Self-Regulatory Organizations; EDGA Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change to Offer and Establish Fees for a New Exchange Service, EdgeRisk Gateways, 39395-39399 [2013-15664]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 126 / Monday, July 1, 2013 / Notices No. SR–BATS–2013–037 on the subject line. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Paper Comments [Release No. 34–69856; File No. SR–EDGA– 2013–16] • 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 No. SR–BATS–2013–037. 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 changes 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 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 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–BATS– 2013–037 and should be submitted on or before July 22, 2013. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.15 Kevin M. O’Neill, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2013–15697 Filed 6–28–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P Self-Regulatory Organizations; EDGA Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change to Offer and Establish Fees for a New Exchange Service, EdgeRisk Gateways June 25, 2013. 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 June 14, 2013, EDGA Exchange, Inc. (the ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘EDGA’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II below, which items have been prepared by the self-regulatory organization. The Exchange has designated the proposed rule change as it pertains to the fees for EdgeRisk GatewaySM (the ‘‘Service’’) as ‘‘establishing or charging a due, fee or other charge’’ under Section 19b(b)(3)(A) of the Act 3 and Rule 19b– 4(f)(2) thereunder,4 which renders the proposal effective upon receipt of this filing by the Commission. Additionally, the Exchange has designated the proposed rule change as it pertains to the EdgeRisk Gateway service as constituting a ‘‘non-controversial’’ rule change under Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 5 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder,6 which renders the proposal effective upon receipt of this filing by 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 to offer and establish fees for the Service, a risk management tool available to Members 7 and non-Members 8 of the Exchange. All of the changes described herein are applicable to EDGA Members. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s Internet Web site at www.directedge.com, at the Exchange’s mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). 4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2). 5 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). 6 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 7 As defined in Exchange Rule 1.5(n). 8 Specifically, service bureaus that act as a conduit for orders entered by Members that are their customers. 2 17 15 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). VerDate Mar<15>2010 21:38 Jun 28, 2013 Jkt 229001 PO 00000 Frm 00145 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 39395 principal office, and at the Public Reference Room of the Commission. 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 self-regulatory organization 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 self-regulatory organization 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 Proposed Addition of EdgeRisk Gateway Service The Exchange currently offers logical ports through which Members and nonMembers enter orders in the Exchange’s System,9 receive drop copies of orders and execution messages, and receive transmission of depth of book data (‘‘Logical Ports’’). Each Logical Port is assigned an access gateway that performs order validations and manages the cycle of a submitted order’s flow of information to the System and back to the Member. The access gateway performs functions such as message validation, acknowledgement messaging, risk checks, matching engine routing and execution messaging. The Exchange currently assigns Members’ and non-Members’ Logical Ports to the access gateways through a standard method that accounts for the relative message traffic expected over the Logical Port as well as redundancy requirements, where an access gateway contains assigned Logical Ports for a number of firms. The Exchange assigns Member and non-Member sessions to multiple access gateways so that the failure of one gateway may not result in the loss of access. On an ongoing basis, the Exchange carefully monitors incoming and outgoing traffic on all access gateways to ensure that available capacity is adequate to support Exchange message traffic and installs additional access gateways as needed to ensure consistent capacity levels are maintained. Although the Exchange monitors traffic to ensure available capacity, it cannot completely address 9 As E:\FR\FM\01JYN1.SGM defined in Exchange Rule 1.5(cc). 01JYN1 39396 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 126 / Monday, July 1, 2013 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES the effect of a trading disruption caused by any Member or Non-Member. In order to assist Members’ and nonMembers’ efforts to mitigate the impact of trading disruptions, the Exchange proposes to offer EdgeRisk Gateway as a new, optional fee-based service that provides Members and non-Members the option to obtain dedicated primary and backup access gateways in addition to, or in place of, a shared access gateway. Such Members and nonMembers that choose to obtain the Service (each, a ‘‘Subscriber’’, and collectively ‘‘Subscribers’’) would benefit from enhanced risk mitigation, as it would reduce the impact of another firm’s message peaks or programming mistakes on the Subscriber’s trading experience. The Exchange notes that the Commission recently expressed concern regarding the potential ripple effects caused by systems disruptions and message traffic-related issues in particular.10 The Service would mitigate risks associated with disruptions caused by excessive message traffic or programming mistakes because the Subscriber’s order flow on its dedicated access gateways would be insulated from such external disruptions. Furthermore, by reducing the impact that could arise from another firm, the Service would provide improved performance, as the performance and capacity of the access gateways would be determined solely by the Subscriber’s order behavior.11 The Service would include dedicated access to both a primary and a backup access gateway to afford Subscribers access redundancy. Accordingly, the backup access gateway would function as a safety measure, allowing Subscribers to allocate their sessions across both access gateways, protecting Subscribers from a loss of access due to 10 See, e.g., Securities Exchange Act Release No. 69077, 78 FR 18084, 18138 (March 25, 2013) (File No. S7–01–13) (proposing Regulation SCI). In particular, the Commission noted that systems disruptions ‘‘could result in confusion about whether orders are handled correctly or whether the systems issue . . . could have caused capacity issues elsewhere.’’ Id. at 18138. The Commission went on to warn that, ‘‘if an e-market-maker handling 20 percent of message traffic experiences a systems issue, the order flow could be diverted elsewhere, including to entities that are unable to handle the increase in message traffic, resulting in a disruption to that entity’s systems as well. Similarly, a broker-dealer accidentally could run a test during live trading and flood markets with message traffic such that those markets hit their capacity limits, resulting in a disruption.’’ Id. at 18138, n. 336. 11 The Exchange notes that the capacity of any system is finite and, as such, the risk associated with access gateway capacity cannot be eliminated entirely, as infrastructure components, the Subscriber’s infrastructure, or the Subscriber’s own trading patterns can affect the Subscriber’s overall trading experience. VerDate Mar<15>2010 21:38 Jun 28, 2013 Jkt 229001 a server malfunction. Additionally, Subscribers may also request some of their Logical Ports continue to be assigned to shared access gateways for further risk mitigation. The Exchange notes that both gateway options (shared and dedicated) would offer full backup to the extent that a Member or non-Member’s sessions are spread across multiple gateways. The Exchange further notes that it would, on an ongoing basis, continue to carefully monitor incoming and outgoing message traffic across all access gateways (shared and dedicated) so that available capacity is adequate to support Exchange message traffic. Additionally, the Exchange would continue to install additional shared access gateways as needed so that consistent capacity levels are maintained. Both shared and dedicated gateway options consist of identical hardware and software with identical capacity and capabilities, offering equivalent latency under the same loads. To the extent that the load on a Subscriber’s dedicated gateway is less than the load on a shared gateway, a Subscriber normally would expect reduced latencies in sending orders to the Exchange through its dedicated gateway. In this regard, the Service is similar to other types of services provided by self-regulatory organizations that offer higher levels of service for a higher fee.12 Other than the possible reduced latencies due to reduced gateway load, the Exchange believes that there are no material differences in terms of access to the Exchange between Subscribers and Members and non-Members that choose not to subscribe to the Service. Proposed Fees Applicable to the Service The Exchange proposes to offer the Service to Members and non-Members 12 For example, many exchanges allow their member and non-member organizations the option to pay a higher price in exchange for a more stable and/or efficient connection, such as that obtained through co-location services or payment for logical ports. See, e.g., Securities Exchange Act Release No. 62960 (September 21, 2010), 75 FR 59310 (September 27, 2010) (SR–NYSE–2010–56) (approving fees charged by NYSE for its co-location services); Securities Exchange Act Release No. 62397 (June 28, 2010) 75 FR 38860 (July 6, 2010) (SR–NASDAQ–2010–019) (approving fees charged by NASDAQ for its co-location services); see also NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, Price List—Trading Connectivity, https://www.nasdaqtrader.com/ trader.aspx?id=pricelisttrading2 (listing fees for use of logical ports); BATS Exchange, Inc. & BATS YExchange, Inc., Exchange Fee Schedule, https:// cdn.batstrading.com/resources/regulation/ rule_book/BATS-Exchanges_Fee_Schedules.pdf (listing fees for logical ports); EDGX Exchange, Inc., EDGX Exchange Fee Schedule, https:// www.directedge.com/Membership/FeeSchedule/ EDGXFeeSchedule.aspx (listing fees for logical ports). PO 00000 Frm 00146 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 for a monthly charge of $5,000. The Exchange is offering this new pricing model in order to keep pace with changes in the industry and evolving Member needs as new technologies emerge and products continue to develop and change. As previously noted, purchase and use of the Service would be entirely optional. To assure service quality as discussed above, access gateways would be provisioned as a pair, in which a second access gateway would be included for use as a backup, allowing Subscribers to allocate their sessions across both access gateways. Therefore, a Subscriber would receive a pair of access gateways for a fee of $5,000 per month. The Exchange notes that the Service and accompanying fees would be subject to significant competitive forces because, as discussed in detail below, the Service is similar to that currently provided by the International Securities Exchange, LLC (‘‘ISE’’).13 Implementation Date The Exchange intends to implement the proposed rule change upon the operative date of this filing and will announce its availability via an information circular to be posted on the Exchange’s Web site. 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the requirements of the Act,14 and the rules and regulations thereunder that are applicable to a national securities exchange. The bases under the Act for the proposed rule change are: (i) The requirement under Section 6(b)(4) 15 that the rules of an exchange be designed to provide for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees and other charges among its members and other persons using its facilities; and (ii) the requirement under Section 6(b)(5) 16 that the rules of an exchange be designed to promote just and equitable principles of trade to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in regulating, clearing, settling, processing information with respect to, and 13 See Securities Exchange Release No. 68324 (November 30, 2012), 77 FR 72901 (December 6, 2012) (SR–ISE–2012–89) (allowing members to utilize a pair of dedicated gateways and adopting a fee for the use of such gateways). See also, ISE, Schedule of Fees, https://www.ise.com/assets/ documents/OptionsExchange/legal/fee/ fee_schedule.pdf (charging $250 per shared gateway per month and $2000 per dedicated gateway pair per month). 14 15 U.S.C. 78f. 15 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4). 16 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). E:\FR\FM\01JYN1.SGM 01JYN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 126 / Monday, July 1, 2013 / Notices facilitating transactions in securities, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest and not to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers. The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b)(4) of the Act 17 because it would provide for an equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees and other charges. In particular, the proposed fee is equitable because the fee applies only to those Members and nonMembers that have purchased Logical Ports and elected to become Subscribers. The Exchange notes that the Service would be a fee-based service because it would be prohibitively expensive for the Exchange to establish dedicated access gateways for every Exchange participant. As discussed above, the Service would provide Subscribers with improved risk mitigation at an increased cost. Although non-Subscribers may indirectly benefit from the Service to the extent that the Service would isolate shared gateways from potential message disruptions as a result of Subscribers’ trading patterns on the dedicated gateways, the bulk of the benefits of the Service would accrue only to Subscribers. It is therefore equitable that only Subscribers be allocated a fee for the Service and that Members and nonMembers that choose to utilize only shared gateways continue to be assessed no fee. In addition, the Exchange believes that the proposed rule change constitutes an equitable allocation of fees because all similarly situated Members and non-Members would be charged the same amount (all shared gateways are free whereas all dedicated gateways would be $5,000 per month), based on their preference for either a shared gateway or a dedicated gateway. The Exchange believes that the proposed fee for the Service is reasonable because the Service would be optional, available to all Members and non-Members who have Logical Ports and that the fees charged for the Service would be the same for all Subscribers. In addition, the proposed fee would be reasonable because the fee is a reflection of the cost of necessary hardware, software and infrastructure costs, maintenance fees and staff support costs. The revenue generated by the Service would pay for the development, marketing, technical infrastructure and operating costs of the Service. Profits generated above these 17 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4). VerDate Mar<15>2010 21:38 Jun 28, 2013 Jkt 229001 costs would help offset the costs that the Exchange incurs in operating and regulating a highly efficient and reliable platform for the trading of U.S. equities. This increased revenue stream would allow the Exchange to offer the Service at a reasonable rate, consistent with the similar service currently provided by the ISE and discussed in more detail below.18 In addition, the Exchange notes that it operates in a highly competitive market. In such an environment, the Exchange must continually review, and consider adjusting, its fees. As discussed above, the Service would be optional. If Members and/or non-Members deem the proposed fee for the Service to be unreasonable or to outweigh the benefits of the Service, such Members and/or non-Members would be under no obligation to subscribe to or continue to subscribe to the Service. These market forces would act as a restraint on excessively high fees because if the market judged that the Service was overpriced, the resulting lack of interest would render the Service irrelevant. Furthermore, the Exchange believes that its fee for the Service is reasonable because it is within industry norms, as it is comparable to that assessed by ISE for its dedicated gateway service. Currently, ISE charges its members a monthly fee of $250 per shared gateway and provides the option to utilize a pair of dedicated gateways for a fee of $2,000 per month.19 The Exchange believes that its pricing ($5,000 per dedicated gateway pair per month) is competitive with that offered by ISE because, although the cost of a dedicated gateway pair would be higher, the Exchange currently allows dedicated gateway Subscribers as well as its other Members and non-Members to utilize multiple shared gateways at no charge. Lastly, the Exchange believes that the proposed fee is reasonable because payment for the Service on a monthly basis would provide flexibility and administrative benefits. Subscribers that choose to cancel the Service within the thirty (30) days’ notice would have no recurring obligation. By offering 18 See Securities Exchange Release No. 68324 (November 30, 2012), 77 FR 72901 (December 6, 2012) (SR–ISE–2012–89) (allowing members to utilize a pair of dedicated gateways and adopting a fee for the use of such gateways). See also, ISE, Schedule of Fees, https://www.ise.com/assets/ documents/OptionsExchange/legal/fee/ fee_schedule.pdf (charging $250 per shared gateway per month and $2000 per dedicated gateway pair per month). 19 See ISE, Schedule of Fees, https://www.ise.com/ assets/documents/OptionsExchange/legal/fee/ fee_schedule.pdf (charging $250 per shared gateway per month and $2000 per dedicated gateway pair per month). PO 00000 Frm 00147 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 39397 payment for the Service on a month-tomonth basis, the Exchange assumes the risk of termination by Subscribers prior to such time that it is able to recoup the costs of hardware, software, and operational resources necessary to provide the Service. The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is also consistent with the objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,20 which requires, among other things, that the Exchange’s rules are not designed to unfairly discriminate between customers, issuers, brokers or dealers and are designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in regulating, clearing, settling, processing information with respect to, and facilitating transactions in securities, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. The Exchange believes that this proposal would not unfairly discriminate between customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers because purchase of the Service would not be a prerequisite for participation on the Exchange. Only those Members and non-Members that deem the Service to be of sufficient overall value and usefulness would purchase it. The fees applicable to the Service would apply uniformly to all Subscribers. While Members and nonMembers may opt for a dedicated gateway, those that do not will continue to be able to access the Exchange via a shared gateway. The Exchange further notes that it would, on an ongoing basis, continue to carefully monitor incoming and outgoing message traffic across all access gateways (shared and dedicated) so that available capacity is adequate to support Exchange message traffic. Additionally, the Exchange would continue to install additional shared access gateways as needed so that consistent capacity levels are maintained. Furthermore, the Exchange notes that both shared and dedicated gateway options consist of identical hardware and software with identical capacity and capabilities, offering equivalent latency under the same loads. To the extent that the load on a Subscriber’s dedicated gateway is less than the load on a shared gateway, a Subscriber normally would expect reduced latencies in sending orders to the Exchange through its dedicated gateway. In this regard, the Service is similar to other types of services 20 15 E:\FR\FM\01JYN1.SGM U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). 01JYN1 39398 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 126 / Monday, July 1, 2013 / Notices provided by self-regulatory organizations that offer higher levels of service for a higher fee.21 Other than the reduced latencies due to reduced gateway load, the Exchange believes that there are no material differences in terms of access to the Exchange between Subscribers and Members and nonMembers that choose not to subscribe to the Service. Thus, access to the Exchange would continue to be offered on fair and non-discriminatory terms. In providing access to a pair of access gateways, the Service is also designed to allow Subscribers to mitigate risks associated with potentially fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices that may adversely affect the Subscriber’s trading experience. If, for example, a firm attempted to manipulate the submission of order flow into shared access gateways by directly or indirectly causing a surge in message traffic to be sent to the Exchange, Subscribers would, to an extent, mitigate the risks associated with such a manipulative tactic, as they would be insulated from all such external order flow. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change would result in any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act, as amended. The Exchange believes that the Service would neither increase nor decrease intramarket competition because the Service is available to all Members and non-Members on a uniform and voluntary basis. As the Exchange currently supports access through shared access gateways and strives to ensure that all access gateways maintain a consistent level of capacity, the use of the Service by a Member or non-Member would be driven in part by 21 For example, many exchanges allow their member and non-member organizations the option to pay a higher price in exchange for a more stable and/or efficient connection, such as that obtained through co-location services or payment for logical ports. See, e.g., Securities Exchange Act Release No. 62960 (September 21, 2010), 75 FR 59310 (September 27, 2010) (SR–NYSE–2010–56) (approving fees charged by NYSE for its co-location services); Securities Exchange Act Release No. 62397 (June 28, 2010) 75 FR 38860 (July 6, 2010) (SR–NASDAQ–2010–019) (approving fees charged by NASDAQ for its co-location services); see also NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, Price List—Trading Connectivity, https://www.nasdaqtrader.com/ trader.aspx?id=pricelisttrading2 (listing fees for use of logical ports); BATS Exchange, Inc. & BATS YExchange, Inc., Exchange Fee Schedule, https:// cdn.batstrading.com/resources/regulation/ rule_book/BATS-Exchanges_Fee_Schedules.pdf (listing fees for logical ports); EDGX Exchange, Inc., EDGX Exchange Fee Schedule, https:// www.directedge.com/Membership/FeeSchedule/ EDGXFeeSchedule.aspx (listing fees for logical ports). VerDate Mar<15>2010 21:38 Jun 28, 2013 Jkt 229001 their relative tolerance for the risks associated with trading disruptions. The Exchange notes that there is significant competition among market centers for higher quality services at a premium, including, but not limited to, services related to connectivity. By introducing the proposed Service, the Exchange believes that it would be providing an additional service similar to that currently offered by ISE.22 As such, the Service would increase competition by providing Members with additional options related to connectivity. The Exchange therefore believes that the Service would increase intermarket competition because it may attract order flow from market participants interested in the benefits offered by the Service that might otherwise send their order flow to competing venues. Alternatively, if demand for the Service does not meet expectations, the Service would neither increase nor decrease intermarket competition because the Service would fail to persuade market participants to send their order flow to the Exchange rather than to competing venues. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others The Exchange has not solicited, and does not intend to solicit, comments on this proposed rule change. The Exchange has not received any unsolicited written comments from its Members or other interested parties. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action The portion of the foregoing proposed rule change pertain to fees for the EdgeRisk Gateway has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) 23 of the Act and paragraph (f)(2) of Rule 19b–4 24 thereunder. Additionally, because the portion of the foregoing proposed rule change pertaining to the establishment of the EdgeRisk Gateway service does not: (1) Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (2) impose any significant burden on competition; and (3) by its terms does not become operative for 30 days after the date of this filing, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate if consistent with the protection of 22 See ISE, Schedule of Fees, https://www.ise.com/ assets/documents/OptionsExchange/legal/fee/ fee_schedule.pdf (charging $250 per shared gateway per month and $2000 per dedicated gateway pair per month). 23 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). 24 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2). PO 00000 Frm 00148 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 investors and the public interest, the proposed rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act25 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.26 A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b–4(f)(6) normally does not become operative for 30 days after the date of filing. However, Rule 19b– 4(f)(6)(iii) permits the Commission to designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has asked the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that the proposal may become operative immediately upon filing. The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest so that Members and non-Members may immediately obtain the EdgeRisk Gateway to potentially assist them in mitigating risks associated with excess message traffic and programmatic mistakes.27 Accordingly, the Commission hereby grants the Exchange’s request and designates the proposal operative upon filing. 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 25 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b– 4(f)(6)(iii) requires a self-regulatory organization to provide the Commission with written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change, along with a brief description and text of the proposed rule change, at least five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. The Exchange has met this requirement. 27 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, the Commission has also considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). 26 17 E:\FR\FM\01JYN1.SGM 01JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 126 / Monday, July 1, 2013 / Notices Number SR–EDGA–2013–16 on the subject line. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Paper Comments [Release No. 34–69847; File No. SR– NYSEArca–2013–61] • 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–EDGA–2013–16. 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 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–EDGA– 2013–16 and should be submitted on or before July 22, 2013. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.28 Kevin M. O’Neill, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2013–15664 Filed 6–28–13; 8:45 am] June 25, 2013. 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 June 11, 2013, NYSE Arca, Inc. (‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘NYSE Arca’’) 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 The Exchange proposes to list and trade Units of the First Trust Gold Trust pursuant to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.201. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s Web site at www.nyse.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 self-regulatory organization 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 those 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 parts of such statements. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and the Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change BILLING CODE 8011–01–P mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change Proposing to List and Trade Units of the First Trust Gold Trust Pursuant to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.201 1. Purpose The Exchange proposes to list and trade Units of the Trust under NYSE 1 15 28 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). VerDate Mar<15>2010 21:38 Jun 28, 2013 2 17 Jkt 229001 PO 00000 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. Frm 00149 Fmt 4703 39399 Arca Equities Rule 8.201.3 Under NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.201, the Exchange may propose to list and/or trade pursuant to unlisted trading privileges (‘‘UTP’’) ‘‘Commodity-Based Trust Shares.’’ 4 The Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) has previously approved listing on the Exchange under NYSE Arca Equities Rule 8.201 shares of the APMEX Physical-1 oz. Gold Redeemable Trust 5, ETFS Gold Trust 6, as well as the Sprott Physical Gold Trust.7 In addition, the Commission has approved listing on the Exchange of streetTRACKS Gold Trust and iShares COMEX Gold Trust.8 Prior to their listing on the Exchange, the Commission approved listing of the streetTRACKS Gold Trust on the New York Stock Exchange (‘‘NYSE’’) and listing of iShares COMEX Gold Trust on the American Stock Exchange LLC.9 FT Portfolios Canada Co. will be the trustee and manager of the Trust (‘‘Manager’’),10 and The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company (the ‘‘Trust Custodian’’) will be the custodian of the Trust’s assets.11 Equity Financial Trust 3 See the draft registration statement for the Trust on Form F–1, filed with the Commission on March 19, 2013 (File No. 377–00130) (the ‘‘Registration Statement’’). The descriptions of the Trust, the Units and the gold market contained herein are based, in part, on the Registration Statement. 4 Commodity-Based Trust Shares are securities issued by a trust that represent investors’ discrete identifiable and undivided beneficial ownership interest in the commodities deposited into the trust. 5 Securities Exchange Act Release 66930 (May 7, 2012), 77 FR 27817 (May 11, 2012) (SR–NYSEArca– 2012–18). 6 Securities Exchange Act Release No. 59895 (May 8, 2009), 74 FR 22993 (May 15, 2009) (SR– NYSEArca–2009–40). 7 Securities Exchange Act Release No. 61496 (February 4, 2010), 75 FR 6758 (February 10, 2010) (SR–NYSEArca–2009–113). 8 See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 56224 (August 8, 2007), 72 FR 45850 (August 15, 2007) (SR–NYSEArca–2007–76) (approving listing on the Exchange of the streetTRACKS Gold Trust); 56041 (July 11, 2007), 72 FR 39114 (July 17, 2007) (SR– NYSEArca–2007–43) (order approving listing on the Exchange of iShares COMEX Gold Trust). 9 See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 50603 (October 28, 2004), 69 FR 64614 (November 5, 2004) (SR–NYSE–2004–22) (order approving listing of streetTRACKS Gold Trust on NYSE); 51058 (January 19, 2005), 70 FR 3749 (January 26, 2005) (SR–Amex–2004–38) (order approving listing of iShares COMEX Gold Trust on the American Stock Exchange LLC). 10 The Manager is a company subsisting under the laws of Nova Scotia. The Manager is responsible for the day-to-day activities and administration of the Trust. The Manager manages, or causes to be managed, the Trust pursuant to the declaration of trust. Additional details regarding the Manager are set forth in the Registration Statement. 11 The Trust Custodian intends to appoint The Bank of Nova Scotia as gold sub-custodian (the ‘‘Gold Sub-Custodian’’). Physical gold bullion held directly by the Gold Sub-Custodian will be stored on an allocated and segregated basis in the vault facilities of ScotiaMacatta, a division of the Gold Continued Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\01JYN1.SGM 01JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 126 (Monday, July 1, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39395-39399]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-15664]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-69856; File No. SR-EDGA-2013-16]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; EDGA Exchange, Inc.; Notice of 
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change to Offer and 
Establish Fees for a New Exchange Service, EdgeRisk Gateways

June 25, 2013.
    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 June 14, 2013, EDGA Exchange, Inc. (the ``Exchange'' or 
``EDGA'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I and 
II below, which items have been prepared by the self-regulatory 
organization. The Exchange has designated the proposed rule change as 
it pertains to the fees for EdgeRisk Gateway\SM\ (the ``Service'') as 
``establishing or charging a due, fee or other charge'' under Section 
19b(b)(3)(A) of the Act \3\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(2) thereunder,\4\ which 
renders the proposal effective upon receipt of this filing by the 
Commission. Additionally, the Exchange has designated the proposed rule 
change as it pertains to the EdgeRisk Gateway service as constituting a 
``non-controversial'' rule change under Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 
\5\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder,\6\ which renders the proposal 
effective upon receipt of this filing by the Commission. 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.
    \3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \4\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(2).
    \5\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \6\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The Exchange proposes to offer and establish fees for the Service, 
a risk management tool available to Members \7\ and non-Members \8\ of 
the Exchange. All of the changes described herein are applicable to 
EDGA Members. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the 
Exchange's Internet Web site at www.directedge.com, at the Exchange's 
principal office, and at the Public Reference Room of the Commission.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ As defined in Exchange Rule 1.5(n).
    \8\ Specifically, service bureaus that act as a conduit for 
orders entered by Members that are their customers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 self-regulatory organization 
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 self-regulatory organization 
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
Proposed Addition of EdgeRisk Gateway Service
    The Exchange currently offers logical ports through which Members 
and non-Members enter orders in the Exchange's System,\9\ receive drop 
copies of orders and execution messages, and receive transmission of 
depth of book data (``Logical Ports''). Each Logical Port is assigned 
an access gateway that performs order validations and manages the cycle 
of a submitted order's flow of information to the System and back to 
the Member. The access gateway performs functions such as message 
validation, acknowledgement messaging, risk checks, matching engine 
routing and execution messaging. The Exchange currently assigns 
Members' and non-Members' Logical Ports to the access gateways through 
a standard method that accounts for the relative message traffic 
expected over the Logical Port as well as redundancy requirements, 
where an access gateway contains assigned Logical Ports for a number of 
firms. The Exchange assigns Member and non-Member sessions to multiple 
access gateways so that the failure of one gateway may not result in 
the loss of access. On an ongoing basis, the Exchange carefully 
monitors incoming and outgoing traffic on all access gateways to ensure 
that available capacity is adequate to support Exchange message traffic 
and installs additional access gateways as needed to ensure consistent 
capacity levels are maintained. Although the Exchange monitors traffic 
to ensure available capacity, it cannot completely address

[[Page 39396]]

the effect of a trading disruption caused by any Member or Non-Member.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ As defined in Exchange Rule 1.5(cc).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In order to assist Members' and non-Members' efforts to mitigate 
the impact of trading disruptions, the Exchange proposes to offer 
EdgeRisk Gateway as a new, optional fee-based service that provides 
Members and non-Members the option to obtain dedicated primary and 
backup access gateways in addition to, or in place of, a shared access 
gateway. Such Members and non-Members that choose to obtain the Service 
(each, a ``Subscriber'', and collectively ``Subscribers'') would 
benefit from enhanced risk mitigation, as it would reduce the impact of 
another firm's message peaks or programming mistakes on the 
Subscriber's trading experience. The Exchange notes that the Commission 
recently expressed concern regarding the potential ripple effects 
caused by systems disruptions and message traffic-related issues in 
particular.\10\ The Service would mitigate risks associated with 
disruptions caused by excessive message traffic or programming mistakes 
because the Subscriber's order flow on its dedicated access gateways 
would be insulated from such external disruptions. Furthermore, by 
reducing the impact that could arise from another firm, the Service 
would provide improved performance, as the performance and capacity of 
the access gateways would be determined solely by the Subscriber's 
order behavior.\11\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ See, e.g., Securities Exchange Act Release No. 69077, 78 FR 
18084, 18138 (March 25, 2013) (File No. S7-01-13) (proposing 
Regulation SCI). In particular, the Commission noted that systems 
disruptions ``could result in confusion about whether orders are 
handled correctly or whether the systems issue . . . could have 
caused capacity issues elsewhere.'' Id. at 18138. The Commission 
went on to warn that, ``if an e-market-maker handling 20 percent of 
message traffic experiences a systems issue, the order flow could be 
diverted elsewhere, including to entities that are unable to handle 
the increase in message traffic, resulting in a disruption to that 
entity's systems as well. Similarly, a broker-dealer accidentally 
could run a test during live trading and flood markets with message 
traffic such that those markets hit their capacity limits, resulting 
in a disruption.'' Id. at 18138, n. 336.
    \11\ The Exchange notes that the capacity of any system is 
finite and, as such, the risk associated with access gateway 
capacity cannot be eliminated entirely, as infrastructure 
components, the Subscriber's infrastructure, or the Subscriber's own 
trading patterns can affect the Subscriber's overall trading 
experience.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Service would include dedicated access to both a primary and a 
backup access gateway to afford Subscribers access redundancy. 
Accordingly, the backup access gateway would function as a safety 
measure, allowing Subscribers to allocate their sessions across both 
access gateways, protecting Subscribers from a loss of access due to a 
server malfunction. Additionally, Subscribers may also request some of 
their Logical Ports continue to be assigned to shared access gateways 
for further risk mitigation.
    The Exchange notes that both gateway options (shared and dedicated) 
would offer full backup to the extent that a Member or non-Member's 
sessions are spread across multiple gateways. The Exchange further 
notes that it would, on an ongoing basis, continue to carefully monitor 
incoming and outgoing message traffic across all access gateways 
(shared and dedicated) so that available capacity is adequate to 
support Exchange message traffic. Additionally, the Exchange would 
continue to install additional shared access gateways as needed so that 
consistent capacity levels are maintained.
    Both shared and dedicated gateway options consist of identical 
hardware and software with identical capacity and capabilities, 
offering equivalent latency under the same loads. To the extent that 
the load on a Subscriber's dedicated gateway is less than the load on a 
shared gateway, a Subscriber normally would expect reduced latencies in 
sending orders to the Exchange through its dedicated gateway. In this 
regard, the Service is similar to other types of services provided by 
self-regulatory organizations that offer higher levels of service for a 
higher fee.\12\ Other than the possible reduced latencies due to 
reduced gateway load, the Exchange believes that there are no material 
differences in terms of access to the Exchange between Subscribers and 
Members and non-Members that choose not to subscribe to the Service.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ For example, many exchanges allow their member and non-
member organizations the option to pay a higher price in exchange 
for a more stable and/or efficient connection, such as that obtained 
through co-location services or payment for logical ports. See, 
e.g., Securities Exchange Act Release No. 62960 (September 21, 
2010), 75 FR 59310 (September 27, 2010) (SR-NYSE-2010-56) (approving 
fees charged by NYSE for its co-location services); Securities 
Exchange Act Release No. 62397 (June 28, 2010) 75 FR 38860 (July 6, 
2010) (SR-NASDAQ-2010-019) (approving fees charged by NASDAQ for its 
co-location services); see also NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, Price 
List--Trading Connectivity, https://www.nasdaqtrader.com/trader.aspx?id=pricelisttrading2 (listing fees for use of logical 
ports); BATS Exchange, Inc. & BATS Y-Exchange, Inc., Exchange Fee 
Schedule, https://cdn.batstrading.com/resources/regulation/rule_book/BATS-Exchanges_Fee_Schedules.pdf (listing fees for logical 
ports); EDGX Exchange, Inc., EDGX Exchange Fee Schedule, https://www.directedge.com/Membership/FeeSchedule/EDGXFeeSchedule.aspx 
(listing fees for logical ports).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Proposed Fees Applicable to the Service
    The Exchange proposes to offer the Service to Members and non-
Members for a monthly charge of $5,000. The Exchange is offering this 
new pricing model in order to keep pace with changes in the industry 
and evolving Member needs as new technologies emerge and products 
continue to develop and change. As previously noted, purchase and use 
of the Service would be entirely optional. To assure service quality as 
discussed above, access gateways would be provisioned as a pair, in 
which a second access gateway would be included for use as a backup, 
allowing Subscribers to allocate their sessions across both access 
gateways. Therefore, a Subscriber would receive a pair of access 
gateways for a fee of $5,000 per month.
    The Exchange notes that the Service and accompanying fees would be 
subject to significant competitive forces because, as discussed in 
detail below, the Service is similar to that currently provided by the 
International Securities Exchange, LLC (``ISE'').\13\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ See Securities Exchange Release No. 68324 (November 30, 
2012), 77 FR 72901 (December 6, 2012) (SR-ISE-2012-89) (allowing 
members to utilize a pair of dedicated gateways and adopting a fee 
for the use of such gateways). See also, ISE, Schedule of Fees, 
https://www.ise.com/assets/documents/OptionsExchange/legal/fee/fee_schedule.pdf (charging $250 per shared gateway per month and $2000 
per dedicated gateway pair per month).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Implementation Date
    The Exchange intends to implement the proposed rule change upon the 
operative date of this filing and will announce its availability via an 
information circular to be posted on the Exchange's Web site.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with 
the requirements of the Act,\14\ and the rules and regulations 
thereunder that are applicable to a national securities exchange. The 
bases under the Act for the proposed rule change are: (i) The 
requirement under Section 6(b)(4) \15\ that the rules of an exchange be 
designed to provide for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, 
fees and other charges among its members and other persons using its 
facilities; and (ii) the requirement under Section 6(b)(5) \16\ that 
the rules of an exchange be designed to promote just and equitable 
principles of trade to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and 
practices, to foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged 
in regulating, clearing, settling, processing information with respect 
to, and

[[Page 39397]]

facilitating transactions in securities, to remove impediments to and 
perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market 
system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest 
and not to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, 
brokers, or dealers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ 15 U.S.C. 78f.
    \15\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4).
    \16\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent 
with Section 6(b)(4) of the Act \17\ because it would provide for an 
equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees and other charges. In 
particular, the proposed fee is equitable because the fee applies only 
to those Members and non-Members that have purchased Logical Ports and 
elected to become Subscribers. The Exchange notes that the Service 
would be a fee-based service because it would be prohibitively 
expensive for the Exchange to establish dedicated access gateways for 
every Exchange participant. As discussed above, the Service would 
provide Subscribers with improved risk mitigation at an increased cost. 
Although non-Subscribers may indirectly benefit from the Service to the 
extent that the Service would isolate shared gateways from potential 
message disruptions as a result of Subscribers' trading patterns on the 
dedicated gateways, the bulk of the benefits of the Service would 
accrue only to Subscribers. It is therefore equitable that only 
Subscribers be allocated a fee for the Service and that Members and 
non-Members that choose to utilize only shared gateways continue to be 
assessed no fee. In addition, the Exchange believes that the proposed 
rule change constitutes an equitable allocation of fees because all 
similarly situated Members and non-Members would be charged the same 
amount (all shared gateways are free whereas all dedicated gateways 
would be $5,000 per month), based on their preference for either a 
shared gateway or a dedicated gateway.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange believes that the proposed fee for the Service is 
reasonable because the Service would be optional, available to all 
Members and non-Members who have Logical Ports and that the fees 
charged for the Service would be the same for all Subscribers. In 
addition, the proposed fee would be reasonable because the fee is a 
reflection of the cost of necessary hardware, software and 
infrastructure costs, maintenance fees and staff support costs. The 
revenue generated by the Service would pay for the development, 
marketing, technical infrastructure and operating costs of the Service. 
Profits generated above these costs would help offset the costs that 
the Exchange incurs in operating and regulating a highly efficient and 
reliable platform for the trading of U.S. equities. This increased 
revenue stream would allow the Exchange to offer the Service at a 
reasonable rate, consistent with the similar service currently provided 
by the ISE and discussed in more detail below.\18\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ See Securities Exchange Release No. 68324 (November 30, 
2012), 77 FR 72901 (December 6, 2012) (SR-ISE-2012-89) (allowing 
members to utilize a pair of dedicated gateways and adopting a fee 
for the use of such gateways). See also, ISE, Schedule of Fees, 
https://www.ise.com/assets/documents/OptionsExchange/legal/fee/fee_schedule.pdf (charging $250 per shared gateway per month and $2000 
per dedicated gateway pair per month).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, the Exchange notes that it operates in a highly 
competitive market. In such an environment, the Exchange must 
continually review, and consider adjusting, its fees. As discussed 
above, the Service would be optional. If Members and/or non-Members 
deem the proposed fee for the Service to be unreasonable or to outweigh 
the benefits of the Service, such Members and/or non-Members would be 
under no obligation to subscribe to or continue to subscribe to the 
Service. These market forces would act as a restraint on excessively 
high fees because if the market judged that the Service was overpriced, 
the resulting lack of interest would render the Service irrelevant.
    Furthermore, the Exchange believes that its fee for the Service is 
reasonable because it is within industry norms, as it is comparable to 
that assessed by ISE for its dedicated gateway service. Currently, ISE 
charges its members a monthly fee of $250 per shared gateway and 
provides the option to utilize a pair of dedicated gateways for a fee 
of $2,000 per month.\19\ The Exchange believes that its pricing ($5,000 
per dedicated gateway pair per month) is competitive with that offered 
by ISE because, although the cost of a dedicated gateway pair would be 
higher, the Exchange currently allows dedicated gateway Subscribers as 
well as its other Members and non-Members to utilize multiple shared 
gateways at no charge.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ See ISE, Schedule of Fees, https://www.ise.com/assets/documents/OptionsExchange/legal/fee/fee_schedule.pdf (charging $250 
per shared gateway per month and $2000 per dedicated gateway pair 
per month).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Lastly, the Exchange believes that the proposed fee is reasonable 
because payment for the Service on a monthly basis would provide 
flexibility and administrative benefits. Subscribers that choose to 
cancel the Service within the thirty (30) days' notice would have no 
recurring obligation. By offering payment for the Service on a month-
to-month basis, the Exchange assumes the risk of termination by 
Subscribers prior to such time that it is able to recoup the costs of 
hardware, software, and operational resources necessary to provide the 
Service.
    The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is also 
consistent with the objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,\20\ which 
requires, among other things, that the Exchange's rules are not 
designed to unfairly discriminate between customers, issuers, brokers 
or dealers and are designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts 
and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to 
foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in regulating, 
clearing, settling, processing information with respect to, and 
facilitating transactions in securities, to remove impediments to and 
perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market 
system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. 
The Exchange believes that this proposal would not unfairly 
discriminate between customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers because 
purchase of the Service would not be a prerequisite for participation 
on the Exchange. Only those Members and non-Members that deem the 
Service to be of sufficient overall value and usefulness would purchase 
it. The fees applicable to the Service would apply uniformly to all 
Subscribers. While Members and non-Members may opt for a dedicated 
gateway, those that do not will continue to be able to access the 
Exchange via a shared gateway. The Exchange further notes that it 
would, on an ongoing basis, continue to carefully monitor incoming and 
outgoing message traffic across all access gateways (shared and 
dedicated) so that available capacity is adequate to support Exchange 
message traffic. Additionally, the Exchange would continue to install 
additional shared access gateways as needed so that consistent capacity 
levels are maintained. Furthermore, the Exchange notes that both shared 
and dedicated gateway options consist of identical hardware and 
software with identical capacity and capabilities, offering equivalent 
latency under the same loads. To the extent that the load on a 
Subscriber's dedicated gateway is less than the load on a shared 
gateway, a Subscriber normally would expect reduced latencies in 
sending orders to the Exchange through its dedicated gateway. In this 
regard, the Service is similar to other types of services

[[Page 39398]]

provided by self-regulatory organizations that offer higher levels of 
service for a higher fee.\21\ Other than the reduced latencies due to 
reduced gateway load, the Exchange believes that there are no material 
differences in terms of access to the Exchange between Subscribers and 
Members and non-Members that choose not to subscribe to the Service. 
Thus, access to the Exchange would continue to be offered on fair and 
non-discriminatory terms.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
    \21\ For example, many exchanges allow their member and non-
member organizations the option to pay a higher price in exchange 
for a more stable and/or efficient connection, such as that obtained 
through co-location services or payment for logical ports. See, 
e.g., Securities Exchange Act Release No. 62960 (September 21, 
2010), 75 FR 59310 (September 27, 2010) (SR-NYSE-2010-56) (approving 
fees charged by NYSE for its co-location services); Securities 
Exchange Act Release No. 62397 (June 28, 2010) 75 FR 38860 (July 6, 
2010) (SR-NASDAQ-2010-019) (approving fees charged by NASDAQ for its 
co-location services); see also NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, Price 
List--Trading Connectivity, https://www.nasdaqtrader.com/trader.aspx?id=pricelisttrading2 (listing fees for use of logical 
ports); BATS Exchange, Inc. & BATS Y-Exchange, Inc., Exchange Fee 
Schedule, https://cdn.batstrading.com/resources/regulation/rule_book/BATS-Exchanges_Fee_Schedules.pdf (listing fees for logical 
ports); EDGX Exchange, Inc., EDGX Exchange Fee Schedule, https://www.directedge.com/Membership/FeeSchedule/EDGXFeeSchedule.aspx 
(listing fees for logical ports).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In providing access to a pair of access gateways, the Service is 
also designed to allow Subscribers to mitigate risks associated with 
potentially fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices that may 
adversely affect the Subscriber's trading experience. If, for example, 
a firm attempted to manipulate the submission of order flow into shared 
access gateways by directly or indirectly causing a surge in message 
traffic to be sent to the Exchange, Subscribers would, to an extent, 
mitigate the risks associated with such a manipulative tactic, as they 
would be insulated from all such external order flow.

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

    The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change would 
result in any burden on competition that is not necessary or 
appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act, as amended.
    The Exchange believes that the Service would neither increase nor 
decrease intramarket competition because the Service is available to 
all Members and non-Members on a uniform and voluntary basis. As the 
Exchange currently supports access through shared access gateways and 
strives to ensure that all access gateways maintain a consistent level 
of capacity, the use of the Service by a Member or non-Member would be 
driven in part by their relative tolerance for the risks associated 
with trading disruptions.
    The Exchange notes that there is significant competition among 
market centers for higher quality services at a premium, including, but 
not limited to, services related to connectivity. By introducing the 
proposed Service, the Exchange believes that it would be providing an 
additional service similar to that currently offered by ISE.\22\ As 
such, the Service would increase competition by providing Members with 
additional options related to connectivity. The Exchange therefore 
believes that the Service would increase intermarket competition 
because it may attract order flow from market participants interested 
in the benefits offered by the Service that might otherwise send their 
order flow to competing venues. Alternatively, if demand for the 
Service does not meet expectations, the Service would neither increase 
nor decrease intermarket competition because the Service would fail to 
persuade market participants to send their order flow to the Exchange 
rather than to competing venues.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ See ISE, Schedule of Fees, https://www.ise.com/assets/documents/OptionsExchange/legal/fee/fee_schedule.pdf (charging $250 
per shared gateway per month and $2000 per dedicated gateway pair 
per month).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The Exchange has not solicited, and does not intend to solicit, 
comments on this proposed rule change. The Exchange has not received 
any unsolicited written comments from its Members or other interested 
parties.

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

    The portion of the foregoing proposed rule change pertain to fees 
for the EdgeRisk Gateway has become effective pursuant to Section 
19(b)(3)(A) \23\ of the Act and paragraph (f)(2) of Rule 19b-4 \24\ 
thereunder.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \24\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additionally, because the portion of the foregoing proposed rule 
change pertaining to the establishment of the EdgeRisk Gateway service 
does not: (1) Significantly affect the protection of investors or the 
public interest; (2) impose any significant burden on competition; and 
(3) by its terms does not become operative for 30 days after the date 
of this filing, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate if 
consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest, 
the proposed rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 
19(b)(3)(A) of the Act\25\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\26\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \25\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \26\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) 
requires a self-regulatory organization to provide the Commission 
with written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change, 
along with a brief description and text of the proposed rule change, 
at least five business days prior to the date of filing of the 
proposed rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the 
Commission. The Exchange has met this requirement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) normally does 
not become operative for 30 days after the date of filing. However, 
Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) permits the Commission to designate a shorter 
time if such action is consistent with the protection of investors and 
the public interest. The Exchange has asked the Commission to waive the 
30-day operative delay so that the proposal may become operative 
immediately upon filing. The Commission believes that waiving the 30-
day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and 
the public interest so that Members and non-Members may immediately 
obtain the EdgeRisk Gateway to potentially assist them in mitigating 
risks associated with excess message traffic and programmatic 
mistakes.\27\ Accordingly, the Commission hereby grants the Exchange's 
request and designates the proposal operative upon filing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \27\ For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, 
the Commission has also considered the proposed rule's impact on 
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 
78c(f).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include 
File

[[Page 39399]]

Number SR-EDGA-2013-16 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-EDGA-2013-16. 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 
10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available 
for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All 
comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does 
not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should 
submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All 
submissions should refer to File Number SR-EDGA-2013-16 and should be 
submitted on or before July 22, 2013.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\28\
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    \28\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Kevin M. O'Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2013-15664 Filed 6-28-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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