Self-Regulatory Organizations; Bats BYX 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, 43306-43308 [2016-15717]

Download as PDF asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 43306 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 127 / Friday, July 1, 2016 / Notices 17. The Adviser will prepare and submit to the Board for review an initial report describing the operations of the InterFund Program and the procedures to be implemented to ensure that all Funds are treated fairly. After the commencement of the InterFund Program, the Adviser will report on the operations of the InterFund Program at the Board’s quarterly meetings. Each Fund’s chief compliance officer, as defined in rule 38a–1(a)(4) under the Act, shall prepare an annual report for the Board each year that the Fund participates in the InterFund Program, that evaluates the Fund’s compliance with the terms and conditions of the application and the procedures established to achieve such compliance. Each Fund’s chief compliance officer will also annually file a certification pursuant to Item 77Q3 of Form N–SAR as such Form may be revised, amended or superseded from time to time, for each year that the Fund participates in the InterFund Program, that certifies that the Fund and its Adviser have implemented procedures reasonably designed to achieve compliance with the terms and conditions of the order. In particular, such certification will address procedures designed to achieve the following objectives: (a) That the InterFund Loan Rate will be higher than the Repo Rate but lower than the Bank Loan Rate; (b) compliance with the collateral requirements as set forth in the application; (c) compliance with the percentage limitations on interfund borrowing and lending; (d) allocation of interfund borrowing and lending demand in an equitable manner and in accordance with procedures established by the Board; and (e) that the InterFund Loan Rate does not exceed the interest rate on any third party borrowings of a borrowing Fund at the time of the InterFund Loan. Additionally, each Fund’s independent public accountants, in connection with their audit examination of the Fund, will review the operation of the InterFund Program for compliance with the conditions of the application and their review will form the basis, in part, of the auditor’s report on internal accounting controls in Form N–SAR. 18. No Fund will participate in the InterFund Program, upon receipt of requisite regulatory approval, unless it has fully disclosed in its prospectus and/or statement of additional information all material facts about its intended participation. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:05 Jun 30, 2016 Jkt 238001 For the Commission, by the Division of Investment Management, under delegated authority. Robert W. Errett, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2016–15584 Filed 6–30–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–78180; File No. SR– BatsBYX–2016–15] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Bats BYX 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 June 28, 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 June 23, 2016, Bats BYX 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 Exchange has designated this proposal as a ‘‘noncontroversial’’ proposed rule change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 3 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder,4 which renders it effective upon filing with the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of the Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange filed a proposal to extend the pilot period for the Exchange’s Retail Price Improvement (‘‘RPI’’) Program (the ‘‘Program’’), which is currently set to expire on July 31, 2016, for 12 months, to expire on July 31, 2017. 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. 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). 4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). 2 17 PO 00000 Frm 00125 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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.5 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 6 are permitted to provide potential price improvement for Retail Orders 7 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’’).8 5 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 68303 (November 27, 2012), 77 FR 71652 (December 3, 2012) (‘‘RPI Approval Order’’) (SR–BYX–2012–019). 6 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. 7 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). 8 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 E:\FR\FM\01JYN1.SGM 01JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 127 / Friday, July 1, 2016 / Notices The Program was approved by the Commission on a pilot basis running one-year from the date of implementation.9 The Commission approved the Program on November 27, 2012.10 The Exchange implemented the Program on January 11, 2013, and has extended the pilot period three times.11 The pilot period for the Program is scheduled to end on July 31, 2016. asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 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’’) 12 to interact with Retail Orders. Such competition has the ability to promote efficiency by facilitating the price discovery process and generating 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.13 As such, the Exchange believes that it is appropriate to extend the current operation of the Program.14 Through this filing, the center must route interest pursuant to Regulation NMS Rule 611. 9 See RPI Approval Order, supra note 5 at 71652. 10 Id. 11 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); 76965 (January 22, 2016), 81 FR 4682 (January 27, 2016) (SR–BYX–2016–01) (Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change to Rule 11.24, Retail Price Improvement Program, To Extend the Pilot Period). 12 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). 13 See RPI Approval Order, supra note 5 at 71655. 14 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 BYX Exchange, Inc. to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission dated June 23, 2016. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:05 Jun 30, 2016 Jkt 238001 Exchange seeks to extend the current pilot period of the Program until July 31, 2017. 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.15 In particular, the Exchange believes the proposed change furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,16 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. 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 12 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 15 15 16 15 PO 00000 U.S.C. 78f(b). U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). Frm 00126 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 43307 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 17 and Rule 19b– 4(f)(6) 18 thereunder. Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not: (i) Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative for 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 19 and subparagraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b–4 thereunder.20 At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is: (i) Necessary or appropriate in the public interest; (ii) for the protection of investors; or (iii) otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.21 If the Commission takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule change should be approved or disapproved.22 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– BatsBYX–2016–15 on the subject line. 17 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b– 4(f)(6)(iii) requires the Exchange to give the Commission written notice of the Exchange’s intent to file the proposed rule change, along with a brief description and text of the proposed rule change, at least five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. The Exchange has satisfied this requirement. 19 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). 20 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 21 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(C). 22 Id. 18 17 E:\FR\FM\01JYN1.SGM 01JYN1 43308 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 127 / Friday, July 1, 2016 / Notices 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–BatsBYX–2016–15. This file number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on the Commission’s Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site viewing and printing in the Commission’s Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549 on official business days between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of such filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR– BatsBYX–2016–15, and should be submitted on or before July 22, 2016. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.23 Robert W. Errett, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2016–15717 Filed 6–30–16; 8:45 am] asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–78177; File No. SR–CBOE– 2016–049] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated; Notice of Filing of a Proposed Rule Change To List Options That Overlie the FTSE Developed Europe Index and the FTSE Emerging Index, To Raise the Comprehensive Surveillance Agreement Percentage Applicable to Certain Index Options, and To Amend the Maintenance Listing Criteria Applicable to Certain Index Options June 28, 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 June 15, 2016, Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated (‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘CBOE’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The 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 Exchanges seeks to list and trade options that overlie the FTSE Developed Europe Index and the FTSE Emerging Index (‘‘FTSE Developed options’’ and ‘‘FTSE Emerging options’’), raise the comprehensive surveillance agreement percentage applicable to options that overlie the MSCI EAFE Index and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (‘‘EAFE options’’ and ‘‘EM options’’), and amend the maintenance listing criteria applicable to EAFE options, EM options, FTSE 100 Index options (‘‘FTSE 100 options’’), and FTSE China 50 Index options (‘‘FTSE China 50 options’’). The text of the proposed rule change is provided in Exhibit 5. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s Web site (https://www.cboe.com/AboutCBOE/ CBOELegalRegulatoryHome.aspx), at the Exchange’s Office of the Secretary, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. 1 15 23 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:05 Jun 30, 2016 2 17 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. Frm 00127 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 purpose of this proposed rule change is to permit the Exchange to list and trade FTSE Developed options and FTSE Emerging options, amend Rule 24.2.01(a)(7) to raise the comprehensive surveillance agreement (‘‘CSA’’) percentage applicable to EAFE options and EM options,3 and amend Rules 24.2.01(b)(1), 24.2.02(b)(1), and 24.2.03(b)(1) to modify the maintenance listing criteria applicable to EAFE options, EM options, FTSE 100 options,4 and FTSE China 50 options.5 FTSE Developed and FTSE Emerging options would be P.M., cash-settled contracts with European-style exercise. FTSE Developed Europe Index Design, Methodology and Dissemination The FTSE Developed Europe Index is a weighted index representing the performance of large- and mid-cap companies in Developed European markets. The index is comprised of over 500 securities from the following 15 countries: Austria, Belgium & Luxembourg, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, 3 The Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission) approved CBOE’s proposal to list and trade EAFE and EM options on April 8, 2015. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 74681 (April 8, 2015), 80 FR 20032 (April 14, 2015) (approving SR–CBOE–2015–023). 4 The Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission) approved CBOE’s proposal to list and trade FTSE 100 options on December 11, 2015. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 76626 (December 11, 2015), 80 FR 78794 (December 17, 2015) (approving SR–CBOE–2015–100). 5 The Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission) approved CBOE’s proposal to list and trade FTSE China 50 options on December 17, 2015. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 76676 (December 17, 2015), 80 FR 79963 (December 23, 2015) (approving SR–CBOE–2015–099). E:\FR\FM\01JYN1.SGM 01JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 127 (Friday, July 1, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43306-43308]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-15717]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-78180; File No. SR-BatsBYX-2016-15]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Bats BYX 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

June 28, 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 June 23, 2016, Bats BYX 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 Exchange 
has designated this proposal as a ``non-controversial'' proposed rule 
change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \3\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder,\4\ which renders it effective upon filing with 
the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit 
comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \4\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
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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 July 31, 2016, for 12 
months, to expire on July 31, 2017.
    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.\5\ 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 \6\ are permitted to provide potential price improvement 
for Retail Orders \7\ 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'').\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 68303 (November 27, 
2012), 77 FR 71652 (December 3, 2012) (``RPI Approval Order'') (SR-
BYX-2012-019).
    \6\ 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.
    \7\ 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).
    \8\ 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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[[Page 43307]]

    The Program was approved by the Commission on a pilot basis running 
one-year from the date of implementation.\9\ The Commission approved 
the Program on November 27, 2012.\10\ The Exchange implemented the 
Program on January 11, 2013, and has extended the pilot period three 
times.\11\ The pilot period for the Program is scheduled to end on July 
31, 2016.
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    \9\ See RPI Approval Order, supra note 5 at 71652.
    \10\ Id.
    \11\ 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); 76965 (January 22, 2016), 81 FR 4682 (January 
27, 2016) (SR-BYX-2016-01) (Notice of Filing and Immediate 
Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change to Rule 11.24, Retail Price 
Improvement Program, To Extend the Pilot Period).
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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'') \12\ to 
interact with Retail Orders. Such competition has the ability to 
promote efficiency by facilitating the price discovery process and 
generating 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.\13\ As such, the 
Exchange believes that it is appropriate to extend the current 
operation of the Program.\14\ Through this filing, the Exchange seeks 
to extend the current pilot period of the Program until July 31, 2017.
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    \12\ 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).
    \13\ See RPI Approval Order, supra note 5 at 71655.
    \14\ 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 BYX Exchange, 
Inc. to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Securities and Exchange 
Commission dated June 23, 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.\15\ In particular, 
the Exchange believes the proposed change furthers the objectives of 
Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,\16\ 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \16\ 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 12 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 \17\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \18\ thereunder. 
Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not: (i) Significantly 
affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose 
any significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative for 
30 days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as 
the Commission may designate, it has become effective pursuant to 
Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \19\ and subparagraph (f)(6) of Rule 
19b-4 thereunder.\20\
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    \17\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \18\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) 
requires the Exchange to give the Commission written notice of the 
Exchange's intent to file the proposed rule change, along with a 
brief description and text of the proposed rule change, at least 
five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule 
change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. The 
Exchange has satisfied this requirement.
    \19\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \20\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
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    At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule 
change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule 
change if it appears to the Commission that such action is: (i) 
Necessary or appropriate in the public interest; (ii) for the 
protection of investors; or (iii) otherwise in furtherance of the 
purposes of the Act.\21\ If the Commission takes such action, the 
Commission shall institute proceedings to determine whether the 
proposed rule change should be approved or disapproved.\22\
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    \21\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(C).
    \22\ Id.
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IV. Solicitation of Comments

    Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and 
arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the 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-BatsBYX-2016-15 on the subject line.

[[Page 43308]]

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-BatsBYX-2016-15. This 
file number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To 
help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, 
please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on 
the Commission's Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all 
written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are 
filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to 
the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other 
than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the 
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site viewing and 
printing in the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE., 
Washington, DC 20549 on official business days between the hours of 
10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of such filing also will be available 
for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All 
comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does 
not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should 
submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All 
submissions should refer to File Number SR-BatsBYX-2016-15, and should 
be submitted on or before July 22, 2016.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\23\
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    \23\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Robert W. Errett,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-15717 Filed 6-30-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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