Self-Regulatory Organizations; C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Relating to Exchange Opening Procedures, 21280-21283 [2015-08795]

Download as PDF 21280 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 74 / Friday, April 17, 2015 / Notices The purposes of this meeting are to take action on the minutes of previous Board meetings, to provide the Chairperson’s report, to provide the Executive Director’s report, to provide a partner report, to present ‘‘Strategy 2020,’’ to provide an update on the New Presidio Parklands Project, to take action on a budget adjustment, and to receive public comment in accordance with the Trust’s Public Outreach Policy. Individuals requiring special accommodation at this meeting, such as needing a sign language interpreter, should contact Mariella deMey at 415.561.5300 prior to May 7, 2015. DATES: The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2015. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Observation Post, 211 Lincoln Boulevard, Presidio of San Francisco. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Cook, General Counsel, the Presidio Trust, 103 Montgomery Street, P.O. Box 29052, San Francisco, California 94129–0052, Telephone: 415.561.5300. Dated: April 13, 2015. Karen A. Cook, General Counsel. [FR Doc. 2015–08920 Filed 4–16–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–4R–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–74718; File No. SR–C2– 2015–006] Self-Regulatory Organizations; C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Relating to Exchange Opening Procedures tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES April 13, 2015. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) 1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’) 2 and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,3 notice is hereby given that, on April 2, 2015, C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated (the ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘C2’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘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). U.S.C. 78a. 3 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 2 15 VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:08 Apr 16, 2015 Jkt 235001 I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 6.11 to provide additional clarity regarding the Exchange’s opening procedures. The text of the proposed rule change is provided below. (additions are italicized; deletions are [bracketed]) * * * * * C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated Rules * * * * * Rule 6.11. Openings (and sometimes Closings) (a)–(d) No change. (e) Opening Conditions: Subject to subparagraph (f) below, the System will not open a series if one of the following conditions is met: (1) There is no quote present in the series; (2) The opening price is not within an acceptable range (as determined by the Exchange) compared to the lowest quote offer and the highest quote bid; (3) The opening trade would be at a price that is not the NBBO; or (4) The opening trade would leave a market order imbalance (i.e., there are more market orders to buy or to sell for the particular series than can be satisfied by the limit orders, quotes and market orders on the opposite side); however, in series that will open at a minimum price increment (e.g., at a price of $0.05 or, in penny series, at a price of $0.01), the System will open even if a sell market order imbalance exists. (f) Presence of Opening Conditions: (1) If the condition in paragraph (e)(1) is present, the System will check to see if there is an NBBO quote on another market that falls within the acceptable opening range. If such an NBBO quote is present, the series will open and expose the marketable order(s) at the NBBO price. If such an NBBO quote is not present, the System will not open the series and will send a notification to Participants indicating the reason. (2) If the condition in paragraph (e)(2) is present, the System will match orders and quotes to the extent possible at a single clearing price within the acceptable range and then expose the remaining marketable order(s) at the widest price point within the acceptable opening range or the NBBO price, whichever is better. (3) If the condition in paragraph (e)(3) is present, the System will match orders and quotes to the extent possible at a single clearing price within the acceptable opening range or the NBBO price, whichever is better, and then expose the remaining marketable order(s) at the NBBO price. (4) If the condition in paragraph (e)(4) is present, the System will match orders and quotes to the extent possible at a single clearing price and then expose the remaining marketable order(s) at the widest price point within the acceptable opening range or the NBBO price, whichever is better. (g)—(j) No change. . . . Interpretations and Policies .01–.03 No change. PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 .04 Opening Auction Exposure: The Exchange may determine to expose orders at the opening via auction including under any of the scenarios described in paragraphs (f)(1)–(4) above. In such cases, the exposure process will be conducted via the Hybrid Agency Liaison (‘‘HAL’’) pursuant to Rule 6.18. Any remaining balance of orders not executed via HAL on the opening will be booked at their limit price to the extent consistent with Rule 6.10 except that any remaining balance of orders not executed via HAL on the opening that are priced, or would be executed at a price, that is not within an acceptable tick distance from the initial HAL price will be cancelled. An ‘‘acceptable tick distance’’ (‘‘ATD’’) shall be determined by the Exchange on a series-by-series and premium basis and shall be no less than 2 minimum increment ticks. When the HAL Opening Auction Exposure procedure is activated, the ATD will be the same as the ATD established under Rule 6.17. * * * * * The text of the proposed rule change is also available on the Exchange’s Web site (https://www.cboe.com/AboutCBOE/ CBOELegalRegulatoryHome.aspx), at the Exchange’s Office of the Secretary, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements concerning the purpose of, and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The Exchange is proposing to adopt Interpretation and Policy .04 to Rule 6.11 relating to the Exchange’s opening procedures to provide additional clarity in the Rules regarding the manner in which marketable orders may be exposed at the opening of trading. Specifically, proposed Interpretation and Policy .04 to Rule 6.11 would provide that the Exchange may determine to expose marketable orders on the opening via the Hybrid Agency Liaison (‘‘HAL’’) auction procedures described in Rule 6.18.4 Proposed 4 Such determination as to whether to expose marketable orders on the opening via the HAL E:\FR\FM\17APN1.SGM 17APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 74 / Friday, April 17, 2015 / Notices tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Interpretation and Policy .04 to Rule 6.11 would also provide that any remaining balance of orders not executed via HAL on the opening will be booked at their limit price to the extent consistent with Rule 6.10 5 except that any remaining balance of orders not executed via HAL on the opening that are priced, or would be executed at a price, that is not within an acceptable tick distance from the initial HAL price will be cancelled..[sic] 6 The proposed Interpretation and Policy is substantially based, in all material respects, on the HAL Opening Procedure set forth in Interpretation and Policy .03 to Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated (‘‘CBOE’’) Rule 6.2B (Hybrid Opening System (‘‘HOSS’’)). Under the Exchange’s current opening procedures, pre-opening orders and quotes and orders resting in the book from the prior business day are matched in the Exchange’s automated trading system (‘‘System’’) at a single clearing price.7 Bids and offers that cannot be matched at a single clearing price are left to rest in the book. Subject to certain conditions, the System will not open a series for trading if there are no quotes in the series, the opening price is not within an acceptable range (as determined by the Exchange) compared to the lowest quote offer and the highest quote bid 8 or at a price at or within the auction procedures described in Rule 6.18 would be made prior to activation and announced via Regulatory Circular. 5 Notably, certain order types, or portions thereof, may not, by rule, be booked. See, e.g., Rule 6.10(6) (Immediate-or-Cancel Order); 6.10(7) (Opening Rotation Order). Accordingly, under proposed Interpretation .04 to Rule 6.11, any remaining balance of orders not executed via HAL on the opening would be booked at their limit price, but only to the extent consistent with Rule 6.10. 6 This includes a market order, which cannot be filled in total. In such cases, the remainder of a market order would be cancelled when the order cannot be filled on an away exchange and no quotes are present on C2. 7 In determining the priority of orders and quotes to be traded at a single clearing price, the System gives priority to market orders first, then to limit orders and quotes whose price is better than the opening price, and then to limit orders and quotes at the opening price. See Rule 6.11(g)(1). 8 The Exchange will not automatically execute eligible orders that are marketable if (1) the width between the national best bid and national best offer is not within an acceptable price range (as determined by the Exchange on a series by series basis for market orders and/or marketable limit orders and announced to the Trading Permit Holders via Regulatory Circular), or (2) the execution would follow an initial partial execution on the Exchange and would be at a subsequent price that is not within an acceptable tick distance from the initial execution (as determined by the Exchange on a series by series and premium basis for market orders and/or marketable limit orders and announced to the Trading Permit Holders via Regulatory Circular). The ‘‘acceptable price range’’ (‘‘APR’’) shall be determined by the Exchange on a VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:08 Apr 16, 2015 Jkt 235001 national best bid or offer (‘‘NBBO’’), or the opening trade would leave an order imbalance.9 If one of these conditions is present at the opening, the Exchange will follow the opening procedures set forth in Rule 6.11(f) (as described below) to open trading in the affected series. Notably, each of the procedures described in Rule 6.11(f) explicitly permit the Exchange to expose marketable orders at the opening of trading.10 For example, under Rule 6.11(f)(1), if a marketable order is resting in the book of a series for which no quotes are disseminated on the Exchange, the System will look for another market that is quoting the NBBO within an acceptable opening price range. If such quotes exist, the System will open the series and expose the marketable order at the NBBO. If there are no quotes on C2 and no quotes on any away exchange that are within the APR for the series, the System will not open the series and will send a notification to participants indicating the reason. Thus, assume that the NBBO for a particular option is $1.00–$1.20 for 100 contracts on either side. The APR in the series is set at $0.50 above the $0.375 minimum APR for series with quote bids less than $2.00. There are no quotes in the series on C2, but there is a market order to buy 100 contracts in the book. In this case, the System would verify that the NBBO quotes on the away exchange were within the APR for the series (the midpoint of the NBBO (i.e. $1.00–$1.20) plus or minus half of the APR (i.e. $0.25 in either direction of the midpoint or $0.85–$1.35) and, if within the acceptable opening range (i.e. $1.20 is within the APR), expose the marketable buy order at the NBO price of $1.20. Under Rule 6.11(f)(2), if the opening price is not within an acceptable range compared to the lowest quote offer and highest quote bid, the System will match orders and quotes to the extent possible at a single clearing price within the acceptable range and then expose the remaining marketable order(s) at the widest price point within the acceptable price range or the NBBO price, whichever is better. For example, assume that the NBBO for a particular option is $0.90–$1.50 for 100 contracts class-by-class basis and shall be no less than: $0.375 between the bid and offer for each option contract for which the bid is less than $2, $0.60 where the bid is at least $2 but does not exceed $5, $0.75 where the bid is more than $5 but does not exceed $10, $1.20 where the bid is more than $10 but does not exceed $20, and $1.50 where the bid is more than $20. An ‘‘acceptable tick distance’’ (‘‘ATD’’) shall be no less than 2 minimum increment ticks. See Rule 6.17. 9 See Rule 6.11(e). 10 See also Rule 6.11(g)(2). PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 21281 on either side. The highest quote bid and lowest quote offer at C2 are $0.80– $1.50 each for 100 contracts. Again, the APR for series in which the quote bid is less than $2.00 is $0.50 and there is a customer order in the book to buy 100 contracts at the market price. In this case, the System would check the marketable price of $1.50 for the trade against the APR for the series (i.e. the midpoint between the highest bid and lowest offer (i.e. $1.15) plus or minus half of the APR (i.e. $0.25) or $0.90– $1.40) and determine that the marketable price of $1.50 would not be within the APR. The System would then expose the order at the widest point within the APR (i.e. $1.40) or the NBBO (i.e. $1.50), whichever is better. Thus, in this case the order would be exposed at $1.40 (and booked provided there is no contra interest expressed at $1.40 or better during the exposure period). Similarly, Rule 6.11(f)(3) provides that if the opening trade would be at a price that is not the NBBO, the System will match orders and quotes to the extent possible at a single clearing price within the APR or the NBBO, whichever is better, and then expose the remaining marketable order(s) at the NBBO. For example, assume that the NBBO for a particular option is $0.05–$1.25 for 100 contracts on either side. The highest quote bid and lowest quote offer on C2 are $0.05–$1.75 respectively, each for 100 contracts. Again, because the quote bid for the series is less than $2.00, the APR is $0.50. A customer order to buy 100 contracts at the market is resting in the book. In this case, the System would be unable to match the market with any quote (i.e. $1.75) within the APR (i.e. $1.10 (the midpoint between the highest bid and lowest offer (i.e. $0.85) plus or minus half of the APR (i.e. $0.25) or $0.60–$1.10) or the NBO of $1.25. Accordingly, the System would expose the order at the NBO of $1.25. Finally, if the opening trade would leave a market order imbalance, the System will match orders and quotes to the extent possible at a single clearing price and then expose the remaining marketable order(s) at the widest price point within the APR or the NBBO, whichever is better pursuant to Rule 6.11(f)(4). For example, assume that the NBBO for a particular option is $1.00– $1.20 with quotes for 100 contracts on each side. The highest quote bid on CBOE is $1.00 for 100 contracts and lowest quote offer is $1.20 for 10 contracts. The quote bid being less than $2.00, the APR is $0.50. There is a customer order in the book to buy 100 contracts at the market. There are no other quotes or orders in the book. In this case, the System would match the E:\FR\FM\17APN1.SGM 17APN1 21282 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 74 / Friday, April 17, 2015 / Notices tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES orders and quotes at $1.20 (within the APR of $0.85–$1.35) and allocate 10 contracts according to the matching algorithm in effect in the class and the applicable rules. The remaining 90 contracts would then be exposed at the better of the widest point within the APR or the NBO (in this case $1.20). Thus, each of the four scenarios for permitting the opening of trading in a series in which one of the four conditions described in Rule 6.11(e) is present contemplate exposing marketable orders at the NBBO (or, if better, the widest point of the APR). Although Rule 6.11 expressly permits exposure of orders on the open, Rule 6.11does not set forth a specific process by which orders will be exposed or specify how such orders be handled after they are exposed.11 While the Exchange believes that Rule 6.11(g)(2) makes clear that such exposure may be via auction,12 the Exchange also believes that additional detail should be added to the Rules to further clarify the auction process on the opening.13 Proposed Interpretation and Policy .04 11 See Rule 6.11(g)(2) providing that all orders exposed pursuant to Rule 6.11 shall be exposed for a period of time designated by the Exchange that does not exceed 1.5 seconds. 12 Under Rule 6.11(g)(2), ‘‘All orders exposed pursuant to this Rule [6.11 (Openings (and sometimes closings))] shall be exposed for a period of time which shall not exceed 1.5 seconds. Once an exposed order has received a response, a matching period begins which shall last for a period of time designated by the Exchange that shall not exceed 1 second.’’ Accordingly, in context, the Exchange interprets the term ‘‘expose’’ to mean a designated period of time in which an interest will be represented to the trading crowd in an effort to solicit order responses or contra interests to trade against (i.e. an auction). 13 When C2 launched, C2RG10–005 announced that ‘‘upon opening, remaining marketable orders will be ‘linked,’ with no exposure period, to away exchanges disseminating better prices.’’ This ‘‘linkage’’ was originally achieved on C2 by activating the Hybrid Agency Liaison (HAL) Opening Procedure (HAL–O) functionality (which incorporates the NBBO calculation and linkage processing into the opening rotation), but setting the HAL–O timer to zero and also restricting Trading Permit Holders (TPHs) from subscribing to auctions. In July 2011, the Exchange introduced Complex Order Auctions (COA) on C2. At that time, the ability for a TPH to subscribe to auctions was made available. This caused a HAL–O auction message to be sent to C2 auction subscribers whenever an order linked away. Additionally, it is noted that periodically, when systems experience heavy processing volumes, latency may cause the auction process to last longer than its prescribed timer setting of zero. On December 5, 2014, the following notification was posted to the Exchange’s System Status Web page, ‘‘During periods of heavy systems processing at the open, remaining orders marketable against the NBBO may be exposed for short periods, generally not to exceed 110 MS. Until further notice, TPHs should subscribe to the exposure process to ensure response capabilities during these times.’’ This filing proposes to remedy this issue by simply exposing orders at the opening to an HAL–O auction process not to exceed 1.5 seconds. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:08 Apr 16, 2015 Jkt 235001 to Rule 6.11 is intended to add this additional detail in the Rules. Specifically, the Exchange proposes to amend Rule 6.11 to include reference to the Exchange’s HAL procedures. The Interpretation and Policy would provide that the Exchange could determine to expose orders at the opening via auction including under any of the scenarios described in paragraphs (f)(1)–(4) above and that in such cases, the exposure process would be conducted via HAL pursuant to Rule 6.18.14 The Exchange notes that proposed Interpretation and Policy .04 to Rule 6.11, including this provision, is substantially similar in all material respects to Interpretation and Policy .03 to CBOE Rule 6.2B, setting forth CBOE’s HAL Opening Procedures. In addition, the proposed rule would operate in a manner similar to the HAL Opening Procedures on CBOE with respect to the handling of remaining balances not executed via HAL exposure and provide that any remaining balance of orders not executed via HAL on the opening would be booked except that any remaining balance of orders not executed via HAL on the opening will be booked at their limit price to the extent consistent with Rule 6.10 except that any remaining balance of orders not executed via HAL on the opening that are priced, or would be executed at a price, that is not within an acceptable tick distance from the initial HAL price will be cancelled. The ‘‘acceptable tick distance’’ would be determined by the Exchange on a series-by-series and premium basis in increments not less than two minimum increment ticks. If the HAL Opening Auction Exposure procedure were activated, the acceptable tick distance would be the same as the acceptable tick distance established under Rule 6.17. This final provision of the Interpretation and Policy is consistent with the Exchange’s Price Check Parameters rules in Interpretation and Policy .04 to Rule 6.13 and Rule 6.17 and would simply codify the extension of the Exchange’s Market-Width and Drill-Through Parameters to Rule 6.11. These proposed provisions are substantially similar to the HAL Opening Procedures set forth in Interpretation and Policy .03 to CBOE Rule 6.2B in all material respects other than they do not provide for manual handling of orders and in open outcry. As proposed, the Exchange is seeking merely to extend the opening order exposure procedures already in place on CBOE.15 The Exchange believes that extending the HAL Opening Procedures 14 See 15 See note 3 supra. CBOE Rule 6.2B Interpretation and Policy 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to the Exchange and, in particular, the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act.16 Specifically, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) 17 requirements that the rules of an exchange be 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. Additionally, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) 18 requirement that the rules of an exchange not be designed to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers. In particular, the proposed rule change is designed to align the Exchange’s rules with those of CBOE by extending the procedures of CBOE’s HAL on the open to C2. The Exchange believes that extending the HAL Opening Procedures to C2 is will provide clarity to the Exchange’s rules as well as harmonize the procedures of the two exchanges, ultimately to the benefit of all market participants. The Exchange believes the proposed rule change would serve to further enhance 16 15 17 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). 18 Id. .03. PO 00000 to C2 is will provide clarity to the Exchange’s rules as well as harmonize the procedures of the two exchanges, ultimately to the benefit of all market participants. The Exchange believes the proposed rule change would serve to further enhance the efficiency of opening rotations with procedures to accommodate a process for addressing opening quotes, acceptable opening ranges, and market order imbalance conditions that may occur on the openings, as well as address NBBO condition scenarios where the Exchange’s opening trade might occur at an improved price rather than routing to an away market. Moreover, the Exchange believes that exposing orders on the open helps facilitate transactions in securities and is consistent with the goals of a free and open market and national market system. Frm 00081 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\17APN1.SGM 17APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 74 / Friday, April 17, 2015 / Notices the efficiency of opening rotations with procedures to accommodate a process for addressing opening quotes, acceptable opening ranges, and market order imbalance conditions that may occur on the openings, as well as address NBBO condition scenarios where the Exchange’s opening trade might occur at an improved price rather than routing to an away market. The proposed rule change will increase competition on C2 by providing an opportunity for market participants to benefit from additional exposure of orders and participation in auctions at the open. Furthermore, the Exchange believes that exposing orders on the open helps facilitate transactions in securities and is consistent with the goals of a free and open market and national market system. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 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. The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on intramarket competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act because the proposed change will be equally applied and will equally affect all market participants’ orders that qualify for the HAL function. Moreover, the Exchange believes that the proposed rule change will increase competition amongst exchanges and market participants. The proposed will expose allow orders to be exposed to meaningful price improvement mechanisms at the opening of trading. The HAL on the opening procedure will allow C2 TPHs to compete with quotes on other exchanges and step up to the best national prices offered before orders are linked away. This price improvement process will not only ensure that orders on C2 are afforded the best prices available, but also afford additional opportunities to C2 TPH to compete with quotes on away exchanges at the opening of trading. The Exchange believes that price improvement mechanisms increase competition in the marketplace and increase opportunities for orders to receive best execution at the Exchange. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others The Exchange neither solicited nor received written comments on the proposed rule change. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:08 Apr 16, 2015 Jkt 235001 III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not: (i) Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative for 30 days 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, the proposed rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 19 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder.20 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 will institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule change 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– C2–2015–006 on the subject line. Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–C2–2015–006. 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 19 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b– 4(f)(6) requires a self-regulatory organization to give the Commission written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change at least five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. The Exchange has satisfied this requirement. 20 17 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 21283 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–C2– 2015–006 and should be submitted on or before May 8, 2015. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.21 Brent J. Fields, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2015–08795 Filed 4–16–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–74715; File No. SR– NYSEArca–2015–24] Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Amending the NYSE Arca Equities Schedule of Fees and Charges for Exchange Services To Provide a Second Way To Qualify for the Cross-Asset Tier Credit of $0.0030 Per Share for Orders That Provide Liquidity to the Exchange April 13, 2015. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) 1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’) 2 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,3 notice is hereby given that, on March 31, 2015, NYSE Arca, Inc. (the 21 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 E:\FR\FM\17APN1.SGM 17APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 74 (Friday, April 17, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21280-21283]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-08795]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-74718; File No. SR-C2-2015-006]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated; 
Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change 
Relating to Exchange Opening Procedures

April 13, 2015.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) \1\ of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 (the ``Act'') \2\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\3\ notice is hereby 
given that, on April 2, 2015, C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated (the 
``Exchange'' or ``C2'') filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission (the ``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.
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 15 U.S.C. 78a.
    \3\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 6.11 to provide additional 
clarity regarding the Exchange's opening procedures. The text of the 
proposed rule change is provided below. (additions are italicized; 
deletions are [bracketed])

* * * * *

C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated Rules

* * * * *

Rule 6.11. Openings (and sometimes Closings)

    (a)-(d) No change.
    (e) Opening Conditions: Subject to subparagraph (f) below, the 
System will not open a series if one of the following conditions is 
met:
    (1) There is no quote present in the series;
    (2) The opening price is not within an acceptable range (as 
determined by the Exchange) compared to the lowest quote offer and 
the highest quote bid;
    (3) The opening trade would be at a price that is not the NBBO; 
or
    (4) The opening trade would leave a market order imbalance 
(i.e., there are more market orders to buy or to sell for the 
particular series than can be satisfied by the limit orders, quotes 
and market orders on the opposite side); however, in series that 
will open at a minimum price increment (e.g., at a price of $0.05 
or, in penny series, at a price of $0.01), the System will open even 
if a sell market order imbalance exists.
    (f) Presence of Opening Conditions:
    (1) If the condition in paragraph (e)(1) is present, the System 
will check to see if there is an NBBO quote on another market that 
falls within the acceptable opening range. If such an NBBO quote is 
present, the series will open and expose the marketable order(s) at 
the NBBO price. If such an NBBO quote is not present, the System 
will not open the series and will send a notification to 
Participants indicating the reason.
    (2) If the condition in paragraph (e)(2) is present, the System 
will match orders and quotes to the extent possible at a single 
clearing price within the acceptable range and then expose the 
remaining marketable order(s) at the widest price point within the 
acceptable opening range or the NBBO price, whichever is better.
    (3) If the condition in paragraph (e)(3) is present, the System 
will match orders and quotes to the extent possible at a single 
clearing price within the acceptable opening range or the NBBO 
price, whichever is better, and then expose the remaining marketable 
order(s) at the NBBO price.
    (4) If the condition in paragraph (e)(4) is present, the System 
will match orders and quotes to the extent possible at a single 
clearing price and then expose the remaining marketable order(s) at 
the widest price point within the acceptable opening range or the 
NBBO price, whichever is better.
    (g)--(j) No change.
    . . . Interpretations and Policies
    .01-.03 No change.
    .04 Opening Auction Exposure: The Exchange may determine to 
expose orders at the opening via auction including under any of the 
scenarios described in paragraphs (f)(1)-(4) above. In such cases, 
the exposure process will be conducted via the Hybrid Agency Liaison 
(``HAL'') pursuant to Rule 6.18. Any remaining balance of orders not 
executed via HAL on the opening will be booked at their limit price 
to the extent consistent with Rule 6.10 except that any remaining 
balance of orders not executed via HAL on the opening that are 
priced, or would be executed at a price, that is not within an 
acceptable tick distance from the initial HAL price will be 
cancelled. An ``acceptable tick distance'' (``ATD'') shall be 
determined by the Exchange on a series-by-series and premium basis 
and shall be no less than 2 minimum increment ticks. When the HAL 
Opening Auction Exposure procedure is activated, the ATD will be the 
same as the ATD established under Rule 6.17.

* * * * *
    The text of the proposed rule change is also available on the 
Exchange's Web site (https://www.cboe.com/AboutCBOE/CBOELegalRegulatoryHome.aspx), at the Exchange's Office of the 
Secretary, and at the Commission's Public Reference Room.

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

    In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements 
concerning the purpose of, and basis for the proposed rule change and 
discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The 
text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in 
Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in 
sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such 
statements.

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

1. Purpose
    The Exchange is proposing to adopt Interpretation and Policy .04 to 
Rule 6.11 relating to the Exchange's opening procedures to provide 
additional clarity in the Rules regarding the manner in which 
marketable orders may be exposed at the opening of trading. 
Specifically, proposed Interpretation and Policy .04 to Rule 6.11 would 
provide that the Exchange may determine to expose marketable orders on 
the opening via the Hybrid Agency Liaison (``HAL'') auction procedures 
described in Rule 6.18.\4\ Proposed

[[Page 21281]]

Interpretation and Policy .04 to Rule 6.11 would also provide that any 
remaining balance of orders not executed via HAL on the opening will be 
booked at their limit price to the extent consistent with Rule 6.10 \5\ 
except that any remaining balance of orders not executed via HAL on the 
opening that are priced, or would be executed at a price, that is not 
within an acceptable tick distance from the initial HAL price will be 
cancelled..[sic] \6\ The proposed Interpretation and Policy is 
substantially based, in all material respects, on the HAL Opening 
Procedure set forth in Interpretation and Policy .03 to Chicago Board 
Options Exchange, Incorporated (``CBOE'') Rule 6.2B (Hybrid Opening 
System (``HOSS'')).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ Such determination as to whether to expose marketable orders 
on the opening via the HAL auction procedures described in Rule 6.18 
would be made prior to activation and announced via Regulatory 
Circular.
    \5\ Notably, certain order types, or portions thereof, may not, 
by rule, be booked. See, e.g., Rule 6.10(6) (Immediate-or-Cancel 
Order); 6.10(7) (Opening Rotation Order). Accordingly, under 
proposed Interpretation .04 to Rule 6.11, any remaining balance of 
orders not executed via HAL on the opening would be booked at their 
limit price, but only to the extent consistent with Rule 6.10.
    \6\ This includes a market order, which cannot be filled in 
total. In such cases, the remainder of a market order would be 
cancelled when the order cannot be filled on an away exchange and no 
quotes are present on C2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under the Exchange's current opening procedures, pre-opening orders 
and quotes and orders resting in the book from the prior business day 
are matched in the Exchange's automated trading system (``System'') at 
a single clearing price.\7\ Bids and offers that cannot be matched at a 
single clearing price are left to rest in the book. Subject to certain 
conditions, the System will not open a series for trading if there are 
no quotes in the series, the opening price is not within an acceptable 
range (as determined by the Exchange) compared to the lowest quote 
offer and the highest quote bid \8\ or at a price at or within the 
national best bid or offer (``NBBO''), or the opening trade would leave 
an order imbalance.\9\ If one of these conditions is present at the 
opening, the Exchange will follow the opening procedures set forth in 
Rule 6.11(f) (as described below) to open trading in the affected 
series. Notably, each of the procedures described in Rule 6.11(f) 
explicitly permit the Exchange to expose marketable orders at the 
opening of trading.\10\
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    \7\ In determining the priority of orders and quotes to be 
traded at a single clearing price, the System gives priority to 
market orders first, then to limit orders and quotes whose price is 
better than the opening price, and then to limit orders and quotes 
at the opening price. See Rule 6.11(g)(1).
    \8\ The Exchange will not automatically execute eligible orders 
that are marketable if (1) the width between the national best bid 
and national best offer is not within an acceptable price range (as 
determined by the Exchange on a series by series basis for market 
orders and/or marketable limit orders and announced to the Trading 
Permit Holders via Regulatory Circular), or (2) the execution would 
follow an initial partial execution on the Exchange and would be at 
a subsequent price that is not within an acceptable tick distance 
from the initial execution (as determined by the Exchange on a 
series by series and premium basis for market orders and/or 
marketable limit orders and announced to the Trading Permit Holders 
via Regulatory Circular). The ``acceptable price range'' (``APR'') 
shall be determined by the Exchange on a class-by-class basis and 
shall be no less than: $0.375 between the bid and offer for each 
option contract for which the bid is less than $2, $0.60 where the 
bid is at least $2 but does not exceed $5, $0.75 where the bid is 
more than $5 but does not exceed $10, $1.20 where the bid is more 
than $10 but does not exceed $20, and $1.50 where the bid is more 
than $20. An ``acceptable tick distance'' (``ATD'') shall be no less 
than 2 minimum increment ticks. See Rule 6.17.
    \9\ See Rule 6.11(e).
    \10\ See also Rule 6.11(g)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For example, under Rule 6.11(f)(1), if a marketable order is 
resting in the book of a series for which no quotes are disseminated on 
the Exchange, the System will look for another market that is quoting 
the NBBO within an acceptable opening price range. If such quotes 
exist, the System will open the series and expose the marketable order 
at the NBBO. If there are no quotes on C2 and no quotes on any away 
exchange that are within the APR for the series, the System will not 
open the series and will send a notification to participants indicating 
the reason. Thus, assume that the NBBO for a particular option is 
$1.00-$1.20 for 100 contracts on either side. The APR in the series is 
set at $0.50 above the $0.375 minimum APR for series with quote bids 
less than $2.00. There are no quotes in the series on C2, but there is 
a market order to buy 100 contracts in the book. In this case, the 
System would verify that the NBBO quotes on the away exchange were 
within the APR for the series (the midpoint of the NBBO (i.e. $1.00-
$1.20) plus or minus half of the APR (i.e. $0.25 in either direction of 
the midpoint or $0.85-$1.35) and, if within the acceptable opening 
range (i.e. $1.20 is within the APR), expose the marketable buy order 
at the NBO price of $1.20.
    Under Rule 6.11(f)(2), if the opening price is not within an 
acceptable range compared to the lowest quote offer and highest quote 
bid, the System will match orders and quotes to the extent possible at 
a single clearing price within the acceptable range and then expose the 
remaining marketable order(s) at the widest price point within the 
acceptable price range or the NBBO price, whichever is better. For 
example, assume that the NBBO for a particular option is $0.90-$1.50 
for 100 contracts on either side. The highest quote bid and lowest 
quote offer at C2 are $0.80-$1.50 each for 100 contracts. Again, the 
APR for series in which the quote bid is less than $2.00 is $0.50 and 
there is a customer order in the book to buy 100 contracts at the 
market price. In this case, the System would check the marketable price 
of $1.50 for the trade against the APR for the series (i.e. the 
midpoint between the highest bid and lowest offer (i.e. $1.15) plus or 
minus half of the APR (i.e. $0.25) or $0.90-$1.40) and determine that 
the marketable price of $1.50 would not be within the APR. The System 
would then expose the order at the widest point within the APR (i.e. 
$1.40) or the NBBO (i.e. $1.50), whichever is better. Thus, in this 
case the order would be exposed at $1.40 (and booked provided there is 
no contra interest expressed at $1.40 or better during the exposure 
period).
    Similarly, Rule 6.11(f)(3) provides that if the opening trade would 
be at a price that is not the NBBO, the System will match orders and 
quotes to the extent possible at a single clearing price within the APR 
or the NBBO, whichever is better, and then expose the remaining 
marketable order(s) at the NBBO. For example, assume that the NBBO for 
a particular option is $0.05-$1.25 for 100 contracts on either side. 
The highest quote bid and lowest quote offer on C2 are $0.05-$1.75 
respectively, each for 100 contracts. Again, because the quote bid for 
the series is less than $2.00, the APR is $0.50. A customer order to 
buy 100 contracts at the market is resting in the book. In this case, 
the System would be unable to match the market with any quote (i.e. 
$1.75) within the APR (i.e. $1.10 (the midpoint between the highest bid 
and lowest offer (i.e. $0.85) plus or minus half of the APR (i.e. 
$0.25) or $0.60-$1.10) or the NBO of $1.25. Accordingly, the System 
would expose the order at the NBO of $1.25.
    Finally, if the opening trade would leave a market order imbalance, 
the System will match orders and quotes to the extent possible at a 
single clearing price and then expose the remaining marketable order(s) 
at the widest price point within the APR or the NBBO, whichever is 
better pursuant to Rule 6.11(f)(4). For example, assume that the NBBO 
for a particular option is $1.00-$1.20 with quotes for 100 contracts on 
each side. The highest quote bid on CBOE is $1.00 for 100 contracts and 
lowest quote offer is $1.20 for 10 contracts. The quote bid being less 
than $2.00, the APR is $0.50. There is a customer order in the book to 
buy 100 contracts at the market. There are no other quotes or orders in 
the book. In this case, the System would match the

[[Page 21282]]

orders and quotes at $1.20 (within the APR of $0.85-$1.35) and allocate 
10 contracts according to the matching algorithm in effect in the class 
and the applicable rules. The remaining 90 contracts would then be 
exposed at the better of the widest point within the APR or the NBO (in 
this case $1.20). Thus, each of the four scenarios for permitting the 
opening of trading in a series in which one of the four conditions 
described in Rule 6.11(e) is present contemplate exposing marketable 
orders at the NBBO (or, if better, the widest point of the APR).
    Although Rule 6.11 expressly permits exposure of orders on the 
open, Rule 6.11does not set forth a specific process by which orders 
will be exposed or specify how such orders be handled after they are 
exposed.\11\ While the Exchange believes that Rule 6.11(g)(2) makes 
clear that such exposure may be via auction,\12\ the Exchange also 
believes that additional detail should be added to the Rules to further 
clarify the auction process on the opening.\13\ Proposed Interpretation 
and Policy .04 to Rule 6.11 is intended to add this additional detail 
in the Rules. Specifically, the Exchange proposes to amend Rule 6.11 to 
include reference to the Exchange's HAL procedures. The Interpretation 
and Policy would provide that the Exchange could determine to expose 
orders at the opening via auction including under any of the scenarios 
described in paragraphs (f)(1)-(4) above and that in such cases, the 
exposure process would be conducted via HAL pursuant to Rule 6.18.\14\ 
The Exchange notes that proposed Interpretation and Policy .04 to Rule 
6.11, including this provision, is substantially similar in all 
material respects to Interpretation and Policy .03 to CBOE Rule 6.2B, 
setting forth CBOE's HAL Opening Procedures.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ See Rule 6.11(g)(2) providing that all orders exposed 
pursuant to Rule 6.11 shall be exposed for a period of time 
designated by the Exchange that does not exceed 1.5 seconds.
    \12\ Under Rule 6.11(g)(2), ``All orders exposed pursuant to 
this Rule [6.11 (Openings (and sometimes closings))] shall be 
exposed for a period of time which shall not exceed 1.5 seconds. 
Once an exposed order has received a response, a matching period 
begins which shall last for a period of time designated by the 
Exchange that shall not exceed 1 second.'' Accordingly, in context, 
the Exchange interprets the term ``expose'' to mean a designated 
period of time in which an interest will be represented to the 
trading crowd in an effort to solicit order responses or contra 
interests to trade against (i.e. an auction).
    \13\ When C2 launched, C2RG10-005 announced that ``upon opening, 
remaining marketable orders will be `linked,' with no exposure 
period, to away exchanges disseminating better prices.'' This 
``linkage'' was originally achieved on C2 by activating the Hybrid 
Agency Liaison (HAL) Opening Procedure (HAL-O) functionality (which 
incorporates the NBBO calculation and linkage processing into the 
opening rotation), but setting the HAL-O timer to zero and also 
restricting Trading Permit Holders (TPHs) from subscribing to 
auctions. In July 2011, the Exchange introduced Complex Order 
Auctions (COA) on C2. At that time, the ability for a TPH to 
subscribe to auctions was made available. This caused a HAL-O 
auction message to be sent to C2 auction subscribers whenever an 
order linked away. Additionally, it is noted that periodically, when 
systems experience heavy processing volumes, latency may cause the 
auction process to last longer than its prescribed timer setting of 
zero. On December 5, 2014, the following notification was posted to 
the Exchange's System Status Web page, ``During periods of heavy 
systems processing at the open, remaining orders marketable against 
the NBBO may be exposed for short periods, generally not to exceed 
110 MS. Until further notice, TPHs should subscribe to the exposure 
process to ensure response capabilities during these times.'' This 
filing proposes to remedy this issue by simply exposing orders at 
the opening to an HAL-O auction process not to exceed 1.5 seconds.
    \14\ See note 3 supra.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, the proposed rule would operate in a manner similar to 
the HAL Opening Procedures on CBOE with respect to the handling of 
remaining balances not executed via HAL exposure and provide that any 
remaining balance of orders not executed via HAL on the opening would 
be booked except that any remaining balance of orders not executed via 
HAL on the opening will be booked at their limit price to the extent 
consistent with Rule 6.10 except that any remaining balance of orders 
not executed via HAL on the opening that are priced, or would be 
executed at a price, that is not within an acceptable tick distance 
from the initial HAL price will be cancelled. The ``acceptable tick 
distance'' would be determined by the Exchange on a series-by-series 
and premium basis in increments not less than two minimum increment 
ticks. If the HAL Opening Auction Exposure procedure were activated, 
the acceptable tick distance would be the same as the acceptable tick 
distance established under Rule 6.17. This final provision of the 
Interpretation and Policy is consistent with the Exchange's Price Check 
Parameters rules in Interpretation and Policy .04 to Rule 6.13 and Rule 
6.17 and would simply codify the extension of the Exchange's Market-
Width and Drill-Through Parameters to Rule 6.11. These proposed 
provisions are substantially similar to the HAL Opening Procedures set 
forth in Interpretation and Policy .03 to CBOE Rule 6.2B in all 
material respects other than they do not provide for manual handling of 
orders and in open outcry.
    As proposed, the Exchange is seeking merely to extend the opening 
order exposure procedures already in place on CBOE.\15\ The Exchange 
believes that extending the HAL Opening Procedures to C2 is will 
provide clarity to the Exchange's rules as well as harmonize the 
procedures of the two exchanges, ultimately to the benefit of all 
market participants. The Exchange believes the proposed rule change 
would serve to further enhance the efficiency of opening rotations with 
procedures to accommodate a process for addressing opening quotes, 
acceptable opening ranges, and market order imbalance conditions that 
may occur on the openings, as well as address NBBO condition scenarios 
where the Exchange's opening trade might occur at an improved price 
rather than routing to an away market. Moreover, the Exchange believes 
that exposing orders on the open helps facilitate transactions in 
securities and is consistent with the goals of a free and open market 
and national market system.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ See CBOE Rule 6.2B Interpretation and Policy .03.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with 
the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to the 
Exchange and, in particular, the requirements of Section 6(b) of the 
Act.\16\ Specifically, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change 
is consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) \17\ requirements that the rules 
of an exchange be 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. 
Additionally, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is 
consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) \18\ requirement that the rules of 
an exchange not be designed to permit unfair discrimination between 
customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \17\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
    \18\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In particular, the proposed rule change is designed to align the 
Exchange's rules with those of CBOE by extending the procedures of 
CBOE's HAL on the open to C2. The Exchange believes that extending the 
HAL Opening Procedures to C2 is will provide clarity to the Exchange's 
rules as well as harmonize the procedures of the two exchanges, 
ultimately to the benefit of all market participants. The Exchange 
believes the proposed rule change would serve to further enhance

[[Page 21283]]

the efficiency of opening rotations with procedures to accommodate a 
process for addressing opening quotes, acceptable opening ranges, and 
market order imbalance conditions that may occur on the openings, as 
well as address NBBO condition scenarios where the Exchange's opening 
trade might occur at an improved price rather than routing to an away 
market. The proposed rule change will increase competition on C2 by 
providing an opportunity for market participants to benefit from 
additional exposure of orders and participation in auctions at the 
open. Furthermore, the Exchange believes that exposing orders on the 
open helps facilitate transactions in securities and is consistent with 
the goals of a free and open market and national market system.

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. The Exchange does not 
believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on 
intramarket competition that is not necessary or appropriate in 
furtherance of the purposes of the Act because the proposed change will 
be equally applied and will equally affect all market participants' 
orders that qualify for the HAL function. Moreover, the Exchange 
believes that the proposed rule change will increase competition 
amongst exchanges and market participants. The proposed will expose 
allow orders to be exposed to meaningful price improvement mechanisms 
at the opening of trading. The HAL on the opening procedure will allow 
C2 TPHs to compete with quotes on other exchanges and step up to the 
best national prices offered before orders are linked away. This price 
improvement process will not only ensure that orders on C2 are afforded 
the best prices available, but also afford additional opportunities to 
C2 TPH to compete with quotes on away exchanges at the opening of 
trading. The Exchange believes that price improvement mechanisms 
increase competition in the marketplace and increase opportunities for 
orders to receive best execution at the Exchange.

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

    The Exchange neither solicited nor received written comments on the 
proposed rule change.

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

    Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not: (i) 
Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public 
interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) 
become operative for 30 days 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, the proposed rule 
change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 
\19\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder.\20\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \20\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6) 
requires a self-regulatory organization to give the Commission 
written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change at 
least five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed 
rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. 
The Exchange has satisfied this requirement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule 
change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule 
change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or 
appropriate in the 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 will institute proceedings to 
determine whether the proposed rule change 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-C2-2015-006 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

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


All submissions should refer to File Number SR-C2-2015-006. 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-C2-2015-006 and should be 
submitted on or before May 8, 2015.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\21\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brent J. Fields,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2015-08795 Filed 4-16-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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