Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE American LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Change To Amend the NYSE American Options Fee Schedule, 868-870 [2019-00480]

Download as PDF 868 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 21 / Thursday, January 31, 2019 / Notices SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–84990); File No. SR– NYSEArca–2018–43] Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Designation of Longer Period for Commission Action on Proceedings To Determine Whether To Approve or Disapprove a Proposed Rule Change Regarding Investments of the First Trust TCW Unconstrained Plus Bond ETF January 25, 2019. On July 11, 2018, NYSE Arca, Inc. (‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’), pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 a proposed rule change seeking to modify investments of the First Trust TCW Unconstrained Plus Bond ETF, the shares of which are currently listed and traded on the Exchange pursuant to NYSE Arca Rule 8.600–E. The proposed rule change was published for comment in the Federal Register on August 1, 2018.3 On September 14, 2018, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,4 the Commission extended the time period within which to approve the proposed rule change, disapprove the proposed rule change, or institute proceedings to determine whether to approve or disapprove the proposed rule change.5 On October 30, 2018, the Commission issued an order instituting proceedings pursuant to Section 19(b)(2)(B) of the Act 6 to determine whether to approve or disapprove the proposed rule change.7 The Commission has received no comment letters regarding the proposed rule change. Section 19(b)(2) of the Act 8 provides that, after initiating disapproval proceedings, the Commission shall issue an order approving or disapproving the proposed rule change not later than 180 days after the date of publication of notice of filing of the proposed rule 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. 3 Securities Exchange Act Release No. 83720 (July 26, 2018), 83 FR 37560. 4 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2). 5 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 84123, 83 FR 47654 (September 20, 2018). The Commission designated October 30, 2018, as the date by which the Commission shall approve, disapprove, or institute proceedings to determine whether to approve or disapprove the proposed rule change. 6 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B). 7 Securities Exchange Act Release No. 84504 (October 30, 2018), 83 FR 55439 (November 5, 2018). 8 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2). amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1 2 17 VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:21 Jan 30, 2019 Jkt 247001 change. The Commission may extend the period for issuing an order approving or disapproving the proposed rule change, however, by not more than 60 days if the Commission determines that a longer period is appropriate and publishes the reasons for such determination. In this case, the proposed rule change was published for notice and comment in the Federal Register on August 1, 2018.9 January 28, 2019, is 180 days from that date, and March 29, 2019, is 240 days from that date. The Commission finds it appropriate to designate a longer period within which to issue an order approving or disapproving the proposed rule change so that it has sufficient time to consider the proposed rule change. Accordingly, the Commission, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,10 designates March 29, 2019, as the date by which the Commission shall either approve or disapprove the proposed rule change (File No. SR–NYSEArca–2018–43). For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.11 Brent J. Fields, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2019–00498 Filed 1–30–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–84975; File No. SR– NYSEAMER–2018–56] Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE American LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Change To Amend the NYSE American Options Fee Schedule December 26, 2018. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) 1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’) 2 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,3 notice is hereby given that, on December 21, 2018, NYSE American LLC (the ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘NYSE American’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III below, which Items have been prepared by the selfregulatory organization. The Commission is publishing this notice to 9 See supra note 3. 10 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2). 11 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(31). 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 15 U.S.C. 78a. 3 17 CFR 240.19b–4. PO 00000 Frm 00223 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of the Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange proposes to amend the NYSE American Options Fee Schedule (‘‘Fee Schedule’’). The Exchange proposes to implement the fee change effective January 1, 2019. The proposed change is available on the Exchange’s website at www.nyse.com, at the principal office of the Exchange, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, the self-regulatory organization included 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 those 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 Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The purpose of this filing is to modify the Fee Schedule to extend for another year the prepayment incentive program for Floor Broker organizations (each a ‘‘Floor Broker’’) that the Exchange introduced in April 2018 (the ‘‘FB Prepay Program’’ or ‘‘Program’’).4 Pursuant to the FB Prepay Program, the Exchange offered Floor Brokers that operate on the Exchange a 10% discount on their ‘‘Eligible Fixed Costs’’ (described in the table below) if Floor Brokers prepaid such costs for April through December 2018. Eligible Fixed Costs Section III.A. Monthly ATP Fees. Section III.B. Floor Access Fee. Section IV. Monthly Floor Communication, Connectivity, Equipment and Booth or Podia Fees as listed below: Login. 4 See Exchange Act Release No. 83073 (April 20, 2018), 83 FR 18377 (April 26, 2018) (NYSEAmer– 2018–15). See also Fee Schedule, Section III.E., Floor Broker Fixed Cost Prepayment Incentive Program (the ‘‘FB Prepay Program’’), available here, https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/markets/ american-options/NYSE_American_Options_Fee_ Schedule.pdf. E:\FR\FM\31JAN1.SGM 31JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 21 / Thursday, January 31, 2019 / Notices Eligible Fixed Costs Transport Charges. Booth Premises. Telephone Service. Cellular Phones. Booth Telephone System—Line Charge. Booth Telephone System—Single line phone jack and data jack. Wire Services. amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1 The Exchange proposes to extend the FB Prepay Program and offer Floor Brokers the opportunity to prepay their annual Eligible Fixed Costs for 2019, with modifications to the benchmarks utilized to assess eligibility for the Percentage Growth Incentive.5 The Exchange proposes to continue to offer participants in the FB Prepay Program the opportunity to qualify for larger discounts (i.e., more than 10% of the 2019 Eligible Fixed Costs) through the Percentage Growth Incentive (the ‘‘Incentive’’), which is designed to encourage Floor Brokers to increase their average daily volume (‘‘ADV’’) in billable manual contract sides by certain percentages (correlated with Tiers) as measured against one of two benchmarks.6 For the 2019 FB Prepay Program, the Exchange proposes to modify the first benchmark by requiring a minimum 11,000 contract sides (up from 10,000) in billable ADV and proposes to modify the second benchmark by requiring 110% of the Floor Broker’s total billable manual ADV in contract sides (up from 100%) during the second half of 2017— i.e., July through December 2017. The Exchange is not modifying the percentages (correlated with Tiers 1–3) against which the benchmarks are 5 To participate in the 2019 FB Prepay Program, Floor Brokers would have to notify the Exchange in writing by emailing optionsbilling@nyse.com, indicating a commitment to submit prepayment, by no later than December 31, 2018. The email to enroll in the Program would have to originate from an officer of the Floor Broker organization and, except as provided for below, represents a binding commitment through the end of 2019. To participate in the Program, prepayment for the balance of the year must be received by the close of business on January 31, 2019. See proposed Fee Schedule, Section III.E., Floor Broker Fixed Cost Prepayment Incentive Program (the ‘‘FB Prepay Program’’). ‘‘Participating Floor Broker organizations that qualify for the Percentage Growth Incentive will receive their 2019 rebate in January 2020.’’ See id. 6 The Percentage Growth Incentive would continue to exclude Customer volume, Firm Facilitation trades, and QCCs. Any volume calculated to achieve the Firm Monthly Fee Cap and the Strategy Execution Fee Cap, regardless of whether either of these caps is achieved, will likewise be excluded from the Percentage Growth Incentive because fees on such volume are already capped and therefore such volume does not increase billable manual volume. See Fee Schedule, Section III.E., supra note 4. VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:21 Jan 30, 2019 Jkt 247001 measured.7 The Exchange notes that Equity Option Industry ADV for 2018 is up 24% as compared to Equity Option Industry ADV for the last six months of 2017 (and the three years prior). Thus, in this climate, the Exchange believes it is appropriate to apply a nominal increase in the first benchmark—from a minimum of 10,000 ADV to 11,000 ADV. Similarly, given that 2018 options industry volume has been elevated and the Exchange cannot predict whether volumes for 2019 will continue at the same pace, the Exchange believes it is appropriate to continue to use ADV from the latter half of 2017 as the alternative benchmark, with a nominal increase of 10% over the current requirement. The Exchange notes that the changes to the Program are designed to encourage those Floor Brokers that enrolled in the Program for 2018 to reenroll for 2019 as well as to attract Floor Brokers that have not yet participated. As proposed, a Floor Broker that commits to the Program for 2019 would be invoiced in January 2019 for its estimated Eligible Fixed Costs, through the end of 2019, less 10%. The estimated annual Eligible Fixed Costs (i.e., for January through December 2019) for each participating Floor Broker would be based on that Floor Broker’s November, 2018 invoice for such costs [sic]. 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act,8 in general, and furthers the objectives of Sections 6(b)(4) and (5) of the Act,9 in particular, because it provides for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and other charges among its members, issuers and other persons using its facilities and does not unfairly discriminate between customers, issuers, brokers or dealers. The proposal to extend the FB Prepayment Program as modified is reasonable, equitable and not unfairly discriminatory for the following reasons. First, the Program is optional and Floor Brokers can elect to participate (or elect not to participate). In addition, the Exchange is continuing to offer two alternative means to achieve the same enhanced discount to ensure that Floor Brokers that are new to the Exchange (and therefore have no historical ADV from 2017) could nonetheless participate in the Program. The Exchange notes that Equity Option 7 See id. U.S.C. 78f(b). 9 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4) and (5). 8 15 PO 00000 Frm 00224 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 869 Industry ADV for 2018 is up 24% as compared to Equity Option Industry ADV for the last six months of 2017 (and the three years prior). Thus, in this climate, the Exchange believes it is appropriate to apply a nominal increase in the first benchmark—from a minimum of 10,000 ADV to 11,000 ADV. Similarly, given that 2018 options industry volume has been elevated and the Exchange cannot predict whether volumes for 2019 will continue at the same pace, the Exchange believes it is appropriate to continue to use ADV from the latter half of 2017 as the alternative benchmark, with a nominal increase of 10% over the current requirement. The Exchange notes that the changes to the Program are designed to encourage those Floor Brokers that enrolled in the Program for 2018 to reenroll for 2019 as well as to attract Floor Brokers that have not yet participated. The Exchange believes the proposed changes to the FB Program would continue to incent Floor Brokers to increase their billable volume executed in open outcry on the Exchange in an effort to achieve the Incentive (the percentages for which remain unchanged), which would benefit all market participants by expanding liquidity and providing more trading opportunities, even to those market participants that have not committed to the Program. Regardless of which benchmark a participating Floor Broker’s growth is measured against, all Floor Broker’s that opt to participate and seek to achieve the Incentive would be required to increase volume executed on the Exchange in order to receive the enhanced discount. Thus, the Exchange believes the proposed Program, is reasonable, equitable and not unfairly discriminatory to others. The Exchange believes the proposal to continue to offer the Percentage Growth Incentive for 2019 based on ADV in contract sides in 2019 is reasonable, equitable and not unfairly discriminatory because, just as under the existing program, this Incentive is designed to encourage Floor Brokers to increase their ADV in billable manual contract sides by certain percentages (correlated with Tiers) as measured against the two available benchmarks. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition In accordance with Section 6(b)(8) of the Act, the Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change would impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The Exchange believes that the E:\FR\FM\31JAN1.SGM 31JAN1 870 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 21 / Thursday, January 31, 2019 / Notices proposed changes to the FB Prepayment Program may increase both inter-market and intra-market competition by incenting participants to direct their orders to the Exchange, which would enhance the quality of quoting and may increase the volume of contracts traded on the Exchange. To the extent that there is an additional competitive burden on non-Exchange participants, the Exchange believes that this is appropriate because the proposal should incent market participants to direct additional order flow to the Exchange, and thus provide additional liquidity that enhances the quality of its markets and increases the volume of contracts traded here. To the extent that this purpose is achieved, all of the Exchange’s market participants should benefit from the improved market liquidity. Enhanced market quality and increased transaction volume that results from the anticipated increase in order flow directed to the Exchange would benefit all market participants and improve competition on the Exchange. Given the robust competition for volume among options markets, many of which offer the same products, implementing programs to attract order flow, such as the proposed changes to the FB Prepayment Program, are consistent with the above-mentioned goals of the Act. The Exchange notes that it operates in a highly competitive market in which market participants can readily favor competing venues. In such an environment, the Exchange must continually review, and consider adjusting, its fees and credits to remain competitive with other exchanges. For the reasons described above, the Exchange believes that the proposed rule change reflects this competitive environment. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others No written comments were solicited or received with respect to the proposed rule change. amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1 III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action The foregoing rule change is effective upon filing pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) 10 of the Act and subparagraph (f)(2) of Rule 19b–4 11 thereunder, because it establishes a due, 10 15 11 17 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2). VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:21 Jan 30, 2019 fee, or other charge imposed by the Exchange. At any time within 60 days of the filing of such proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings under Section 19(b)(2)(B) 12 of the Act to determine whether the proposed rule change should be approved or disapproved. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: 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– NYSEAMER–2018–56 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–NYSEAMER–2018–56. 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 12 15 Jkt 247001 PO 00000 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B). Frm 00225 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of such filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change. 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–NYSEAMER–2018–56, and should be submitted on or before February 21, 2019. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.13 Eduardo A. Aleman, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2019–00480 Filed 1–30–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–84974; File No. BX–2018– 025] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq BX, Inc.; Notice of Designation of Longer Period for Commission Action on Proposed Rule Change To Make Permanent the Exchange’s Retail Price Improvement Program December 26, 2018. On July 9, 2018, Nasdaq BX, Inc. (‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’), pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 a proposed rule change to make permanent the Exchange’s Retail Price Improvement Program. The proposed rule change was published for comment in the Federal Register on July 26, 2018.3 On August 31, 2018, the Commission designated a longer period within which to approve the proposed rule change, disapprove the proposed rule change, or institute proceedings to determine whether to disapprove the proposed rule change.4 On October 23, 2018, the Commission instituted proceedings under Section 19(b)(2)(B) of 13 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 83681 (July 20, 2018), 83 FR 35516. 4 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 84013, 83 FR 45479 (September 7, 2018). The Commission designated October 24, 2018, as the date by which the Commission shall approve or disapprove, or institute proceedings to determine whether to disapprove, the proposed rule change. 1 15 E:\FR\FM\31JAN1.SGM 31JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 21 (Thursday, January 31, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 868-870]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-00480]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-84975; File No. SR-NYSEAMER-2018-56]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE American LLC; Notice of 
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Change To Amend the NYSE 
American Options Fee Schedule

December 26, 2018.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) \1\ of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 (the ``Act'') \2\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\3\ notice is hereby 
given that, on December 21, 2018, NYSE American LLC (the ``Exchange'' 
or ``NYSE American'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(the ``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, 
II, and III below, which Items have been prepared by the self-
regulatory organization. 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\ 15 U.S.C. 78a.
    \3\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The Exchange proposes to amend the NYSE American Options Fee 
Schedule (``Fee Schedule''). The Exchange proposes to implement the fee 
change effective January 1, 2019. The proposed change is available on 
the Exchange's website at www.nyse.com, at the principal office of the 
Exchange, and at the Commission's Public Reference Room.

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

    In its filing with the Commission, the self-regulatory organization 
included 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 those 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 
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

1. Purpose
    The purpose of this filing is to modify the Fee Schedule to extend 
for another year the prepayment incentive program for Floor Broker 
organizations (each a ``Floor Broker'') that the Exchange introduced in 
April 2018 (the ``FB Prepay Program'' or ``Program'').\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ See Exchange Act Release No. 83073 (April 20, 2018), 83 FR 
18377 (April 26, 2018) (NYSEAmer-2018-15). See also Fee Schedule, 
Section III.E., Floor Broker Fixed Cost Prepayment Incentive Program 
(the ``FB Prepay Program''), available here, https://www.nyse.com/publicdocs/nyse/markets/american-options/NYSE_American_Options_Fee_Schedule.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Pursuant to the FB Prepay Program, the Exchange offered Floor 
Brokers that operate on the Exchange a 10% discount on their ``Eligible 
Fixed Costs'' (described in the table below) if Floor Brokers prepaid 
such costs for April through December 2018.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Eligible Fixed Costs
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section III.A. Monthly ATP Fees.
Section III.B. Floor Access Fee.
Section IV. Monthly Floor Communication, Connectivity, Equipment and
 Booth or Podia Fees as listed below:
    Login.

[[Page 869]]

 
    Transport Charges.
    Booth Premises.
    Telephone Service.
    Cellular Phones.
    Booth Telephone System--Line Charge.
    Booth Telephone System--Single line phone jack and data jack.
    Wire Services.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange proposes to extend the FB Prepay Program and offer 
Floor Brokers the opportunity to prepay their annual Eligible Fixed 
Costs for 2019, with modifications to the benchmarks utilized to assess 
eligibility for the Percentage Growth Incentive.\5\ The Exchange 
proposes to continue to offer participants in the FB Prepay Program the 
opportunity to qualify for larger discounts (i.e., more than 10% of the 
2019 Eligible Fixed Costs) through the Percentage Growth Incentive (the 
``Incentive''), which is designed to encourage Floor Brokers to 
increase their average daily volume (``ADV'') in billable manual 
contract sides by certain percentages (correlated with Tiers) as 
measured against one of two benchmarks.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ To participate in the 2019 FB Prepay Program, Floor Brokers 
would have to notify the Exchange in writing by emailing 
optionsbilling@nyse.com, indicating a commitment to submit 
prepayment, by no later than December 31, 2018. The email to enroll 
in the Program would have to originate from an officer of the Floor 
Broker organization and, except as provided for below, represents a 
binding commitment through the end of 2019. To participate in the 
Program, prepayment for the balance of the year must be received by 
the close of business on January 31, 2019. See proposed Fee 
Schedule, Section III.E., Floor Broker Fixed Cost Prepayment 
Incentive Program (the ``FB Prepay Program''). ``Participating Floor 
Broker organizations that qualify for the Percentage Growth 
Incentive will receive their 2019 rebate in January 2020.'' See id.
    \6\ The Percentage Growth Incentive would continue to exclude 
Customer volume, Firm Facilitation trades, and QCCs. Any volume 
calculated to achieve the Firm Monthly Fee Cap and the Strategy 
Execution Fee Cap, regardless of whether either of these caps is 
achieved, will likewise be excluded from the Percentage Growth 
Incentive because fees on such volume are already capped and 
therefore such volume does not increase billable manual volume. See 
Fee Schedule, Section III.E., supra note 4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For the 2019 FB Prepay Program, the Exchange proposes to modify the 
first benchmark by requiring a minimum 11,000 contract sides (up from 
10,000) in billable ADV and proposes to modify the second benchmark by 
requiring 110% of the Floor Broker's total billable manual ADV in 
contract sides (up from 100%) during the second half of 2017--i.e., 
July through December 2017. The Exchange is not modifying the 
percentages (correlated with Tiers 1-3) against which the benchmarks 
are measured.\7\ The Exchange notes that Equity Option Industry ADV for 
2018 is up 24% as compared to Equity Option Industry ADV for the last 
six months of 2017 (and the three years prior). Thus, in this climate, 
the Exchange believes it is appropriate to apply a nominal increase in 
the first benchmark--from a minimum of 10,000 ADV to 11,000 ADV. 
Similarly, given that 2018 options industry volume has been elevated 
and the Exchange cannot predict whether volumes for 2019 will continue 
at the same pace, the Exchange believes it is appropriate to continue 
to use ADV from the latter half of 2017 as the alternative benchmark, 
with a nominal increase of 10% over the current requirement. The 
Exchange notes that the changes to the Program are designed to 
encourage those Floor Brokers that enrolled in the Program for 2018 to 
reenroll for 2019 as well as to attract Floor Brokers that have not yet 
participated.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ See id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As proposed, a Floor Broker that commits to the Program for 2019 
would be invoiced in January 2019 for its estimated Eligible Fixed 
Costs, through the end of 2019, less 10%. The estimated annual Eligible 
Fixed Costs (i.e., for January through December 2019) for each 
participating Floor Broker would be based on that Floor Broker's 
November, 2018 invoice for such costs [sic].
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent 
with Section 6(b) of the Act,\8\ in general, and furthers the 
objectives of Sections 6(b)(4) and (5) of the Act,\9\ in particular, 
because it provides for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, 
fees, and other charges among its members, issuers and other persons 
using its facilities and does not unfairly discriminate between 
customers, issuers, brokers or dealers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \9\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4) and (5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposal to extend the FB Prepayment Program as modified is 
reasonable, equitable and not unfairly discriminatory for the following 
reasons. First, the Program is optional and Floor Brokers can elect to 
participate (or elect not to participate). In addition, the Exchange is 
continuing to offer two alternative means to achieve the same enhanced 
discount to ensure that Floor Brokers that are new to the Exchange (and 
therefore have no historical ADV from 2017) could nonetheless 
participate in the Program. The Exchange notes that Equity Option 
Industry ADV for 2018 is up 24% as compared to Equity Option Industry 
ADV for the last six months of 2017 (and the three years prior). Thus, 
in this climate, the Exchange believes it is appropriate to apply a 
nominal increase in the first benchmark--from a minimum of 10,000 ADV 
to 11,000 ADV. Similarly, given that 2018 options industry volume has 
been elevated and the Exchange cannot predict whether volumes for 2019 
will continue at the same pace, the Exchange believes it is appropriate 
to continue to use ADV from the latter half of 2017 as the alternative 
benchmark, with a nominal increase of 10% over the current requirement. 
The Exchange notes that the changes to the Program are designed to 
encourage those Floor Brokers that enrolled in the Program for 2018 to 
reenroll for 2019 as well as to attract Floor Brokers that have not yet 
participated.
    The Exchange believes the proposed changes to the FB Program would 
continue to incent Floor Brokers to increase their billable volume 
executed in open outcry on the Exchange in an effort to achieve the 
Incentive (the percentages for which remain unchanged), which would 
benefit all market participants by expanding liquidity and providing 
more trading opportunities, even to those market participants that have 
not committed to the Program. Regardless of which benchmark a 
participating Floor Broker's growth is measured against, all Floor 
Broker's that opt to participate and seek to achieve the Incentive 
would be required to increase volume executed on the Exchange in order 
to receive the enhanced discount. Thus, the Exchange believes the 
proposed Program, is reasonable, equitable and not unfairly 
discriminatory to others.
    The Exchange believes the proposal to continue to offer the 
Percentage Growth Incentive for 2019 based on ADV in contract sides in 
2019 is reasonable, equitable and not unfairly discriminatory because, 
just as under the existing program, this Incentive is designed to 
encourage Floor Brokers to increase their ADV in billable manual 
contract sides by certain percentages (correlated with Tiers) as 
measured against the two available benchmarks.

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

    In accordance with Section 6(b)(8) of the Act, the Exchange does 
not believe that the proposed rule change would impose any burden on 
competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the 
purposes of the Act. The Exchange believes that the

[[Page 870]]

proposed changes to the FB Prepayment Program may increase both inter-
market and intra-market competition by incenting participants to direct 
their orders to the Exchange, which would enhance the quality of 
quoting and may increase the volume of contracts traded on the 
Exchange. To the extent that there is an additional competitive burden 
on non-Exchange participants, the Exchange believes that this is 
appropriate because the proposal should incent market participants to 
direct additional order flow to the Exchange, and thus provide 
additional liquidity that enhances the quality of its markets and 
increases the volume of contracts traded here. To the extent that this 
purpose is achieved, all of the Exchange's market participants should 
benefit from the improved market liquidity. Enhanced market quality and 
increased transaction volume that results from the anticipated increase 
in order flow directed to the Exchange would benefit all market 
participants and improve competition on the Exchange.
    Given the robust competition for volume among options markets, many 
of which offer the same products, implementing programs to attract 
order flow, such as the proposed changes to the FB Prepayment Program, 
are consistent with the above-mentioned goals of the Act.
    The Exchange notes that it operates in a highly competitive market 
in which market participants can readily favor competing venues. In 
such an environment, the Exchange must continually review, and consider 
adjusting, its fees and credits to remain competitive with other 
exchanges. For the reasons described above, the Exchange believes that 
the proposed rule change reflects this competitive environment.

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

    No written comments were solicited or received with respect to the 
proposed rule change.

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

    The foregoing rule change is effective upon filing pursuant to 
Section 19(b)(3)(A) \10\ of the Act and subparagraph (f)(2) of Rule 
19b-4 \11\ thereunder, because it establishes a due, fee, or other 
charge imposed by the Exchange.
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    \10\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \11\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(2).
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    At any time within 60 days of the filing of such proposed rule 
change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule 
change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or 
appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or 
otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission 
takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings under 
Section 19(b)(2)(B) \12\ of the Act to determine whether the proposed 
rule change should be approved or disapproved.
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    \12\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B).
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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-NYSEAMER-2018-56 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-NYSEAMER-2018-56. 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 such filing also will be available for inspection 
and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All comments 
received will be posted without change. 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-NYSEAMER-2018-56, and should be 
submitted on or before February 21, 2019.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\13\
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    \13\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Eduardo A. Aleman,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2019-00480 Filed 1-30-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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