Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Related to Physical Port Fees for BZX, 28675-28677 [2018-13168]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 119 / Wednesday, June 20, 2018 / Notices change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Electronic Comments For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.26 Eduardo A. Aleman, Assistant Secretary. • 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– NYSENAT–2018–12 on the subject line. [FR Doc. 2018–13165 Filed 6–19–18; 8:45 am] Paper Comments [Release No. 34–83442; File No. SR– CboeBZX–2018–037] sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES • Send paper comments in triplicate to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NYSENAT–2018–12. 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 website (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 website 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. Persons submitting comments are cautioned that we do not redact or edit personal identifying information from comment submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NYSENAT–2018–12 and should be submitted on or before July 11, 2018. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:58 Jun 19, 2018 Jkt 244001 BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Related to Physical Port Fees for BZX June 14, 2018. 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 1, 2018, Cboe 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 Rule 15.1(a) and (c) to modify its fees for physical ports. The text of the proposed rule change is available at the Exchange’s website at www.markets.cboe.com, at the principal office of the Exchange, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. 26 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii). 4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2). 5 The term ‘‘Member’’ is defined as ‘‘any registered broker or dealer that has been admitted to membership in the Exchange.’’ See Exchange Rule 1.5(n). 1 15 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 28675 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 parts of such statements. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and the Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The Exchange proposes to implement proposed changes to its fee schedule relating to physical connectivity fees, effective June 1, 2018. By way of background, a physical port is utilized by a Member or non-Member to connect to the Exchange at the data centers where the Exchange’s servers are located. The Exchange currently maintains a presence in two third-party data centers: (i) The primary data center where the Exchange’s business is primarily conducted on a daily basis, and (ii) a secondary data center, which is predominantly maintained for business continuity purposes. The Exchange currently assesses the following physical connectivity fees for Members and non-Members on a monthly basis: $2,000 per physical port for a 1 gigabyte circuit and $7,000 per physical port for a 10 gigabyte circuit. The Exchange proposes to increase the fees per physical ports from (i) $2,000 to $2,500 per month, per port for a 1 gigabyte circuit and (ii) $7,000 to $7,500 per month, per port for a 10 gigabyte circuit. The Exchange notes the proposed fees enable it to continue to maintain and improve its market technology and services and also notes that the proposed fee changes are in line with the amounts assessed by other exchanges for similar connections.6 The Exchange also proposes to adopt separate physical port fees for connection to its secondary data center, which is predominantly maintained for business continuity purposes (‘‘Disaster Recovery Systems’’). Particularly, the Disaster Recovery Systems can be 6 See e.g., NYSE Arca Equities Fees and Charges, NYSE Arca Marketplace: Other Fees and Charges, Connectivity Fees. See also, Nasdaq Phlx LLC Pricing Schedule, Section XI, Direct Connectivity to Phlx. E:\FR\FM\20JNN1.SGM 20JNN1 28676 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 119 / Wednesday, June 20, 2018 / Notices sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES accessed via physical ports in Chicago. Members and Non-Members may maintain physical ports in order to be able to connect to the Disaster Recovery Systems in case of a disaster. Currently, physical ports that are used to connect to the Disaster Recovery Systems are assessed the same fees as physical ports used to connect to the Exchange’s trading system. The Exchange proposes to establish separate pricing for physical ports that are used to connect to the Disaster Recovery Systems (‘‘Disaster Recovery Physical Ports’’). Specifically, the Exchange proposes to assess a monthly fee of $2,000 per 1 gigabyte Disaster Recovery Physical Port and a monthly fee of $6,000 per 10 gigabyte Disaster Recovery Physical Port. This amount will continue to enable the Exchange to maintain the Disaster Recovery Physical Ports in case they become necessary. The Exchange notes that the Disaster Recovery Physical Ports may also be used to access the Disaster Recovery Systems for the following affiliate exchanges Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., Cboe EDGX Exchange, Inc., Cboe EDGA Exchange, Inc., Cboe C2 Exchange, Inc., Cboe Exchange, Inc. and Cboe Futures Exchange, LLC as well. The Exchange proposes to provide that market participants will only be assessed a single fee for any Disaster Recovery Physical Port that also accesses the Disaster Recovery Systems for these exchanges.7 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the objectives of Section 6 of the Act,8 in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(4),9 in particular, as it is designed to provide for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees and other charges among its Members and other persons using its facilities. The Exchange also notes that it operates in a highly-competitive market in which market participants can readily direct order flow to competing venues if they deem fee levels at a particular venue to be excessive. The proposed rule change reflects a competitive pricing structure designed to incent market participants to direct their order flow to the Exchange. The Exchange believes that the proposed changes are equitable and non-discriminatory in that it applies uniformly to all Members. Members and 7 For example, if a market participant uses a 1 gigabyte Disaster Recovery Physical Port to connect to the Disaster Recovery Systems for both BZX and EDGX, the market participant would only be assessed one monthly fee of $2,000. 8 15 U.S.C. 78f. 9 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:58 Jun 19, 2018 Jkt 244001 non-Members will continue to choose whether they want more than one physical port and/or Disaster Recovery Physical Port and choose the method of connectivity based on their specific needs. All Members that voluntarily select various service options will be charged the same amount for the same services. The Exchange believes that the proposal represents an equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and other charges as its fees for physical connectivity are reasonably constrained by competitive alternatives. If a particular exchange charges excessive fees for connectivity, affected Members and non-Members may opt to terminate their connectivity arrangements with that exchange, and adopt a possible range of alternative strategies, including routing to the applicable exchange through another participant or market center or taking that exchange’s data indirectly. Accordingly, if the Exchange charges excessive fees, it would stand to lose not only connectivity revenues but also revenues associated with the execution of orders routed to it, and, to the extent applicable, market data revenues. The Exchange believes that this competitive dynamic imposes powerful restraints on the ability of any exchange to charge unreasonable fees for connectivity. Furthermore, the proposed rule change is also an equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and other charges as the Exchange believes that the proposed increased physical port fees will enable it to cover its infrastructure costs associated with establishing physical ports to connect to the Exchange’s systems. The additional revenue from the increased fees will also enable the Exchange to continue to maintain and improve its market technology and services. Similarly, the Exchange believes the proposed fees for the Disaster Recovery Physical Ports will allow the Exchange to maintain the Disaster Recovery Physical Ports in case they become necessary. Lastly, the Exchange believes the fees remain competitive with those charged by other venues and therefore continue to be reasonable and equitably allocated to Members.10 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 10 See e.g., NYSE Arca Equities Fees and Charges, NYSE Arca Marketplace: Other Fees and Charges, Connectivity Fees. See also, Nasdaq Phlx LLC Pricing Schedule, Section XI, Direct Connectivity to Phlx. PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. As discussed above, the Exchange believes that fees for connectivity are constrained by the robust competition for order flow among exchanges and non-exchange markets. The Exchange does not believe that the proposed changes represent a significant departure from previous pricing offered by the Exchange or pricing offered by the Exchange’s competitors. Additionally, Members may opt to disfavor the Exchange’s pricing if they believe that alternatives offer them better value. Further, excessive fees for connectivity would serve to impair an exchange’s ability to compete for order flow rather than burdening competition. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others The Exchange has not solicited, and does not intend to solicit, comments on this proposed rule change. The Exchange has not received any unsolicited written comments from Members or other interested parties. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action The foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 11 and paragraph (f) of Rule 19b–4 thereunder.12 At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. 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– CboeBZX–2018–037 on the subject line. Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities and Exchange 11 15 12 17 E:\FR\FM\20JNN1.SGM U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f). 20JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 119 / Wednesday, June 20, 2018 / Notices Commission, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549–1090. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION All submissions should refer to File Number SR–CboeBZX–2018–037. 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 website (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 website 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 this filing will also be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change. Persons submitting comments are cautioned that we do not redact or edit personal identifying information from comment submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–CboeBZX–2018–037 and should be submitted on or before July 11, 2018. [Release No. 34–83444; File No. SR–MRX– 2018–19] For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.13 Eduardo A. Aleman, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2018–13168 Filed 6–19–18; 8:45 am] sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES BILLING CODE 8011–01–P Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq MRX, LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Increase Certain Route-Out Fees Set Forth in Section II.A of the Schedule of Fees June 14, 2018. 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 1, 2018, Nasdaq MRX, LLC (‘‘MRX’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘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 a proposal to increase certain route-out fees set forth in Section II.A of the Schedule of Fees. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s website at https://nasdaqmrx.cchwallstreet.com/, at the principal office of the Exchange, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The purpose of the proposed rule change is to increase certain route-out 1 15 13 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:58 Jun 19, 2018 2 17 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. Frm 00071 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 28677 fees set forth in Section II.A of the Schedule of Fees. Today, the Exchange charges all market participants route-out fees of $0.96 per contract for orders in Non-Penny Symbols that are routed to away exchanges in connection with the Options Order Protection and Locked/ Crossed Market Plan (the ‘‘Plan’’). The Exchange now proposes to increase this fee to $1.09 per contract for all market participant orders in Non-Penny Symbols that are routed to away exchanges in connection with the Plan. The Exchange believes that the proposed increase will help offset the costs associated with routing orders through the Plan, such as paying the transaction fees for such executions at other exchanges. 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that its proposal is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act,3 in general, and furthers the objectives of Sections 6(b)(4) and 6(b)(5) of the Act,4 in particular, in that it provides for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and other charges among members and issuers and other persons using any facility, and is not designed to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers. The Exchange believes that proposed increase in the route-out fees from $0.96 to $1.09 per contract for all market participant orders in Non-Penny Symbols is reasonable because it is designed to help recoup costs associated with routing orders to away exchanges in connection with the Plan, such as paying the transaction fees for such executions at other exchanges. Furthermore, the Exchange notes that the proposed fees remain competitive with the fees of other options exchanges which, in addition to a fixed routing fee, assess the actual transaction fees.5 The Exchange believes that proposed increase in the route-out fees is equitable and not unfairly discriminatory because the Exchange will apply the same route-out fees to all similarly situated members. 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. In particular, 3 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). U.S.C. 78f(b)(4) and (5). 5 For example, CBOE C2 Exchange, Inc. (‘‘C2’’) charges $1.63 per routed contract for non-public customer, non-C2 market-maker orders in nonpenny classes. See C2 Fees Schedule, Section 1.A (Transaction Fees) and Section 2 (Linkage Routing). 4 15 E:\FR\FM\20JNN1.SGM 20JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 119 (Wednesday, June 20, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 28675-28677]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-13168]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-83442; File No. SR-CboeBZX-2018-037]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc.; Notice of 
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Related to 
Physical Port Fees for BZX

June 14, 2018.
    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 1, 2018, Cboe 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii).
    \4\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 Rule 15.1(a) and (c) to modify its fees for physical ports.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ The term ``Member'' is defined as ``any registered broker or 
dealer that has been admitted to membership in the Exchange.'' See 
Exchange Rule 1.5(n).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The text of the proposed rule change is available at the Exchange's 
website at www.markets.cboe.com, at the principal office of the 
Exchange, and at the Commission's Public Reference Room.

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

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

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

1. Purpose
    The Exchange proposes to implement proposed changes to its fee 
schedule relating to physical connectivity fees, effective June 1, 
2018. By way of background, a physical port is utilized by a Member or 
non-Member to connect to the Exchange at the data centers where the 
Exchange's servers are located. The Exchange currently maintains a 
presence in two third-party data centers: (i) The primary data center 
where the Exchange's business is primarily conducted on a daily basis, 
and (ii) a secondary data center, which is predominantly maintained for 
business continuity purposes. The Exchange currently assesses the 
following physical connectivity fees for Members and non-Members on a 
monthly basis: $2,000 per physical port for a 1 gigabyte circuit and 
$7,000 per physical port for a 10 gigabyte circuit. The Exchange 
proposes to increase the fees per physical ports from (i) $2,000 to 
$2,500 per month, per port for a 1 gigabyte circuit and (ii) $7,000 to 
$7,500 per month, per port for a 10 gigabyte circuit. The Exchange 
notes the proposed fees enable it to continue to maintain and improve 
its market technology and services and also notes that the proposed fee 
changes are in line with the amounts assessed by other exchanges for 
similar connections.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ See e.g., NYSE Arca Equities Fees and Charges, NYSE Arca 
Marketplace: Other Fees and Charges, Connectivity Fees. See also, 
Nasdaq Phlx LLC Pricing Schedule, Section XI, Direct Connectivity to 
Phlx.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange also proposes to adopt separate physical port fees for 
connection to its secondary data center, which is predominantly 
maintained for business continuity purposes (``Disaster Recovery 
Systems''). Particularly, the Disaster Recovery Systems can be

[[Page 28676]]

accessed via physical ports in Chicago. Members and Non-Members may 
maintain physical ports in order to be able to connect to the Disaster 
Recovery Systems in case of a disaster. Currently, physical ports that 
are used to connect to the Disaster Recovery Systems are assessed the 
same fees as physical ports used to connect to the Exchange's trading 
system. The Exchange proposes to establish separate pricing for 
physical ports that are used to connect to the Disaster Recovery 
Systems (``Disaster Recovery Physical Ports''). Specifically, the 
Exchange proposes to assess a monthly fee of $2,000 per 1 gigabyte 
Disaster Recovery Physical Port and a monthly fee of $6,000 per 10 
gigabyte Disaster Recovery Physical Port. This amount will continue to 
enable the Exchange to maintain the Disaster Recovery Physical Ports in 
case they become necessary. The Exchange notes that the Disaster 
Recovery Physical Ports may also be used to access the Disaster 
Recovery Systems for the following affiliate exchanges Cboe BZX 
Exchange, Inc., Cboe EDGX Exchange, Inc., Cboe EDGA Exchange, Inc., 
Cboe C2 Exchange, Inc., Cboe Exchange, Inc. and Cboe Futures Exchange, 
LLC as well. The Exchange proposes to provide that market participants 
will only be assessed a single fee for any Disaster Recovery Physical 
Port that also accesses the Disaster Recovery Systems for these 
exchanges.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ For example, if a market participant uses a 1 gigabyte 
Disaster Recovery Physical Port to connect to the Disaster Recovery 
Systems for both BZX and EDGX, the market participant would only be 
assessed one monthly fee of $2,000.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent 
with the objectives of Section 6 of the Act,\8\ in general, and 
furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(4),\9\ in particular, as it is 
designed to provide for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, 
fees and other charges among its Members and other persons using its 
facilities. The Exchange also notes that it operates in a highly-
competitive market in which market participants can readily direct 
order flow to competing venues if they deem fee levels at a particular 
venue to be excessive. The proposed rule change reflects a competitive 
pricing structure designed to incent market participants to direct 
their order flow to the Exchange.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ 15 U.S.C. 78f.
    \9\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange believes that the proposed changes are equitable and 
non-discriminatory in that it applies uniformly to all Members. Members 
and non-Members will continue to choose whether they want more than one 
physical port and/or Disaster Recovery Physical Port and choose the 
method of connectivity based on their specific needs. All Members that 
voluntarily select various service options will be charged the same 
amount for the same services.
    The Exchange believes that the proposal represents an equitable 
allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and other charges as its fees for 
physical connectivity are reasonably constrained by competitive 
alternatives. If a particular exchange charges excessive fees for 
connectivity, affected Members and non-Members may opt to terminate 
their connectivity arrangements with that exchange, and adopt a 
possible range of alternative strategies, including routing to the 
applicable exchange through another participant or market center or 
taking that exchange's data indirectly. Accordingly, if the Exchange 
charges excessive fees, it would stand to lose not only connectivity 
revenues but also revenues associated with the execution of orders 
routed to it, and, to the extent applicable, market data revenues. The 
Exchange believes that this competitive dynamic imposes powerful 
restraints on the ability of any exchange to charge unreasonable fees 
for connectivity.
    Furthermore, the proposed rule change is also an equitable 
allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and other charges as the Exchange 
believes that the proposed increased physical port fees will enable it 
to cover its infrastructure costs associated with establishing physical 
ports to connect to the Exchange's systems. The additional revenue from 
the increased fees will also enable the Exchange to continue to 
maintain and improve its market technology and services. Similarly, the 
Exchange believes the proposed fees for the Disaster Recovery Physical 
Ports will allow the Exchange to maintain the Disaster Recovery 
Physical Ports in case they become necessary.
    Lastly, the Exchange believes the fees remain competitive with 
those charged by other venues and therefore continue to be reasonable 
and equitably allocated to Members.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ See e.g., NYSE Arca Equities Fees and Charges, NYSE Arca 
Marketplace: Other Fees and Charges, Connectivity Fees. See also, 
Nasdaq Phlx LLC Pricing Schedule, Section XI, Direct Connectivity to 
Phlx.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 discussed above, the 
Exchange believes that fees for connectivity are constrained by the 
robust competition for order flow among exchanges and non-exchange 
markets. The Exchange does not believe that the proposed changes 
represent a significant departure from previous pricing offered by the 
Exchange or pricing offered by the Exchange's competitors. 
Additionally, Members may opt to disfavor the Exchange's pricing if 
they believe that alternatives offer them better value. Further, 
excessive fees for connectivity would serve to impair an exchange's 
ability to compete for order flow rather than burdening competition.

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

    The Exchange has not solicited, and does not intend to solicit, 
comments on this proposed rule change. The Exchange has not received 
any unsolicited written comments from Members or other interested 
parties.

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

    The foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 
19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \11\ and paragraph (f) of Rule 19b-4 
thereunder.\12\ At any time within 60 days of the filing of the 
proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend 
such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is 
necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of 
investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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 [email protected]. Please include 
File Number SR-CboeBZX-2018-037 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

     Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities 
and Exchange

[[Page 28677]]

Commission, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549-1090.

    All submissions should refer to File Number SR-CboeBZX-2018-037. 
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 website (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 website 
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 this filing will also be 
available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the 
Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change. Persons 
submitting comments are cautioned that we do not redact or edit 
personal identifying information from comment submissions. You should 
submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All 
submissions should refer to File Number SR-CboeBZX-2018-037 and should 
be submitted on or before July 11, 2018.

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

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

Eduardo A. Aleman,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2018-13168 Filed 6-19-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.