Self-Regulatory Organizations; Miami International Securities Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend Exchange Rule 515A To Extend the MIAX Price Improvement Mechanism (“PRIME”) Auction Pilot Program Until January 18, 2017, 45578-45580 [2016-16616]

Download as PDF 45578 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 135 / Thursday, July 14, 2016 / Notices filed Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule change.4 On March 18, 2016, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,5 the Commission designated a longer period within which to approve the proposed rule change, disapprove the proposed rule change, or institute proceedings to determine whether to disapprove the proposed rule change.6 On May 17, 2016, the Commission instituted proceedings under Section 19(b)(2)(B) of the Act 7 to determine whether to approve or disapprove the proposed rule change.8 The Commission received eleven comments on the proposal.9 On July 7, 2016, the Exchange withdrew the proposed rule change (SR–NYSEArca–2016–08). For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.10 Jill M. Peterson, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2016–16603 Filed 7–13–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–78265; File No. SR–MIAX– 2016–19] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Miami International Securities Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend Exchange Rule 515A To Extend the MIAX Price Improvement Mechanism (‘‘PRIME’’) Auction Pilot Program Until January 18, 2017 July 8, 2016. Pursuant to the provisions of 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 July 7, 2016, Miami International Securities Exchange LLC (‘‘MIAX’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) a 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 asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 4 In Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule change, the Exchange corrected the citations to the Trust’s Form N–1A and Exemptive Application, which were misstated in the proposal. Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule change is available on the Commission’s Web site at: https://www.sec.gov/ comments/sr-nysearca-2016-08/nysearca2016081.pdf. 5 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2). 6 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 77405, 81 FR 15774 (Mar. 24, 2016). 7 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B). 8 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 77845, 81 FR 32376 (May 23, 2016). 9 See Letters from Douglas M. Yones, Head of Exchange Traded Products, New York Stock Exchange (Jul. 5, 2016); Eric Swanson, General Counsel & Secretary, Bats Global Markets, Inc. (Jul. 1, 2016); Todd J. Broms, CEO, Broms and Company LLC (Jun. 27, 2016); Daniel J. McCabe, CEO, Precidian Investments LLC (Jun. 15, 2016); Gary L. Gastineau, President, ETF Consultants.com, Inc. (Jun. 13, 2016); Daniel J. McCabe, CEO, Precidian Investments LLC (Jun. 13, 2016); James J. Angel, Ph.D., CFA, Associate Professor, McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University (Jun. 9, 2016); Joseph A. Sullivan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Legg Mason Global Asset Management (Apr. 15, 2016); Andrew M. Gross, Jr. (Apr. 5, 2016); David Nadig (Mar. 31, 2016); and Gary L. Gastineau, President, ETF Consultants.com, Inc. (Mar. 10, 2016) (comment letters available at: https://www.sec.gov/comments/sr-nysearca-201608/nysearca201608.shtml). 10 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(57). VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:33 Jul 13, 2016 Jkt 238001 The Exchange is filing a proposal to amend Exchange Rule 515A, Interpretations and Policies .08 to extend certain aspects of the MIAX Price Improvement Mechanism (‘‘PRIME’’) Auction pilot program (‘‘Pilot Program’’). The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s Web site at https://www.miaxoptions.com/filter/ wotitle/rule_filing, at MIAX’s principal office, 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. PO 00000 1 15 2 17 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. Frm 00130 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The Exchange proposes to extend the pilot period applicable to certain aspects of the Pilot Program which is currently set to expire on July 18, 2016,3 until January 18, 2017. The current pilot allows PRIME Agency Orders of any size to initiate a PRIME Auction on MIAX at a price which is at or better than the national best bid or offer (‘‘NBBO’’).4 The Exchange implemented the pilot in order to benefit customers through the encouragement of the entry of more orders into the PRIME Auction, thus making it more likely that such orders may receive price improvement. The Exchange believes that the Pilot Program attracts order flow and promotes competition and price improvement opportunities for Agency Orders of fewer than 50 contracts. The Exchange believes that extending the Pilot Program period is appropriate because it would allow the Exchange and the Commission additional time to analyze data regarding the pilot that the Exchange has committed to provide. In its filing to adopt the MIAX PRIME Price Improvement Mechanism in 2014 the Exchange committed to submit reports periodically based on the comprehensive list of data the Exchange represented it would collect in order to aid the Commission in its evaluation of the PRIME mechanism.5 In November 2014 the Exchange established a Pilot Program to allow orders of less than 50 contracts or 500 mini-option contracts 3 See Exchange Act Release Nos. 73590 (November 13, 2014), 79 FR 68919 (SR–MIAX– 2014–56) (establishing the PRIME Pilot Program) and 75486 (July 20, 2015), 80 FR 44174 (July 24, 2015) (SR–MIAX–2015–48) (extending certain aspects of the PRIME Pilot Program to July 18, 2016). 4 The Exchange notes that prior to the pilot, for PRIME Agency Orders for less than 50 standard option contracts or 500 mini-option contracts, the Initiating Member must stop the entire PRIME Agency Order as principal or with a solicited order at the better of the NBBO price improved by a $0.01 increment or the PRIME Agency Order’s limit price (if the order is a limit order). In addition, to initiate the PRIME Auction for auto-match submissions, the Initiating Member must stop the PRIME Agency Order for less than 50 standard option contracts or 500 mini-option contracts at the better of the NBBO price improved by a $0.01 increment or the PRIME Agency Order’s limit price. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 73590 (November 13, 2014), 79 FR 68919 (November 19, 2014) (SR–MIAX–2014–56). 5 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 72009 (April 23, 2014) 79 FR 24032 (April 29, 2014) (SR– MIAX–2014–09) (Order approving adoption of the MIAX PRIME Price Improvement Mechanism). E:\FR\FM\14JYN1.SGM 14JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 135 / Thursday, July 14, 2016 / Notices to initiate a PRIME Auction,6 and began submitting revised periodic reports on August 1, 2015, based on the revised list of data detailed in Exhibit 3 of the Exchange’s filing to extend the Pilot Program an additional year to July 18, 2016.7 Any raw data which is submitted to the Commission pursuant to the Pilot Program will be provided on a confidential basis. The Exchange continues to believe that there remains meaningful competition for all size orders and that there is an active and liquid market functioning on the Exchange outside of the PRIME Auction. The Exchange also continues to believe that there are significant opportunities for price improvement available in the PRIME Auction. asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 2. Statutory Basis MIAX believes that its proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act 8 in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the Act 9 in particular, 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, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanisms of a free and open market and a national market system and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. The Exchange believes that extending the Pilot Program is consistent with these principles because the Pilot Program is reasonably designed to create tighter markets and ensure that each order receives the best possible price, which benefits investors by increasing competition thereby maximizing opportunities for price improvement. The proposed extension would allow the pilot to continue uninterrupted, thereby avoiding any potential investor confusion that could result from a temporary interruption in the pilot. Because the Pilot Program is applicable to all PRIME Agency Orders for fewer than 50 contracts, the proposal to extend the Pilot Program merely acts to maintain the status quo on the Exchange, which promotes just and equitable principles of trade and removes impediments to, and perfects 6 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 68919 [sic] (November 13, 2014), 79 FR 68919 (November 19, 2014) (SR–MIAX–2014–56) (establishing the PRIME Pilot Program). 7 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 75486 (July 20, 2015), 80 FR 44174 (July 24, 2015) (SR– MIAX–2015–48) (extending certain aspects of the PRIME Pilot Program to July 18, 2016). 8 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). 9 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:33 Jul 13, 2016 Jkt 238001 the mechanism of, a free and open market and a national market system. The extension of the Pilot Program period will allow the Commission and the Exchange to continue to monitor the Pilot Program to ascertain whether there is meaningful competition for all size orders and whether there is an active and liquid market functioning on the Exchange outside of the PRIME Auction. The extension of the Pilot Program period would also enable market participants to continue to benefit from the significant opportunities for price improvement available in the PRIME Auction. 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 simply extends an established pilot program for an additional period and would allow for further analysis of the pilot. In addition, the proposed extension would allow the Pilot Program to continue uninterrupted, thereby avoiding any potential investor confusion that could result from a temporary interruption in the Pilot Program. Thus, the proposal would also serve to promote regulatory clarity and consistency, thereby reducing burdens on the marketplace and facilitating investor protection. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others Written comments were neither solicited nor received. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action 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 10 and subparagraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b–4 thereunder.11 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b4(f)(6) 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 PO 00000 10 15 11 17 Frm 00131 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 45579 A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b–4(f)(6) 12 normally does not become operative for 30 days after the date of filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii),13 the Commission may designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange requested that the Commission waive the 30-day operative delay. The Exchange noted that waiver of the 30-day operative delay would allow for the Pilot Program to continue uninterrupted. The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest, as it will allow the Pilot Program to continue uninterrupted, thereby avoiding any potential investor confusion that could result from a temporary interruption in the Pilot Program. Therefore, the Commission designates the proposed rule change to be operative on July 18, 2016.14 At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an email to rule-comments@ sec.gov. Please include File Number SR– MIAX–2016–19 on the subject line. Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Securities as designated by the Commission. The Exchange has satisfied this requirement. 12 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 13 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). 14 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\14JYN1.SGM 14JYN1 45580 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 135 / Thursday, July 14, 2016 / Notices and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION All submissions should refer to File Number SR–MIAX–2016–19. 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 the filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–MIAX– 2016–19 and should be submitted on orbefore August 4, 2016. [Release No. 34–78263; File No. SR–NYSE– 2016–44] For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.15 Jill M. Peterson, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2016–16616 Filed 7–13–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P Self-Regulatory Organizations; New York Stock Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change Allowing the Exchange To Trade Pursuant to Unlisted Trading Privileges for Any NMS Stock Listed on Another National Securities Exchange; Establishing Listing and Trading Requirements for Exchange Traded Products; and Adopting New Equity Trading Rules Relating to Trading Halts of Securities Traded Pursuant to UTP on the Pillar Platform July 8, 2016. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) 1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’) 2 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,3 notice is hereby given that, on June 30, 2016, New York Stock Exchange LLC (‘‘NYSE’’ or the ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III below, which Items have been prepared by the selfregulatory organization. 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 (1) allow the Exchange to trade pursuant to unlisted trading privileges (‘‘UTP’’) for any NMS Stock 4 listed on another national securities exchange; (2) establish listing and trading requirements for exchange traded products (‘‘ETPs’’); and (3) adopt new equity trading rules relating to trading halts of securities traded pursuant to UTP on the Pillar platform. The proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s Web site at www.nyse.com, at the principal office of the Exchange, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 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 self-regulatory organization included statements concerning the purpose of, 1 15 U.S.C.78s(b)(1). U.S.C. 78a. 3 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 4 NMS Stock is defined in Rule 600 of Regulation NMS, 17 CFR 242.600(b)(47). 2 15 15 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:33 Jul 13, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00132 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 and basis for, the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of those 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 the Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The Exchange is proposing new rules to trade all Tape B and Tape C symbols, on a UTP basis, on its new trading platform, Pillar.5 The Exchange does not currently trade any securities on a UTP basis. In addition, the Exchange is proposing rules for the listing and trading of the following types of Exchange Traded Products: 6 • Equity Linked Notes (‘‘ELNs’’); • Investment Company Units; • Index-Linked Exchangeable Notes; • Equity Gold Shares; • Equity Index-Linked Securities; • Commodity-Linked Securities; • Currency-Linked Securities; • Fixed-Income Index-Linked Securities; • Futures-Linked Securities; • Multifactor-Index-Linked Securities; • Trust Certificates; • Currency and Index Warrants; • Portfolio Depositary Receipts; • Trust Issued Receipts; • Commodity-Based Trust Shares; • Currency Trust Shares; • Commodity Index Trust Shares; • Commodity Futures Trust Shares; • Partnership Units; • Paired Trust Shares; • Trust Units; • Managed Fund Shares; and • Managed Trust Securities. The Exchange’s proposed rules for these products are substantially identical (other than with respects[sic] 5 On January 29, 2015, the Exchange announced the implementation of Pillar, which is an integrated trading technology platform designed to use a single specification for connecting to the equities and options markets operated by the Exchange and its affiliates, NYSE Arca, Inc. (‘‘NYSE Arca’’) and NYSE MKT LLC (‘‘NYSE MKT’’). See Trader Update dated January 29, 2015, available here: https:// www1.nyse.com/pdfs/Pillar_Trader_Update_Jan_ 2015.pdf. 6 The Exchange is proposing to define the term ‘‘Exchange Traded Product’’ to mean a security that meets the definition of ‘‘derivative securities product’’ in Rule 19b–4(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. See proposed Rule 1.1(bbb). This proposed definition is identical to the definition of ‘‘Derivatives Securities Product’’ in NYSE Arca Equities Rule 1.1(bbb). E:\FR\FM\14JYN1.SGM 14JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 135 (Thursday, July 14, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45578-45580]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-16616]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-78265; File No. SR-MIAX-2016-19]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Miami International Securities 
Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a 
Proposed Rule Change To Amend Exchange Rule 515A To Extend the MIAX 
Price Improvement Mechanism (``PRIME'') Auction Pilot Program Until 
January 18, 2017

July 8, 2016.
    Pursuant to the provisions of 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 July 7, 2016, Miami International Securities 
Exchange LLC (``MIAX'' or ``Exchange'') filed with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission (``Commission'') a 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The Exchange is filing a proposal to amend Exchange Rule 515A, 
Interpretations and Policies .08 to extend certain aspects of the MIAX 
Price Improvement Mechanism (``PRIME'') Auction pilot program (``Pilot 
Program'').
    The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's 
Web site at https://www.miaxoptions.com/filter/wotitle/rule_filing, at 
MIAX's principal office, 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 extend the pilot period applicable to 
certain aspects of the Pilot Program which is currently set to expire 
on July 18, 2016,\3\ until January 18, 2017.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ See Exchange Act Release Nos. 73590 (November 13, 2014), 79 
FR 68919 (SR-MIAX-2014-56) (establishing the PRIME Pilot Program) 
and 75486 (July 20, 2015), 80 FR 44174 (July 24, 2015) (SR-MIAX-
2015-48) (extending certain aspects of the PRIME Pilot Program to 
July 18, 2016).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The current pilot allows PRIME Agency Orders of any size to 
initiate a PRIME Auction on MIAX at a price which is at or better than 
the national best bid or offer (``NBBO'').\4\ The Exchange implemented 
the pilot in order to benefit customers through the encouragement of 
the entry of more orders into the PRIME Auction, thus making it more 
likely that such orders may receive price improvement. The Exchange 
believes that the Pilot Program attracts order flow and promotes 
competition and price improvement opportunities for Agency Orders of 
fewer than 50 contracts. The Exchange believes that extending the Pilot 
Program period is appropriate because it would allow the Exchange and 
the Commission additional time to analyze data regarding the pilot that 
the Exchange has committed to provide.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ The Exchange notes that prior to the pilot, for PRIME Agency 
Orders for less than 50 standard option contracts or 500 mini-option 
contracts, the Initiating Member must stop the entire PRIME Agency 
Order as principal or with a solicited order at the better of the 
NBBO price improved by a $0.01 increment or the PRIME Agency Order's 
limit price (if the order is a limit order). In addition, to 
initiate the PRIME Auction for auto-match submissions, the 
Initiating Member must stop the PRIME Agency Order for less than 50 
standard option contracts or 500 mini-option contracts at the better 
of the NBBO price improved by a $0.01 increment or the PRIME Agency 
Order's limit price. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 73590 
(November 13, 2014), 79 FR 68919 (November 19, 2014) (SR-MIAX-2014-
56).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In its filing to adopt the MIAX PRIME Price Improvement Mechanism 
in 2014 the Exchange committed to submit reports periodically based on 
the comprehensive list of data the Exchange represented it would 
collect in order to aid the Commission in its evaluation of the PRIME 
mechanism.\5\ In November 2014 the Exchange established a Pilot Program 
to allow orders of less than 50 contracts or 500 mini-option contracts

[[Page 45579]]

to initiate a PRIME Auction,\6\ and began submitting revised periodic 
reports on August 1, 2015, based on the revised list of data detailed 
in Exhibit 3 of the Exchange's filing to extend the Pilot Program an 
additional year to July 18, 2016.\7\ Any raw data which is submitted to 
the Commission pursuant to the Pilot Program will be provided on a 
confidential basis. The Exchange continues to believe that there 
remains meaningful competition for all size orders and that there is an 
active and liquid market functioning on the Exchange outside of the 
PRIME Auction. The Exchange also continues to believe that there are 
significant opportunities for price improvement available in the PRIME 
Auction.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 72009 (April 23, 
2014) 79 FR 24032 (April 29, 2014) (SR-MIAX-2014-09) (Order 
approving adoption of the MIAX PRIME Price Improvement Mechanism).
    \6\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 68919 [sic] 
(November 13, 2014), 79 FR 68919 (November 19, 2014) (SR-MIAX-2014-
56) (establishing the PRIME Pilot Program).
    \7\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 75486 (July 20, 
2015), 80 FR 44174 (July 24, 2015) (SR-MIAX-2015-48) (extending 
certain aspects of the PRIME Pilot Program to July 18, 2016).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Statutory Basis
    MIAX believes that its proposed rule change is consistent with 
Section 6(b) of the Act \8\ in general, and furthers the objectives of 
Section 6(b)(5) of the Act \9\ in particular, 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, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanisms of a 
free and open market and a national market system and, in general, to 
protect investors and the public interest.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \9\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange believes that extending the Pilot Program is 
consistent with these principles because the Pilot Program is 
reasonably designed to create tighter markets and ensure that each 
order receives the best possible price, which benefits investors by 
increasing competition thereby maximizing opportunities for price 
improvement. The proposed extension would allow the pilot to continue 
uninterrupted, thereby avoiding any potential investor confusion that 
could result from a temporary interruption in the pilot. Because the 
Pilot Program is applicable to all PRIME Agency Orders for fewer than 
50 contracts, the proposal to extend the Pilot Program merely acts to 
maintain the status quo on the Exchange, which promotes just and 
equitable principles of trade and removes impediments to, and perfects 
the mechanism of, a free and open market and a national market system.
    The extension of the Pilot Program period will allow the Commission 
and the Exchange to continue to monitor the Pilot Program to ascertain 
whether there is meaningful competition for all size orders and whether 
there is an active and liquid market functioning on the Exchange 
outside of the PRIME Auction. The extension of the Pilot Program period 
would also enable market participants to continue to benefit from the 
significant opportunities for price improvement available in the PRIME 
Auction.

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 
simply extends an established pilot program for an additional period 
and would allow for further analysis of the pilot. In addition, the 
proposed extension would allow the Pilot Program to continue 
uninterrupted, thereby avoiding any potential investor confusion that 
could result from a temporary interruption in the Pilot Program. Thus, 
the proposal would also serve to promote regulatory clarity and 
consistency, thereby reducing burdens on the marketplace and 
facilitating investor protection.

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

    Written comments were neither solicited nor received.

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

    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 \10\ and 
subparagraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b-4 thereunder.\11\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \11\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6) 
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \12\ normally 
does not become operative for 30 days after the date of filing. 
However, pursuant to Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii),\13\ the Commission may 
designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the 
protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange requested 
that the Commission waive the 30-day operative delay. The Exchange 
noted that waiver of the 30-day operative delay would allow for the 
Pilot Program to continue uninterrupted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \13\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is 
consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest, as 
it will allow the Pilot Program to continue uninterrupted, thereby 
avoiding any potential investor confusion that could result from a 
temporary interruption in the Pilot Program. Therefore, the Commission 
designates the proposed rule change to be operative on July 18, 
2016.\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ 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).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule 
change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule 
change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or 
appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or 
otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission 
takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to 
determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved.

IV. Solicitation of Comments

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

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an email to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include 
File Number SR-MIAX-2016-19 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

     Send paper comments in triplicate to Brent J. Fields, 
Secretary, Securities

[[Page 45580]]

and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549-1090.

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-MIAX-2016-19. 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 the filing also will be available 
for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All 
comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does 
not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should 
submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All 
submissions should refer to File Number SR-MIAX-2016-19 and should be 
submitted on or before August 4, 2016.
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    \15\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\15\
Jill M. Peterson,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-16616 Filed 7-13-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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