Self-Regulatory Organizations; ISE Mercury, LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend a Current Billing Practice With Respect to Billing Disputes, 70726-70728 [2016-24696]

Download as PDF 70726 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 198 / Thursday, October 13, 2016 / Notices investors and the public interest, the proposed rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act and Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder. A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b–4(f)(6) 26 normally does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b4(f)(6)(iii),27 the Commission may designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. At any time within 60 days of the filing of such proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings under Section 19(b)(2)(B) 28 of the Act 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: Lhorne on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES 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– NYSE–2016–64 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–NYSE–2016–64. 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 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). 28 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B). 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–NYSE– 2016–64 and should be submitted on or before November 3, 2016. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.29 Robert W. Errett, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2016–24775 Filed 10–12–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–79059; File No. SR– ISEMercury–2016–17] Self-Regulatory Organizations; ISE Mercury, LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend a Current Billing Practice With Respect to Billing Disputes October 6, 2016. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on September 22, 2016, ISE Mercury, LLC (‘‘ISE Mercury’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘SEC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III, below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. 26 17 1 15 VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:07 Oct 12, 2016 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 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 amend its Schedule of Fees to change the timeframe within which Members must dispute billing. Today, ISE Mercury Members must submit all disputes no later than ninety calendar days after receipt of an Exchange invoice. After ninety calendar days, all fees assessed by the Exchange are considered final. The Exchange is proposing to amend the policy from ninety to sixty days to submit a dispute. Today, the NASDAQ PHLX LLC (‘‘Phlx’’), NASDAQ BX, Inc. (‘‘BX’’) and The NASDAQ Options Market LLC (‘‘NOM’’) all have a sixty day timeframe within which to dispute option invoices.3 The Exchange provides Members with both daily and monthly fee reports and thus believes Members should be aware of any potential billing errors within sixty calendar days of receiving an invoice. Requiring that Members dispute an invoice within this time period will encourage them to promptly review their invoices so that any disputed charges can be addressed in a timely manner while the information and data underlying those charges (e.g. applicable fees and order information) is still easily and readily available. This 29 17 27 17 I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange proposes to amend a current billing practice with respect to billing disputes. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s Web site at www.ise.com, at the principal office of the Exchange, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 3 See Phlx’s Pricing Schedule. See also NOM and BX Rules at Chapter XV, Section 7. E:\FR\FM\13OCN1.SGM 13OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 198 / Thursday, October 13, 2016 / Notices practice will avoid issues that may arise when Members do not dispute an invoice in a timely manner, and will conserve Exchange resources that would have to be expended to resolve untimely billing disputes. The Exchange notes that this type of provision is common among many other exchanges, which require that Members dispute invoices within sixty days. Billing disputes must continue to be submitted to the Exchange in writing,4 and must be accompanied by supporting documentation. The Exchange believes that this requirement, which is also similar to requirements of other exchanges,5 will further streamline the billing dispute process. The Exchange believes that this practice will conserve Exchange resources which are expended when untimely billing disputes require staff to research applicable fees and order information beyond two months after the transaction occurred. Further, this proposal would provide a cost savings to the Exchange in that it would alleviate administrative processes related to the untimely review of billing disputes which divert staff resources away from the Exchange’s regulatory and business purposes. The sixty days would first apply to invoices related to transactional billing in November 2016 and would apply thereafter.6 The Exchange proposes to apply the billing policy to all charges reflected in its Schedule of Fees. Lhorne on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that its proposal is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act 7 in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the Act 8 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, by providing a uniform practice for disputing fees. The Exchange believes the requirement that all billing disputes must be submitted in writing, and with supporting documentation, within sixty calendar days from receipt of the invoice is reasonable in the public interest because the Exchange provides ample tools to properly and swiftly monitor and account for various charges 4 The Exchange invoice specifies contact information for billing inquiries. 5 See note 3 above. 6 This proposal would not apply to invoices related to October 2016 billing. 7 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). 8 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:07 Oct 12, 2016 Jkt 241001 incurred in a given month. Moreover, the proposed billing dispute language, which will lower the Exchange’s administrative burden, is substantially similar to billing dispute language adopted by other exchanges.9 Also, the Exchange’s administrative costs would be lowered as a result of this policy because staff resources would not be diverted to review untimely requests regarding billing. 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 billing policy would apply uniformly to all ISE Mercury Members. The policy is similar to rules adopted by other options exchanges.10 Further, this proposal would provide a cost savings to the Exchange in that it would alleviate administrative processes related to the untimely review of billing disputes which divert staff resources away from the Exchange’s regulatory and business purposes. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others No written comments were either solicited or 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)(iii) of the Act 11 and subparagraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b–4 thereunder.12 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 9 See note 3 above. 10 Id. 11 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b– 4(f)(6) requires a self-regulatory organization to give the Commission written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change at least five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. The Exchange has satisfied this requirement. 12 17 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 70727 the public interest; (ii) for the protection of investors; or (iii) 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– ISEMercury–2016–17 on the subject line. Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–ISEMercury–2016–17. 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– ISEMercury–2016–17 and should be E:\FR\FM\13OCN1.SGM 13OCN1 70728 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 198 / Thursday, October 13, 2016 / Notices submitted on or before November 3, 2016. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.13 Brent J. Fields, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2016–24696 Filed 10–12–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–79057; File No. 4–705] Program for Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Pursuant to Rule 17d– 2; Notice of Filing and Order Approving and Declaring Effective a Proposed Plan for the Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Between the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., Bats BZX Exchange, Inc., Bats BYX Exchange, Inc., Bats EDGA Exchange, Inc., and Bats EDGX Exchange, Inc. October 6, 2016. Notice is hereby given that the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) has issued an Order, pursuant to Section 17(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’),1 approving and declaring effective a plan for allocating regulatory responsibility (‘‘Plan’’) filed on September 30, 2016, pursuant to Rule 17d–2 of the Act,2 by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (‘‘FINRA’’), Bats BZX Exchange, Inc. (‘‘BZX’’), Bats BYX Exchange, Inc. (‘‘BYX’’), Bats EDGA Exchange, Inc. (‘‘EDGA’’), and Bats EDGX Exchange, Inc. (‘‘EDGX’’) (each, a ‘‘Participating Organization,’’ or ‘‘Bats Exchange,’’ and together, the ‘‘Participating Organizations,’’ ‘‘the Bats Exchanges,’’ or the ‘‘Parties’’). The Plan replaces and supersedes the agreement between FINRA and BZX dated August 25, 2008; 3 the agreement between FINRA and BYX dated September 3, 2010; 4 the agreement between FINRA and EDGX 13 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78q(d). 2 17 CFR 240.17d–2. 3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 58563 (September 17, 2008), 73 FR 55180 (September 24, 2008) (File No. 4–569) (notice of filing of proposed plan). See also Securities Exchange Act Release No. 58818 (October 20, 2008), 73 FR 63752 (October 27, 2008) (File No. 4–569) (order approving proposed plan). 4 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 62935 (September 17, 2010), 75 FR 57998 (September 23, 2010) (File No. 4–613) (notice of filing of proposed plan). See also Securities Exchange Act Release No. 63102 (October 14, 2010), 75 FR 64765 (October 20, 2010) (File No. 4–613) (order approving proposed plan). Lhorne on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES 1 15 VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:07 Oct 12, 2016 Jkt 241001 dated March 31, 2010; 5 and the agreement between FINRA and EDGA dated March 31, 2010.6 I. Introduction Section 19(g)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’),7 among other things, requires every selfregulatory organization (‘‘SRO’’) registered as either a national securities exchange or national securities association to examine for, and enforce compliance by, its members and persons associated with its members with the Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, and the SRO’s own rules, unless the SRO is relieved of this responsibility pursuant to Section 17(d) or Section 19(g)(2) of the Act.8 Without this relief, the statutory obligation of each individual SRO could result in a pattern of multiple examinations of broker-dealers that maintain memberships in more than one SRO (‘‘common members’’). Such regulatory duplication would add unnecessary expenses for common members and their SROs. Section 17(d)(1) of the Act 9 was intended, in part, to eliminate unnecessary multiple examinations and regulatory duplication.10 With respect to a common member, Section 17(d)(1) authorizes the Commission, by rule or order, to relieve an SRO of the responsibility to receive regulatory reports, to examine for and enforce compliance with applicable statutes, rules, and regulations, or to perform other specified regulatory functions. To implement Section 17(d)(1), the Commission adopted two rules: Rule 17d–1 and Rule 17d–2 under the Act.11 Rule 17d–1 authorizes the Commission to name a single SRO as the designated examining authority (‘‘DEA’’) to examine common members for compliance with the financial responsibility requirements imposed by 5 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 61861 (April 7, 2010), 75 FR 18920 (April 13, 2010) (File No. 4–598) (notice of filing of proposed plan). See also Securities Exchange Act Release No. 62079 (May 11, 2010), 75 FR 28080 (May 19, 2010) (File No. 4–598) (order approving proposed plan). 6 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 61860 (April 7, 2010), 75 FR 18915 (April 13, 2010) (File No. 4–597) (notice of filing of proposed plan). See also Securities Exchange Act Release No. 62078 (May 11, 2010), 75 FR 28078 (May 19, 2010) (File No. 4–597) (order approving proposed plan). 7 15 U.S.C. 78s(g)(1). 8 15 U.S.C. 78q(d) and 15 U.S.C. 78s(g)(2), respectively. 9 15 U.S.C. 78q(d)(1). 10 See Securities Act Amendments of 1975, Report of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs to Accompany S. 249, S. Rep. No. 94–75, 94th Cong., 1st Session 32 (1975). 11 17 CFR 240.17d–1 and 17 CFR 240.17d–2, respectively. PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 the Act, or by Commission or SRO rules.12 When an SRO has been named as a common member’s DEA, all other SROs to which the common member belongs are relieved of the responsibility to examine the firm for compliance with the applicable financial responsibility rules. On its face, Rule 17d–1 deals only with an SRO’s obligations to enforce member compliance with financial responsibility requirements. Rule 17d– does not relieve an SRO from its obligation to examine a common member for compliance with its own rules and provisions of the federal securities laws governing matters other than financial responsibility, including sales practices and trading activities and practices. To address regulatory duplication in these and other areas, the Commission adopted Rule 17d–2 under the Act.13 Rule 17d–2 permits SROs to propose joint plans for the allocation of regulatory responsibilities with respect to their common members. Under paragraph (c) of Rule 17d–2, the Commission may declare such a plan effective if, after providing for appropriate notice and comment, it determines that the plan is necessary or appropriate in the public interest and for the protection of investors; to foster cooperation and coordination among the SROs; to remove impediments to, and foster the development of, a national market system and a national clearance and settlement system; and is in conformity with the factors set forth in Section 17(d) of the Act. Commission approval of a plan filed pursuant to Rule 17d–2 relieves an SRO of those regulatory responsibilities allocated by the plan to another SRO. II. Proposed Plan The proposed 17d–2 Plan is intended to reduce regulatory duplication for firms that are common members of a Bats Exchange and FINRA.14 Pursuant to the proposed 17d–2 Plan, FINRA would assume certain examination and enforcement responsibilities for common members with respect to certain applicable laws, rules, and regulations. The Plan replaces and supersedes the individual agreements between FINRA and each Bats Exchange 15 and is intended to reduce the administrative burden associated with maintaining four separate plans. 12 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 12352 (April 20, 1976), 41 FR 18808 (May 7, 1976). 13 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 12935 (October 28, 1976), 41 FR 49091 (November 8, 1976). 14 See Paragraph 1(c) of the proposed 17d–2 Plan. 15 See supra notes 3–6. E:\FR\FM\13OCN1.SGM 13OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 198 (Thursday, October 13, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 70726-70728]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-24696]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-79059; File No. SR-ISEMercury-2016-17]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; ISE Mercury, LLC; Notice of Filing 
and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend a Current 
Billing Practice With Respect to Billing Disputes

October 6, 2016.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that 
on September 22, 2016, ISE Mercury, LLC (``ISE Mercury'' or 
``Exchange'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(``SEC'' or ``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in 
Items I, II, and III, below, which Items have been prepared by the 
Exchange. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments 
on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \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 proposes to amend a current billing practice with 
respect to billing disputes.
    The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's 
Web site at www.ise.com, at the principal office of the Exchange, and 
at the Commission's Public Reference Room.

II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and 
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

    In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements 
concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and 
discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The 
text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in 
Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in 
sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such 
statements.

A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and 
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

1. Purpose
    The Exchange proposes to amend its Schedule of Fees to change the 
timeframe within which Members must dispute billing. Today, ISE Mercury 
Members must submit all disputes no later than ninety calendar days 
after receipt of an Exchange invoice. After ninety calendar days, all 
fees assessed by the Exchange are considered final. The Exchange is 
proposing to amend the policy from ninety to sixty days to submit a 
dispute. Today, the NASDAQ PHLX LLC (``Phlx''), NASDAQ BX, Inc. 
(``BX'') and The NASDAQ Options Market LLC (``NOM'') all have a sixty 
day timeframe within which to dispute option invoices.\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ See Phlx's Pricing Schedule. See also NOM and BX Rules at 
Chapter XV, Section 7.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange provides Members with both daily and monthly fee 
reports and thus believes Members should be aware of any potential 
billing errors within sixty calendar days of receiving an invoice. 
Requiring that Members dispute an invoice within this time period will 
encourage them to promptly review their invoices so that any disputed 
charges can be addressed in a timely manner while the information and 
data underlying those charges (e.g. applicable fees and order 
information) is still easily and readily available. This

[[Page 70727]]

practice will avoid issues that may arise when Members do not dispute 
an invoice in a timely manner, and will conserve Exchange resources 
that would have to be expended to resolve untimely billing disputes. 
The Exchange notes that this type of provision is common among many 
other exchanges, which require that Members dispute invoices within 
sixty days.
    Billing disputes must continue to be submitted to the Exchange in 
writing,\4\ and must be accompanied by supporting documentation. The 
Exchange believes that this requirement, which is also similar to 
requirements of other exchanges,\5\ will further streamline the billing 
dispute process.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ The Exchange invoice specifies contact information for 
billing inquiries.
    \5\ See note 3 above.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange believes that this practice will conserve Exchange 
resources which are expended when untimely billing disputes require 
staff to research applicable fees and order information beyond two 
months after the transaction occurred. Further, this proposal would 
provide a cost savings to the Exchange in that it would alleviate 
administrative processes related to the untimely review of billing 
disputes which divert staff resources away from the Exchange's 
regulatory and business purposes.
    The sixty days would first apply to invoices related to 
transactional billing in November 2016 and would apply thereafter.\6\ 
The Exchange proposes to apply the billing policy to all charges 
reflected in its Schedule of Fees.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ This proposal would not apply to invoices related to October 
2016 billing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that its proposal is consistent with Section 
6(b) of the Act \7\ in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 
6(b)(5) of the Act \8\ 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, 
by providing a uniform practice for disputing fees.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \8\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange believes the requirement that all billing disputes 
must be submitted in writing, and with supporting documentation, within 
sixty calendar days from receipt of the invoice is reasonable in the 
public interest because the Exchange provides ample tools to properly 
and swiftly monitor and account for various charges incurred in a given 
month. Moreover, the proposed billing dispute language, which will 
lower the Exchange's administrative burden, is substantially similar to 
billing dispute language adopted by other exchanges.\9\ Also, the 
Exchange's administrative costs would be lowered as a result of this 
policy because staff resources would not be diverted to review untimely 
requests regarding billing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ See note 3 above.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 billing policy would 
apply uniformly to all ISE Mercury Members. The policy is similar to 
rules adopted by other options exchanges.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Further, this proposal would provide a cost savings to the Exchange 
in that it would alleviate administrative processes related to the 
untimely review of billing disputes which divert staff resources away 
from the Exchange's regulatory and business purposes.

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

    No written comments were either solicited or 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)(iii) of the Act \11\ and 
subparagraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b-4 thereunder.\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
    \12\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6) 
requires a self-regulatory organization to give the Commission 
written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change at 
least five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed 
rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. 
The Exchange has satisfied this requirement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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. 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-ISEMercury-2016-17 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

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

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-ISEMercury-2016-17. 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-ISEMercury-2016-17 and 
should be

[[Page 70728]]

submitted on or before November 3, 2016.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\13\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brent J. Fields,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-24696 Filed 10-12-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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