Self-Regulatory Organizations; BATS Y-Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change to Rule 11.24, Retail Price Improvement Program, To Extend the Pilot Period, 4682-4684 [2016-01664]

Download as PDF 4682 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 17 / Wednesday, January 27, 2016 / Notices 7. The estimated number of annual responses: 213. 8. The estimated number of annual respondents: 36. 9. An estimate of the total number of hours needed annually to comply with the information collection requirement or request: 1,380. 10. Abstract: States and Tribes are involved and interested in monitoring the safety status of nuclear power plants and radioactive materials. This involvement is, in part, in response to the States’ and Tribes’ public health and safety responsibilities and, in part, in response to their citizens’ desire to become more knowledgeable about the safety of nuclear power plants and radioactive materials. States have identified NRC inspections as one possible source of knowledge for their personnel regarding plant and materials licensee activities, and the NRC, through the policy statement on Cooperation with States, has been amenable to accommodating the States’ needs in this regard. Additionally, the NRC has been able to accommodate Tribal interests in the same way. The NRC has also entered into reimbursable Agreements with certain States under Section 274i of the Act, as amended, to employ their resources to conduct radioactive materials security inspections against NRC Orders. Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 20th day of January 2016. For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Kristen Benney, Acting NRC Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. 2016–01617 Filed 1–26–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–76965; File No. SR–BYX– 2016–01] Self-Regulatory Organizations; BATS Y-Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change to Rule 11.24, Retail Price Improvement Program, To Extend the Pilot Period asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES January 22, 2016. 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 January 12, 2016, BATS Y-Exchange, Inc. (the ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘BYX’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 1 15 2 17 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:41 Jan 26, 2016 Jkt 238001 (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of the Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange filed a proposal to extend the pilot period for the Exchange’s Retail Price Improvement (‘‘RPI’’) Program (the ‘‘Program’’), which is currently set to expire on January 31, 2016, for 6 months, to expire on July 31, 2016. 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 In November 2012, the Commission approved the RPI Program on a pilot basis.3 The Program is designed to attract retail order flow to the Exchange, and allows such order flow to receive potential price improvement. The Program is currently limited to trades occurring at prices equal to or greater than $1.00 per share. Under the Program, all Exchange Users 4 are permitted to provide potential price improvement for Retail Orders 5 in the 3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 68303 (November 27, 2012), 77 FR 71652 (December 3, 2012) (‘‘RPI Approval Order’’) (SR–BYX–2012–019). 4 A ‘‘User’’ is defined in BYX Rule 1.5(cc) as any member or sponsored participant of the Exchange who is authorized to obtain access to the System. 5 A ‘‘Retail Order’’ is defined in Rule 11.24(a)(2) as an agency order that originates from a natural person and is submitted to the Exchange by a RMO, provided that no change is made to the terms of the PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 form of non-displayed interest that is better than the national best bid that is a Protected Quotation (‘‘Protected NBB’’) or the national best offer that is a Protected Quotation (‘‘Protected NBO’’, and together with the Protected NBB, the ‘‘Protected NBBO’’).6 The Program was approved by the Commission on a pilot basis running one-year from the date of implementation.7 The Commission approved the Program on November 27, 2012.8 The Exchange implemented the Program on January 11, 2013, and has extended the pilot period two times.9 The pilot period for the Program is scheduled to end on January 31, 2016. Proposal to Extend the Operation of the Program The Exchange established the RPI Program in an attempt to attract retail order flow to the Exchange by potentially providing price improvement to such order flow. The Exchange believes that the Program promotes competition for retail order flow by allowing Exchange members to submit Retail Price Improvement Orders (‘‘RPI Orders’’) 10 to interact with Retail Orders. Such competition has the ability to promote efficiency by facilitating the price discovery process and generating order with respect to price or side of market and the order does not originate from a trading algorithm or any computerized methodology. See Rule 11.24(a)(2). 6 The term Protected Quotation is defined in BYX Rule 1.5(t) and has the same meaning as is set forth in Regulation NMS Rule 600(b)(58). The terms Protected NBB and Protected NBO are defined in BYX Rule 1.5(s). The Protected NBB is the bestpriced protected bid and the Protected NBO is the best-priced protected offer. Generally, the Protected NBB and Protected NBO and the national best bid (‘‘NBB’’) and national best offer (‘‘NBO’’, together with the NBB, the ‘‘NBBO’’) will be the same. However, a market center is not required to route to the NBB or NBO if that market center is subject to an exception under Regulation NMS Rule 611(b)(1) or if such NBB or NBO is otherwise not available for an automatic execution. In such case, the Protected NBB or Protected NBO would be the best-priced protected bid or offer to which a market center must route interest pursuant to Regulation NMS Rule 611. 7 See RPI Approval Order, supra note 3 at 71652. 8 Id. 9 See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 71249 (January 7, 2014), 79 FR 2229 (January 13, 2014) (SR–BYX–2014–001) (Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change to Extend the Pilot Period for the Retail Price Improvement Program); 74111 (January 22, 2015), 80 FR 4598 (January 28, 2015) (SR–BYX–2015–05) (Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change to Extend the Pilot Period for BATS Y-Exchange, Inc.’s Retail Price Improvement (‘‘RPI’’) Program for 12 Months, To Expire on January 31, 2016). 10 A ‘‘Retail Price Improvement Order’’ is defined in Rule 11.24(a)(3) as an order that consists of nondisplayed interest on the Exchange that is priced better than the Protected NBB or Protected NBO by at least $0.001 and that is identified as such. See Rule 11.24(a)(3). E:\FR\FM\27JAN1.SGM 27JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 17 / Wednesday, January 27, 2016 / Notices additional investor interest in trading securities, thereby promoting capital formation. The Exchange believes that extending the pilot is appropriate because it will allow the Exchange and the Commission additional time to gather and analyze data regarding the Program that the Exchange has committed to provide.11 As such, the Exchange believes that it is appropriate to extend the current operation of the Program.12 Through this filing, the Exchange seeks to extend the current pilot period of the Program until July 31, 2016. 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that its proposal is consistent with the requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder that are applicable to a national securities exchange, and, in particular, with the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act.13 In particular, the Exchange believes the proposed change furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,14 in that it is designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in facilitating transactions in securities, and to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system. The Exchange believes that extending the pilot period for the RPI Program is consistent with these principles because the Program is reasonably designed to attract retail order flow to the exchange environment, while helping to ensure that retail investors benefit from the better price that liquidity providers are willing to give their orders. Additionally, as previously stated, the competition promoted by the Program may facilitate the price discovery process and potentially generate additional investor interest in trading securities. The extension of the pilot period will allow the Commission and the Exchange to continue to monitor the Program for its potential effects on public price discovery, and on the broader market structure. asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 11 See RPI Approval Order, supra note 3 at 71655. with this filing, the Exchange has submitted a request for an extension of the exemption under Regulation NMS Rule 612 previously granted by the Commission that permits it to accept and rank the RPI orders in sub-penny increments. See Letter from Anders Franzon, SVP, Associate General Counsel, BATS Y-Exchange, Inc. to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission dated January 12, 2016. 13 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). 14 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). 12 Concurrently VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:41 Jan 26, 2016 Jkt 238001 B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The proposed rule change extends an established pilot program for 6 months, thus allowing the RPI Program to enhance competition for retail order flow and contribute to the public price discovery process. 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 Exchange has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 15 and Rule 19b– 4(f)(6) 16 thereunder. Because the foregoing proposed rule does not: (i) Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative for 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate if consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest, provided that the selfregulatory organization has given the Commission written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change at least five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule change or such shorter time as designated by the Commission,17 the proposed rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 18 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.19 Under Rule 19b–4(f)(6) of the Act,20 a proposal does not become operative for 30 days after the date of its filing, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate if consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has requested that the Commission waive the 30-day operative delay period after which a proposed rule change under Rule 19b– 15 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 17 The Exchange has fulfilled this requirement. 18 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). 19 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 20 Id. 16 17 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 4683 4(f)(6) becomes operative so that the proposal may become operative immediately upon filing. The Commission believes that waiver of the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest because such waiver would allow the pilot program to continue uninterrupted. Accordingly, the Commission hereby grants the Exchange’s request and designates the proposal operative upon filing.21 At any time within 60 days of the filing of such proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule change should be approved or disapproved. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an email to rule-comments@ sec.gov. Please include File Number SR– BYX–2016–01 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–BYX–2016–01. 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 21 For purposes only of waiving the operative delay, the Commission has considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). E:\FR\FM\27JAN1.SGM 27JAN1 4684 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 17 / Wednesday, January 27, 2016 / Notices communications relating to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site viewing and printing in the Commission’s Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549 on official business days between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of such filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–BYX– 2016–01, and should be submitted on or before February 17, 2016. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.22 Brent J. Fields, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2016–01664 Filed 1–26–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–76956; File No. SR– NASDAQ–2016–005] Self-Regulatory Organizations; The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change To Adopt a Limit Order Protection and a Market Order Protection January 21, 2016. asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 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 January 12, 2016, The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (‘‘Nasdaq’’ or the ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange proposes to amend Nasdaq’s Rule 4757, entitled ‘‘Book 22 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 1 15 VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:41 Jan 26, 2016 Jkt 238001 Processing’’ to adopt a Limit Order Protection or ‘‘LOP’’ and a Market Order Protection for members accessing the Nasdaq Market Center. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s Web site at https://nasdaq.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 adopt two new mechanisms to protect against erroneous orders which are entered into the Nasdaq Market Center. Specifically, these features address risks to market participants of human error in entering Orders at unintended prices. LOP and the Market Order Protection would prevent certain Orders from executing or being placed on the Order Book at prices outside pre-set standard limits. The System would not accept such Orders, rather than executing them automatically. The proposed LOP and Market Order Protection features are similar to risk features which exist today on the NASDAQ Options Market LLC (‘‘NOM’’) 3 and are available for Options Participants. Background Today, the National Market System Plan to Address Extraordinary Market Volatility (the ‘‘Plan’’) 4 provides a limit up-limit down (‘‘LULD’’) mechanism designed to prevent trades in NMS securities from occurring outside of specified price bands. The bands are set 3 See NOM Rules at Chapter VI, Section 6(c) and Section 18. 4 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 67091 (May 31, 2012), 77 FR 33498 (June 6, 2012) (File No. 4–631) (Order Approving, on a Pilot Basis, the National Market System Plan To Address Extraordinary Market Volatility). See also Rule 608 of Regulation NMS under the Act. PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 at a percentage level above and below the average transaction price of the security over the immediately preceding five-minute period, and are calculated on a continuous basis during regular trading hours.5 Rule 4120, entitled ‘‘Limit Up-Limit Down Plan and Trading Halts,’’ describes this process for the Nasdaq Market Center. The Exchange proposes to adopt two new features, LOP for Limit Orders and Market Order Protection for Market Orders, which would cancel these Orders back to the member when the order exceeds certain defined logic. These two new features would be in addition to the LULD protections, which exist today.6 Each mechanism is explained further below. LOP The Exchange proposes to adopt a new LOP feature on the Nasdaq Market Center to prevent certain Limit Orders at prices outside of pre-set standard limits (‘‘LOP Limit Table’’) from being accepted by the System. LOP shall apply to all Quotes and Orders,7 including any modified Orders.8 LOP would not apply to Market Orders. LOP would be operational each trading day, except during opening and closing crosses, initial public offerings and trading halts.9 Since Nasdaq Rules provided controls for the opening, closing and initial public offering processes within the Rulebook, the proposed protections are rendered ineffective for those processes.10 5 If the National Best Offer (‘‘NBO’’) equals the lower price band without crossing the NBBO, or National Best Bid (‘‘NBB’’) equals the upper price band without crossing the NBBO, then the stock will enter a limit state quotation period of 15 seconds during which no new reference prices or price bands will be calculated. A stock will exit the limit state when the entire size of all quotations are executed or cancelled. If the limit state exists and trading continues to occur at the price band, or no trading occurs within the price band, for more than 15 seconds, then a five minute trading pause will be enacted. 6 While LULD bands are in place from 9:30 to 4:00 p.m. E.T. each trading day, these new protections will be in place for each trading session. 7 An Intermarket Sweep or ISO Order, which is an Order that is immediately executable within the Nasdaq Market Center against Orders against which they are marketable, is subject to LOP. See NASDAQ Rule 4702. 8 If an Order is modified, LOP will review the order anew and, if LOP is triggered, such modification will not take effect and the original order will not be accepted. 9 LOP has the ability to suspend by symbol or system wide. The Exchange would notify market participants of any suspension that may be in place via an alert. 10 The Nasdaq Rulebook provides specific rules for certain auction mechanisms, such as the opening, closing and initial public offering process. The mechanisms contain their own protections with respect to the entry of Orders within those mechanisms. The addition of the proposed E:\FR\FM\27JAN1.SGM 27JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 17 (Wednesday, January 27, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4682-4684]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-01664]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-76965; File No. SR-BYX-2016-01]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; BATS Y-Exchange, Inc.; Notice of 
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change to Rule 
11.24, Retail Price Improvement Program, To Extend the Pilot Period

January 22, 2016.
    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 January 12, 2016, BATS Y-Exchange, Inc. (the ``Exchange'' or 
``BYX'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I and 
II below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The 
Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the 
proposed rule change from interested persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of the 
Substance of the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange filed a proposal to extend the pilot period for the 
Exchange's Retail Price Improvement (``RPI'') Program (the 
``Program''), which is currently set to expire on January 31, 2016, for 
6 months, to expire on July 31, 2016.
    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
    In November 2012, the Commission approved the RPI Program on a 
pilot basis.\3\ The Program is designed to attract retail order flow to 
the Exchange, and allows such order flow to receive potential price 
improvement. The Program is currently limited to trades occurring at 
prices equal to or greater than $1.00 per share. Under the Program, all 
Exchange Users \4\ are permitted to provide potential price improvement 
for Retail Orders \5\ in the form of non-displayed interest that is 
better than the national best bid that is a Protected Quotation 
(``Protected NBB'') or the national best offer that is a Protected 
Quotation (``Protected NBO'', and together with the Protected NBB, the 
``Protected NBBO'').\6\
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    \3\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 68303 (November 27, 
2012), 77 FR 71652 (December 3, 2012) (``RPI Approval Order'') (SR-
BYX-2012-019).
    \4\ A ``User'' is defined in BYX Rule 1.5(cc) as any member or 
sponsored participant of the Exchange who is authorized to obtain 
access to the System.
    \5\ A ``Retail Order'' is defined in Rule 11.24(a)(2) as an 
agency order that originates from a natural person and is submitted 
to the Exchange by a RMO, provided that no change is made to the 
terms of the order with respect to price or side of market and the 
order does not originate from a trading algorithm or any 
computerized methodology. See Rule 11.24(a)(2).
    \6\ The term Protected Quotation is defined in BYX Rule 1.5(t) 
and has the same meaning as is set forth in Regulation NMS Rule 
600(b)(58). The terms Protected NBB and Protected NBO are defined in 
BYX Rule 1.5(s). The Protected NBB is the best-priced protected bid 
and the Protected NBO is the best-priced protected offer. Generally, 
the Protected NBB and Protected NBO and the national best bid 
(``NBB'') and national best offer (``NBO'', together with the NBB, 
the ``NBBO'') will be the same. However, a market center is not 
required to route to the NBB or NBO if that market center is subject 
to an exception under Regulation NMS Rule 611(b)(1) or if such NBB 
or NBO is otherwise not available for an automatic execution. In 
such case, the Protected NBB or Protected NBO would be the best-
priced protected bid or offer to which a market center must route 
interest pursuant to Regulation NMS Rule 611.
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    The Program was approved by the Commission on a pilot basis running 
one-year from the date of implementation.\7\ The Commission approved 
the Program on November 27, 2012.\8\ The Exchange implemented the 
Program on January 11, 2013, and has extended the pilot period two 
times.\9\ The pilot period for the Program is scheduled to end on 
January 31, 2016.
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    \7\ See RPI Approval Order, supra note 3 at 71652.
    \8\ Id.
    \9\ See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 71249 (January 7, 
2014), 79 FR 2229 (January 13, 2014) (SR-BYX-2014-001) (Notice of 
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change to 
Extend the Pilot Period for the Retail Price Improvement Program); 
74111 (January 22, 2015), 80 FR 4598 (January 28, 2015) (SR-BYX-
2015-05) (Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed 
Rule Change to Extend the Pilot Period for BATS Y-Exchange, Inc.'s 
Retail Price Improvement (``RPI'') Program for 12 Months, To Expire 
on January 31, 2016).
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Proposal to Extend the Operation of the Program
    The Exchange established the RPI Program in an attempt to attract 
retail order flow to the Exchange by potentially providing price 
improvement to such order flow. The Exchange believes that the Program 
promotes competition for retail order flow by allowing Exchange members 
to submit Retail Price Improvement Orders (``RPI Orders'') \10\ to 
interact with Retail Orders. Such competition has the ability to 
promote efficiency by facilitating the price discovery process and 
generating

[[Page 4683]]

additional investor interest in trading securities, thereby promoting 
capital formation. The Exchange believes that extending the pilot is 
appropriate because it will allow the Exchange and the Commission 
additional time to gather and analyze data regarding the Program that 
the Exchange has committed to provide.\11\ As such, the Exchange 
believes that it is appropriate to extend the current operation of the 
Program.\12\ Through this filing, the Exchange seeks to extend the 
current pilot period of the Program until July 31, 2016.
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    \10\ A ``Retail Price Improvement Order'' is defined in Rule 
11.24(a)(3) as an order that consists of non-displayed interest on 
the Exchange that is priced better than the Protected NBB or 
Protected NBO by at least $0.001 and that is identified as such. See 
Rule 11.24(a)(3).
    \11\ See RPI Approval Order, supra note 3 at 71655.
    \12\ Concurrently with this filing, the Exchange has submitted a 
request for an extension of the exemption under Regulation NMS Rule 
612 previously granted by the Commission that permits it to accept 
and rank the RPI orders in sub-penny increments. See Letter from 
Anders Franzon, SVP, Associate General Counsel, BATS Y-Exchange, 
Inc. to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Securities and Exchange 
Commission dated January 12, 2016.
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2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that its proposal is consistent with the 
requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder that 
are applicable to a national securities exchange, and, in particular, 
with the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act.\13\ In particular, 
the Exchange believes the proposed change furthers the objectives of 
Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,\14\ in that it is designed to prevent 
fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and 
equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination 
with persons engaged in facilitating transactions in securities, and to 
remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open 
market and a national market system. The Exchange believes that 
extending the pilot period for the RPI Program is consistent with these 
principles because the Program is reasonably designed to attract retail 
order flow to the exchange environment, while helping to ensure that 
retail investors benefit from the better price that liquidity providers 
are willing to give their orders. Additionally, as previously stated, 
the competition promoted by the Program may facilitate the price 
discovery process and potentially generate additional investor interest 
in trading securities. The extension of the pilot period will allow the 
Commission and the Exchange to continue to monitor the Program for its 
potential effects on public price discovery, and on the broader market 
structure.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \14\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will 
impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate 
in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The proposed rule change 
extends an established pilot program for 6 months, thus allowing the 
RPI Program to enhance competition for retail order flow and contribute 
to the public price discovery process.

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 Exchange has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 
19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \15\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \16\ thereunder. 
Because the foregoing proposed rule does not: (i) Significantly affect 
the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any 
significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative for 30 
days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as the 
Commission may designate if consistent with the protection of investors 
and the public interest, provided that the self-regulatory organization 
has given the Commission written notice of its intent to file the 
proposed rule change at least five business days prior to the date of 
filing of the proposed rule change or such shorter time as designated 
by the Commission,\17\ the proposed rule change has become effective 
pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \18\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) 
thereunder.\19\
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    \15\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3(A).
    \16\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \17\ The Exchange has fulfilled this requirement.
    \18\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \19\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
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    Under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) of the Act,\20\ a proposal does not become 
operative for 30 days after the date of its filing, or such shorter 
time as the Commission may designate if consistent with the protection 
of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has requested that 
the Commission waive the 30-day operative delay period after which a 
proposed rule change under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) becomes operative so that 
the proposal may become operative immediately upon filing. The 
Commission believes that waiver of the 30-day operative delay is 
consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest 
because such waiver would allow the pilot program to continue 
uninterrupted. Accordingly, the Commission hereby grants the Exchange's 
request and designates the proposal operative upon filing.\21\
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    \20\ Id.
    \21\ For purposes only of waiving the operative delay, the 
Commission has considered the proposed rule's impact on efficiency, 
competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
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    At any time within 60 days of the filing of such proposed rule 
change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule 
change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or 
appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or 
otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission 
takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to 
determine whether the proposed rule change should be approved or 
disapproved.

IV. Solicitation of Comments

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

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an email to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include 
File Number SR-BYX-2016-01 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-BYX-2016-01. 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

[[Page 4684]]

communications relating to the proposed rule change between the 
Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from 
the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be 
available for Web site viewing and printing in the Commission's Public 
Reference Room, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549 on official 
business days between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of 
such filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the 
principal office of the Exchange. All comments received will be posted 
without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying 
information from submissions. You should submit only information that 
you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to 
File Number SR-BYX-2016-01, and should be submitted on or before 
February 17, 2016.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\22\
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    \22\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Brent J. Fields,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-01664 Filed 1-26-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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