Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing of Amendment No. 1 and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of a Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment No. 1, To Amend the Fifth Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Exchange's Parent Corporation, Cboe Global Markets, Inc., 63614-63616 [2020-22251]
Download as PDF
63614
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 196 / Thursday, October 8, 2020 / Notices
proposed Amendment that are filed
with the Commission, and all written
communications relating to the
proposed Amendment 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 20549–1090, 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 Plan. 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 S7–24–89 and should be
submitted on or before October 29,
2020.
By the Commission.
J. Matthew DeLesDernier,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2020–22342 Filed 10–7–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–90079; File No. SR–CBOE–
2020–071]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe
Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing of
Amendment No. 1 and Order Granting
Accelerated Approval of a Proposed
Rule Change, as Modified by
Amendment No. 1, To Amend the Fifth
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the
Exchange’s Parent Corporation, Cboe
Global Markets, Inc.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES
October 2, 2020.
I. Introduction
On July 30, 2020, Cboe Exchange, Inc.
(the ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission
(the ‘‘Commission’’), pursuant to
Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’) 1 and
Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 a proposed rule
change to amend the Fifth Amended
and Restated Bylaws (the ‘‘Parent
Bylaws’’) of its parent corporation, Cboe
Global Markets, Inc. (the ‘‘Parent’’). The
proposed rule change was published for
comment in the Federal Register on
1 15
2 17
U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
CFR 240.19b–4.
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17:48 Oct 07, 2020
Jkt 253001
August 19, 2020.3 The Commission
received no comment letters regarding
the proposed rule change. On
September 24, 2020, the Exchange filed
Amendment No. 1 to the proposal.4 The
Commission is publishing this notice to
solicit comments on Amendment No. 1
from interested persons and is
approving the proposed rule change, as
modified by Amendment No. 1, on an
accelerated basis.
II. Description
The Exchange proposed certain
amendments to the Parent Bylaws that,
according to the Exchange, would
‘‘improve the governance processes’’ of
the Parent and ‘‘make certain provisions
more consistent with the Delaware
General Corporation Law (‘‘DGCL’’).’’ 5
According to the Exchange, many of the
proposed changes reflect corporate
governance best practices and, in some
instances, provide clarity and flexibility
to the Parent Bylaws.6
Proposed Changes to Article 2—
Stockholders 7
The majority of the proposed changes
amend Section 2.11 (Nomination of
Directors) and Section 2.12 (Notice of
Business at Annual Meetings).
According to the Exchange, the changes
are designed to reflect the most up-to3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 89543
(August 13, 2020), 85 FR 51093 (‘‘Notice’’).
4 In Amendment No. 1, the Exchange provided
additional detail and clarity on a few points
without materially changing the proposal or the
proposed rule text. Specifically, in Amendment No.
1, the Exchange: (i) Provided additional support for
its proposed restrictions on the use of audio, video,
and cell phones during stockholder meetings,
including information on past practice by the
Exchange, underlying authority for such restrictions
in the current Parent Bylaws, and comparison to the
practices of other Delaware-incorporated public
companies; (ii) clarified that the provisions of
proposed Section 3.15 are subject to existing
Section 10.2, including a representation that
emergency Bylaw amendments made pursuant to
proposed Section 3.15(g) may need to be filed
pursuant to Section 19 of the Exchange Act; (iii)
clarified that proposed Section 3.15 is meant to
provide short-term flexibility to continue operations
during the initial stage of an emergency situation,
and that proposed paragraph (f) makes clear that,
as soon as it is practicable for a majority of the
elected directors to reconvene, they would be
expected to do so; and (iv) added further
explanation of the provision in proposed Section
4.1 regarding the limitation of the power and
authority vested in a Board committee in the
management of the business and affairs of the
Parent. To promote transparency of its proposed
amendment, when the Exchange filed Amendment
No. 1 with the Commission, it also submitted
Amendment No. 1 as a comment letter to the filing,
which then became publicly available on the
Commission’s website.
5 See Notice, supra note 3, at 51093.
6 See Notice, supra note 3.
7 See Notice, supra note 3, for a discussion of the
detailed proposed changes to Article 2 and the
DGCL provisions and/or rules of other exchanges on
which they are modeled.
PO 00000
Frm 00115
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
date practices under the DGCL and
provide the Board with additional
information and advance notice in
connection with nominations and the
conduct of business at annual and
special meetings. In particular, the
Exchange combines current Section 2.12
into Section 2.11 and amends
provisions that govern notice
requirements for annual and special
meetings, as well as provisions that
provide general procedures and
practices in connection with notices.
The proposed delineation does not alter
the process or definition of either type
of meeting, but instead provides for
significantly more detailed written
notice requirements as well as updates
to the manner and timeliness of notices.
Additionally, as detailed further in
the Notice, the proposed rule change
relocates and expands text concerning
nominees for directors and elections of
directors, as well as amends provisions
concerning the place of annual and
special meetings and the adjournment of
meetings.8
Further, the Exchange proposes to
update provisions that govern the
preparing of the voting list, the ability
of the Board to appoint a director to
preside over meetings in the absence of
the Chairman of the Board, and
provisions concerning the procedural
authority of the presiding officer at any
stockholder meeting.9
Proposed Changes to Article 3—
Directors 10
The proposed rule change amends
provisions concerning director
vacancies, notice for special meetings of
the Board, and the routine filing of
consents following an action by the
Board.11
The proposed change also adds new
Section 3.15 (Emergency Bylaws). In
particular, that new section provides
certain temporary emergency provisions
that would apply at the outset of an
emergency, disaster, or catastrophe,
notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in the Certificate of
Incorporation or the Bylaws, only for so
long as a quorum of the Board cannot
8 See Notice, supra note 3, at 51096–97. See also
Section 2.10 (Action at Meeting), 2.11 (Notice of
Business and Nomination of Directors at Meetings
of Stockholders), 2.1 (Place of Meetings), 2.2
(Annual Meeting), 2.3 (Special Meeting), and 2.7
(Adjournments).
9 See also Amendment No. 1 (concerning
restrictions on the use of audio, video, and cell
phones during stockholder meetings).
10 See Notice, supra note 3, for a discussion of the
detailed proposed changes to Article 3 and the
DGCL provisions and/or rules of other exchanges on
which they are modeled.
11 See Section 3.5 (Vacancies), Section 3.10
(Special Meetings), and Section 3.13 (Action by
Consent). See also Notice, supra note 3, at 51097.
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 196 / Thursday, October 8, 2020 / Notices
readily be convened for action. The
Exchange notes that proposed Section
3.15 is meant to provide the Parent with
short-term flexibility to continue
operations during an emergency
situation, and that proposed paragraph
(f) makes clear that, as soon as it is
practicable for a majority of the elected
directors to reconvene, they would be
expected to do so.12
Proposed Changes to Article 4—
Committees 13
The proposed rule change to Section
4.1 (Designation of Committees) adds
language to reflect that the Board may
designate one or more committees of the
Board, and also adds text to address the
absence or disqualification of committee
members and allow committee members
to unanimously appoint another
Director to act at the meeting in place
of any such absent or disqualified
member. In addition, the Exchange
proposes to add text to reflect the power
and authority of Board committees.14
The proposed rule change to Section
4.2 (The Executive Committee) replaces
a list of specific actions and matters that
are not to be handled by the Executive
Committee and replaces it with a
reference to matters under the DGCL
that are to be submitted to stockholders
for approval.
The proposed change to Section 4.5
(The Nominating and Governance
Committee) reduces the minimum size
requirement of that committee from five
members to three members.
Proposed Changes to Article 8—
Notices 15
The proposed rule changes in Section
8.1 (Notices) allow notices sent by
messenger or overnight courier to be left
at the recipient’s address and also
updates language concerning delivery
by electronic mail and when electronic
mail delivery is not allowed. The
Exchange also proposes to amend
Section 8.2 (Electronic Notice) to allow
for electronic delivery of materials to
stockholders unless the stockholder has
opted-out of electronic transmission
(currently, electronic transmission is
permitted only when a stockholder has
opted-in to electronic delivery).
12 See
Amendment No. 1.
Notice, supra note 3, for a discussion of the
detailed proposed changes to Article 4 and the
DGCL provisions and/or rules of other exchanges on
which they are modeled.
14 See Amendment No. 1 (noting that any Board
committee may act only insofar as the resolution of
the Board of Directors permits, which is consistent
with how Article 4 currently operates).
15 See Notice, supra note 3, for a discussion of the
detailed proposed changes to Article 8 and the
DGCL provisions and/or rules of other exchanges on
which they are modeled.
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13 See
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17:48 Oct 07, 2020
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Proposed Rule Changes to Article 11—
Forum for Adjudication of Disputes 16
The proposed rule changes to Article
11 add clarifying provisions and
additional detail regarding the exclusive
forum for adjudication of disputes.
Finally, the proposed rule change
makes non-substantive edits to the
Parent Bylaws, including updating
paragraph lettering and numbering and
ensuring consistent use of defined
terms.
III. Discussion
After careful review, the Commission
finds that the proposed rule change, as
modified by Amendment No. 1, is
consistent with the requirements of the
Act and the rules and regulations
thereunder applicable to a national
securities exchange.17 In particular, the
Commission finds that the proposed
rule change, as amended, is consistent
with Section 6(b)(1) of the Act,18 which
requires, that the Exchange be organized
and have the capacity to be able to carry
out the purposes of the Act and to
enforce compliance by the Exchange’s
Trading Permit Holders and persons
associated with its Trading Permit
Holders with the Act, the rules and
regulations thereunder, and the rules of
the Exchange.
The proposed rule change reflects the
Exchange’s stated goals to improve the
governance process of the Parent and
update the Parent Bylaws to reflect and
track the DGCL and current best
practices.19 The Exchange has
represented that it does not believe the
proposed rule changes are controversial
and that the proposed provisions are
common among comparable public
companies.20
The Commission believes that the
proposed rule change, as modified by
Amendment No. 1, is consistent with
the Exchange Act, including Section
6(b)(1) thereunder, in that the Exchange,
and its Parent on the Exchange’s behalf
as applicable, will remain so organized
and have the capacity to be able to carry
out the purposes of the Exchange Act
16 See Notice, supra note 3, for a discussion of the
detailed proposed changes to Article 11 and the
DGCL provisions and/or rules of other exchanges on
which they are modeled.
17 In approving this proposal, the Commission has
considered the proposed rule’s impact on
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See
15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
18 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(1).
19 See Notice, supra note 3, at 51098.
20 The Exchange represents that other public
companies have provisions similar to what it is
proposing, and that some of its proposed rule
changes have been adopted by other securities and
commodities exchanges, including Nasdaq, Inc.,
Intercontinental Exchange, and the CME Group, Inc.
Id.
PO 00000
Frm 00116
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
63615
and to comply, and enforce compliance
by its members and persons associated
with its members, with the provisions of
the Exchange Act, the rules and
regulations thereunder, and the rules of
the Exchange.
While proposed Section 3.15 will
provide the Parent with special limited
powers to ensure continued operations
at the onset of an emergency situation
that otherwise prevents the Board from
obtaining the necessary quorum to
convene and exercise its power, that
section is intended only to provide
limited short-term flexibility to ensuring
continue operations of the Parent during
the initial stage of the emergency
situation. Pursuant to proposed
paragraph (f), a majority of the elected
directors are expected to reconvene as
soon as it is possible to do so. In
addition, the provisions in new Section
3.15 concerning amendments to the
Parent Bylaws remain subject to existing
Section 10.2 and, as applicable, the rule
filing requirements of Section 19 of the
Act.21
IV. Solicitation of Comments
Interested persons are invited to
submit written data, views, and
arguments concerning the foregoing,
including whether Amendment No. 1 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–2020–071 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–2020–071. 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
21 15
E:\FR\FM\08OCN1.SGM
U.S.C. 78s. See also Amendment No. 1.
08OCN1
63616
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 196 / Thursday, October 8, 2020 / Notices
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–2020–071 and
should be submitted on or before
October 29, 2020.
V. Accelerated Approval of Proposed
Rule Change, as Modified by
Amendment No. 1
The Commission finds good cause for
approving the proposed rule change, as
amended by Amendment No. 1, prior to
the 30th day after the date of
publication of notice in the Federal
Register. Amendment No. 1 provided
additional detail and clarity on a few
points without materially changing the
proposal or the proposed rule text.22
The Commission notes that Amendment
No. 1 does not change the substance of
the proposed rule change as it was
initially filed, but merely adds detail to
a few select items of the proposal
regarding their intended scope. These
points of clarification add helpful detail
to support the proposal without
materially altering it. Accordingly, the
Commission finds good cause for
approving the proposed rule change, as
amended, on an accelerated basis,
pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the
Act.23
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VI. Conclusion
It is therefore ordered, pursuant to
Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,24 that the
proposed rule change, as modified by
Amendment No. 1 (SR–CBOE–2020–
071), be, and hereby is, approved on an
accelerated basis.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.25
J. Matthew DeLesDernier,
Assistant Secretary.
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
in conjunction with the full launch of DLimit trading on October 1, 2020.6
The text of the proposed rule change
is available at the Exchange’s website at
www.iextrading.com, at the principal
office of the Exchange, and at the
Commission’s Public Reference Room.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of the Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
Change
[FR Doc. 2020–22251 Filed 10–7–20; 8:45 am]
[Release No. 34–89967; File No. SR–IEX–
2020–14]
Self-Regulatory Organizations:
Investors Exchange LLC; Notice of
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of
Proposed Rule Change Related to
Transaction Fees Pursuant to IEX Rule
15.110 Concerning D-Limit Orders
September 23, 2020.
Editorial Note: Notice document 2020–
21403, which published Tuesday, September
29, 2020, was incorrect. We are republishing
it here in its entirety.
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
September 11, 2020, the Investors
Exchange LLC (‘‘IEX’’ or the
‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (‘‘SEC’’ or
‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule
change as described in Items I, II, and
III below, which Items have been
prepared by the Exchange. The
Commission is publishing this notice to
solicit comments on the proposed rule
change from interested persons.
I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of the Terms of Substance of
the Proposed Rule Change
Pursuant to the provisions of Section
19(b)(1) under the Act,3 and Rule 19b–
4 thereunder,4 IEX is filing with the
Commission a proposed rule change to
modify its Fee Schedule, pursuant to
IEX Rule 15.110(a) and (c), to establish
fees for the execution of Discretionary
Limit (‘‘D-Limit’’) orders, including
pricing incentives for certain D-Limit,
Discretionary Peg (‘‘D-Peg’’), and
Midpoint Peg (‘‘M-Peg’’) order
executions. Changes to the Fee Schedule
pursuant to this proposal are effective
upon filing,5 and will be implemented
25 17
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
4 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
5 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii).
1 15
22 See supra note 4 for a description of
Amendment No. 1.
23 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
24 Id.
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17:48 Oct 07, 2020
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Fmt 4703
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In its filing with the Commission, the
self-regulatory organization included
statements concerning the purpose of
and basis for the proposed rule change
and discussed any comments it received
on the proposed rule change. The text
of these statements may be examined at
the places specified in Item IV below.
The self-regulatory organization 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 modify its
Fee Schedule, pursuant to IEX Rule
15.110(a) and (c), to establish fees for
the execution of Discretionary Limit
(‘‘D-Limit’’) orders, including pricing
incentives for certain D-Limit,
Discretionary Peg (‘‘D-Peg’’) and
Midpoint Peg (‘‘M-Peg’’) order
executions. Changes to the Fee
Schedule, as proposed, will be
implemented in conjunction with the
full launch of D-Limit trading on
October 1, 2020.7
D-Limit Overview
The D-Limit order type was approved
by the Commission on August 26,
2020,8 and is designed to protect
liquidity providers from potential
adverse selection by latency arbitrage
trading strategies in a fair and
nondiscriminatory manner.9 A D-Limit
order may be a displayed or nondisplayed limit order that upon entry
6 See IEX Trading Alert #2020–024 (Discretionary
Limit (D-Limit) Order Type Launch) issued on
August 28, 2020, available at https://
iextrading.com/alerts/#/121. All D-Limit, D-Peg,
and M-Peg executions that occur prior to October
1, 2020 will be subject to the fee schedule in effect
prior to October 1, 2020.
7 See supra note 6.
8 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 89686
(August 26, 2020), 85 FR 54438 (September 1, 2020)
(SR–IEX–2019–15) (‘‘D-Limit Approval Order’’).
9 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 87814
(December 20, 2019), 84 FR 71997, 71998
(December 30, 2019) (SR–IEX–2019–15) (‘‘D-Limit
Proposal’’).
E:\FR\FM\08OCN1.SGM
08OCN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 196 (Thursday, October 8, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 63614-63616]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-22251]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
[Release No. 34-90079; File No. SR-CBOE-2020-071]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe Exchange, Inc.; Notice of
Filing of Amendment No. 1 and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of a
Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment No. 1, To Amend the
Fifth Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Exchange's Parent Corporation,
Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
October 2, 2020.
I. Introduction
On July 30, 2020, Cboe Exchange, Inc. (the ``Exchange'') filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ``Commission''), pursuant
to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ a proposed rule change to
amend the Fifth Amended and Restated Bylaws (the ``Parent Bylaws'') of
its parent corporation, Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (the ``Parent''). The
proposed rule change was published for comment in the Federal Register
on August 19, 2020.\3\ The Commission received no comment letters
regarding the proposed rule change. On September 24, 2020, the Exchange
filed Amendment No. 1 to the proposal.\4\ The Commission is publishing
this notice to solicit comments on Amendment No. 1 from interested
persons and is approving the proposed rule change, as modified by
Amendment No. 1, on an accelerated basis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
\3\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 89543 (August 13,
2020), 85 FR 51093 (``Notice'').
\4\ In Amendment No. 1, the Exchange provided additional detail
and clarity on a few points without materially changing the proposal
or the proposed rule text. Specifically, in Amendment No. 1, the
Exchange: (i) Provided additional support for its proposed
restrictions on the use of audio, video, and cell phones during
stockholder meetings, including information on past practice by the
Exchange, underlying authority for such restrictions in the current
Parent Bylaws, and comparison to the practices of other Delaware-
incorporated public companies; (ii) clarified that the provisions of
proposed Section 3.15 are subject to existing Section 10.2,
including a representation that emergency Bylaw amendments made
pursuant to proposed Section 3.15(g) may need to be filed pursuant
to Section 19 of the Exchange Act; (iii) clarified that proposed
Section 3.15 is meant to provide short-term flexibility to continue
operations during the initial stage of an emergency situation, and
that proposed paragraph (f) makes clear that, as soon as it is
practicable for a majority of the elected directors to reconvene,
they would be expected to do so; and (iv) added further explanation
of the provision in proposed Section 4.1 regarding the limitation of
the power and authority vested in a Board committee in the
management of the business and affairs of the Parent. To promote
transparency of its proposed amendment, when the Exchange filed
Amendment No. 1 with the Commission, it also submitted Amendment No.
1 as a comment letter to the filing, which then became publicly
available on the Commission's website.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
II. Description
The Exchange proposed certain amendments to the Parent Bylaws that,
according to the Exchange, would ``improve the governance processes''
of the Parent and ``make certain provisions more consistent with the
Delaware General Corporation Law (``DGCL'').'' \5\ According to the
Exchange, many of the proposed changes reflect corporate governance
best practices and, in some instances, provide clarity and flexibility
to the Parent Bylaws.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ See Notice, supra note 3, at 51093.
\6\ See Notice, supra note 3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed Changes to Article 2--Stockholders 7
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\7\ See Notice, supra note 3, for a discussion of the detailed
proposed changes to Article 2 and the DGCL provisions and/or rules
of other exchanges on which they are modeled.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The majority of the proposed changes amend Section 2.11 (Nomination
of Directors) and Section 2.12 (Notice of Business at Annual Meetings).
According to the Exchange, the changes are designed to reflect the most
up-to-date practices under the DGCL and provide the Board with
additional information and advance notice in connection with
nominations and the conduct of business at annual and special meetings.
In particular, the Exchange combines current Section 2.12 into Section
2.11 and amends provisions that govern notice requirements for annual
and special meetings, as well as provisions that provide general
procedures and practices in connection with notices. The proposed
delineation does not alter the process or definition of either type of
meeting, but instead provides for significantly more detailed written
notice requirements as well as updates to the manner and timeliness of
notices.
Additionally, as detailed further in the Notice, the proposed rule
change relocates and expands text concerning nominees for directors and
elections of directors, as well as amends provisions concerning the
place of annual and special meetings and the adjournment of
meetings.\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\8\ See Notice, supra note 3, at 51096-97. See also Section 2.10
(Action at Meeting), 2.11 (Notice of Business and Nomination of
Directors at Meetings of Stockholders), 2.1 (Place of Meetings), 2.2
(Annual Meeting), 2.3 (Special Meeting), and 2.7 (Adjournments).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Further, the Exchange proposes to update provisions that govern the
preparing of the voting list, the ability of the Board to appoint a
director to preside over meetings in the absence of the Chairman of the
Board, and provisions concerning the procedural authority of the
presiding officer at any stockholder meeting.\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\9\ See also Amendment No. 1 (concerning restrictions on the use
of audio, video, and cell phones during stockholder meetings).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed Changes to Article 3--Directors 10
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\10\ See Notice, supra note 3, for a discussion of the detailed
proposed changes to Article 3 and the DGCL provisions and/or rules
of other exchanges on which they are modeled.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The proposed rule change amends provisions concerning director
vacancies, notice for special meetings of the Board, and the routine
filing of consents following an action by the Board.\11\
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\11\ See Section 3.5 (Vacancies), Section 3.10 (Special
Meetings), and Section 3.13 (Action by Consent). See also Notice,
supra note 3, at 51097.
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The proposed change also adds new Section 3.15 (Emergency Bylaws).
In particular, that new section provides certain temporary emergency
provisions that would apply at the outset of an emergency, disaster, or
catastrophe, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the
Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, only for so long as a
quorum of the Board cannot
[[Page 63615]]
readily be convened for action. The Exchange notes that proposed
Section 3.15 is meant to provide the Parent with short-term flexibility
to continue operations during an emergency situation, and that proposed
paragraph (f) makes clear that, as soon as it is practicable for a
majority of the elected directors to reconvene, they would be expected
to do so.\12\
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\12\ See Amendment No. 1.
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Proposed Changes to Article 4--Committees 13
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\13\ See Notice, supra note 3, for a discussion of the detailed
proposed changes to Article 4 and the DGCL provisions and/or rules
of other exchanges on which they are modeled.
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The proposed rule change to Section 4.1 (Designation of Committees)
adds language to reflect that the Board may designate one or more
committees of the Board, and also adds text to address the absence or
disqualification of committee members and allow committee members to
unanimously appoint another Director to act at the meeting in place of
any such absent or disqualified member. In addition, the Exchange
proposes to add text to reflect the power and authority of Board
committees.\14\
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\14\ See Amendment No. 1 (noting that any Board committee may
act only insofar as the resolution of the Board of Directors
permits, which is consistent with how Article 4 currently operates).
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The proposed rule change to Section 4.2 (The Executive Committee)
replaces a list of specific actions and matters that are not to be
handled by the Executive Committee and replaces it with a reference to
matters under the DGCL that are to be submitted to stockholders for
approval.
The proposed change to Section 4.5 (The Nominating and Governance
Committee) reduces the minimum size requirement of that committee from
five members to three members.
Proposed Changes to Article 8--Notices 15
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\15\ See Notice, supra note 3, for a discussion of the detailed
proposed changes to Article 8 and the DGCL provisions and/or rules
of other exchanges on which they are modeled.
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The proposed rule changes in Section 8.1 (Notices) allow notices
sent by messenger or overnight courier to be left at the recipient's
address and also updates language concerning delivery by electronic
mail and when electronic mail delivery is not allowed. The Exchange
also proposes to amend Section 8.2 (Electronic Notice) to allow for
electronic delivery of materials to stockholders unless the stockholder
has opted-out of electronic transmission (currently, electronic
transmission is permitted only when a stockholder has opted-in to
electronic delivery).
Proposed Rule Changes to Article 11--Forum for Adjudication of Disputes
16
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\16\ See Notice, supra note 3, for a discussion of the detailed
proposed changes to Article 11 and the DGCL provisions and/or rules
of other exchanges on which they are modeled.
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The proposed rule changes to Article 11 add clarifying provisions
and additional detail regarding the exclusive forum for adjudication of
disputes.
Finally, the proposed rule change makes non-substantive edits to
the Parent Bylaws, including updating paragraph lettering and numbering
and ensuring consistent use of defined terms.
III. Discussion
After careful review, the Commission finds that the proposed rule
change, as modified by Amendment No. 1, is consistent with the
requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder
applicable to a national securities exchange.\17\ In particular, the
Commission finds that the proposed rule change, as amended, is
consistent with Section 6(b)(1) of the Act,\18\ which requires, that
the Exchange be organized and have the capacity to be able to carry out
the purposes of the Act and to enforce compliance by the Exchange's
Trading Permit Holders and persons associated with its Trading Permit
Holders with the Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, and the
rules of the Exchange.
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\17\ In approving this proposal, the Commission has considered
the proposed rule's impact on efficiency, competition, and capital
formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
\18\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(1).
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The proposed rule change reflects the Exchange's stated goals to
improve the governance process of the Parent and update the Parent
Bylaws to reflect and track the DGCL and current best practices.\19\
The Exchange has represented that it does not believe the proposed rule
changes are controversial and that the proposed provisions are common
among comparable public companies.\20\
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\19\ See Notice, supra note 3, at 51098.
\20\ The Exchange represents that other public companies have
provisions similar to what it is proposing, and that some of its
proposed rule changes have been adopted by other securities and
commodities exchanges, including Nasdaq, Inc., Intercontinental
Exchange, and the CME Group, Inc. Id.
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The Commission believes that the proposed rule change, as modified
by Amendment No. 1, is consistent with the Exchange Act, including
Section 6(b)(1) thereunder, in that the Exchange, and its Parent on the
Exchange's behalf as applicable, will remain so organized and have the
capacity to be able to carry out the purposes of the Exchange Act and
to comply, and enforce compliance by its members and persons associated
with its members, with the provisions of the Exchange Act, the rules
and regulations thereunder, and the rules of the Exchange.
While proposed Section 3.15 will provide the Parent with special
limited powers to ensure continued operations at the onset of an
emergency situation that otherwise prevents the Board from obtaining
the necessary quorum to convene and exercise its power, that section is
intended only to provide limited short-term flexibility to ensuring
continue operations of the Parent during the initial stage of the
emergency situation. Pursuant to proposed paragraph (f), a majority of
the elected directors are expected to reconvene as soon as it is
possible to do so. In addition, the provisions in new Section 3.15
concerning amendments to the Parent Bylaws remain subject to existing
Section 10.2 and, as applicable, the rule filing requirements of
Section 19 of the Act.\21\
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\21\ 15 U.S.C. 78s. See also Amendment No. 1.
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IV. Solicitation of Comments
Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and
arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether Amendment No. 1
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-2020-071 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-2020-071. 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
[[Page 63616]]
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-2020-071 and should be submitted on or before October 29, 2020.
V. Accelerated Approval of Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by
Amendment No. 1
The Commission finds good cause for approving the proposed rule
change, as amended by Amendment No. 1, prior to the 30th day after the
date of publication of notice in the Federal Register. Amendment No. 1
provided additional detail and clarity on a few points without
materially changing the proposal or the proposed rule text.\22\ The
Commission notes that Amendment No. 1 does not change the substance of
the proposed rule change as it was initially filed, but merely adds
detail to a few select items of the proposal regarding their intended
scope. These points of clarification add helpful detail to support the
proposal without materially altering it. Accordingly, the Commission
finds good cause for approving the proposed rule change, as amended, on
an accelerated basis, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act.\23\
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\22\ See supra note 4 for a description of Amendment No. 1.
\23\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
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VI. Conclusion
It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the
Act,\24\ that the proposed rule change, as modified by Amendment No. 1
(SR-CBOE-2020-071), be, and hereby is, approved on an accelerated
basis.
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\24\ Id.
For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\25\
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\25\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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J. Matthew DeLesDernier,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2020-22251 Filed 10-7-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P