Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of Proposed Rule Change To Revise Rules Relating to Its Cleared Only OTC FX Swap Offering, 77036-77038 [2011-31641]
Download as PDF
77036
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 237 / Friday, December 9, 2011 / Notices
srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
should be submitted on or before
December 30, 2011.
IV. Commission’s Findings and Order
Granting Accelerated Approval of the
Proposed Rule Change
In its filing, FINRA requested that the
Commission approve the proposal on
accelerated basis so that the proposed
rule change is approved in time to
coincide with the implementation date
for the amendments to the FINRA books
and records rules. After careful
consideration, the Commission 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.10
The Commission believes that the
proposed rule change is consistent with
the provisions of Section 15A(b)(6) of
the Act,11 which requires, among other
things, that FINRA rules must 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. The
Commission believes that the proposed
rule change is consistent with Section
15A(b)(6) of the Act because it will
clarify to members that FINRA Rule
4512(a)(1)(C) does not apply to
institutional accounts, which, in turn,
will assist them in their compliance
efforts. The proposal also includes new
.05 of the Supplementary Material to
FINRA Rule 4512, which emphasizes a
member’s obligation to supervise all
accounts that it services, including
determining the associated persons
responsible for the account and
ensuring that such persons are
appropriately qualified and registered,
and that members servicing institutional
accounts continue to have the obligation
to comply with the requirements of Rule
2090 when that rule becomes effective
on July 9, 2012. The new provision
within the Supplementary Material also
states that, with respect to a member’s
obligation to supervise an account, it is
incumbent upon the member to design
appropriate mechanisms to determine
the associated persons responsible for
the account, ensure that such persons
are appropriately qualified and
registered, and have the ability to
provide such information to FINRA or
SEC staff upon request. The
Commission believes that the provisions
included in .05 of the Supplementary
Material will serve to prevent fraudulent
10 In approving this rule change, the Commission
notes that it has considered the proposed rule’s
impact on efficiency, competition, and capital
formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
11 15 U.S.C. 78o–3(b)(6).
VerDate Mar<15>2010
18:35 Dec 08, 2011
Jkt 226001
and manipulative acts and practices
relating to institutional accounts and
protect institutional investors and the
public interest by effectively reminding
members of their supervisory and Know
Your Customer obligations for
institutional accounts.
The Commission also finds good
cause pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the
Act 12 for approving the proposed rule
change prior to the 30th day after its
publication in the Federal Register.
FINRA Rule 4512, which provides for
member recordkeeping obligations
relating to customer account
information, becomes effective on
December 5, 2011. The instant proposed
rule change clarifies the inapplicability
of FINRA Rule 4512(a)(1)(C) to
institutional accounts while advising
firms of other relevant obligations
related to the supervision of
institutional accounts and the
obligations related to complying with
FINRA Rule 2090. Accelerating
approval of the instant proposed rule
change will enable FINRA to have the
proposed rule change’s effectiveness
coincide with the effectiveness of
FINRA’s revised books and records
rules, including FINRA Rule 4512, on
December 5, 2011.
V. Conclusion
It is therefore ordered, pursuant to
Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,13 that the
proposed rule change (SR–FINRA–
2011–070) be, and hereby is, approved.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.14
Kevin M. O’Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2011–31632 Filed 12–8–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
(‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2
notice is hereby given that on November
25, 2011, the Chicago Mercantile
Exchange Inc. (‘‘CME’’) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission
(‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule
change described in Items I and II
below, which items have been prepared
primarily by CME. The Commission is
publishing this Notice and Order to
solicit comments on the proposed rule
change from interested persons and to
approve the proposed rule change on an
accelerated basis.
I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of Terms of Substance of the
Proposed Rule Change
CME proposes to amend rules related
to existing cleared-only foreign
exchange (‘‘FX’’) currency derivatives
products. The proposed rule changes
make revisions to rules that were the
subject of a recent filing, SR–CME–
2011–12.3 The changes correct
inadvertent rule language that was
included in SR–CME–2011–12.
The text of the proposed rule change
is available at the CME’s Web site at
https://www.cmegroup.com, at the
principal office of CME, and at the
Commission’s Public Reference Room.
II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of Purpose of, and Statutory
Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
In its filing with the Commission,
CME included statements concerning
the purpose 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 III below. CME has prepared
summaries, set forth in sections A, B,
and C below, of the most significant
aspects of such statements.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of Purpose of, and Statutory
Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
[Release No. 34–65886; File No. SR–CME–
2011–16]
In late September, 2011, CME
submitted proposed rule changes in
filing SR–CME–2011–12 to establish
rules to expand its cleared-only, foreign
currency (‘‘FX’’) swaps offering to
support the introduction of (1) twentysix new foreign FX currency derivatives
for over-the counter (‘‘OTC’’) cash
settlement; and (2) eleven new FX nondeliverable forward transaction
Self-Regulatory Organizations;
Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Inc.;
Notice of Filing and Order Granting
Accelerated Approval of Proposed
Rule Change To Revise Rules Relating
to Its Cleared Only OTC FX Swap
Offering
December 5, 2011.
Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
12 15
U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
13 Id.
14 17
PO 00000
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
Frm 00103
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
1 15
U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
CFR 240.19b–4.
3 Commission staff notes that SR–CME–2011–12
was previously approved pursuant to delegated
authority on October 26, 2011. See Securities
Exchange Act Release No. 65637, 76 FR 67512 (Nov.
1, 2011).
2 17
E:\FR\FM\09DEN1.SGM
09DEN1
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 237 / Friday, December 9, 2011 / Notices
currency pairs for traditional, OTC cash
settlement.
CME wishes to amend two aspects of
the rules package that was adopted in
connection with SR–CME–2011–12. The
changes address Chapter 271H and in
Chapter 273H and are intended to
correct inadvertent rule language that
was initially included in the changes
brought in by SR–CME–2011–12. The
first change involves Rule 271H.01.C.
which deals with minimum price
increments for the Cleared OTC U.S.
Dollar/Korean Won contract; the change
is intended to correct an erroneous
reference to 0.0001 in the rule by
specifying the correct increment of 0.01.
The second rule change involves in Rule
273H.02.A, a rule that addresses cash
settlement of the Cleared OTC U.S.
Dollar/Colombian Peso contract; the
change is intended to remove a
paragraph that references a method of
determining settlement prices that is not
currently available.
CME believes the proposed changes
are consistent with the requirements of
the Exchange Act including Section 17A
of the Exchange Act because they
involve clearing of swaps and thus
relate solely to CME’s swaps clearing
activities pursuant to its registration as
a derivatives clearing organization
under the Commodity Exchange Act
(‘‘CEA’’) and do not significantly affect
any securities clearing operations of the
clearing agency or any related rights or
obligations of the clearing agency or
persons using such service. CME further
notes that the policies of the CEA with
respect to clearing are comparable to a
number of the policies underlying the
Exchange Act, such as promoting
market transparency for over-thecounter derivatives markets, promoting
the prompt and accurate clearance of
transactions and protecting investors
and the public interest. The proposed
rule changes accomplish those
objectives by offering investors clearing
for a range of FX OTC swap products.
B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement on Burden on Competition
srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
CME does not believe that the
proposed rule change will have any
impact, or impose any burden, on
competition.
C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement on Comments on the
Proposed Rule Change Received From
Members, Participants, or Others
18:35 Dec 08, 2011
Jkt 226001
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 may be
submitted by using the Commission’s
Internet comment form (https://www.sec.
gov/rules/sro.shtml), or send an email to
rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include
File No. SR–CME–2011–16 on the
subject line.
• Paper comments should be sent 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–CME–2011–16. 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/
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 CME.
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–CME–2011–16 and should
be submitted on or before December 30,
2011.
IV. Commission’s Findings and Order
Granting Accelerated Approval of
Proposed Rule Change
CME has not solicited, and does not
intend to solicit, comments regarding
this proposed rule change. CME has not
received any unsolicited written
comments from interested parties.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
III. Solicitation of Comments
In its filing, CME requested that the
Commission approve this request on an
accelerated basis for good cause shown.
CME has articulated three reasons for
granting this request on an accelerated
PO 00000
Frm 00104
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
77037
basis. One, the products covered by this
filing, and CME’s operations as a
derivatives clearing organization for
such products, are regulated by the
CFTC under the CEA. Two, the
proposed rule changes relate solely to
FX swap clearing and therefore relate
solely to its swaps clearing activities
and do not significantly relate to CME’s
functions as a clearing agency for
security-based swaps. Three, not
approving this request on an accelerated
basis will have a significant impact on
the swap clearing business of CME as a
designated clearing organization.
Section 19(b) of the Act 4 directs the
Commission to approve a proposed rule
change of a self-regulatory organization
if it finds that such proposed rule
change is consistent with the
requirements of the Act and the rules
and regulations thereunder applicable to
such organization. The Commission
finds that the proposed rule change is
consistent with the requirements of the
Act, in particular the requirements of
Section 17A of the Act,5 and the rules
and regulations thereunder applicable to
CME. Specifically, the Commission
finds that the proposed rule change is
consistent with Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of
the Act which requires, among other
things, that the rules of a clearing
agency be designed to promote the
prompt and accurate clearance and
settlement of derivative agreements,
contracts, and transactions because it
should allow CME to enhance its
services in clearing FX swaps, thereby
promoting the prompt and accurate
clearance and settlement of derivative
agreements, contracts, and
transactions.6
The Commission finds good cause,
pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,7
for approving the proposed rule change
prior to the 30th day after the date of
publication of notice in the Federal
Register because: (i) The proposed rule
change does not significantly affect any
securities clearing operations of the
clearing agency (whether in existence or
contemplated by its rules) or any related
rights or obligations of the clearing
agency or persons using such service;
(ii) CME has indicated that not
providing accelerated approval would
have a significant impact on the swap
clearing business of CME as a
designated clearing organization; and
(iii) the activity relating to the nonsecurity clearing operations of the
4 15
U.S.C. 78s(b).
U.S.C. 78q–1. In approving this proposed
rule change, the Commission has considered the
proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition,
and capital formation. 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
6 15 U.S.C. 78q–1(b)(3)(F).
7 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
5 15
E:\FR\FM\09DEN1.SGM
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77038
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 237 / Friday, December 9, 2011 / Notices
clearing agency for which the clearing
agency is seeking approval is subject to
regulation by another regulator.
V. Conclusion
It is therefore ordered, pursuant to
Section 19(b)(2) of the Act, that the
proposed rule change (SR–CME–2011–
16) is approved on an accelerated basis.
For the Commission by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.8
Kevin M. O’Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2011–31641 Filed 12–8–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–65884; File No. SR–SCCP–
2011–03]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; Stock
Clearing Corporation of Philadelphia;
Order Approving Proposed Rule
Change With Respect to an
Amendment to the By-Laws of The
NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc.
December 5, 2011.
I. Introduction
On October 11, 2011, Stock Clearing
Corporation of Philadelphia (‘‘SCCP’’)
filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the
proposed rule change SR–SCCP–2011–
03 pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 2 thereunder.
The proposed rule change was
published for comment in the Federal
Register on October 28, 2011.3 The
Commission received no comment
letters regarding the proposal. For the
reasons discussed below, the
Commission is granting approval of the
proposed rule change.
II. Description
srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
The rule change will permit an
amendment to the by-laws of SCCP’s
parent corporation, The NASDAQ OMX
Group, Inc. (‘‘NASDAQ OMX’’).
NASDAQ OMX is seeking to amend
provisions of its by-laws pertaining to
the composition of committees of the
NASDAQ OMX Board of Directors.
8 17
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
3 Securities Exchange Act Release No. 34–65614
(October 24, 2011), 76 FR 67009 (October 28, 2011).
In its filing with the Commission, SCCP included
statements concerning the purpose of and basis for
the proposed rule change. The text of these
statements is incorporated into the discussion of the
proposed rule change in Section II below.
1 15
VerDate Mar<15>2010
18:35 Dec 08, 2011
Jkt 226001
First, NASDAQ OMX is amending the
compositional requirements of its Audit
Committee in Section 4.13(g) to provide
that the committee shall include three
or more directors. Currently, the
provision provides that the Audit
Committee shall be composed of either
four or five directors. Second, NASDAQ
OMX is proposing to amend the
compositional requirements of the
Nominating & Governance Committee in
Section 4.13(h) to replace a requirement
that the committee comprise four or five
members with a requirement to include
two or more members. Third, NASDAQ
OMX proposes to delete a paragraph of
the by-laws (Section 4.13(k)) that
pertains to the qualifications of
committee members who are not
directors. Finally, NASDAQ OMX is
correcting a typographical error in the
numbering of the provisions of Section
4.13(h) of the by-laws.
III. Discussion
Section 19(b)(2)(B) of the Act directs
the Commission to approve a proposed
rule change of a self-regulatory
organization if it finds that such
proposed rule change is consistent with
the requirements of the Act and the
rules and regulations thereunder
applicable to such organization.4 In
particular, Section 17A(b)(3)(A) 5 of the
Act requires, among other things, that
the clearing agency be so organized and
have the capacity to facilitate the
prompt and accurate clearance and
settlement of securities transactions, to
safeguard the securities and funds
which are in the custody or control of
such clearing agency or for which it is
responsible, and to comply with the
provisions of the Act and the rules and
regulations thereunder.
The proposed change would allow the
NASDAQ OMX Board of Directors
(‘‘Board’’) to determine the size of its
Audit Committee, so long as the Audit
Committee includes at least three
directors, as well as the size of its
Nominating & Governance Committee,
so long as the Nominating & Governance
Committee includes at least two
directors. The proposal is intended to
provide greater flexibility to the
NASDAQ OMX Board to determine the
appropriate size for these committees.
The proposal does not change any other
compositional requirements of either
the Audit Committee or the Nominating
& Governance Committee, including
independence requirements. Moreover,
the Commission notes that the proposal
does not alter the application of Section
4 15
5 15
PO 00000
U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B).
U.S.C. 78q–1(b)(3)(A).
Frm 00105
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
10A of the Exchange Act 6 and Rule
10A–3 thereunder 7 to the NASDAQ
OMX Audit Committee.
The proposal also deletes an obsolete
section from, and corrects a
typographical error in, the NASDAQ
OMX by-laws, which are clarifying
revisions. For the foregoing reasons, the
Commission believes that the proposed
rule change is consistent with the Act.
The proposal also deletes an obsolete
section from, and corrects a
typographical error in, the NASDAQ
OMX by-laws, which are clarifying
revisions.
IV. Conclusion
On the basis of the foregoing, the
Commission finds that the proposal is
consistent with the requirements of the
Act and in particular with the
requirements of Section 17A of the Act
and the rules and regulations
thereunder.
It is therefore ordered, pursuant to
Section 19(b)(2) 8 of the Act, that the
proposed rule change (File No. SR–
SCCP–2011–03) be, and hereby is,
approved.9
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.10
Kevin M. O’Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2011–31600 Filed 12–8–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–65887; File No. SR–
NYSEAmex–2011–91]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE
Amex LLC; Notice of Filing and
Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed
Rule Change Amending NYSE Amex
Equities Rule 72 Priority of Bids and
Offers and Allocation of Executions
December 5, 2011.
Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2
notice is hereby given that, on
November 21, 2011, NYSE Amex LLC
(the ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘NYSE Amex’’) filed
with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the
6 15
U.S.C. 78j–1.
CFR 240.10A–3.
8 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
9 In approving the proposed rule change, the
Commission considered the proposal’s impact on
efficiency, competition and capital formation. 15
U.S.C. 78c(f).
10 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
7 17
E:\FR\FM\09DEN1.SGM
09DEN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 237 (Friday, December 9, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 77036-77038]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-31641]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
[Release No. 34-65886; File No. SR-CME-2011-16]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Inc.;
Notice of Filing and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of Proposed
Rule Change To Revise Rules Relating to Its Cleared Only OTC FX Swap
Offering
December 5, 2011.
Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that
on November 25, 2011, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. (``CME'')
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') the
proposed rule change described in Items I and II below, which items
have been prepared primarily by CME. The Commission is publishing this
Notice and Order to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from
interested persons and to approve the proposed rule change on an
accelerated basis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of Terms of Substance of
the Proposed Rule Change
CME proposes to amend rules related to existing cleared-only
foreign exchange (``FX'') currency derivatives products. The proposed
rule changes make revisions to rules that were the subject of a recent
filing, SR-CME-2011-12.\3\ The changes correct inadvertent rule
language that was included in SR-CME-2011-12.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\ Commission staff notes that SR-CME-2011-12 was previously
approved pursuant to delegated authority on October 26, 2011. See
Securities Exchange Act Release No. 65637, 76 FR 67512 (Nov. 1,
2011).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The text of the proposed rule change is available at the CME's Web
site at https://www.cmegroup.com, at the principal office of CME, and at
the Commission's Public Reference Room.
II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
In its filing with the Commission, CME included statements
concerning the purpose 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 III below. CME 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 Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
In late September, 2011, CME submitted proposed rule changes in
filing SR-CME-2011-12 to establish rules to expand its cleared-only,
foreign currency (``FX'') swaps offering to support the introduction of
(1) twenty-six new foreign FX currency derivatives for over-the counter
(``OTC'') cash settlement; and (2) eleven new FX non-deliverable
forward transaction
[[Page 77037]]
currency pairs for traditional, OTC cash settlement.
CME wishes to amend two aspects of the rules package that was
adopted in connection with SR-CME-2011-12. The changes address Chapter
271H and in Chapter 273H and are intended to correct inadvertent rule
language that was initially included in the changes brought in by SR-
CME-2011-12. The first change involves Rule 271H.01.C. which deals with
minimum price increments for the Cleared OTC U.S. Dollar/Korean Won
contract; the change is intended to correct an erroneous reference to
0.0001 in the rule by specifying the correct increment of 0.01. The
second rule change involves in Rule 273H.02.A, a rule that addresses
cash settlement of the Cleared OTC U.S. Dollar/Colombian Peso contract;
the change is intended to remove a paragraph that references a method
of determining settlement prices that is not currently available.
CME believes the proposed changes are consistent with the
requirements of the Exchange Act including Section 17A of the Exchange
Act because they involve clearing of swaps and thus relate solely to
CME's swaps clearing activities pursuant to its registration as a
derivatives clearing organization under the Commodity Exchange Act
(``CEA'') and do not significantly affect any securities clearing
operations of the clearing agency or any related rights or obligations
of the clearing agency or persons using such service. CME further notes
that the policies of the CEA with respect to clearing are comparable to
a number of the policies underlying the Exchange Act, such as promoting
market transparency for over-the-counter derivatives markets, promoting
the prompt and accurate clearance of transactions and protecting
investors and the public interest. The proposed rule changes accomplish
those objectives by offering investors clearing for a range of FX OTC
swap products.
B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition
CME does not believe that the proposed rule change will have any
impact, or impose any burden, on competition.
C. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed
Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others
CME has not solicited, and does not intend to solicit, comments
regarding this proposed rule change. CME has not received any
unsolicited written comments from interested parties.
III. 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 may be submitted by using the
Commission's Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml), or send an email to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include
File No. SR-CME-2011-16 on the subject line.
Paper comments should be sent 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-CME-2011-16. 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/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 CME. 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-CME-2011-16 and should be
submitted on or before December 30, 2011.
IV. Commission's Findings and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of
Proposed Rule Change
In its filing, CME requested that the Commission approve this
request on an accelerated basis for good cause shown. CME has
articulated three reasons for granting this request on an accelerated
basis. One, the products covered by this filing, and CME's operations
as a derivatives clearing organization for such products, are regulated
by the CFTC under the CEA. Two, the proposed rule changes relate solely
to FX swap clearing and therefore relate solely to its swaps clearing
activities and do not significantly relate to CME's functions as a
clearing agency for security-based swaps. Three, not approving this
request on an accelerated basis will have a significant impact on the
swap clearing business of CME as a designated clearing organization.
Section 19(b) of the Act \4\ directs the Commission to approve a
proposed rule change of a self-regulatory organization if it finds that
such proposed rule change is consistent with the requirements of the
Act and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to such
organization. The Commission finds that the proposed rule change is
consistent with the requirements of the Act, in particular the
requirements of Section 17A of the Act,\5\ and the rules and
regulations thereunder applicable to CME. Specifically, the Commission
finds that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section
17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act which requires, among other things, that the
rules of a clearing agency be designed to promote the prompt and
accurate clearance and settlement of derivative agreements, contracts,
and transactions because it should allow CME to enhance its services in
clearing FX swaps, thereby promoting the prompt and accurate clearance
and settlement of derivative agreements, contracts, and
transactions.\6\
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\4\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b).
\5\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1. In approving this proposed rule change, the
Commission has considered the proposed rule's impact on efficiency,
competition, and capital formation. 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
\6\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(F).
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The Commission finds good cause, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of
the Act,\7\ for approving the proposed rule change prior to the 30th
day after the date of publication of notice in the Federal Register
because: (i) The proposed rule change does not significantly affect any
securities clearing operations of the clearing agency (whether in
existence or contemplated by its rules) or any related rights or
obligations of the clearing agency or persons using such service; (ii)
CME has indicated that not providing accelerated approval would have a
significant impact on the swap clearing business of CME as a designated
clearing organization; and (iii) the activity relating to the non-
security clearing operations of the
[[Page 77038]]
clearing agency for which the clearing agency is seeking approval is
subject to regulation by another regulator.
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\7\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
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V. Conclusion
It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,
that the proposed rule change (SR-CME-2011-16) is approved on an
accelerated basis.
For the Commission by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\8\
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\8\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Kevin M. O'Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2011-31641 Filed 12-8-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P