Self-Regulatory Organizations; BOX Options Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change To Amend Interpretive Material to Rule 7150 (Price Improvement Period “PIP”) and Interpretive Material to Rule 7245 (Complex Order Price Improvement Period “COPIP”) To Make Permanent the Pilot Programs That Permit the Exchange To Have No Minimum Size Requirement for Orders Entered Into the PIP (“PIP Pilot Program”) and COPIP (“COPIP Pilot Program”), 91227-91230 [2016-30258]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 242 / Friday, December 16, 2016 / Notices
Comments may be submitted by any of
the following methods:
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
Electronic Comments
[Release No. 34–79531; File No. SR–BOX–
2016–58]
• Use the Commission’s Internet
comment form (https://www.sec.gov/
rules/sro.shtml); or
• Send an email to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File
Number SR–ISE–2016–29 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.
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
All submissions should refer to File
Number SR–ISE–2016–29. 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–ISE–
2016–29 and should be submitted on or
before January 6, 2017.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.19
Eduardo A. Aleman,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016–30257 Filed 12–15–16; 8:45 am]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; BOX
Options Exchange LLC; Notice of
Filing of Proposed Rule Change To
Amend Interpretive Material to Rule
7150 (Price Improvement Period ‘‘PIP’’)
and Interpretive Material to Rule 7245
(Complex Order Price Improvement
Period ‘‘COPIP’’) To Make Permanent
the Pilot Programs That Permit the
Exchange To Have No Minimum Size
Requirement for Orders Entered Into
the PIP (‘‘PIP Pilot Program’’) and
COPIP (‘‘COPIP Pilot Program’’)
December 12, 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 December
9, 2016, BOX Options Exchange LLC
(the ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission
(‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule
change as described in Items I, II, and
III below, which Items have been
prepared by the self-regulatory
organization. The Commission is
publishing this notice to solicit
comments on the proposed rule from
interested persons.
I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of the Terms of Substance of
the Proposed Rule Change
The Exchange proposes to amend
Interpretive Material to Rule 7150 (Price
Improvement Period ‘‘PIP’’) and
Interpretive Material to Rule 7245
(Complex Order Price Improvement
Period ‘‘COPIP’’) to make permanent the
pilot programs that permit the Exchange
to have no minimum size requirement
for orders entered into the PIP (‘‘PIP
Pilot Program’’) and COPIP (‘‘COPIP
Pilot Program’’). The text of the
proposed rule change is available from
the principal office of the Exchange, at
the Commission’s Public Reference
Room and also on the Exchange’s
Internet Web site at https://
boxexchange.com.
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
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
1 15
19 17
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:42 Dec 15, 2016
2 17
Jkt 241001
PO 00000
U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
CFR 240.19b–4.
Frm 00113
Fmt 4703
91227
on the proposed rule change. The text
of these statements may be examined at
the places specified in Item IV below.
The self-regulatory organization has
prepared summaries, set forth in
Sections A, B, and C below, of the most
significant aspects of such statements.
A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of the Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
Change
1. Purpose
The purpose of the proposed rule
change is to amend the BOX Rules to
make permanent the pilot programs that
permit the Exchange to have no
minimum size requirement for orders
entered into the PIP (‘‘PIP Pilot
Program’’) and COPIP (‘‘COPIP Pilot
Program’’), collectively known as the
(‘‘Programs’’). In addition, BOX
proposes to modify the requirements for
the PIP where the National Best Bid and
Offer (‘‘NBBO’’) is only $0.01 wide.
Background
The PIP Pilot Program was approved
on a pilot basis with the establishment
of BOX and the PIP in January 2004 3
and the COPIP Pilot Program was
approved on a pilot basis with
introduction of the COPIP in December
2013.4 Both Programs are scheduled to
3 See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 49068
(January 13, 2004), 69 FR 2775 (January 20, 2004)
(SR–BSE–2003–04) (‘‘Order Granting Approval to
Proposed Rule Change and Amendment No. 3 and
Notice of Filing and Order Granting Accelerated
Approval to Amendment No. 4 Thereto by the
Boston Stock Exchange, Inc. Establishing Trading
Rules for the Boston Options Exchange Facility’’);
66871 (April 27, 2012) 77 FR 26323 (May 3, 2012)
(File No. 10–206, In the Matter of the Application
of BOX Options Exchange LLC for Registration as
a National Securities Exchange Findings, Opinion,
and Order of the Commission), 67255 (June 26,
2012) 77 FR 39315 (July 2, 2013) (SR–BOX–2012–
009) (Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness
of a Proposal To Extend a Pilot Program That
Permits BOX to Have No Minimum Size
Requirement for Orders Entered Into the Price
Improvement Period), 69846 (June 25, 2013) 78 FR
39365 (July 1, 2013) (SR–BOX–2013–33) (Notice of
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposal To
Extend a Pilot Program That Permits BOX to Have
No Minimum Size Requirement for Orders Entered
Into the Price Improvement Period), 72545 (July 7,
2014), 79 FR 40182 (July 11, 2014) (SR–BOX–2014–
19) (Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of
a Proposal To Extend a Pilot Program That Permits
BOX to Have No Minimum Size Requirement for
Orders Entered Into the Price Improvement Period
and Complex Order Price Improvement Period),
75480 (July 17, 2015), 80 FR 43803 (July 23, 2015)
(SR–BOX–2015–27) (Notice of Filing and
Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposal To Extend a
Pilot Program That Permits BOX to Have No
Minimum Size Requirement for Orders Entered Into
the Price Improvement Period and Complex Order
Price Improvement Period).
4 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 71148
(December 19, 2013) 78 FR 78437 (December 26,
2013) (Notice of Filing of Amendment Nos. 1 and
Continued
Sfmt 4703
E:\FR\FM\16DEN1.SGM
16DEN1
91228
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 242 / Friday, December 16, 2016 / Notices
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
expire on January 18, 2017.5 The
Exchange believes that both the PIP and
COPIP Pilot Programs have been
successful and well-received by
Participants and the investing public.
The PIP and COPIP Pilot Programs
guarantee Participants the right to trade
with their customer orders that are less
than 50 contracts. In particular, any
order entered into the PIP is guaranteed
an execution at the end of the auction
at a price at least equal to the NBBO.
Any order entered into the COPIP is
guaranteed an execution at the end of
the auction at a price at least equal to
or better than the cNBBO,6 cBBO 7 and
BBO on the Complex Order Book for the
Strategy at the time of commencement.
BOX first introduced the PIP auction
process for obtaining customer price
improvement to the options market
place when it launched in 2004. As part
of BOX’s commitment to price
improvement, the Exchange sought to
provide small customer orders with
benefits not available under the rules of
the other exchanges by having no
minimum size requirements for orders
entered into the PIP. After concerns
were raised that this lack of size
requirement would promote
internalization and inferior price
improvement within the PIP and also
lead to reduced order flow and market
quality on the regular BOX Book,8 BOX
began the PIP Pilot Program.
In June of 2005 concerns were also
raised when BOX introduced Market
Orders 9 to the Exchange and detailed
how these orders, as well BOX-Top
2 and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of a
Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment
Nos. 1 and 2, to Permit Complex Orders to
Participate in Price Improvement Periods).
5 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 78353
(July 18, 2016), 81 FR 47843 (July 22, 2016) (SR–
BOX–2016–32).
6 As defined in BOX Rule 7240(a)(3), the term
‘‘cNBBO’’ means the best net bid and offer price for
a Complex Order Strategy based on the NBBO for
the individual options components of such
Strategy.
7 As defined in BOX Rule 7240(a)(1), the term
‘‘cBBO’’ means the best net bid and offer price for
a Complex Order Strategy based on the BBO on the
BOX Book for the individual options components
of such Strategy.
8 See September 12, 2003 Letter from Michael J.
Simon, Vice President and Secretary, ISE, to
Jonathan Katz, Secretary, Commission regarding
SR–BSE–2002–15; and see generally letters to
Jonathan Katz, Secretary, Commission regarding
SR–BSE–2002–15, February 28, 2003 Letter from
Philip DeFeo, Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer, PCX; February 14, 2003 Letter from William
Brodsky, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
CBOE; February 14, 2003 Letter from Michael Ryan,
General Counsel, AMEX; February 12, 2003 Letter
from Michael J. Simon, Secretary, ISE; February 12,
2003 Letter from Meyer S. Frucher, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, PHLX.
9 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 51821
(June 10, 2005), 70 FR 35143 (June 16, 2005) (Order
Approving SR–BSE–2004–51).
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:42 Dec 15, 2016
Jkt 241001
Orders,10 would be treated when
entered while a PIP is in progress.
Specifically, submission to BOX of a
Market Order or BOX-Top Order on the
same side as a PIP Order prematurely
terminates the PIP when, at the time of
submission of the Market Order or BOXTop Order, the best Improvement Order
is equal to or better than the NBBO on
the same side of the market as the best
Improvement Order. The Commission
was concerned that this premature
termination of the PIP could result in a
PIP Order being disadvantaged by the
early conclusion of a PIP, in that the PIP
Order would not have received the full
exposure period in which to receive
price improvement. BOX then agreed to
include in its monthly reports
additional information with respect to
situations in which the PIP is
terminated prematurely or a Market
Order or BOX-Top Order interacts with
a PIP Order before the PIP’s
conclusion.11
The Exchange then established the
COPIP in January 2014 to further BOX’s
commitment to price improvement.12
The COPIP mechanism allows Complex
Orders to be submitted to the COPIP in
substantially the same manner as orders
for single options series instruments
currently are submitted to the PIP.
Because of the similarities between the
PIP and COPIP, the Exchange proposed
a COPIP Pilot Program and agreed to
provide certain information,
periodically as required by the
Commission, to support that, among
other things, there is meaningful
competition for all size COPIP orders,
that there is significant price
improvement for all orders executed
through the COPIP and that an active
and liquid market is functioning on
BOX outside of the COPIP mechanism.
PIP Pilot Program
The Exchange believes that the data
submitted to the Commission on a
monthly and confidential basis for the
PIP Pilot Program, as well as the data
reference [sic] below covering January
through June 2015 establishes that it has
not placed an undue burden on
competition; lessened the amount of
price improvement in the PIP; nor
reduced order flow and liquidity to the
BOX Book. The Exchange therefore
believes that it appropriate to approve
10 BOX-Top Orders have since been removed from
the BOX Rulebook. See Securities Exchange Act
Release No. 71374 (January 23, 2014), 79 FR 4783
(January 29, 2014) (Notice of Filing and Immediate
Effectiveness of SR–BOX–2014–05).
11 See supra, note 9.
12 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 71148
(December 19, 2013), 78 FR 78437 (December 26,
2013) (Order Approving SR–BOX–2013–43).
PO 00000
Frm 00114
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
the no minimum size requirement on a
permanent basis. In fact, since the
launch of the PIP customers have
received over $841 million in savings
through better executions on BOX,
including $12.6 million in October
2016. Order flow and liquidity on BOX
has also remained strong through this
entire period, with an average daily
volume of approximately 434,000
contracts for the first six ten months of
2016. Further, many of the exchanges
which first raised concerns have
recognized the benefits of price
improvement auctions, and have
adopted similar mechanisms with no
minimum order size since 2004.13
Approving the PIP Pilot Program on a
permanent basis will allow the PIP to
continue to offer meaningful price
improvement and will not have an
adverse effect on the market functioning
on the Exchange outside of the PIP.
The Exchange provided the
Commission with a summary report,
included herein as Exhibit 3, which
demonstrates the price improvement
benefits of the PIP. Specifically, the
Report contains eight categories of noncustomer and customer auction data, as
well as three categories of summary
auction data, during the period January
2015 through June 2015. Each of the
eight categories is divided into
subcategories based on the spread of the
NBBO at the time an auction was
initiated. The data is further divided
into the number of orders that were
13 See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos.
53222 (February 3, 2006), 71 FR 7089 (February 10,
2006) (SR–CBOE–2005–60) (Order Granting
Approval of Proposed Rule Change and
Amendment No. 1 Thereto and Notice of Filing and
Order Granting Accelerated Approval to
Amendment No. 2 to the Proposed Rule Change
Relating to an Automated Improvement
Mechanism); 63238 (November 3, 2010), 75 FR
68844 (November 9, 2010) (SR–C2–2010–008)
(Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a
Proposed Rule Change to Update Rules Based on
Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc. Rules and
Recent Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc. Rule
Filings); 72009 (April 23, 2014), 79 FR 24032 (April
29, 2014) (SR–MIAX–2014–09) (Notice of Filing of
Amendment No. 1 and Order Granting Accelerated
Approval of a Proposed Rule Change, as Modified
by Amendment No. 1, To Adopt the MIAX PRIME
Price Improvement Mechanism and the MIAX
PRIME Solicitation Mechanism); 63027 (October 1,
2010), 75 FR 62160 (October 7, 2010) (SR–Phlx–
2010–108) (Order Granting Approval to a Proposed
Rule Change Relating to a Proposed Price
Improvement System, Price Improvement XL);
50819 (December 8, 2004), 69 FR 75093 (December
15, 2004) (SR–ISE–2003–06) (Order Granting
Approval of Proposed Rule Change and
Amendment No. 1 Thereto and Notice of Filing and
Order Granting Accelerated Approval to
Amendments No. 2 and 3 Thereto by the
International Securities Exchange, Inc. To Establish
Rules Implementing a Price Improvement
Mechanism); and 70050 (July 26, 2013), 78 FR
46622 (August 1, 2013) (Order Granting the
Application of Topaz Exchange, LLC for
Registration as a National Securities Exchange).
E:\FR\FM\16DEN1.SGM
16DEN1
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 242 / Friday, December 16, 2016 / Notices
auctioned within each particular
subcategory. Finally, for each
subcategory, Exchange identified the per
contract price improvement that
occurred at each NBBO spread; the
average number of participants
responding to the auctions plus the
initiator; the total volume the initiator
received; the average percentage of
orders the initiator received; and the
percentage of contracts received by the
auction initiator.
The various categories contained in
the Report include:
(1) Non-Public Customer Auction/Under
50 Contracts/BOX not at NBBO
(2) Non-Customer Auction/Under 50
Contracts/BOX at NBBO
(3) Non-Customer Auction/50 Contracts
and over/BOX not at NBBO
(4) Non-Customer Auction/50 Contracts
and over/BOX at NBBO
(5) Customer Auction/Under 50
Contracts/BOX not at NBBO
(6) Customer Auction/Under 50
Contracts/BOX at NBBO
(7) Customer Auction/50 Contracts and
over/BOX not at NBBO
(8) Customer Auction/50 Contracts and
over/BOX at NBBO
(9) Summary of all Non-Customer
Auctions for the Period
(10) Summary of all Customer Auctions
for the Period
(11) Summary of all Auctions for the
Period
BOX believes that the data gathered
demonstrates there is an active and
liquid market functioning on the
Exchange outside of the auction
mechanism. In the period between
January and June 2015, 30.5 million
contracts were executed through the
BOX PIP, approximately 64% of BOX
total contract volume. While during this
period average daily contract volume
traded through the PIP fell from 339,088
contracts per day in January 2015 to
255,150 contracts per day in June 2015,
overall contract volume outside of the
PIP also fell during that period.
Additionally, with an average number of
4.0 participants in each auction, the
data shows there is meaningful
competition in PIP auctions for all size
orders.
The Exchange also believes there is
significant price improvement and
significant opportunity for price
improvement in the PIP with one
modification. Currently, a PIP Order
may be submitted to BOX with a
matching contra order (‘‘Primary
Improvement Order’’) that is equal to
the full size of the PIP Order and at a
price equal to or better than that of the
NBBO at the time of the commencement
of the PIP (the ‘‘PIP Start Price’’), at any
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:42 Dec 15, 2016
Jkt 241001
NBBO spread. BOX proposes to amend
the PIP auction to reject any auction
where the quoted NBBO spread 14 is less
than or equal to $0.01.15 While the
Exchange believes that opportunities
remain for price improvement where the
NBBO spread is less than or equal to
$0.01, the Exchange notes that the data
for the current pilot shows small
amounts of price improvement in these
orders.16
The Exchange does believe, however,
that based on the data there is
significant price improvement and
significant opportunity for price
improvement when the NBBO spread is
greater than $0.01. During the period,
there was an average price improvement
of $0.05 per contract for contracts
executed through the PIP when BOX
was at the NBBO, and $0.01 per contract
for contracts executed through the PIP
when BOX was not at the NBOO
regardless of size.
The Exchange has also gathered data
on the premature terminations in the
PIP to determine if these could result in
a PIP Order being disadvantaged by the
early conclusion of a PIP. Between
January and June 2015, the number of
auctions that terminated early was less
than 0.05% of all PIP auctions.
COPIP
The Exchange believes that the data
submitted to the Commission on a
monthly and confidential basis for the
COPIP Pilot Program establishes that it
has not placed an undue burden on
competition; lessened the amount of
price improvement in the COPIP; nor
reduced order flow and liquidity to the
Complex Order Book.17 From January
2015 through June 2015 COPIP volume
accounted for 41% of all Complex Order
volume on BOX. Further, the average
price improvement amount (when
improved) was $0.11 for this same
period. The Exchange believes the
COPIP Pilot program does not place an
undue burden on competition. In fact,
the average number of responders is
higher for COPIP Orders of 50 contracts
and under (0.23) when compared to
COPIP Orders greater than 50 contracts
(0.01). While the average numbers of
14 The NBBO spread is the difference between the
NBBO Bid and the NBBO Ask.
15 All PIP Auctions where the NBBO spread is
more than $0.01 will continue to be allowed.
16 During the six month time period, .05% of
auctions where the NBBO spread was less than or
equal to $0.01 received price improvement.
17 The Exchange notes that the COPIP has been
in place for significantly less time than the PIP and
therefore has generated significantly less data.
Given the similarities between the two mechanisms,
the Exchange expects the COPIP, if operated on a
pilot basis over a longer period of time, would
generate data that is comparable to the PIP.
PO 00000
Frm 00115
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
91229
responders in the COPIP is lower than
that of the PIP, the Exchange believes
that as volume in the COPIP increases,
the overall average number of
responders will also increase.
The Exchange has also gathered data
on the premature terminations in the
COPIP to determine if these could result
in a COPIP Order being disadvantaged
by the early conclusion of or COPIP.
Between January and June 2015, the
number of auctions that terminated
early was less than 0.09% of all COPIP
auctions.
2. Statutory Basis
The Exchange believes that the
proposal is consistent with the
requirements of Section 6(b) of the
Act,18 in general, and Section 6(b)(5) of
the Act,19 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,
and to remove impediments to and
perfect the mechanism of a free and
open market and a national market
system.
In particular, the proposed change
will allow the Exchange to continue the
Programs free of any pilot conditions
which the Exchange believes are no
longer necessary. The Programs were
put in place to determine the full impact
that the lack of minimum size
requirement would have on
competitiveness and price improvement
in the PIP and COPIP. The PIP Pilot
Program has been in place for over ten
years,20 and the COPIP PIP Program has
been in place for over two years. During
these time periods there has been no
evidence to suggest that the Programs
have had the negative effects predicted
in the comment letters.21 As such,
removal of the pilot restrictions is the
logical next step.
The Exchange believes that the
change to the PIP auction which will
reject any auction where the quoted
NBBO spread is less than or equal to
$0.01 will further price improvement for
PIP Orders overall. The Exchange notes
that statistics for the current pilot show
relatively small amounts of price
improvement for these orders. The
Exchange believes the proposed change
will therefore increase the price
improvement that orders may receive in
the PIP overall.
18 15
U.S.C. 78f(b).
U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
20 See supra, note 3.
21 See supra, note 8.
19 15
E:\FR\FM\16DEN1.SGM
16DEN1
91230
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 242 / Friday, December 16, 2016 / Notices
Permanent approval of the Pilot
Programs would continue to provide
investors with real and significant price
improvement regardless of the size of
the order. The Exchange believes that
allowing price improvement to any size
order removes impediments to a free
and open market and national market
system, therefore creating more
competition for the best execution of all
orders. The Exchange also believes that
making the Pilot Programs permanent
does not raise any unique regulatory
concerns.
Lastly, the Exchange also believes that
the proposed rule change, which
provides all market participants,
including public investors, with
opportunity to trade with small
customer orders of less than 50
contracts in the PIP and COPIP, is
appropriate in the public interest and
for the protection of investors
(B) institute proceedings to determine
whether the proposed rule change
should be disapproved.
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 either
among BOX Participants, or among the
various options exchanges, which is not
necessary or appropriate in furtherance
of the purposes of the Act. Specifically,
the PIP and COPIP mechanisms are
offered to all BOX Participants and
making the Pilot Programs permanent
will not impose a competitive burden
on any participant. Additionally, the
Exchange believes that the proposed
change will not have impact on
intermarket competition, as noted above
many other exchanges have similar pilot
programs in place in their auction
mechanisms and are free to file to make
these permanent as well.
• Send paper comments in triplicate
to Secretary, Securities and Exchange
Commission, 100 F Street NE.,
Washington, DC 20549–1090.
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement on Comments on the
Proposed Rule Change Received From
Members, Participants, or Others
The Exchange has neither solicited
nor received comments on the proposed
rule change.
III. Date of Effectiveness of the
Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
Commission Action
Within 45 days of the date of
publication of this notice in the Federal
Register or within such longer period (i)
as the Commission may designate up to
90 days of such date if it finds such
longer period to be appropriate and
publishes its reasons for so finding or
(ii) as to which the self-regulatory
organization consents, the Commission
will:
(A) By order approve or disapprove
the proposed rule change, or
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:42 Dec 15, 2016
Jkt 241001
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:
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.22
Eduardo A. Aleman,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016–30258 Filed 12–15–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–79525; File No. SR–
NYSEMKT–2016–111]
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–
BOX–2016–58 on the subject line.
Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE
MKT LLC; Notice of Filing and
Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed
Rule Change To Amend Commentary
.02 to Rule 960NY in Order To Extend
the Penny Pilot in Options Classes in
Certain Issues
Paper Comments
December 12, 2016.
All submissions should refer to File
Number SR–BOX–2016–58. This file
number should be included on the
subject line if email is used. To help the
Commission process and review your
comments more efficiently, please use
only one method. The Commission will
post all comments on the Commission’s
Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/
rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the
submission, all subsequent
amendments, all written statements
with respect to the proposed rule
change that are filed with the
Commission, and all written
communications relating to the
proposed rule change between the
Commission and any person, other than
those that may be withheld from the
public in accordance with the
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be
available for Web site viewing and
printing in the Commission’s Public
Reference Room, 100 F Street NE.,
Washington, DC 20549 on official
business days between the hours of
10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of such
filing also will be available for
inspection and copying at the principal
office of the Exchange. All comments
received will be posted without change;
the Commission does not edit personal
identifying information from
submissions. You should submit only
information that you wish to make
available publicly. All submissions
should refer to File Number SR–BOX–
2016–58 and should be submitted on or
before January 6, 2017.
PO 00000
Frm 00116
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
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 November
28, 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, 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 amend
Commentary .02 to Rule 960NY in order
to extend the Penny Pilot in options
classes in certain issues (‘‘Pilot
Program’’ or ‘‘Pilot’’) previously
approved by the Securities and
Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’)
through June 30, 2017. The Pilot
Program is currently scheduled to
expire on 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
22 17
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
U.S.C. 78s (b)(1).
2 15 U.S.C. 78a.
3 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
1 15
E:\FR\FM\16DEN1.SGM
16DEN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 242 (Friday, December 16, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 91227-91230]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-30258]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
[Release No. 34-79531; File No. SR-BOX-2016-58]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; BOX Options Exchange LLC; Notice
of Filing of Proposed Rule Change To Amend Interpretive Material to
Rule 7150 (Price Improvement Period ``PIP'') and Interpretive Material
to Rule 7245 (Complex Order Price Improvement Period ``COPIP'') To Make
Permanent the Pilot Programs That Permit the Exchange To Have No
Minimum Size Requirement for Orders Entered Into the PIP (``PIP Pilot
Program'') and COPIP (``COPIP Pilot Program'')
December 12, 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 December 9, 2016, BOX Options Exchange LLC (the ``Exchange'') filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') the
proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III below, which
Items have been prepared by the self-regulatory organization. The
Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the
proposed rule 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 Interpretive Material to Rule 7150
(Price Improvement Period ``PIP'') and Interpretive Material to Rule
7245 (Complex Order Price Improvement Period ``COPIP'') to make
permanent the pilot programs that permit the Exchange to have no
minimum size requirement for orders entered into the PIP (``PIP Pilot
Program'') and COPIP (``COPIP Pilot Program''). The text of the
proposed rule change is available from the principal office of the
Exchange, at the Commission's Public Reference Room and also on the
Exchange's Internet Web site at https://boxexchange.com.
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 these statements may be examined at
the places specified in Item IV below. The self-regulatory organization
has prepared summaries, set forth in Sections A, B, and C below, of the
most significant aspects of such statements.
A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
1. Purpose
The purpose of the proposed rule change is to amend the BOX Rules
to make permanent the pilot programs that permit the Exchange to have
no minimum size requirement for orders entered into the PIP (``PIP
Pilot Program'') and COPIP (``COPIP Pilot Program''), collectively
known as the (``Programs''). In addition, BOX proposes to modify the
requirements for the PIP where the National Best Bid and Offer
(``NBBO'') is only $0.01 wide.
Background
The PIP Pilot Program was approved on a pilot basis with the
establishment of BOX and the PIP in January 2004 \3\ and the COPIP
Pilot Program was approved on a pilot basis with introduction of the
COPIP in December 2013.\4\ Both Programs are scheduled to
[[Page 91228]]
expire on January 18, 2017.\5\ The Exchange believes that both the PIP
and COPIP Pilot Programs have been successful and well-received by
Participants and the investing public.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\ See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 49068 (January 13,
2004), 69 FR 2775 (January 20, 2004) (SR-BSE-2003-04) (``Order
Granting Approval to Proposed Rule Change and Amendment No. 3 and
Notice of Filing and Order Granting Accelerated Approval to
Amendment No. 4 Thereto by the Boston Stock Exchange, Inc.
Establishing Trading Rules for the Boston Options Exchange
Facility''); 66871 (April 27, 2012) 77 FR 26323 (May 3, 2012) (File
No. 10-206, In the Matter of the Application of BOX Options Exchange
LLC for Registration as a National Securities Exchange Findings,
Opinion, and Order of the Commission), 67255 (June 26, 2012) 77 FR
39315 (July 2, 2013) (SR-BOX-2012-009) (Notice of Filing and
Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposal To Extend a Pilot Program That
Permits BOX to Have No Minimum Size Requirement for Orders Entered
Into the Price Improvement Period), 69846 (June 25, 2013) 78 FR
39365 (July 1, 2013) (SR-BOX-2013-33) (Notice of Filing and
Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposal To Extend a Pilot Program That
Permits BOX to Have No Minimum Size Requirement for Orders Entered
Into the Price Improvement Period), 72545 (July 7, 2014), 79 FR
40182 (July 11, 2014) (SR-BOX-2014-19) (Notice of Filing and
Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposal To Extend a Pilot Program That
Permits BOX to Have No Minimum Size Requirement for Orders Entered
Into the Price Improvement Period and Complex Order Price
Improvement Period), 75480 (July 17, 2015), 80 FR 43803 (July 23,
2015) (SR-BOX-2015-27) (Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness
of a Proposal To Extend a Pilot Program That Permits BOX to Have No
Minimum Size Requirement for Orders Entered Into the Price
Improvement Period and Complex Order Price Improvement Period).
\4\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 71148 (December 19,
2013) 78 FR 78437 (December 26, 2013) (Notice of Filing of Amendment
Nos. 1 and 2 and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of a Proposed
Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment Nos. 1 and 2, to Permit
Complex Orders to Participate in Price Improvement Periods).
\5\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 78353 (July 18,
2016), 81 FR 47843 (July 22, 2016) (SR-BOX-2016-32).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The PIP and COPIP Pilot Programs guarantee Participants the right
to trade with their customer orders that are less than 50 contracts. In
particular, any order entered into the PIP is guaranteed an execution
at the end of the auction at a price at least equal to the NBBO. Any
order entered into the COPIP is guaranteed an execution at the end of
the auction at a price at least equal to or better than the cNBBO,\6\
cBBO \7\ and BBO on the Complex Order Book for the Strategy at the time
of commencement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\ As defined in BOX Rule 7240(a)(3), the term ``cNBBO'' means
the best net bid and offer price for a Complex Order Strategy based
on the NBBO for the individual options components of such Strategy.
\7\ As defined in BOX Rule 7240(a)(1), the term ``cBBO'' means
the best net bid and offer price for a Complex Order Strategy based
on the BBO on the BOX Book for the individual options components of
such Strategy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
BOX first introduced the PIP auction process for obtaining customer
price improvement to the options market place when it launched in 2004.
As part of BOX's commitment to price improvement, the Exchange sought
to provide small customer orders with benefits not available under the
rules of the other exchanges by having no minimum size requirements for
orders entered into the PIP. After concerns were raised that this lack
of size requirement would promote internalization and inferior price
improvement within the PIP and also lead to reduced order flow and
market quality on the regular BOX Book,\8\ BOX began the PIP Pilot
Program.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\8\ See September 12, 2003 Letter from Michael J. Simon, Vice
President and Secretary, ISE, to Jonathan Katz, Secretary,
Commission regarding SR-BSE-2002-15; and see generally letters to
Jonathan Katz, Secretary, Commission regarding SR-BSE-2002-15,
February 28, 2003 Letter from Philip DeFeo, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, PCX; February 14, 2003 Letter from William
Brodsky, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, CBOE; February 14,
2003 Letter from Michael Ryan, General Counsel, AMEX; February 12,
2003 Letter from Michael J. Simon, Secretary, ISE; February 12, 2003
Letter from Meyer S. Frucher, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
PHLX.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In June of 2005 concerns were also raised when BOX introduced
Market Orders \9\ to the Exchange and detailed how these orders, as
well BOX-Top Orders,\10\ would be treated when entered while a PIP is
in progress. Specifically, submission to BOX of a Market Order or BOX-
Top Order on the same side as a PIP Order prematurely terminates the
PIP when, at the time of submission of the Market Order or BOX-Top
Order, the best Improvement Order is equal to or better than the NBBO
on the same side of the market as the best Improvement Order. The
Commission was concerned that this premature termination of the PIP
could result in a PIP Order being disadvantaged by the early conclusion
of a PIP, in that the PIP Order would not have received the full
exposure period in which to receive price improvement. BOX then agreed
to include in its monthly reports additional information with respect
to situations in which the PIP is terminated prematurely or a Market
Order or BOX-Top Order interacts with a PIP Order before the PIP's
conclusion.\11\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\9\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 51821 (June 10,
2005), 70 FR 35143 (June 16, 2005) (Order Approving SR-BSE-2004-51).
\10\ BOX-Top Orders have since been removed from the BOX
Rulebook. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 71374 (January 23,
2014), 79 FR 4783 (January 29, 2014) (Notice of Filing and Immediate
Effectiveness of SR-BOX-2014-05).
\11\ See supra, note 9.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Exchange then established the COPIP in January 2014 to further
BOX's commitment to price improvement.\12\ The COPIP mechanism allows
Complex Orders to be submitted to the COPIP in substantially the same
manner as orders for single options series instruments currently are
submitted to the PIP. Because of the similarities between the PIP and
COPIP, the Exchange proposed a COPIP Pilot Program and agreed to
provide certain information, periodically as required by the
Commission, to support that, among other things, there is meaningful
competition for all size COPIP orders, that there is significant price
improvement for all orders executed through the COPIP and that an
active and liquid market is functioning on BOX outside of the COPIP
mechanism.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\12\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 71148 (December 19,
2013), 78 FR 78437 (December 26, 2013) (Order Approving SR-BOX-2013-
43).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PIP Pilot Program
The Exchange believes that the data submitted to the Commission on
a monthly and confidential basis for the PIP Pilot Program, as well as
the data reference [sic] below covering January through June 2015
establishes that it has not placed an undue burden on competition;
lessened the amount of price improvement in the PIP; nor reduced order
flow and liquidity to the BOX Book. The Exchange therefore believes
that it appropriate to approve the no minimum size requirement on a
permanent basis. In fact, since the launch of the PIP customers have
received over $841 million in savings through better executions on BOX,
including $12.6 million in October 2016. Order flow and liquidity on
BOX has also remained strong through this entire period, with an
average daily volume of approximately 434,000 contracts for the first
six ten months of 2016. Further, many of the exchanges which first
raised concerns have recognized the benefits of price improvement
auctions, and have adopted similar mechanisms with no minimum order
size since 2004.\13\ Approving the PIP Pilot Program on a permanent
basis will allow the PIP to continue to offer meaningful price
improvement and will not have an adverse effect on the market
functioning on the Exchange outside of the PIP.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\13\ See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 53222 (February 3,
2006), 71 FR 7089 (February 10, 2006) (SR-CBOE-2005-60) (Order
Granting Approval of Proposed Rule Change and Amendment No. 1
Thereto and Notice of Filing and Order Granting Accelerated Approval
to Amendment No. 2 to the Proposed Rule Change Relating to an
Automated Improvement Mechanism); 63238 (November 3, 2010), 75 FR
68844 (November 9, 2010) (SR-C2-2010-008) (Notice of Filing and
Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change to Update Rules
Based on Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc. Rules and Recent
Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc. Rule Filings); 72009 (April 23,
2014), 79 FR 24032 (April 29, 2014) (SR-MIAX-2014-09) (Notice of
Filing of Amendment No. 1 and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of
a Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment No. 1, To Adopt the
MIAX PRIME Price Improvement Mechanism and the MIAX PRIME
Solicitation Mechanism); 63027 (October 1, 2010), 75 FR 62160
(October 7, 2010) (SR-Phlx-2010-108) (Order Granting Approval to a
Proposed Rule Change Relating to a Proposed Price Improvement
System, Price Improvement XL); 50819 (December 8, 2004), 69 FR 75093
(December 15, 2004) (SR-ISE-2003-06) (Order Granting Approval of
Proposed Rule Change and Amendment No. 1 Thereto and Notice of
Filing and Order Granting Accelerated Approval to Amendments No. 2
and 3 Thereto by the International Securities Exchange, Inc. To
Establish Rules Implementing a Price Improvement Mechanism); and
70050 (July 26, 2013), 78 FR 46622 (August 1, 2013) (Order Granting
the Application of Topaz Exchange, LLC for Registration as a
National Securities Exchange).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Exchange provided the Commission with a summary report,
included herein as Exhibit 3, which demonstrates the price improvement
benefits of the PIP. Specifically, the Report contains eight categories
of non-customer and customer auction data, as well as three categories
of summary auction data, during the period January 2015 through June
2015. Each of the eight categories is divided into subcategories based
on the spread of the NBBO at the time an auction was initiated. The
data is further divided into the number of orders that were
[[Page 91229]]
auctioned within each particular subcategory. Finally, for each
subcategory, Exchange identified the per contract price improvement
that occurred at each NBBO spread; the average number of participants
responding to the auctions plus the initiator; the total volume the
initiator received; the average percentage of orders the initiator
received; and the percentage of contracts received by the auction
initiator.
The various categories contained in the Report include:
(1) Non-Public Customer Auction/Under 50 Contracts/BOX not at NBBO
(2) Non-Customer Auction/Under 50 Contracts/BOX at NBBO
(3) Non-Customer Auction/50 Contracts and over/BOX not at NBBO
(4) Non-Customer Auction/50 Contracts and over/BOX at NBBO
(5) Customer Auction/Under 50 Contracts/BOX not at NBBO
(6) Customer Auction/Under 50 Contracts/BOX at NBBO
(7) Customer Auction/50 Contracts and over/BOX not at NBBO
(8) Customer Auction/50 Contracts and over/BOX at NBBO
(9) Summary of all Non-Customer Auctions for the Period
(10) Summary of all Customer Auctions for the Period
(11) Summary of all Auctions for the Period
BOX believes that the data gathered demonstrates there is an active
and liquid market functioning on the Exchange outside of the auction
mechanism. In the period between January and June 2015, 30.5 million
contracts were executed through the BOX PIP, approximately 64% of BOX
total contract volume. While during this period average daily contract
volume traded through the PIP fell from 339,088 contracts per day in
January 2015 to 255,150 contracts per day in June 2015, overall
contract volume outside of the PIP also fell during that period.
Additionally, with an average number of 4.0 participants in each
auction, the data shows there is meaningful competition in PIP auctions
for all size orders.
The Exchange also believes there is significant price improvement
and significant opportunity for price improvement in the PIP with one
modification. Currently, a PIP Order may be submitted to BOX with a
matching contra order (``Primary Improvement Order'') that is equal to
the full size of the PIP Order and at a price equal to or better than
that of the NBBO at the time of the commencement of the PIP (the ``PIP
Start Price''), at any NBBO spread. BOX proposes to amend the PIP
auction to reject any auction where the quoted NBBO spread \14\ is less
than or equal to $0.01.\15\ While the Exchange believes that
opportunities remain for price improvement where the NBBO spread is
less than or equal to $0.01, the Exchange notes that the data for the
current pilot shows small amounts of price improvement in these
orders.\16\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\14\ The NBBO spread is the difference between the NBBO Bid and
the NBBO Ask.
\15\ All PIP Auctions where the NBBO spread is more than $0.01
will continue to be allowed.
\16\ During the six month time period, .05% of auctions where
the NBBO spread was less than or equal to $0.01 received price
improvement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Exchange does believe, however, that based on the data there is
significant price improvement and significant opportunity for price
improvement when the NBBO spread is greater than $0.01. During the
period, there was an average price improvement of $0.05 per contract
for contracts executed through the PIP when BOX was at the NBBO, and
$0.01 per contract for contracts executed through the PIP when BOX was
not at the NBOO regardless of size.
The Exchange has also gathered data on the premature terminations
in the PIP to determine if these could result in a PIP Order being
disadvantaged by the early conclusion of a PIP. Between January and
June 2015, the number of auctions that terminated early was less than
0.05% of all PIP auctions.
COPIP
The Exchange believes that the data submitted to the Commission on
a monthly and confidential basis for the COPIP Pilot Program
establishes that it has not placed an undue burden on competition;
lessened the amount of price improvement in the COPIP; nor reduced
order flow and liquidity to the Complex Order Book.\17\ From January
2015 through June 2015 COPIP volume accounted for 41% of all Complex
Order volume on BOX. Further, the average price improvement amount
(when improved) was $0.11 for this same period. The Exchange believes
the COPIP Pilot program does not place an undue burden on competition.
In fact, the average number of responders is higher for COPIP Orders of
50 contracts and under (0.23) when compared to COPIP Orders greater
than 50 contracts (0.01). While the average numbers of responders in
the COPIP is lower than that of the PIP, the Exchange believes that as
volume in the COPIP increases, the overall average number of responders
will also increase.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\17\ The Exchange notes that the COPIP has been in place for
significantly less time than the PIP and therefore has generated
significantly less data. Given the similarities between the two
mechanisms, the Exchange expects the COPIP, if operated on a pilot
basis over a longer period of time, would generate data that is
comparable to the PIP.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Exchange has also gathered data on the premature terminations
in the COPIP to determine if these could result in a COPIP Order being
disadvantaged by the early conclusion of or COPIP. Between January and
June 2015, the number of auctions that terminated early was less than
0.09% of all COPIP auctions.
2. Statutory Basis
The Exchange believes that the proposal is consistent with the
requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act,\18\ in general, and Section
6(b)(5) of the Act,\19\ 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, and to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a
free and open market and a national market system.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\18\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
\19\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In particular, the proposed change will allow the Exchange to
continue the Programs free of any pilot conditions which the Exchange
believes are no longer necessary. The Programs were put in place to
determine the full impact that the lack of minimum size requirement
would have on competitiveness and price improvement in the PIP and
COPIP. The PIP Pilot Program has been in place for over ten years,\20\
and the COPIP PIP Program has been in place for over two years. During
these time periods there has been no evidence to suggest that the
Programs have had the negative effects predicted in the comment
letters.\21\ As such, removal of the pilot restrictions is the logical
next step.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\20\ See supra, note 3.
\21\ See supra, note 8.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Exchange believes that the change to the PIP auction which will
reject any auction where the quoted NBBO spread is less than or equal
to $0.01 will further price improvement for PIP Orders overall. The
Exchange notes that statistics for the current pilot show relatively
small amounts of price improvement for these orders. The Exchange
believes the proposed change will therefore increase the price
improvement that orders may receive in the PIP overall.
[[Page 91230]]
Permanent approval of the Pilot Programs would continue to provide
investors with real and significant price improvement regardless of the
size of the order. The Exchange believes that allowing price
improvement to any size order removes impediments to a free and open
market and national market system, therefore creating more competition
for the best execution of all orders. The Exchange also believes that
making the Pilot Programs permanent does not raise any unique
regulatory concerns.
Lastly, the Exchange also believes that the proposed rule change,
which provides all market participants, including public investors,
with opportunity to trade with small customer orders of less than 50
contracts in the PIP and COPIP, is appropriate in the public interest
and for the protection of investors
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 either among BOX Participants, or
among the various options exchanges, which is not necessary or
appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. Specifically,
the PIP and COPIP mechanisms are offered to all BOX Participants and
making the Pilot Programs permanent will not impose a competitive
burden on any participant. Additionally, the Exchange believes that the
proposed change will not have impact on intermarket competition, as
noted above many other exchanges have similar pilot programs in place
in their auction mechanisms and are free to file to make these
permanent as well.
C. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed
Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others
The Exchange has neither solicited nor received comments on the
proposed rule change.
III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
Commission Action
Within 45 days of the date of publication of this notice in the
Federal Register or within such longer period (i) as the Commission may
designate up to 90 days of such date if it finds such longer period to
be appropriate and publishes its reasons for so finding or (ii) as to
which the self-regulatory organization consents, the Commission will:
(A) By order approve or disapprove the proposed rule change, or
(B) institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule
change should be 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-BOX-2016-58 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-BOX-2016-58. This file
number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To help
the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently,
please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on
the Commission's Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all
written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are
filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to
the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other
than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site viewing and
printing in the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE.,
Washington, DC 20549 on official business days between the hours of
10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of such filing also will be available
for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All
comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does
not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should
submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All
submissions should refer to File Number SR-BOX-2016-58 and should be
submitted on or before January 6, 2017.
For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\22\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\22\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eduardo A. Aleman,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-30258 Filed 12-15-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P