Program for Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Pursuant to Rule 17d-2; Notice of Filing of Proposed Plan for the Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Between the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. and the National Stock Exchange, Inc., 1971-1976 [2016-00567]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 9 / Thursday, January 14, 2016 / Notices present oral statements can be obtained from the Web site cited above or by contacting the identified DFO. Moreover, in view of the possibility that the schedule for ACRS meetings may be adjusted by the Chairman as necessary to facilitate the conduct of the meeting, persons planning to attend should check with these references if such rescheduling would result in a major inconvenience. If attending this meeting, please enter through the One White Flint North building, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD. After registering with security, please contact Mr. Theron Brown (Telephone 240–888–9835) to be escorted to the meeting room. Dated: January 6, 2016. Mark L. Banks, Chief, Technical Support Branch, Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards. [FR Doc. 2016–00667 Filed 1–13–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590–01–P NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS) Meeting of the ACRS Subcommittee on Planning and Procedures; Notice of Meeting The ACRS Subcommittee on Planning and Procedures will hold a meeting on February 3, 2016, Room T–2B3, 11545 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland. The meeting will be open to public attendance with the exception of a portion that may be closed pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(2) and (6) to discuss organizational and personnel matters that relate solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of the ACRS, and information the release of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. The agenda for the subject meeting shall be as follows: Wednesday, February 3, 2016—12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. The Subcommittee will discuss proposed ACRS activities and related matters. The Subcommittee will gather information, analyze relevant issues and facts, and formulate proposed positions and actions, as appropriate, for deliberation by the Full Committee. Members of the public desiring to provide oral statements and/or written comments should notify the Designated Federal Official (DFO), Quynh Nguyen (Telephone 301–415–5844 or Email: Quynh.Nguyen@nrc.gov) five days prior to the meeting, if possible, so that arrangements can be made. Thirty-five VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:39 Jan 13, 2016 Jkt 238001 hard copies of each presentation or handout should be provided to the DFO thirty minutes before the meeting. In addition, one electronic copy of each presentation should be emailed to the DFO one day before the meeting. If an electronic copy cannot be provided within this timeframe, presenters should provide the DFO with a CD containing each presentation at least thirty minutes before the meeting. Electronic recordings will be permitted only during those portions of the meeting that are open to the public. Detailed procedures for the conduct of and participation in ACRS meetings were published in the Federal Register on October 21, 2015 (80 FR 63846). Information regarding changes to the agenda, whether the meeting has been canceled or rescheduled, and the time allotted to present oral statements can be obtained by contacting the identified DFO. Moreover, in view of the possibility that the schedule for ACRS meetings may be adjusted by the Chairman as necessary to facilitate the conduct of the meeting, persons planning to attend should check with the DFO if such rescheduling would result in a major inconvenience. If attending this meeting, please enter through the One White Flint North building, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD. After registering with security, please contact Mr. Theron Brown (240–888–9835) to be escorted to the meeting room. Dated: January 7, 2016. Mark L. Banks, Chief, Technical Support Branch, Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards. [FR Doc. 2016–00669 Filed 1–13–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–76856; File No. 4–694] Program for Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Pursuant to Rule 17d– 2; Notice of Filing of Proposed Plan for the Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Between the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. and the National Stock Exchange, Inc. 1971 Regulatory Authority, Inc. (‘‘FINRA’’) (together with NSX, the ‘‘Parties’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’ or ‘‘SEC’’) a plan for the allocation of regulatory responsibilities, dated December 22, 2015 (‘‘17d–2 Plan’’ or the ‘‘Plan’’). The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the 17d–2 Plan from interested persons. I. Introduction Section 19(g)(1) of the Act,3 among other things, requires every selfregulatory organization (‘‘SRO’’) registered as either a national securities exchange or national securities association to examine for, and enforce compliance by, its members and persons associated with its members with the Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, and the SRO’s own rules, unless the SRO is relieved of this responsibility pursuant to Section 17(d) or Section 19(g)(2) of the Act.4 Without this relief, the statutory obligation of each individual SRO could result in a pattern of multiple examinations of broker-dealers that maintain memberships in more than one SRO (‘‘common members’’) for compliance with certain rules that are substantially identical across multiple SROs. Such regulatory duplication would add unnecessary expenses for common members and their SROs. Section 17(d)(1) of the Act 5 was intended, in part, to eliminate unnecessary multiple examinations and regulatory duplication.6 With respect to a common member, Section 17(d)(1) authorizes the Commission, by rule or order, to relieve an SRO of the responsibility to receive regulatory reports, to examine for and enforce compliance with applicable statutes, rules, and regulations, or to perform other specified regulatory functions. To implement Section 17(d)(1), the Commission adopted two rules: Rule 17d–1 and Rule 17d–2 under the Act.7 Rule 17d–1 authorizes the Commission to name a single SRO as the designated examining authority (‘‘DEA’’) to examine common members for compliance with the financial responsibility requirements imposed by the Act, or by Commission or SRO January 8, 2016. Pursuant to Section 17(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 17d–2 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on December 23, 2015, the National Stock Exchange, Inc. (‘‘NSX’’) and the Financial Industry 1 15 2 17 PO 00000 U.S.C. 78q(d). CFR 240.17d–2. Frm 00035 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(g)(1). U.S.C. 78q(d) and 15 U.S.C. 78s(g)(2), respectively. 5 15 U.S.C. 78q(d)(1). 6 See Securities Act Amendments of 1975, Report of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs to Accompany S. 249, S. Rep. No. 94– 75, 94th Cong., 1st Session 32 (1975). 7 17 CFR 240.17d–1 and 17 CFR 240.17d–2, respectively. 4 15 E:\FR\FM\14JAN1.SGM 14JAN1 1972 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 9 / Thursday, January 14, 2016 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES rules.8 When an SRO has been named as a common member’s DEA, all other SROs to which the common member belongs are relieved of the responsibility to examine the firm for compliance with the applicable financial responsibility rules. On its face, Rule 17d–1 deals only with an SRO’s obligations to enforce member compliance with financial responsibility requirements. Rule 17d–1 does not relieve an SRO from its obligation to examine a common member for compliance with its own rules and provisions of the federal securities laws governing matters other than financial responsibility, including sales practices and trading activities and practices. To address regulatory duplication in these and other areas, the Commission adopted Rule 17d–2 under the Act.9 Rule 17d–2 permits SROs to propose joint plans for the allocation of regulatory responsibilities with respect to their common members. Under paragraph (c) of Rule 17d–2, the Commission may declare such a plan effective if, after providing for appropriate notice and comment, it determines that the plan is necessary or appropriate in the public interest and for the protection of investors; to foster cooperation and coordination among the SROs; to remove impediments to, and foster the development of, a national market system and a national clearance and settlement system; and is in conformity with the factors set forth in Section 17(d) of the Act. Commission approval of a plan filed pursuant to Rule 17d–2 relieves an SRO of those regulatory responsibilities allocated by the plan to another SRO. II. Proposed Plan The proposed 17d–2 Plan is intended to reduce regulatory duplication for firms that are common members of both NSX and FINRA.10 Pursuant to the proposed 17d–2 Plan, FINRA would assume certain examination and enforcement responsibilities for common members with respect to certain applicable laws, rules, and regulations. The text of the Plan delineates the proposed regulatory responsibilities with respect to the Parties. Included in the proposed Plan is an exhibit (the ‘‘National Stock Exchange (‘‘NSX’’) Rules Certification for 17d–2 Agreement 8 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 12352 (April 20, 1976), 41 FR 18808 (May 7, 1976). 9 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 12935 (October 28, 1976), 41 FR 49091 (November 8, 1976). 10 The proposed 17d–2 Plan refers to these common members as ‘‘Dual Members.’’ See Paragraph 1(c) of the proposed 17d–2 Plan. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:39 Jan 13, 2016 Jkt 238001 with FINRA,’’ referred to herein as the ‘‘Certification’’) that lists every NSX rule, and select federal securities laws, rules, and regulations, for which FINRA would bear responsibility under the Plan for overseeing and enforcing with respect to NSX members that are also members of FINRA and the associated persons therewith (‘‘Dual Members’’). Specifically, under the 17d–2 Plan, FINRA would assume examination and enforcement responsibility relating to compliance by Dual Members with the rules of NSX that are substantially similar to the applicable rules of FINRA,11 as well as any provisions of the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder delineated in the Certification (‘‘Common Rules’’). In the event that a Dual Member is the subject of an investigation relating to a transaction on NSX, the plan acknowledges that NSX may, in its discretion, exercise concurrent jurisdiction and responsibility for such matter.12 Under the Plan, NSX would retain full responsibility for surveillance and enforcement with respect to trading activities or practices involving NSX’s own marketplace, including, without limitation, registration pursuant to its applicable rules of associated persons (i.e., registration rules that are not Common Rules); its duties as a DEA pursuant to Rule 17d–1 under the Act; and any NSX rules that are not Common Rules.13 The text of the proposed 17d–2 Plan is as follows: Agreement Between Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. and National Stock Exchange, Inc. Pursuant to Rule 17d–2 Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 This Agreement, by and between the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (‘‘FINRA’’) and the National Stock Exchange, Inc. (‘‘NSX’’), is made this 22nd day of December, 2015 (the ‘‘Agreement’’), pursuant to Section 17(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the ‘‘Exchange Act’’) and Rule 17d–2 thereunder, which permits agreements between selfregulatory organizations to allocate 11 See paragraph 1(b) of the proposed 17d–2 Plan (defining Common Rules). See also paragraph 1(f) of the proposed 17d–2 Plan (defining Regulatory Responsibilities). Paragraph 2 of the Plan provides that annually, or more frequently as required by changes in either NSX rules or FINRA rules, the parties shall review and update, if necessary, the list of Common Rules. Further, paragraph 3 of the Plan provides that NSX shall furnish FINRA with a list of Dual Members, and shall update the list no less frequently than once each calendar quarter. 12 See paragraph 6 of the proposed 17d–2 Plan. 13 See paragraph 2 of the proposed 17d–2 Plan. PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 regulatory responsibility to eliminate regulatory duplication. FINRA and NSX may be referred to individually as a ‘‘party’’ and together as the ‘‘parties.’’ This Agreement replaces and restates the agreement entered into between the parties on June 20, 1977 as amended, entitled ‘‘Agreement Between the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and the Cincinnati Stock Exchange Pursuant to SEC Rule 17d–2 Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,’’ and any subsequent amendments thereafter. WHEREAS, FINRA and NSX desire to reduce duplication in the examination of their Dual Members (as defined herein) and in the filing and processing of certain registration and membership records; and WHEREAS, FINRA and NSX desire to execute an agreement covering such subjects pursuant to the provisions of Rule 17d–2 under the Exchange Act and to file such agreement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘SEC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’) for its approval. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained hereinafter, FINRA and NSX hereby agree as follows: 1. Definitions. Unless otherwise defined in this Agreement or the context otherwise requires, the terms used in this Agreement shall have the same meaning as they have under the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings: (a) ‘‘NSX Rules’’ or ‘‘FINRA Rules’’ shall mean: (i) The rules of NSX or (ii) the rules of FINRA, respectively, as the rules of an exchange or association are defined in Exchange Act Section 3(a)(27). (b) ‘‘Common Rules’’ shall mean NSX Rules that are substantially similar to the applicable FINRA Rules and certain provisions of the Exchange Act and SEC rules set forth on Exhibit 1 in that examination for compliance with such provisions and rules would not require FINRA to develop one or more new examination standards, modules, procedures, or criteria in order to analyze the application of the provision or rule, or a Dual Member’s activity, conduct, or output in relation to such provision or rule; provided, however Common Rules shall not include the application of the SEC, NSX or FINRA rules as they pertain to violations of insider trading activities, which is covered by a separate 17d–2 Agreement by and among the NSX Exchange, Inc., NSX Y-Exchange, Inc., Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc., Chicago Stock E:\FR\FM\14JAN1.SGM 14JAN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 9 / Thursday, January 14, 2016 / Notices Exchange, Inc., EDGA Exchange, Inc., EDGX Exchange, Inc., Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc., NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, National Stock Exchange, Inc., New York Stock Exchange LLC, NYSE Amex LLC, NYSE Arca, Inc., and NYSE Regulation, Inc., approved by the SEC on December 16, 2011 as the same may be amended from time to time. (c) ‘‘Dual Members’’ shall mean those NSX members that are also members of FINRA and the associated persons therewith. (d) ‘‘Effective Date’’ shall be the date this Agreement is approved by the Commission. (e) ‘‘Enforcement Responsibilities’’ shall mean the conduct of appropriate proceedings, in accordance with FINRA’s Code of Procedure (the Rule 9000 Series) and other applicable FINRA procedural rules, to determine whether violations of Common Rules have occurred, and if such violations are deemed to have occurred, the imposition of appropriate sanctions as specified under FINRA’s Code of Procedure and sanctions guidelines. (f) ‘‘Regulatory Responsibilities’’ shall mean the examination responsibilities and Enforcement Responsibilities relating to compliance by the Dual Members with the Common Rules and the provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, and other applicable laws, rules and regulations, each as set forth on Exhibit 1 attached hereto. 2. Regulatory and Enforcement Responsibilities. FINRA shall assume Regulatory Responsibilities and Enforcement Responsibilities for Dual Members. Attached as Exhibit 1 to this Agreement and made part hereof, NSX furnished FINRA with a current list of Common Rules and certified to FINRA that such rules that are NSX Rules are substantially similar to the corresponding FINRA Rules (the ‘‘Certification’’). FINRA hereby agrees that the rules listed in the Certification are Common Rules as defined in this Agreement. Each year following the Effective Date of this Agreement, or more frequently if required by changes in either the rules of NSX or FINRA, NSX shall submit an updated list of Common Rules to FINRA for review which shall add NSX Rules not included in the current list of Common Rules that qualify as Common Rules as defined in this Agreement; delete NSX Rules included in the current list of Common Rules that no longer qualify as Common Rules as defined in this Agreement; and confirm that the remaining rules on the current list of VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:39 Jan 13, 2016 Jkt 238001 Common Rules continue to be NSX Rules that qualify as Common Rules as defined in this Agreement. Within 30 days of receipt of such updated list, FINRA shall confirm in writing whether the rules listed in any updated list are Common Rules as defined in this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, it is explicitly understood that the term ‘‘Regulatory Responsibilities’’ does not include, and NSX shall retain full responsibility for (unless otherwise addressed by separate agreement or rule) (collectively, the ‘‘Retained Responsibilities’’) the following: (a) Surveillance, examination, investigation and enforcement with respect to trading activities or practices involving NSX’s own marketplace; (b) registration pursuant to its applicable rules of associated persons (i.e., registration rules that are not Common Rules); (c) discharge of its duties and obligations as a Designated Examining Authority pursuant to Rule 17d–1 under the Exchange Act; and (d) any NSX Rules that are not Common Rules. 3. Dual Members. Prior to the Effective Date, NSX shall furnish FINRA with a current list of Dual Members, which shall be updated no less frequently than once each quarter. 4. No Charge. There shall be no charge to NSX by FINRA for performing the Regulatory Responsibilities and Enforcement Responsibilities under this Agreement except as hereinafter provided. FINRA shall provide NSX with ninety (90) days advance written notice in the event FINRA decides to impose any charges to NSX for performing the Regulatory Responsibilities under this Agreement. If FINRA determines to impose a charge, NSX shall have the right at the time of the imposition of such charge to terminate this Agreement; provided, however, that FINRA’s Regulatory Responsibilities under this Agreement shall continue until the Commission approves the termination of this Agreement. 5. Applicability of Certain Laws, Rules, Regulations or Orders. Notwithstanding any provision hereof, this Agreement shall be subject to any statute, or any rule or order of the Commission. To the extent such statute, rule, order or action is inconsistent with this Agreement, the statute, rule, order or action shall supersede the provision(s) hereof to the extent necessary for them to be properly effectuated and the provision(s) hereof in that respect shall be null and void. 6. Notification of Violations. PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 1973 (a) In the event that FINRA becomes aware of apparent violations of any NSX Rules, which are not listed as Common Rules, discovered pursuant to the performance of the Regulatory Responsibilities assumed hereunder, FINRA shall notify NSX of those apparent violations for such response as NSX deems appropriate. (b) In the event that NSX becomes aware of apparent violations of any Common Rules, discovered pursuant to the performance of the Retained Responsibilities, NSX shall notify FINRA of those apparent violations and such matters shall be handled by FINRA as provided in this Agreement. (c) Apparent violations of Common Rules shall be processed by, and enforcement proceedings in respect thereto shall be conducted by FINRA as provided hereinbefore; provided, however, that in the event a Dual Member is the subject of an investigation relating to a transaction on NSX, NSX may in its discretion assume concurrent jurisdiction and responsibility. (d) Each party agrees to make available promptly all files, records and witnesses necessary to assist the other in its investigation or proceedings. 7. Continued Assistance. (a) FINRA shall make available to NSX all information obtained by FINRA in the performance by it of the Regulatory Responsibilities hereunder with respect to the Dual Members subject to this Agreement. In particular, and not in limitation of the foregoing, FINRA shall furnish NSX any information it obtains about Dual Members which reflects adversely on their financial condition. NSX shall make available to FINRA any information coming to its attention that reflects adversely on the financial condition of Dual Members or indicates possible violations of applicable laws, rules or regulations by such firms. (b) The parties agree that documents or information shared shall be held in confidence, and used only for the purposes of carrying out their respective regulatory obligations. Neither party shall assert regulatory or other privileges as against the other with respect to documents or information that is required to be shared pursuant to this Agreement. (c) The sharing of documents or information between the parties pursuant to this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver as against third parties of regulatory or other privileges relating to the discovery of documents or information. 8. Statutory Disqualifications. When FINRA becomes aware of a statutory E:\FR\FM\14JAN1.SGM 14JAN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 1974 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 9 / Thursday, January 14, 2016 / Notices disqualification as defined in the Exchange Act with respect to a Dual Member, FINRA shall determine pursuant to Sections 15A(g) and/or Section 6(c) of the Exchange Act the acceptability or continued applicability of the person to whom such disqualification applies and keep NSX advised of its actions in this regard for such subsequent proceedings as NSX may initiate. 9. Customer Complaints. NSX shall forward to FINRA copies of all customer complaints involving Dual Members received by NSX relating to FINRA’s Regulatory Responsibilities under this Agreement. It shall be FINRA’s responsibility to review and take appropriate action in respect to such complaints. 10. Advertising. FINRA shall assume responsibility to review the advertising of Dual Members subject to the Agreement, provided that such material is filed with FINRA in accordance with FINRA’s filing procedures and is accompanied with any applicable filing fees set forth in FINRA Rules. 11. No Restrictions on Regulatory Action. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall restrict or in any way encumber the right of either party to conduct its own independent or concurrent investigation, examination or enforcement proceeding of or against Dual Members, as either party, in its sole discretion, shall deem appropriate or necessary. 12. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by NSX or FINRA at any time upon the approval of the Commission after one (1) year’s written notice to the other party, except as provided in paragraph 4. 13. Arbitration. In the event of a dispute between the parties as to the operation of this Agreement, NSX and FINRA hereby agree that any such dispute shall be settled by arbitration in Washington, DC in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect, or such other procedures as the parties may mutually agree upon. Judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. Each party acknowledges that the timely and complete performance of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement is critical to the business and operations of the other party. In the event of a dispute between the parties, the parties shall continue to perform their respective obligations under this Agreement in good faith during the resolution of such dispute unless and VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:39 Jan 13, 2016 Jkt 238001 until this Agreement is terminated in accordance with its provisions. Nothing in this Section 13 shall interfere with a party’s right to terminate this Agreement as set forth herein. 14. Separate Agreement. This Agreement is wholly separate from the following agreements: (1) The multiparty agreement for insider trading activities, which is covered by a separate 17d–2 Agreement by and among NSX Exchange, Inc., NSX–Y Exchange, Inc., Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated, Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc., EDGA Exchange Inc., EDGX Exchange Inc., Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc., NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, National Stock Exchange, Inc., New York Stock Exchange, LLC, NYSE Amex LLC, and NYSE Arca Inc. effective December 16, 2011, as may be amended from time to time and (2) the multiparty 17d–2 agreement relating to Regulation NMS rules by and among NSX Exchange, Inc., NSX–Y Exchange, Inc., BOX Options Exchange LLC, Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated, C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated, Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc., EDGA Exchange, Inc., EDGX Exchange, Inc., FINRA, International Securities Exchange, LLC, ISE Gemini, LLC, Miami International Securities Exchange, LLC, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, NASDAQ OMX BOX, Inc., NASDAQ OMX PHLX, Inc., National Stock Exchange, Inc., New York Stock Exchange LLC, NYSE MKT LLC, and NYSE Arca, Inc. effective October 29, 2015 as may be amended from time to time. 15. Notification of Members. NSX and FINRA shall notify Dual Members of this Agreement after the Effective Date by means of a uniform joint notice. 16. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended in writing duly approved by each party. All such amendments must be filed with and approved by the Commission before they become effective. 17. Limitation of Liability. Neither FINRA nor NSX nor any of their respective directors, governors, officers or employees shall be liable to the other party to this Agreement for any liability, loss or damage resulting from or claimed to have resulted from any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions with respect to the provision of Regulatory Responsibilities as provided hereby or for the failure to provide any such responsibility, except with respect to such liability, loss or damages as PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 shall have been suffered by one or the other of FINRA or NSX and caused by the willful misconduct of the other party or their respective directors, governors, officers or employees. No warranties, express or implied, are made by FINRA or NSX with respect to any of the responsibilities to be performed by each of them hereunder. 18. Relief from Responsibility. Pursuant to Sections 17(d)(1)(A) and 19(g) of the Exchange Act and Rule 17d– 2 thereunder, FINRA and NSX join in requesting the Commission, upon its approval of this Agreement or any part thereof, to relieve NSX of any and all responsibilities with respect to matters allocated to FINRA pursuant to this Agreement; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not be effective until the Effective Date. 19. Severability. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction. 20. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and such counterparts together shall constitute one and the same instrument. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each party has executed or caused this Agreement to be executed on its behalf by a duly authorized officer as of the date first written above. FINANCIAL INDUSTRY REGULATORY AUTHORITY, INC. By Name: lllllllllllll Title: NATIONAL STOCK EXCHANGE, INC. By Name: lllllllllllll Title: EXHIBIT 1 National Stock Exchange (‘‘NSX’’) Rules Certification for 17d–2 Agreement With FINRA NSX hereby certifies that the requirements contained in the rules listed below are identical to, or substantially similar to, the comparable FINRA Rule, NASD Rule, Exchange Act provision or SEC rule identified (‘‘Common Rules’’). E:\FR\FM\14JAN1.SGM 14JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 9 / Thursday, January 14, 2016 / Notices NSX Rule: Finra Rule, NASD Rule, Exchange Act Provision or SEC Rule: Rule 3.1 Business Conduct of Members* .............................................. Rule 3.2 Violations Prohibited* .............................................................. Rule 3.3 Use of Fraudulent Devices* .................................................... Rule Rule Rule Rule Rule 3.5(a) Advertising Practices ............................................................. 3.5(c) Advertising Practices ............................................................. 3.5(g) Advertising Practices ............................................................. 3.5(h) Advertising Practices ............................................................. 3.6 Fair Dealing with Customers ................................................... Rule 3.7(a) and .01 Recommendations to Customers ............................ Rule 3.8(a) The Prompt Receipt and Delivery of Securities .................... Rule 3.9 Charges for Services Performed ............................................. Rule 3.10 Use of Information ................................................................. Rule 3.11 Publication of Transactions and Quotations ......................... Rule 3.12 Offers at Stated Prices .......................................................... Rule 3.13 Payment Designed to Influence Market Prices, Other than Paid Advertising. Rule 3.14 Disclosure on Confirmations ................................................. Rule Rule Rule Rule 3.15 Disclosure of Control ............................................................. 3.16 Discretionary Accounts .......................................................... 3.17 Customer’s Securities or Funds ............................................ 3.18 Prohibition Against Guarantees ............................................ Rule 3.19 Rule Rule Rule Rule Rule Rule Rule 3.21 4.1 4.3 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Sharing in Accounts; Extent Permissible .............................. Telephone Solicitation ........................................................... Requirements* ......................................................................... Record of Written Complaints ................................................. Written Procedures* ................................................................ Responsibility of Members ...................................................... Records* .................................................................................. Review of Activities ................................................................. Rule 5.6 Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program ........................ Rule 5.7 Annual Certification of Compliance and Supervisory Processes. Rule 11.1(c) Hours of Trading .................................................................. Rule 11.21(b) Short Sales ........................................................................ Rule 11.22 Locking or Crossing Quotations in NMS Stocks ................. Rule 11.24 Limit Up-Limit Down ............................................................ Rule 12.10 Best Execution .................................................................... Rule 13.2 Failure to Deliver and Failure to Receive 13 .......................... FINRA Rule 2010 Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade.* 1 FINRA Rule 2010 Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade and FINRA Rule 3110 Supervision.* 2 FINRA Rule 2020 Use of Manipulative, Deceptive or Other Fraudulent Device.* FINRA Rule 2210(d)(1)(B) Communications with the Public. FINRA Rule 2210(d)(1) Communications with the Public. FINRA Rule 2210(d)(1)(B) Communications with the Public. FINRA Rule 2210(d)(1)(B) Communications with the Public. FINRA Rule 2020 Use of Manipulative, Deceptive or Other Fraudulent Device and FINRA Rule 2111 Suitability.3 FINRA Rule 2111 Suitability. FINRA Rule 11860 COD Orders. FINRA Rule 2122 Charges for Services Performed. FINRA Rule 2060 Use of Information Obtained in Fiduciary Capacity. FINRA Rule 5210 Publication of Transactions and Quotations. 4 FINRA Rule 5220 Offers at Stated Prices. FINRA Rule 5230 Payments Involving Publications that Influence the Market Price of a Security. 5 FINRA Rule 2232(a) Customer Confirmations and SEC Rule 10b–10 Confirmation of Transactions. FINRA Rule 2262 Disclosure of Control Relationship With Issuer. NASD Rule 2510 Discretionary Accounts. 6 FINRA Rule 2150(a) Customers’ Securities or Funds—Improper Use. FINRA Rule 2150(b) Customers’ Securities or Funds—Prohibition Against Guarantees. FINRA Rule 2150(c)(1) Customers’ Securities or Funds—Sharing in Accounts; Extent Permissible. FINRA Rule 3230 Telemarketing. FINRA Rule 4511 General Requirements.* 7 FINRA Rule 4513 Records of Written. FINRA Rule 3110(b) Supervision—Written Procedures.* 8 FINRA Rule 3110(a) and (b)(7) Supervision.* FINRA Rule 3110(a) Supervision.* FINRA Rule 3110(c) and (d) Supervision—Internal Inspections/Review of Transactions and Correspondence.* 9 FINRA Rule 3310 Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program.10 FINRA Rule 3130 Annual Certification of Compliance and Supervisory Processes.11 FINRA Rule 2265 Extended Hours Trading Risk Disclosure. FINRA Rule 6182 Trade Reporting of Short Sales.11 FINRA Rule 6240 Prohibition from Locking or Crossing Quotation in NMS Stocks. FINRA Rule 6190(a)(1) and (2) Compliance with Regulation NMS Plan to Address Extraordinary Market Volatility. FINRA Rule 5310 Best Execution and Interpositioning.12 Regulation SHO Rule 200 and 203. 1 FINRA shall not have Regulatory Responsibilities regarding .01 of NSX Rule 3.1. shall only have Regulatory Responsibilities regarding the first phrase of the NSX rule regarding prohibitions from violating the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations thereunder; responsibility for the remainder of the rule shall remain with NSX. 3 FINRA shall not have Regulatory Responsibilities regarding .01 of NSX Rule 3.6. 4 FINRA shall not have Regulatory Responsibilities with regard to the requirement to report to NSX. 5 FINRA shall not have Regulatory Responsibilities with regard to the prohibitions set forth under subsection (a) of FINRA Rule 5230 to the extent subsections (b)(2) or (b)(3) of the rule apply. 6 FINRA shall not have Regulatory Responsibilities for the NSX rule to the extent the exception in FINRA Rule 2510(d)(2) applies. 7 FINRA shall not have Regulatory Responsibilities regarding requirements to keep records ‘‘in conformity with . . . Exchange Rules;’’ responsibility for such requirement remains with NSX. 8 FINRA shall not have Regulatory Responsibilities regarding requirements to assure compliance with Exchange Rules; responsibility for such requirement remains with NSX. 9 FINRA shall not have Regulatory Responsibilities regarding the NSX requirement to annually inspect each office of the ETP Holder (other than as required by the FINRA rule to annually inspect each OSJ and any branch office that supervises one or more non-branch locations). 10 FINRA shall not have Regulatory Responsibilities regarding notification to NSX. 11 FINRA shall not have Regulatory Responsibilities regarding certification as to compliance with NSX rules, the requirement that the certification be delivered to NSX, and the requirement that the report is titled in a manner indicating that it is responsive to NSX Rule 5.7. 12 FINRA shall not have Regulatory Responsibilities regarding .01 of NSX Rule 12.10. 13 FINRA shall only have Regulatory Responsibilities regarding Rules 200 and 203 of Regulation SHO. * FINRA shall not have any Regulatory Responsibilities for these rules as they pertain to violations of insider trading activities, which is covered by a separate 17d–2 Agreement by and among NSX Exchange, Inc., NSX–Y Exchange, Inc., Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated, Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc., EDGA Exchange Inc., EDGX Exchange Inc., Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc., NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, National Stock Exchange, Inc., New York Stock Exchange, LLC, NYSE Amex LLC, and NYSE Arca Inc. effective December 16, 2011, as may be amended from time to time. 2 FINRA mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 1975 VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:11 Jan 13, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\14JAN1.SGM 14JAN1 1976 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 9 / Thursday, January 14, 2016 / Notices In addition, the following provisions shall be part of this 17d–2 Agreement: Securities Exchange Act of 1934: Section 15(f) * * * * * III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Plan and Timing for Commission Action Pursuant to Section 17(d)(1) of the Act 14 and Rule 17d–2 thereunder,15 after January 29, 2016, the Commission may, by written notice, declare the plan submitted by NSX and FINRA, File No. 4–694, to be effective if the Commission finds that the plan is necessary or appropriate in the public interest and for the protection of investors, to foster cooperation and coordination among self-regulatory organizations, or to remove impediments to and foster the development of the national market system and a national system for the clearance and settlement of securities transactions and in conformity with the factors set forth in Section 17(d) of the Act. IV. Solicitation of Comments In order to assist the Commission in determining whether to approve the proposed 17d–2 Plan and to relieve NSX of the responsibilities which would be assigned to FINRA, interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing. 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/other.shtml); or • Send an email to rule-comments@ sec.gov. Please include File Number 4– 694 on the subject line. Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, Station Place, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number 4–694. 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/ other.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed plan that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed plan 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, on official business days between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the plan also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal offices of NSX and FINRA. 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 4–694 and should be submitted on or before January 29, 2016. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.16 Robert W. Errett, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2016–00567 Filed 1–13–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–76858; File No. SR–Phlx– 2015–109) Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend Permit Fees January 8, 2016. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on December 30, 2015, NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC (‘‘Phlx’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘SEC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III, below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of the Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange proposes to amend the Exchange’s Pricing Schedule at Section VI, entitled ‘‘Membership Fees.’’ The Exchange also proposes to correct a 16 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(34). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 14 15 U.S.C. 78q(d)(1). 15 17 CFR 240.17d–2. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:39 Jan 13, 2016 1 15 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 reference to The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. within the Pricing Schedule. The Exchange purposes to increase certain permit fees. The Exchange’s permit fees remain competitive with those of other options Exchanges. While the changes proposed herein are effective upon filing, the Exchange has designated the amendments to become operative on January 4, 2016. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s Web site at https://nasdaqomxphlx. cchwallstreet.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 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 proposes to increase permit fees to allocate its costs to various options market participants, specifically floor participants. The Exchange assesses Permit Fees by market participant. Today, the Exchange assesses the same monthly Permit Fees of $2,300 to Floor Brokers,3 Specialists 4 and Market Makers.5 All other market 3 A ‘‘Floor Broker’’ is defined in Phlx Rule 1060 as ‘‘[a]n individual who is registered with the Exchange for the purpose, while on the Options Floor, of accepting and executing options orders received from members and member organizations.’’ 4 A ‘‘Specialist’’ is an Exchange member who is registered as an options specialist. See Phlx Rule 1020(a). 5 A ‘‘Market Maker’’ includes Registered Options Traders (‘‘ROTs’’) (see Rule 1014(b)(i) and (ii)), which includes Streaming Quote Traders (‘‘SQTs’’) (see Rule 1014(b)(ii)(A)) and Remote Streaming Quote Traders (‘‘RSQTs’’) (see Rule 1014(b)(ii)(B)). An RSQT is defined in Exchange Rule in 1014(b)(ii)(B) as an ROT that is a member affiliated with an Remote Streaming Quote Trader Organization or ‘‘RSQTO’’ with no physical trading floor presence who has received permission from the Exchange to generate and submit option quotations electronically in options to which such RSQT has been assigned. A RSQTO, which may also be referred to as a Remote Market Making Organization (‘‘RMO’’), is a member organization in E:\FR\FM\14JAN1.SGM 14JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 9 (Thursday, January 14, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1971-1976]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-00567]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-76856; File No. 4-694]


Program for Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Pursuant to 
Rule 17d-2; Notice of Filing of Proposed Plan for the Allocation of 
Regulatory Responsibilities Between the Financial Industry Regulatory 
Authority, Inc. and the National Stock Exchange, Inc.

January 8, 2016.
    Pursuant to Section 17(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(``Act''),\1\ and Rule 17d-2 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that 
on December 23, 2015, the National Stock Exchange, Inc. (``NSX'') and 
the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (``FINRA'') (together 
with NSX, the ``Parties'') filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission (``Commission'' or ``SEC'') a plan for the allocation of 
regulatory responsibilities, dated December 22, 2015 (``17d-2 Plan'' or 
the ``Plan''). The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit 
comments on the 17d-2 Plan from interested persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78q(d).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.17d-2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. Introduction

    Section 19(g)(1) of the Act,\3\ among other things, requires every 
self-regulatory organization (``SRO'') registered as either a national 
securities exchange or national securities association to examine for, 
and enforce compliance by, its members and persons associated with its 
members with the Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, and the 
SRO's own rules, unless the SRO is relieved of this responsibility 
pursuant to Section 17(d) or Section 19(g)(2) of the Act.\4\ Without 
this relief, the statutory obligation of each individual SRO could 
result in a pattern of multiple examinations of broker-dealers that 
maintain memberships in more than one SRO (``common members'') for 
compliance with certain rules that are substantially identical across 
multiple SROs. Such regulatory duplication would add unnecessary 
expenses for common members and their SROs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(g)(1).
    \4\ 15 U.S.C. 78q(d) and 15 U.S.C. 78s(g)(2), respectively.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Section 17(d)(1) of the Act \5\ was intended, in part, to eliminate 
unnecessary multiple examinations and regulatory duplication.\6\ With 
respect to a common member, Section 17(d)(1) authorizes the Commission, 
by rule or order, to relieve an SRO of the responsibility to receive 
regulatory reports, to examine for and enforce compliance with 
applicable statutes, rules, and regulations, or to perform other 
specified regulatory functions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ 15 U.S.C. 78q(d)(1).
    \6\ See Securities Act Amendments of 1975, Report of the Senate 
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs to Accompany S. 
249, S. Rep. No. 94-75, 94th Cong., 1st Session 32 (1975).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To implement Section 17(d)(1), the Commission adopted two rules: 
Rule 17d-1 and Rule 17d-2 under the Act.\7\ Rule 17d-1 authorizes the 
Commission to name a single SRO as the designated examining authority 
(``DEA'') to examine common members for compliance with the financial 
responsibility requirements imposed by the Act, or by Commission or SRO

[[Page 1972]]

rules.\8\ When an SRO has been named as a common member's DEA, all 
other SROs to which the common member belongs are relieved of the 
responsibility to examine the firm for compliance with the applicable 
financial responsibility rules. On its face, Rule 17d-1 deals only with 
an SRO's obligations to enforce member compliance with financial 
responsibility requirements. Rule 17d-1 does not relieve an SRO from 
its obligation to examine a common member for compliance with its own 
rules and provisions of the federal securities laws governing matters 
other than financial responsibility, including sales practices and 
trading activities and practices.
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    \7\ 17 CFR 240.17d-1 and 17 CFR 240.17d-2, respectively.
    \8\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 12352 (April 20, 
1976), 41 FR 18808 (May 7, 1976).
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    To address regulatory duplication in these and other areas, the 
Commission adopted Rule 17d-2 under the Act.\9\ Rule 17d-2 permits SROs 
to propose joint plans for the allocation of regulatory 
responsibilities with respect to their common members. Under paragraph 
(c) of Rule 17d-2, the Commission may declare such a plan effective if, 
after providing for appropriate notice and comment, it determines that 
the plan is necessary or appropriate in the public interest and for the 
protection of investors; to foster cooperation and coordination among 
the SROs; to remove impediments to, and foster the development of, a 
national market system and a national clearance and settlement system; 
and is in conformity with the factors set forth in Section 17(d) of the 
Act. Commission approval of a plan filed pursuant to Rule 17d-2 
relieves an SRO of those regulatory responsibilities allocated by the 
plan to another SRO.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 12935 (October 28, 
1976), 41 FR 49091 (November 8, 1976).
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II. Proposed Plan

    The proposed 17d-2 Plan is intended to reduce regulatory 
duplication for firms that are common members of both NSX and 
FINRA.\10\ Pursuant to the proposed 17d-2 Plan, FINRA would assume 
certain examination and enforcement responsibilities for common members 
with respect to certain applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
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    \10\ The proposed 17d-2 Plan refers to these common members as 
``Dual Members.'' See Paragraph 1(c) of the proposed 17d-2 Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The text of the Plan delineates the proposed regulatory 
responsibilities with respect to the Parties. Included in the proposed 
Plan is an exhibit (the ``National Stock Exchange (``NSX'') Rules 
Certification for 17d-2 Agreement with FINRA,'' referred to herein as 
the ``Certification'') that lists every NSX rule, and select federal 
securities laws, rules, and regulations, for which FINRA would bear 
responsibility under the Plan for overseeing and enforcing with respect 
to NSX members that are also members of FINRA and the associated 
persons therewith (``Dual Members'').
    Specifically, under the 17d-2 Plan, FINRA would assume examination 
and enforcement responsibility relating to compliance by Dual Members 
with the rules of NSX that are substantially similar to the applicable 
rules of FINRA,\11\ as well as any provisions of the federal securities 
laws and the rules and regulations thereunder delineated in the 
Certification (``Common Rules''). In the event that a Dual Member is 
the subject of an investigation relating to a transaction on NSX, the 
plan acknowledges that NSX may, in its discretion, exercise concurrent 
jurisdiction and responsibility for such matter.\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ See paragraph 1(b) of the proposed 17d-2 Plan (defining 
Common Rules). See also paragraph 1(f) of the proposed 17d-2 Plan 
(defining Regulatory Responsibilities). Paragraph 2 of the Plan 
provides that annually, or more frequently as required by changes in 
either NSX rules or FINRA rules, the parties shall review and 
update, if necessary, the list of Common Rules. Further, paragraph 3 
of the Plan provides that NSX shall furnish FINRA with a list of 
Dual Members, and shall update the list no less frequently than once 
each calendar quarter.
    \12\ See paragraph 6 of the proposed 17d-2 Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under the Plan, NSX would retain full responsibility for 
surveillance and enforcement with respect to trading activities or 
practices involving NSX's own marketplace, including, without 
limitation, registration pursuant to its applicable rules of associated 
persons (i.e., registration rules that are not Common Rules); its 
duties as a DEA pursuant to Rule 17d-1 under the Act; and any NSX rules 
that are not Common Rules.\13\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ See paragraph 2 of the proposed 17d-2 Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The text of the proposed 17d-2 Plan is as follows:

Agreement Between Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. and 
National Stock Exchange, Inc. Pursuant to Rule 17d-2 Under the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

    This Agreement, by and between the Financial Industry Regulatory 
Authority, Inc. (``FINRA'') and the National Stock Exchange, Inc. 
(``NSX''), is made this 22nd day of December, 2015 (the ``Agreement''), 
pursuant to Section 17(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 
amended (the ``Exchange Act'') and Rule 17d-2 thereunder, which permits 
agreements between self-regulatory organizations to allocate regulatory 
responsibility to eliminate regulatory duplication. FINRA and NSX may 
be referred to individually as a ``party'' and together as the 
``parties.''
    This Agreement replaces and restates the agreement entered into 
between the parties on June 20, 1977 as amended, entitled ``Agreement 
Between the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and the 
Cincinnati Stock Exchange Pursuant to SEC Rule 17d-2 Under the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934,'' and any subsequent amendments 
thereafter.
    WHEREAS, FINRA and NSX desire to reduce duplication in the 
examination of their Dual Members (as defined herein) and in the filing 
and processing of certain registration and membership records; and
    WHEREAS, FINRA and NSX desire to execute an agreement covering such 
subjects pursuant to the provisions of Rule 17d-2 under the Exchange 
Act and to file such agreement with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission (the ``SEC'' or ``Commission'') for its approval.
    NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained 
hereinafter, FINRA and NSX hereby agree as follows:
    1. Definitions. Unless otherwise defined in this Agreement or the 
context otherwise requires, the terms used in this Agreement shall have 
the same meaning as they have under the Exchange Act and the rules and 
regulations thereunder. As used in this Agreement, the following terms 
shall have the following meanings:
    (a) ``NSX Rules'' or ``FINRA Rules'' shall mean: (i) The rules of 
NSX or (ii) the rules of FINRA, respectively, as the rules of an 
exchange or association are defined in Exchange Act Section 3(a)(27).
    (b) ``Common Rules'' shall mean NSX Rules that are substantially 
similar to the applicable FINRA Rules and certain provisions of the 
Exchange Act and SEC rules set forth on Exhibit 1 in that examination 
for compliance with such provisions and rules would not require FINRA 
to develop one or more new examination standards, modules, procedures, 
or criteria in order to analyze the application of the provision or 
rule, or a Dual Member's activity, conduct, or output in relation to 
such provision or rule; provided, however Common Rules shall not 
include the application of the SEC, NSX or FINRA rules as they pertain 
to violations of insider trading activities, which is covered by a 
separate 17d-2 Agreement by and among the NSX Exchange, Inc., NSX Y-
Exchange, Inc., Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc., Chicago Stock

[[Page 1973]]

Exchange, Inc., EDGA Exchange, Inc., EDGX Exchange, Inc., Financial 
Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc., NASDAQ OMX 
PHLX LLC, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, National Stock Exchange, Inc., 
New York Stock Exchange LLC, NYSE Amex LLC, NYSE Arca, Inc., and NYSE 
Regulation, Inc., approved by the SEC on December 16, 2011 as the same 
may be amended from time to time.
    (c) ``Dual Members'' shall mean those NSX members that are also 
members of FINRA and the associated persons therewith.
    (d) ``Effective Date'' shall be the date this Agreement is approved 
by the Commission.
    (e) ``Enforcement Responsibilities'' shall mean the conduct of 
appropriate proceedings, in accordance with FINRA's Code of Procedure 
(the Rule 9000 Series) and other applicable FINRA procedural rules, to 
determine whether violations of Common Rules have occurred, and if such 
violations are deemed to have occurred, the imposition of appropriate 
sanctions as specified under FINRA's Code of Procedure and sanctions 
guidelines.
    (f) ``Regulatory Responsibilities'' shall mean the examination 
responsibilities and Enforcement Responsibilities relating to 
compliance by the Dual Members with the Common Rules and the provisions 
of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, and other 
applicable laws, rules and regulations, each as set forth on Exhibit 1 
attached hereto.
    2. Regulatory and Enforcement Responsibilities. FINRA shall assume 
Regulatory Responsibilities and Enforcement Responsibilities for Dual 
Members. Attached as Exhibit 1 to this Agreement and made part hereof, 
NSX furnished FINRA with a current list of Common Rules and certified 
to FINRA that such rules that are NSX Rules are substantially similar 
to the corresponding FINRA Rules (the ``Certification''). FINRA hereby 
agrees that the rules listed in the Certification are Common Rules as 
defined in this Agreement. Each year following the Effective Date of 
this Agreement, or more frequently if required by changes in either the 
rules of NSX or FINRA, NSX shall submit an updated list of Common Rules 
to FINRA for review which shall add NSX Rules not included in the 
current list of Common Rules that qualify as Common Rules as defined in 
this Agreement; delete NSX Rules included in the current list of Common 
Rules that no longer qualify as Common Rules as defined in this 
Agreement; and confirm that the remaining rules on the current list of 
Common Rules continue to be NSX Rules that qualify as Common Rules as 
defined in this Agreement. Within 30 days of receipt of such updated 
list, FINRA shall confirm in writing whether the rules listed in any 
updated list are Common Rules as defined in this Agreement. 
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, it is explicitly 
understood that the term ``Regulatory Responsibilities'' does not 
include, and NSX shall retain full responsibility for (unless otherwise 
addressed by separate agreement or rule) (collectively, the ``Retained 
Responsibilities'') the following:
    (a) Surveillance, examination, investigation and enforcement with 
respect to trading activities or practices involving NSX's own 
marketplace;
    (b) registration pursuant to its applicable rules of associated 
persons (i.e., registration rules that are not Common Rules);
    (c) discharge of its duties and obligations as a Designated 
Examining Authority pursuant to Rule 17d-1 under the Exchange Act; and
    (d) any NSX Rules that are not Common Rules.
    3. Dual Members. Prior to the Effective Date, NSX shall furnish 
FINRA with a current list of Dual Members, which shall be updated no 
less frequently than once each quarter.
    4. No Charge. There shall be no charge to NSX by FINRA for 
performing the Regulatory Responsibilities and Enforcement 
Responsibilities under this Agreement except as hereinafter provided. 
FINRA shall provide NSX with ninety (90) days advance written notice in 
the event FINRA decides to impose any charges to NSX for performing the 
Regulatory Responsibilities under this Agreement. If FINRA determines 
to impose a charge, NSX shall have the right at the time of the 
imposition of such charge to terminate this Agreement; provided, 
however, that FINRA's Regulatory Responsibilities under this Agreement 
shall continue until the Commission approves the termination of this 
Agreement.
    5. Applicability of Certain Laws, Rules, Regulations or Orders. 
Notwithstanding any provision hereof, this Agreement shall be subject 
to any statute, or any rule or order of the Commission. To the extent 
such statute, rule, order or action is inconsistent with this 
Agreement, the statute, rule, order or action shall supersede the 
provision(s) hereof to the extent necessary for them to be properly 
effectuated and the provision(s) hereof in that respect shall be null 
and void.
    6. Notification of Violations.
    (a) In the event that FINRA becomes aware of apparent violations of 
any NSX Rules, which are not listed as Common Rules, discovered 
pursuant to the performance of the Regulatory Responsibilities assumed 
hereunder, FINRA shall notify NSX of those apparent violations for such 
response as NSX deems appropriate.
    (b) In the event that NSX becomes aware of apparent violations of 
any Common Rules, discovered pursuant to the performance of the 
Retained Responsibilities, NSX shall notify FINRA of those apparent 
violations and such matters shall be handled by FINRA as provided in 
this Agreement.
    (c) Apparent violations of Common Rules shall be processed by, and 
enforcement proceedings in respect thereto shall be conducted by FINRA 
as provided hereinbefore; provided, however, that in the event a Dual 
Member is the subject of an investigation relating to a transaction on 
NSX, NSX may in its discretion assume concurrent jurisdiction and 
responsibility.
    (d) Each party agrees to make available promptly all files, records 
and witnesses necessary to assist the other in its investigation or 
proceedings.
    7. Continued Assistance.
    (a) FINRA shall make available to NSX all information obtained by 
FINRA in the performance by it of the Regulatory Responsibilities 
hereunder with respect to the Dual Members subject to this Agreement. 
In particular, and not in limitation of the foregoing, FINRA shall 
furnish NSX any information it obtains about Dual Members which 
reflects adversely on their financial condition. NSX shall make 
available to FINRA any information coming to its attention that 
reflects adversely on the financial condition of Dual Members or 
indicates possible violations of applicable laws, rules or regulations 
by such firms.
    (b) The parties agree that documents or information shared shall be 
held in confidence, and used only for the purposes of carrying out 
their respective regulatory obligations. Neither party shall assert 
regulatory or other privileges as against the other with respect to 
documents or information that is required to be shared pursuant to this 
Agreement.
    (c) The sharing of documents or information between the parties 
pursuant to this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver as against 
third parties of regulatory or other privileges relating to the 
discovery of documents or information.
    8. Statutory Disqualifications. When FINRA becomes aware of a 
statutory

[[Page 1974]]

disqualification as defined in the Exchange Act with respect to a Dual 
Member, FINRA shall determine pursuant to Sections 15A(g) and/or 
Section 6(c) of the Exchange Act the acceptability or continued 
applicability of the person to whom such disqualification applies and 
keep NSX advised of its actions in this regard for such subsequent 
proceedings as NSX may initiate.
    9. Customer Complaints. NSX shall forward to FINRA copies of all 
customer complaints involving Dual Members received by NSX relating to 
FINRA's Regulatory Responsibilities under this Agreement. It shall be 
FINRA's responsibility to review and take appropriate action in respect 
to such complaints.
    10. Advertising. FINRA shall assume responsibility to review the 
advertising of Dual Members subject to the Agreement, provided that 
such material is filed with FINRA in accordance with FINRA's filing 
procedures and is accompanied with any applicable filing fees set forth 
in FINRA Rules.
    11. No Restrictions on Regulatory Action. Nothing contained in this 
Agreement shall restrict or in any way encumber the right of either 
party to conduct its own independent or concurrent investigation, 
examination or enforcement proceeding of or against Dual Members, as 
either party, in its sole discretion, shall deem appropriate or 
necessary.
    12. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by NSX or FINRA 
at any time upon the approval of the Commission after one (1) year's 
written notice to the other party, except as provided in paragraph 4.
    13. Arbitration. In the event of a dispute between the parties as 
to the operation of this Agreement, NSX and FINRA hereby agree that any 
such dispute shall be settled by arbitration in Washington, DC in 
accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then 
in effect, or such other procedures as the parties may mutually agree 
upon. Judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be 
entered in any court having jurisdiction. Each party acknowledges that 
the timely and complete performance of its obligations pursuant to this 
Agreement is critical to the business and operations of the other 
party. In the event of a dispute between the parties, the parties shall 
continue to perform their respective obligations under this Agreement 
in good faith during the resolution of such dispute unless and until 
this Agreement is terminated in accordance with its provisions. Nothing 
in this Section 13 shall interfere with a party's right to terminate 
this Agreement as set forth herein.
    14. Separate Agreement. This Agreement is wholly separate from the 
following agreements: (1) The multiparty agreement for insider trading 
activities, which is covered by a separate 17d-2 Agreement by and among 
NSX Exchange, Inc., NSX-Y Exchange, Inc., Chicago Board Options 
Exchange, Incorporated, Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc., EDGA Exchange 
Inc., EDGX Exchange Inc., Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, 
Inc., NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc., NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC, The NASDAQ Stock Market 
LLC, National Stock Exchange, Inc., New York Stock Exchange, LLC, NYSE 
Amex LLC, and NYSE Arca Inc. effective December 16, 2011, as may be 
amended from time to time and (2) the multiparty 17d-2 agreement 
relating to Regulation NMS rules by and among NSX Exchange, Inc., NSX-Y 
Exchange, Inc., BOX Options Exchange LLC, Chicago Board Options 
Exchange, Incorporated, C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated, Chicago 
Stock Exchange, Inc., EDGA Exchange, Inc., EDGX Exchange, Inc., FINRA, 
International Securities Exchange, LLC, ISE Gemini, LLC, Miami 
International Securities Exchange, LLC, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, 
NASDAQ OMX BOX, Inc., NASDAQ OMX PHLX, Inc., National Stock Exchange, 
Inc., New York Stock Exchange LLC, NYSE MKT LLC, and NYSE Arca, Inc. 
effective October 29, 2015 as may be amended from time to time.
    15. Notification of Members. NSX and FINRA shall notify Dual 
Members of this Agreement after the Effective Date by means of a 
uniform joint notice.
    16. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended in writing duly 
approved by each party. All such amendments must be filed with and 
approved by the Commission before they become effective.
    17. Limitation of Liability. Neither FINRA nor NSX nor any of their 
respective directors, governors, officers or employees shall be liable 
to the other party to this Agreement for any liability, loss or damage 
resulting from or claimed to have resulted from any delays, 
inaccuracies, errors or omissions with respect to the provision of 
Regulatory Responsibilities as provided hereby or for the failure to 
provide any such responsibility, except with respect to such liability, 
loss or damages as shall have been suffered by one or the other of 
FINRA or NSX and caused by the willful misconduct of the other party or 
their respective directors, governors, officers or employees. No 
warranties, express or implied, are made by FINRA or NSX with respect 
to any of the responsibilities to be performed by each of them 
hereunder.
    18. Relief from Responsibility. Pursuant to Sections 17(d)(1)(A) 
and 19(g) of the Exchange Act and Rule 17d-2 thereunder, FINRA and NSX 
join in requesting the Commission, upon its approval of this Agreement 
or any part thereof, to relieve NSX of any and all responsibilities 
with respect to matters allocated to FINRA pursuant to this Agreement; 
provided, however, that this Agreement shall not be effective until the 
Effective Date.
    19. Severability. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is 
invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such 
jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or 
unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the 
remaining terms and provisions of this Agreement or affecting the 
validity or enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of this 
Agreement in any other jurisdiction.
    20. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more 
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and such 
counterparts together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each party has executed or caused this 
Agreement to be executed on its behalf by a duly authorized officer as 
of the date first written above.

FINANCIAL INDUSTRY REGULATORY AUTHORITY, INC.
By Name:---------------------------------------------------------------
Title:

NATIONAL STOCK EXCHANGE, INC.
By Name:---------------------------------------------------------------
Title:

EXHIBIT 1

National Stock Exchange (``NSX'') Rules Certification for 17d-2 
Agreement With FINRA

    NSX hereby certifies that the requirements contained in the rules 
listed below are identical to, or substantially similar to, the 
comparable FINRA Rule, NASD Rule, Exchange Act provision or SEC rule 
identified (``Common Rules'').

[[Page 1975]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Finra Rule, NASD Rule, Exchange
               NSX Rule:                    Act Provision or SEC Rule:
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rule 3.1 Business Conduct of Members*..  FINRA Rule 2010 Standards of
                                          Commercial Honor and
                                          Principles of Trade.* \1\
Rule 3.2 Violations Prohibited*........  FINRA Rule 2010 Standards of
                                          Commercial Honor and
                                          Principles of Trade and FINRA
                                          Rule 3110 Supervision.* \2\
Rule 3.3 Use of Fraudulent Devices*....  FINRA Rule 2020 Use of
                                          Manipulative, Deceptive or
                                          Other Fraudulent Device.*
Rule 3.5(a) Advertising Practices......  FINRA Rule 2210(d)(1)(B)
                                          Communications with the
                                          Public.
Rule 3.5(c) Advertising Practices......  FINRA Rule 2210(d)(1)
                                          Communications with the
                                          Public.
Rule 3.5(g) Advertising Practices......  FINRA Rule 2210(d)(1)(B)
                                          Communications with the
                                          Public.
Rule 3.5(h) Advertising Practices......  FINRA Rule 2210(d)(1)(B)
                                          Communications with the
                                          Public.
Rule 3.6 Fair Dealing with Customers...  FINRA Rule 2020 Use of
                                          Manipulative, Deceptive or
                                          Other Fraudulent Device and
                                          FINRA Rule 2111
                                          Suitability.\3\
Rule 3.7(a) and .01 Recommendations to   FINRA Rule 2111 Suitability.
 Customers.
Rule 3.8(a) The Prompt Receipt and       FINRA Rule 11860 COD Orders.
 Delivery of Securities.
Rule 3.9 Charges for Services Performed  FINRA Rule 2122 Charges for
                                          Services Performed.
Rule 3.10 Use of Information...........  FINRA Rule 2060 Use of
                                          Information Obtained in
                                          Fiduciary Capacity.
Rule 3.11 Publication of Transactions    FINRA Rule 5210 Publication of
 and Quotations.                          Transactions and Quotations.
                                          \4\
Rule 3.12 Offers at Stated Prices......  FINRA Rule 5220 Offers at
                                          Stated Prices.
Rule 3.13 Payment Designed to Influence  FINRA Rule 5230 Payments
 Market Prices, Other than Paid           Involving Publications that
 Advertising.                             Influence the Market Price of
                                          a Security. \5\
Rule 3.14 Disclosure on Confirmations..  FINRA Rule 2232(a) Customer
                                          Confirmations and SEC Rule 10b-
                                          10 Confirmation of
                                          Transactions.
Rule 3.15 Disclosure of Control........  FINRA Rule 2262 Disclosure of
                                          Control Relationship With
                                          Issuer.
Rule 3.16 Discretionary Accounts.......  NASD Rule 2510 Discretionary
                                          Accounts. \6\
Rule 3.17 Customer's Securities or       FINRA Rule 2150(a) Customers'
 Funds.                                   Securities or Funds--Improper
                                          Use.
Rule 3.18 Prohibition Against            FINRA Rule 2150(b) Customers'
 Guarantees.                              Securities or Funds--
                                          Prohibition Against
                                          Guarantees.
Rule 3.19 Sharing in Accounts; Extent    FINRA Rule 2150(c)(1)
 Permissible.                             Customers' Securities or
                                          Funds--Sharing in Accounts;
                                          Extent Permissible.
Rule 3.21 Telephone Solicitation.......  FINRA Rule 3230 Telemarketing.
Rule 4.1 Requirements*.................  FINRA Rule 4511 General
                                          Requirements.* \7\
Rule 4.3 Record of Written Complaints..  FINRA Rule 4513 Records of
                                          Written.
Rule 5.1 Written Procedures*...........  FINRA Rule 3110(b) Supervision--
                                          Written Procedures.* \8\
Rule 5.2 Responsibility of Members.....  FINRA Rule 3110(a) and (b)(7)
                                          Supervision.*
Rule 5.3 Records*......................  FINRA Rule 3110(a)
                                          Supervision.*
Rule 5.4 Review of Activities..........  FINRA Rule 3110(c) and (d)
                                          Supervision--Internal
                                          Inspections/Review of
                                          Transactions and
                                          Correspondence.* \9\
Rule 5.6 Anti-Money Laundering           FINRA Rule 3310 Anti-Money
 Compliance Program.                      Laundering Compliance
                                          Program.\10\
Rule 5.7 Annual Certification of         FINRA Rule 3130 Annual
 Compliance and Supervisory Processes.    Certification of Compliance
                                          and Supervisory Processes.\11\
Rule 11.1(c) Hours of Trading..........  FINRA Rule 2265 Extended Hours
                                          Trading Risk Disclosure.
Rule 11.21(b) Short Sales..............  FINRA Rule 6182 Trade Reporting
                                          of Short Sales.\11\
Rule 11.22 Locking or Crossing           FINRA Rule 6240 Prohibition
 Quotations in NMS Stocks.                from Locking or Crossing
                                          Quotation in NMS Stocks.
Rule 11.24 Limit Up-Limit Down.........  FINRA Rule 6190(a)(1) and (2)
                                          Compliance with Regulation NMS
                                          Plan to Address Extraordinary
                                          Market Volatility.
Rule 12.10 Best Execution..............  FINRA Rule 5310 Best Execution
                                          and Interpositioning.\12\
Rule 13.2 Failure to Deliver and         Regulation SHO Rule 200 and
 Failure to Receive \13\.                 203.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ FINRA shall not have Regulatory Responsibilities regarding .01 of
  NSX Rule 3.1.
\2\ FINRA shall only have Regulatory Responsibilities regarding the
  first phrase of the NSX rule regarding prohibitions from violating the
  Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations
  thereunder; responsibility for the remainder of the rule shall remain
  with NSX.
\3\ FINRA shall not have Regulatory Responsibilities regarding .01 of
  NSX Rule 3.6.
\4\ FINRA shall not have Regulatory Responsibilities with regard to the
  requirement to report to NSX.
\5\ FINRA shall not have Regulatory Responsibilities with regard to the
  prohibitions set forth under subsection (a) of FINRA Rule 5230 to the
  extent subsections (b)(2) or (b)(3) of the rule apply.
\6\ FINRA shall not have Regulatory Responsibilities for the NSX rule to
  the extent the exception in FINRA Rule 2510(d)(2) applies.
\7\ FINRA shall not have Regulatory Responsibilities regarding
  requirements to keep records ``in conformity with . . . Exchange
  Rules;'' responsibility for such requirement remains with NSX.
\8\ FINRA shall not have Regulatory Responsibilities regarding
  requirements to assure compliance with Exchange Rules; responsibility
  for such requirement remains with NSX.
\9\ FINRA shall not have Regulatory Responsibilities regarding the NSX
  requirement to annually inspect each office of the ETP Holder (other
  than as required by the FINRA rule to annually inspect each OSJ and
  any branch office that supervises one or more non-branch locations).
\10\ FINRA shall not have Regulatory Responsibilities regarding
  notification to NSX.
\11\ FINRA shall not have Regulatory Responsibilities regarding
  certification as to compliance with NSX rules, the requirement that
  the certification be delivered to NSX, and the requirement that the
  report is titled in a manner indicating that it is responsive to NSX
  Rule 5.7.
\12\ FINRA shall not have Regulatory Responsibilities regarding .01 of
  NSX Rule 12.10.
\13\ FINRA shall only have Regulatory Responsibilities regarding Rules
  200 and 203 of Regulation SHO.
* FINRA shall not have any Regulatory Responsibilities for these rules
  as they pertain to violations of insider trading activities, which is
  covered by a separate 17d-2 Agreement by and among NSX Exchange, Inc.,
  NSX-Y Exchange, Inc., Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated,
  Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc., EDGA Exchange Inc., EDGX Exchange Inc.,
  Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc.,
  NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, National Stock
  Exchange, Inc., New York Stock Exchange, LLC, NYSE Amex LLC, and NYSE
  Arca Inc. effective December 16, 2011, as may be amended from time to
  time.


[[Page 1976]]

    In addition, the following provisions shall be part of this 17d-2 
Agreement:
    Securities Exchange Act of 1934:
    Section 15(f)
* * * * *

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

    Pursuant to Section 17(d)(1) of the Act \14\ and Rule 17d-2 
thereunder,\15\ after January 29, 2016, the Commission may, by written 
notice, declare the plan submitted by NSX and FINRA, File No. 4-694, to 
be effective if the Commission finds that the plan is necessary or 
appropriate in the public interest and for the protection of investors, 
to foster cooperation and coordination among self-regulatory 
organizations, or to remove impediments to and foster the development 
of the national market system and a national system for the clearance 
and settlement of securities transactions and in conformity with the 
factors set forth in Section 17(d) of the Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ 15 U.S.C. 78q(d)(1).
    \15\ 17 CFR 240.17d-2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

IV. Solicitation of Comments

    In order to assist the Commission in determining whether to approve 
the proposed 17d-2 Plan and to relieve NSX of the responsibilities 
which would be assigned to FINRA, interested persons are invited to 
submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing. 
Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods:

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/rules/other.shtml); or
     Send an email to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include 
File Number 4-694 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

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

All submissions should refer to File Number 4-694. 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/other.shtml). 
Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written 
statements with respect to the proposed plan that are filed with the 
Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed 
plan 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, on official business days between 
the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the plan also will be 
available for inspection and copying at the principal offices of NSX 
and FINRA. 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 4-694 
and should be submitted on or before January 29, 2016.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\16\
Robert W. Errett,
Deputy Secretary.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(34).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 2016-00567 Filed 1-13-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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