Self-Regulatory Organizations; Topaz Exchange, LLC; Notice of Filing of Proposed Minor Rule Violation Plan, 71689-71690 [2013-28570]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 230 / Friday, November 29, 2013 / Notices states that this language allows bids and offers for complex orders to be expressed in any increment whatsoever.5 To establish a minimum quoting increment for complex orders, CBOE proposes to revise CBOE Rule 6.42(4) to state that bids and offers for complex orders may be expressed in any net price increment that may not be less than $0.01, which CBOE may determine on a class-by-class basis and announce to Trading Permit Holders (‘‘TPHs’’) via Regulatory Circular.6 CBOE would notify TPHs of the minimum quoting increments for complex orders via Regulatory Circular.7 CBOE would not change the minimum quoting increments for complex orders on an intra-day basis.8 According to CBOE, many web-based services that public customers use to enter options orders do not permit the entry of orders in sub-penny increments, a limitation that other market participants may not face.9 CBOE believes that the proposal will establish a minimum complex order quoting increment that all market participants will be able to monitor and in which all market participants will be able to enter orders.10 In addition, because CBOE’s electronic complex order execution systems, the Complex Order Book (‘‘COB’’) and Complex Order Auction (‘‘COA’’), are not configured to permit quoting in subpenny increments, the $0.01 minimum increment would place electronic and manually entered complex orders on an even footing.11 CBOE also believes that establishing a minimum quoting increment of $0.01 will assure that price improvement occurs at a meaningful increment, and will prevent market participants from jumping ahead of an 5 See Notice 78 FR at 62887. states that the rule would allow the Exchange to establish uniform complex order quoting increments within a class, and to set and vary the minimum complex order quoting increments for different classes in response to different market conditions in those classes and to encourage more trading in those classes. CBOE notes that its rules currently allow it to establish minimum quoting increments for complex orders in options on the S&P 500 Index (‘‘SPX’’), the p.m.settled S&P 500 Index (‘‘SPXPM’’), and on the S&P 100 Index (‘‘OEX’’ and ‘‘XEO’’). See Notice 78 FR at 62888 and CBOE Rule 6.42(4). 7 See Notice 78 FR at 62888. 8 See id. at note 4. 9 See Notice 78 FR at 62887. 10 See id. 11 See Notice 78 FR at 62887–62888. See also CBOE Rules 6.53C(c)(ii) and 6.53C(d)(iii)(1) (providing for quoting increments of no less than $0.01 in the COB and Requests for Responses (‘‘RFRs’’) in increments of no less than $0.01 in the COA). CBOE notes that the $0.01 minimum increment would prevent sophisticated market participants from manually entering complex order quotations in sub-penny amounts. See Notice 78 FR at 62888, note 5. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 6 CBOE VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:56 Nov 27, 2013 Jkt 232001 existing quote by providing a de minimus amount of price improvement.12 III. Discussion and Commission Findings After careful review, the Commission finds that the proposed rule change is consistent with the requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to a national securities exchange.13 In particular, the Commission finds that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,14 which requires, among other things, that the rules of a national securities exchange be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. As discussed above, CBOE Rule 6.42(4) currently allows bids and offers for complex orders to be expressed in any increment, which potentially could permit bids and offers for complex orders to be expressed in increments smaller than $0.01. In contrast, complex orders entered in the COB and RFR Responses to a COA auction may not be entered in increments smaller than $0.01.15 Thus, under CBOE’s current rules, complex orders that are entered manually potentially could be entered in increments smaller than $0.01, while complex order trading interest entered electronically in the COB and the COA may not be entered in increments smaller than $0.01. By establishing a $0.01 minimum quoting increment for complex orders, the proposal is designed to protect investors by establishing a consistent minimum quoting increment for complex orders that are entered manually and complex orders that are entered electronically through the COB and COA. IV. Conclusion It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,16 that the proposed rule change (SR–CBOE–2013– 093) is approved. 12 See Notice 78 FR at 62888. approving this proposal, the Commission has considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). 14 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). 15 See CBOE Rules 6.53C(c)(ii) and (d)(iii)(1). 16 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2). 13 In PO 00000 Frm 00129 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 71689 For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.17 Kevin M. O’Neill, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2013–28573 Filed 11–27–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–70927; File No. 4–669] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Topaz Exchange, LLC; Notice of Filing of Proposed Minor Rule Violation Plan November 22, 2013. Pursuant to Section 19(d)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19d–1(c)(2) thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on November 14, 2013, Topaz Exchange, LLC (d/b/a ISE Gemini) (the ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) a proposed minor rule violation plan (‘‘MRVP’’) with sanctions not exceeding $2,500 which would not be subject to the provisions of Rule 19d– 1(c)(1) of the Act 3 requiring that a selfregulatory organization (‘‘SRO’’) promptly file notice with the Commission of any final disciplinary action taken with respect to any person or organization.4 In accordance with Rule 19d–1(c)(2) under the Act,5 the Exchange proposes to designate certain specified rule violations as minor rule violations, and requests that it be relieved of the prompt reporting requirements regarding such violations, provided it gives notice of such violations to the Commission on a quarterly basis. The Exchange proposes to include in its MRVP the procedures and violations currently included in Exchange Rule 1614 (‘‘Imposition of Fines for Minor Rule Violations’’), which has been 17 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(d)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19d–1(c)(2). 3 17 CFR 240.19d–1(c)(1). 4 The Commission adopted amendments to paragraph (c) of Rule 19d–1 to allow SROs to submit for Commission approval plans for the abbreviated reporting of minor disciplinary infractions. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 21013 (June 1, 1984), 49 FR 23828 (June 8, 1984). Any disciplinary action taken by an SRO against any person for violation of a rule of the SRO which has been designated as a minor rule violation pursuant to such a plan filed with and declared effective by the Commission shall not be considered ‘‘final’’ for purposes of Section 19(d)(1) of the Act if the sanction imposed consists of a fine not exceeding $2,500 and the sanctioned person has not sought an adjudication, including a hearing, or otherwise exhausted his administrative remedies. 5 17 CFR 240.19d–1(c)(2). 1 15 E:\FR\FM\29NON1.SGM 29NON1 71690 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 230 / Friday, November 29, 2013 / Notices sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES incorporated by reference from the International Securities Exchange’s rule book.6 According to the Exchange’s MRVP, under Rule 1614, the Exchange may impose a fine (not to exceed $2,500) on any Member, or person associated with or employed by a Member, for any rule listed in Rule 1614(d).7 The Exchange shall serve the person against whom a fine is imposed with a written statement setting forth the rule or rules violated, the act or omission constituting each such violation, the fine imposed, and the date by which such determination becomes final or by which such determination must be contested. If the person against whom the fine is imposed pays the fine, such payment shall be deemed to be a waiver of such person’s right to a disciplinary proceeding and any review of the matter under the Exchange rules. Any person against whom a fine is imposed may contest the Exchange’s determination by filing with the Exchange a written answer, at which point the matter shall become a disciplinary proceeding. The Exchange proposes that, as set forth in Exchange Rule 1614(d), violations of the following rules would be appropriate for disposition under the MRVP: Rule 412 (Position Limits); Rule 415 (Reports Related to Position Limits); Rule 1403 (Focus Reports); Rule 1404 (Requests for Trade Data); Conduct and Decorum Policies; Rule 717 (Order Entry); Rule 803 (Quotation Parameters); Rule 805 (Execution of Orders in Appointed Options); Rule 419 (Mandatory Systems Testing); and Rule 1100 (Exercise of Options Contracts). Upon the Commission’s declaration of effectiveness of the MRVP, the Exchange will provide to the Commission a quarterly report for any actions taken on minor rule violations under the MRVP. The quarterly report will include: the Exchange’s internal file number for the case, the name of the individual and/or organization, the nature of the violation, the specific rule provision violated, the sanction imposed, the number of times the rule violation occurred, and the date of the disposition. The Exchange also proposes that, going forward, to the extent that there are any changes to the rules applicable to the Exchange’s MRVP, the Exchange requests that the Commission deem 6 As noted above, the Exchange received its grant of registration on July 26, 2013, which included approving the rules that govern the Exchange. 7 While Rule 1614 allows the Exchange to administer fines up to $5,000, the Exchange is only seeking relief from the reporting requirements of paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 19d–1 for fines administered under Rule 1614(d) that do not exceed $2,500. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:56 Nov 27, 2013 Jkt 232001 such changes to be modifications to the Exchange’s MRVP. I. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the Exchange’s proposed MRVP, including whether the proposed MRVP 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 No. 4–669 on the subject line. Paper Comments II. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Minor Rule Violation Plan and Timing for Commission Action Pursuant to Section 19(d)(1) of the Act and Rule 19d–1(c)(2) thereunder,8 after December 20, 2013, the Commission may, by order, declare the Exchange’s proposed MRVP effective if the plan is consistent with the public interest, the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The Commission in its order may restrict the categories of violations to be designated as minor rule violations and may impose any other terms or conditions to the proposed MRVP, File No. 4–669, and to the period of its effectiveness, which the Commission deems necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. • Send paper comments in triplicate to Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.9 Kevin M. O’Neill, Deputy Secretary. All submissions should refer to File No. 4–669. 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 MRVP that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed MRVP 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 proposed MRVP 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 No. 4– 669 and should be submitted on or before December 20, 2013. BILLING CODE 8011–01–P PO 00000 Frm 00130 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 [FR Doc. 2013–28570 Filed 11–27–13; 8:45 am] SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–70926; File No. SR– NASDAQ–2013–141] Self-Regulatory Organizations; The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Relating to NOM Market Maker Penny Pilot Options Rebate To Add Liquidity November 22, 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 November 13, 2013, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (‘‘NASDAQ’’ 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 prepared by NASDAQ. 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 proposes to modify Chapter XV, entitled ‘‘Options Pricing,’’ at 8 15 U.S.C. 78s(d)(1); 17 CFR 240.19d–1(c)(2). CFR 200.30–3(a)(44). 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 9 17 E:\FR\FM\29NON1.SGM 29NON1

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 230 (Friday, November 29, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71689-71690]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-28570]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-70927; File No. 4-669]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Topaz Exchange, LLC; Notice of 
Filing of Proposed Minor Rule Violation Plan

November 22, 2013.
    Pursuant to Section 19(d)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(the ``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19d-1(c)(2) thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby 
given that on November 14, 2013, Topaz Exchange, LLC (d/b/a ISE Gemini) 
(the ``Exchange'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(``Commission'') a proposed minor rule violation plan (``MRVP'') with 
sanctions not exceeding $2,500 which would not be subject to the 
provisions of Rule 19d-1(c)(1) of the Act \3\ requiring that a self-
regulatory organization (``SRO'') promptly file notice with the 
Commission of any final disciplinary action taken with respect to any 
person or organization.\4\ In accordance with Rule 19d-1(c)(2) under 
the Act,\5\ the Exchange proposes to designate certain specified rule 
violations as minor rule violations, and requests that it be relieved 
of the prompt reporting requirements regarding such violations, 
provided it gives notice of such violations to the Commission on a 
quarterly basis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(d)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19d-1(c)(2).
    \3\ 17 CFR 240.19d-1(c)(1).
    \4\ The Commission adopted amendments to paragraph (c) of Rule 
19d-1 to allow SROs to submit for Commission approval plans for the 
abbreviated reporting of minor disciplinary infractions. See 
Securities Exchange Act Release No. 21013 (June 1, 1984), 49 FR 
23828 (June 8, 1984). Any disciplinary action taken by an SRO 
against any person for violation of a rule of the SRO which has been 
designated as a minor rule violation pursuant to such a plan filed 
with and declared effective by the Commission shall not be 
considered ``final'' for purposes of Section 19(d)(1) of the Act if 
the sanction imposed consists of a fine not exceeding $2,500 and the 
sanctioned person has not sought an adjudication, including a 
hearing, or otherwise exhausted his administrative remedies.
    \5\ 17 CFR 240.19d-1(c)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange proposes to include in its MRVP the procedures and 
violations currently included in Exchange Rule 1614 (``Imposition of 
Fines for Minor Rule Violations''), which has been

[[Page 71690]]

incorporated by reference from the International Securities Exchange's 
rule book.\6\ According to the Exchange's MRVP, under Rule 1614, the 
Exchange may impose a fine (not to exceed $2,500) on any Member, or 
person associated with or employed by a Member, for any rule listed in 
Rule 1614(d).\7\ The Exchange shall serve the person against whom a 
fine is imposed with a written statement setting forth the rule or 
rules violated, the act or omission constituting each such violation, 
the fine imposed, and the date by which such determination becomes 
final or by which such determination must be contested. If the person 
against whom the fine is imposed pays the fine, such payment shall be 
deemed to be a waiver of such person's right to a disciplinary 
proceeding and any review of the matter under the Exchange rules. Any 
person against whom a fine is imposed may contest the Exchange's 
determination by filing with the Exchange a written answer, at which 
point the matter shall become a disciplinary proceeding.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ As noted above, the Exchange received its grant of 
registration on July 26, 2013, which included approving the rules 
that govern the Exchange.
    \7\ While Rule 1614 allows the Exchange to administer fines up 
to $5,000, the Exchange is only seeking relief from the reporting 
requirements of paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 19d-1 for fines 
administered under Rule 1614(d) that do not exceed $2,500.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange proposes that, as set forth in Exchange Rule 1614(d), 
violations of the following rules would be appropriate for disposition 
under the MRVP: Rule 412 (Position Limits); Rule 415 (Reports Related 
to Position Limits); Rule 1403 (Focus Reports); Rule 1404 (Requests for 
Trade Data); Conduct and Decorum Policies; Rule 717 (Order Entry); Rule 
803 (Quotation Parameters); Rule 805 (Execution of Orders in Appointed 
Options); Rule 419 (Mandatory Systems Testing); and Rule 1100 (Exercise 
of Options Contracts).
    Upon the Commission's declaration of effectiveness of the MRVP, the 
Exchange will provide to the Commission a quarterly report for any 
actions taken on minor rule violations under the MRVP. The quarterly 
report will include: the Exchange's internal file number for the case, 
the name of the individual and/or organization, the nature of the 
violation, the specific rule provision violated, the sanction imposed, 
the number of times the rule violation occurred, and the date of the 
disposition.
    The Exchange also proposes that, going forward, to the extent that 
there are any changes to the rules applicable to the Exchange's MRVP, 
the Exchange requests that the Commission deem such changes to be 
modifications to the Exchange's MRVP.

I. Solicitation of Comments

    Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and 
arguments concerning the Exchange's proposed MRVP, including whether 
the proposed MRVP 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 No. 4-669 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 No. 4-669. 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 MRVP that are filed with the 
Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed 
MRVP 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 proposed MRVP 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 No. 4-669 and should be submitted on 
or before December 20, 2013.

II. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Minor Rule Violation Plan and 
Timing for Commission Action

    Pursuant to Section 19(d)(1) of the Act and Rule 19d-1(c)(2) 
thereunder,\8\ after December 20, 2013, the Commission may, by order, 
declare the Exchange's proposed MRVP effective if the plan is 
consistent with the public interest, the protection of investors, or 
otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The Commission in 
its order may restrict the categories of violations to be designated as 
minor rule violations and may impose any other terms or conditions to 
the proposed MRVP, File No. 4-669, and to the period of its 
effectiveness, which the Commission deems necessary or appropriate in 
the public interest, for the protection of investors or otherwise in 
furtherance of the purposes of the Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(d)(1); 17 CFR 240.19d-1(c)(2).

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(44).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kevin M. O'Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2013-28570 Filed 11-27-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P

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