Self-Regulatory Organizations; Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Extend the Implementation of FINRA Rule 4240 (Margin Requirements for Credit Default Swaps), 30914-30916 [2017-13903]

Download as PDF 30914 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 126 / Monday, July 3, 2017 / Notices (ADAMS): You may obtain publiclyavailable documents online in the ADAMS Public Documents collection at https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/ adams.html. To begin the search, select ‘‘ADAMS Public Documents’’ and then select ‘‘Begin Web-based ADAMS Search.’’ For problems with ADAMS, please contact the NRC’s Public Document Room (PDR) reference staff at 1–800–397–4209, 301–415–4737, or by email to pdr.resource@nrc.gov. The draft RIS, ‘‘NRC Draft Regulatory Issue Summary 2017–XX Supplement to RIS 2002–22,’’ is available in ADAMS under Accession No. ML17102B507. • NRC’s PDR: You may examine and purchase copies of public documents at the NRC’s PDR, Room O1–F21, One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES B. Submitting Comments Please include Docket ID NRC–2017– 0154 in your comment submission. The NRC cautions you not to include identifying or contact information that you do not want to be publicly disclosed in your comment submission. The NRC will post all comment submissions at https:// www.regulations.gov as well as enter the comment submissions into ADAMS. The NRC does not routinely edit comment submissions to remove identifying or contact information. If you are requesting or aggregating comments from other persons for submission to the NRC, then you should inform those persons not to include identifying or contact information that they do not want to be publicly disclosed in their comment submission. Your request should state that the NRC does not routinely edit comment submissions to remove such information before making the comment submissions available to the public or entering the comment into ADAMS. II. Background The RIS is intended for all holders of and applicants for power reactor operating licenses or construction permits under part 50 of title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR), ‘‘Domestic Licensing of Production and Utilization Facilities,’’ except those who have permanently ceased operations and have certified that fuel has been permanently removed from the reactor vessel and all holders of, and applicants for, a power reactor combined license, standard design approval, or manufacturing license, and all applicants for a standard design certification, under 10 CFR part 52, ‘‘Licenses, Certifications, and Approvals for Nuclear Power Plants.’’ VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:53 Jun 30, 2017 Jkt 241001 This RIS is intended to clarify the endorsed NEI 01–01 guidance regarding licensee upgrades to digital instrumentation and control systems. Specifically, this RIS clarifies the guidance in NEI 01–01 pertaining to the performance and documentation of adequate technical evaluations and adequately documented qualitative assessments to meet the requirements of 10 CFR 50.59 ‘‘Changes, tests and experiments.’’ The attachment to this RIS provides a framework for preparing and documenting qualitative assessments considered acceptable to serve as a technical basis supporting the responses to key 10 CFR 50.59(c)(2) evaluations. The NRC issues RISs to communicate with stakeholders on a broad range of matters. This may include communicating and clarifying NRC technical or policy positions on regulatory matters that have not been communicated to or are not broadly understood by the nuclear industry. Proposed Action The NRC is requesting public comments on the draft RIS. The NRC plans to hold a public meeting to discuss this RIS and the issues associated with clarification of the applicability of the endorsed NEI 01–01 guidance. All comments that are to receive consideration in the final RIS must still be submitted electronically or in writing as indicated in the ADDRESSES section of this document. Additional details regarding the meeting will be posted at least 10 days prior to the public meeting on the NRC’s Public Meeting Schedule Web site at https:// www.nrc.gov/public-involve/publicmeetings/index.cfm. The NRC staff will make a final determination regarding issuance of the RIS after it considers any public comments received in response to this request. Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 28th day of June 2017. For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Alexander D. Garmoe, Chief, Generic Communications Branch, Division of Policy and Rulemaking, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation. [FR Doc. 2017–13918 Filed 6–30–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590–01–P PO 00000 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–81035; File No. SR–FINRA– 2017–019] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Extend the Implementation of FINRA Rule 4240 (Margin Requirements for Credit Default Swaps) June 27, 2017. 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 June 14, 2017, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (‘‘FINRA’’) 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 FINRA. FINRA has designated the proposed rule change as constituting a ‘‘non-controversial’’ rule change under paragraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b–4 under the Act,3 which renders the proposal effective upon receipt of this filing by the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change FINRA is proposing to extend to July 18, 2018 the implementation of FINRA Rule 4240. FINRA Rule 4240 implements an interim pilot program with respect to margin requirements for certain transactions in credit default swaps that are security-based swaps. The text of the proposed rule change is available on FINRA’s Web site at https://www.finra.org, at the principal office of FINRA 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, FINRA 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. FINRA has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. 3 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 2 17 Frm 00099 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\03JYN1.SGM 03JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 126 / Monday, July 3, 2017 / Notices 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 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES 1. Purpose On May 22, 2009, the Commission approved FINRA Rule 4240,4 which implements an interim pilot program (the ‘‘Interim Pilot Program’’) with respect to margin requirements for certain transactions in credit default swaps (‘‘CDS’’).5 On June 15, 2016, FINRA filed a proposed rule change for immediate effectiveness extending the implementation of FINRA Rule 4240 to July 18, 2017.6 As explained in the Approval Order, FINRA Rule 4240, coterminous with certain Commission actions, was intended to address concerns arising from systemic risk posed by CDS, including, among other things, risks to the financial system arising from the lack of a central clearing counterparty to clear and settle CDS.7 On July 21, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the ‘‘DoddFrank Act’’) was signed into law.8 Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act established a comprehensive new regulatory framework for swaps and security-based swaps,9 including certain CDS. The legislation was intended, among other 4 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 59955 (May 22, 2009), 74 FR 25586 (May 28, 2009) (Order Approving File No. SR–FINRA–2009–012) (‘‘Approval Order’’). 5 In March 2012, the SEC approved amendments to FINRA Rule 4240 that, among other things, limit at this time the rule’s application to credit default swaps that are security-based swaps. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 66527 (March 7, 2012), 77 FR 14850 (March 13, 2012) (Order Approving File No. SR–FINRA–2012–015). 6 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 78182 (June 28, 2016), 81 FR 43690 (July 5, 2016) (Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of File No. SR–FINRA–2016–020). 7 See Approval Order, 74 FR at 25588–89. 8 See Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, Public Law 111–203, 124 Stat. 1376 (2010). 9 The terms ‘‘swap’’ and ‘‘security-based swap’’ are defined in Sections 721 and 761 of the DoddFrank Act. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (‘‘CFTC’’) and the Commission jointly have approved rules to further define these terms. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 67453 (July 18, 2012), 77 FR 48208 (August 13, 2012) (Joint Final Rule; Interpretations; Request for Comment on an Interpretation: Further Definition of ‘‘Swap,’’ ‘‘Security-Based Swap,’’ and ‘‘SecurityBased Swap Agreement’’; Mixed Swaps; SecurityBased Swap Agreement Recordkeeping). See also Securities Exchange Act Release No. 66868 (April 27, 2012), 77 FR 30596 (May 23, 2012) (Joint Final Rule; Joint Interim Final Rule; Interpretations: Further Definition of ‘‘Swap Dealer,’’ ‘‘SecurityBased Swap Dealer,’’ ‘‘Major Swap Participant,’’ ‘‘Major Security-Based Swap Participant’’ and ‘‘Eligible Contract Participant’’). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:53 Jun 30, 2017 Jkt 241001 30915 things, to enhance the authority of regulators to implement new rules designed to reduce risk, increase transparency, and promote market integrity with respect to such products. The Commission and the CFTC have proposed or adopted rules with respect to swaps and security-based swaps pursuant to Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act.10 FINRA believes it is appropriate to extend the Interim Pilot Program for a limited period, to July 18, 2018, in light of the continuing development of the CDS business and ongoing regulatory developments. FINRA is considering proposing additional amendments to the Interim Pilot Program. FINRA has filed the proposed rule change for immediate effectiveness. FINRA is proposing that the implementation date of the proposed rule change will be July 18, 2017. The proposed rule change will expire on July 18, 2018. 4240 will help to stabilize the financial markets. 2. Statutory Basis FINRA believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the provisions of Section 15A(b)(6) of the Act,11 which requires, among other things, that FINRA rules must be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. FINRA believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act because, in light of the continuing development of the CDS business and ongoing regulatory developments, extending the implementation of the margin requirements as set forth by FINRA Rule Written comments were neither solicited nor received. 10 See, e.g., Securities Exchange Act Release No. 79833 (January 18, 2017), 82 FR 8467 (January 25, 2017) (Order Extending Certain Temporary Exemptions Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in Connection With the Revision of the Definition of ‘‘Security’’ To Encompass SecurityBased Swaps and Request for Comment); Securities Exchange Act Release No. 67177 (June 11, 2012), 77 FR 35625 (June 14, 2012) (Notice of Statement of General Policy with Request for Public Comment: Statement of General Policy on the Sequencing of the Compliance Dates for Final Rules Applicable to Security-Based Swaps Adopted Pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the DoddFrank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act); Securities Exchange Act Release No. 68071 (October 18, 2012), 77 FR 70214 (November 23, 2012) (Proposed Rule: Capital, Margin, and Segregation Requirements for Security-Based Swap Dealers and Major Security-Based Swap Participants and Capital Requirements for BrokerDealers). See also Securities Exchange Act Release No. 71958 (April 17, 2014), 79 FR 25194 (May 2, 2014) (Proposed Rule: Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements for Security-Based Swap Dealers, Major Security-Based Swap Participants, and Broker-Dealers; Capital Rule for Certain SecurityBased Swap Dealers). 11 15 U.S.C. 78o–3(b)(6). PO 00000 Frm 00100 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition FINRA does not believe that the proposed rule change will result in any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. FINRA believes that extending the implementation of FINRA Rule 4240 for a limited period, to July 18, 2018, in light of the continuing development of the CDS business and ongoing regulatory developments, helps to promote stability in the financial markets and regulatory certainty for members. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not: (i) Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative for 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 12 and Rule 19b– 4(f)(6) thereunder.13 At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: 12 15 13 17 E:\FR\FM\03JYN1.SGM U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 03JYN1 30916 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 126 / Monday, July 3, 2017 / 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– FINRA–2017–019 on the subject line. Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Robert W. Errett, Deputy Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES All submissions should refer to File Number SR–FINRA–2017–019. 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 a.m. and 3 p.m. Copies of such filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of FINRA. 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–FINRA–2017–019 and should be submitted on or before July 24, 2017. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.14 Robert W. Errett, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2017–13903 Filed 6–30–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P 14 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:53 Jun 30, 2017 Jkt 241001 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–81032; File No. SR– BatsBZX–2017–43] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Bats BZX Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change Related to Fees for Logical Ports on the Bats Equity Options Platform June 27, 2017. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on June 16, 2017 Bats BZX Exchange, Inc. (the ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘BZX’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II and III below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Exchange has designated the proposed rule change as one establishing or changing a member due, fee, or other charge imposed by the Exchange under Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act 3 and Rule 19b–4(f)(2) thereunder,4 which renders the proposed rule change effective upon filing with the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange filed a proposal to amend its fees and rebates applicable to Members 5 and non-Members of the Exchange pursuant to BZX Rules 15.1(a) and (c). The text of the proposed rule change is available at the Exchange’s Web site at www.batstrading.com, at the principal office of the Exchange, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii). 4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2). 5 A Member is defined as ‘‘any registered broker or dealer that has been admitted to membership in the Exchange.’’ See Exchange Rule 1.5(n). 2 17 PO 00000 Frm 00101 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in Sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant parts of such statements. (A) Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The Exchange proposes to modify the fee schedule applicable to the Exchange’s options platform (‘‘BZX Options’’) to amend the fees for logical ports. A logical port represents a port established by the Exchange within the Exchange’s system for trading and billing purposes. Each logical port established is specific to a Member or non-Member and grants that Member or non-Member the ability to operate a specific application, such as FIX order entry or PITCH data receipt. The Exchange’s Multicast PITCH data feed is available from two primary feeds, identified as the ‘‘A feed’’ and the ‘‘C feed’’, which contain the same information but differ only in the way such feeds are received. The Exchange also offers two redundant fees, identified as the ‘‘B feed’’ and the ‘‘D feed.’’ The Exchange also offers a bulkquoting interface which allows Users 6 of BZX Options to submit and update multiple bids and offers in one message through logical ports enabled for bulkquoting.7 The bulk-quoting application for BZX Options is a particularly useful feature for Users that provide quotations in many different options. Logical port fees are limited to logical ports in the Exchange’s primary data center and no logical port fees are assessed for redundant secondary data center ports. The Exchange assesses the monthly per logical port fees for all of a Member and non-Member logical ports. The Exchange currently charges for logical ports (including Multicast PITCH Spin Server and GRP ports) a fee $650 per port per month. The Exchange now proposes to amend the fees for logical ports, Multicast PITCH Spin Server Ports for a set of primary ports (A or C feed), and GRP Ports for a set of primary ports (A or C feed) to $750 per month.8 6 A User on BZX Options is either a member of BZX Options or a sponsored participant who is authorized to obtain access to the Exchange’s system pursuant to BZX Rule 11.3. See Exchange Rule 16.1(a)(63). 7 See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 65133 (August 15, 2011), 76 FR 52032 (August 19, 2011) (SR–BATS–2011–029) and 65307 (September 9, 2011), 76 FR 57092 (September 15, 2011) (SR– BATS–2011–034). 8 The Exchange does not propose to amend the monthly fee for purge ports. E:\FR\FM\03JYN1.SGM 03JYN1

Agencies

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 126 (Monday, July 3, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30914-30916]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-13903]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-81035; File No. SR-FINRA-2017-019]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Financial Industry Regulatory 
Authority, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a 
Proposed Rule Change To Extend the Implementation of FINRA Rule 4240 
(Margin Requirements for Credit Default Swaps)

June 27, 2017.
    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 June 14, 2017, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. 
(``FINRA'') 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 FINRA. FINRA has 
designated the proposed rule change as constituting a ``non-
controversial'' rule change under paragraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b-4 under 
the Act,\3\ which renders the proposal effective upon receipt of this 
filing by the Commission. 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.
    \3\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    FINRA is proposing to extend to July 18, 2018 the implementation of 
FINRA Rule 4240. FINRA Rule 4240 implements an interim pilot program 
with respect to margin requirements for certain transactions in credit 
default swaps that are security-based swaps.
    The text of the proposed rule change is available on FINRA's Web 
site at https://www.finra.org, at the principal office of FINRA 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, FINRA 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. FINRA has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, 
B,

[[Page 30915]]

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
    On May 22, 2009, the Commission approved FINRA Rule 4240,\4\ which 
implements an interim pilot program (the ``Interim Pilot Program'') 
with respect to margin requirements for certain transactions in credit 
default swaps (``CDS'').\5\ On June 15, 2016, FINRA filed a proposed 
rule change for immediate effectiveness extending the implementation of 
FINRA Rule 4240 to July 18, 2017.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 59955 (May 22, 
2009), 74 FR 25586 (May 28, 2009) (Order Approving File No. SR-
FINRA-2009-012) (``Approval Order'').
    \5\ In March 2012, the SEC approved amendments to FINRA Rule 
4240 that, among other things, limit at this time the rule's 
application to credit default swaps that are security-based swaps. 
See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 66527 (March 7, 2012), 77 FR 
14850 (March 13, 2012) (Order Approving File No. SR-FINRA-2012-015).
    \6\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 78182 (June 28, 
2016), 81 FR 43690 (July 5, 2016) (Notice of Filing and Immediate 
Effectiveness of File No. SR-FINRA-2016-020).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As explained in the Approval Order, FINRA Rule 4240, coterminous 
with certain Commission actions, was intended to address concerns 
arising from systemic risk posed by CDS, including, among other things, 
risks to the financial system arising from the lack of a central 
clearing counterparty to clear and settle CDS.\7\ On July 21, 2010, the 
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the ``Dodd-
Frank Act'') was signed into law.\8\ Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act 
established a comprehensive new regulatory framework for swaps and 
security-based swaps,\9\ including certain CDS. The legislation was 
intended, among other things, to enhance the authority of regulators to 
implement new rules designed to reduce risk, increase transparency, and 
promote market integrity with respect to such products.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ See Approval Order, 74 FR at 25588-89.
    \8\ See Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection 
Act, Public Law 111-203, 124 Stat. 1376 (2010).
    \9\ The terms ``swap'' and ``security-based swap'' are defined 
in Sections 721 and 761 of the Dodd-Frank Act. The Commodity Futures 
Trading Commission (``CFTC'') and the Commission jointly have 
approved rules to further define these terms. See Securities 
Exchange Act Release No. 67453 (July 18, 2012), 77 FR 48208 (August 
13, 2012) (Joint Final Rule; Interpretations; Request for Comment on 
an Interpretation: Further Definition of ``Swap,'' ``Security-Based 
Swap,'' and ``Security-Based Swap Agreement''; Mixed Swaps; 
Security-Based Swap Agreement Recordkeeping). See also Securities 
Exchange Act Release No. 66868 (April 27, 2012), 77 FR 30596 (May 
23, 2012) (Joint Final Rule; Joint Interim Final Rule; 
Interpretations: Further Definition of ``Swap Dealer,'' ``Security-
Based Swap Dealer,'' ``Major Swap Participant,'' ``Major Security-
Based Swap Participant'' and ``Eligible Contract Participant'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission and the CFTC have proposed or adopted rules with 
respect to swaps and security-based swaps pursuant to Title VII of the 
Dodd-Frank Act.\10\ FINRA believes it is appropriate to extend the 
Interim Pilot Program for a limited period, to July 18, 2018, in light 
of the continuing development of the CDS business and ongoing 
regulatory developments. FINRA is considering proposing additional 
amendments to the Interim Pilot Program.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ See, e.g., Securities Exchange Act Release No. 79833 
(January 18, 2017), 82 FR 8467 (January 25, 2017) (Order Extending 
Certain Temporary Exemptions Under the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 in Connection With the Revision of the Definition of 
``Security'' To Encompass Security-Based Swaps and Request for 
Comment); Securities Exchange Act Release No. 67177 (June 11, 2012), 
77 FR 35625 (June 14, 2012) (Notice of Statement of General Policy 
with Request for Public Comment: Statement of General Policy on the 
Sequencing of the Compliance Dates for Final Rules Applicable to 
Security-Based Swaps Adopted Pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act 
of 1934 and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer 
Protection Act); Securities Exchange Act Release No. 68071 (October 
18, 2012), 77 FR 70214 (November 23, 2012) (Proposed Rule: Capital, 
Margin, and Segregation Requirements for Security-Based Swap Dealers 
and Major Security-Based Swap Participants and Capital Requirements 
for Broker-Dealers). See also Securities Exchange Act Release No. 
71958 (April 17, 2014), 79 FR 25194 (May 2, 2014) (Proposed Rule: 
Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements for Security-Based Swap 
Dealers, Major Security-Based Swap Participants, and Broker-Dealers; 
Capital Rule for Certain Security-Based Swap Dealers).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    FINRA has filed the proposed rule change for immediate 
effectiveness. FINRA is proposing that the implementation date of the 
proposed rule change will be July 18, 2017. The proposed rule change 
will expire on July 18, 2018.
2. Statutory Basis
    FINRA believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the 
provisions of Section 15A(b)(6) of the Act,\11\ which requires, among 
other things, that FINRA rules must be designed to prevent fraudulent 
and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable 
principles of trade, and, in general, to protect investors and the 
public interest. FINRA believes that the proposed rule change is 
consistent with the Act because, in light of the continuing development 
of the CDS business and ongoing regulatory developments, extending the 
implementation of the margin requirements as set forth by FINRA Rule 
4240 will help to stabilize the financial markets.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ 15 U.S.C. 78o-3(b)(6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition

    FINRA does not believe that the proposed rule change will result in 
any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in 
furtherance of the purposes of the Act. FINRA believes that extending 
the implementation of FINRA Rule 4240 for a limited period, to July 18, 
2018, in light of the continuing development of the CDS business and 
ongoing regulatory developments, helps to promote stability in the 
financial markets and regulatory certainty for members.

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

    Written comments were neither solicited nor received.

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

    Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not: (i) 
Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public 
interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) 
become operative for 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or 
such shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become 
effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \12\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6) thereunder.\13\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

IV. Solicitation of Comments

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

[[Page 30916]]

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-FINRA-2017-019 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

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

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-FINRA-2017-019. 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 
a.m. and 3 p.m. Copies of such filing also will be available for 
inspection and copying at the principal office of FINRA. 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-FINRA-2017-019 and should be 
submitted on or before July 24, 2017.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\14\
Robert W. Errett,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2017-13903 Filed 6-30-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.