FINRA To Grant Exemptions From Certain Equity Trade Reporting Obligations for Certain Alternative Trading Systems, 70190-70192 [2011-29114]

Download as PDF 70190 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 218 / Thursday, November 10, 2011 / Notices fees charged to market participants, the very essence of competition. To the extent that fees under the program are less expensive than the rates currently paid by many market participants, the welfare of these market participants will increase, and other telecommunications providers will be incentivized to lower their own rates. This will, in turn, facilitate the introduction of greater volumes of order flow to the Exchange. 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 Within 45 days of the date of publication of this notice in the Federal Register or within such longer period (i) as the Commission may designate up to 90 days of such date if it finds such longer period to be appropriate and publishes its reasons for so finding or (ii) as to which the Exchange consents, the Commission shall: (a) By order approve or disapprove such proposed rule change, or (b) institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule change should be disapproved. rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site viewing and printing in the Commission’s Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Copies of such filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of 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–Phlx– 2011–142 and should be submitted on or before December 1, 2011. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.11 Kevin M. O’Neill, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2011–29110 Filed 11–9–11; 8:45 am] Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an email to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–Phlx–2011–142 on the subject line. jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Self-Regulatory Organizations; Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.; Order Approving Proposed Rule Change To Allow FINRA To Grant Exemptions From Certain Equity Trade Reporting Obligations for Certain Alternative Trading Systems 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–Phlx–2011–142. This file number should be included on the subject line if email 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/ November 4, 2011. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:38 Nov 09, 2011 Jkt 226001 BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–65695; File No. SR–FINRA– 2011–051] I. Introduction On September 16, 2011, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (‘‘FINRA’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘SEC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’), pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 a proposed rule change to adopt new rules that will allow FINRA 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 00084 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 to grant exemptions from certain equity trade reporting obligations for alternative trading systems (‘‘ATSs’’) meeting specified criteria. The proposed rule change was published for comment in the Federal Register on September 29, 2011.3 The Commission received three comment letters on the proposed rule change.4 FINRA responded to the comments in a letter dated November 4, 2011.5 This order approves the proposed rule change. II. Description of the Proposal Proposed FINRA Rules 6183 and 6625 will provide FINRA with new authority to exempt a member ATS that meets the specified criteria from the trade reporting obligation under the equity trade reporting rules. In addition, FINRA will adopt a conforming change to Rule 9610 to specify that FINRA has exemptive authority under the new rules. As described in the Notice, existing FINRA rules require the reporting of over-the-counter (‘‘OTC’’) transactions in equity securities 6 by the ‘‘executing party.’’ The term ‘‘executing party’’ is defined as the FINRA member that receives an order for handling or execution or is presented an order against its quote, does not subsequently re-route the order, and executes the transaction. For a trade executed on an ATS, the ATS is the ‘‘executing party’’ and thus has the trade reporting obligation.7 3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 65388 (September 23, 2011), 76 FR 60567 (July 26, 2011) (‘‘Notice’’). 4 See letter from Suzanne H. Shatto, dated October 20, 2011 (‘‘Shatto Letter’’); letter from Naphtali M. Hamlet, Investor, dated October 21, 2011 (‘‘Hamlet Letter’’); letter from Daniel Zinn, General Counsel, OTC Markets Group Inc., dated October 20, 2011 (‘‘OTC Markets Letter’’). 5 See letter from Lisa C. Horrigan, Associate General Counsel, FINRA, to Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary, Commission, dated November 4, 2011 (‘‘FINRA Response’’). 6 Specifically, these transactions are: (1) Transactions in NMS stocks, as defined in SEC Rule 600(b) of Regulation NMS, effected otherwise than on an exchange, which are reported through the Alternative Display Facility or a Trade Reporting Facility; and (2) transactions in OTC Equity Securities and Restricted Equity Securities, as those terms are defined in Rule 6420, which are reported through the OTC Reporting Facility. As noted in the proposal, the new rules will apply to OTC transactions in equity securities only. The rules will not apply to TRACE-eligible securities. TRACEeligible securities are subject to a separate reporting structure under FINRA’s Rule 6700 Series. 7 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 58903 (November 5, 2008), 73 FR 67905 (November 17, 2008) (Order Approving File No. SR–FINRA–2008– 011); and Regulatory Notice 09–08 (January 2009). See also, e.g., Trade Reporting Frequently Asked Questions, Sections 307 and 308, available at https://www.finra.org/Industry/Regulation/ Guidance/P038942. As described in the proposal, the term ATS includes electronic communications networks. E:\FR\FM\10NON1.SGM 10NON1 jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 218 / Thursday, November 10, 2011 / Notices Under FINRA’s new rules, for an ATS to qualify for an exemption, the following conditions must be satisfied: First, trades must be between ATS subscribers that are both FINRA members. For any trades between nonmembers or a FINRA member and a non-member, the exemption will not apply, and the ATS will have the trade reporting obligation under FINRA rules. In addition, the ATS must demonstrate that the following criteria are met: (1) The member subscribers must be fully disclosed to one another at all times on the ATS; (2) although the system brings together the orders of buyers and sellers and uses established, non-discretionary methods under which such orders interact with each other, the system does not permit automatic execution. A member subscriber must take affirmative steps beyond the submission of an order to agree to a trade with another member subscriber; (3) the trade does not pass through any ATS account, and the ATS does not in any way hold itself out to be a party to the trade; and (4) the ATS does not exchange shares or funds on behalf of the member subscribers, take either side of the trade for clearing or settlement purposes, including, but not limited to, at DTC or otherwise, or in any other way insert itself into the trade. The ATS and its FINRA member subscribers must also acknowledge and agree in writing that the ATS shall not be deemed a party to the trade for purposes of trade reporting and that trades shall be reported by the subscriber that, as between the two counterparties to the trade, would satisfy the definition of ‘‘executing party’’ under FINRA trade reporting rules. An ATS that is granted an exemption would have to obtain such written agreements from all of its FINRA member subscribers prior to relying on the exemption. Any ATS granted an exemption under the new rules would be required to retain the written agreements and be able to produce them to FINRA upon request. Finally, the ATS must agree to provide to FINRA on a monthly basis, or such other basis as prescribed by FINRA, data relating to the volume of trades, by security, executed by the ATS’s member subscribers using the ATS’s system (e.g., number of trades, number of shares traded and total settlement value for each security traded). The ATS also must acknowledge that failure to report such data to FINRA, in addition to constituting a violation of FINRA rules, would result in revocation of any exemption granted pursuant to the new rules. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:38 Nov 09, 2011 Jkt 226001 Where FINRA grants an exemption pursuant to Rules 6183 or 6625, the ATS will not be deemed a party to the trade for purposes of FINRA trade reporting rules and will not be identified in trade reports submitted to FINRA. The ATS will bear no responsibility for reporting such transactions. The transaction, however, must be reported to FINRA by the member subscriber that, as between the two member subscribers who are the counterparties, satisfies the definition of ‘‘executing party’’ under paragraph (b) of Rules 6282, 6380A, 6380B, or 6622. In addition, where an ATS has been granted an exemption under the new rules, the member subscribers, as the parties identified in the trade report, will be assessed regulatory transaction fees under Section 3 of Schedule A to the FINRA By-Laws and the Trading Activity Fee under FINRA By-Laws, Schedule A, § 1(b)(2). The ATS would not be assessed such fees. Notwithstanding an exemption, any transactions that occur through the ATS would be considered volume of the ATS for purposes of, among other things, various provisions of Regulation ATS. Such provisions include the recordkeeping requirements of Rule 302,8 the display requirements under Rule 301(b)(3),9 the access requirements under Rule 301(b)(5),10 and the capacity, integrity, and security requirements of Rule 301(b)(6).11 The effect of an exemption provided pursuant to FINRA Rules 6183 and 6625 is illustrated in the following example that was included in the Notice: FINRA member BD1 displays a quote through ATS X and member BD2 routes an order to BD1 for the price and size of BD1’s quote using a messaging system provided by ATS X. BD1 does not subsequently re-route the order and executes the trade. Assuming that ATS X meets all of the criteria set forth in the proposed rule and has been granted an exemption by FINRA, it will not be deemed a party to the trade for trade reporting purposes and should not be identified as such in the trade report submitted to FINRA. In this example, BD1 is the ‘‘executing party’’ and has the obligation to report the trade between BD1 and BD2. FINRA stated that the proposed rule change will be effective on the date of Commission approval. III. Summary of Comment Letters Among the three comment letters received, two of the commenters 8 17 CFR 242.302. CFR 242.301(b)(3). 10 17 CFR 242.301(b)(5). 11 17 CFR 242.301(b)(6). 9 17 PO 00000 Frm 00085 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 70191 expressed concern about dark pools and their potential impact on the fairness and transparency of the national market system.12 One of these commenters suggested that dark pools be prohibited entirely.13 FINRA responded that these arguments are not germane to the proposal, which does not change the level of transparency that currently exists.14 FINRA stated that all trades executed on an ATS, including a dark pool, must be reported to FINRA and are publicly disseminated. With respect to any ATS that is granted an exemption under the proposed rule change, all of the trades executed on the ATS would continue to be reported for public dissemination. Another commenter challenged the need for any new rules at all.15 This commenter asserted that any ATS that meets the criteria set out in the proposed rule change would not be an executing party, and consequently, would not be subject to any reporting obligation under current FINRA rules. On this basis, the commenter concluded that the proposal is unnecessary and should not be approved by the Commission, because no FINRA exemption is necessary for entities that bear no regulatory obligation. FINRA responded that this commenter’s assertion is based on an erroneous interpretation of FINRA rules and directly at odds with statements made by FINRA in the original filing.16 FINRA noted previous interpretations and guidance that an ATS is the ‘‘executing party’’ and has the trade reporting obligation where the transaction is executed on the ATS.17 FINRA reiterated its belief that an ATS that satisfies the criteria set forth in the proposal has a more limited involvement in the trade execution than the member subscribers, and therefore, the proposed exemption is appropriate in this narrow instance. The commenter further stated that, notwithstanding its opposition, were the Commission inclined to approve FINRA’s proposal, the proposed rules should be modified.18 First, the commenter asserted that the exemption authority should be expanded to cover TRACE-eligible securities, because there is no meaningful basis to distinguish the reporting rules and obligations 12 See Shatto Letter; Hamlet Letter. Shatto Letter. 14 See FINRA Response at 3. 15 See OTC Markets Letter at 1–2. 16 See FINRA Response at 1–2. 17 See note 7 supra. 18 See OTC Markets Letter at 2. 13 See E:\FR\FM\10NON1.SGM 10NON1 70192 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 218 / Thursday, November 10, 2011 / Notices associated with this class of securities from those for other securities. FINRA responded that the comment goes beyond the scope of the instant proposal, but that it would consider the comment separately.19 FINRA stated that if it determines that a similar exemption is appropriate for TRACE reporting, FINRA would submit a separate rule filing to effect that change. In addition, the commenter argued that the criteria for the exemption should be clarified in certain respects.20 FINRA disagreed with the comment and reasserted its belief that the criteria for the exemption were sufficiently clear.21 Finally, the commenter argued that the proposed exemption should be automatic, and not subject to FINRA staff discretion.22 The commenter maintained that FINRA has not explained the ‘‘relevant factors’’ that FINRA staff would consider, which could lead to inconsistent application of the new rules. FINRA responded that it is important for its staff to have the opportunity to review an ATS’s application for exemptive relief and to make a determination whether the ATS meets the criteria in the proposed rule before the ATS is able to rely on the exemption.23 FINRA believes that it is important to know in advance which party—the ATS or one of its subscribers—will have the trade reporting obligation. FINRA stated that, while it expects to grant an exemption to any ATS that can demonstrate that it meets all of the criteria set forth in the new rules, FINRA staff should have notice and discretion in the event of a disagreement with an ATS about whether it qualifies for an exemption under the proposed rule. FINRA plans to post on its Web site which ATSs are operating under any exemption granted pursuant to the new rules. jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES IV. Discussion and Commission’s Findings The Commission has carefully reviewed the proposed rule change, the comments received, and FINRA’s response to the comments, and finds that the proposed rule change is consistent with the requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to a national securities association.24 In particular, the Commission finds that the proposed 19 See FINRA Response at 2. OTC Markets Letter at 3–6. 21 See FINRA Response at 2. 22 See OTC Markets Letter at 7. 23 See FINRA Response at 2–3. 24 In approving this proposed rule change, the Commission has considered the rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). 20 See VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:38 Nov 09, 2011 Jkt 226001 rule change is consistent with the provisions of Section 15A(b)(6) of the Act,25 which requires, among other things, that FINRA rules be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. As described above, the proposal is designed to provide FINRA the authority to exempt an ATS from reporting obligations under FINRA’s equity trade reporting rules where the ATS does not perform all the functions normally associated with those of an executing party. Where an exemption is granted, the duty to report will fall on one of the subscribers that is a counterparty to the trade and that itself satisfies the definition of ‘‘executing party.’’ The Commission believes that the exemption mechanism is reasonably designed to promote efficient reporting of OTC transactions in equity securities, and that FINRA can—consistent with the Exchange Act—be afforded some discretion regarding which of its members should have the duty to report a trade when there are multiple members who could potentially assume that duty. The Commission does not believe that any commenters raised issues that would preclude approval of this proposal. The Commission believes that the proposal is sufficiently clear, and modifications are not necessary to allow the Commission to find it consistent with the Act. Furthermore, the comments that raised issues with dark pools go beyond the scope of the present proposal. All transactions currently subject to reporting will continue to be reported; the new rules merely allow FINRA to reassign the duty to report in certain circumstances. V. Conclusion It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,26 that the proposed rule change (SR–FINRA– 2011–051) be, and it hereby is, approved. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.27 Kevin M. O’Neill, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2011–29114 Filed 11–9–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P U.S.C. 78o–3(b)(6). U.S.C. 78s(b)(2). 27 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). 26 15 Frm 00086 Fmt 4703 [Release No. 34–65694; File No. SR–BATS– 2011–046] Self-Regulatory Organizations; BATS Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Related to Fees for Use of BATS Exchange, Inc. November 4, 2011. 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 October 31, 2011, BATS Exchange, Inc. (the ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘BATS’’) 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 prepared by the Exchange. The Exchange has designated the proposed rule change as one establishing or changing a member due, fee, or other charge imposed by the Exchange under Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act 3 and Rule 19b–4(f)(2) thereunder,4 which renders the proposed rule change effective upon filing with the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange proposes [sic] amend the fee schedule applicable to Members 5 and non-members of the Exchange pursuant to BATS Rules 15.1(a) and (c). While changes to the fee schedule pursuant to this proposal will be effective upon filing, the changes will become operative on November 1, 2011. The text of the proposed rule change is available at the Exchange’s Web site at https://www.batstrading.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 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii). 4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2). 5 A Member is any registered broker or dealer that has been admitted to membership in the Exchange. 2 17 25 15 PO 00000 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\10NON1.SGM 10NON1

Agencies

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 218 (Thursday, November 10, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 70190-70192]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-29114]

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-65695; File No. SR-FINRA-2011-051]

Self-Regulatory Organizations; Financial Industry Regulatory
Authority, Inc.; Order Approving Proposed Rule Change To Allow FINRA To
Grant Exemptions From Certain Equity Trade Reporting Obligations for
Certain Alternative Trading Systems

November 4, 2011.

I. Introduction

On September 16, 2011, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority,
Inc. (``FINRA'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(``SEC'' or ``Commission''), pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4
thereunder,\2\ a proposed rule change to adopt new rules that will
allow FINRA to grant exemptions from certain equity trade reporting
obligations for alternative trading systems (``ATSs'') meeting
specified criteria. The proposed rule change was published for comment
in the Federal Register on September 29, 2011.\3\ The Commission
received three comment letters on the proposed rule change.\4\ FINRA
responded to the comments in a letter dated November 4, 2011.\5\ This
order approves the proposed rule change.
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\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
\3\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 65388 (September 23,
2011), 76 FR 60567 (July 26, 2011) (``Notice'').
\4\ See letter from Suzanne H. Shatto, dated October 20, 2011
(``Shatto Letter''); letter from Naphtali M. Hamlet, Investor, dated
October 21, 2011 (``Hamlet Letter''); letter from Daniel Zinn,
General Counsel, OTC Markets Group Inc., dated October 20, 2011
(``OTC Markets Letter'').
\5\ See letter from Lisa C. Horrigan, Associate General Counsel,
FINRA, to Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary, Commission, dated November
4, 2011 (``FINRA Response'').
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II. Description of the Proposal

Proposed FINRA Rules 6183 and 6625 will provide FINRA with new
authority to exempt a member ATS that meets the specified criteria from
the trade reporting obligation under the equity trade reporting rules.
In addition, FINRA will adopt a conforming change to Rule 9610 to
specify that FINRA has exemptive authority under the new rules.
As described in the Notice, existing FINRA rules require the
reporting of over-the-counter (``OTC'') transactions in equity
securities \6\ by the ``executing party.'' The term ``executing party''
is defined as the FINRA member that receives an order for handling or
execution or is presented an order against its quote, does not
subsequently re-route the order, and executes the transaction. For a
trade executed on an ATS, the ATS is the ``executing party'' and thus
has the trade reporting obligation.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\6\ Specifically, these transactions are: (1) Transactions in
NMS stocks, as defined in SEC Rule 600(b) of Regulation NMS,
effected otherwise than on an exchange, which are reported through
the Alternative Display Facility or a Trade Reporting Facility; and
(2) transactions in OTC Equity Securities and Restricted Equity
Securities, as those terms are defined in Rule 6420, which are
reported through the OTC Reporting Facility. As noted in the
proposal, the new rules will apply to OTC transactions in equity
securities only. The rules will not apply to TRACE-eligible
securities. TRACE-eligible securities are subject to a separate
reporting structure under FINRA's Rule 6700 Series.
\7\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 58903 (November 5,
2008), 73 FR 67905 (November 17, 2008) (Order Approving File No. SR-
FINRA-2008-011); and Regulatory Notice 09-08 (January 2009). See
also, e.g., Trade Reporting Frequently Asked Questions, Sections 307
and 308, available at https://www.finra.org/Industry/Regulation/Guidance/P038942 Guidance/P038942. As described in the proposal, the term ATS
includes electronic communications networks.

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[[Page 70191]]

Under FINRA's new rules, for an ATS to qualify for an exemption,
the following conditions must be satisfied:
First, trades must be between ATS subscribers that are both FINRA
members. For any trades between non-members or a FINRA member and a
non-member, the exemption will not apply, and the ATS will have the
trade reporting obligation under FINRA rules.
In addition, the ATS must demonstrate that the following criteria
are met: (1) The member subscribers must be fully disclosed to one
another at all times on the ATS; (2) although the system brings
together the orders of buyers and sellers and uses established, non-
discretionary methods under which such orders interact with each other,
the system does not permit automatic execution. A member subscriber
must take affirmative steps beyond the submission of an order to agree
to a trade with another member subscriber; (3) the trade does not pass
through any ATS account, and the ATS does not in any way hold itself
out to be a party to the trade; and (4) the ATS does not exchange
shares or funds on behalf of the member subscribers, take either side
of the trade for clearing or settlement purposes, including, but not
limited to, at DTC or otherwise, or in any other way insert itself into
the trade.
The ATS and its FINRA member subscribers must also acknowledge and
agree in writing that the ATS shall not be deemed a party to the trade
for purposes of trade reporting and that trades shall be reported by
the subscriber that, as between the two counterparties to the trade,
would satisfy the definition of ``executing party'' under FINRA trade
reporting rules. An ATS that is granted an exemption would have to
obtain such written agreements from all of its FINRA member subscribers
prior to relying on the exemption. Any ATS granted an exemption under
the new rules would be required to retain the written agreements and be
able to produce them to FINRA upon request.
Finally, the ATS must agree to provide to FINRA on a monthly basis,
or such other basis as prescribed by FINRA, data relating to the volume
of trades, by security, executed by the ATS's member subscribers using
the ATS's system (e.g., number of trades, number of shares traded and
total settlement value for each security traded). The ATS also must
acknowledge that failure to report such data to FINRA, in addition to
constituting a violation of FINRA rules, would result in revocation of
any exemption granted pursuant to the new rules.
Where FINRA grants an exemption pursuant to Rules 6183 or 6625, the
ATS will not be deemed a party to the trade for purposes of FINRA trade
reporting rules and will not be identified in trade reports submitted
to FINRA. The ATS will bear no responsibility for reporting such
transactions. The transaction, however, must be reported to FINRA by
the member subscriber that, as between the two member subscribers who
are the counterparties, satisfies the definition of ``executing party''
under paragraph (b) of Rules 6282, 6380A, 6380B, or 6622. In addition,
where an ATS has been granted an exemption under the new rules, the
member subscribers, as the parties identified in the trade report, will
be assessed regulatory transaction fees under Section 3 of Schedule A
to the FINRA By-Laws and the Trading Activity Fee under FINRA By-Laws,
Schedule A, Sec. 1(b)(2). The ATS would not be assessed such fees.
Notwithstanding an exemption, any transactions that occur through
the ATS would be considered volume of the ATS for purposes of, among
other things, various provisions of Regulation ATS. Such provisions
include the recordkeeping requirements of Rule 302,\8\ the display
requirements under Rule 301(b)(3),\9\ the access requirements under
Rule 301(b)(5),\10\ and the capacity, integrity, and security
requirements of Rule 301(b)(6).\11\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\8\ 17 CFR 242.302.
\9\ 17 CFR 242.301(b)(3).
\10\ 17 CFR 242.301(b)(5).
\11\ 17 CFR 242.301(b)(6).
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The effect of an exemption provided pursuant to FINRA Rules 6183
and 6625 is illustrated in the following example that was included in
the Notice: FINRA member BD1 displays a quote through ATS X and member
BD2 routes an order to BD1 for the price and size of BD1's quote using
a messaging system provided by ATS X. BD1 does not subsequently re-
route the order and executes the trade. Assuming that ATS X meets all
of the criteria set forth in the proposed rule and has been granted an
exemption by FINRA, it will not be deemed a party to the trade for
trade reporting purposes and should not be identified as such in the
trade report submitted to FINRA. In this example, BD1 is the
``executing party'' and has the obligation to report the trade between
BD1 and BD2.
FINRA stated that the proposed rule change will be effective on the
date of Commission approval.

III. Summary of Comment Letters

Among the three comment letters received, two of the commenters
expressed concern about dark pools and their potential impact on the
fairness and transparency of the national market system.\12\ One of
these commenters suggested that dark pools be prohibited entirely.\13\
FINRA responded that these arguments are not germane to the proposal,
which does not change the level of transparency that currently
exists.\14\ FINRA stated that all trades executed on an ATS, including
a dark pool, must be reported to FINRA and are publicly disseminated.
With respect to any ATS that is granted an exemption under the proposed
rule change, all of the trades executed on the ATS would continue to be
reported for public dissemination.
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\12\ See Shatto Letter; Hamlet Letter.
\13\ See Shatto Letter.
\14\ See FINRA Response at 3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another commenter challenged the need for any new rules at all.\15\
This commenter asserted that any ATS that meets the criteria set out in
the proposed rule change would not be an executing party, and
consequently, would not be subject to any reporting obligation under
current FINRA rules. On this basis, the commenter concluded that the
proposal is unnecessary and should not be approved by the Commission,
because no FINRA exemption is necessary for entities that bear no
regulatory obligation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\15\ See OTC Markets Letter at 1-2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

FINRA responded that this commenter's assertion is based on an
erroneous interpretation of FINRA rules and directly at odds with
statements made by FINRA in the original filing.\16\ FINRA noted
previous interpretations and guidance that an ATS is the ``executing
party'' and has the trade reporting obligation where the transaction is
executed on the ATS.\17\ FINRA reiterated its belief that an ATS that
satisfies the criteria set forth in the proposal has a more limited
involvement in the trade execution than the member subscribers, and
therefore, the proposed exemption is appropriate in this narrow
instance.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\16\ See FINRA Response at 1-2.
\17\ See note 7 supra.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The commenter further stated that, notwithstanding its opposition,
were the Commission inclined to approve FINRA's proposal, the proposed
rules should be modified.\18\ First, the commenter asserted that the
exemption authority should be expanded to cover TRACE-eligible
securities, because there is no meaningful basis to distinguish the
reporting rules and obligations

[[Page 70192]]

associated with this class of securities from those for other
securities.
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\18\ See OTC Markets Letter at 2.
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FINRA responded that the comment goes beyond the scope of the
instant proposal, but that it would consider the comment
separately.\19\ FINRA stated that if it determines that a similar
exemption is appropriate for TRACE reporting, FINRA would submit a
separate rule filing to effect that change.
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\19\ See FINRA Response at 2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

In addition, the commenter argued that the criteria for the
exemption should be clarified in certain respects.\20\ FINRA disagreed
with the comment and reasserted its belief that the criteria for the
exemption were sufficiently clear.\21\
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\20\ See OTC Markets Letter at 3-6.
\21\ See FINRA Response at 2.
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Finally, the commenter argued that the proposed exemption should be
automatic, and not subject to FINRA staff discretion.\22\ The commenter
maintained that FINRA has not explained the ``relevant factors'' that
FINRA staff would consider, which could lead to inconsistent
application of the new rules. FINRA responded that it is important for
its staff to have the opportunity to review an ATS's application for
exemptive relief and to make a determination whether the ATS meets the
criteria in the proposed rule before the ATS is able to rely on the
exemption.\23\ FINRA believes that it is important to know in advance
which party--the ATS or one of its subscribers--will have the trade
reporting obligation. FINRA stated that, while it expects to grant an
exemption to any ATS that can demonstrate that it meets all of the
criteria set forth in the new rules, FINRA staff should have notice and
discretion in the event of a disagreement with an ATS about whether it
qualifies for an exemption under the proposed rule. FINRA plans to post
on its Web site which ATSs are operating under any exemption granted
pursuant to the new rules.
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\22\ See OTC Markets Letter at 7.
\23\ See FINRA Response at 2-3.
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IV. Discussion and Commission's Findings

The Commission has carefully reviewed the proposed rule change, the
comments received, and FINRA's response to the comments, and finds that
the proposed rule change is consistent with the requirements of the Act
and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to a national
securities association.\24\ In particular, the Commission finds that
the proposed rule change is consistent with the provisions of Section
15A(b)(6) of the Act,\25\ which requires, among other things, that
FINRA rules be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and
practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, and, in
general, to protect investors and the public interest.
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\24\ In approving this proposed rule change, the Commission has
considered the rule's impact on efficiency, competition, and capital
formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
\25\ 15 U.S.C. 78o-3(b)(6).
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As described above, the proposal is designed to provide FINRA the
authority to exempt an ATS from reporting obligations under FINRA's
equity trade reporting rules where the ATS does not perform all the
functions normally associated with those of an executing party. Where
an exemption is granted, the duty to report will fall on one of the
subscribers that is a counterparty to the trade and that itself
satisfies the definition of ``executing party.'' The Commission
believes that the exemption mechanism is reasonably designed to promote
efficient reporting of OTC transactions in equity securities, and that
FINRA can--consistent with the Exchange Act--be afforded some
discretion regarding which of its members should have the duty to
report a trade when there are multiple members who could potentially
assume that duty.
The Commission does not believe that any commenters raised issues
that would preclude approval of this proposal. The Commission believes
that the proposal is sufficiently clear, and modifications are not
necessary to allow the Commission to find it consistent with the Act.
Furthermore, the comments that raised issues with dark pools go beyond
the scope of the present proposal. All transactions currently subject
to reporting will continue to be reported; the new rules merely allow
FINRA to reassign the duty to report in certain circumstances.

V. Conclusion

It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the
Act,\26\ that the proposed rule change (SR-FINRA-2011-051) be, and it
hereby is, approved.
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\26\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).

For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\27\
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\27\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Kevin M. O'Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2011-29114 Filed 11-9-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P

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