Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq GEMX, LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Extend the Pilot for Certain Options Market Rules That Are Linked to the Equity Market Plan To Address Extraordinary Market Volatility, 16055-16057 [2019-07627]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 74 / Wednesday, April 17, 2019 / Notices 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. 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–NYSEARCA–2019–22 and should be submitted on or before May 8, 2019. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.17 Eduardo A. Aleman, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2019–07626 Filed 4–16–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P [Release No. 34–85609; File No. SR–GEMX– 2019–04] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq GEMX, LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Extend the Pilot for Certain Options Market Rules That Are Linked to the Equity Market Plan To Address Extraordinary Market Volatility amozie on DSK9F9SC42PROD with NOTICES April 11, 2019. 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 April 5, 2019, Nasdaq GEMX, LLC (‘‘GEMX’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 1 15 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:23 Apr 16, 2019 Jkt 247001 I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange proposes to extend the pilot to the close of business on October 18, 2019, for certain options market rules that are linked to the equity market Plan to Address Extraordinary Market Volatility. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s website at https://nasdaqgemx.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 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 17 17 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. 1. Purpose The purpose of the proposed rule change is to extend the pilot to the close of business on October 18, 2019, for certain options market rules that are linked to the equity market Plan to Address Extraordinary Market Volatility (the ‘‘Limit Up-Limit Down Plan’’ or the ‘‘Plan’’). This change is being proposed in connection with a proposed amendment to the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan that would allow the Plan to continue to operate on a permanent basis (‘‘Amendment 18’’). In an attempt to address extraordinary market volatility in NMS Stock, and, in particular, events like the severe volatility on May 6, 2010, U.S. national securities exchanges and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (collectively, ‘‘Participants’’) drafted the Plan pursuant to Rule 608 of Regulation PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 16055 NMS and under the Act.3 On May 31, 2012, the Commission approved the Plan, as amended, on a one-year pilot basis.4 Though the Plan was primarily designed for equity markets, the Exchange believed it would, indirectly, potentially impact the options markets as well. Thus, the Exchange previously adopted Rules 702(d) and Supplementary Material .01 to Rule 720 to ensure the option markets were not harmed as a result of the Plan’s implementation and has implemented such rules on a pilot basis that has coincided with the pilot period for the Plan (the ‘‘Options Pilots’’).5 The Commission recently published an Amendment 18, which would allow the Plan to operate on a permanent, rather than pilot, basis.6 In connection with this change, the Exchange proposes to amend the Options Pilots to expire at the close of business on October 18, 2019—i.e., six months after the expiration of the current pilot period for the Plan. Specifically, the Exchange proposes to amend Exchange Rules 702(d) and Supplementary Material .01 to Rule 720 to untie the Options Pilot’s effectiveness from that of the Plan and to extend the Options Pilot’s effectiveness to the close of business on October 18, 2019. The Exchange understands that the other national securities exchanges will also file similar proposals to extend their respective pilot programs, the substance of which are identical to the proposal. The Exchange does not propose any additional changes to Exchange Rules 702 and 720. The Exchange believes the benefits to market participants from the Options Pilots should continue on a limited six month pilot basis after Commission approves the Plan to operate on a permanent basis. Assuming the Plan is approved by the Commission to operate on a permanent, rather than pilot, basis the Exchange intends to assess whether additional changes should also be made to the Options Pilots. Extending the Options Pilots for an additional six months should provide the Exchange and other national securities exchanges additional time to consider further amendments to their 3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 64547 (May 25, 2011), 76 FR 31647 (June 1, 2011) (File No. 4–631). 4 See Securities and Exchange Act Release No. 67091 (May 31, 2012) 77 FR 33498 (June 6, 2012). 5 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 74897 (May 7, 2015), 80 FR 27415 (May 13, 2015) (SR– ISEGemini–2015–11) (amending Rule 702(d) and Supplementary .01 to Rule 720 to coincide with the pilot period for the Plan) [sic]. 6 See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 84843 (December 18, 2018), 83 FR 66464 (December 26, 2018) (Amendment No. 18 Proposing Release). E:\FR\FM\17APN1.SGM 17APN1 16056 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 74 / Wednesday, April 17, 2019 / Notices rules in light of proposed Amendment 18. market centers without implicating any competitive issues [sic]. 2. Statutory Basis 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. The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act,7 in general, and Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,8 in particular, in that it is designed to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest and not to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers. The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change promotes just and equitable principles of trade in that it promotes transparency and uniformity across markets concerning rules for options markets adopted to coincide with the Plan. The Exchange believes that extending the Options Pilots for an additional six months would help assure that the rules subject to such Pilots are either similarly made permanent, amended or removed, following additional discussion and analysis by the Exchange and other national securities exchanges. The proposed rule change would also help assure that such rules are not immediately eliminated, thus furthering fair and orderly markets, the protection of investors and the public interest. Based on the foregoing, the Exchange believes the Options Pilots should continue to be in effect on a pilot basis while the Exchange and the other national securities exchanges consider and develop a permanent proposal for such rules. amozie on DSK9F9SC42PROD with NOTICES B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition 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 proposal would ensure the continued, uninterrupted operation of the Options Pilots while the Exchange and other national securities exchanges consider further amendments to these rules in light of proposed Amendment 18. The Exchange understands that the other national securities exchanges will also file similar proposals to extend their respective pilot programs, the substance of which are identical to this proposal. Thus, the proposed rule change will help to ensure consistency across 7 15 8 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:23 Apr 16, 2019 Jkt 247001 III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not: (i) Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative for 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 9 and Rule 19b– 4(f)(6) thereunder.10 A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b–4(f)(6) 11 normally does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the filing. However, Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) 12 permits the Commission to 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 proposed rule change may become effective and operative immediately upon filing. The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest, as it will allow the current Options Pilots to continue uninterrupted, without any changes, while the Exchange and the other national securities exchanges consider and develop a permanent proposal for the Options Pilots. For this reason, the Commission hereby waives the 30-day operative delay and designates the proposed rule change as operative upon filing.13 At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may 9 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b– 4(f)(6)(iii) requires a self-regulatory organization to give the Commission written notice of its 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. 11 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 12 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). 13 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). 10 17 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 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– GEMX–2019–04 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–GEMX–2019–04. 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 E:\FR\FM\17APN1.SGM 17APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 74 / Wednesday, April 17, 2019 / Notices submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–GEMX–2019–04 and should be submitted on or before May 8, 2019. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.14 Eduardo Aleman, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2019–07627 Filed 4–16–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–85632; File No. SR–Phlx– 2019–14] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq PHLX LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Extend the Current Pilot Program Related to Clearly Erroneous Transactions April 11, 2019. 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 April 10, 2019, Nasdaq PHLX LLC (‘‘Phlx’’ 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. amozie on DSK9F9SC42PROD with NOTICES I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange proposes to extend the current pilot program related to Phlx Rule 3312, Clearly Erroneous Transactions, to the close of business on October 18, 2019. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s website at https://nasdaqphlx.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 14 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 1 15 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:23 Apr 16, 2019 Jkt 247001 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 extend the current pilot program related to Rule 3312, Clearly Erroneous Transactions, to the close of business on October 18, 2019. This change is being proposed in connection with proposed amendments to the Plan to Address Extraordinary Market Volatility (the ‘‘Limit Up-Limit Down Plan’’ or the ‘‘Plan’’) that would allow the Plan to continue to operate on a permanent basis.3 On September 10, 2010, the Commission approved, on a pilot basis, changes to corresponding rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (‘‘Nasdaq’’), Nasdaq BX, Inc. (‘‘BX’’), and other exchanges that, among other things: (i) Provided for uniform treatment of clearly erroneous execution reviews in multi-stock events involving twenty or more securities; and (ii) reduced the ability of the exchanges to deviate from the objective standards set forth in the rule.4 Following this, on September 30, 2010, the Exchange adopted changes to conform its Rule 3312 to Nasdaq’s and BX’s rules 11890.5 In 2013, the Exchange adopted a provision designed to address the operation of the Plan.6 Finally, in 2014, the Exchange adopted two additional provisions providing that: (i) A series of transactions in a particular security on one or more trading days may be viewed as one event if all such transactions were effected based on the same fundamentally incorrect or grossly 3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 84843 (December 18, 2018), 83 FR 66464 (December 26, 2018) (File No. 4–631) (‘‘Eighteenth Amendment’’). 4 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 62886 (September 10, 2010), 75 FR 56613 (September 16, 2010) (File Nos. SR–BATS–2010–016; SR–BX– 2010–040; SR–CBOE–2010–056; SR–CHX–2010–13; SR–EDGA–2010–03; SR–EDGX–2010–03; SR–ISE– 2010–62; SR–NASDAQ–2010–076; SR–NSX–2010– 07; SR–NYSE–2010–47; SR–NYSEAmex–2010–60; SR–NYSEArca–2010–58). 5 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 63023 (September 30, 2010), 75 FR 61802 (October 6, 2010) (SR–Phlx–2010–125). 6 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 68820 (February 1, 2013), 78 FR 9436 (February 8, 2013) (SR–Phlx–2013–12). PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 16057 misinterpreted issuance information resulting in a severe valuation error for all such transactions; and (ii) in the event of any disruption or malfunction in the operation of the electronic communications and trading facilities of an Exchange, another SRO, or responsible single plan processor in connection with the transmittal or receipt of a trading halt, an Officer, acting on his or her own motion, shall nullify any transaction that occurs after a trading halt has been declared by the primary listing market for a security and before such trading halt has officially ended according to the primary listing market.7 These changes are currently scheduled to operate for a pilot period that coincides with the pilot period for the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan,8 including any extensions to the pilot period for the Plan.9 The Commission recently published the proposed Eighteenth Amendment to the Plan to allow the Plan to operate on a permanent, rather than pilot, basis. The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 3312 to untie the pilot program’s effectiveness from that of the Plan and to extend the pilot’s effectiveness to the close of business on October 18, 2019— i.e., six months after the expiration of the current pilot period for the Plan. If the pilot period is not either extended, replaced or approved as permanent, the prior versions of paragraphs (a)(2)(C), (b), and (c)(1) shall be in effect, and the provisions of paragraphs (g) through (i) shall be null and void.10 In such an event, the remaining sections of Rule 3312 would continue to apply to all transactions executed on the Exchange. The Exchange understands that the other national securities exchanges and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (‘‘FINRA’’) will also file similar proposals to extend their respective clearly erroneous execution pilot programs, the substance of which are identical to Rule 3312. The Exchange does not propose any additional changes to Rule 3312. The Exchange believes the benefits to market participants from the more objective clearly erroneous executions rule should continue on a limited six month pilot basis after Commission approves 7 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 72434 (June 19, 2014), 79 FR 36110 (June 25, 2014) (SR– Phlx–2014–27). 8 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 67091 (May 31, 2012), 77 FR 33498 (June 6, 2012) (the ‘‘Limit Up-Limit Down Release’’). 9 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 71783 (March 24, 2014), 79 FR 17617 (March 28, 2014) (SR–Phlx–2014–18). 10 See supra notes 4–7. The prior versions of paragraphs (a)(2)(C), (b), and (c)(1) generally provided greater discretion to the Exchange with respect to breaking erroneous trades. E:\FR\FM\17APN1.SGM 17APN1

Agencies

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 74 (Wednesday, April 17, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16055-16057]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-07627]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-85609; File No. SR-GEMX-2019-04]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq GEMX, LLC; Notice of Filing 
and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Extend the Pilot 
for Certain Options Market Rules That Are Linked to the Equity Market 
Plan To Address Extraordinary Market Volatility

April 11, 2019.
    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 April 5, 2019, Nasdaq GEMX, LLC (``GEMX'' 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \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 extend the pilot to the close of business 
on October 18, 2019, for certain options market rules that are linked 
to the equity market Plan to Address Extraordinary Market Volatility.
    The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's 
website at https://nasdaqgemx.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 extend the pilot to 
the close of business on October 18, 2019, for certain options market 
rules that are linked to the equity market Plan to Address 
Extraordinary Market Volatility (the ``Limit Up-Limit Down Plan'' or 
the ``Plan''). This change is being proposed in connection with a 
proposed amendment to the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan that would allow the 
Plan to continue to operate on a permanent basis (``Amendment 18'').
    In an attempt to address extraordinary market volatility in NMS 
Stock, and, in particular, events like the severe volatility on May 6, 
2010, U.S. national securities exchanges and the Financial Industry 
Regulatory Authority, Inc. (collectively, ``Participants'') drafted the 
Plan pursuant to Rule 608 of Regulation NMS and under the Act.\3\ On 
May 31, 2012, the Commission approved the Plan, as amended, on a one-
year pilot basis.\4\ Though the Plan was primarily designed for equity 
markets, the Exchange believed it would, indirectly, potentially impact 
the options markets as well. Thus, the Exchange previously adopted 
Rules 702(d) and Supplementary Material .01 to Rule 720 to ensure the 
option markets were not harmed as a result of the Plan's implementation 
and has implemented such rules on a pilot basis that has coincided with 
the pilot period for the Plan (the ``Options Pilots'').\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 64547 (May 25, 
2011), 76 FR 31647 (June 1, 2011) (File No. 4-631).
    \4\ See Securities and Exchange Act Release No. 67091 (May 31, 
2012) 77 FR 33498 (June 6, 2012).
    \5\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 74897 (May 7, 2015), 
80 FR 27415 (May 13, 2015) (SR-ISEGemini-2015-11) (amending Rule 
702(d) and Supplementary .01 to Rule 720 to coincide with the pilot 
period for the Plan) [sic].
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission recently published an Amendment 18, which would 
allow the Plan to operate on a permanent, rather than pilot, basis.\6\ 
In connection with this change, the Exchange proposes to amend the 
Options Pilots to expire at the close of business on October 18, 2019--
i.e., six months after the expiration of the current pilot period for 
the Plan. Specifically, the Exchange proposes to amend Exchange Rules 
702(d) and Supplementary Material .01 to Rule 720 to untie the Options 
Pilot's effectiveness from that of the Plan and to extend the Options 
Pilot's effectiveness to the close of business on October 18, 2019. The 
Exchange understands that the other national securities exchanges will 
also file similar proposals to extend their respective pilot programs, 
the substance of which are identical to the proposal.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 84843 (December 18, 
2018), 83 FR 66464 (December 26, 2018) (Amendment No. 18 Proposing 
Release).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange does not propose any additional changes to Exchange 
Rules 702 and 720. The Exchange believes the benefits to market 
participants from the Options Pilots should continue on a limited six 
month pilot basis after Commission approves the Plan to operate on a 
permanent basis. Assuming the Plan is approved by the Commission to 
operate on a permanent, rather than pilot, basis the Exchange intends 
to assess whether additional changes should also be made to the Options 
Pilots. Extending the Options Pilots for an additional six months 
should provide the Exchange and other national securities exchanges 
additional time to consider further amendments to their

[[Page 16056]]

rules in light of proposed Amendment 18.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with 
the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act,\7\ in general, and Section 
6(b)(5) of the Act,\8\ in particular, in that it is designed to remove 
impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and 
a national market system, to promote just and equitable principles of 
trade, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest 
and not to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, 
brokers, or dealers. The Exchange believes that the proposed rule 
change promotes just and equitable principles of trade in that it 
promotes transparency and uniformity across markets concerning rules 
for options markets adopted to coincide with the Plan. The Exchange 
believes that extending the Options Pilots for an additional six months 
would help assure that the rules subject to such Pilots are either 
similarly made permanent, amended or removed, following additional 
discussion and analysis by the Exchange and other national securities 
exchanges. The proposed rule change would also help assure that such 
rules are not immediately eliminated, thus furthering fair and orderly 
markets, the protection of investors and the public interest. Based on 
the foregoing, the Exchange believes the Options Pilots should continue 
to be in effect on a pilot basis while the Exchange and the other 
national securities exchanges consider and develop a permanent proposal 
for such rules.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \8\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    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 proposal would ensure 
the continued, uninterrupted operation of the Options Pilots while the 
Exchange and other national securities exchanges consider further 
amendments to these rules in light of proposed Amendment 18. The 
Exchange understands that the other national securities exchanges will 
also file similar proposals to extend their respective pilot programs, 
the substance of which are identical to this proposal. Thus, the 
proposed rule change will help to ensure consistency across market 
centers without implicating any competitive issues [sic].

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 foregoing proposed rule change does not: (i) 
Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public 
interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) 
become operative for 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or 
such shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become 
effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \9\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6) thereunder.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \10\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) 
requires a self-regulatory organization to give the Commission 
written notice of its 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \11\ normally 
does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the 
filing. However, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) \12\ permits the Commission to 
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 proposed 
rule change may become effective and operative immediately upon filing. 
The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is 
consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest, as 
it will allow the current Options Pilots to continue uninterrupted, 
without any changes, while the Exchange and the other national 
securities exchanges consider and develop a permanent proposal for the 
Options Pilots. For this reason, the Commission hereby waives the 30-
day operative delay and designates the proposed rule change as 
operative upon filing.\13\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \12\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
    \13\ 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).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 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 [email protected]. Please include 
File Number SR-GEMX-2019-04 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-GEMX-2019-04. 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

[[Page 16057]]

submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All 
submissions should refer to File Number SR-GEMX-2019-04 and should be 
submitted on or before May 8, 2019.
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    \14\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\14\
Eduardo Aleman,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2019-07627 Filed 4-16-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P

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