Justia Agencies And Commissions Securities And Exchange Commission Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ BX, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Address the Application of Exchange Rule 11140 (Transactions in Securities “Ex-Dividend,” “Ex-Rights” or “Ex-Warrants”) as it Relates to Establishing Ex-Dividend Dates in connection With the Implementation of the T+2 Settlement Cycle on September 5, 2017, 42407-42410 [2017-18937]

Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ BX, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Address the Application of Exchange Rule 11140 (Transactions in Securities “Ex-Dividend,” “Ex-Rights” or “Ex-Warrants”) as it Relates to Establishing Ex-Dividend Dates in connection With the Implementation of the T+2 Settlement Cycle on September 5, 2017, 42407-42410 [2017-18937]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 172 / Thursday, September 7, 2017 / Notices Exchange has in place a comprehensive surveillance sharing agreement. In addition, as noted above, investors will have ready access to information regarding the Fund’s holdings, the IIV, and quotation and last sale information for the Shares. For the above reasons, the Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the requirements of Section 6(b)(5) of the Act. (B) Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purpose of the Act. The Exchange notes that the proposed rule change will facilitate the listing and trading of an additional type of Index Fund Shares that will enhance competition among market participants, to the benefit of investors and the marketplace. (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 written 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 up to 90 days (i) as the Commission may designate 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 mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposal is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: 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 No. SR-BatsBZX–2017–53. 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 will also 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 No. SR–BatsBZX– 2017–53 and should be submitted on or before September 28, 2017. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.37 Eduardo A. Aleman, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2017–18935 Filed 9–6–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P 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 No. SR– BatsBZX–2017–53 on the subject line. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:42 Sep 06, 2017 Jkt 241001 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–81512; File No. SR–BX– 2017–039] Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ BX, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Address the Application of Exchange Rule 11140 (Transactions in Securities ‘‘ExDividend,’’ ‘‘Ex-Rights’’ or ‘‘ExWarrants’’) as it Relates to Establishing Ex-Dividend Dates in connection With the Implementation of the T+2 Settlement Cycle on September 5, 2017 August 31, 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 August 29, 2017, NASDAQ BX, Inc. (‘‘BX’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘SEC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange proposes to address the application of Exchange Rule 11140 (Transactions in Securities ‘‘ExDividend,’’ ‘‘Ex-Rights’’ or ‘‘ExWarrants’’) as it relates to establishing ex-dividend dates in connection with the implementation of the T+2 settlement cycle on September 5, 2017. No change to the text of Rule 11140(b)(1) is required by this proposal. II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. 1 15 37 17 PO 00000 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). Frm 00139 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 42407 2 17 E:\FR\FM\07SEN1.SGM U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b-4. 07SEN1 42408 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 172 / Thursday, September 7, 2017 / Notices A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and the Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose Background On March 22, 2017, the SEC adopted amendments to SEA Rule 15c6–1(a) to shorten the standard settlement cycle for U.S. secondary market transactions in equities, corporate and municipal bonds, unit investment trusts and financial instruments composed of these products, from three business days after the trade date (‘‘T+3’’) to two business days after the trade date (‘‘T+2’’).3 The industry-wide initiative is designed to reduce a number of risks, including credit risk, market risk, and liquidity risk and, as a result, reduce systemic risk for U.S. market participants.4 The compliance date for the rule amendments is September 5, 2017. In support of this initiative, the Exchange proposed changes to its rules pertaining to securities settlement by, among other things, amending the definition of ‘‘regular way’’ settlement as occurring on T+2.5 On May 10, 2017, the SEC approved the Exchange’s amendments to the applicable rules, including Rule 11140(b), that establish or reference T+3 to conform to T+2, and these amendments will become effective on September 5, 2017.6 During the transition period the industry and self-regulatory organizations (‘‘SROs’’), including The Depository Trust Company (‘‘DTC’’) which processes corporate action events, have raised concern that the September 5, 2017 industry-wide transition date from T+3 to T+2 will result in September 7, 2017 being a ‘‘double’’ settlement date for trades that occur on September 1, 2017 (under T+3 and reflecting the Labor Day holiday on September 4, 2017) and trades that occur on September 5, 2017 (under T+2), which generally will result in investors who trade on either date being deemed a record holder of September 7, 2017.7 In order to avoid confusion about the proper settlement date and to coordinate with other SROs, the Exchange is proposing not to establish September 5, 2017 as an ex-dividend date for applicable securities. Proposal The Exchange is proposing to address the application of Rule 11140(b) as it relates to the ex-dividend date in connection with the implementation of the T+2 settlement cycle on September 5, 2017. As amended to address T+2, the timeframes in Rule 11140 to establish an ex-dividend date were generally reduced by one business day. The ex-dividend date (or ex-date) is the date on or after which a security is traded without a specific dividend or distribution. Rule 11140(b) provides for the determination of normal exdividend and ex-warrant dates for certain types of dividends and distributions. As amended to address T+2, Rule 11140(b)(1) provides that with respect to cash dividends or distributions, or stock dividends, and the issuance or distribution of warrants, which are less than 25% of the value of the subject security (i.e., ‘‘regular’’ distributions), if the definitive information is received sufficiently in advance of the record date, the date designated as the ‘‘ex-dividend date’’ is the first business day preceding the record date if the record date falls on a business day, or the second business day preceding the record date if the record date falls on a day designated by the Exchange’s Uniform Practice Code (‘‘UPC’’) Committee as a non-delivery date.8 Rule 11140(b)(2), which did not require amendment in connection with T+2, establishes the ex-dividend date as the first business day following the payable date with respect to cash dividends or distributions, stock dividends and/or splits, and the distribution of warrants, which are 25% or greater of the value of the subject security (i.e., ‘‘large’’ distributions).9 Consistent with the compliance date of the amendments to SEA Rule 15c6– 1(a), the industry and the Exchange have adopted Tuesday, September 5, 2017 as the transition date to the T+2 settlement cycle.10 To mitigate the potential confusion that may result concerning proper settlement during the transition period, the Exchange, in coordination with other SROs, supports the proposal that Tuesday, September 5, 2017 should not be designated as an exdividend date.11 Accordingly, the Exchange proposes to interpret Rule 11140(b)(1) so that the first record date to which the new exdividend date determination will be applied will be Thursday, September 7, 2017. The ex-dividend dates for ‘‘regular’’ distributions during the transition to T+2 will be as follows: Record date Ex-date 2017 12 mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES Friday, September 1, ................................................................................................................... Tuesday, September 5, 2017 13 ............................................................................................................... Wednesday, September 6, 2017 ............................................................................................................. Thursday, September 7, 2017 16 .............................................................................................................. 3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 80295 (March 22, 2017), 82 FR 15564 (March 29, 2017) (Securities Transaction Settlement Cycle) (File No. S7–22–16) (stating that, as amended, SEA Rule 15c6–1(a) will prohibit broker-dealers from effecting or entering into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security (other than an exempted security, government security, municipal security, commercial paper, bankers’ acceptances or commercial bills) that provides for payment of funds and delivery of securities later than the second business day after the date of the contract, unless otherwise expressly agreed to by the parties at the time of the transaction). 4 See id. 5 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 34– 80282 (March 21, 2017), 82 FR 15258 (March 27, 2017) (Notice of Filing of File No. SR–BX–2017–13). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:42 Sep 06, 2017 Jkt 241001 6 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 34– 80640 (May 10, 2017), 82 FR 22598 (May 16, 2017) (Order Approving File No. SR–BX–2017–13). 7 See, e.g., Nasdaq Issuer Alert 2017–001, Changes to Ex-dividend Procedures Effective September 5, 2017 to Accommodate T+2 Settlement, https:// nasdaq.cchwallstreet.com/nasdaq/pdf/nasdaqissalerts/2017/2017-001.pdf; NYSE, NYSE MKT, NYSE ARCA: Changes Related to the Shortened Settlement Cycle (T+2) (July 11, 2017), https:// www.nyse.com/trader-update/ history#110000069618. 8 The record date is the date fixed by an issuer for the purpose of determining the holder of the security who is eligible to receive the dividend, interest or principal payment, or any other distribution relating to the security. 9 The payable date is the date that the dividend is sent to the record owner of the security. PO 00000 Frm 00140 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Wednesday, August 30, 2017. Thursday, August 31, 2017.14 Friday, September 1, 2017.15 Wednesday, September 6, 2017. 10 See Nasdaq Equity Trader Alert 2017–174 (July 28, 2017). 11 See, e.g., Nasdaq Issuer Alert 2017–001, Changes to Ex-dividend Procedures Effective September 5, 2017 to Accommodate T+2 Settlement, https://nasdaq.cchwallstreet.com/ nasdaq/pdf/nasdaq-issalerts/2017/2017-001.pdf; NYSE, NYSE MKT, NYSE ARCA: Changes Related to the Shortened Settlement Cycle (T+2) (July 11, 2017), https://www.nyse.com/trader-update/ history#110000069618. 12 The last day of the T+3 settlement cycle. 13 The first day of the T+2 settlement cycle. 14 Monday, September 4, 2017 is Labor Day, a Federal holiday. 15 See id. 16 The date on which previous trades settling on a T+3 settlement cycle and current trades on the T+2 settlement cycle will be processed. E:\FR\FM\07SEN1.SGM 07SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 172 / Thursday, September 7, 2017 / Notices As described above, the ex-date for ‘‘large’’ distributions under Rule 11140(b)(2) is the first business day following the payable date. This provision was not amended in connection with T+2. In order to ensure that September 5, 2017 will not be designated as an ex-dividend date for ‘‘large’’ distributions, the Exchange will advise issuers to not set September 1, 2017 as the payable date for any ‘‘large’’ distribution under Rule 11140(b)(2) and proposes to interpret Rule 11140(b)(2) so that, if an issuer sets September 1, 2017 as the payable date for a ‘‘large’’ distribution, the ex-dividend date will be September 6, 2017, not September 5, 2017. 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that its proposal is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act,17 in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,18 in particular, in that it is designed to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and, in general to protect investors and the public interest. Specifically, the Exchange believes that the proposal to address the application of Rule 11140(b) to exclude September 5, 2017 as an ex-dividend date for ‘‘regular’’ or ‘‘large’’ distributions supports the collective effort among the industry and SROs to mitigate the potential confusion concerning proper settlement during the transition from the T+3 settlement cycle to the T+2 settlement cycle. mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES 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 not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. As noted above, the SROs support that no securities will be subject to an ex-date ruling on September 5, 2017. The primary benefit of this proposal is to minimize potential confusion about proper settlement that may arise during the transition to the T+2 settlement cycle.19 The Exchange believes that the proposal would not impose any additional costs on the industry. As 17 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). 19 As a result of the September 5, 2017 transition date for regular-way settlement from T+3 to T+2, September 7, 2017 will be a ‘‘double’’ settlement date for trades that occur on September 1, 2017 (under T+3 and reflecting the Labor Day holiday on September 4, 2017) and trades that occur on September 5, 2017 (under T+2). 18 15 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:42 Sep 06, 2017 Jkt 241001 noted above, the proposal does not change the text to Rule 11140(b). Instead, the proposal interprets the application of the rule solely to refrain from designating September 5, 2017 as an ex-dividend date for ‘‘regular’’ or ‘‘large’’ distributions. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others No written comments were either solicited or received. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action Because the 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, the proposed rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 20 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.21 A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b–4(f)(6) 22 normally does not become operative for 30 days after the date of filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii),23 the Commission may designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has asked the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that the proposal may become operative upon filing. The Exchange has stated that the purpose of the proposed rule change is to minimize confusion about proper settlement that may arise during the transition to the T+2 settlement cycle on September 5, 2017. The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest to avoid the confusion that could arise in connection with the transition to the T+2 settlement cycle on September 5, 2017, if normal or large distributions were to be ex-dividend on that date. Accordingly, the Commission hereby waives the 30-day operative delay requirement and designates the 20 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b– 4(f)(6)(iii) requires the Exchange to give the Commission written notice of the Exchange’s intent to file the proposed rule change, along with a brief description and text of the proposed rule change, at least five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. The Exchange has satisfied this requirement. 22 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 23 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). 21 17 PO 00000 Frm 00141 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 42409 proposed rule change as operative upon filing.24 At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an email to rule-comments@ sec.gov. Please include File Number SR– BX–2017–039 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–BX–2017–039. 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 24 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, the Commission has also considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). E:\FR\FM\07SEN1.SGM 07SEN1 42410 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 172 / Thursday, September 7, 2017 / Notices 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–BX– 2017–039, and should be submitted on or before September 28, 2017. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.25 Eduardo A. Aleman, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2017–18937 Filed 9–6–17; 8:45 am] note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority No. 236–3 of August 28, 2000 (and, as appropriate, Delegation of Authority No. 257–1 of December 11, 2015). I have ordered that Public Notice of these determinations be published in the Federal Register. Alyson Grunder, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State. [FR Doc. 2017–18954 Filed 9–6–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710–05–P DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice: 10113] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P Notice of Determinations; Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition Determinations: ‘‘Vermeer and the Masters of Genre Painting: Inspiration and Rivalry’’ Exhibition DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice: 10114] Notice of Determinations; Culturally Significant Object Imported for Exhibition Determinations: Exhibition of ‘‘Inlaid Brass Candlestick From Iran’’ Object Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: I hereby determine that a certain object entitled ‘‘Inlaid Brass Candlestick from Iran,’’ imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, is of cultural significance. The object is imported pursuant to a loan agreement with the foreign owner or custodian. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit object at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York, from on or about October 1, 2017, until on or about September 30, 2022, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, including information identifying the object, contact Elliot Chiu in the Office of the Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State (telephone: 202–632–6471; email: section2459@state.gov). The mailing address is U.S. Department of State, L/PD, SA–5, Suite 5H03, Washington, DC 20522–0505. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The foregoing determinations were made pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), E.O. 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: 25 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:42 Sep 06, 2017 Jkt 241001 Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: I hereby determine that certain objects to be included in the exhibition ‘‘Vermeer and the Masters of Genre Painting: Inspiration and Rivalry,’’ imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to loan agreements with the foreign owners or custodians. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, District of Columbia, from on or about October 22, 2017, until on or about January 21, 2018, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, including a list of the imported objects, contact Elliot Chiu in the Office of the Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State (telephone: 202– 632–6471; email: section2459@ state.gov). The mailing address is U.S. Department of State, L/PD, SA–5, Suite 5H03, Washington, DC 20522–0505. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The foregoing determinations were made pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), E.O. 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority No. 236–3 of August 28, 2000 (and, as appropriate, Delegation of Authority No. 257–1 of December 11, 2015). I have ordered that Public Notice SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00142 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 of these determinations be published in the Federal Register. Alyson Grunder, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State. [FR Doc. 2017–18953 Filed 9–6–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710–05–P DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice: 10111] Procedures With Respect to Presidential Permits Where There Has Been a Transfer of Ownership or Control of a Cross-Border Facility, Bridge, or Border Crossing for Land Transportation, as Well as for Name Change of a Permit Holder Department of State. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: The President of the United States has authority to require permits for transboundary infrastructure projects based on his Constitutional powers over foreign affairs and national security. The Department is issuing this notice to describe the procedures it intends to follow with respect to transfers of ownership or control over cross-border facilities subject to Executive Order 11423, as amended, and Executive Order 13337, as well as changes of name of an entity holding a Presidential permit. This notice supersedes a previous notice, Public Notice 5092 (Procedures for Issuance of a Presidential Permit Where There Has Been a Transfer of the Underlying Facility, Bridge or Border Crossing for Land Transportation, 70 FR 30990, May 31, 2005), in its entirety. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marcus Lee, Bureau of Energy Resources, U.S. Department of State, 2201 C St. NW Suite 4422, Washington, DC 20520, (202) 485–1522 for issues related to Executive Order 13337; Litah Miller, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, U.S. Department of State, 2201 C St. NW Suite 6262, Washington, DC 20520 (202) 647–9894 for issues related to Executive Order 11423. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On January 24, 2017, the President issued Executive Order 13766 on Expediting Environmental Reviews and Approvals for High Priority Infrastructure Projects in which he set forth the general policy of the Executive Branch ‘‘to streamline and expedite, in a manner consistent with law, . . . approvals for all infrastructure projects, especially projects that are a high priority for the Nation,’’ and cited pipelines, bridges, SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\07SEN1.SGM 07SEN1

Agencies

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 172 (Thursday, September 7, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42407-42410]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-18937]

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-81512; File No. SR-BX-2017-039]

Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ BX, Inc.; Notice of Filing
and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Address the
Application of Exchange Rule 11140 (Transactions in Securities ``Ex-
Dividend,'' ``Ex-Rights'' or ``Ex-Warrants'') as it Relates to
Establishing Ex-Dividend Dates in connection With the Implementation of
the T+2 Settlement Cycle on September 5, 2017

August 31, 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 August 29, 2017, NASDAQ BX, Inc. (``BX'' or ``Exchange'') filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'' or ``Commission'') the
proposed rule change as described in Items I and II below, which Items
have been prepared by the Exchange. The Commission is publishing this
notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested
persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

The Exchange proposes to address the application of Exchange Rule
11140 (Transactions in Securities ``Ex-Dividend,'' ``Ex-Rights'' or
``Ex-Warrants'') as it relates to establishing ex-dividend dates in
connection with the implementation of the T+2 settlement cycle on
September 5, 2017. No change to the text of Rule 11140(b)(1) is
required by this proposal.

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

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

[[Page 42408]]

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

1. Purpose
Background
On March 22, 2017, the SEC adopted amendments to SEA Rule 15c6-1(a)
to shorten the standard settlement cycle for U.S. secondary market
transactions in equities, corporate and municipal bonds, unit
investment trusts and financial instruments composed of these products,
from three business days after the trade date (``T+3'') to two business
days after the trade date (``T+2'').\3\ The industry-wide initiative is
designed to reduce a number of risks, including credit risk, market
risk, and liquidity risk and, as a result, reduce systemic risk for
U.S. market participants.\4\ The compliance date for the rule
amendments is September 5, 2017.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\3\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 80295 (March 22,
2017), 82 FR 15564 (March 29, 2017) (Securities Transaction
Settlement Cycle) (File No. S7-22-16) (stating that, as amended, SEA
Rule 15c6-1(a) will prohibit broker-dealers from effecting or
entering into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security
(other than an exempted security, government security, municipal
security, commercial paper, bankers' acceptances or commercial
bills) that provides for payment of funds and delivery of securities
later than the second business day after the date of the contract,
unless otherwise expressly agreed to by the parties at the time of
the transaction).
\4\ See id.
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In support of this initiative, the Exchange proposed changes to its
rules pertaining to securities settlement by, among other things,
amending the definition of ``regular way'' settlement as occurring on
T+2.\5\ On May 10, 2017, the SEC approved the Exchange's amendments to
the applicable rules, including Rule 11140(b), that establish or
reference T+3 to conform to T+2, and these amendments will become
effective on September 5, 2017.\6\
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\5\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 34-80282 (March 21,
2017), 82 FR 15258 (March 27, 2017) (Notice of Filing of File No.
SR-BX-2017-13).
\6\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 34-80640 (May 10,
2017), 82 FR 22598 (May 16, 2017) (Order Approving File No. SR-BX-
2017-13).
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During the transition period the industry and self-regulatory
organizations (``SROs''), including The Depository Trust Company
(``DTC'') which processes corporate action events, have raised concern
that the September 5, 2017 industry-wide transition date from T+3 to
T+2 will result in September 7, 2017 being a ``double'' settlement date
for trades that occur on September 1, 2017 (under T+3 and reflecting
the Labor Day holiday on September 4, 2017) and trades that occur on
September 5, 2017 (under T+2), which generally will result in investors
who trade on either date being deemed a record holder of September 7,
2017.\7\ In order to avoid confusion about the proper settlement date
and to coordinate with other SROs, the Exchange is proposing not to
establish September 5, 2017 as an ex-dividend date for applicable
securities.
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\7\ See, e.g., Nasdaq Issuer Alert 2017-001, Changes to Ex-
dividend Procedures Effective September 5, 2017 to Accommodate T+2
Settlement, https://nasdaq.cchwallstreet.com/nasdaq/pdf/nasdaq-issalerts/2017/2017-001.pdf; NYSE, NYSE MKT, NYSE ARCA: Changes
Related to the Shortened Settlement Cycle (T+2) (July 11, 2017),
https://www.nyse.com/trader-update/history#110000069618.
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Proposal
The Exchange is proposing to address the application of Rule
11140(b) as it relates to the ex-dividend date in connection with the
implementation of the T+2 settlement cycle on September 5, 2017. As
amended to address T+2, the timeframes in Rule 11140 to establish an
ex-dividend date were generally reduced by one business day.
The ex-dividend date (or ex-date) is the date on or after which a
security is traded without a specific dividend or distribution. Rule
11140(b) provides for the determination of normal ex-dividend and ex-
warrant dates for certain types of dividends and distributions. As
amended to address T+2, Rule 11140(b)(1) provides that with respect to
cash dividends or distributions, or stock dividends, and the issuance
or distribution of warrants, which are less than 25% of the value of
the subject security (i.e., ``regular'' distributions), if the
definitive information is received sufficiently in advance of the
record date, the date designated as the ``ex-dividend date'' is the
first business day preceding the record date if the record date falls
on a business day, or the second business day preceding the record date
if the record date falls on a day designated by the Exchange's Uniform
Practice Code (``UPC'') Committee as a non-delivery date.\8\ Rule
11140(b)(2), which did not require amendment in connection with T+2,
establishes the ex-dividend date as the first business day following
the payable date with respect to cash dividends or distributions, stock
dividends and/or splits, and the distribution of warrants, which are
25% or greater of the value of the subject security (i.e., ``large''
distributions).\9\
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\8\ The record date is the date fixed by an issuer for the
purpose of determining the holder of the security who is eligible to
receive the dividend, interest or principal payment, or any other
distribution relating to the security.
\9\ The payable date is the date that the dividend is sent to
the record owner of the security.
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Consistent with the compliance date of the amendments to SEA Rule
15c6-1(a), the industry and the Exchange have adopted Tuesday,
September 5, 2017 as the transition date to the T+2 settlement
cycle.\10\ To mitigate the potential confusion that may result
concerning proper settlement during the transition period, the
Exchange, in coordination with other SROs, supports the proposal that
Tuesday, September 5, 2017 should not be designated as an ex-dividend
date.\11\
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\10\ See Nasdaq Equity Trader Alert 2017-174 (July 28, 2017).
\11\ See, e.g., Nasdaq Issuer Alert 2017-001, Changes to Ex-
dividend Procedures Effective September 5, 2017 to Accommodate T+2
Settlement, https://nasdaq.cchwallstreet.com/nasdaq/pdf/nasdaq-issalerts/2017/2017-001.pdf; NYSE, NYSE MKT, NYSE ARCA: Changes
Related to the Shortened Settlement Cycle (T+2) (July 11, 2017),
https://www.nyse.com/trader-update/history#110000069618.
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Accordingly, the Exchange proposes to interpret Rule 11140(b)(1) so
that the first record date to which the new ex-dividend date
determination will be applied will be Thursday, September 7, 2017. The
ex-dividend dates for ``regular'' distributions during the transition
to T+2 will be as follows:
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\12\ The last day of the T+3 settlement cycle.
\13\ The first day of the T+2 settlement cycle.
\14\ Monday, September 4, 2017 is Labor Day, a Federal holiday.
\15\ See id.
\16\ The date on which previous trades settling on a T+3
settlement cycle and current trades on the T+2 settlement cycle will
be processed.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Record date Ex-date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, September 1, 2017 \12\.............. Wednesday, August 30, 2017.
Tuesday, September 5, 2017 \13\............. Thursday, August 31, 2017.\14\
Wednesday, September 6, 2017................ Friday, September 1, 2017.\15\
Thursday, September 7, 2017 \16\............ Wednesday, September 6, 2017.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 42409]]

As described above, the ex-date for ``large'' distributions under
Rule 11140(b)(2) is the first business day following the payable date.
This provision was not amended in connection with T+2. In order to
ensure that September 5, 2017 will not be designated as an ex-dividend
date for ``large'' distributions, the Exchange will advise issuers to
not set September 1, 2017 as the payable date for any ``large''
distribution under Rule 11140(b)(2) and proposes to interpret Rule
11140(b)(2) so that, if an issuer sets September 1, 2017 as the payable
date for a ``large'' distribution, the ex-dividend date will be
September 6, 2017, not September 5, 2017.
2. Statutory Basis
The Exchange believes that its proposal is consistent with Section
6(b) of the Act,\17\ in general, and furthers the objectives of Section
6(b)(5) of the Act,\18\ in particular, in that it is designed to
promote just and equitable principles of trade, to remove impediments
to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national
market system, and, in general to protect investors and the public
interest. Specifically, the Exchange believes that the proposal to
address the application of Rule 11140(b) to exclude September 5, 2017
as an ex-dividend date for ``regular'' or ``large'' distributions
supports the collective effort among the industry and SROs to mitigate
the potential confusion concerning proper settlement during the
transition from the T+3 settlement cycle to the T+2 settlement cycle.
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\17\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
\18\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
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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 not necessary or appropriate in
furtherance of the purposes of the Act. As noted above, the SROs
support that no securities will be subject to an ex-date ruling on
September 5, 2017. The primary benefit of this proposal is to minimize
potential confusion about proper settlement that may arise during the
transition to the T+2 settlement cycle.\19\ The Exchange believes that
the proposal would not impose any additional costs on the industry. As
noted above, the proposal does not change the text to Rule 11140(b).
Instead, the proposal interprets the application of the rule solely to
refrain from designating September 5, 2017 as an ex-dividend date for
``regular'' or ``large'' distributions.
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\19\ As a result of the September 5, 2017 transition date for
regular-way settlement from T+3 to T+2, September 7, 2017 will be a
``double'' settlement date for trades that occur on September 1,
2017 (under T+3 and reflecting the Labor Day holiday on September 4,
2017) and trades that occur on September 5, 2017 (under T+2).
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C. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed
Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others

No written comments were either solicited or received.

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

Because the 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, the proposed rule change has become effective
pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \20\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6)
thereunder.\21\
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\20\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
\21\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii)
requires the Exchange to give the Commission written notice of the
Exchange's intent to file the proposed rule change, along with a
brief description and text of the proposed rule change, at least
five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule
change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. The
Exchange has satisfied this requirement.
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A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \22\ normally
does not become operative for 30 days after the date of filing.
However, pursuant to Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii),\23\ the Commission may
designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the
protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has asked
the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that the proposal
may become operative upon filing. The Exchange has stated that the
purpose of the proposed rule change is to minimize confusion about
proper settlement that may arise during the transition to the T+2
settlement cycle on September 5, 2017. The Commission believes that
waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of
investors and the public interest to avoid the confusion that could
arise in connection with the transition to the T+2 settlement cycle on
September 5, 2017, if normal or large distributions were to be ex-
dividend on that date. Accordingly, the Commission hereby waives the
30-day operative delay requirement and designates the proposed rule
change as operative upon filing.\24\
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\22\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
\23\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
\24\ For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay,
the Commission has also considered the proposed rule's impact on
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C.
78c(f).
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At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule
change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule
change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or
appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or
otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission
takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to
determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved.

IV. Solicitation of Comments

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

Electronic Comments

Use the Commission's Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
Send an email to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include
File Number SR-BX-2017-039 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-BX-2017-039. 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

[[Page 42410]]

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-BX-2017-039, and should be
submitted on or before September 28, 2017.
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\25\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).

For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\25\
Eduardo A. Aleman,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2017-18937 Filed 9-6-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P

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