Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe EDGA Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend Interpretation and Policy .01 of Rule 2.4 To Allow the Exchange To Provide Annual Notification to Individual Members That Are Subject to Paragraph (b) of Rule 2.4, 71987-71989 [2019-28175]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 249 / Monday, December 30, 2019 / Notices khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES which requires, among other things, that FINRA rules be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. The Commission believes that the proposal will benefit investors and market participants by facilitating greater transparency in the U.S. Treasury Security market by making publicly available aggregate trading volume for transactions in U.S. Treasury Securities that are reported to TRACE. The Commission believes that the proposal is reasonably designed to preserve the confidentiality of individual market participants and transactions. The Commission also notes that the proposed rule change would not impose any new cost on FINRA members, because any aggregate statistics that are published or distributed by FINRA pursuant to this rule change would be derived from information that members are already required to report to TRACE. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(5) of the Act,10 the Commission consulted with and considered the views of the Treasury Department in determining to approve the proposed rule change. The Treasury Department indicated its support for the proposal.11 Pursuant to Section 19(b)(6) of the Act,12 the Commission has considered the sufficiency and appropriateness of existing laws and rules applicable to government securities brokers, government securities dealers, and their associated persons in approving the proposal. Currently there is not available, to the public or otherwise, a comprehensive source of aggregated volume data that reflects all major segments of the market for U.S. Treasury Securities.13 The proposed rule change would promote transparency in the market for U.S. Treasury Securities by enabling FINRA to publish or distribute certain aggregate information regarding transactions in U.S. Treasury Securities that are reported to TRACE. 10 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(5) (providing that the Commission ‘‘shall consult with and consider the views of the Secretary of the Treasury prior to approving a proposed rule filed by a registered securities association that primarily concerns conduct related to transactions in government securities, except where the Commission determines that an emergency exists requiring expeditious or summary action and publishes its reasons therefor’’). 11 Email from Treasury Department staff to Michael Gaw, Assistant Director, Division of Trading and Markets, Commission (December 18, 2019). 12 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(6). 13 See Notice, 84 FR at 64149. VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:00 Dec 27, 2019 Jkt 250001 IV. Conclusion It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,14 that the proposed rule change (SR–FINRA– 2019–028) is approved. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.15 J. Matthew DeLesDernier, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2019–28084 Filed 12–27–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–87847; File No. SR– CboeEDGA–2019–023] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe EDGA Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend Interpretation and Policy .01 of Rule 2.4 To Allow the Exchange To Provide Annual Notification to Individual Members That Are Subject to Paragraph (b) of Rule 2.4 December 23, 2019. 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 December 20, 2019, Cboe EDGA Exchange, Inc. (the ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘EDGA’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Exchange filed the proposal as a ‘‘noncontroversial’’ proposed rule change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act 3 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.4 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 amend Interpretation and Policy .01 of Rule 2.4 to allow the Exchange to provide annual notification to individual Members that are subject to paragraph (b) of Rule 2.4, which requires certain Members to connect to the Exchange’s backup systems and participate in functional and performance testing based on the 14 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2). CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii). 4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 15 17 PO 00000 Frm 00098 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 71987 prior calendar quarter’s volume on the Exchange. The text of the proposed rule change is provided in Exhibit 5. The text of the proposed rule change is also available on the Exchange’s website (https://markets.cboe.com/us/ equities/regulation/rule_filings/edga/), at the Exchange’s Office of the Secretary, 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 Exchange proposes to amend Interpretation and Policy .01 of Rule 2.4 to allow the Exchange to provide annual notification to individual Members that are subject to paragraph (b) of Rule 2.4, which requires certain Members to connect to the Exchange’s backup systems and participate in functional and performance testing based on the prior calendar quarter’s volume on the Exchange. As background, Regulation Systems Compliance and Integrity (‘‘Regulation SCI’’) 5 applies to certain self-regulatory organizations (including the Exchange), alternative trading systems (‘‘ATSs’’), plan processors, and exempt clearing agencies (collectively, ‘‘SCI entities’’). Specifically, Rule 1004 of Regulation SCI states that each SCI entity shall establish standards for the designation of Members that are necessary for the maintenance of fair and orderly markets in the event of the activation of the business continuity and disaster recovery plans, designate such Members in scheduled functional and performance testing of the operation of such plans no less than once every 12 months, and coordinate the testing of 5 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 73639 (November 19, 2014), 79 FR 72252 (December 5, 2014) (‘‘SCI Adopting Release’’). E:\FR\FM\30DEN1.SGM 30DEN1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES 71988 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 249 / Monday, December 30, 2019 / Notices such plans on an industry- or sectorwide basis with other SCI entities. In order to comply with the coordination requirement among SCI entities, the Exchange has conducted the required operational testing in parallel with the industry-led testing program coordinated by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (‘‘SIFMA’’), which occurs on an annual basis. Currently, Interpretation and Policy .01 to Rule 2.4 requires the Exchange to identify and provide notice to designated Members under paragraph (b) on a quarterly basis based on trade activity during the previous quarter on the Exchange. Any Member that receives such notice is required to participate in the next annual functional and performance testing, which generally occurs in October. As such, a Member that receives notice in the third and/or fourth quarter of the preceding year or the first and/or second quarters of the current year will be required to participate in the annual functional and performance testing. As a result, Members would be notified in October, January, April, and/or July of their requirement to connect to the Exchange’s backup systems and participate in functional and performance testing scheduled for October, which means that certain Members receive notification of their designation and requirement to connect and participate in functional and performance testing only three months prior to the scheduled operational and functional testing. Further, a Member that had been designated in any of the four preceding quarters would be required to participate in the functional and performance testing even if that Member did not meet the designation requirements of subparagraphs (b)(1) in the most recent quarter (i.e., the second quarter). As proposed, the amendment would allow the Exchange to identify designated Members based on trade activity during a single quarter for a given year, and to issue one annual notification to the designated Members in preparation for the anticipated functional and performance testing, which generally occurs in October. As such, the proposal would: (i) Simplify the Member designation and notice process; (ii) allow the Exchange to require only those Members that meet the volume requirements under Rule 2.4(b)(1) in the designated quarter to participate in such testing; (iii) provide the Exchange with greater flexibility as to the timing that it would provide Members with notice of their designation pursuant to paragraph (b), VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:00 Dec 27, 2019 Jkt 250001 but still require the Exchange to provide such notice at least three months prior to the anticipated functional and performance testing; and (iv) strengthen the Exchange’s coordination with other SCI entities by harmonizing the frequency of such notifications with other self-regulatory organizations, which do not provide quarterly notifications of Member designations.6 As the proposed amendment provides the Exchange with greater flexibility in selecting the relevant quarter’s trade data for which the designated Members will be identified, the designated Members may be identified based on more recent trading activity, rather than trade activity that potentially occurred more than one year prior to such testing and thus would more accurately represent the Members who met the requirements set forth in paragraph (b)(1) of Rule 2.4. 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’) and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to the Exchange and, in particular, the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act. Specifically, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) requirements that the rules of an exchange be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in regulating, clearing, settling, processing information with respect to, and facilitating transactions in securities, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. In particular, the Exchange believes the proposal is consistent with the Act because, as noted above, the proposal would allow the Exchange to identify designated Members based on activity during a single quarter for a given year and to issue one annual notification to the designated Members in preparation for the anticipated functional and performance testing, which generally 6 See Cboe Exchange, Inc. (‘‘Cboe’’) Rule 5.24, which states ‘‘[Cboe] provides [ ] Trading Permit Holders with reasonable advance notice that they must participate in the testing described in paragraph (b) of this Rule 5.24.’’ See also New York Stock Exchange (‘‘NYSE’’) Rule 49(b)(4), which states ‘‘[a]t least three (3) months prior to a scheduled functional and performance testing of the Exchange’s business continuity and disaster recovery plans, the Exchange will . . . notify those member organizations that are required to participate based on such criteria.’’ PO 00000 Frm 00099 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 occurs in October, which the Exchange believes would: (i) Simplify the Member designation and notice process; (ii) allow the Exchange to require only those Members that meet the requirements under Rule 2.4(b)(1) in the designated quarter to participate in such testing; (iii) provide the Exchange with greater flexibility as to the timing that it would provide Members with notice of their designation pursuant to paragraph (b), but still require the Exchange to provide such notice at least three months prior to the anticipated functional and performance testing; and (iv) strengthen the Exchange’s coordination with other SCI entities by harmonizing the frequency of such notifications with other self-regulatory organizations, which do not provide quarterly notifications of Member designations. The proposed amendment will harmonize Exchange rules with those of other self-regulatory organizations in furtherance of the coordination of testing among SCI entities required by Rule 1004(c) of Regulation SCI. As set forth in Regulation SCI, ‘‘SROs have the authority, and legal responsibility, under Section 6 of the Exchange Act, to adopt and enforce rules (including rules to comply with Regulation SCI’s requirements relating to BC/DR testing) applicable to their members or participants that are designed to, among other things, foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in regulating, clearing, settling, processing information with respect to, and facilitating transactions in securities, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest.’’ 7 The Exchange believes that the proposal is consistent with such authority and legal responsibility. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The proposed rule change is not a competitive proposal as it is intended to coordinate notification of Member participation requirements in the Exchange’s testing of business continuity and disaster recovery plans with the annual industry-wide testing program. 7 See E:\FR\FM\30DEN1.SGM supra note 6. 30DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 249 / Monday, December 30, 2019 / Notices C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others The Exchange neither solicited nor received comments on the proposed rule change. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action Because the proposed rule change does not: (i) Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative for 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 8 and Rule 19b– 4(f)(6) thereunder.9 A proposed rule change filed pursuant to Rule 19b–4(f)(6) under the Act 10 normally does not become operative for 30 days after the date of its filing. However, Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) 11 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 proposal may become operative upon filing. The Exchange states that a waiver of the operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest because it would eliminate potential confusion across selfregulatory organizations and simplify and clarify the process of notification to designated Members pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 2.4. The Commission believes that waiver of the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. Therefore, the Commission hereby waives the operative delay and designates the proposed rule change operative upon filing.12 At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the 8 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). In addition, Rule19b– 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. 10 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 11 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). 12 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, the Commission also has considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES 9 17 VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:00 Dec 27, 2019 Jkt 250001 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 rule-comments@ sec.gov. Please include File Number SR– CboeEDGA–2019–023 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–CboeEDGA–2019–023. 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. Persons submitting comments are cautioned that we do not redact or edit PO 00000 Frm 00100 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 71989 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–CboeEDGA–2019–023 and should be submitted on or before January 21, 2020. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.13 Eduardo A. Aleman, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2019–28175 Filed 12–27–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–87822; File No. SR-Phlx2019–54) Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq PHLX LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Adopt a New Rule Titled ‘‘Off-Exchange RWA Transfers’’ at Phlx Rule 1045 December 20, 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 December 17, 2019, Nasdaq PHLX LLC (‘‘Phlx’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘SEC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III, below, which Items have been prepared by 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 adopt a new rule titled ‘‘Off-Exchange RWA Transfers’’ at Phlx Rule 1045. 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 13 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 1 15 E:\FR\FM\30DEN1.SGM 30DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 249 (Monday, December 30, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71987-71989]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-28175]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-87847; File No. SR-CboeEDGA-2019-023]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe EDGA Exchange, Inc.; Notice 
of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To 
Amend Interpretation and Policy .01 of Rule 2.4 To Allow the Exchange 
To Provide Annual Notification to Individual Members That Are Subject 
to Paragraph (b) of Rule 2.4

December 23, 2019.
    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 December 20, 2019, Cboe EDGA Exchange, Inc. (the ``Exchange'' 
or ``EDGA'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 
``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II 
below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Exchange 
filed the proposal as a ``non-controversial'' proposed rule change 
pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act \3\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6) thereunder.\4\ 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)(iii).
    \4\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The Exchange proposes to amend Interpretation and Policy .01 of 
Rule 2.4 to allow the Exchange to provide annual notification to 
individual Members that are subject to paragraph (b) of Rule 2.4, which 
requires certain Members to connect to the Exchange's backup systems 
and participate in functional and performance testing based on the 
prior calendar quarter's volume on the Exchange.
    The text of the proposed rule change is provided in Exhibit 5.
    The text of the proposed rule change is also available on the 
Exchange's website (https://markets.cboe.com/us/equities/regulation/rule_filings/edga/), at the Exchange's Office of the Secretary, 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 Exchange proposes to amend Interpretation and Policy .01 of 
Rule 2.4 to allow the Exchange to provide annual notification to 
individual Members that are subject to paragraph (b) of Rule 2.4, which 
requires certain Members to connect to the Exchange's backup systems 
and participate in functional and performance testing based on the 
prior calendar quarter's volume on the Exchange.
    As background, Regulation Systems Compliance and Integrity 
(``Regulation SCI'') \5\ applies to certain self-regulatory 
organizations (including the Exchange), alternative trading systems 
(``ATSs''), plan processors, and exempt clearing agencies 
(collectively, ``SCI entities''). Specifically, Rule 1004 of Regulation 
SCI states that each SCI entity shall establish standards for the 
designation of Members that are necessary for the maintenance of fair 
and orderly markets in the event of the activation of the business 
continuity and disaster recovery plans, designate such Members in 
scheduled functional and performance testing of the operation of such 
plans no less than once every 12 months, and coordinate the testing of

[[Page 71988]]

such plans on an industry- or sector-wide basis with other SCI 
entities.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 73639 (November 19, 
2014), 79 FR 72252 (December 5, 2014) (``SCI Adopting Release'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In order to comply with the coordination requirement among SCI 
entities, the Exchange has conducted the required operational testing 
in parallel with the industry-led testing program coordinated by the 
Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (``SIFMA''), 
which occurs on an annual basis. Currently, Interpretation and Policy 
.01 to Rule 2.4 requires the Exchange to identify and provide notice to 
designated Members under paragraph (b) on a quarterly basis based on 
trade activity during the previous quarter on the Exchange. Any Member 
that receives such notice is required to participate in the next annual 
functional and performance testing, which generally occurs in October. 
As such, a Member that receives notice in the third and/or fourth 
quarter of the preceding year or the first and/or second quarters of 
the current year will be required to participate in the annual 
functional and performance testing. As a result, Members would be 
notified in October, January, April, and/or July of their requirement 
to connect to the Exchange's backup systems and participate in 
functional and performance testing scheduled for October, which means 
that certain Members receive notification of their designation and 
requirement to connect and participate in functional and performance 
testing only three months prior to the scheduled operational and 
functional testing. Further, a Member that had been designated in any 
of the four preceding quarters would be required to participate in the 
functional and performance testing even if that Member did not meet the 
designation requirements of subparagraphs (b)(1) in the most recent 
quarter (i.e., the second quarter).
    As proposed, the amendment would allow the Exchange to identify 
designated Members based on trade activity during a single quarter for 
a given year, and to issue one annual notification to the designated 
Members in preparation for the anticipated functional and performance 
testing, which generally occurs in October. As such, the proposal 
would: (i) Simplify the Member designation and notice process; (ii) 
allow the Exchange to require only those Members that meet the volume 
requirements under Rule 2.4(b)(1) in the designated quarter to 
participate in such testing; (iii) provide the Exchange with greater 
flexibility as to the timing that it would provide Members with notice 
of their designation pursuant to paragraph (b), but still require the 
Exchange to provide such notice at least three months prior to the 
anticipated functional and performance testing; and (iv) strengthen the 
Exchange's coordination with other SCI entities by harmonizing the 
frequency of such notifications with other self-regulatory 
organizations, which do not provide quarterly notifications of Member 
designations.\6\ As the proposed amendment provides the Exchange with 
greater flexibility in selecting the relevant quarter's trade data for 
which the designated Members will be identified, the designated Members 
may be identified based on more recent trading activity, rather than 
trade activity that potentially occurred more than one year prior to 
such testing and thus would more accurately represent the Members who 
met the requirements set forth in paragraph (b)(1) of Rule 2.4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ See Cboe Exchange, Inc. (``Cboe'') Rule 5.24, which states 
``[Cboe] provides [ ] Trading Permit Holders with reasonable advance 
notice that they must participate in the testing described in 
paragraph (b) of this Rule 5.24.'' See also New York Stock Exchange 
(``NYSE'') Rule 49(b)(4), which states ``[a]t least three (3) months 
prior to a scheduled functional and performance testing of the 
Exchange's business continuity and disaster recovery plans, the 
Exchange will . . . notify those member organizations that are 
required to participate based on such criteria.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with 
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ``Act'') and the rules and 
regulations thereunder applicable to the Exchange and, in particular, 
the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act. Specifically, the Exchange 
believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Section 
6(b)(5) requirements that the rules of an exchange be designed to 
prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just 
and equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation and 
coordination with persons engaged in regulating, clearing, settling, 
processing information with respect to, and facilitating transactions 
in securities, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a 
free and open market and a national market system, and, in general, to 
protect investors and the public interest.
    In particular, the Exchange believes the proposal is consistent 
with the Act because, as noted above, the proposal would allow the 
Exchange to identify designated Members based on activity during a 
single quarter for a given year and to issue one annual notification to 
the designated Members in preparation for the anticipated functional 
and performance testing, which generally occurs in October, which the 
Exchange believes would: (i) Simplify the Member designation and notice 
process; (ii) allow the Exchange to require only those Members that 
meet the requirements under Rule 2.4(b)(1) in the designated quarter to 
participate in such testing; (iii) provide the Exchange with greater 
flexibility as to the timing that it would provide Members with notice 
of their designation pursuant to paragraph (b), but still require the 
Exchange to provide such notice at least three months prior to the 
anticipated functional and performance testing; and (iv) strengthen the 
Exchange's coordination with other SCI entities by harmonizing the 
frequency of such notifications with other self-regulatory 
organizations, which do not provide quarterly notifications of Member 
designations. The proposed amendment will harmonize Exchange rules with 
those of other self-regulatory organizations in furtherance of the 
coordination of testing among SCI entities required by Rule 1004(c) of 
Regulation SCI. As set forth in Regulation SCI, ``SROs have the 
authority, and legal responsibility, under Section 6 of the Exchange 
Act, to adopt and enforce rules (including rules to comply with 
Regulation SCI's requirements relating to BC/DR testing) applicable to 
their members or participants that are designed to, among other things, 
foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in regulating, 
clearing, settling, processing information with respect to, and 
facilitating transactions in securities, to remove impediments to and 
perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market 
system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public 
interest.'' \7\ The Exchange believes that the proposal is consistent 
with such authority and legal responsibility.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ See supra note 6.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will 
impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate 
in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The proposed rule change is 
not a competitive proposal as it is intended to coordinate notification 
of Member participation requirements in the Exchange's testing of 
business continuity and disaster recovery plans with the annual 
industry-wide testing program.

[[Page 71989]]

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

    The Exchange neither solicited nor received comments on the 
proposed rule change.

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

    Because the proposed rule change does not: (i) Significantly affect 
the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any 
significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative for 30 
days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as the 
Commission may designate, it has become effective pursuant to Section 
19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \8\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \9\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule19b-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 pursuant to Rule 19b-4(f)(6) under the 
Act \10\ normally does not become operative for 30 days after the date 
of its filing. However, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) \11\ 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 proposal may become operative upon filing. The Exchange states that 
a waiver of the operative delay is consistent with the protection of 
investors and the public interest because it would eliminate potential 
confusion across self-regulatory organizations and simplify and clarify 
the process of notification to designated Members pursuant to paragraph 
(b) of Rule 2.4. The Commission believes that waiver of the 30-day 
operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the 
public interest. Therefore, the Commission hereby waives the operative 
delay and designates the proposed rule change operative upon 
filing.\12\
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    \10\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \11\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
    \12\ For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, 
the Commission also has considered the proposed rule's impact on 
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 
78c(f).
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    At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule 
change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule 
change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or 
appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or 
otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission 
takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to 
determine whether the proposed rule 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-CboeEDGA-2019-023 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-CboeEDGA-2019-023. 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. 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-CboeEDGA-2019-023 and should be 
submitted on or before January 21, 2020.

    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. 2019-28175 Filed 12-27-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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