Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq ISE, LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Related to Complex Orders, 17119-17122 [2020-06296]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 59 / Thursday, March 26, 2020 / Notices 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–2020–21, and should be submitted on or before April 16, 2020. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.40 J. Matthew DeLesDernier, Assistant Secretary. BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–88434; File No. SR–ISE– 2020–10] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq ISE, LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Related to Complex Orders lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with NOTICES March 20, 2020. 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 March 9, 2020, Nasdaq ISE, LLC (‘‘ISE’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘SEC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 17:20 Mar 25, 2020 II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. 1. Purpose The Exchange proposes to amend Options 3, Section 7, ‘‘Types of Orders,’’ and Options 3, Section 14, ‘‘Complex Orders’’ to: (1) Provide that the Exchange may determine which order types and times-in-force provisions are available on a class or system basis; and (2) to add other existing order types to the list of single-leg and Complex Order types. The Exchange proposes to add a sentence to Options 3, Section 14, Complex Orders, which states, ‘‘The Exchange may determine to make certain order types and/or times-in-force available on a class or System basis.’’ This sentence exists today within Nasdaq ISE, LLC (‘‘ISE’’) Options 3, Section 7, ‘‘Types of Orders.’’ 3 This proposed change is based on the rules of ISE Options 3, Section 7 and the rules of Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (‘‘BZX 3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 88294 (February 26, 2020), 85 FR 12629 (March 3, 2020) (SR–ISE–2020–07). 1 15 VerDate Sep<11>2014 I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange proposes to amend Options 3, Section 7, ‘‘Types of Orders,’’ and Options 3, Section 14, ‘‘Complex Orders’’ to permit the Exchange to determine the availability of order types and time-in-force provisions and to add other existing order types to the list of single-leg and Complex Order types. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s website at https://ise.cchwallstreet.com/, at the principal office of the Exchange, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change [FR Doc. 2020–06298 Filed 3–25–20; 8:45 am] 40 17 comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. Jkt 250001 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 17119 Options’’),4 Rule 21.1, Cboe EDGX Exchange, Inc. (‘‘EDGX Options’’) Rule 21.1(d),5 Cboe Exchange, Inc. (‘‘Cboe’’) Rule 5.6(a) 6 and Cboe C2 Exchange, Inc. (‘‘C2’’) Rule 6.10(a).7 The purpose of this rule change is to provide the Exchange with appropriate flexibility to address different trading characteristics, market models, and the investor base of each class, as well as to handle any System issues that may arise and require the Exchange to temporarily not accept certain order types. This rule is consistent with BZX Options Rule 21.1(d) and (f), EDGX Options Rules 21.1(d) and (f), Cboe Rule 5.6(a) and C2 Rule 6.10(a), each of which provides these exchanges with substantially the 4 BZX Options Rule 21.1(d), Definitions, provides ‘‘The term ‘Order Type’ shall mean the unique processing prescribed for designated orders, subject to the restrictions set forth in paragraph (l) below with respect to orders and bulk messages submitted through bulk ports, that are eligible for entry into the System. Unless otherwise specified in the Rules or the context indicates otherwise, the Exchange determines which of the following Order Types are available on a class or system basis.’’ BZX Options Rule 21.1(f), Definitions, provides ‘‘The term ‘Time in Force’ shall mean the period of time that the System will hold an order, subject to the restrictions set forth in paragraph (l) below with respect to bulk messages submitted through bulk ports, for potential execution. Unless otherwise specified in the Rules or the context indicates otherwise, the Exchange determines which of the following Times-in-Force are available on a class or system basis.’’ 5 EDGX Options Rule 21.1(d), Definitions, provides, ‘‘The term ‘Order Type’ shall mean the unique processing prescribed for designated orders, subject to the restrictions set forth in paragraph (j) below with respect to orders and bulk messages submitted through bulk ports, that are eligible for entry into the System. Unless otherwise specified in the Rules or the context indicates otherwise, the Exchange determines which of the following Order Types are available on a class, system, or trading session basis. Rule 21.20 sets forth the Order Types the Exchange may make available for complex orders.’’ EDGX Options Rule 21.1(f), Definitions, provides, ‘‘The term ‘Time in Force’ means the period of time that the System will hold an order, subject to the restrictions set forth in paragraph (j) below with respect to bulk messages submitted through bulk ports, for potential execution. Unless otherwise specified in the Rules or the context indicates otherwise, the Exchange determines which of the following Times-in-Force are available on a class, system, or trading session basis. Rule 21.20 sets forth the Times-in-Force the Exchange may make available for complex orders.’’ 6 Cboe Rule 5.6, Order Types, Order Instructions, and Times-in-Force at subsection (a), Availability, provides, ‘‘Unless otherwise specified in the Rules or the context indicates otherwise, the Exchange determines which of the following order types, Order Instructions, and Times-in-Force are available on a class, system, or trading session basis.’’ 7 C2 Rule 6.10, Availability of Orders, at subsection (a) provides, ‘‘Availability. Unless otherwise specified in the Rules or the context indicates otherwise, the Exchange determines which of the following order types, Order Instructions, and Times-in-Force are available on a class, system, or trading session basis. Rule 6.13 sets forth the order types, Order Instructions, and Times-in-Force the Exchange may make available for complex orders.’’ E:\FR\FM\26MRN1.SGM 26MRN1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with NOTICES 17120 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 59 / Thursday, March 26, 2020 / Notices same flexibility. This rule text is also consistent with ISE Rules at Options 3, Section 7. This rule change will not permit the Exchange to discriminate among market participants when determining which order types and times-in-force provisions are available on a class or system basis. The Exchange’s proposal allows the Exchange to make certain order types and time-in-force, respectively, available on a class or System basis uniformly for all market participants. For example, if the Exchange determined to make a certain order type or time-in-force unavailable, that order type or time-in-force would not be available for any market participant. The Exchange would issue an Options Trader Alert to provide notification to Participants that a change is being made to the availability or unavailability of a certain order type or time-in-force. The Exchange notes that in the event of System disruption, the Exchange would notify Participants of the unavailability of any order type and would also provide notification when that order type was available once the disruption was resolved. The Exchange also proposes to add to Options 3, Section 7 at proposed (v)-(y) and Options 3, Section 14(b) at proposed (16), (17) and (18), references to various existing order types that may be entered into various auction mechanisms on ISE. Specifically, the Exchange proposes to add a reference to both single-leg and Complex Orders entered into the Price Improvement Mechanism, Facilitation Mechanism and Solicited Order Mechanism. These order types exist today within the ISE Rules, however, unlike other order types, they are not mentioned within Options 3, Sections 7 or 14, which list the single-leg and Complex Orders, respectively, available for trading on ISE. Further, the Exchange also proposes to add the Block Order type to Options 3, Section 7 to complete the list of available order types that may be entered into an auction mechanism. The Exchange proposes to add the following rule text into Options 3, Section 7: (v) Block Order. A Block Order is an order entered into the Block Order Mechanism as described in Options 3, Section 11(a). (w) Facilitation Order. A Facilitation Order is an order entered into the Facilitation Mechanism as described in Options 3, Section 11(b). (x) SOM Order. A SOM Order is an order entered into the Solicited Order Mechanism as described in Options 3, Section 11(d). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:20 Mar 25, 2020 Jkt 250001 (y) A PIM Order. A PIM Order is an order entered into the Price Improvement Mechanism as described in Options 3, Section 13(a). The Exchange proposes to add the following rule text into Options 3, Section 14: (16) Complex Facilitation Order. A Complex Facilitation Order is an order entered into the Complex Facilitation Mechanism as described in Options 3, Section 11(c). (17) Complex SOM Order. A Complex SOM Order is an order entered into the Complex Solicited Order Mechanism as described in Options 3, Section 11(e). (18) Complex PIM Order. A Complex PIM Order is an order entered into the Complex Price Improvement Mechanism as described in Options 3, Section 13(e). The Exchange believes the addition of this rule text will make clear that these order types are available. 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 Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,9 in particular, in that it is designed to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and, in general to protect investors and the public interest. The proposed rule change would provide the Exchange with the flexibility to determine the availability of order types and times-inforce on a class and System basis. This flexibility would remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system by allowing the Exchange to address the specific characteristics of different classes and different market conditions. The Exchange believes that this proposal serves to protect investors by ensuring that the appropriate order types and times-in-force are tailored to the different class characteristics and by mitigating risks associated with changing market conditions.10 The Exchange would issue a notification to Participants to provide them notice that a change is being made to the availability or unavailability of a certain order type or time-in-force before implementing the change. In the event of a System issue, the Exchange believes that it is consistent with the 8 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). 9 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). 10 The Exchange may also determine to temporarily not offer an order type or a time-inforce based on a System issue. PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Act to temporarily not offer a certain order type to ensure the proper executions of transactions within the System thereby protecting investors and the public interest. The Exchange anticipates that exercising its ability to temporarily not offer order types would be infrequent. This provision was added to all 6 Nasdaq affiliated markets for the simple markets 11 and therefore will ensure consistency between the Exchange rules and that of its affiliates and would remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and promote just and equitable principles of trade, as well as foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in facilitating transactions in securities. The proposed rule change provides the Exchange with substantially the same flexibility currently permitted on BZX Options, EDGX Options, Cboe and C2 as well as ISE.12 The Exchange believes that this consistency promotes market participants’ understanding of the rules across the multiple Nasdaq affiliated exchanges and promotes a fair and orderly national options market system. This proposal does not present any novel or unique issues because other exchanges have substantially similar rules.13 The Exchange’s proposal is not unfairly discriminatory because the Exchange will not discriminate among market participants when determining which order types and times-in-force provisions are available on a class or system basis. The Exchange’s proposal allows the Exchange to make certain order types and time-in-force, respectively, available on a class or System basis uniformly for all market participants. For example, if the Exchange determined to make a certain order type or time-in-force unavailable, that order type or time-in-force would not be available for any market participant. The proposal to add a references to all existing order types that may be entered into auctions into Options 3, Sections 7 and 14 is consistent with the Act. The Exchange believes the addition of the Block Order type, Facilitation Order type, SOM Order type and PIM Order types into Options 3, Section 7 and the addition of the Complex Facilitation Order type, Complex SOM Order type and Complex PIM Order type into Options 3, Section 14 will make clear to 11 See Nasdaq Phlx LLC, The Nasdaq Options Market, LLC, Nasdaq BX, Inc., ISE, Nasdaq GEMX, LLC and Nasdaq MRX, LLC Rules at Options 3, Section 7. 12 See notes 3–7 above. 13 Id. E:\FR\FM\26MRN1.SGM 26MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 59 / Thursday, March 26, 2020 / Notices market participants the various types of single-leg order and Complex Orders that may be transacted on ISE. The descriptions of these order types merely point at the existing mechanisms. 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 Exchange does not believe the proposed rule change will impose any burden on intra-market competition, as the proposed rule change will apply in the same manner to all order types and/or times-in-force, as the Exchange determines, for all Participants. The Exchange does not believe the proposed rule change will impose any burden on inter-market competition because the proposed change provides the Exchange with substantially the same flexibility as the rules of other exchanges.14 Therefore, the Exchange believes that the proposed rule change will allow it to make determinations regarding the availability of orders that will enable it to remain competitive as markets and market conditions evolve. The Exchange’s proposal does not impose an undue burden on competition because the Exchange’s proposal will uniformly make certain order types and time-in-force, respectively, available on a class or System basis for market participants. The proposal to add the Block Order type, Facilitation Order type, SOM Order type and PIM Order types into Options 3, Section 7 and the Complex Facilitation type, Complex SOM Order type and Complex PIM Order type into Options 3, Section 14b does not impose an undue burden on competition. The addition of these order types would complete the list of single-leg and Complex Order types, which are available to all market participants, and are merely being referenced within the order type rules for greater transparency. lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with NOTICES 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. 15 15 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:20 Mar 25, 2020 Jkt 250001 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 17 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). 18 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b– 4(f)(6)(iii) requires the Exchange to give the Commission written notice of the Exchange’s intent to file the proposed rule change, along with a brief description and text of the proposed rule change, at least five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. The Exchange has satisfied this requirement. 19 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 20 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). 16 17 III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action The Exchange has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 14 Id. 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act 15 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.16 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, if consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest, the proposed rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 17 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.18 A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b–4(f)(6) 19 normally does not become operative for 30 days after the date of the filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii),20 the Commission may designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has asked the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that the proposed rule change may become operative immediately. The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change would provide the Exchange with the flexibility to determine the availability of order types and times-in-force on a class and System basis, allowing the Exchange to address the specific characteristics of different classes and different market conditions. According to the Exchange, this would ensure that the appropriate order types and timesin-force are tailored to the different class characteristics and mitigate risks associated with changing market conditions. The Exchange also believes that referencing all single-leg and Complex Order types makes clear which order types are available to all market participants. Moreover, the Exchange represents that the proposed rule change will apply in the same manner to all order types and/or times-in-force, as the Exchange determines, for all Participants, and provides the Exchange with substantially the same flexibility as the rules of other exchanges. Lastly, the Exchange argues that waiver of the 30day operative delay will permit the Exchange to immediately use this ability PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 17121 to make certain order types available and unavailable, as well as enable the Exchange to remain competitive as markets and market conditions evolve. For these reasons, the Commission believes that waiver of the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. Accordingly, the Commission hereby waives the 30-day operative delay and designates the proposal operative upon filing.21 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 rule-comments@ sec.gov. Please include File Number SR– ISE–2020–10 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–ISE–2020–10. 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 21 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, the Commission has considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). E:\FR\FM\26MRN1.SGM 26MRN1 17122 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 59 / Thursday, March 26, 2020 / Notices 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–ISE–2020–10, and should be submitted on or before April 16, 2020. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.22 J. Matthew DeLesDernier, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2020–06296 Filed 3–25–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–88448/March 20, 2020] lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with NOTICES Order Under Section 17A and Section 36 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Granting Exemptions From Specified Provisions of the Exchange Act and Certain Rules Thereunder The Commission understands from transfer agents and their representatives, as well as other persons, that COVID–19 may present challenges in timely meeting certain of their obligations under the federal securities laws. In light of this, we are issuing this Order to address the currently anticipated needs of transfer agents (and of other persons with regard to Exchange Act section 17(f)(2) and Rule 17f–2), that have been directly or indirectly affected by COVID–19. Section 36 of the Exchange Act authorizes the Commission, by rule, regulation or order, to exempt, either conditionally or unconditionally, any person, security or transaction, or any class or classes of persons, securities or transactions, from any provision or provisions of the Exchange Act or any 22 17 17:20 Mar 25, 2020 I. Time Period for the Relief The time period for the relief specified in Section II of this Order is as follows: • With respect to those transfer agents and other persons impacted by COVID– 19, the period from and including March 16, 2020, to May 30, 2020. • The Commission may extend the time period during which this relief applies, with any additional conditions the Commission deems appropriate. II. Compliance With Sections 17A and 17(f) of the Exchange Act Exchange Act Section 17A and Section 17(f), as well as the rules promulgated under Sections 17A and 17(f), contain requirements for registered transfer agents and other regulated persons relating to, among other things, processing securities transfers, safekeeping of investor and issuer funds and securities and maintaining records of investor ownership. As a result of issues related to COVID–19, registered transfer agents and other persons directly affected by COVID–19 may have difficulty complying with some or all of their regulatory obligations. In addition, registered transfer agents indirectly affected by COVID–19 may be unable to conduct business with entities or security holders who themselves have been directly or indirectly affected, 1 Section 3(a)(34)(B) of the Exchange Act defines ‘‘appropriate regulatory authority.’’ CFR 200.30–3(a)(12), (59). VerDate Sep<11>2014 rule or regulation thereunder, to the extent that such exemption is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, and is consistent with the protection of investors. Section 17A(c)(1) of the Exchange Act provides that the appropriate regulatory agency, by rule or by order, upon its own motion or upon application, may conditionally or unconditionally exempt any person or security or class of persons or securities from any provision of Section 17A or any rule or regulation prescribed under Section 17A, if the appropriate regulatory agency 1 finds that such exemption is in the public interest and consistent with the protection of investors and the purposes of Section 17A, including the prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of securities transactions and the safeguarding of securities and funds. Transfer agents and other persons who are unable to meet a deadline as extended by this relief, or in need of additional assistance, should contact the Division of Trading and Markets at (202) 551–5777 or tradingandmarkets@ sec.gov. Jkt 250001 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 thereby making it difficult to process securities transactions and corporate actions in conformance with Section 17A, Section 17(f) and the rules thereunder. While the national clearance and settlement system continues to operate well in light of these challenges, the Commission recognizes that the need to comply with Section 17A and Section 17(f) of the Exchange Act, as well as the rules promulgated thereunder, may present compliance issues for those affected by COVID–19. Therefore, the Commission is using its authority under Section 17A and Section 36 of the Exchange Act to provide temporary relief from certain regulatory provisions. This Order temporarily exempts: (1) Transfer agents from the requirements of Sections 17A and 17(f)(1) of the Exchange Act, as well as Rules 17Ad– 1 through 17Ad–11, 17Ad–13 through 17Ad–20, and 17f–1 thereunder (the ‘‘Transfer Agent Exempted Provisions’’); and (2) transfer agents and other persons subject to such requirements, from the requirements of Section 17(f)(2) of the Exchange Act and Rule 17f–2 thereunder (the ‘‘Fingerprinting Exempted Provisions’’) (collectively, the Transfer Agent Exempted Provisions and Fingerprinting Exempted Provisions are the ‘‘Exempted Provisions’’). The Commission finds the following exemption to be in the public interest and consistent with the protection of investors and the purpose of Section 17A of the Exchange Act, including the prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of securities transactions and the safeguarding of securities and funds. Accordingly, it is ordered, pursuant to Sections 17A and 36 of the Exchange Act, that any registered transfer agent that is unable to comply with any or all of the Exempted Provisions, as applicable, due to COVID–19, as well as any other person subject to the Fingerprinting Exempted Provisions, is hereby temporarily exempted from complying with such provisions for the period from and including March 16, 2020 to May 30, 2020 where the conditions below are satisfied. Conditions (a) A registrant or other person relying on this Order must provide written notification to the Commission by May 30, 2020 of the following: (1) The registrant or other person is relying on this Order; (2) A description of the specific Exempted Provisions the registrant or other person is unable to comply with and a statement of the reasons why, in good faith, the registrant or other person E:\FR\FM\26MRN1.SGM 26MRN1

Agencies

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 59 (Thursday, March 26, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17119-17122]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-06296]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-88434; File No. SR-ISE-2020-10]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq ISE, LLC; Notice of Filing 
and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Related to Complex 
Orders

March 20, 2020.
    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 March 9, 2020, Nasdaq ISE, LLC (``ISE'' or ``Exchange'') filed with 
the Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'' or ``Commission'') the 
proposed rule change as described in Items I and II below, which Items 
have been prepared by the Exchange. The Commission is publishing this 
notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested 
persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

    The Exchange proposes to amend Options 3, Section 7, ``Types of 
Orders,'' and Options 3, Section 14, ``Complex Orders'' to permit the 
Exchange to determine the availability of order types and time-in-force 
provisions and to add other existing order types to the list of single-
leg and Complex Order types.
    The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's 
website at https://ise.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 Exchange proposes to amend Options 3, Section 7, ``Types of 
Orders,'' and Options 3, Section 14, ``Complex Orders'' to: (1) Provide 
that the Exchange may determine which order types and times-in-force 
provisions are available on a class or system basis; and (2) to add 
other existing order types to the list of single-leg and Complex Order 
types.
    The Exchange proposes to add a sentence to Options 3, Section 14, 
Complex Orders, which states, ``The Exchange may determine to make 
certain order types and/or times-in-force available on a class or 
System basis.'' This sentence exists today within Nasdaq ISE, LLC 
(``ISE'') Options 3, Section 7, ``Types of Orders.'' \3\ This proposed 
change is based on the rules of ISE Options 3, Section 7 and the rules 
of Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (``BZX Options''),\4\ Rule 21.1, Cboe EDGX 
Exchange, Inc. (``EDGX Options'') Rule 21.1(d),\5\ Cboe Exchange, Inc. 
(``Cboe'') Rule 5.6(a) \6\ and Cboe C2 Exchange, Inc. (``C2'') Rule 
6.10(a).\7\
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    \3\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 88294 (February 26, 
2020), 85 FR 12629 (March 3, 2020) (SR-ISE-2020-07).
    \4\ BZX Options Rule 21.1(d), Definitions, provides ``The term 
`Order Type' shall mean the unique processing prescribed for 
designated orders, subject to the restrictions set forth in 
paragraph (l) below with respect to orders and bulk messages 
submitted through bulk ports, that are eligible for entry into the 
System. Unless otherwise specified in the Rules or the context 
indicates otherwise, the Exchange determines which of the following 
Order Types are available on a class or system basis.'' BZX Options 
Rule 21.1(f), Definitions, provides ``The term `Time in Force' shall 
mean the period of time that the System will hold an order, subject 
to the restrictions set forth in paragraph (l) below with respect to 
bulk messages submitted through bulk ports, for potential execution. 
Unless otherwise specified in the Rules or the context indicates 
otherwise, the Exchange determines which of the following Times-in-
Force are available on a class or system basis.''
    \5\ EDGX Options Rule 21.1(d), Definitions, provides, ``The term 
`Order Type' shall mean the unique processing prescribed for 
designated orders, subject to the restrictions set forth in 
paragraph (j) below with respect to orders and bulk messages 
submitted through bulk ports, that are eligible for entry into the 
System. Unless otherwise specified in the Rules or the context 
indicates otherwise, the Exchange determines which of the following 
Order Types are available on a class, system, or trading session 
basis. Rule 21.20 sets forth the Order Types the Exchange may make 
available for complex orders.'' EDGX Options Rule 21.1(f), 
Definitions, provides, ``The term `Time in Force' means the period 
of time that the System will hold an order, subject to the 
restrictions set forth in paragraph (j) below with respect to bulk 
messages submitted through bulk ports, for potential execution. 
Unless otherwise specified in the Rules or the context indicates 
otherwise, the Exchange determines which of the following Times-in-
Force are available on a class, system, or trading session basis. 
Rule 21.20 sets forth the Times-in-Force the Exchange may make 
available for complex orders.''
    \6\ Cboe Rule 5.6, Order Types, Order Instructions, and Times-
in-Force at subsection (a), Availability, provides, ``Unless 
otherwise specified in the Rules or the context indicates otherwise, 
the Exchange determines which of the following order types, Order 
Instructions, and Times-in-Force are available on a class, system, 
or trading session basis.''
    \7\ C2 Rule 6.10, Availability of Orders, at subsection (a) 
provides, ``Availability. Unless otherwise specified in the Rules or 
the context indicates otherwise, the Exchange determines which of 
the following order types, Order Instructions, and Times-in-Force 
are available on a class, system, or trading session basis. Rule 
6.13 sets forth the order types, Order Instructions, and Times-in-
Force the Exchange may make available for complex orders.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The purpose of this rule change is to provide the Exchange with 
appropriate flexibility to address different trading characteristics, 
market models, and the investor base of each class, as well as to 
handle any System issues that may arise and require the Exchange to 
temporarily not accept certain order types. This rule is consistent 
with BZX Options Rule 21.1(d) and (f), EDGX Options Rules 21.1(d) and 
(f), Cboe Rule 5.6(a) and C2 Rule 6.10(a), each of which provides these 
exchanges with substantially the

[[Page 17120]]

same flexibility. This rule text is also consistent with ISE Rules at 
Options 3, Section 7.
    This rule change will not permit the Exchange to discriminate among 
market participants when determining which order types and times-in-
force provisions are available on a class or system basis. The 
Exchange's proposal allows the Exchange to make certain order types and 
time-in-force, respectively, available on a class or System basis 
uniformly for all market participants. For example, if the Exchange 
determined to make a certain order type or time-in-force unavailable, 
that order type or time-in-force would not be available for any market 
participant.
    The Exchange would issue an Options Trader Alert to provide 
notification to Participants that a change is being made to the 
availability or unavailability of a certain order type or time-in-
force. The Exchange notes that in the event of System disruption, the 
Exchange would notify Participants of the unavailability of any order 
type and would also provide notification when that order type was 
available once the disruption was resolved.
    The Exchange also proposes to add to Options 3, Section 7 at 
proposed (v)-(y) and Options 3, Section 14(b) at proposed (16), (17) 
and (18), references to various existing order types that may be 
entered into various auction mechanisms on ISE. Specifically, the 
Exchange proposes to add a reference to both single-leg and Complex 
Orders entered into the Price Improvement Mechanism, Facilitation 
Mechanism and Solicited Order Mechanism. These order types exist today 
within the ISE Rules, however, unlike other order types, they are not 
mentioned within Options 3, Sections 7 or 14, which list the single-leg 
and Complex Orders, respectively, available for trading on ISE. 
Further, the Exchange also proposes to add the Block Order type to 
Options 3, Section 7 to complete the list of available order types that 
may be entered into an auction mechanism. The Exchange proposes to add 
the following rule text into Options 3, Section 7:
    (v) Block Order. A Block Order is an order entered into the Block 
Order Mechanism as described in Options 3, Section 11(a).
    (w) Facilitation Order. A Facilitation Order is an order entered 
into the Facilitation Mechanism as described in Options 3, Section 
11(b).
    (x) SOM Order. A SOM Order is an order entered into the Solicited 
Order Mechanism as described in Options 3, Section 11(d).
    (y) A PIM Order. A PIM Order is an order entered into the Price 
Improvement Mechanism as described in Options 3, Section 13(a).
    The Exchange proposes to add the following rule text into Options 
3, Section 14:
    (16) Complex Facilitation Order. A Complex Facilitation Order is an 
order entered into the Complex Facilitation Mechanism as described in 
Options 3, Section 11(c).
    (17) Complex SOM Order. A Complex SOM Order is an order entered 
into the Complex Solicited Order Mechanism as described in Options 3, 
Section 11(e).
    (18) Complex PIM Order. A Complex PIM Order is an order entered 
into the Complex Price Improvement Mechanism as described in Options 3, 
Section 13(e).
    The Exchange believes the addition of this rule text will make 
clear that these order types are available.
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 Section 6(b)(5) of the Act,\9\ in particular, in that it 
is designed to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to 
remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open 
market and a national market system, and, in general to protect 
investors and the public interest. The proposed rule change would 
provide the Exchange with the flexibility to determine the availability 
of order types and times-in-force on a class and System basis. This 
flexibility would remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a 
free and open market and a national market system by allowing the 
Exchange to address the specific characteristics of different classes 
and different market conditions. The Exchange believes that this 
proposal serves to protect investors by ensuring that the appropriate 
order types and times-in-force are tailored to the different class 
characteristics and by mitigating risks associated with changing market 
conditions.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \9\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
    \10\ The Exchange may also determine to temporarily not offer an 
order type or a time-in-force based on a System issue.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange would issue a notification to Participants to provide 
them notice that a change is being made to the availability or 
unavailability of a certain order type or time-in-force before 
implementing the change. In the event of a System issue, the Exchange 
believes that it is consistent with the Act to temporarily not offer a 
certain order type to ensure the proper executions of transactions 
within the System thereby protecting investors and the public interest. 
The Exchange anticipates that exercising its ability to temporarily not 
offer order types would be infrequent.
    This provision was added to all 6 Nasdaq affiliated markets for the 
simple markets \11\ and therefore will ensure consistency between the 
Exchange rules and that of its affiliates and would remove impediments 
to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and promote just 
and equitable principles of trade, as well as foster cooperation and 
coordination with persons engaged in facilitating transactions in 
securities. The proposed rule change provides the Exchange with 
substantially the same flexibility currently permitted on BZX Options, 
EDGX Options, Cboe and C2 as well as ISE.\12\ The Exchange believes 
that this consistency promotes market participants' understanding of 
the rules across the multiple Nasdaq affiliated exchanges and promotes 
a fair and orderly national options market system. This proposal does 
not present any novel or unique issues because other exchanges have 
substantially similar rules.\13\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ See Nasdaq Phlx LLC, The Nasdaq Options Market, LLC, Nasdaq 
BX, Inc., ISE, Nasdaq GEMX, LLC and Nasdaq MRX, LLC Rules at Options 
3, Section 7.
    \12\ See notes 3-7 above.
    \13\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange's proposal is not unfairly discriminatory because the 
Exchange will not discriminate among market participants when 
determining which order types and times-in-force provisions are 
available on a class or system basis. The Exchange's proposal allows 
the Exchange to make certain order types and time-in-force, 
respectively, available on a class or System basis uniformly for all 
market participants. For example, if the Exchange determined to make a 
certain order type or time-in-force unavailable, that order type or 
time-in-force would not be available for any market participant.
    The proposal to add a references to all existing order types that 
may be entered into auctions into Options 3, Sections 7 and 14 is 
consistent with the Act. The Exchange believes the addition of the 
Block Order type, Facilitation Order type, SOM Order type and PIM Order 
types into Options 3, Section 7 and the addition of the Complex 
Facilitation Order type, Complex SOM Order type and Complex PIM Order 
type into Options 3, Section 14 will make clear to

[[Page 17121]]

market participants the various types of single-leg order and Complex 
Orders that may be transacted on ISE. The descriptions of these order 
types merely point at the existing mechanisms.

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 Exchange does not 
believe the proposed rule change will impose any burden on intra-market 
competition, as the proposed rule change will apply in the same manner 
to all order types and/or times-in-force, as the Exchange determines, 
for all Participants. The Exchange does not believe the proposed rule 
change will impose any burden on inter-market competition because the 
proposed change provides the Exchange with substantially the same 
flexibility as the rules of other exchanges.\14\ Therefore, the 
Exchange believes that the proposed rule change will allow it to make 
determinations regarding the availability of orders that will enable it 
to remain competitive as markets and market conditions evolve.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange's proposal does not impose an undue burden on 
competition because the Exchange's proposal will uniformly make certain 
order types and time-in-force, respectively, available on a class or 
System basis for market participants.
    The proposal to add the Block Order type, Facilitation Order type, 
SOM Order type and PIM Order types into Options 3, Section 7 and the 
Complex Facilitation type, Complex SOM Order type and Complex PIM Order 
type into Options 3, Section 14b does not impose an undue burden on 
competition. The addition of these order types would complete the list 
of single-leg and Complex Order types, which are available to all 
market participants, and are merely being referenced within the order 
type rules for greater transparency.

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

    The Exchange has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 
19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act \15\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\16\ 
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, if consistent with the protection of 
investors and the public interest, the proposed rule change has become 
effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \17\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6) thereunder.\18\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
    \16\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \17\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \18\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) 
requires the Exchange to give the Commission written notice of the 
Exchange's intent to file the proposed rule change, along with a 
brief description and text of the proposed rule change, at least 
five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule 
change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. The 
Exchange has satisfied this requirement.
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    A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \19\ normally 
does not become operative for 30 days after the date of the filing. 
However, pursuant to Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii),\20\ the Commission may 
designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the 
protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has asked 
the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that the proposed 
rule change may become operative immediately. The Exchange believes 
that the proposed rule change would provide the Exchange with the 
flexibility to determine the availability of order types and times-in-
force on a class and System basis, allowing the Exchange to address the 
specific characteristics of different classes and different market 
conditions. According to the Exchange, this would ensure that the 
appropriate order types and times-in-force are tailored to the 
different class characteristics and mitigate risks associated with 
changing market conditions. The Exchange also believes that referencing 
all single-leg and Complex Order types makes clear which order types 
are available to all market participants. Moreover, the Exchange 
represents that the proposed rule change will apply in the same manner 
to all order types and/or times-in-force, as the Exchange determines, 
for all Participants, and provides the Exchange with substantially the 
same flexibility as the rules of other exchanges. Lastly, the Exchange 
argues that waiver of the 30-day operative delay will permit the 
Exchange to immediately use this ability to make certain order types 
available and unavailable, as well as enable the Exchange to remain 
competitive as markets and market conditions evolve. For these reasons, 
the Commission believes that waiver of the 30-day operative delay is 
consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. 
Accordingly, the Commission hereby waives the 30-day operative delay 
and designates the proposal operative upon filing.\21\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \20\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
    \21\ For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, 
the Commission has 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-ISE-2020-10 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-ISE-2020-10. 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

[[Page 17122]]

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-ISE-
2020-10, and should be submitted on or before April 16, 2020.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\22\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12), (59).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

J. Matthew DeLesDernier,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2020-06296 Filed 3-25-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P

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