Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Amending Rule 6.76A by Revising the Order Allocation Methodology for Certain Orders of Five Contracts or Fewer, 78928-78930 [2014-30589]

Download as PDF 78928 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 250 / Wednesday, December 31, 2014 / Notices Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an email to rule-comments@ sec.gov. Please include File Number SR– NSCC–2014–13 on the subject line. Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NSCC–2014–13. 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 NSCC and on DTCC’s Web site at https://dtcc.com/legal/sec-rulefilings.aspx. 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–NSCC– 2014–13 and should be submitted on or before January 21, 2015. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.9 Brent J. Fields, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2014–30591 Filed 12–30–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–73928; File No. SR– NYSEARCA–2014–145] Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Amending Rule 6.76A by Revising the Order Allocation Methodology for Certain Orders of Five Contracts or Fewer December 23, 2014. 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 December 22, 2014, NYSE Arca, Inc. (the ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘NYSE Arca’’) 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 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 amend Rule 6.76A by revising the order allocation methodology for certain orders of five contracts or fewer. 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 Exchange included statements concerning the purpose of, and basis for, the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant parts of such statements. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The Exchange proposes to amend Rules 6.76A by revising the order 1 15 9 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:02 Dec 30, 2014 2 17 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. Frm 00150 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 allocation methodology for certain orders of five (5) contracts or fewer. As proposed, for all incoming orders of five contracts or fewer the Lead Market Maker (‘‘LMM’’) would be allocated the full contract size up to the size of the LMM’s quote, provided the LMM is quoting at the NBBO and there is no Customer interest at the same price ranked ahead of the LMM. Rule 6.76A sets forth the priority for the allocation of incoming orders against bids and offers in the Display Order Process at a particular price in the NYSE Arca System (‘‘System’’). Specifically, pursuant to Rule 6.76A(a)(1)(A), if there is an LMM quoting at the NBBO, and there is no Customer interest ranked ahead of the LMM, nor is the incoming order a Directed Order, the incoming order will be matched against the quote of the LMM for either: (a) An amount equal to 40% of the incoming order up to the LMM’s disseminated quote size; or (b) the LMM’s share in the order of ranking, whichever is greater. Generally speaking, this means an LMM receives a guaranteed 40% trade allocation on any incoming order provided the LMM is quoting at the NBBO, and there is no Customer interest ranked ahead of the LMM. The Exchange is proposing to revise the order allocation methodology to provide that if the LMM is entitled to an allocation pursuant to Rule 6.76A(a)(1)(A) and the entire contract size of the incoming order is five (5) contracts or fewer, the LMM would be allocated the full contract size up to the size of the LMM’s quote. As proposed, Rule 6.76A(1)(B) would state, ‘‘If the LMM is entitled to an allocation pursuant to (a)(1)(A) above, for all incoming orders of five (5) contracts or fewer, the LMM will be allocated the full contract size up to the size of the LMM’s quote.’’ This proposed change would affect only those incoming orders of five contacts or fewer. The Exchange notes that the proposed rule is only available if the LMM is entitled to an allocation, which means that if there is Customer interest at the same price ranked ahead of the LMM, such Customer interest would continue to have priority, even for executions of five contracts or fewer. In addition, an LMM must be quoting at the NBBO to be entitled to trade with orders of five contracts or fewer.3 The Exchange is not proposing any changes to the order 3 If the LMM is not quoting at the NBBO, or the LMM is quoting at the NBBO but for less size than the incoming order of five contracts or fewer, any remaining balance of the incoming order will be matched against orders and quotes in the Display Order Process in the order of their ranking. E:\FR\FM\31DEN1.SGM 31DEN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 250 / Wednesday, December 31, 2014 / Notices allocation methodology for executions greater than five contracts. The allocation of orders of five contracts or fewer to a specific type of market maker (i.e. LMM) is consistent with similar methodology for allocating small size orders on other options exchanges. For example, the Chicago Board Options Exchange (‘‘CBOE’’) may allocate all orders of five contracts or fewer to an LMM or Designated Primary Market Maker (‘‘DPM’’),4 NYSE Amex Options allocates orders of five contracts or fewer to the Primary Specialist,5 and the International Securities Exchange (‘‘ISE’’) allocates all orders of five contracts or fewer to the Primary Market Maker (‘‘PMM’’).6 The Exchange’s proposal would provide its LMMs the same guaranteed allocation of orders of five contracts or fewer as these exchanges provide to their DPMs, Specialist, or PMMs. Specifically, the Exchange, like NYSE Amex Options, and the ISE, would condition this guaranteed allocation on there being no Customer orders ranked ahead of the LMM, the LMM quoting at the NBBO, and the trade allocation not exceeding the number of contracts than the LMM is quoting. The Exchange believes that the allocation of order of five contracts or fewer will not result in a significant portion of the Exchange’s volume being executed by the LMM. Nevertheless, the Exchange would monitor the sizes of all orders received, and, on a quarterly basis, evaluate the percentage of volume constituted by orders of five contracts or fewer that were allocated to an LMM. If the percentage of the volume executed on the Exchange comprised of orders for five (5) contracts or fewer executed by an LMM is over forty percent (40%), the Exchange will reduce the size of the orders guaranteed to the LMM in this provision. Conducting a quarterly review of Exchange volume and analyzing the percentage of orders of five contracts or fewer is consistent with review processes at other exchanges with comparable allocation methodology for small size orders.7 The Exchange proposes to include the evaluation process in new Commentary .02 to Rule 6.76A. The proposed allocation methodology described above is part of NYSE Arca’s careful balancing of the rewards and obligations that pertain to each of the Exchange’s classes of memberships. 4 See CBOE Rule 6.45B(a)(iii)(1). NYSE MKT Rule 964NY(b)(2)(C)(iv). 6 See ISE Rule 713 Supplementary Material .01(c). 7 See NYSE MKT Rule 964NY Commentary .01, ISE Rule 713 Supplementary Material .01(c), and CBOE Rule 6.45B(a)(iii)(1)(A). 5 See VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:02 Dec 30, 2014 Jkt 235001 This balancing is part of the overall market structure that is designed to encourage vigorous price competition among Market Makers, as well as to maximize the benefits of price competition resulting from the entry of Customer and non-Customer orders, while encouraging participants to provide market depth. The Exchange believes by offering LMMs a greater allocation on executions of five contracts or fewer, similar to what their counterparts on other exchanges receive, the proposed change, which guarantees participation rights for LMMs only when quoting at the best price, strikes the appropriate balance between the obligations of LMMs to provide meaningful depth and liquidity, and the rewards they receive for doing so. Furthermore, the Exchange believes that the revised trade allocation process, which is competitive with those offered on other exchanges,8 will help to ensure that NYSE Arca is able to continue to attract quality LMMs willing to provide deep meaningful markets to the investing public. The Exchange is also proposing minor non-substantive changes to the numbering convention of Rule 6.76A to accommodate the rule change described above. The Exchange will issue a notice announcing the implementation date of the proposed rule change no later than 30 days after the effective date of this filing. 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that this proposed rule change is consistent with section 6(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’) 9, in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the Act 10 in particular, in that it is designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, promote just and equitable principles of trade, 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. In particular, and as described above, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is part of the balancing of NYSE Arca’s overall market structure, which is designed to encourage vigorous price competition between Market Makers. In addition, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change furthers the objectives of the Act because it is also designed to help ensure that NYSE Arca is able to attract quality LMMs willing nn. 4, 5, and 6. U.S.C. 78f(b). 10 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). to provide deep meaningful markets to the investing public. Increasing quote competition should lead to narrower spreads and more liquid markets and thus benefit investors. Narrower spreads and more liquid markets can serve as a catalyst to attracting additional order flow to the Exchange, enhancing price discovery and generally benefiting all participants on the Exchange. The Exchange further believes that the proposed rule change would be not be unfairly discriminatory in allocating orders of five contracts or fewer to the LMM. To help ensure that one class of Market Maker is not unduly enriched by this proposal, the Exchange would monitor the sizes of all orders received, and by using objective criteria, if it determines that the proposed allocation process could be seen as discriminatory because of an unfair share of trade allocations going to the LMM, would reduce the eligible size for orders included in this provision. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. In fact, the Exchange feels that the proposed change will increase competition amongst Market Makers seeking appointments as LMMs which should result in narrower spreads and more liquid markets for investors. In addition, by offering an allocation methodology similar to those offered at other exchanges, NYSE Arca will be in a better position to compete with those exchanges in attracting well capitalized Market Makers willing to make deep liquid markets while acting as an LMM. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others No written comments were solicited or received with respect to the proposed rule change. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action The Exchange has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act 11 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.12 Because the proposed rule change does not: (i) Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on 8 Supra 9 15 PO 00000 Frm 00151 Fmt 4703 11 15 12 17 Sfmt 4703 78929 E:\FR\FM\31DEN1.SGM U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 31DEN1 78930 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 250 / Wednesday, December 31, 2014 / Notices competition; and (iii) become operative prior to 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate, if consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest, it has become effective pursuant to section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 13 and Rule 19b– 4(f)(6) thereunder.14 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. If the Commission takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: 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 NYSE Arca. 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– NYSEARCA–2014–145 and should be submitted on or before January 21, 2015. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.15 Kevin M. O’Neill, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2014–30589 Filed 12–30–14; 8:45 am] Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NYSEARCA–2014–145. 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 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an email to rule-comments@ sec.gov. Please include File Number SR– NYSEARCA–2014–145 on the subject line. Self-Regulatory Organizations; New York Stock Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Extending the Operation of Its New Market Model Pilot, Until the Earlier of Securities and Exchange Commission Approval To Make Such Pilot Permanent or July 31, 2015 13 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 give the Commission 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 satisfied this requirement. 14 17 VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:02 Dec 30, 2014 Jkt 235001 BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–73919; File No. SR–NYSE– 2014–71] December 23, 2014 Pursuant to section 19(b)(1) 1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’) 2 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,3 notice is hereby given that on December 18, 2014, New York Stock Exchange LLC (‘‘NYSE’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) 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 Commission is publishing this notice to solicit 15 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C.78s(b)(1). 2 15 U.S.C. 78a. 3 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 1 15 PO 00000 Frm 00152 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 extend the operation of its New Market Model Pilot, currently scheduled to expire on December 31, 2014, until the earlier of Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) approval to make such pilot permanent or July 31, 2015. 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 1. Purpose The Exchange proposes to extend the operation of its New Market Model Pilot (‘‘NMM Pilot’’),4 currently scheduled to 4 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 58845 (October 24, 2008), 73 FR 64379 (October 29, 2008) (SR–NYSE–2008–46). See also Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 60756 (October 1, 2009), 74 FR 51628 (October 7, 2009) (SR–NYSE–2009–100) (extending Pilot to November 30, 2009); 61031 (November 19, 2009), 74 FR 62368 (November 27, 2009) (SR–NYSE–2009–113) (extending Pilot to March 30, 2010); 61724 (March 17, 2010), 75 FR 14221 (March 24, 2010) (SR–NYSE–2010–25) (extending Pilot to September 30, 2010); 62819 (September 1, 2010), 75 FR 54937 (September 9, 2010) (SR–NYSE–2010–61) (extending Pilot to January 31, 2011); 63616 (December 29, 2010), 76 FR 612 (January 5, 2011) (SR–NYSE–2010–86) (extending Pilot to August 1, 2011); 64761 (June 28, 2011), 76 FR 39147 (July 5, 2011) (SR–NYSE–2011– 29) (extending Pilot to January 31, 2012); 66046 (December 23, 2011), 76 FR 82340 (December 30, 2011) (SR–NYSE–2011–65) (extending Pilot to July 31, 2012); 67494 (July 25, 2012), 77 FR 45408 (July 31, 2012) (SR–NYSE–2012–26) (extending Pilot to January 31, 2013); 68558 (January 2, 2013), 78 FR 1288 (January 8, 2013) (SR–NYSE–2012–75) (extending Pilot to July 31, 2013); 69813 (June 20, 2013), 78 FR 38753 (June 27, 2013) (SR–NYSE– 2013–43) (extending Pilot to January 31, 2014); 71345 (January 17, 2014), 79 FR 4221 (January 24, 2014) (SR–NYSE–2014–01) (extending Pilot to July E:\FR\FM\31DEN1.SGM 31DEN1

Agencies

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 250 (Wednesday, December 31, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78928-78930]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-30589]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-73928; File No. SR-NYSEARCA-2014-145]

Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing
and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Amending Rule 6.76A
by Revising the Order Allocation Methodology for Certain Orders of Five
Contracts or Fewer

December 23, 2014.
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 December 22, 2014, NYSE Arca, Inc. (the ``Exchange'' or ``NYSE
Arca'') 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 Exchange. The
Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the
proposed rule change from interested persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 6.76A by revising the order
allocation methodology for certain orders of five contracts or fewer.
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 Exchange included statements
concerning the purpose of, and basis for, the proposed rule change and
discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The
text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in
Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in
sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant parts of such
statements.

A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

1. Purpose
The Exchange proposes to amend Rules 6.76A by revising the order
allocation methodology for certain orders of five (5) contracts or
fewer. As proposed, for all incoming orders of five contracts or fewer
the Lead Market Maker (``LMM'') would be allocated the full contract
size up to the size of the LMM's quote, provided the LMM is quoting at
the NBBO and there is no Customer interest at the same price ranked
ahead of the LMM.
Rule 6.76A sets forth the priority for the allocation of incoming
orders against bids and offers in the Display Order Process at a
particular price in the NYSE Arca System (``System''). Specifically,
pursuant to Rule 6.76A(a)(1)(A), if there is an LMM quoting at the
NBBO, and there is no Customer interest ranked ahead of the LMM, nor is
the incoming order a Directed Order, the incoming order will be matched
against the quote of the LMM for either: (a) An amount equal to 40% of
the incoming order up to the LMM's disseminated quote size; or (b) the
LMM's share in the order of ranking, whichever is greater. Generally
speaking, this means an LMM receives a guaranteed 40% trade allocation
on any incoming order provided the LMM is quoting at the NBBO, and
there is no Customer interest ranked ahead of the LMM.
The Exchange is proposing to revise the order allocation
methodology to provide that if the LMM is entitled to an allocation
pursuant to Rule 6.76A(a)(1)(A) and the entire contract size of the
incoming order is five (5) contracts or fewer, the LMM would be
allocated the full contract size up to the size of the LMM's quote. As
proposed, Rule 6.76A(1)(B) would state, ``If the LMM is entitled to an
allocation pursuant to (a)(1)(A) above, for all incoming orders of five
(5) contracts or fewer, the LMM will be allocated the full contract
size up to the size of the LMM's quote.'' This proposed change would
affect only those incoming orders of five contacts or fewer. The
Exchange notes that the proposed rule is only available if the LMM is
entitled to an allocation, which means that if there is Customer
interest at the same price ranked ahead of the LMM, such Customer
interest would continue to have priority, even for executions of five
contracts or fewer. In addition, an LMM must be quoting at the NBBO to
be entitled to trade with orders of five contracts or fewer.\3\ The
Exchange is not proposing any changes to the order

[[Page 78929]]

allocation methodology for executions greater than five contracts.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\3\ If the LMM is not quoting at the NBBO, or the LMM is quoting
at the NBBO but for less size than the incoming order of five
contracts or fewer, any remaining balance of the incoming order will
be matched against orders and quotes in the Display Order Process in
the order of their ranking.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The allocation of orders of five contracts or fewer to a specific
type of market maker (i.e. LMM) is consistent with similar methodology
for allocating small size orders on other options exchanges. For
example, the Chicago Board Options Exchange (``CBOE'') may allocate all
orders of five contracts or fewer to an LMM or Designated Primary
Market Maker (``DPM''),\4\ NYSE Amex Options allocates orders of five
contracts or fewer to the Primary Specialist,\5\ and the International
Securities Exchange (``ISE'') allocates all orders of five contracts or
fewer to the Primary Market Maker (``PMM'').\6\ The Exchange's proposal
would provide its LMMs the same guaranteed allocation of orders of five
contracts or fewer as these exchanges provide to their DPMs,
Specialist, or PMMs. Specifically, the Exchange, like NYSE Amex
Options, and the ISE, would condition this guaranteed allocation on
there being no Customer orders ranked ahead of the LMM, the LMM quoting
at the NBBO, and the trade allocation not exceeding the number of
contracts than the LMM is quoting.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\4\ See CBOE Rule 6.45B(a)(iii)(1).
\5\ See NYSE MKT Rule 964NY(b)(2)(C)(iv).
\6\ See ISE Rule 713 Supplementary Material .01(c).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Exchange believes that the allocation of order of five
contracts or fewer will not result in a significant portion of the
Exchange's volume being executed by the LMM. Nevertheless, the Exchange
would monitor the sizes of all orders received, and, on a quarterly
basis, evaluate the percentage of volume constituted by orders of five
contracts or fewer that were allocated to an LMM. If the percentage of
the volume executed on the Exchange comprised of orders for five (5)
contracts or fewer executed by an LMM is over forty percent (40%), the
Exchange will reduce the size of the orders guaranteed to the LMM in
this provision. Conducting a quarterly review of Exchange volume and
analyzing the percentage of orders of five contracts or fewer is
consistent with review processes at other exchanges with comparable
allocation methodology for small size orders.\7\ The Exchange proposes
to include the evaluation process in new Commentary .02 to Rule 6.76A.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\7\ See NYSE MKT Rule 964NY Commentary .01, ISE Rule 713
Supplementary Material .01(c), and CBOE Rule 6.45B(a)(iii)(1)(A).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The proposed allocation methodology described above is part of NYSE
Arca's careful balancing of the rewards and obligations that pertain to
each of the Exchange's classes of memberships. This balancing is part
of the overall market structure that is designed to encourage vigorous
price competition among Market Makers, as well as to maximize the
benefits of price competition resulting from the entry of Customer and
non-Customer orders, while encouraging participants to provide market
depth. The Exchange believes by offering LMMs a greater allocation on
executions of five contracts or fewer, similar to what their
counterparts on other exchanges receive, the proposed change, which
guarantees participation rights for LMMs only when quoting at the best
price, strikes the appropriate balance between the obligations of LMMs
to provide meaningful depth and liquidity, and the rewards they receive
for doing so. Furthermore, the Exchange believes that the revised trade
allocation process, which is competitive with those offered on other
exchanges,\8\ will help to ensure that NYSE Arca is able to continue to
attract quality LMMs willing to provide deep meaningful markets to the
investing public.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\8\ Supra nn. 4, 5, and 6.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Exchange is also proposing minor non-substantive changes to the
numbering convention of Rule 6.76A to accommodate the rule change
described above.
The Exchange will issue a notice announcing the implementation date
of the proposed rule change no later than 30 days after the effective
date of this filing.
2. Statutory Basis
The Exchange believes that this proposed rule change is consistent
with section 6(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (``Act'') \9\,
in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the Act
\10\ in particular, in that it is designed to prevent fraudulent and
manipulative acts and practices, promote just and equitable principles
of trade, 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. In particular, and as described
above, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is part of the
balancing of NYSE Arca's overall market structure, which is designed to
encourage vigorous price competition between Market Makers. In
addition, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change furthers the
objectives of the Act because it is also designed to help ensure that
NYSE Arca is able to attract quality LMMs willing to provide deep
meaningful markets to the investing public. Increasing quote
competition should lead to narrower spreads and more liquid markets and
thus benefit investors. Narrower spreads and more liquid markets can
serve as a catalyst to attracting additional order flow to the
Exchange, enhancing price discovery and generally benefiting all
participants on the Exchange.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\9\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
\10\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Exchange further believes that the proposed rule change would
be not be unfairly discriminatory in allocating orders of five
contracts or fewer to the LMM. To help ensure that one class of Market
Maker is not unduly enriched by this proposal, the Exchange would
monitor the sizes of all orders received, and by using objective
criteria, if it determines that the proposed allocation process could
be seen as discriminatory because of an unfair share of trade
allocations going to the LMM, would reduce the eligible size for orders
included in this provision.

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

The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will
impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate
in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. In fact, the Exchange feels
that the proposed change will increase competition amongst Market
Makers seeking appointments as LMMs which should result in narrower
spreads and more liquid markets for investors. In addition, by offering
an allocation methodology similar to those offered at other exchanges,
NYSE Arca will be in a better position to compete with those exchanges
in attracting well capitalized Market Makers willing to make deep
liquid markets while acting as an LMM.

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

No written comments were solicited or received with respect to the
proposed rule change.

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

The Exchange has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to section
19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act \11\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\12\
Because the proposed rule change does not: (i) Significantly affect the
protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any
significant burden on

[[Page 78930]]

competition; and (iii) become operative prior to 30 days from the date
on which it was filed, or such shorter time as the Commission may
designate, if consistent with the protection of investors and the
public interest, it has become effective pursuant to section
19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \13\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\11\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
\12\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
\13\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
\14\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii)
requires a self-regulatory organization to give the Commission
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 satisfied this requirement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule
change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule
change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or
appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or
otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission
takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to
determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved.

IV. Solicitation of Comments

Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and
arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule
change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of
the following methods:

Electronic Comments

Use the Commission's Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
Send an email to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include
File Number SR-NYSEARCA-2014-145 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities
and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549-1090.

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-NYSEARCA-2014-145. 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 NYSE Arca. 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-NYSEARCA-2014-145 and should
be submitted on or before January 21, 2015.

For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\15\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\15\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kevin M. O'Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2014-30589 Filed 12-30-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.