Self-Regulatory Organizations; BATS Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change Related to Fees for BZX Options, 80870-80872 [2015-32535]

Download as PDF 80870 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 248 / Monday, December 28, 2015 / Notices C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others The Exchange has 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 The foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 22 and paragraph (f) of Rule 19b–4 thereunder.23 At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an email to rule-comments@ sec.gov. Please include File Number SR– EDGX–2015–62 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–EDGX–2015–62. 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 22 15 23 17 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f). VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:31 Dec 24, 2015 Jkt 238001 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–EDGX– 2015–62, and should be submitted on or before January 19, 2016. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.24 Brent J. Fields, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2015–32541 Filed 12–24–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–76707; File No. SR–BATS– 2015–117] Self-Regulatory Organizations; BATS Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change Related to Fees for BZX Options December 21, 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 December 10, 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, II and III below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Exchange has designated the proposed rule change as one establishing or changing a member due, fee, or other charge imposed by the Exchange under Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act 3 and Rule 19b–4(f)(2) thereunder,4 which renders the proposed rule change effective upon filing with the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. 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)(ii). 4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2). 24 1 15 PO 00000 Frm 00126 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange filed a proposal to amend the fee schedule applicable to Members 5 and non-members of the Exchange pursuant to BATS Rules 15.1(a) and (c). 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 The Exchange proposes to modify the ‘‘Options Pricing’’ section of its fee schedule effective immediately, to modify pricing for orders routed away from the Exchange and executed at various away options exchanges. The Exchange currently charges the following rates for orders routed to certain other options exchanges: (i) NonCustomer 6 orders in non-Penny Pilot Securities.7 routed to NYSE Arca, Inc. (‘‘Arca’’), which yield fee code AG, are charged $0.95 per contract; (ii) Intermarket Sweep Orders (‘‘ISOs’’) in non-Penny Pilot Securities that are directed to Nasdaq Options Market LLC (‘‘NOM’’), Arca, or ISE Gemini, LLC (‘‘ISE Gemini’’) are charged $0.95 per contract; (iii) ISOs directed to other 5 The term ‘‘Member’’ is defined as ‘‘any registered broker or dealer that has been admitted to membership in the Exchange.’’ See Exchange Rule 1.5(n). 6 ‘‘Non-Customer’’ applies to any transaction that is not a Customer Order. ‘‘Customer’’ applies to any transaction identified by a Member for clearing in the Customer range at the OCC, excluding any transaction for a Broker Dealer or a ‘‘Professional’’ as defined in Exchange Rule 16.1. 7 ‘‘Penny Pilot Securities’’ are those issues quoted pursuant to Exchange Rule 21.5, Interpretation and Policy .01. E:\FR\FM\28DEN1.SGM 28DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 248 / Monday, December 28, 2015 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES options exchanges are charged $0.65 per contract; 8 (iv) Customer orders routed to the International Securities Exchange, LLC (‘‘ISE’’) in non-Penny Pilot Securities which yield fee code ID and are charged $0.12 per contract; (v) Customer orders routed to the Miami International Securities Exchange LLC (‘‘MIAX’’) which yield fee code MC are charged $0.12 per contract; (vi) NonCustomer orders routed to MIAX which yield fee code MF are charged $0.65 per contract; (vii) Customer orders routed to the BOX Options Exchange LLC (‘‘BOX’’) which yield fee code OC are charged no fee; (viii) Non-Customer orders routed to BOX which yield fee code OF are charged $0.99 per contract; (ix) Non-Customer orders routed to NOM in Penny Pilot Securities which yield fee code QF are charged $0.65 per contract; (x) Non-Customer orders routed to NOM in non-Penny Pilot Securities which yield fee code QG are charged $0.95 per contract; and (xi) Customer orders routed to NYSE MKT LLC (‘‘NYSE MKT’’ f/k/a AMEX) which yield fee code XC are charged $0.12 per contract. In an effort to continue to offer routing services to its Members at prices that approximate the cost to the Exchange, the Exchange is proposing to amend those rates as follows: (i) The fee for Customer orders routed to ISE in non-Penny Pilot Securities and any Customer orders routed to MIAX, BOX or NYSE MKT (fee codes ID, MC, OC and XC, respectively) would be increased to $0.15 per contract; (ii) the fee for Non-Customer Orders in nonPenny Pilot Securities routed to Arca would be increased to $1.15 per contract (fee code AG); (iii) the fee for ISOs directed to NOM, Arca, or ISE Gemini would be increased to $1.25 per contract for Non-Penny Pilot Securities (fee code D1); (iv) the fee for ISOs directed to other options exchanges would be increased to $0.75 per contract (fee code D4); 9 (v) the fee for Non-Customer orders routed to MIAX would be increased to $0.85 per contract (fee code MF); (vi) the fee for Non-Customer orders routed to BOX would be increased to $1.20 (fee code OF); (vii) the fee for Non-Customer orders routed to NOM in Penny Pilot Securities would be increased to $0.70 (fee code QF); and 8 ISOs directed to Nasdaq OMX BX LLC (‘‘Nasdaq BX’’) in non-Penny Pilot Securities which yield fee code D2 and ISOs directed to the C2 Options Exchange, Inc. (‘‘C2’’) and Nasdaq OMX PHLX LLC (‘‘Nasdaq PHLX’’) which yield fee code D3 are charged $0.95 per contract. 9 The Exchange does not propose to amend the fees charged for ISOs directed to Nasdaq BX in nonPenny Pilot Securities which yield fee code D2 and ISOs directed to the C2 and Nasdaq PHLX which yield fee code D3. VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:31 Dec 24, 2015 Jkt 238001 (viii) the fee for Non-Customer orders routed to NOM in non-Penny Pilot Securities would be increased to $1.25 (fee code QG). As noted previously and as set forth above, the Exchange’s current approach to routing fees is to set forth in a simple manner certain sub-categories of fees that approximate the cost of routing to other options exchanges based on the cost of transaction fees assessed by each venue as well as costs to the Exchange for routing (i.e., clearing fees, connectivity and other infrastructure costs, membership fees, etc.) (collectively, ‘‘Routing Costs’’). The Exchange then monitors the fees charged as compared to the costs of its routing services and adjusts its routing fees and/or sub-categories to ensure that the Exchange’s fees do indeed result in a rough approximation of overall Routing Costs, and are not significantly higher or lower in any area. In performing this analysis, the Exchange has concluded that certain orders that it was routing to other options exchanges were costing more than it was charging, and in one case, were costing significantly less than it was charging. As a result, and in order to avoid subsidizing routing to away options exchanges and to continue providing quality routing services, the Exchange proposes relatively modest increases and adjustments to the charges assessed for the orders described above. Implementation Date The Exchange proposes to implement these amendments to its fee schedule immediately.10 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change 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 of the Act.11 Specifically, the Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b)(4) of the Act,12 in that it provides for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees and other charges among members and other persons using any facility or system which the Exchange operates or controls. The Exchange notes that it operates in a highly competitive market in which market participants can readily direct order flow to competing 10 The Exchange initially filed the proposed fee change on December 1, 2015 (SR–BATS–2015–109). On December 10, 2015, the Exchange withdrew that filing and submitted filing SR–BATS–2015–117. 11 15 U.S.C. 78f. 12 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4). PO 00000 Frm 00127 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 80871 venues or providers of routing services if they deem fee levels to be excessive. As explained above, the Exchange generally attempts to approximate the cost of routing to other options exchanges, including other applicable costs to the Exchange for routing. The Exchange believes that a pricing model based on approximate Routing Costs is a reasonable, fair and equitable approach to pricing. Specifically, the Exchange believes that its proposal to modify fees is fair, equitable and reasonable because the fees are generally an approximation of the cost to the Exchange for routing orders to such exchanges. Absent the proposed changes, the Exchange has concluded that certain orders that it was routing to other options exchanges would cost more than its current fees. Accordingly, the Exchange believes that the proposed increases are fair, equitable and reasonable because they will help the Exchange to avoid subsidizing routing to away options exchanges and to continue providing quality routing services. The Exchange believes that its fee structure for orders routed to various venues is a fair and equitable approach to pricing, as it provides certainty with respect to execution fees at away options exchanges. Under its straightforward fee structure, taking all costs to the Exchange into account, the Exchange may operate at a slight gain or slight loss for orders routed to and executed at away options exchanges. As a general matter, the Exchange believes that the proposed fees will allow it to recoup and cover its costs of providing routing services to such exchanges. The Exchange notes that routing through the Exchange is voluntary. The Exchange also believes that the proposed fee structure for orders routed to and executed at these away options exchanges is fair and equitable and not unreasonably discriminatory in that it applies equally to all Members. The Exchange reiterates that it operates in a highly competitive market in which market participants can readily direct order flow to competing venues if they deem fee levels to be excessive or providers of routing services if they deem fee levels to be excessive. Finally, the Exchange notes that it constantly evaluates its routing fees, including profit and loss attributable to routing, as applicable, in connection with the operation of a flat fee routing service, and would consider future adjustments to the proposed pricing structure to the extent it was recouping a significant profit or loss from routing to away options exchanges. E:\FR\FM\28DEN1.SGM 28DEN1 80872 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 248 / Monday, December 28, 2015 / 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 not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. As it relates to the proposed changes to routing fees, the proposed changes will assist the Exchange in recouping costs for routing orders to other options exchanges on behalf of its participants in a manner that is a better approximation of actual costs than is currently in place and that reflects pricing changes by various options exchanges as well as increases to other Routing Costs incurred by the Exchange. The Exchange also notes that Members may choose to mark their orders as ineligible for routing to avoid incurring routing fees.13 (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 The foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 14 and paragraph (f) of Rule 19b–4 thereunder.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 investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposal is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: • Send an email to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File No. SR–BATS–2015–117 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–2015–117. 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 will also be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File No. SR–BATS– 2015–117 and should be submitted on or before January 19, 2016. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.16 Brent J. Fields, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2015–32535 Filed 12–24–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Notice of Surrender of License of Small Business Investment Company 13 See Exchange Rule 21.1(d)(8) (describing ‘‘BATS Only’’ orders) and Exchange Rule 21.9(a)(1) (describing the routing process, which requires orders to be designated as available for routing). 14 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). 15 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f). VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:31 Dec 24, 2015 Jkt 238001 Pursuant to the authority granted to the United States Small Business Administration (‘‘SBA’’) under Section 309 of the Small Business Investment 16 17 PO 00000 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). Frm 00128 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Act of 1958, as amended, and Section 107.1900 of the Small Business Administration Rules and Regulations, SBA by this notice declares null and void the license to function as a small business investment company under the Small Business Investment Company License No. 03/03–0238 issued to Merion Investment Partners, L.P. United States Small Business Administration. Dated: December 22, 2015. Mark Walsh, Associate Administrator, Office of Investment and Innovation. [FR Doc. 2015–32600 Filed 12–24–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Docket No. SBA–2015–0013] Community Advantage Pilot Program U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice of extension of and changes to Community Advantage Pilot Program and request for comments. AGENCY: The Community Advantage (‘‘CA’’) Pilot Program is a pilot program to increase SBA-guaranteed loans to small businesses in underserved areas. The Small Business Administration (‘‘SBA’’) continues to refine and improve the design of the Community Advantage Pilot Program. To support SBA’s commitment to expanding access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs in underserved markets, SBA is issuing this Notice to extend the term of the CA Pilot Program and lay out a plan for its evaluation regarding whether it should be made permanent, improve the effectiveness of the program, expand program eligibility to new organizations, and to revise other program requirements, including certain regulatory waivers. DATES: Effective Date: The changes to the CA Pilot Program identified in this Notice will be effective December 28, 2015. The CA Pilot Program will remain in effect until March 31, 2020. Comment Date: Comments must be received on or before February 26, 2016. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by SBA docket number SBA– 2015–0013 by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Community Advantage Pilot Program Comments—Office of Economic Opportunity, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 Third SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\28DEN1.SGM 28DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 248 (Monday, December 28, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 80870-80872]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-32535]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-76707; File No. SR-BATS-2015-117]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; BATS Exchange, Inc.; Notice of 
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change Related to 
Fees for BZX Options

December 21, 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 December 10, 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, II 
and III below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The 
Exchange has designated the proposed rule change as one establishing or 
changing a member due, fee, or other charge imposed by the Exchange 
under Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act \3\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(2) 
thereunder,\4\ which renders the proposed rule change 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)(ii).
    \4\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The Exchange filed a proposal to amend the fee schedule applicable 
to Members \5\ and non-members of the Exchange pursuant to BATS Rules 
15.1(a) and (c).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ The term ``Member'' is defined as ``any registered broker or 
dealer that has been admitted to membership in the Exchange.'' See 
Exchange Rule 1.5(n).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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
    The Exchange proposes to modify the ``Options Pricing'' section of 
its fee schedule effective immediately, to modify pricing for orders 
routed away from the Exchange and executed at various away options 
exchanges. The Exchange currently charges the following rates for 
orders routed to certain other options exchanges: (i) Non-Customer \6\ 
orders in non-Penny Pilot Securities.\7\ routed to NYSE Arca, Inc. 
(``Arca''), which yield fee code AG, are charged $0.95 per contract; 
(ii) Intermarket Sweep Orders (``ISOs'') in non-Penny Pilot Securities 
that are directed to Nasdaq Options Market LLC (``NOM''), Arca, or ISE 
Gemini, LLC (``ISE Gemini'') are charged $0.95 per contract; (iii) ISOs 
directed to other

[[Page 80871]]

options exchanges are charged $0.65 per contract; \8\ (iv) Customer 
orders routed to the International Securities Exchange, LLC (``ISE'') 
in non-Penny Pilot Securities which yield fee code ID and are charged 
$0.12 per contract; (v) Customer orders routed to the Miami 
International Securities Exchange LLC (``MIAX'') which yield fee code 
MC are charged $0.12 per contract; (vi) Non-Customer orders routed to 
MIAX which yield fee code MF are charged $0.65 per contract; (vii) 
Customer orders routed to the BOX Options Exchange LLC (``BOX'') which 
yield fee code OC are charged no fee; (viii) Non-Customer orders routed 
to BOX which yield fee code OF are charged $0.99 per contract; (ix) 
Non-Customer orders routed to NOM in Penny Pilot Securities which yield 
fee code QF are charged $0.65 per contract; (x) Non-Customer orders 
routed to NOM in non-Penny Pilot Securities which yield fee code QG are 
charged $0.95 per contract; and (xi) Customer orders routed to NYSE MKT 
LLC (``NYSE MKT'' f/k/a AMEX) which yield fee code XC are charged $0.12 
per contract.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ ``Non-Customer'' applies to any transaction that is not a 
Customer Order. ``Customer'' applies to any transaction identified 
by a Member for clearing in the Customer range at the OCC, excluding 
any transaction for a Broker Dealer or a ``Professional'' as defined 
in Exchange Rule 16.1.
    \7\ ``Penny Pilot Securities'' are those issues quoted pursuant 
to Exchange Rule 21.5, Interpretation and Policy .01.
    \8\ ISOs directed to Nasdaq OMX BX LLC (``Nasdaq BX'') in non-
Penny Pilot Securities which yield fee code D2 and ISOs directed to 
the C2 Options Exchange, Inc. (``C2'') and Nasdaq OMX PHLX LLC 
(``Nasdaq PHLX'') which yield fee code D3 are charged $0.95 per 
contract.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In an effort to continue to offer routing services to its Members 
at prices that approximate the cost to the Exchange, the Exchange is 
proposing to amend those rates as follows: (i) The fee for Customer 
orders routed to ISE in non-Penny Pilot Securities and any Customer 
orders routed to MIAX, BOX or NYSE MKT (fee codes ID, MC, OC and XC, 
respectively) would be increased to $0.15 per contract; (ii) the fee 
for Non-Customer Orders in non-Penny Pilot Securities routed to Arca 
would be increased to $1.15 per contract (fee code AG); (iii) the fee 
for ISOs directed to NOM, Arca, or ISE Gemini would be increased to 
$1.25 per contract for Non-Penny Pilot Securities (fee code D1); (iv) 
the fee for ISOs directed to other options exchanges would be increased 
to $0.75 per contract (fee code D4); \9\ (v) the fee for Non-Customer 
orders routed to MIAX would be increased to $0.85 per contract (fee 
code MF); (vi) the fee for Non-Customer orders routed to BOX would be 
increased to $1.20 (fee code OF); (vii) the fee for Non-Customer orders 
routed to NOM in Penny Pilot Securities would be increased to $0.70 
(fee code QF); and (viii) the fee for Non-Customer orders routed to NOM 
in non-Penny Pilot Securities would be increased to $1.25 (fee code 
QG).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ The Exchange does not propose to amend the fees charged for 
ISOs directed to Nasdaq BX in non-Penny Pilot Securities which yield 
fee code D2 and ISOs directed to the C2 and Nasdaq PHLX which yield 
fee code D3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As noted previously and as set forth above, the Exchange's current 
approach to routing fees is to set forth in a simple manner certain 
sub-categories of fees that approximate the cost of routing to other 
options exchanges based on the cost of transaction fees assessed by 
each venue as well as costs to the Exchange for routing (i.e., clearing 
fees, connectivity and other infrastructure costs, membership fees, 
etc.) (collectively, ``Routing Costs''). The Exchange then monitors the 
fees charged as compared to the costs of its routing services and 
adjusts its routing fees and/or sub-categories to ensure that the 
Exchange's fees do indeed result in a rough approximation of overall 
Routing Costs, and are not significantly higher or lower in any area. 
In performing this analysis, the Exchange has concluded that certain 
orders that it was routing to other options exchanges were costing more 
than it was charging, and in one case, were costing significantly less 
than it was charging. As a result, and in order to avoid subsidizing 
routing to away options exchanges and to continue providing quality 
routing services, the Exchange proposes relatively modest increases and 
adjustments to the charges assessed for the orders described above.
Implementation Date
    The Exchange proposes to implement these amendments to its fee 
schedule immediately.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ The Exchange initially filed the proposed fee change on 
December 1, 2015 (SR-BATS-2015-109). On December 10, 2015, the 
Exchange withdrew that filing and submitted filing SR-BATS-2015-117.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change 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 of the Act.\11\ 
Specifically, the Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is 
consistent with Section 6(b)(4) of the Act,\12\ in that it provides for 
the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees and other charges 
among members and other persons using any facility or system which the 
Exchange operates or controls. The Exchange notes that it operates in a 
highly competitive market in which market participants can readily 
direct order flow to competing venues or providers of routing services 
if they deem fee levels to be excessive.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ 15 U.S.C. 78f.
    \12\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As explained above, the Exchange generally attempts to approximate 
the cost of routing to other options exchanges, including other 
applicable costs to the Exchange for routing. The Exchange believes 
that a pricing model based on approximate Routing Costs is a 
reasonable, fair and equitable approach to pricing. Specifically, the 
Exchange believes that its proposal to modify fees is fair, equitable 
and reasonable because the fees are generally an approximation of the 
cost to the Exchange for routing orders to such exchanges. Absent the 
proposed changes, the Exchange has concluded that certain orders that 
it was routing to other options exchanges would cost more than its 
current fees. Accordingly, the Exchange believes that the proposed 
increases are fair, equitable and reasonable because they will help the 
Exchange to avoid subsidizing routing to away options exchanges and to 
continue providing quality routing services. The Exchange believes that 
its fee structure for orders routed to various venues is a fair and 
equitable approach to pricing, as it provides certainty with respect to 
execution fees at away options exchanges. Under its straightforward fee 
structure, taking all costs to the Exchange into account, the Exchange 
may operate at a slight gain or slight loss for orders routed to and 
executed at away options exchanges. As a general matter, the Exchange 
believes that the proposed fees will allow it to recoup and cover its 
costs of providing routing services to such exchanges. The Exchange 
notes that routing through the Exchange is voluntary. The Exchange also 
believes that the proposed fee structure for orders routed to and 
executed at these away options exchanges is fair and equitable and not 
unreasonably discriminatory in that it applies equally to all Members.
    The Exchange reiterates that it operates in a highly competitive 
market in which market participants can readily direct order flow to 
competing venues if they deem fee levels to be excessive or providers 
of routing services if they deem fee levels to be excessive. Finally, 
the Exchange notes that it constantly evaluates its routing fees, 
including profit and loss attributable to routing, as applicable, in 
connection with the operation of a flat fee routing service, and would 
consider future adjustments to the proposed pricing structure to the 
extent it was recouping a significant profit or loss from routing to 
away options exchanges.

[[Page 80872]]

(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 not necessary or appropriate in 
furtherance of the purposes of the Act. As it relates to the proposed 
changes to routing fees, the proposed changes will assist the Exchange 
in recouping costs for routing orders to other options exchanges on 
behalf of its participants in a manner that is a better approximation 
of actual costs than is currently in place and that reflects pricing 
changes by various options exchanges as well as increases to other 
Routing Costs incurred by the Exchange. The Exchange also notes that 
Members may choose to mark their orders as ineligible for routing to 
avoid incurring routing fees.\13\
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    \13\ See Exchange Rule 21.1(d)(8) (describing ``BATS Only'' 
orders) and Exchange Rule 21.9(a)(1) (describing the routing 
process, which requires orders to be designated as available for 
routing).
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(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

    The foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 
19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \14\ and paragraph (f) of Rule 19b-4 
thereunder.\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 
investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.
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    \14\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \15\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f).
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IV. Solicitation of Comments

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

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an email to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include 
File No. SR-BATS-2015-117 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-2015-117. 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 will also be available 
for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All 
comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does 
not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should 
submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All 
submissions should refer to File No. SR-BATS-2015-117 and should be 
submitted on or before January 19, 2016.

    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. 2015-32535 Filed 12-24-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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