Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend Rule 5.4 To Conform the Rule to Section 3.1 of the Plan for the Purpose of Developing and Implementing Procedures Designed To Facilitate the Listing and Trading of Standardized Options and Add New Rule 5.4(d), 37479-37483 [2020-13311]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 120 / Monday, June 22, 2020 / Notices This Notice will be published in the Federal Register. Erica A. Barker, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2020–13294 Filed 6–19–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710–FW–P basis for the Postal Service’s determination that the market test is covered by 39 U.S.C. 3641, and describing the nature and scope of the market test. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket No. MT2020–2. Joshua J. Hofer, Attorney, Federal Compliance. [FR Doc. 2020–13356 Filed 6–19–20; 8:45 am] POSTAL SERVICE BILLING CODE 7710–12–P Product Change—Priority Mail—NonPublished Rates Postal ServiceTM. Notice of filing a new Priority Mail—Non-Published Rates product. AGENCY: SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ACTION: Postal Service notice of filing a request with the Postal Regulatory Commission to establish a new Priority Mail—Non-Published Rates product, named PMNPR–2. DATES: Date of required notice: June 22, 2020. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Reed, 202–268–3179. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The United States Postal Service hereby gives notice that on June 11, 2020, it filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a USPS Request to Establish New Priority Mail—NonPublished Rates Product (PMNPR–2) and Notice of Filing Materials Under Seal. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2020–156 and CP2020–170. SUMMARY: Elizabeth Reed, Attorney, Corporate and Postal Business Law. [FR Doc. 2020–13359 Filed 6–19–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710–12–P POSTAL SERVICE Market Test of Experimental Product: ‘‘Extended Mail Forwarding’’ Postal ServiceTM. ACTION: Notice of market test. AGENCY: The Postal Service gives notice of a market test of an experimental product in accordance with statutory requirements. DATES: June 22, 2020. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kara C. Marcello, 202–268–4031. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The United States Postal Service hereby gives notice pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3641(c)(1) that it plans to begin a market test of its ‘‘Extended Mail Forwarding’’ experimental product on August 1, 2020. On June 8, 2020, the Postal Service filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a notice setting out the SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:08 Jun 19, 2020 Jkt 250001 [Release No. 34–89075; File No. SR–CBOE– 2020–054] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend Rule 5.4 To Conform the Rule to Section 3.1 of the Plan for the Purpose of Developing and Implementing Procedures Designed To Facilitate the Listing and Trading of Standardized Options and Add New Rule 5.4(d) June 16, 2020. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on June 11, 2020, Cboe Exchange, Inc. (the ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘Cboe Options’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II, 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 Cboe Exchange, Inc. (the ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘Cboe Options’’) proposes to amend Rule 5.4 to conform the rule to Section 3.1 of the Plan for the Purpose of Developing and Implementing Procedures Designed to Facilitate the Listing and Trading of Standardized Options (the ‘‘OLPP’’) and add new Rule 5.4(d). The text of the proposed rule change is provided in Exhibit 5. 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii). 4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 2 17 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 37479 The text of the proposed rule change is also available on the Exchange’s website (https://www.cboe.com/ AboutCBOE/ CBOELegalRegulatoryHome.aspx), 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 purpose of this rule change is to amend Rule 5.4 (Minimum Increments for Bids and Offers) to align the rule with the recently approved amendment to the OLPP. Background On January 23, 2007, the Commission approved on a limited basis a Penny Pilot in option classes in certain issues (‘‘Penny Pilot’’). The Penny Pilot was designed to determine whether investors would benefit from options being quoted in penny increments, and in which classes the benefits were most significant. The Penny Pilot was expanded and extended numerous times over the last 13 years.5 In each instance, 5 See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 55154 (January 23, 2007), 72 FR 4743 (February 1, 2007) (SR–CBOE–2006–92); 56565 (September 27, 2007), 72 FR 56403 (October 3, 2007) (SR–CBOE–2007– 98); 60864 (October 22, 2009), 74 FR 55876 (October 29, 2009) (SR–CBOE–2009–076); 63386 (November 29, 2010), 75 FR 75713 (December 6, 2010) (SR– CBOE–2010–102); 65967 (December 15, 2011), 76 FR 79243 (December 21, 2011) (SR–CBOE–2011– 118); 67322 (June 29, 2012), 77 FR 40120 (July 6, 2012) (SR–CBOE–2012–059); 68550 (December 31, 2012), 78 FR 971 (January 7, 2013) (SR–CBOE– 2012–127); 69775 (June 17, 2013), 78 FR 37642 (June 21, 2013) (SR–CBOE–2013–061); 71103 (December 17, 2013), 78 FR 77526 (December 23, 2013) (SR–CBOE–2013–124); 72277 (May 29, 2014), 79 FR 32347 (June 4, 2014) (SR–CBOE–2014–047); 73624 (November 18, 2014), 79 FR 69903 (November 24, 2014) (SR–CBOE–2014–086); 75287 (June 24, 2015), 80 FR 37337 (June 30, 2015) (SR– CBOE–2015–060); 78013 (June 8, 2016), 81 FR Continued E:\FR\FM\22JNN1.SGM 22JNN1 37480 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 120 / Monday, June 22, 2020 / Notices these approvals relied upon the consideration of data periodically provided by the Exchanges that analyzed how quoting options in penny increments affects spreads, liquidity, quote traffic, and volume. Today, the Penny Pilot includes 363 option classes, which are among the most actively traded, multiply listed option classes. The Penny Pilot is scheduled to expire by its own terms on June 30, 2020.6 In light of the imminent expiration of the Penny Pilot on June 30, 2020, the Exchange, together with other participating exchanges, filed, on July 18, 2019 a proposal to amend the OLPP.7 On April 1, 2020 the Commission approved the amendment to the OLPP to make permanent the Pilot Program (the ‘‘OLPP Program’’).8 The OLPP Program replaces the Penny Pilot by instituting a permanent program that would permit quoting in penny increments for certain option classes. Under the terms of the OLPP Program, designated option classes would continue to be quoted in $0.01 and $0.05 increments according to the same parameters for the Penny Pilot. In addition, the OLPP Program would: (i) Establish an annual review process to add option classes to, or to remove option classes from, the OLPP Program; (ii) to allow an option class to be added to the OLPP Program if it is a newly listed option class and it meets certain criteria; (iii) to allow an option class to be added to the OLPP Program if it is an option class that has seen a significant growth in activity; (iv) to provide that if a corporate action involves one or more option classes in the OLPP Program, all adjusted and unadjusted series and classes emerging as a result of the corporate action will be included in the OLPP Program; and (v) to provide that any series in an option class participating in the OLPP Program that have been delisted, or are identified by OCC as ineligible for opening Customer transactions, will 38758 (June 14, 2016) (SR–CBOE–2016–048); 79442 (December 1, 2016), 81 FR 88293 (December 7, 2016) (SR–CBOE–2016–083); 82375 (December 21, 2017), 82 FR 61615 (December 28, 2017) (SR– CBOE–2017–078); 83567 (June 28, 2018), FR 83 31592 (July 6, 2018) (SR–CBOE–2018–047); 84940 (December 21, 2018), 83 FR 67759 (December 31, 2018) (SR–CBOE–2018–076); 86148 (June 19, 2019), 84 FR 29906 (June 25, 2019) (SR–CBOE–2019–028); and 87739 (December 13, 2019), 84 FR 69801 (December 19, 2019) (SR–CBOE–2019–119). 6 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 87739 (December 13, 2019), 84 FR 69801 (December 19, 2019) (SR–CBOE–2019–119). 7 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 87681 (December 9, 2019), 84 FR 68960 (December 17, 2019) (‘‘Notice’’). 8 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 88532 (April 1, 2020), 85 FR 19545 (April 7, 2020) (File No. 4–443) (‘‘Approval Order’’). VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:08 Jun 19, 2020 Jkt 250001 continue to trade pursuant to the OLPP Program until they expire. To conform its Rules to the OLPP Program, the Exchange proposes to delete Interpretation and Policy .03 to Rule 5.4 (the ‘‘Penny Pilot Rule’’) and replace it with new Rule 5.4(d) (Requirements for Penny Interval Program), which is described below, and to replace references to ‘‘Penny Pilot’’ in the Exchange rules with ‘‘Penny Interval Program.’’ The Exchange also proposes to delete the superfluous operational language in Interpretation and Policy .02 to Rule 5.4 regarding the a change to the minimum increment as a stated policy, practice, or interpretation within the meaning of the Act and the process for modifying trading differential by rule filing because such meaning and requirement remains the case today, as the Exchange must submit proposed rule changes— including for Rule 5.4—to the Commission.9 The Exchange notes, too, that this proposal is based on and substantially identical to a rule filing recently submitted by NYSE Arca, Inc.10 Penny Interval Program The Exchange proposes to codify the OLPP Program in new paragraph (d) to Rule 5.4 (Requirements for Penny Interval Program) (the ‘‘Penny Program’’), which will replace the Penny Pilot Rule and permanently permit the Exchange to quote certain option classes in minimum increments of one cents ($0.01) and five cents ($0.05) (‘‘penny increments’’). The penny increments that currently apply under the Penny Pilot will continue to apply for option classes included in the Penny Program. Specifically, (i) the minimum quoting increment for all series in the QQQ, SPY, and IWM would continue to be $0.01, regardless of price; 11 (ii) all series of an option class included in the Penny Program with a price of less than $3.00 would be quoted in $0.01 increments; and (iii) all series of an option class included in the Penny Program with a price of $3.00 or higher would be quoted in $0.05 increments. 9 See current Interpretation and Policy .02 to Rule 5.4, which provides that ‘‘[w]hen the Exchange determines to change the minimum increment for a class, the Exchange will designate such change as a stated policy, practice, or interpretation with respect to the administration of this Rule 5.4 within the meaning of subparagraph (3)(A) of subsection 19(b) of the Act and will file a rule change for effectiveness upon filing with the Commission.’’ 10 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 88943 (May 26, 2020), 85 FR 33255 (June 1, 2020) (SR– NYSEArca–2020–50). 11 As well as Mini-SPX Index Options (XSP) (as long as SPDR options (SPY) participate in the Penny Interval Program). See Rule 5.4(a). PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 The Penny Program would initially apply to the 363 most actively traded multiply listed option classes, based on National Cleared Volume at The Options Clearing Corporation (‘‘OCC’’) in the six full calendar months ending in the month of approval (i.e., November 2019–April 2020) that currently quote in penny increments, or overlie securities priced below $200, or any index at an index level below $200. Eligibility for inclusion in the Penny Program will be determined at the close of trading on the monthly Expiration Friday of the second full month following April 1, 2020 (i.e., June 19, 2020). Once in the Penny Program, an option class will remain included until it is no longer among the 425 most actively traded option classes at the time the annual review is conducted (described below), at which point it will be removed from the Penny Program. As described in more detail below, the removed class will be replaced by the next most actively traded multiply listed option class overlying securities priced below $200 per share, or any index at an index level below $200, and not yet in the Penny Program. Advanced notice regarding the option classes included, added, or removed from the Penny Program will be provided to the Exchange’s Trading Permit Holders (‘‘TPHs’’) pursuant to Rule 1.5 12 and published by the Exchange on its website. Annual Review The Penny Program would include an annual review process that applies objective criteria to determine option classes to be added to, or removed from, the Penny Program. Specifically, on an annual basis beginning in December 2020 and occurring ever December thereafter, the Exchange will review and rank all multiply listed option classes based on National Cleared Volume at OCC for the six full calendar months from June 1st through November 30th for determination of the most actively traded option classes. Any option classes not yet in the Penny Program may be added to the Penny Program if the class is among the 300 most actively traded multiply listed option classes and priced below $200 per share or any index at an index level below $200. 12 Rule 1.5 provides that the Exchange announces to Trading Permit Holders all determinations it makes pursuant to the Rules via: (1) Specifications, Notices, or Regulatory Circulars with appropriate advanced notice, which are posted on the Exchange’s website, or as otherwise provided in the Rules; (2) electronic message; or (3) other communication method as provided in the Rules. E:\FR\FM\22JNN1.SGM 22JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 120 / Monday, June 22, 2020 / Notices Following the annual review, option classes to be added to the Penny Program would begin quoting in penny increments (i.e., $0.01 if trading at less than $3; and $0.05 if trading at $3 and above) on the first trading day of January.13 In addition, following the annual review, any option class in the Penny Program that falls outside of the 425 most actively traded option classes would be removed from the Penny Program. After the annual review, option classes that are removed from the Penny Program will be subject to the minimum trading increments set forth in Rule 5.4, effective on the first trading day of April. Changes to the Composition of the Penny Program Outside of the Annual Review Newly Listed Option Classes and Option Classes With Significant Growth in Activity The Penny Program would specify a process and parameters for including option classes in the Program outside the annual review process in two circumstances. These provisions are designed to provide objective criteria to add to the Penny Program new option classes in issues with the most demonstrated trading interest from market participants and investors on an expedited basis prior to the annual review, with the benefit that market participants and investors will then be able to trade these new option classes based upon quotes expressed in finer trading increments. First, the Penny Program provides for certain newly listed option classes to be added to the Penny Program outside of the annual review process, provided that (i) the class is among the 300 most actively traded, multiply listed option classes, as ranked by National Cleared Volume at OCC, in its first full calendar month of trading; and (ii) the underlying security is priced below $200 or the underlying index is at an index level below $200. Such newly listed option classes added to the Penny Program pursuant to this process would remain in the Penny Program for one full calendar year and then would be subject to the annual review process. Second, the Penny Program would allow an option class to be added to the Penny Program outside of the annual review process if it is an option class that meets certain specific criteria. Specifically, new option classes may be added to the Penny Program if: (i) The 13 See supra note 11. (providing that the minimum quoting increment for all series in the QQQ, SPY, and IWM would continue to be $0.01, regardless of price). VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:08 Jun 19, 2020 Jkt 250001 option class is among the 75 most actively traded multiply listed option classes, as ranked by National Cleared Volume at OCC, in the prior six full calendar months of trading and (ii) the underlying security is priced below $200 or the underlying index is at an index level below $200. Any option class added under this provision will be added on the first trading day of the second full month after it qualifies and will remain in the Penny Program for the rest of the calendar year, after which it will be subject to the annual review process. Corporate Actions The Penny Program would also specify a process to address option classes in the Penny Program that undergo a corporate action and is designed to ensure continuous liquidity in the affected option classes. Specifically, if a corporate action involves one or more option classes in the Penny Program, all adjusted and unadjusted series of an option class would continue to be included in the Penny Program.14 Furthermore, neither the trading volume threshold, nor the initial price test would apply to option classes added to the Penny Program as a result of the corporate action. Finally, the newly added adjusted and unadjusted series of the option class would remain in the Penny Program for one full calendar year and then would become subject to the annual review process. Delisted or Ineligible Option Classes Finally, the Penny Program would provide a mechanism to address option classes that have been delisted or those that are no longer eligible for listing. Specifically, any series in an option class participating in the Penny Program in which the underlying has been delisted, or is identified by OCC as ineligible for opening customer transactions, would continue to quote pursuant to the terms of the Penny Program until all options series have expired. Technical Changes The Exchange proposes to replace reference to the Penny Pilot with reference to the Penny Interval Program in Rule 5.4(a) and Interpretation and Policy .18 to Rule 4.5. The Exchange believes these technical changes would 14 For example, if Company A acquires Company B and Company A is not in the Penny Program but Company B is in the Penny Program, once the merger is consummated and an options contract adjustment is effective, then Company A would be added to the Penny Program and remain in the Penny Program for one calendar year. PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 37481 add clarity, transparency and internal consistency to Exchange rules making them easier to navigate. Implementation The Exchange proposes to implement the Penny Program on July 1, 2020, which is the first trading day of the third month following the Approval Order issued on April 1, 2020—i.e., July 1, 2020. 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.15 Specifically, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) 16 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. Additionally, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) 17 requirement that the rules of an exchange not be designed to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers. In particular, the proposed rule change, which conforms the Exchange rules to the recently adopted OLPP Program, allows the Exchange to provide market participants with a permanent Penny Program for quoting options in penny increments, which maximizes the benefit of quoting in a finer quoting increment to investors while minimizing the burden that a finer quoting increment places on quote traffic. Accordingly, the Exchange believes that the proposal is consistent with the Act because, in conforming the Exchange rules to the OLPP Program, the Penny Program would employ processes, based upon objective criteria, that would rebalance the composition of the Penny Program, thereby helping to ensure that the most actively traded option classes are included in the Penny Program, which helps facilitate the 15 15 16 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). 17 Id. E:\FR\FM\22JNN1.SGM 22JNN1 37482 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 120 / Monday, June 22, 2020 / Notices maintenance of a fair and orderly market. to compete for order flow with other exchanges. Technical Changes The Exchange notes that the proposed change to Rule 5.4(a) and Interpretation and Policy .18 to Rule 4.5 to replace references to the Penny Pilot with references to the Penny Interval Program would provide clarity and transparency to the Exchange rules and would promote just and equitable principles of trade and remove impediments to, and perfect the mechanism of, a free and open market and a national market system. The proposed rule changes would also provide internal consistency within Exchange rules and operate to protect investors and the investing public by making the Exchange rules easier to navigate and comprehend. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others 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 Penny Program, which modifies the exchange’s rules to align them with the Commission approved OLPP Program, is not designed to be a competitive filing nor does it impose an undue burden on intermarket competition as the Exchange anticipates that the options exchanges will adopt substantially identical rules. Moreover, the Exchange believes that by conforming Exchange rules to the OLPP Program, the Exchange would promote regulatory clarity and consistency, thereby reducing burdens on the marketplace and facilitating investor protection. To the extent that there is a competitive burden on those option classes that do not qualify for the Penny Program, the Exchange believes that it is appropriate because the proposal should benefit all market participants and investors by maximizing the benefit of a finer quoting increment in those option classes with the most trading interest while minimizing the burden of greater quote traffic in option classes with less trading interest. The Exchange believes that adopting rules, which have been adopted by another options exchange 18 and, as the Exchange anticipates, will likewise be adopted by all option exchanges that are participants in the OLPP, would allow for continued competition between Exchange market participants trading similar products as their counterparts on other exchanges, while at the same time allowing the Exchange to continue 18 See supra note 10. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:08 Jun 19, 2020 Jkt 250001 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 foregoing proposed rule change does not: (i) Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative for 30 days after the date of the filing, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become effective pursuant to 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 19 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) 20 thereunder. The Exchange has proposed to implement the Penny Program on July 1, 2020 and has asked the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay for this filing. The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest because it will allow the Exchange to modify its rules to conform to the OLPP Program and implement the Penny Program on July 1, 2020, consistent with the Commission’s approval of the OLPP Amendment. Accordingly, the Commission designates the proposed rule change as operative upon filing with the Commission.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 should be approved or disapproved. 19 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b– 4(f)(6) requires a self-regulatory organization to give the Commission written notice of its intent to file 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. 21 For purposes only of waiving the operative delay for this proposal, the Commission has considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). 20 17 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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– CBOE–2020–54 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–CBOE–2020–54. 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–CBOE–2020–54 and should be submitted on or before July 13, 2020. E:\FR\FM\22JNN1.SGM 22JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 120 / Monday, June 22, 2020 / Notices For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.22 J. Matthew DeLesDernier, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2020–13311 Filed 6–19–20; 8:45 am] (A) Clearing Agency’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change, Security-Based Swap Submission, or Advance Notice BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–89072; File No. SR–ICC– 2020–008] Self-Regulatory Organizations; ICE Clear Credit LLC; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change, SecurityBased Swap Submission, or Advance Notice Relating to the ICC Exercise Procedures and ICC Clearing Rules June 16, 2020. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,1 and Rule 19b–4,2 notice is hereby given that on June 3, 2020, ICE Clear Credit LLC (‘‘ICC’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change, security-based swap submission, or advance notice as described in Items I, II and III below, which Items have been prepared by ICC. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change, security-based swap submission, or advance notice from interested persons. I. Clearing Agency’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change, Security-Based Swap Submission, or Advance Notice The principal purpose of the proposed rule change is to formalize the ICC Exercise Procedures in connection with the clearing of credit default index swaptions. ICC also proposes a related update to the ICC Clearing Rules (the ‘‘Rules’’).3 II. Clearing Agency’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change, Security-Based Swap Submission, or Advance Notice In its filing with the Commission, ICC included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change, security-based swap submission, or advance notice and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change, securitybased swap submission, or advance notice. The text of these statements may 22 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 3 Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings specified in the Rules. 1 15 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:08 Jun 19, 2020 Jkt 250001 be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. ICC has prepared summaries, set forth in sections (A), (B), and (C) below, of the most significant aspects of these statements. (a) Purpose ICC proposes to formalize the Exercise Procedures and to make a related change to the Rules in connection with its proposed launch of the clearing of credit default index swaptions (‘‘Index Swaptions’’). ICC has previously filed with the Commission changes to certain other policies and procedures related to the clearing of Index Swaptions on June 28, 2019 4 and January 14, 2020 5 (the ‘‘Swaption Rule Filings’’). As set out in the Swaption Rule Filings, ICC intends to adopt certain related policies and procedures in preparation for the launch of clearing of Index Swaptions, including those set out in this filing, and does not intend to commence clearing of Index Swaptions until all such policies and procedures have been approved by the Commission or otherwise become effective. As such, ICC proposes to formalize the Exercise Procedures and make the related changes to the Rules effective following the approval of all such policies and procedures and the completion of the ICC governance process surrounding the Index Swaptions product expansion. As discussed in the Swaption Rule Filings, pursuant to an Index Swaption, one party (the ‘‘Swaption Buyer’’) has the right (but not the obligation) to cause the other party (the ‘‘Swaption Seller’’) to enter into an index credit default swap transaction at a predetermined strike price on a specified expiration date on specified terms. In the case of Index Swaptions that would be cleared by ICC, the underlying index credit default swap would be limited to certain CDX and iTraxx Europe index credit default swaps that are accepted for clearing by ICC, and which would be automatically cleared by ICC upon exercise of the Index Swaption by the Swaption Buyer in accordance with its terms. I. Exercise Procedures The Exercise Procedures are intended to supplement the provisions of 4 SEC Release No. 34–87297; File No. SR–ICC– 2019–007 (Oct. 15, 2019) (approval), 84 FR 56270 (Oct. 21, 2019). 5 SEC Release No. 34–88047; File No. SR–ICC– 2020–002 (Jan. 27, 2020) (notice), 85 FR 5756 (Jan. 31, 2020). PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 37483 Subchapter 26R of the Rules 6 with respect to Index Swaptions and provide further detail as to the manner in which Index Swaptions may be exercised by Swaption Buyers, the manner in which ICC will assign such exercises to Swaption Sellers, and certain actions that ICC may take in the event of technical issues. In paragraph 1 of the Exercise Procedures, ICC proposes to set out key definitions used for the exercise of Index Swaptions. Key defined terms would include the Exercise Period, which would be the period on the expiration date of an Index Swaption during which the Swaption Buyer may deliver an exercise notice to ICC to exercise all or part of such Index Swaption. The document would define the circumstances that constitute the failure of the Exercise System (‘‘Exercise System Failure’’) which is the electronic system established by ICC for exercise. The Exercising Party would mean (i) with respect to an Index Swaption carried in the house account of a Participant as Swaption Buyer, such Participant, and (ii) with respect to an Index Swaption carried in the client origin account of a Participant for a Non-Participant Party as Swaption Buyer, such Non-Participant Party. ICC proposes to describe the exercise and assignment process in paragraph 2 of the Exercise Procedures. In paragraph 2.1, ICC states that exercise notices would be delivered in accordance with the ICC Rules and the Exercise Procedures and specifically references Subchapter 26R of the Rules related to Index Swaptions. Paragraph 2.2 of the proposed Exercise Procedures would address the procedures for exercise and assignment of Index Swaptions. The document sets forth ICC’s process of netting all open positions in such expiring Index Swaption, which takes place on the business day prior to the expiration date of an Index Swaption and applies to house and client origin accounts. To exercise an Index Swaption, the Exercising Party would deliver an exercise notice to ICC during the Exercise Period specifying the notional amount being exercised (‘‘Exercised Notional Amount’’). ICC may also establish a Pre-Exercise Notification Period during which an Exercising Party may submit, modify, and/or withdraw preliminary exercise notices. The submission of an exercise notice during the Exercise Period will be irrevocable 6 Subchapter 26R of the Rules was proposed in the Swaption Rule Filings. SEC Release No. 34– 87297; File No. SR–ICC–2019–007 (Oct. 15, 2019) (approval), 84 FR 56270 (Oct. 21, 2019). E:\FR\FM\22JNN1.SGM 22JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 120 (Monday, June 22, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37479-37483]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-13311]


=======================================================================
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-89075; File No. SR-CBOE-2020-054]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe Exchange, Inc.; Notice of 
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend 
Rule 5.4 To Conform the Rule to Section 3.1 of the Plan for the Purpose 
of Developing and Implementing Procedures Designed To Facilitate the 
Listing and Trading of Standardized Options and Add New Rule 5.4(d)

June 16, 2020.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(the ``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given 
that on June 11, 2020, Cboe Exchange, Inc. (the ``Exchange'' or ``Cboe 
Options'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 
``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I and 
II, 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).
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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    Cboe Exchange, Inc. (the ``Exchange'' or ``Cboe Options'') proposes 
to amend Rule 5.4 to conform the rule to Section 3.1 of the Plan for 
the Purpose of Developing and Implementing Procedures Designed to 
Facilitate the Listing and Trading of Standardized Options (the 
``OLPP'') and add new Rule 5.4(d). 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://www.cboe.com/AboutCBOE/CBOELegalRegulatoryHome.aspx), 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 purpose of this rule change is to amend Rule 5.4 (Minimum 
Increments for Bids and Offers) to align the rule with the recently 
approved amendment to the OLPP.
Background
    On January 23, 2007, the Commission approved on a limited basis a 
Penny Pilot in option classes in certain issues (``Penny Pilot''). The 
Penny Pilot was designed to determine whether investors would benefit 
from options being quoted in penny increments, and in which classes the 
benefits were most significant. The Penny Pilot was expanded and 
extended numerous times over the last 13 years.\5\ In each instance,

[[Page 37480]]

these approvals relied upon the consideration of data periodically 
provided by the Exchanges that analyzed how quoting options in penny 
increments affects spreads, liquidity, quote traffic, and volume. 
Today, the Penny Pilot includes 363 option classes, which are among the 
most actively traded, multiply listed option classes. The Penny Pilot 
is scheduled to expire by its own terms on June 30, 2020.\6\
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    \5\ See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. Securities Exchange 
Act Release Nos. 55154 (January 23, 2007), 72 FR 4743 (February 1, 
2007) (SR-CBOE-2006-92); 56565 (September 27, 2007), 72 FR 56403 
(October 3, 2007) (SR-CBOE-2007-98); 60864 (October 22, 2009), 74 FR 
55876 (October 29, 2009) (SR-CBOE-2009-076); 63386 (November 29, 
2010), 75 FR 75713 (December 6, 2010) (SR-CBOE-2010-102); 65967 
(December 15, 2011), 76 FR 79243 (December 21, 2011) (SR-CBOE-2011-
118); 67322 (June 29, 2012), 77 FR 40120 (July 6, 2012) (SR-CBOE-
2012-059); 68550 (December 31, 2012), 78 FR 971 (January 7, 2013) 
(SR-CBOE-2012-127); 69775 (June 17, 2013), 78 FR 37642 (June 21, 
2013) (SR-CBOE-2013-061); 71103 (December 17, 2013), 78 FR 77526 
(December 23, 2013) (SR-CBOE-2013-124); 72277 (May 29, 2014), 79 FR 
32347 (June 4, 2014) (SR-CBOE-2014-047); 73624 (November 18, 2014), 
79 FR 69903 (November 24, 2014) (SR-CBOE-2014-086); 75287 (June 24, 
2015), 80 FR 37337 (June 30, 2015) (SR-CBOE-2015-060); 78013 (June 
8, 2016), 81 FR 38758 (June 14, 2016) (SR-CBOE-2016-048); 79442 
(December 1, 2016), 81 FR 88293 (December 7, 2016) (SR-CBOE-2016-
083); 82375 (December 21, 2017), 82 FR 61615 (December 28, 2017) 
(SR-CBOE-2017-078); 83567 (June 28, 2018), FR 83 31592 (July 6, 
2018) (SR-CBOE-2018-047); 84940 (December 21, 2018), 83 FR 67759 
(December 31, 2018) (SR-CBOE-2018-076); 86148 (June 19, 2019), 84 FR 
29906 (June 25, 2019) (SR-CBOE-2019-028); and 87739 (December 13, 
2019), 84 FR 69801 (December 19, 2019) (SR-CBOE-2019-119).
    \6\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 87739 (December 13, 
2019), 84 FR 69801 (December 19, 2019) (SR-CBOE-2019-119).
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    In light of the imminent expiration of the Penny Pilot on June 30, 
2020, the Exchange, together with other participating exchanges, filed, 
on July 18, 2019 a proposal to amend the OLPP.\7\ On April 1, 2020 the 
Commission approved the amendment to the OLPP to make permanent the 
Pilot Program (the ``OLPP Program'').\8\
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    \7\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 87681 (December 9, 
2019), 84 FR 68960 (December 17, 2019) (``Notice'').
    \8\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 88532 (April 1, 
2020), 85 FR 19545 (April 7, 2020) (File No. 4-443) (``Approval 
Order'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The OLPP Program replaces the Penny Pilot by instituting a 
permanent program that would permit quoting in penny increments for 
certain option classes. Under the terms of the OLPP Program, designated 
option classes would continue to be quoted in $0.01 and $0.05 
increments according to the same parameters for the Penny Pilot. In 
addition, the OLPP Program would: (i) Establish an annual review 
process to add option classes to, or to remove option classes from, the 
OLPP Program; (ii) to allow an option class to be added to the OLPP 
Program if it is a newly listed option class and it meets certain 
criteria; (iii) to allow an option class to be added to the OLPP 
Program if it is an option class that has seen a significant growth in 
activity; (iv) to provide that if a corporate action involves one or 
more option classes in the OLPP Program, all adjusted and unadjusted 
series and classes emerging as a result of the corporate action will be 
included in the OLPP Program; and (v) to provide that any series in an 
option class participating in the OLPP Program that have been delisted, 
or are identified by OCC as ineligible for opening Customer 
transactions, will continue to trade pursuant to the OLPP Program until 
they expire.
    To conform its Rules to the OLPP Program, the Exchange proposes to 
delete Interpretation and Policy .03 to Rule 5.4 (the ``Penny Pilot 
Rule'') and replace it with new Rule 5.4(d) (Requirements for Penny 
Interval Program), which is described below, and to replace references 
to ``Penny Pilot'' in the Exchange rules with ``Penny Interval 
Program.'' The Exchange also proposes to delete the superfluous 
operational language in Interpretation and Policy .02 to Rule 5.4 
regarding the a change to the minimum increment as a stated policy, 
practice, or interpretation within the meaning of the Act and the 
process for modifying trading differential by rule filing because such 
meaning and requirement remains the case today, as the Exchange must 
submit proposed rule changes--including for Rule 5.4--to the 
Commission.\9\ The Exchange notes, too, that this proposal is based on 
and substantially identical to a rule filing recently submitted by NYSE 
Arca, Inc.\10\
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    \9\ See current Interpretation and Policy .02 to Rule 5.4, which 
provides that ``[w]hen the Exchange determines to change the minimum 
increment for a class, the Exchange will designate such change as a 
stated policy, practice, or interpretation with respect to the 
administration of this Rule 5.4 within the meaning of subparagraph 
(3)(A) of subsection 19(b) of the Act and will file a rule change 
for effectiveness upon filing with the Commission.''
    \10\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 88943 (May 26, 
2020), 85 FR 33255 (June 1, 2020) (SR-NYSEArca-2020-50).
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Penny Interval Program
    The Exchange proposes to codify the OLPP Program in new paragraph 
(d) to Rule 5.4 (Requirements for Penny Interval Program) (the ``Penny 
Program''), which will replace the Penny Pilot Rule and permanently 
permit the Exchange to quote certain option classes in minimum 
increments of one cents ($0.01) and five cents ($0.05) (``penny 
increments''). The penny increments that currently apply under the 
Penny Pilot will continue to apply for option classes included in the 
Penny Program. Specifically, (i) the minimum quoting increment for all 
series in the QQQ, SPY, and IWM would continue to be $0.01, regardless 
of price; \11\ (ii) all series of an option class included in the Penny 
Program with a price of less than $3.00 would be quoted in $0.01 
increments; and (iii) all series of an option class included in the 
Penny Program with a price of $3.00 or higher would be quoted in $0.05 
increments.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ As well as Mini-SPX Index Options (XSP) (as long as SPDR 
options (SPY) participate in the Penny Interval Program). See Rule 
5.4(a).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Penny Program would initially apply to the 363 most actively 
traded multiply listed option classes, based on National Cleared Volume 
at The Options Clearing Corporation (``OCC'') in the six full calendar 
months ending in the month of approval (i.e., November 2019-April 2020) 
that currently quote in penny increments, or overlie securities priced 
below $200, or any index at an index level below $200. Eligibility for 
inclusion in the Penny Program will be determined at the close of 
trading on the monthly Expiration Friday of the second full month 
following April 1, 2020 (i.e., June 19, 2020).
    Once in the Penny Program, an option class will remain included 
until it is no longer among the 425 most actively traded option classes 
at the time the annual review is conducted (described below), at which 
point it will be removed from the Penny Program. As described in more 
detail below, the removed class will be replaced by the next most 
actively traded multiply listed option class overlying securities 
priced below $200 per share, or any index at an index level below $200, 
and not yet in the Penny Program. Advanced notice regarding the option 
classes included, added, or removed from the Penny Program will be 
provided to the Exchange's Trading Permit Holders (``TPHs'') pursuant 
to Rule 1.5 \12\ and published by the Exchange on its website.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ Rule 1.5 provides that the Exchange announces to Trading 
Permit Holders all determinations it makes pursuant to the Rules 
via: (1) Specifications, Notices, or Regulatory Circulars with 
appropriate advanced notice, which are posted on the Exchange's 
website, or as otherwise provided in the Rules; (2) electronic 
message; or (3) other communication method as provided in the Rules.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Annual Review
    The Penny Program would include an annual review process that 
applies objective criteria to determine option classes to be added to, 
or removed from, the Penny Program. Specifically, on an annual basis 
beginning in December 2020 and occurring ever December thereafter, the 
Exchange will review and rank all multiply listed option classes based 
on National Cleared Volume at OCC for the six full calendar months from 
June 1st through November 30th for determination of the most actively 
traded option classes. Any option classes not yet in the Penny Program 
may be added to the Penny Program if the class is among the 300 most 
actively traded multiply listed option classes and priced below $200 
per share or any index at an index level below $200.

[[Page 37481]]

    Following the annual review, option classes to be added to the 
Penny Program would begin quoting in penny increments (i.e., $0.01 if 
trading at less than $3; and $0.05 if trading at $3 and above) on the 
first trading day of January.\13\ In addition, following the annual 
review, any option class in the Penny Program that falls outside of the 
425 most actively traded option classes would be removed from the Penny 
Program. After the annual review, option classes that are removed from 
the Penny Program will be subject to the minimum trading increments set 
forth in Rule 5.4, effective on the first trading day of April.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ See supra note 11. (providing that the minimum quoting 
increment for all series in the QQQ, SPY, and IWM would continue to 
be $0.01, regardless of price).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Changes to the Composition of the Penny Program Outside of the Annual 
Review
Newly Listed Option Classes and Option Classes With Significant Growth 
in Activity
    The Penny Program would specify a process and parameters for 
including option classes in the Program outside the annual review 
process in two circumstances. These provisions are designed to provide 
objective criteria to add to the Penny Program new option classes in 
issues with the most demonstrated trading interest from market 
participants and investors on an expedited basis prior to the annual 
review, with the benefit that market participants and investors will 
then be able to trade these new option classes based upon quotes 
expressed in finer trading increments.
    First, the Penny Program provides for certain newly listed option 
classes to be added to the Penny Program outside of the annual review 
process, provided that (i) the class is among the 300 most actively 
traded, multiply listed option classes, as ranked by National Cleared 
Volume at OCC, in its first full calendar month of trading; and (ii) 
the underlying security is priced below $200 or the underlying index is 
at an index level below $200. Such newly listed option classes added to 
the Penny Program pursuant to this process would remain in the Penny 
Program for one full calendar year and then would be subject to the 
annual review process.
    Second, the Penny Program would allow an option class to be added 
to the Penny Program outside of the annual review process if it is an 
option class that meets certain specific criteria. Specifically, new 
option classes may be added to the Penny Program if: (i) The option 
class is among the 75 most actively traded multiply listed option 
classes, as ranked by National Cleared Volume at OCC, in the prior six 
full calendar months of trading and (ii) the underlying security is 
priced below $200 or the underlying index is at an index level below 
$200. Any option class added under this provision will be added on the 
first trading day of the second full month after it qualifies and will 
remain in the Penny Program for the rest of the calendar year, after 
which it will be subject to the annual review process.
Corporate Actions
    The Penny Program would also specify a process to address option 
classes in the Penny Program that undergo a corporate action and is 
designed to ensure continuous liquidity in the affected option classes. 
Specifically, if a corporate action involves one or more option classes 
in the Penny Program, all adjusted and unadjusted series of an option 
class would continue to be included in the Penny Program.\14\ 
Furthermore, neither the trading volume threshold, nor the initial 
price test would apply to option classes added to the Penny Program as 
a result of the corporate action. Finally, the newly added adjusted and 
unadjusted series of the option class would remain in the Penny Program 
for one full calendar year and then would become subject to the annual 
review process.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ For example, if Company A acquires Company B and Company A 
is not in the Penny Program but Company B is in the Penny Program, 
once the merger is consummated and an options contract adjustment is 
effective, then Company A would be added to the Penny Program and 
remain in the Penny Program for one calendar year.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Delisted or Ineligible Option Classes
    Finally, the Penny Program would provide a mechanism to address 
option classes that have been delisted or those that are no longer 
eligible for listing. Specifically, any series in an option class 
participating in the Penny Program in which the underlying has been 
delisted, or is identified by OCC as ineligible for opening customer 
transactions, would continue to quote pursuant to the terms of the 
Penny Program until all options series have expired.
Technical Changes
    The Exchange proposes to replace reference to the Penny Pilot with 
reference to the Penny Interval Program in Rule 5.4(a) and 
Interpretation and Policy .18 to Rule 4.5. The Exchange believes these 
technical changes would add clarity, transparency and internal 
consistency to Exchange rules making them easier to navigate.
Implementation
    The Exchange proposes to implement the Penny Program on July 1, 
2020, which is the first trading day of the third month following the 
Approval Order issued on April 1, 2020--i.e., July 1, 2020.
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.\15\ Specifically, the 
Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the 
Section 6(b)(5) \16\ 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. Additionally, 
the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the 
Section 6(b)(5) \17\ requirement that the rules of an exchange not be 
designed to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, 
brokers, or dealers.
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    \15\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \16\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
    \17\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In particular, the proposed rule change, which conforms the 
Exchange rules to the recently adopted OLPP Program, allows the 
Exchange to provide market participants with a permanent Penny Program 
for quoting options in penny increments, which maximizes the benefit of 
quoting in a finer quoting increment to investors while minimizing the 
burden that a finer quoting increment places on quote traffic.
    Accordingly, the Exchange believes that the proposal is consistent 
with the Act because, in conforming the Exchange rules to the OLPP 
Program, the Penny Program would employ processes, based upon objective 
criteria, that would rebalance the composition of the Penny Program, 
thereby helping to ensure that the most actively traded option classes 
are included in the Penny Program, which helps facilitate the

[[Page 37482]]

maintenance of a fair and orderly market.
Technical Changes
    The Exchange notes that the proposed change to Rule 5.4(a) and 
Interpretation and Policy .18 to Rule 4.5 to replace references to the 
Penny Pilot with references to the Penny Interval Program would provide 
clarity and transparency to the Exchange rules and would promote just 
and equitable principles of trade and remove impediments to, and 
perfect the mechanism of, a free and open market and a national market 
system. The proposed rule changes would also provide internal 
consistency within Exchange rules and operate to protect investors and 
the investing public by making the Exchange rules easier to navigate 
and comprehend.

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 Penny Program, 
which modifies the exchange's rules to align them with the Commission 
approved OLPP Program, is not designed to be a competitive filing nor 
does it impose an undue burden on intermarket competition as the 
Exchange anticipates that the options exchanges will adopt 
substantially identical rules. Moreover, the Exchange believes that by 
conforming Exchange rules to the OLPP Program, the Exchange would 
promote regulatory clarity and consistency, thereby reducing burdens on 
the marketplace and facilitating investor protection. To the extent 
that there is a competitive burden on those option classes that do not 
qualify for the Penny Program, the Exchange believes that it is 
appropriate because the proposal should benefit all market participants 
and investors by maximizing the benefit of a finer quoting increment in 
those option classes with the most trading interest while minimizing 
the burden of greater quote traffic in option classes with less trading 
interest. The Exchange believes that adopting rules, which have been 
adopted by another options exchange \18\ and, as the Exchange 
anticipates, will likewise be adopted by all option exchanges that are 
participants in the OLPP, would allow for continued competition between 
Exchange market participants trading similar products as their 
counterparts on other exchanges, while at the same time allowing the 
Exchange to continue to compete for order flow with other exchanges.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ See supra note 10.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 foregoing proposed rule change does not: (i) 
Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public 
interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) 
become operative for 30 days after the date of the filing, or such 
shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become effective 
pursuant to 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \19\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \20\ 
thereunder. The Exchange has proposed to implement the Penny Program on 
July 1, 2020 and has asked the Commission to waive the 30-day operative 
delay for this filing. The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day 
operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the 
public interest because it will allow the Exchange to modify its rules 
to conform to the OLPP Program and implement the Penny Program on July 
1, 2020, consistent with the Commission's approval of the OLPP 
Amendment. Accordingly, the Commission designates the proposed rule 
change as operative upon filing with the Commission.\21\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \20\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6) 
requires a self-regulatory organization to give the Commission 
written notice of its intent to file 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.
    \21\ For purposes only of waiving the operative delay for this 
proposal, 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 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-CBOE-2020-54 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-CBOE-2020-54. 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-CBOE-2020-54 and should be submitted on 
or before July 13, 2020.


[[Page 37483]]


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

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

J. Matthew DeLesDernier,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2020-13311 Filed 6-19-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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