Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change by NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC Relating to the Proprietary Traders Qualification Examination (“Series 56”), 19042-19044 [2012-7571]
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19042
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 61 / Thursday, March 29, 2012 / Notices
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
proposes increasing the fees in order to
recoup such costs. Further, these
changes will make these fee amounts
equivalent to corresponding fees on the
Chicago Board Options Exchange,
Incorporated (‘‘CBOE’’).3
The Exchange also proposes waiving
Renewal fees for a six-month period
beginning on April 1, 2012. The
Renewal fee is assessed to organizations
and sole proprietorships that were once
C2 Trading Permit Holders but gave up
their trading permits, and now want to
return. The Exchange proposes waiving
the Renewal fee for a six-month period
beginning on April 1, 2012 in order to
provide an incentive to former C2
Trading Permit Holders to return to C2.
The proposed changes are to take
effect April 1, 2012.
2. Statutory Basis
The Exchange believes the proposed
rule change is consistent with the Act
and the rules and regulations
thereunder applicable to the Exchange
and, in particular, the requirements of
Section 6(b) of the Act.4 Specifically,
the Exchange believes the proposed rule
change is consistent with Section 6(b)(4)
of the Act,5 which provides that
Exchange rules may provide for the
equitable allocation of reasonable dues,
fees, and other charges among its
Trading Permit Holders and other
persons using its facilities. The
proposed increases in TPH Application
fees are reasonable because such
increases are necessary to cover the
increased costs of processing such
applications and activities. The
proposed increases in TPH Application
fees are equitable and not unfairly
discriminatory because they apply
equally to all qualifying market
participants. Further, these changes will
make these fee amounts equivalent to
corresponding fees on CBOE.6
The proposed waiver of the Renewal
fees for a six-month period beginning on
April 1, 2012 is reasonable because it
will permit former C2 Trading Permit
Holders to avoid having to pay a fee
they would otherwise have to pay to
return to C2. The proposed waiver of the
Renewal fees for a six-month period
beginning on April 1, 2012 is equitable
and not unfairly discriminatory because
it will apply equally to all former C2
Trading Permit Holders who wish to
return to C2. Moreover, this waiver will
encourage former C2 Trading Permit
Holders to return to C2, which will in
turn bring greater liquidity and more
3 See
CBOE Fees Schedule, Section 11.
U.S.C. 78f(b).
5 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4).
6 See Note 3.
trading opportunities for all market
participants.
B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement on Burden on Competition
C2 does not believe that the proposed
rule change will impose any burden on
competition that is not necessary or
appropriate in furtherance of the
purposes of the Act.
C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement on Comments on the
Proposed Rule Change Received From
Members, Participants or Others
The Exchange neither solicited nor
received comments on the proposed
rule change.
III. Date of Effectiveness of the
Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
Commission Action
The foregoing rule change has become
effective pursuant to Section
19(b)(3)(A) 7 of the Act and paragraph (f)
of Rule 19b–4 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.
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 email to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File
Number SR–C2–2012–010 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–C2–2012–010. 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
4 15
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:14 Mar 28, 2012
Jkt 226001
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
will also 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 No. SR–C2–2012–
010 and should be submitted on or
before April 19, 2012.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.9
Kevin M. O’Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2012–7525 Filed 3–28–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–66645; File No. SR–PHLX–
2012–37]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice
of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness
of Proposed Rule Change by NASDAQ
OMX PHLX LLC Relating to the
Proprietary Traders Qualification
Examination (‘‘Series 56’’)
March 22, 2012.
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 21,
2012, NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC
(‘‘Phlx’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission
(‘‘SEC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed
rule change as described in Items I, II,
and III below, which Items have been
9 17
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
7 15
U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
8 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f).
PO 00000
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1 15
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E:\FR\FM\29MRN1.SGM
29MRN1
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 61 / Thursday, March 29, 2012 / Notices
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 is filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission
(‘‘Commission’’) the content outline and
selection specifications for the
Proprietary Traders Qualification
Examination (‘‘Series 56’’) program.
Phlx will implement the proposal upon
notice to its membership.
The text of the proposed rule change
is available on the Exchange’s Web site
at https://www.nasdaqtrader.com/
micro.aspx?id=PHLXRulefilings, 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
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
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
1. Purpose
Recently, Phlx filed a proposed rule
change to recognize a new category of
limited representative registration for
proprietary traders.3 Specifically, Phlx
will recognize the new registration
category ‘‘Proprietary Trader’’ and the
new examination, the Series 56. The
new Proprietary Trader category would
be limited to persons engaged solely in
proprietary trading, market making or
effecting transactions on behalf of a
broker-dealer account.
The Exchange has been working with
the Financial Industry Regulatory
Authority (‘‘FINRA’’) and certain other
markets, many of which have recently
enhanced their registration
requirements to require the registration
3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 66497
(March 1, 2012), 77 FR 13668 (March 7, 2012) (SR–
Phlx–2012–23).
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:14 Mar 28, 2012
Jkt 226001
of associated persons,4 to develop the
content outline and qualification
examination that would be applicable to
proprietary traders. The Series 56
examination program is shared by Phlx
and the following: Boston Options
Exchange; C2 Options Exchange,
Incorporated; Chicago Board Options
Exchange, Incorporated; Chicago Stock
Exchange, Inc.; International Securities
Exchange, LLC; The NASDAQ Stock
Market LLC; National Stock Exchange,
Inc.; New York Stock Exchange LLC;
NYSE AMEX LLC; and NYSE ARCA,
Inc. FINRA staff convened a committee
of industry representatives and staff of
the various markets to develop the
criteria for the Series 56 examination
program.
The Series 56 examination tests a
candidate’s knowledge of proprietary
trading generally and the industry rules
applicable to trading of equity securities
and listed options contracts. The Series
56 examination covers, among other
things, recordkeeping and recording
requirements, types and characteristics
of securities and investments, trading
practices and display execution and
trading systems. While the examination
is primarily dedicated to topics related
to proprietary trading, the Series 56
examination also covers a few general
concepts relating to customers.5
The qualification examination
consists of 100 multiple choice
questions. Candidates will have 150
minutes to complete the exam. The
content outline describes the following
topical sections comprising the
examination: Personnel, Business
Conduct and Recordkeeping and
Reporting Requirements, 9 questions;
Markets, Market Participants,
Exchanges, and Self-Regulatory
Organizations, 8 questions; Types and
Characteristics of Securities and
Investments, 20 questions; Trading
Practices and Prohibited Acts, 50
questions; and Display, Execution, and
Trading Systems, 13 questions.
Representatives from the applicable
markets intend to meet on a periodic
basis to evaluate and, as necessary,
update the Series 56 examination
program.
The Exchange understands that the
other applicable markets will also file
with the Commission similar filings
regarding the Series 56 examination
program. The Exchange proposes to
implement the Series 56 examination
4 See e.g., Securities Exchange Act Release Nos.
63843 (February 4, 2011), 76 FR 7884 (February 11,
2011) (SR–ISE–2010–115); and 63314 (November
12, 2010), 75 FR 70957 (November 19, 2010) (SR–
CBOE–2010–084).
5 Proprietary trading firms don not have
customers.
PO 00000
Frm 00047
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
19043
program upon availability in WebCRD,
notification to its membership and
approval of SR–Phlx–2012–23.
2. Statutory Basis
The Exchange believes that its
proposal is consistent with Section 6(b)
of the Act 6 in general, and furthers the
objectives of Section 6(c)(3)(B) of the
Act,7 pursuant to which a national
securities exchange prescribes standards
of training, experience and competence
for members and their associated
persons, in particular, by offering a new
qualification examination for
proprietary traders. This filing provides
the content outline and relevant
specifications for the Series 56
examination program, which should
help ensure that all associated persons
engaged in a securities business are, and
will continue to be, properly trained
and qualified to perform their functions.
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 after the date of
the filing, or such shorter time as the
Commission may designate, it has
become effective pursuant to 19(b)(3)(A)
of the Act 8 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) 9
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
6 15
U.S.C. 78f(b).
U.S.C. 78(c)(3)(B).
8 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
9 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\29MRN1.SGM
29MRN1
19044
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 61 / Thursday, March 29, 2012 / Notices
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.
2012–37, and should be submitted on or
before April 19, 2012.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.10
Kevin M. O’Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2012–7571 Filed 3–28–12; 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–2012–37 on the
subject line.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD 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; the
NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Notice of
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of
Proposed Rule Change To Amend Rule
4120
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–2012–37. 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 offices 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–
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:14 Mar 28, 2012
Jkt 226001
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
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 the
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
Change
1. Purpose
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–66652; File No. SR–
NASDAQ–2012–038]
March 23, 2012.
Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2
notice is hereby given that on March 19,
2012, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
(‘‘NASDAQ’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) 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 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
NASDAQ is proposing to amend Rule
4120 to adopt a modification in the
process for initiating trading of a
security that is the subject of an initial
public offering (an ‘‘IPO’’) on NASDAQ.
The text of the proposed rule change is
available at https://nasdaq.cchwallstreet.
com/, at the Exchange’s principal office,
on the Commission’s Web site at
https://www.sec.gov/, 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
10 17
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
1 15
PO 00000
Frm 00048
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
NASDAQ is proposing to make a
minor modification to its process for
commencing trading of a security that is
the subject of an IPO on NASDAQ. Rule
4120(a)(7) provides that trading in an
IPO security is halted until the security
is released for trading. Rule
4120(c)(7)(B) establishes the process for
lifting the halt and commencing trading.
Under that rule, prior to terminating the
halt, there is a 15-minute Display-Only
Period during which market
participants may enter quotes and
orders into the NASDAQ Market Center.
At the conclusion of the Display-Only
Period, trading commences through the
halt cross process provided for in Rule
4753. However, if at the end of a
Display-Only Period, NASDAQ detects
an order imbalance in the security, the
halt may be extended for up to six
additional Display-Only Periods of five
minutes each.
Under the current process, quotes and
orders in the IPO security may not be
entered until the commencement of the
Display-Only Period. However,
NASDAQ believes that the quality of its
process for commencing IPO trading
would be enhanced by allowing market
participants to begin entering orders at
7 a.m., to be held and not displayed
until the beginning of the Display-Only
Period. Specifically, NASDAQ believes
that this change will provide for a
greater number of orders being entered
prior to commencement of trading,
resulting in a higher level of order
interaction at the open.
To effect this change, NASDAQ
proposes amending Rule 4120(c)(7)(B)
to provide that beginning at 7 a.m.,
market participants may enter Market
Hours Day Orders (‘‘MDAY Orders’’) in
a security that is the subject of an IPO
on NASDAQ and designate such orders
to be held until the beginning of the
Display-Only Period. Such orders will
be held in an undisplayed state until the
beginning of the Display-Only Period, at
which time they will be entered into the
system. Market participants may cancel
orders entered in this manner in the
same way they would cancel any other
order. Orders entered prior to the
Display-Only Period will be cancelled
E:\FR\FM\29MRN1.SGM
29MRN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 61 (Thursday, March 29, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19042-19044]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-7571]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
[Release No. 34-66645; File No. SR-PHLX-2012-37]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing and Immediate
Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change by NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC Relating
to the Proprietary Traders Qualification Examination (``Series 56'')
March 22, 2012.
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 21, 2012, NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC (``Phlx'' or ``Exchange'')
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'' or
``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II,
and III below, which Items have been
[[Page 19043]]
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 is filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(``Commission'') the content outline and selection specifications for
the Proprietary Traders Qualification Examination (``Series 56'')
program. Phlx will implement the proposal upon notice to its
membership.
The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's
Web site at https://www.nasdaqtrader.com/micro.aspx?id=PHLXRulefilings,
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 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
Recently, Phlx filed a proposed rule change to recognize a new
category of limited representative registration for proprietary
traders.\3\ Specifically, Phlx will recognize the new registration
category ``Proprietary Trader'' and the new examination, the Series 56.
The new Proprietary Trader category would be limited to persons engaged
solely in proprietary trading, market making or effecting transactions
on behalf of a broker-dealer account.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 66497 (March 1,
2012), 77 FR 13668 (March 7, 2012) (SR-Phlx-2012-23).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Exchange has been working with the Financial Industry
Regulatory Authority (``FINRA'') and certain other markets, many of
which have recently enhanced their registration requirements to require
the registration of associated persons,\4\ to develop the content
outline and qualification examination that would be applicable to
proprietary traders. The Series 56 examination program is shared by
Phlx and the following: Boston Options Exchange; C2 Options Exchange,
Incorporated; Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated; Chicago
Stock Exchange, Inc.; International Securities Exchange, LLC; The
NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; National Stock Exchange, Inc.; New York Stock
Exchange LLC; NYSE AMEX LLC; and NYSE ARCA, Inc. FINRA staff convened a
committee of industry representatives and staff of the various markets
to develop the criteria for the Series 56 examination program.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ See e.g., Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 63843
(February 4, 2011), 76 FR 7884 (February 11, 2011) (SR-ISE-2010-
115); and 63314 (November 12, 2010), 75 FR 70957 (November 19, 2010)
(SR-CBOE-2010-084).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Series 56 examination tests a candidate's knowledge of
proprietary trading generally and the industry rules applicable to
trading of equity securities and listed options contracts. The Series
56 examination covers, among other things, recordkeeping and recording
requirements, types and characteristics of securities and investments,
trading practices and display execution and trading systems. While the
examination is primarily dedicated to topics related to proprietary
trading, the Series 56 examination also covers a few general concepts
relating to customers.\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ Proprietary trading firms don not have customers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The qualification examination consists of 100 multiple choice
questions. Candidates will have 150 minutes to complete the exam. The
content outline describes the following topical sections comprising the
examination: Personnel, Business Conduct and Recordkeeping and
Reporting Requirements, 9 questions; Markets, Market Participants,
Exchanges, and Self-Regulatory Organizations, 8 questions; Types and
Characteristics of Securities and Investments, 20 questions; Trading
Practices and Prohibited Acts, 50 questions; and Display, Execution,
and Trading Systems, 13 questions. Representatives from the applicable
markets intend to meet on a periodic basis to evaluate and, as
necessary, update the Series 56 examination program.
The Exchange understands that the other applicable markets will
also file with the Commission similar filings regarding the Series 56
examination program. The Exchange proposes to implement the Series 56
examination program upon availability in WebCRD, notification to its
membership and approval of SR-Phlx-2012-23.
2. Statutory Basis
The Exchange believes that its proposal is consistent with Section
6(b) of the Act \6\ in general, and furthers the objectives of Section
6(c)(3)(B) of the Act,\7\ pursuant to which a national securities
exchange prescribes standards of training, experience and competence
for members and their associated persons, in particular, by offering a
new qualification examination for proprietary traders. This filing
provides the content outline and relevant specifications for the Series
56 examination program, which should help ensure that all associated
persons engaged in a securities business are, and will continue to be,
properly trained and qualified to perform their functions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
\7\ 15 U.S.C. 78(c)(3)(B).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 after the date of the filing, or such
shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become effective
pursuant to 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \8\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \9\
thereunder.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\8\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
\9\ 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
[[Page 19044]]
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.
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 email to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include
File Number SR-PHLX-2012-37 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-PHLX-2012-37. 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 offices 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-2012-37, and should be
submitted on or before April 19, 2012.
For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\10\
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\10\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Kevin M. O'Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2012-7571 Filed 3-28-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P