Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE MKT LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Extending the Pilot Period for the Exchange's Retail Liquidity Program, 57639-57640 [2016-20063]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 163 / Tuesday, August 23, 2016 / Notices distribution arrangements pursuant to rule 12b–1 under the Act. Applicants request an order under section 17(d) and rule 17d–1 under the Act to permit the Funds to impose asset-based service and/or distribution fees. Applicants have agreed to comply with rules 12b– 1 and 17d–3 as if those rules applied to closed-end investment companies. 8. For the reasons stated above, applicants submit that the exemptions requested under section 6(c) are necessary and appropriate in the public interest and are consistent with the protection of investors and the purposes fairly intended by the policy and provisions of the Act. Applicants also believe that the requested relief meets the standards for relief in section 17(d) of the Act and rule 17d–1 thereunder. Applicants’ Condition Applicants agree that any order granting the requested relief will be subject to the following condition: Each applicant will comply with the provisions of rules 6c–10, 12b–1, 17d– 3, 18f–3, 22d–1 and, where applicable, 11a–3 under the Act, as amended from time to time, or any successor rules thereto, as if those rules applied to closed-end management investment companies, and will comply with NASD Conduct Rule 2830, as amended from time to time, as if that rule applied to all closed-end management investment companies. For the Commission, by the Division of Investment Management, under delegated authority. Brent J. Fields, Secretary. BILLING CODE 8011–01–P [Release No. 34–78602; File No. SR– NYSEMKT–2016–76] Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE MKT LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Extending the Pilot Period for the Exchange’s Retail Liquidity Program sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES August 17, 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 August 8, 2016, NYSE MKT LLC (the ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘NYSE MKT’’) filed with the U.S.C.78s(b)(1). U.S.C. 78a. 3 17 CFR 240.19b–4. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:56 Aug 22, 2016 Jkt 238001 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, 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. 1. Purpose The purpose of this filing is to extend the pilot period of the Retail Liquidity Program, currently scheduled to expire on August 31, 2016,4 until December 31, 2016. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 2 15 I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange proposes to extend the pilot period for the Exchange’s Retail Liquidity Program (the ‘‘Retail Liquidity Program’’ or the ‘‘Program’’), which is currently scheduled to expire on August 31, 2016, until December 31, 2016. 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. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and the Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change [FR Doc. 2016–20059 Filed 8–22–16; 8:45 am] 1 15 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 self-regulatory organization. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. Background In July 2012, the Commission approved the Retail Liquidity 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, Retail Liquidity 4 See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 77424 (March 23, 2016), 81 FR 17522 (March 29, 2016) (SR–NYSEMKT–2016–39). 5 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 67347 (July 3, 2012), 77 FR 40673 (July 10, 2012) (‘‘RLP Approval Order’’) (SR–NYSEAmex–2011–84). PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 57639 Providers (‘‘RLPs’’) are able to provide potential price improvement in the form of a non-displayed order that is priced better than the Exchange’s best protected bid or offer (‘‘PBBO’’), called a Retail Price Improvement Order (‘‘RPI’’). When there is an RPI in a particular security, the Exchange disseminates an indicator, known as the Retail Liquidity Identifier, indicating that such interest exists. Retail Member Organizations (‘‘RMOs’’) can submit a Retail Order to the Exchange, which would interact, to the extent possible, with available contra-side RPIs. The Retail Liquidity Program was approved by the Commission on a pilot basis. Pursuant to NYSE MKT Rule 107C(m)—Equities, the pilot period for the Program is scheduled to end on August 31, 2016. Proposal To Extend the Operation of the Program The Exchange established the Retail Liquidity 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 RPIs 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 analyze data regarding the Program that the Exchange has committed to provide.6 As such, the Exchange believes that it is appropriate to extend the current operation of the Program.7 Through this filing, the Exchange seeks to amend NYSE MKT Rule 107C(m)— Equities and extend the current pilot period of the Program until December 31, 2016. 2. Statutory Basis The proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act,8 in general, and furthers the objectives of 6 See id. at 40681. 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 undisplayed RPIs. See Letter from Martha Redding, Asst. Corporate Secretary, NYSE Group, Inc. to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, dated August 8, 2016. 8 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). 7 Concurrently E:\FR\FM\23AUN1.SGM 23AUN1 57640 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 163 / Tuesday, August 23, 2016 / Notices Section 6(b)(5),9 in particular, in that it is designed to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism 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 period for the Retail Liquidity 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 simply extends an established pilot program for an additional six months, thus allowing the Retail Liquidity Program to enhance competition for retail order flow and contribute to the public price discovery process. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others No written comments were solicited or received with respect to the proposed rule change. 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 10 and Rule 19b– 4(f)(6) thereunder.11 Because the 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 prior to 30 days from the date on which 9 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). 11 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 10 15 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:56 Aug 22, 2016 Jkt 238001 it was filed, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate, if consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest, the proposed rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 12 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.13 A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b–4(f)(6) 14 normally does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b4(f)(6)(iii),15 the Commission may designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has asked the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that the proposed rule change may become operative before the expiration of the current pilot period. The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest, because waiver would allow the pilot period to continue uninterrupted after its current expiration date of August 31, 2016, thereby avoiding any potential investor confusion that could result from temporary interruption in the pilot program. For this reason, the Commission hereby waives the 30-day operative delay and designates the proposal operative upon filing.16 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 change should be approved or disapproved. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, 12 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. 14 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 15 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). 16 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, the Commission has considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). 13 17 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 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– NYSEMKT–2016–76 on the subject line. Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NYSEMKT–2016–76. 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– NYSEMKT–2016–76 and should be submitted on or before September 13, 2016. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.17 Brent J. Fields, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2016–20063 Filed 8–22–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P 17 17 E:\FR\FM\23AUN1.SGM CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). 23AUN1

Agencies

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 163 (Tuesday, August 23, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57639-57640]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-20063]

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-78602; File No. SR-NYSEMKT-2016-76]

Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE MKT LLC; Notice of Filing and
Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Extending the Pilot
Period for the Exchange's Retail Liquidity Program

August 17, 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 August 8, 2016, NYSE MKT LLC (the ``Exchange'' or ``NYSE
MKT'') 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 self-regulatory
organization. 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\ 15 U.S.C. 78a.
\3\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

The Exchange proposes to extend the pilot period for the Exchange's
Retail Liquidity Program (the ``Retail Liquidity Program'' or the
``Program''), which is currently scheduled to expire on August 31,
2016, until December 31, 2016. 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.

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, 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 purpose of this filing is to extend the pilot period of the
Retail Liquidity Program, currently scheduled to expire on August 31,
2016,\4\ until December 31, 2016.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\4\ See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 77424 (March 23,
2016), 81 FR 17522 (March 29, 2016) (SR-NYSEMKT-2016-39).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Background
In July 2012, the Commission approved the Retail Liquidity 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,
Retail Liquidity Providers (``RLPs'') are able to provide potential
price improvement in the form of a non-displayed order that is priced
better than the Exchange's best protected bid or offer (``PBBO''),
called a Retail Price Improvement Order (``RPI''). When there is an RPI
in a particular security, the Exchange disseminates an indicator, known
as the Retail Liquidity Identifier, indicating that such interest
exists. Retail Member Organizations (``RMOs'') can submit a Retail
Order to the Exchange, which would interact, to the extent possible,
with available contra-side RPIs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\5\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 67347 (July 3,
2012), 77 FR 40673 (July 10, 2012) (``RLP Approval Order'') (SR-
NYSEAmex-2011-84).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Retail Liquidity Program was approved by the Commission on a
pilot basis. Pursuant to NYSE MKT Rule 107C(m)--Equities, the pilot
period for the Program is scheduled to end on August 31, 2016.
Proposal To Extend the Operation of the Program
The Exchange established the Retail Liquidity 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 RPIs 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 analyze data
regarding the Program that the Exchange has committed to provide.\6\ As
such, the Exchange believes that it is appropriate to extend the
current operation of the Program.\7\ Through this filing, the Exchange
seeks to amend NYSE MKT Rule 107C(m)--Equities and extend the current
pilot period of the Program until December 31, 2016.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\6\ See id. at 40681.
\7\ 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 undisplayed RPIs. See Letter from Martha Redding, Asst.
Corporate Secretary, NYSE Group, Inc. to Brent J. Fields, Secretary,
Securities and Exchange Commission, dated August 8, 2016.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Statutory Basis
The proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b) of the
Act,\8\ in general, and furthers the objectives of

[[Page 57640]]

Section 6(b)(5),\9\ in particular, in that it is designed to promote
just and equitable principles of trade, to remove impediments to and
perfect the mechanism 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 period for the Retail
Liquidity 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\8\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
\9\ 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
simply extends an established pilot program for an additional six
months, thus allowing the Retail Liquidity 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

No written comments were solicited or received with respect to the
proposed rule change.

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 \10\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\11\
Because the 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 prior to
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, the proposed rule change has become
effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \12\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6) thereunder.\13\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\10\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
\11\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
\12\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
\13\ 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \14\ normally
does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the
filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b4(f)(6)(iii),\15\ the Commission
may designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the
protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has asked
the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that the proposed
rule change may become operative before the expiration of the current
pilot period. The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative
delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public
interest, because waiver would allow the pilot period to continue
uninterrupted after its current expiration date of August 31, 2016,
thereby avoiding any potential investor confusion that could result
from temporary interruption in the pilot program. For this reason, the
Commission hereby waives the 30-day operative delay and designates the
proposal operative upon filing.\16\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\14\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
\15\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
\16\ For purposes only of waiving the 30-day 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 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-NYSEMKT-2016-76 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

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

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-NYSEMKT-2016-76. 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-NYSEMKT-2016-76 and should
be submitted on or before September 13, 2016.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\17\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).

For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\17\
Brent J. Fields,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-20063 Filed 8-22-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P

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