Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe EDGX Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend the Fee Schedule To Expand the Existing Financial Product Distribution Program To Provide for a Derived Data Platform Service, 6393-6398 [2021-01133]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 12 / Thursday, January 21, 2021 / Notices 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–Phlx–2021–02 and should be submitted on or before February 11, 2021. outcry trading and this portion of their business is inoperable if open outcry is unavailable. The Exchange’s proposal seeks to provide greater accessibility to Floor Brokers for the portion of their business which does not require the infrastructure afforded by the Trading Floor while not amending the manner in which those orders are handled by either FBMS or the System. This proposal is competitive in that it allows Floor Brokers the ability to participate more continuously and efficiently on Phlx. All Floor Brokers have access to FBMS and therefore would be able to remotely submit limit orders to the electronic limit order book and Floor Qualified Contingent Cross Orders to the System as well as continue to submit these types of orders while on the Trading Floor. Further, the Exchange believes that this proposal, which would allow member organizations to utilize their Floor Brokers, who may be located in other locations, to more efficiently staff their operations and also to conduct their business, even in the event of a closure of the Trading Floor. Finally, this proposal does not amend the manner in which fees or other pricing incentives, such as caps, apply to Floor Brokers. prior to 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate, if consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest, the proposed rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act and Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder.26 At any time within 60 days of the filing of such 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 under Section 19(b)(2)(B) 27 of the Act to determine whether the proposed rule change should be approved or disapproved. Electronic Comments [FR Doc. 2021–01129 Filed 1–19–21; 8:45 am] Technical Amendment The Exchange’s proposal to amend Options 8, Section 1(a) to add the word ‘‘System’’ to the end of ‘‘Options Floor Based Management’’ within the first sentence does not impose an undue burden on competition as this term conforms the manner in which the Exchange utilizes the term ‘‘Options Floor Based Management System’’ throughout Options 8. • 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– Phlx–2021–02 on the subject line. BILLING CODE 8011–01–P C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others No written comments were either solicited or received. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES 6393 III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action The Exchange has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act 24 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.25 Because the proposed rule change does not: (i) Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative 24 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii). 25 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:44 Jan 19, 2021 Jkt 253001 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: 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–Phlx–2021–02. 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 26 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. 27 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B). PO 00000 Frm 00105 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.28 J. Matthew DeLesDernier, Assistant Secretary. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–90914; File No. SR– CboeEDGX–2021–003] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe EDGX Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend the Fee Schedule To Expand the Existing Financial Product Distribution Program To Provide for a Derived Data Platform Service January 13, 2021. 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 January 4, 2021, Cboe EDGX Exchange, Inc. (‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘EDGX’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘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 28 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 1 15 E:\FR\FM\21JAN1.SGM 21JAN1 6394 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 12 / Thursday, January 21, 2021 / Notices 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 EDGX Exchange, Inc. (‘‘EDGX’’ or the ‘‘Exchange’’) is filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) a proposed rule change to amend the Fee Schedule to expand the existing Financial Product Distribution Program (the ‘‘Program’’) to provide for a Derived Data Platform Service. Additionally, the proposal seeks to enhance the Program to provide for the distribution of data derived from the Cboe Aggregated Market (‘‘Cboe One’’) 3 Summary Feed. The proposed rule change is provided in Exhibit 5. The text of the proposed rule change is also available on the Exchange’s website (https://markets.cboe.com/us/ options/regulation/rule_filings/edgx/), 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 jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES 1. Purpose The purpose of the proposed rule change is to implement a pricing structure that would reduce fees charged to Distributors of ‘‘Derived Data’’, as defined below, through an Exchange approved Derived Data Platform Service. Additionally, the proposal seeks to enhance the Program to permit the distribution of data derived from Cboe One Summary through the existing White Label Service, Application Programming Interface (‘‘API’’) Service, and the proposed Platform Service. 3 See Exchange Rule 13.8(b). VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:44 Jan 19, 2021 Jkt 253001 Derived Data Platform Service ‘‘Derived Data’’ is pricing data or other data that (i) is created in whole or in part from Exchange Data, (ii) is not an index or financial product, and (iii) cannot be readily reverse-engineered to recreate Exchange Data or used to create other data that is a reasonable facsimile or substitute for Exchange Data. Derived Data may be created by Distributors for a number of different purposes, as determined by the Distributor. Possible uses include the display of information or data, or the creation of derivative instruments, such as swaps,4 swaptions,5 or contracts for difference.6 The specific use of the data is determined by the Distributor, as applicable fees do not depend on the purpose for placing the Derived Data under the Program. The Exchange currently offers a White Label Service and an API Service that allow Distributors to benefit from discounted fees when distributing Derived Data taken from Exchange data.7 Instead of the regular fee for external distribution 8 of Exchange data, Distributors of Derived Data under both the White Label Service and API Service are charged a tiered External Subscriber Fee based on the number of External Subscribers that receive Derived Data from the Distributor. Additionally, Distributors are charged a Professional User 9 Fee based on the number of 4 A swap is a derivative contract in which two parties agree to exchange financial instruments. 5 A swaption, or swap option, is an option to enter into a swap at a specified time. 6 A contract for difference is an agreement to exchange the difference between the current value of an asset and its future value. If the price increases, the seller pays the buyer the amount of the increase. If the price decreases, the buyer pays the seller the amount of the decrease. 7 Currently, EDGX Top data is the only Exchange data included in the Program; however, as discussed in further detail below, the Exchange is also proposing to include Cboe One Summary in the Program. 8 External distribution occurs when a Distributor that receives an Exchange Market Data product distributes that data to a third-party or one or more users outside the Distributor’s own entity. 9 A ‘‘Professional User’’ of an Exchange Market Data product is any User other than a NonProfessional User. A ‘‘Non-Professional User’’ of an Exchange Market Data product is a natural person or qualifying trust that uses Data only for personal purposes and not for any commercial purpose and, for a natural person who works in the United States, is not: (i) Registered or qualified in any capacity with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Commodities Futures Trading Commission, any state securities agency, any securities exchange or association, or any commodities or futures contract market or association; (ii) engaged as an ‘‘investment adviser’’ as that term is defined in Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisors Act of 1940 (whether or not registered or qualified under that Act); or (iii) employed by a bank or other organization exempt from registration under federal or state securities laws to perform functions that PO 00000 Frm 00106 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Professional Users of the Derived Data. Non-Professional Users of Derived Data are not subject to a fee under either the White Label Service or the API Service. The White Label Service is a type of hosted display solution in which a Distributor hosts, maintains, and controls a website or platform on behalf of a third-party entity. The service allows Distributors to make Derived Data available on a platform that is branded with a third-party brand, or cobranded with a third-party and a Distributor, while the Distributor maintains control of the applications data, entitlements and display. Alternatively, the API Service is a type of data feed distribution in which a Distributor delivers an API or similar distribution mechanism to a third-party entity for use within one or more platforms. The API Service allows Distributors to provide Derived Data to a third-party entity for use within one or more downstream platforms that are operated and maintained by the thirdparty entity. The Distributor maintains control of the entitlements, but does not maintain technical control of the usage or the display. Now the Exchange is proposing to implement a third service under the Program, the Platform Service. The Platform Service would allow a Distributor to provide derivative products directly to users that are hosted within their infrastructure. The Platform Service would be strictly limited to derivative products based in whole or in part on Exchange data where only user remote access is permitted. Normally, distributors of Exchange market data may be subject to Distribution and User Fees including an: External Distribution Fee, Professional User Fee, and Non-Professional User Fee. Distributors would be liable for the fees normally applicable for external distribution except for the NonProfessional User fee,10 which would be eliminated when participating in the Platform Service, further reducing costs for Distributors that provide access to such data to retail investors. In contrast to the existing White Label Service and API Service, the Platform Service provides a targeted discount to Distributors rather than to External Subscribers. would require registration or qualification if such functions were performed for an organization not so exempt; or, for a natural person who works outside of the United States, does not perform the same functions as would disqualify such person as a Non-Professional User if he or she worked in the United States. 10 The Non-Professional User Fee for external distribution of EDGX Top is $0.10/month. E:\FR\FM\21JAN1.SGM 21JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 12 / Thursday, January 21, 2021 / Notices jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES Like the existing White Label Service and API Service, the proposed Platform Service would be entirely optional, in that it would only apply to Distributors that opt to use Derived Data to create a Platform Service, as described herein. It would not impact or raise the cost of any other Exchange product, nor would it affect the cost of Exchange data, except in instances where Derived Data is made available on a Platform Service. A Distributor that provides a Platform Service for Exchange data that is not Derived Data or distributes Derived Data through a platform other than an approved White Label Service, API Service, or Platform Service would be liable for the fees normally applicable for the distribution of Exchange data. Cboe One Summary In addition to the above, the Exchange is proposing to adopt fees for the distribution of data derived from Cboe One Summary under the existing White Label Service and API Service, as well as the proposed Platform Service. Under the existing Fee Schedule, Distributors that participate in the Program may only create Derived Data from EDGX Top,11 a proprietary data product that provides top of book quotations and execution information for all equity securities traded on the Exchange. The Exchange is now proposing a fee amendment to allow Distributors that participate in the Program to create Derived Data from Cboe One Summary in addition to EDGX Top. Cboe One Summary is a proprietary data product that provides the top of book quotations and execution information for all listed equity securities traded across the Exchange and its affiliated U.S. equities exchanges (the ‘‘Cboe equity exchanges’’).12 Therefore, Distributors of Derived Data created from Cboe One Summary could display information or data or create derivative instruments based on top of book information across the four Cboe equity exchanges rather than just EDGX. The Exchange believes that the proposal will enhance the Program as the inclusion of Cboe One Summary will allow Distributors to create Derived Data that is based on a more comprehensive view of the U.S. equities market. As discussed above, Distributors of Exchange data, including Cboe One Summary, may be subject to Distribution and User Fees including an: External Distribution Fee, Professional User Fee, and Non-Professional User Fee. As proposed, a Distributor that provides Derived Data from Cboe One 11 See Exchange Rule 13.8(b). note 3. 12 Supra VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:44 Jan 19, 2021 Jkt 253001 Summary would be liable for the proposed fees discussed below instead of the fees normally applicable for the distribution of Cboe One Summary. Existing fees for EDGX Top Derived Data within a White Label Service or API Service are comprised of a tiered fee based on the number of External Subscribers, a monthly fee for each Professional User, and include no fee for Non-Professional Users. Similarly, the proposed fees for the Platform Service are comprised of the normal External Distribution and Professional User fees applicable for the distribution of EDGX Top except that they would not be subject to the Non-Professional Users fees normally applicable. The Exchange proposes to adopt a similar fee structure for Cboe One Summary Derived Data. As proposed, Distributors would be charged the following fees for a White Label Service for Cboe One Summary Derived Data: (1) $1,000 Per month for each External Subscriber if the Distributor makes Derived Data available to 1–5 External Subscribers; (2) $750 per month for each External Subscriber if the Distributor makes Derived Data available to 6–10 External Subscribers; and (3) $500 per month for each External Subscriber if the Distributor makes Derived Data available to 11 or more External Subscribers. For example, a Distributor providing White Label Derived Data based on Cboe One Summary to six External Subscribers would be charged a monthly fee of $4,500 (i.e., 6 External Subscribers x $750 each). Additionally, the Exchange would continue to charge a monthly Professional User fee of $10 per month for each Professional User. The Exchange proposes no NonProfessional User fee for the distribution of Cboe One Summary Derived Data under the White Label Service, which is consistent with the fee structure for the distribution of EDGX Top Derived Data under the White Label Service. Alternatively, Distributors would be charged the following fees for an API Service for Cboe One Summary Derived Data: (1) $5,000 Per month for each External Subscriber if the Distributor makes Derived Data available to 1–5 External Subscribers; (2) $4,000 per month for each External Subscriber if the Distributor makes Derived Data available to 6–20 External Subscribers; and (3) $3,000 per month for each External Subscriber if the Distributor makes Derived Data available to 11 or more External Subscribers. For example, a Distributor providing API Service Derived Data based on Cboe One Summary to six External Subscribers would be charged a monthly fee of $24,000 (i.e., 6 External Subscribers x PO 00000 Frm 00107 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 6395 $4,000 each). Additionally, the Exchange would continue to charge a monthly Professional User fee of $10 per month for each Professional User. The Exchange proposes no Non-Professional User fee for the distribution of Cboe One Summary Derived Data under the API Service, which is consistent with the fee structure for the distribution of EDGX Top Derived Data under the API Service. Lastly, the Exchange proposes to adopt fees for the proposed Platform Service for Cboe One Summary data in addition to the proposed fees for EDGX Top discussed above. Like the proposed fee for EDGX Top Derived Data, Distributors of Cboe One Summary Derived Data would be liable for the fees normally applicable for the external distribution of Cboe One Summary, except for the Non-Professional User fee (i.e., $0.25/month) which would be free under the Platform Service. Corresponding Amendments to Fee Schedule Based on the proposed amendments discussed above, the Exchange proposes several clarifying modifications to the Fee Schedule. First, the Exchange proposes to add a definition of ‘‘Platform Service’’ to the Market Data Fees definitions section of the Fee Schedule. The definition would provide that ‘‘a Platform Service is a type of hosted display solution in which a Distributor provides derivative products to Platform Service Data Users within their infrastructure. The service allows Distributors to make Derived Data available as part of a platform, providing users remote access to derivative products based in whole or in part on Exchange Data.’’ The Exchange also proposes to amend explanatory asterisks provided under the Program in the Fee Schedule. Specifically, the Exchange proposes to amend the paragraph following the first asterisk to reference the proposed Platform Service in addition to the existing references to the White Label Service and API Service. Additionally, the Exchange proposes to add references to Cboe One Summary after all references to EDGX Top in the paragraph following the first asterisk. Lastly, the Exchange proposes to add additional examples to asterisks two and three so as to explain the application of fees for Derived Data from Cboe One Summary. These proposed non-substantive changes would provide clarity in the Fee Schedule based on the addition of the Platform Service and Cboe One Summary proposed herein. E:\FR\FM\21JAN1.SGM 21JAN1 jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES 6396 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 12 / Thursday, January 21, 2021 / Notices 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the objectives of Section 6 of the Act,13 in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(4),14 in particular, as it is designed to provide for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees and other charges among its members and other recipients of Exchange data. The Exchange also believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 11(A) of the Act.15 Specifically, the proposed rule change supports (i) fair competition among brokers and dealers, among exchange markets, and between exchange markets and markets other than exchange markets, and (ii) the availability to brokers, dealers, and investors of information with respect to quotations for and transactions in securities. In addition, the proposed rule change is consistent with Rule 603 of Regulation NMS,16 which provides that any national securities exchange that distributes information with respect to quotations for or transactions in an NMS stock do so on terms that are not unreasonably discriminatory. In adopting Regulation NMS, the Commission granted SROs and brokerdealers increased authority and flexibility to offer new and unique market data to the public. It was believed that this authority would expand the amount of data available to consumers, and also spur innovation and competition for the provision of market data. The Exchange believes that the proposed fee change would further broaden the availability of U.S. equity market data to investors, consistent with the principles of Regulation NMS. The Exchange operates in a highly competitive environment. Indeed, there are 16 registered national securities exchanges that trade U.S. equities and have the capability to offer associated top of book market data products to their customers. The national securities exchanges also compete with the Securities Information Processors (‘‘SIPs’’) for market data customers. The Commission has repeatedly expressed its preference for competition over regulatory intervention in determining prices, products, and services in the securities markets. Specifically, in Regulation NMS, the Commission highlighted the importance of market forces in determining prices and SRO revenues and, also, recognized that current regulation of the market system ‘‘has been remarkably successful in U.S.C. 78f. U.S.C. 78f(b)(4). 15 15 U.S.C. 78k–1. 16 See 17 CFR 242.603. promoting market competition in its broader forms that are most important to investors and listed companies.’’ 17 The proposed fee change is a result of the competitive environment, as the Exchange seeks to amend its fees to attract additional subscribers for its proprietary top of book data offerings through the introduction of a Derived Data Platform Service and the expansion of top of book data offerings to include Cboe One Summary under the Program. The Exchange believes that it is reasonable to introduce reduced fees for the use of Derived Data on Platform Services as the proposed fee reduction would facilitate cost effective access to market information that is used primarily to create and display certain derivative instruments rather than to display the underlying U.S. equity securities. The proposed Platform Service fees are constrained by competition, and it is this competition that is driving the proposed fee change. Indeed, the Program is designed to allow the Exchange to compete more effectively for market data distributors that purchase market information to offer Derived Data to investors. Similarly, the Exchange believes that it is reasonable to enhance the Program by expanding Exchange data offered under the Program to include Cboe One Summary as doing so will allow Distributors to create Derived Data that is based on a more comprehensive view of the U.S. equities market. Because Exchange data in this context is primarily purchased for the creation of Derived Data encompassing certain derivative instruments, Distributors do not require a consolidated view of the market across multiple exchanges, and will generally purchase such data from a single or select few exchange(s) for their purposes. As noted above, Cboe One Summary includes top of book quotation and transaction data across all four Cboe equity exchanges, which would allow Distributors to create more meaningful Derived Data than that available from a single exchange’s market data at a potentially reduced price. The existence of alternatives to the Program ensures that the Exchange cannot set unreasonable or unfairly discriminatory fees, as subscribers are free to elect such alternatives. That is, the Exchange competes with other exchanges that provide similar market data products and pricing programs. Expanding the availability of diverse competitive products actually promotes 13 15 14 15 VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:44 Jan 19, 2021 17 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 51808 (June 9, 2005), 70 FR 37496, 37499 (June 29, 2005) (‘‘Regulation NMS Adopting Release’’). Jkt 253001 PO 00000 Frm 00108 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 additional competition as it ensures that alternative products from different sources are readily available to Distributors and the broader market. The Exchange therefore believes that the introduction of pricing programs and the expansion of Exchange data are not only constrained by competition but also ensure continued competition that acts as a constraint on the pricing of services provided by other national securities exchanges and the SIPs. If a competing exchange were to charge less for a similar product than the Exchange charges under the proposed fee structure, prospective subscribers may choose not subscribe to, or cease subscribing to, the Program. The Exchange believes that lowering the cost of accessing Derived Data may make the Exchange’s market information more attractive, and encourage additional Distributors to subscribe to Exchange market data instead of competitor products. The Exchange anticipates up to 10 Distributors to participate in the proposed Platform Service, and up to three Distributors to create Derived Data from Cboe One Summary. Distributors can discontinue use at any time and for any reason, including due to an assessment of the reasonableness of fees charged. Further, firms have a wide variety of alternative market data products from which to choose, such as similar proprietary data products offered by other national securities exchanges, including those that choose to offer discounted fees for the distribution of Derived Data in an effort to compete for this business. The proposed rule change would provide an optional fee structure for Distributors to use Exchange data to make Derived Data available to NonProfessional Users via an Exchange approved Platform Service at a reduced fee. As proposed, if a Distributor uses a Platform Service to distribute Derived Data, the Distributor would be charged the normal applicable External Distributor Fee excluding the NonProfessional User Fee. The Exchange believes that it is equitable and not unfairly discriminatory to charge a fee for Professional Users but no fee for Non-Professional Users. NonProfessional Users are already subject to a heavily discounted fee for EDGX Top market data relative to Professional Users. Differential fees for Professional and Non-Professional Users are widely used by the Exchange and other exchanges for their proprietary market data as this reduces costs for retail investors and makes market data more broadly available. The Exchange believes that eliminating fees for Non- E:\FR\FM\21JAN1.SGM 21JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 12 / Thursday, January 21, 2021 / Notices jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES Professional Users that access Derived Data from Distributors pursuant to the Program is consistent with longstanding precedent indicating that it is consistent with the Act to provide reasonable incentives to retail investors that rely on the public markets for their investment needs.18 Further, the proposed fee would only apply to Distributors that elect to participate in the Program by distributing Derived Data through a Platform Service. Exchange market data is distributed and purchased on a voluntary basis, in that neither the Exchange nor market data distributors are required by any rule or regulation to make this data available. Distributors of Exchange data are not required to participate in the proposed Program, which is merely an alternative option being proposed by the Exchange to potentially lower costs for market data that is Derived Data. As previously explained, the Exchange currently offers discounted fees for Distributors that distribute Derived Data on a White Label Service or an API Service. Expanding the universe of customers that can benefit from discounted fees for distributing Derived Data would serve to further increase the accessibility of the Exchange’s market data products. Although the proposed pricing for the Platform Service differs from the pricing currently in place for the White Label and API Service Programs, it mirrors the normal External Distribution Fee for EDGX Top and Cboe One Summary except that there would be no fee for Non-Professional Users. The White Label Service provides an ‘‘off-theshelf’’ solution to display Derived Data as it is ultimately designed and controlled by the Distributor. Alternatively, the API Service offers end clients of Distributors to use Derived Data in one or more of their own customized applications. The Exchange believes that the proposed pricing reflects the relative benefits provided to Distributors that offer a Platform Service that allows Users remote access to derivative products via a hosted display solution within the Distributors fully managed infrastructure. The proposed rule change would also provide Distributors the option to create Derived Data from Cboe One Summary, and benefit from reduced fees for that 18 As discussed previously, the Exchange does not fees [sic] to Non-Professional Users pursuant to the White Label Service and API Service. See Securities Exchange Act No. 84002 (August 30, 2018) 83 FR 45149 (September 5, 2018) (SR–CboeEDGX–2018– 065) (Proposed fee amendment for White Label Service). See also Securities Exchange Act No. 87306 (October 15, 2019) 84 FR 56258 (October 21, 2019) (SR–CboeEDGX–2019–087) (Proposed fee amendment for API Service). VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:44 Jan 19, 2021 Jkt 253001 product under the Financial Product Distribution Program, in addition to the currently available EDGX Top. The proposed fees would only apply to Distributors that elect to create Derived Data from Cboe One Summary. Similar to the fee structure for EDGX Top under the Program, no fee would be assessed for Non-Professional Users of Derived Data from Cboe One Summary. For the same reasons discussed above, the Exchange believes it is equitable and not unfairly discriminatory to charge a fee for Professional Users but no fee for Non-Professional Users. Further, the proposed fee would only apply to Distributors that elect to participate in the Program by distributing Derived Data from Cboe One Summary. Exchange market data is distributed and purchased on a voluntary basis, in that neither the Exchange nor market data distributors are required by any rule or regulation to make this data available. Although the proposed pricing for Cboe One Summary differs from the pricing currently in place for EDGX Top, the Exchange also believes that its pricing reflects the relative benefits provided to Distributors that provide Derived Data based on market information from all four Cboe equities exchanges. For example, the proposed fee for one to five External Subscribers of Derived Data based on Cboe One Summary using the API Service is equal to the aggregate standard External Distribution Fee across the Cboe equities exchange Top feeds, and is also equal to the standard External Distribution Fee for Cboe One Summary (i.e., $5,000 per External Subscriber) on the Exchange. The proposed fee under the White Label Service is less than the proposed fee for API Service as Derived Data is provided on an ‘‘off-the-shelf’’ basis, and thus reflects the relative benefits provided to Distributors. Further, the proposed fee for Cboe One Summary under the proposed Platform Service is identical to the standard External Distributor fee for Cboe One Summary with the exception that there would be no fee associated with Non-Professional Users. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change would result in any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The Exchange operates in a highly competitive environment, and its ability to price these data products is constrained by: (i) Competition among exchanges that offer similar data products, and pricing options, to their customers; and (ii) the existence of PO 00000 Frm 00109 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 6397 inexpensive real-time consolidated data disseminated by the SIPs. Top of book data is disseminated by both the SIPs and all 16 equities exchanges have the capability to disseminate such data. There are therefore a number of alternative products available to market participants and investors. In this competitive environment potential subscribers are free to choose which competing product to purchase to satisfy their need for market information. Often, the choice comes down to price, as broker-dealers or vendors look to purchase the lowest priced top of book data product, or quality, as market participants seek to purchase data that represents significant market liquidity. In order to better compete for this segment of the market, the Exchange is proposing to reduce fees charged to Distributors that distribute Derived Data through an Exchange approved Platform and enhance the existing program to offer Distributors the option to create Derived Data based on Cboe One Summary. The Exchange believes that this would facilitate greater access to Exchange data, ultimately benefiting investors that are provided access to such data. The proposed Platform Service fees would apply to data derived from EDGX Top and Cboe One Summary, which are subject to competition from both the SIPs and exchanges that offer similar products, including but not limited to those that choose to provide similar pricing options for Derived Data. A number of national securities exchanges, including the Exchange, its affiliated Cboe U.S. equities exchanges, and the Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC (‘‘Nasdaq’’) offer pricing discounts for Derived Data today. These pricing programs reduce the cost of accessing top of book market information that is used, among other things, to create derivative instruments rather than to trade U.S. equity securities. In order to better compete for this segment of the market, the Exchange is proposing to expand the Program to include a Derived Data Platform Service, which would allow additional market data customers to benefit from discounted pricing. Additionally, the Exchange is proposing to enhance the Program by providing a fee structure for Cboe One Summary, which would allow Distributors to create Derived Data that is based on a more comprehensive view of the U.S. equities market. The Exchange does not believe that the proposal would cause any unnecessary or inappropriate burden on intermarket competition as other exchanges and data vendors are free to lower their prices to better E:\FR\FM\21JAN1.SGM 21JAN1 6398 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 12 / Thursday, January 21, 2021 / Notices compete with the Exchange’s offering. The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is pro-competitive as it seeks to offer pricing incentives to customers to better position the Exchange as it competes to attract additional market data subscribers. 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 The foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 19 and paragraph (f) of Rule 19b–4 20 thereunder. 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 will institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule change should be approved or disapproved. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES 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– CboeEDGX–2021–003 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–CboeEDGX–2021–003. 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–CboeEDGX–2021–003 and should be submitted on or before February 11, 2021. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.21 J. Matthew DeLesDernier, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2021–01133 Filed 1–19–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–90912; File No. SR– CboeBZX–2021–003] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend the Fee Schedule To Expand the Existing Financial Product Distribution Program To Provide for a Derived Data Platform Service January 13, 2021. 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 January 4, 2021, Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘BZX’’) filed with the 21 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 19 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). 20 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f). VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:44 Jan 19, 2021 Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘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 Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (‘‘BZX’’ or the ‘‘Exchange’’) is filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’) a proposed rule change to amend the Fee Schedule to expand the existing Financial Product Distribution Program (the ‘‘Program’’) to provide for a Derived Data Platform Service. Additionally, the proposal seeks to enhance the Program to provide for the distribution of data derived from the Cboe Aggregated Market (‘‘Cboe One’’) 3 Summary Feed. The text of the proposed rule change is provided in Exhibit 5. The text of the proposed rule change is also available on the Exchange’s website (https://markets.cboe.com/us/ equities/regulation/rule_filings/bzx/), 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 the proposed rule change is to implement a pricing structure that would reduce fees charged to Distributors of ‘‘Derived Data’’, as defined below, through an Exchange approved Derived Data Platform Service. Additionally, the proposal seeks to enhance the Program to permit the distribution of data derived from Cboe One Summary 1 15 Jkt 253001 PO 00000 Frm 00110 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 3 See E:\FR\FM\21JAN1.SGM Exchange Rule 11.22(j). 21JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 12 (Thursday, January 21, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6393-6398]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-01133]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-90914; File No. SR-CboeEDGX-2021-003]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe EDGX Exchange, Inc.; Notice 
of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend 
the Fee Schedule To Expand the Existing Financial Product Distribution 
Program To Provide for a Derived Data Platform Service

January 13, 2021.
    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 January 4, 2021, Cboe EDGX Exchange, Inc. (``Exchange'' or ``EDGX'') 
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``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

[[Page 6394]]

solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

    Cboe EDGX Exchange, Inc. (``EDGX'' or the ``Exchange'') is filing 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') a proposed 
rule change to amend the Fee Schedule to expand the existing Financial 
Product Distribution Program (the ``Program'') to provide for a Derived 
Data Platform Service. Additionally, the proposal seeks to enhance the 
Program to provide for the distribution of data derived from the Cboe 
Aggregated Market (``Cboe One'') \3\ Summary Feed. The proposed rule 
change is provided in Exhibit 5.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ See Exchange Rule 13.8(b).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The text of the proposed rule change is also available on the 
Exchange's website (https://markets.cboe.com/us/options/regulation/rule_filings/edgx/), 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 the proposed rule change is to implement a pricing 
structure that would reduce fees charged to Distributors of ``Derived 
Data'', as defined below, through an Exchange approved Derived Data 
Platform Service. Additionally, the proposal seeks to enhance the 
Program to permit the distribution of data derived from Cboe One 
Summary through the existing White Label Service, Application 
Programming Interface (``API'') Service, and the proposed Platform 
Service.
Derived Data Platform Service
    ``Derived Data'' is pricing data or other data that (i) is created 
in whole or in part from Exchange Data, (ii) is not an index or 
financial product, and (iii) cannot be readily 
reverse[hyphen]engineered to recreate Exchange Data or used to create 
other data that is a reasonable facsimile or substitute for Exchange 
Data. Derived Data may be created by Distributors for a number of 
different purposes, as determined by the Distributor. Possible uses 
include the display of information or data, or the creation of 
derivative instruments, such as swaps,\4\ swaptions,\5\ or contracts 
for difference.\6\ The specific use of the data is determined by the 
Distributor, as applicable fees do not depend on the purpose for 
placing the Derived Data under the Program.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ A swap is a derivative contract in which two parties agree 
to exchange financial instruments.
    \5\ A swaption, or swap option, is an option to enter into a 
swap at a specified time.
    \6\ A contract for difference is an agreement to exchange the 
difference between the current value of an asset and its future 
value. If the price increases, the seller pays the buyer the amount 
of the increase. If the price decreases, the buyer pays the seller 
the amount of the decrease.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange currently offers a White Label Service and an API 
Service that allow Distributors to benefit from discounted fees when 
distributing Derived Data taken from Exchange data.\7\ Instead of the 
regular fee for external distribution \8\ of Exchange data, 
Distributors of Derived Data under both the White Label Service and API 
Service are charged a tiered External Subscriber Fee based on the 
number of External Subscribers that receive Derived Data from the 
Distributor. Additionally, Distributors are charged a Professional User 
\9\ Fee based on the number of Professional Users of the Derived Data. 
Non-Professional Users of Derived Data are not subject to a fee under 
either the White Label Service or the API Service.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ Currently, EDGX Top data is the only Exchange data included 
in the Program; however, as discussed in further detail below, the 
Exchange is also proposing to include Cboe One Summary in the 
Program.
    \8\ External distribution occurs when a Distributor that 
receives an Exchange Market Data product distributes that data to a 
third-party or one or more users outside the Distributor's own 
entity.
    \9\ A ``Professional User'' of an Exchange Market Data product 
is any User other than a Non-Professional User. A ``Non-Professional 
User'' of an Exchange Market Data product is a natural person or 
qualifying trust that uses Data only for personal purposes and not 
for any commercial purpose and, for a natural person who works in 
the United States, is not: (i) Registered or qualified in any 
capacity with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the 
Commodities Futures Trading Commission, any state securities agency, 
any securities exchange or association, or any commodities or 
futures contract market or association; (ii) engaged as an 
``investment adviser'' as that term is defined in Section 202(a)(11) 
of the Investment Advisors Act of 1940 (whether or not registered or 
qualified under that Act); or (iii) employed by a bank or other 
organization exempt from registration under federal or state 
securities laws to perform functions that would require registration 
or qualification if such functions were performed for an 
organization not so exempt; or, for a natural person who works 
outside of the United States, does not perform the same functions as 
would disqualify such person as a Non-Professional User if he or she 
worked in the United States.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The White Label Service is a type of hosted display solution in 
which a Distributor hosts, maintains, and controls a website or 
platform on behalf of a third-party entity. The service allows 
Distributors to make Derived Data available on a platform that is 
branded with a third-party brand, or co-branded with a third-party and 
a Distributor, while the Distributor maintains control of the 
applications data, entitlements and display. Alternatively, the API 
Service is a type of data feed distribution in which a Distributor 
delivers an API or similar distribution mechanism to a third-party 
entity for use within one or more platforms. The API Service allows 
Distributors to provide Derived Data to a third-party entity for use 
within one or more downstream platforms that are operated and 
maintained by the third-party entity. The Distributor maintains control 
of the entitlements, but does not maintain technical control of the 
usage or the display.
    Now the Exchange is proposing to implement a third service under 
the Program, the Platform Service. The Platform Service would allow a 
Distributor to provide derivative products directly to users that are 
hosted within their infrastructure. The Platform Service would be 
strictly limited to derivative products based in whole or in part on 
Exchange data where only user remote access is permitted. Normally, 
distributors of Exchange market data may be subject to Distribution and 
User Fees including an: External Distribution Fee, Professional User 
Fee, and Non-Professional User Fee. Distributors would be liable for 
the fees normally applicable for external distribution except for the 
Non-Professional User fee,\10\ which would be eliminated when 
participating in the Platform Service, further reducing costs for 
Distributors that provide access to such data to retail investors. In 
contrast to the existing White Label Service and API Service, the 
Platform Service provides a targeted discount to Distributors rather 
than to External Subscribers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ The Non-Professional User Fee for external distribution of 
EDGX Top is $0.10/month.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 6395]]

    Like the existing White Label Service and API Service, the proposed 
Platform Service would be entirely optional, in that it would only 
apply to Distributors that opt to use Derived Data to create a Platform 
Service, as described herein. It would not impact or raise the cost of 
any other Exchange product, nor would it affect the cost of Exchange 
data, except in instances where Derived Data is made available on a 
Platform Service. A Distributor that provides a Platform Service for 
Exchange data that is not Derived Data or distributes Derived Data 
through a platform other than an approved White Label Service, API 
Service, or Platform Service would be liable for the fees normally 
applicable for the distribution of Exchange data.
Cboe One Summary
    In addition to the above, the Exchange is proposing to adopt fees 
for the distribution of data derived from Cboe One Summary under the 
existing White Label Service and API Service, as well as the proposed 
Platform Service. Under the existing Fee Schedule, Distributors that 
participate in the Program may only create Derived Data from EDGX 
Top,\11\ a proprietary data product that provides top of book 
quotations and execution information for all equity securities traded 
on the Exchange. The Exchange is now proposing a fee amendment to allow 
Distributors that participate in the Program to create Derived Data 
from Cboe One Summary in addition to EDGX Top. Cboe One Summary is a 
proprietary data product that provides the top of book quotations and 
execution information for all listed equity securities traded across 
the Exchange and its affiliated U.S. equities exchanges (the ``Cboe 
equity exchanges'').\12\ Therefore, Distributors of Derived Data 
created from Cboe One Summary could display information or data or 
create derivative instruments based on top of book information across 
the four Cboe equity exchanges rather than just EDGX. The Exchange 
believes that the proposal will enhance the Program as the inclusion of 
Cboe One Summary will allow Distributors to create Derived Data that is 
based on a more comprehensive view of the U.S. equities market.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ See Exchange Rule 13.8(b).
    \12\ Supra note 3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As discussed above, Distributors of Exchange data, including Cboe 
One Summary, may be subject to Distribution and User Fees including an: 
External Distribution Fee, Professional User Fee, and Non-Professional 
User Fee. As proposed, a Distributor that provides Derived Data from 
Cboe One Summary would be liable for the proposed fees discussed below 
instead of the fees normally applicable for the distribution of Cboe 
One Summary. Existing fees for EDGX Top Derived Data within a White 
Label Service or API Service are comprised of a tiered fee based on the 
number of External Subscribers, a monthly fee for each Professional 
User, and include no fee for Non-Professional Users. Similarly, the 
proposed fees for the Platform Service are comprised of the normal 
External Distribution and Professional User fees applicable for the 
distribution of EDGX Top except that they would not be subject to the 
Non-Professional Users fees normally applicable. The Exchange proposes 
to adopt a similar fee structure for Cboe One Summary Derived Data.
    As proposed, Distributors would be charged the following fees for a 
White Label Service for Cboe One Summary Derived Data: (1) $1,000 Per 
month for each External Subscriber if the Distributor makes Derived 
Data available to 1-5 External Subscribers; (2) $750 per month for each 
External Subscriber if the Distributor makes Derived Data available to 
6-10 External Subscribers; and (3) $500 per month for each External 
Subscriber if the Distributor makes Derived Data available to 11 or 
more External Subscribers. For example, a Distributor providing White 
Label Derived Data based on Cboe One Summary to six External 
Subscribers would be charged a monthly fee of $4,500 (i.e., 6 External 
Subscribers x $750 each). Additionally, the Exchange would continue to 
charge a monthly Professional User fee of $10 per month for each 
Professional User. The Exchange proposes no Non-Professional User fee 
for the distribution of Cboe One Summary Derived Data under the White 
Label Service, which is consistent with the fee structure for the 
distribution of EDGX Top Derived Data under the White Label Service.
    Alternatively, Distributors would be charged the following fees for 
an API Service for Cboe One Summary Derived Data: (1) $5,000 Per month 
for each External Subscriber if the Distributor makes Derived Data 
available to 1-5 External Subscribers; (2) $4,000 per month for each 
External Subscriber if the Distributor makes Derived Data available to 
6-20 External Subscribers; and (3) $3,000 per month for each External 
Subscriber if the Distributor makes Derived Data available to 11 or 
more External Subscribers. For example, a Distributor providing API 
Service Derived Data based on Cboe One Summary to six External 
Subscribers would be charged a monthly fee of $24,000 (i.e., 6 External 
Subscribers x $4,000 each). Additionally, the Exchange would continue 
to charge a monthly Professional User fee of $10 per month for each 
Professional User. The Exchange proposes no Non-Professional User fee 
for the distribution of Cboe One Summary Derived Data under the API 
Service, which is consistent with the fee structure for the 
distribution of EDGX Top Derived Data under the API Service.
    Lastly, the Exchange proposes to adopt fees for the proposed 
Platform Service for Cboe One Summary data in addition to the proposed 
fees for EDGX Top discussed above. Like the proposed fee for EDGX Top 
Derived Data, Distributors of Cboe One Summary Derived Data would be 
liable for the fees normally applicable for the external distribution 
of Cboe One Summary, except for the Non-Professional User fee (i.e., 
$0.25/month) which would be free under the Platform Service.
Corresponding Amendments to Fee Schedule
    Based on the proposed amendments discussed above, the Exchange 
proposes several clarifying modifications to the Fee Schedule. First, 
the Exchange proposes to add a definition of ``Platform Service'' to 
the Market Data Fees definitions section of the Fee Schedule. The 
definition would provide that ``a Platform Service is a type of hosted 
display solution in which a Distributor provides derivative products to 
Platform Service Data Users within their infrastructure. The service 
allows Distributors to make Derived Data available as part of a 
platform, providing users remote access to derivative products based in 
whole or in part on Exchange Data.''
    The Exchange also proposes to amend explanatory asterisks provided 
under the Program in the Fee Schedule. Specifically, the Exchange 
proposes to amend the paragraph following the first asterisk to 
reference the proposed Platform Service in addition to the existing 
references to the White Label Service and API Service. Additionally, 
the Exchange proposes to add references to Cboe One Summary after all 
references to EDGX Top in the paragraph following the first asterisk. 
Lastly, the Exchange proposes to add additional examples to asterisks 
two and three so as to explain the application of fees for Derived Data 
from Cboe One Summary. These proposed non-substantive changes would 
provide clarity in the Fee Schedule based on the addition of the 
Platform Service and Cboe One Summary proposed herein.

[[Page 6396]]

2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent 
with the objectives of Section 6 of the Act,\13\ in general, and 
furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(4),\14\ in particular, as it is 
designed to provide for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, 
fees and other charges among its members and other recipients of 
Exchange data.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ 15 U.S.C. 78f.
    \14\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange also believes that the proposed rule change is 
consistent with Section 11(A) of the Act.\15\ Specifically, the 
proposed rule change supports (i) fair competition among brokers and 
dealers, among exchange markets, and between exchange markets and 
markets other than exchange markets, and (ii) the availability to 
brokers, dealers, and investors of information with respect to 
quotations for and transactions in securities. In addition, the 
proposed rule change is consistent with Rule 603 of Regulation NMS,\16\ 
which provides that any national securities exchange that distributes 
information with respect to quotations for or transactions in an NMS 
stock do so on terms that are not unreasonably discriminatory.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ 15 U.S.C. 78k-1.
    \16\ See 17 CFR 242.603.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In adopting Regulation NMS, the Commission granted SROs and broker-
dealers increased authority and flexibility to offer new and unique 
market data to the public. It was believed that this authority would 
expand the amount of data available to consumers, and also spur 
innovation and competition for the provision of market data. The 
Exchange believes that the proposed fee change would further broaden 
the availability of U.S. equity market data to investors, consistent 
with the principles of Regulation NMS.
    The Exchange operates in a highly competitive environment. Indeed, 
there are 16 registered national securities exchanges that trade U.S. 
equities and have the capability to offer associated top of book market 
data products to their customers. The national securities exchanges 
also compete with the Securities Information Processors (``SIPs'') for 
market data customers. The Commission has repeatedly expressed its 
preference for competition over regulatory intervention in determining 
prices, products, and services in the securities markets. Specifically, 
in Regulation NMS, the Commission highlighted the importance of market 
forces in determining prices and SRO revenues and, also, recognized 
that current regulation of the market system ``has been remarkably 
successful in promoting market competition in its broader forms that 
are most important to investors and listed companies.'' \17\ The 
proposed fee change is a result of the competitive environment, as the 
Exchange seeks to amend its fees to attract additional subscribers for 
its proprietary top of book data offerings through the introduction of 
a Derived Data Platform Service and the expansion of top of book data 
offerings to include Cboe One Summary under the Program.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 51808 (June 9, 
2005), 70 FR 37496, 37499 (June 29, 2005) (``Regulation NMS Adopting 
Release'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange believes that it is reasonable to introduce reduced 
fees for the use of Derived Data on Platform Services as the proposed 
fee reduction would facilitate cost effective access to market 
information that is used primarily to create and display certain 
derivative instruments rather than to display the underlying U.S. 
equity securities. The proposed Platform Service fees are constrained 
by competition, and it is this competition that is driving the proposed 
fee change. Indeed, the Program is designed to allow the Exchange to 
compete more effectively for market data distributors that purchase 
market information to offer Derived Data to investors.
    Similarly, the Exchange believes that it is reasonable to enhance 
the Program by expanding Exchange data offered under the Program to 
include Cboe One Summary as doing so will allow Distributors to create 
Derived Data that is based on a more comprehensive view of the U.S. 
equities market. Because Exchange data in this context is primarily 
purchased for the creation of Derived Data encompassing certain 
derivative instruments, Distributors do not require a consolidated view 
of the market across multiple exchanges, and will generally purchase 
such data from a single or select few exchange(s) for their purposes. 
As noted above, Cboe One Summary includes top of book quotation and 
transaction data across all four Cboe equity exchanges, which would 
allow Distributors to create more meaningful Derived Data than that 
available from a single exchange's market data at a potentially reduced 
price.
    The existence of alternatives to the Program ensures that the 
Exchange cannot set unreasonable or unfairly discriminatory fees, as 
subscribers are free to elect such alternatives. That is, the Exchange 
competes with other exchanges that provide similar market data products 
and pricing programs. Expanding the availability of diverse competitive 
products actually promotes additional competition as it ensures that 
alternative products from different sources are readily available to 
Distributors and the broader market. The Exchange therefore believes 
that the introduction of pricing programs and the expansion of Exchange 
data are not only constrained by competition but also ensure continued 
competition that acts as a constraint on the pricing of services 
provided by other national securities exchanges and the SIPs. If a 
competing exchange were to charge less for a similar product than the 
Exchange charges under the proposed fee structure, prospective 
subscribers may choose not subscribe to, or cease subscribing to, the 
Program. The Exchange believes that lowering the cost of accessing 
Derived Data may make the Exchange's market information more 
attractive, and encourage additional Distributors to subscribe to 
Exchange market data instead of competitor products. The Exchange 
anticipates up to 10 Distributors to participate in the proposed 
Platform Service, and up to three Distributors to create Derived Data 
from Cboe One Summary. Distributors can discontinue use at any time and 
for any reason, including due to an assessment of the reasonableness of 
fees charged. Further, firms have a wide variety of alternative market 
data products from which to choose, such as similar proprietary data 
products offered by other national securities exchanges, including 
those that choose to offer discounted fees for the distribution of 
Derived Data in an effort to compete for this business.
    The proposed rule change would provide an optional fee structure 
for Distributors to use Exchange data to make Derived Data available to 
Non-Professional Users via an Exchange approved Platform Service at a 
reduced fee. As proposed, if a Distributor uses a Platform Service to 
distribute Derived Data, the Distributor would be charged the normal 
applicable External Distributor Fee excluding the Non-Professional User 
Fee. The Exchange believes that it is equitable and not unfairly 
discriminatory to charge a fee for Professional Users but no fee for 
Non-Professional Users. Non-Professional Users are already subject to a 
heavily discounted fee for EDGX Top market data relative to 
Professional Users. Differential fees for Professional and Non-
Professional Users are widely used by the Exchange and other exchanges 
for their proprietary market data as this reduces costs for retail 
investors and makes market data more broadly available. The Exchange 
believes that eliminating fees for Non-

[[Page 6397]]

Professional Users that access Derived Data from Distributors pursuant 
to the Program is consistent with longstanding precedent indicating 
that it is consistent with the Act to provide reasonable incentives to 
retail investors that rely on the public markets for their investment 
needs.\18\ Further, the proposed fee would only apply to Distributors 
that elect to participate in the Program by distributing Derived Data 
through a Platform Service. Exchange market data is distributed and 
purchased on a voluntary basis, in that neither the Exchange nor market 
data distributors are required by any rule or regulation to make this 
data available. Distributors of Exchange data are not required to 
participate in the proposed Program, which is merely an alternative 
option being proposed by the Exchange to potentially lower costs for 
market data that is Derived Data. As previously explained, the Exchange 
currently offers discounted fees for Distributors that distribute 
Derived Data on a White Label Service or an API Service. Expanding the 
universe of customers that can benefit from discounted fees for 
distributing Derived Data would serve to further increase the 
accessibility of the Exchange's market data products. Although the 
proposed pricing for the Platform Service differs from the pricing 
currently in place for the White Label and API Service Programs, it 
mirrors the normal External Distribution Fee for EDGX Top and Cboe One 
Summary except that there would be no fee for Non-Professional Users. 
The White Label Service provides an ``off-the-shelf'' solution to 
display Derived Data as it is ultimately designed and controlled by the 
Distributor. Alternatively, the API Service offers end clients of 
Distributors to use Derived Data in one or more of their own customized 
applications. The Exchange believes that the proposed pricing reflects 
the relative benefits provided to Distributors that offer a Platform 
Service that allows Users remote access to derivative products via a 
hosted display solution within the Distributors fully managed 
infrastructure.
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    \18\ As discussed previously, the Exchange does not fees [sic] 
to Non-Professional Users pursuant to the White Label Service and 
API Service. See Securities Exchange Act No. 84002 (August 30, 2018) 
83 FR 45149 (September 5, 2018) (SR-CboeEDGX-2018-065) (Proposed fee 
amendment for White Label Service). See also Securities Exchange Act 
No. 87306 (October 15, 2019) 84 FR 56258 (October 21, 2019) (SR-
CboeEDGX-2019-087) (Proposed fee amendment for API Service).
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    The proposed rule change would also provide Distributors the option 
to create Derived Data from Cboe One Summary, and benefit from reduced 
fees for that product under the Financial Product Distribution Program, 
in addition to the currently available EDGX Top. The proposed fees 
would only apply to Distributors that elect to create Derived Data from 
Cboe One Summary. Similar to the fee structure for EDGX Top under the 
Program, no fee would be assessed for Non-Professional Users of Derived 
Data from Cboe One Summary. For the same reasons discussed above, the 
Exchange believes it is equitable and not unfairly discriminatory to 
charge a fee for Professional Users but no fee for Non-Professional 
Users. Further, the proposed fee would only apply to Distributors that 
elect to participate in the Program by distributing Derived Data from 
Cboe One Summary. Exchange market data is distributed and purchased on 
a voluntary basis, in that neither the Exchange nor market data 
distributors are required by any rule or regulation to make this data 
available. Although the proposed pricing for Cboe One Summary differs 
from the pricing currently in place for EDGX Top, the Exchange also 
believes that its pricing reflects the relative benefits provided to 
Distributors that provide Derived Data based on market information from 
all four Cboe equities exchanges. For example, the proposed fee for one 
to five External Subscribers of Derived Data based on Cboe One Summary 
using the API Service is equal to the aggregate standard External 
Distribution Fee across the Cboe equities exchange Top feeds, and is 
also equal to the standard External Distribution Fee for Cboe One 
Summary (i.e., $5,000 per External Subscriber) on the Exchange. The 
proposed fee under the White Label Service is less than the proposed 
fee for API Service as Derived Data is provided on an ``off-the-shelf'' 
basis, and thus reflects the relative benefits provided to 
Distributors. Further, the proposed fee for Cboe One Summary under the 
proposed Platform Service is identical to the standard External 
Distributor fee for Cboe One Summary with the exception that there 
would be no fee associated with Non-Professional Users.

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

    The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change would 
result in any burden on competition that is not necessary or 
appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The Exchange 
operates in a highly competitive environment, and its ability to price 
these data products is constrained by: (i) Competition among exchanges 
that offer similar data products, and pricing options, to their 
customers; and (ii) the existence of inexpensive real-time consolidated 
data disseminated by the SIPs. Top of book data is disseminated by both 
the SIPs and all 16 equities exchanges have the capability to 
disseminate such data. There are therefore a number of alternative 
products available to market participants and investors. In this 
competitive environment potential subscribers are free to choose which 
competing product to purchase to satisfy their need for market 
information. Often, the choice comes down to price, as broker-dealers 
or vendors look to purchase the lowest priced top of book data product, 
or quality, as market participants seek to purchase data that 
represents significant market liquidity. In order to better compete for 
this segment of the market, the Exchange is proposing to reduce fees 
charged to Distributors that distribute Derived Data through an 
Exchange approved Platform and enhance the existing program to offer 
Distributors the option to create Derived Data based on Cboe One 
Summary. The Exchange believes that this would facilitate greater 
access to Exchange data, ultimately benefiting investors that are 
provided access to such data. The proposed Platform Service fees would 
apply to data derived from EDGX Top and Cboe One Summary, which are 
subject to competition from both the SIPs and exchanges that offer 
similar products, including but not limited to those that choose to 
provide similar pricing options for Derived Data. A number of national 
securities exchanges, including the Exchange, its affiliated Cboe U.S. 
equities exchanges, and the Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC (``Nasdaq'') offer 
pricing discounts for Derived Data today. These pricing programs reduce 
the cost of accessing top of book market information that is used, 
among other things, to create derivative instruments rather than to 
trade U.S. equity securities. In order to better compete for this 
segment of the market, the Exchange is proposing to expand the Program 
to include a Derived Data Platform Service, which would allow 
additional market data customers to benefit from discounted pricing. 
Additionally, the Exchange is proposing to enhance the Program by 
providing a fee structure for Cboe One Summary, which would allow 
Distributors to create Derived Data that is based on a more 
comprehensive view of the U.S. equities market. The Exchange does not 
believe that the proposal would cause any unnecessary or inappropriate 
burden on intermarket competition as other exchanges and data vendors 
are free to lower their prices to better

[[Page 6398]]

compete with the Exchange's offering. The Exchange believes that the 
proposed rule change is pro-competitive as it seeks to offer pricing 
incentives to customers to better position the Exchange as it competes 
to attract additional market data subscribers.

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

    The foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 
19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \19\ and paragraph (f) of Rule 19b-4 \20\ 
thereunder. 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 will institute proceedings to 
determine whether the proposed rule change should be approved or 
disapproved.
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    \19\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \20\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f).
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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-CboeEDGX-2021-003 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-CboeEDGX-2021-003. 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-CboeEDGX-2021-003 and should be 
submitted on or before February 11, 2021.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\21\
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    \21\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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J. Matthew DeLesDernier,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2021-01133 Filed 1-19-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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