Self-Regulatory Organizations; BATS Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change to Rule 20.6, Nullification and Adjustment of Options Transactions Including Obvious Errors, 66069-66072 [2015-27351]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 208 / Wednesday, October 28, 2015 / Notices specified in the Plan, of which other equities exchanges are also Participants. Other competing national securities exchanges are subject to the same trading and quoting requirements specified in the Plan. Therefore, the proposed changes would not impose any burden on competition, while providing certainty of treatment and execution of trading interests on the Exchange to market participants in NMS Stocks that are acting in compliance with the requirements specified in the Plan. 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 Within 45 days of the date of publication of this notice in the Federal Register or up to 90 days (i) as the Commission may designate if it finds such longer period to be appropriate and publishes its reasons for so finding or (ii) as to which the self-regulatory organization consents, the Commission will: (A) By order approve or disapprove the proposed rule change, or (B) institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule change should be disapproved. 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 Section, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090 on official business days between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the filing will also be available for inspection and copying at the NYSE’s principal office and on its Internet Web site at www.nyse.com. 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–NYSE–2015–46 and should be submitted on or before November 18, 2015. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.34 Brent J. Fields, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2015–27349 Filed 10–27–15; 8:45 am] 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– NYSE–2015–46 on the subject line. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Self-Regulatory Organizations; BATS Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change to Rule 20.6, Nullification and Adjustment of Options Transactions Including Obvious Errors 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–NYSE–2015–46. 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 Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on October 20, 2015, BATS Exchange, Inc. (the ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘BATS’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:16 Oct 27, 2015 Jkt 238001 BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–76231; File No. SR–BATS– 2015–91] October 22, 2015. change as described in Items I and II below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Exchange has designated this proposal as a ‘‘noncontroversial’’ proposed rule change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 3 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder,4 which renders it effective upon filing with the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of the Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange filed a proposal for the Exchange’s equity options platform (‘‘BATS Options’’) to extend the pilot program that suspends certain obvious error provisions of Rule 20.6 during limit up-limit down states in securities that underlie options traded on the Exchange. The text of the proposed rule change is available at the Exchange’s Web site at www.batstrading.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 Earlier this year, the Exchange adopted new Rule 20.6 related to the adjustment and nullification of transactions that occur on the Exchange’s equity options platform (‘‘BATS Options’’).5 Interpretation and Policy .01 to Rule 20.6 is designed to address certain issues related to the Plan to Address Extraordinary Market Volatility Pursuant to Rule 608 of 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). 5 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 74556 (March 20, 2015), 80 FR 16031 (March 26, 2015) (SR–BATS–2014–067). 4 17 34 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 1 15 PO 00000 Frm 00087 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 66069 E:\FR\FM\28OCN1.SGM 28OCN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 66070 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 208 / Wednesday, October 28, 2015 / Notices Regulation NMS under the Act (the ‘‘Limit Up-Limit Down Plan’’ or the ‘‘Plan’’).6 Specifically, pursuant to a pilot program set forth in Interpretation and Policy .01 to Rule 20.6, the Exchange excludes from certain provisions of Rule 20.6 transactions executed during a ‘‘Limit State’’ or ‘‘Straddle State,’’ as such terms are defined in the Plan. The purpose of this filing is to extend the effectiveness of the pilot program of Interpretation and Policy .01 of Rule 20.6 to coincide with the pilot period for the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan, including any extensions to the pilot period for the Plan. The Exchange also proposes to amend a cross-reference contained within Interpretation and Policy .01, as described below. The Exchange believes the benefits to market participants from Interpretation and Policy .01 should continue on a pilot basis. The Exchange continues to believe that adding certainty to the execution of orders in Limit or Straddle States will encourage market participants to continue to provide liquidity to the Exchange, and, thus, promote a fair and orderly market during these periods. Barring this provision, the obvious error provisions of Rule 20.6 would likely apply in many instances during Limit States and Straddle States. The Exchange believes that continuing the pilot will protect against any unanticipated consequences in the options markets during a Limit State or Straddle State. Thus, the Exchange believes that the protections of the current rule should continue while the industry gains further experience operating the Plan. Rather than extending the pilot program to a specific date, the Exchange proposes to extend the pilot to coincide with the operation of the Plan, which is also a pilot program.7 The Exchange represents that it will conduct its own analysis concerning the elimination of the Obvious Error and Catastrophic Error provisions during Limit and Straddle States and agrees to provide the Commission with relevant data to assess the impact of this proposed rule change. As part of its analysis, the Exchange will evaluate (1) the options market quality during Limit and Straddle States, (2) assess the character of incoming order flow and transactions during Limit and Straddle 6 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 67091 (May 31, 2012), 77 FR 33498 (June 6, 2012) (the ‘‘Limit Up-Limit Down Release’’). 7 Currently, the pilot period for the Plan is proposed to be extended to April 22, 2016. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 75917 (September 14, 2015), 80 FR 56515 (September 18, 2015). VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:16 Oct 27, 2015 Jkt 238001 States, and (3) review any complaints from Members and their customers concerning executions during Limit and Straddle States. The Exchange also agrees to provide to the Commission data requested to evaluate the impact of the inapplicability of the Obvious Error and Catastrophic Error provisions, including data relevant to assessing the various analyses noted above. In connection with this proposal, each month the Exchange will provide to the Commission and the public a dataset containing the data for each Straddle State and Limit State in NMS Stocks underlying options traded on the Exchange, limited to those option classes that have at least one (1) trade on the Exchange during a Straddle State or Limit State. For each of those option classes affected, each data record will contain the following information: • Stock symbol, option symbol, time at the start of the Straddle or Limit State, an indicator for whether it is a Straddle or Limit State. • For activity on the Exchange: • executed volume, time-weighted quoted bid-ask spread, time-weighted average quoted depth at the bid, timeweighted average quoted depth at the offer; • high execution price, low execution price; • number of trades for which a request for review for error was received during Straddle and Limit States; • an indicator variable for whether those options outlined above have a price change exceeding 30% during the underlying stock’s Limit or Straddle State compared to the last available option price as reported by OPRA before the start of the Limit or Straddle State (1 if observe 30% and 0 otherwise). Another indicator variable for whether the option price within five minutes of the underlying stock leaving the Limit or Straddle state (or halt if applicable) is 30% away from the price before the start of the Limit or Straddle State. In addition, the Exchange shall provide to the Commission and the public assessments relating to the impact of the operation of the Obvious Error rules during Limit and Straddle States as follows: (1) Evaluate the statistical and economic impact of Limit and Straddle States on liquidity and market quality in the options markets; and (2) Assess whether the lack of Obvious Error rules in effect during the Straddle and Limit States are problematic. The Exchange agrees to provide the analysis and data to the Commission to help evaluate the impact of the pilot program no later than five months prior to the pilot expiration, including any extensions. If the Plan PO 00000 Frm 00088 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 extension is approved, the next data assessment will be due on December 18, 2015. As noted above, pursuant to the pilot program, the Exchange excludes from certain provisions of Rule 20.6 transactions executed during a Limit State or Straddle State, as such terms are defined in the Plan. The Exchange, however, retains authority to review transactions on an Official’s own motion pursuant to sub-paragraph (c)(3) of Rule 20.6 and to bust or adjust transactions pursuant to provisions governing Significant Market Events, as defined in the Rule, trading halts, erroneous prints and quotes in the underlying security, and in connection with stop and stop limit orders that have been triggered by an erroneous execution. The Exchange believes that these safeguards will provide the Exchange with the flexibility to act when necessary and appropriate to nullify or adjust a transaction, while also providing market participants with certainty that, under normal circumstances, the trades they affect with quotes and/or orders having limit prices will stand irrespective of subsequent moves in the underlying security. Subsequent to the adoption of new Rule 20.6, the Exchange adopted a provision, paragraph (k), which governs erroneous trades occurring from disruptions and/or malfunctions of Exchange systems. The Exchange proposes to extend the authority to nullify transactions pursuant to paragraph (k) even in the event of a Limit State or Straddle State for the underlying security, thereby excluding such provision from the pilot program. The Exchange notes that other options exchanges that have a provision governing erroneous trades occurring from disruptions and/or malfunctions of Exchange systems have also excluded such provision from the pilot program.8 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that its proposal is consistent with the requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder that are applicable to a national securities exchange, and, in particular, with the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act.9 In particular, the proposal is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act 10 because it would promote just and equitable principles of trade, remove 8 See, e.g., NYSE MKT Rule 975NY, Interpretation and Policy .03, which excludes paragraph (l) of Rule 975NY from the pilot program; see also, CBOE Rule 6.25, Interpretation and Policy .01, which excludes Interpretation and Policy .05 from the pilot program. 9 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). 10 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). E:\FR\FM\28OCN1.SGM 28OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 208 / Wednesday, October 28, 2015 / Notices impediments to, and perfect the mechanism of, a free and open market and a national market system. Additionally, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) 11 requirement that the rules of an exchange not be designed to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers. In particular, the Exchange further believes that it is necessary and appropriate in the interest of promoting fair and orderly markets to exclude transactions executed during a Limit or Straddle State from certain aspects of Rule 20.6. The Exchange believes the application of the current rule will be impracticable given the lack of a reliable national best bid or offer in the options market during Limit States and Straddle States, and that the resulting actions (i.e., nullified trades or adjusted prices) may not be appropriate given market conditions. Extension of this pilot to coincide with the pilot period for the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan would ensure that limit orders that are filled during a Limit or Straddle State would have certainty of execution in a manner that promotes just and equitable principles of trade, removes impediments to, and perfects the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system. Thus, the Exchange believes that the protections of the pilot should continue while the industry gains further experience operating the Plan. The Exchange also believes it is necessary and appropriate in the interest of promoting fair and orderly markets to retain authority to nullify erroneous trades occurring from disruptions and/or malfunctions of Exchange systems without regard to whether the underlying security was in a Limit State or Straddle State. As noted above, this will ensure consistency with the rules of other options exchanges.12 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. Specifically, the Exchange believes that, by extending the expiration of the pilot, the proposed rule change will allow for further analysis of the pilot and a determination of how the pilot shall be structured in the future. In doing so, the proposed rule change will also serve to promote regulatory clarity and consistency, thereby reducing burdens on the 11 Id. 12 See supra note 7. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:16 Oct 27, 2015 Jkt 238001 marketplace and facilitating investor protection. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others The Exchange has not solicited, and does not intend to solicit, comments on this proposed rule change. The Exchange has not received any written comments from members or other interested parties. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action Because the 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 13 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder.14 The Exchange has asked the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that the proposal may become operative immediately upon filing. The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest, as it will allow the obvious error pilot program to continue uninterrupted while the industry gains further experience operating under the Plan, and avoid any investor confusion that could result from a temporary interruption in the pilot program. For this reason, the Commission designates the proposed rule change to be operative upon filing.15 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 13 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). As required under Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii), the Exchange provided the Commission with written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change, along with a brief description and the 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. 15 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, the Commission has also considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). 14 17 PO 00000 Frm 00089 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 66071 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– BATS–2015–91 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–BATS–2015–91. 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 such 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–BATS– 2015–91, and should be submitted on or before November 18, 2015. E:\FR\FM\28OCN1.SGM 28OCN1 66072 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 208 / Wednesday, October 28, 2015 / Notices For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.16 Brent J. Fields, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2015–27351 Filed 10–27–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–76235; File No. SR–CBOE– 2015–095] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change Relating to Revisions to the Registered Options Principal Examination October 22, 2015. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on October 16, 2015, Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated (the ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘CBOE’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III below, which Items have been prepared by the CBOE. CBOE has designated the proposed rule change as ‘‘constituting a stated policy, practice, or interpretation with respect to the meaning, administration, or enforcement of an existing rule’’ under Section 19(b)(3)(A)(i) of the Act 3 and Rule19b–4(f)(1) thereunder,4 which renders the proposal effective upon receipt of this filing by the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change CBOE is filing revisions to the content outline and selection specifications for the Registered Options Principal (Series 4) examination program.5 The proposed revisions update the material to reflect changes to the laws, rules and regulations covered by the examination 16 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(i). 4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(1). 5 CBOE is also proposing corresponding revisions to the Series 4 question bank. CBOE is submitting this filing for immediate effectiveness pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the act and Rule 19b–4(f)(1) thereunder. and to incorporate the functions and associated tasks currently performed by a Registered Options Principal. In addition, CBOE is proposing to make changes to the format of the content outline. CBOE is not proposing any textual changes to the By-Laws, Schedules to the By-Laws or Rules of CBOE. CBOE is proposing these revisions to adopt the revised Series 4 examination program of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (‘‘FINRA’’). FINRA currently administers Series 4 examinations on behalf of CBOE. The revised content outline is attached.6 The Series 4 selection specifications were submitted to the Commission under separate cover by FINRA. FINRA submitted the Series 4 selection specifications in connection with a FINRA filing to revise its Series 4 Examination Program.7 CBOE is in agreement with the selection specifications submitted by FINRA. The text of the [sic] proposed rule change is 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 Section 6(c)(3) of the Act 8 authorizes CBOE to prescribe standards of training, experience, and competence for persons associated with CBOE Trading Permit Holders (‘‘TPH’’). In accordance with 1 15 VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:16 Oct 27, 2015 Jkt 238001 6 The Commission notes that the revised content outline is attached to the filing, not to this Notice. The content outline is available as part of the filing on CBOE’s Web site. 7 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 75246 (June 18, 2015), 80 FR 36388 (June 24, 2015) (SR– FINRA–2015–018). 8 15 U.S.C. 78f(c)(3). PO 00000 Frm 00090 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 that provision, CBOE has developed examinations that are designed to establish that persons associated with CBOE TPHs have attained specified levels of competence and knowledge, consistent with applicable registration requirements under CBOE rules. CBOE periodically reviews the content of the examinations to determine whether revisions are necessary or appropriate in view of changes pertaining to the subject matter covered by the examinations. CBOE Rule 9.2 states that no TPH organization shall be approved to transact options business with the public until those persons associated with it who are designated as Options Principals have been approved by and registered with the Exchange. Rule 9.2 states that persons engaged in the supervision of options sales practices or a person to who the designated general partner or executive officer or another Registered Options Principal delegates the authority to supervise options sales practices shall be designated as Options Principals. CBOE Rule 9.2 further requires successful completion of an examination prescribed by the Exchange in order to qualify for registration as an Options Principal. The Series 4 examination, an industry-wide examination, has been designed for this purpose, and tests a candidate’s knowledge of options trading generally, the industry rules applicable to trading of option contracts, and the rules of registered clearing agencies for options. The Series 4 examination covers, among other things, equity options, foreign currency options, and index options. In consultation with a committee of industry representatives, including representatives from CBOE, FINRA recently undertook a review of the Series 4 examination program. As a result of this review, FINRA filed revisions to the content outline to reflect changes to the laws, rules and regulations covered by the examination and to incorporate the functions and associated tasks currently performed by a Registered Options Principal. FINRA also made changes to the format of the content outline.9 CBOE is filing these changes to adopt FINRA’s revised Series 4 examination program. Current Content Outline The current content outline is divided into three sections. The following are the three sections and the number of questions associated with each of the 9 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 75246 (June 18, 2015), 80 FR 36388 (June 24, 2015) (SR– FINRA–2015–018). E:\FR\FM\28OCN1.SGM 28OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 208 (Wednesday, October 28, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66069-66072]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-27351]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-76231; File No. SR-BATS-2015-91]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; BATS Exchange, Inc.; Notice of 
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change to Rule 
20.6, Nullification and Adjustment of Options Transactions Including 
Obvious Errors

October 22, 2015.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(the ``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given 
that on October 20, 2015, BATS Exchange, Inc. (the ``Exchange'' or 
``BATS'') 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 Exchange 
has designated this proposal as a ``non-controversial'' proposed rule 
change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \3\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder,\4\ which renders it effective upon filing with 
the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit 
comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \4\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The Exchange filed a proposal for the Exchange's equity options 
platform (``BATS Options'') to extend the pilot program that suspends 
certain obvious error provisions of Rule 20.6 during limit up-limit 
down states in securities that underlie options traded on the Exchange.
    The text of the proposed rule change is available at the Exchange's 
Web site at www.batstrading.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
    Earlier this year, the Exchange adopted new Rule 20.6 related to 
the adjustment and nullification of transactions that occur on the 
Exchange's equity options platform (``BATS Options'').\5\ 
Interpretation and Policy .01 to Rule 20.6 is designed to address 
certain issues related to the Plan to Address Extraordinary Market 
Volatility Pursuant to Rule 608 of

[[Page 66070]]

Regulation NMS under the Act (the ``Limit Up-Limit Down Plan'' or the 
``Plan'').\6\ Specifically, pursuant to a pilot program set forth in 
Interpretation and Policy .01 to Rule 20.6, the Exchange excludes from 
certain provisions of Rule 20.6 transactions executed during a ``Limit 
State'' or ``Straddle State,'' as such terms are defined in the Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 74556 (March 20, 
2015), 80 FR 16031 (March 26, 2015) (SR-BATS-2014-067).
    \6\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 67091 (May 31, 
2012), 77 FR 33498 (June 6, 2012) (the ``Limit Up-Limit Down 
Release'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The purpose of this filing is to extend the effectiveness of the 
pilot program of Interpretation and Policy .01 of Rule 20.6 to coincide 
with the pilot period for the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan, including any 
extensions to the pilot period for the Plan. The Exchange also proposes 
to amend a cross-reference contained within Interpretation and Policy 
.01, as described below.
    The Exchange believes the benefits to market participants from 
Interpretation and Policy .01 should continue on a pilot basis. The 
Exchange continues to believe that adding certainty to the execution of 
orders in Limit or Straddle States will encourage market participants 
to continue to provide liquidity to the Exchange, and, thus, promote a 
fair and orderly market during these periods. Barring this provision, 
the obvious error provisions of Rule 20.6 would likely apply in many 
instances during Limit States and Straddle States. The Exchange 
believes that continuing the pilot will protect against any 
unanticipated consequences in the options markets during a Limit State 
or Straddle State. Thus, the Exchange believes that the protections of 
the current rule should continue while the industry gains further 
experience operating the Plan. Rather than extending the pilot program 
to a specific date, the Exchange proposes to extend the pilot to 
coincide with the operation of the Plan, which is also a pilot 
program.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ Currently, the pilot period for the Plan is proposed to be 
extended to April 22, 2016. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 
75917 (September 14, 2015), 80 FR 56515 (September 18, 2015).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange represents that it will conduct its own analysis 
concerning the elimination of the Obvious Error and Catastrophic Error 
provisions during Limit and Straddle States and agrees to provide the 
Commission with relevant data to assess the impact of this proposed 
rule change. As part of its analysis, the Exchange will evaluate (1) 
the options market quality during Limit and Straddle States, (2) assess 
the character of incoming order flow and transactions during Limit and 
Straddle States, and (3) review any complaints from Members and their 
customers concerning executions during Limit and Straddle States. The 
Exchange also agrees to provide to the Commission data requested to 
evaluate the impact of the inapplicability of the Obvious Error and 
Catastrophic Error provisions, including data relevant to assessing the 
various analyses noted above.
    In connection with this proposal, each month the Exchange will 
provide to the Commission and the public a dataset containing the data 
for each Straddle State and Limit State in NMS Stocks underlying 
options traded on the Exchange, limited to those option classes that 
have at least one (1) trade on the Exchange during a Straddle State or 
Limit State. For each of those option classes affected, each data 
record will contain the following information:
     Stock symbol, option symbol, time at the start of the 
Straddle or Limit State, an indicator for whether it is a Straddle or 
Limit State.
     For activity on the Exchange:
      executed volume, time-weighted quoted bid-ask spread, 
time-weighted average quoted depth at the bid, time-weighted average 
quoted depth at the offer;
      high execution price, low execution price;
      number of trades for which a request for review for error 
was received during Straddle and Limit States;
     an indicator variable for whether those options outlined 
above have a price change exceeding 30% during the underlying stock's 
Limit or Straddle State compared to the last available option price as 
reported by OPRA before the start of the Limit or Straddle State (1 if 
observe 30% and 0 otherwise). Another indicator variable for whether 
the option price within five minutes of the underlying stock leaving 
the Limit or Straddle state (or halt if applicable) is 30% away from 
the price before the start of the Limit or Straddle State.
    In addition, the Exchange shall provide to the Commission and the 
public assessments relating to the impact of the operation of the 
Obvious Error rules during Limit and Straddle States as follows: (1) 
Evaluate the statistical and economic impact of Limit and Straddle 
States on liquidity and market quality in the options markets; and (2) 
Assess whether the lack of Obvious Error rules in effect during the 
Straddle and Limit States are problematic. The Exchange agrees to 
provide the analysis and data to the Commission to help evaluate the 
impact of the pilot program no later than five months prior to the 
pilot expiration, including any extensions. If the Plan extension is 
approved, the next data assessment will be due on December 18, 2015.
    As noted above, pursuant to the pilot program, the Exchange 
excludes from certain provisions of Rule 20.6 transactions executed 
during a Limit State or Straddle State, as such terms are defined in 
the Plan. The Exchange, however, retains authority to review 
transactions on an Official's own motion pursuant to sub-paragraph 
(c)(3) of Rule 20.6 and to bust or adjust transactions pursuant to 
provisions governing Significant Market Events, as defined in the Rule, 
trading halts, erroneous prints and quotes in the underlying security, 
and in connection with stop and stop limit orders that have been 
triggered by an erroneous execution. The Exchange believes that these 
safeguards will provide the Exchange with the flexibility to act when 
necessary and appropriate to nullify or adjust a transaction, while 
also providing market participants with certainty that, under normal 
circumstances, the trades they affect with quotes and/or orders having 
limit prices will stand irrespective of subsequent moves in the 
underlying security. Subsequent to the adoption of new Rule 20.6, the 
Exchange adopted a provision, paragraph (k), which governs erroneous 
trades occurring from disruptions and/or malfunctions of Exchange 
systems. The Exchange proposes to extend the authority to nullify 
transactions pursuant to paragraph (k) even in the event of a Limit 
State or Straddle State for the underlying security, thereby excluding 
such provision from the pilot program. The Exchange notes that other 
options exchanges that have a provision governing erroneous trades 
occurring from disruptions and/or malfunctions of Exchange systems have 
also excluded such provision from the pilot program.\8\
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    \8\ See, e.g., NYSE MKT Rule 975NY, Interpretation and Policy 
.03, which excludes paragraph (l) of Rule 975NY from the pilot 
program; see also, CBOE Rule 6.25, Interpretation and Policy .01, 
which excludes Interpretation and Policy .05 from the pilot program.
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2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that its proposal is consistent with the 
requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder that 
are applicable to a national securities exchange, and, in particular, 
with the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act.\9\ In particular, the 
proposal is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act \10\ because it 
would promote just and equitable principles of trade, remove

[[Page 66071]]

impediments to, and perfect the mechanism of, a free and open market 
and a national market system. Additionally, the Exchange believes the 
proposed rule change is consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) \11\ 
requirement that the rules of an exchange not be designed to permit 
unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \10\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
    \11\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In particular, the Exchange further believes that it is necessary 
and appropriate in the interest of promoting fair and orderly markets 
to exclude transactions executed during a Limit or Straddle State from 
certain aspects of Rule 20.6. The Exchange believes the application of 
the current rule will be impracticable given the lack of a reliable 
national best bid or offer in the options market during Limit States 
and Straddle States, and that the resulting actions (i.e., nullified 
trades or adjusted prices) may not be appropriate given market 
conditions. Extension of this pilot to coincide with the pilot period 
for the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan would ensure that limit orders that 
are filled during a Limit or Straddle State would have certainty of 
execution in a manner that promotes just and equitable principles of 
trade, removes impediments to, and perfects the mechanism of a free and 
open market and a national market system. Thus, the Exchange believes 
that the protections of the pilot should continue while the industry 
gains further experience operating the Plan. The Exchange also believes 
it is necessary and appropriate in the interest of promoting fair and 
orderly markets to retain authority to nullify erroneous trades 
occurring from disruptions and/or malfunctions of Exchange systems 
without regard to whether the underlying security was in a Limit State 
or Straddle State. As noted above, this will ensure consistency with 
the rules of other options exchanges.\12\
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    \12\ See supra note 7.
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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. Specifically, the Exchange 
believes that, by extending the expiration of the pilot, the proposed 
rule change will allow for further analysis of the pilot and a 
determination of how the pilot shall be structured in the future. In 
doing so, the proposed rule change will also serve to promote 
regulatory clarity and consistency, thereby reducing burdens on the 
marketplace and facilitating investor protection.

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

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

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

    Because the 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 \13\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder.\14\
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    \13\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \14\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii). As required under Rule 19b-
4(f)(6)(iii), the Exchange provided the Commission with written 
notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change, along with a 
brief description and the 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.
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    The Exchange has asked the Commission to waive the 30-day operative 
delay so that the proposal may become operative immediately upon 
filing. The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay 
is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest, 
as it will allow the obvious error pilot program to continue 
uninterrupted while the industry gains further experience operating 
under the Plan, and avoid any investor confusion that could result from 
a temporary interruption in the pilot program. For this reason, the 
Commission designates the proposed rule change to be operative upon 
filing.\15\
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    \15\ For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, 
the Commission has also considered the proposed rule's impact on 
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 
78c(f).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule 
change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule 
change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or 
appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or 
otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. 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-BATS-2015-91 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-BATS-2015-91. 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 such 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-BATS-2015-91, and should be 
submitted on or before November 18, 2015.


[[Page 66072]]


    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\16\
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    \16\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Brent J. Fields,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2015-27351 Filed 10-27-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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