Self-Regulatory Organizations; BOX Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend the Fee Schedule on the BOX Options Market LLC Facility, 21401-21405 [2021-08311]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 76 / Thursday, April 22, 2021 / Notices 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–NYSENAT–2021–09, and should be submitted on or before May 13, 2021. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.28 J. Lynn Taylor, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2021–08306 Filed 4–21–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–91585; File No. SR–BOX– 2021–03] Self-Regulatory Organizations; BOX Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend the Fee Schedule on the BOX Options Market LLC Facility April 16, 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 April 1, 2021, BOX Exchange LLC (‘‘Exchange’’) 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 Exchange filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act,3 and Rule 19b–4(f)(2) thereunder,4 which renders the proposal effective upon filing with the Commission. 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 the Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange is filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) a proposed rule change to amend the Fee Schedule on the BOX Options Market LLC (‘‘BOX’’) facility. The text of the proposed rule change is available from the principal office of the Exchange, at the Commission’s Public Reference Room and also on the Exchange’s internet website at https:// boxexchange.com. II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in Sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The Exchange expects to move to a new, larger, Trading Floor in Q2 2021. The move has been driven, in part, by an increase in demand for participation on the BOX Trading Floor, particularly for Floor Market Makers. The larger Trading Floor will allow a greater number of Floor Participants— specifically Floor Market Makers—and their associated personnel to be present on the Trading Floor while also continuing to follow the social distancing requirements imposed by the COVID–19 pandemic.5 In conjunction 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2). 5 See Standards of Conduct for the Safety and Welfare of Persons on the BOX Trading Floor related to COVID–19, available at: https:// 4 17 28 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 1 15 VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:20 Apr 21, 2021 Jkt 253001 PO 00000 Frm 00134 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 21401 with the move to a larger floor, the Exchange now proposes to modify the Fee Schedule for trading on BOX to amend certain fees in Section VIII.C. (Trading Floor Participant Fees) to allow the Exchange to more accurately assess fees for space utilized by Floor Participants and their associated personnel. First, the Exchange proposes to amend the Trading Floor Participant Fees for Floor Market Makers. Currently, each Floor Market Maker pays a monthly Trading Floor Participant Fee which entitles the firm to one podium 6 on the BOX Trading Floor 7 and an unlimited amount of registered trading permits for the Floor Market Maker’s employees to transact on the BOX Trading Floor.8 BOX also offers Floor Market Makers the option to pay $1,500 per month for additional podiums on the Trading Floor. The Exchange now proposes to remove the $1,500 per month fee for an additional podium for Floor Market Makers. This proposed change would, in effect, require Floor Market Makers who would like to have two or more podiums on the BOX Trading Floor to purchase each additional podium at $5,500 per month.9 BOX also charges a $100 Badge Fee per month for persons who are not trading permit holders but are employed by or associated with a Floor Participant and have access to the BOX Trading Floor (e.g., Clerks, interns, stock execution clerks etc.).10 The Exchange is proposing to remove the current Section VIII(C)(c)(Badge Fee) and replace it with boxoptions.com/assets/BOX-Floor_-Standards-ofConduct_V1.1-1.pdf. The Exchange notes that due to the social distancing requirements imposed by the COVID–19 pandemic the Exchange restricted ‘‘Other Registered On-Floor Persons’’ (defined below) access to the Trading Floor, as well as removed some Market Maker podia. Moving to the larger Trading Floor will enable the Exchange to allow those personnel to return to the Floor. 6 A podium is the term used within the industry for the Floor Market Maker workspace located in the middle of the Crowd Area (defined below). 7 The ‘‘Trading Floor’’ is the physical trading floor located in Chicago. The Trading Floor shall consist of one ‘‘Crowd Area’’ or ‘‘Pit’’ where all option classes will be located. The Crowd Area or Pit shall be marked with specific visible boundaries on the Trading Floor, as determined by the Exchange. See BOX Rule 100(a)(67). 8 The Exchange notes each podium is limited to one registered trading permit holder actively trading at any given time. 9 Floor Market Makers will continue to be allowed only one registered trading permit holder at a podium at any one time. 10 See BOX Rule 7630. The Exchange notes only registered trading permit holders are permitted to effect transactions on the Trading Floor. The Exchange also notes, registered trading permit holders (Floor Market Makers and Floor Brokers) are not assessed a Badge Fee as their access to the Trading Floor is granted through their registered trading permits. E:\FR\FM\22APN1.SGM 22APN1 21402 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 76 / Thursday, April 22, 2021 / Notices the proposed Section VIII(C)(c)(Other Registered On-Floor Persons’’).11 The proposed change will retitle the subsection while continuing to assess the current Badge Fee of $100 to all Other Registered On-Floor Persons associated with Floor Market Makers or Floor Brokers.12 The Exchange also proposes to introduce a Desk Fee of $350 per month for these Other Registered On-Floor Persons. Like the Desk Fee currently assessed for Floor Brokers, the proposed Desk Fee will entitle Other Registered On-Floor Persons associated with Floor Market Makers or Floor Brokers one desk adjacent to the Crowd Area on the Trading Floor.13 The Exchange notes, although no Floor Participant is required to have a Clerk, if a Floor Participant chooses to employ a Clerk(s) whom, by the nature of their roles, are consistently present on the Trading Floor, that Floor Participant will need to purchase a desk for such Clerk. In contrast, if a Floor Participant employ’s an IT professional to service their technology needs, and who only enters the Trading Floor on an infrequent basis, the Floor Participant will not need to purchase a desk for such personnel. For example, under the proposed fee structure, a Floor Broker that occupies one desk on the Trading Floor who wishes to have a Clerk 14 would be assessed a $5,000 per month Floor Broker Participant Fee 15 and a $350 Floor Broker Desk Fee. Their Clerk would be assessed a $100 Badge Fee and a $350 Desk Fee per month.16 The 11 ‘‘Other Registered On-Floor Persons’’ include all persons registered to be on the Trading Floor except Floor Market Makers and Floor Brokers. 12 The Exchange notes this part of the proposal does not change any fees assessed to Floor Participants. 13 Only one ‘‘Other Registered On-Floor Person’’ will be allowed at a desk at any one time, however, the Floor Participant may still have more than one ‘‘Other Registered On-Floor Persons’’. For example, a Floor Market Maker may have one desk for Other Registered On-Floor Persons and employ two Clerks part-time; each Clerk will be assessed a $100 Badge Fee per month, and only one Clerk at a time may be at the desk on the BOX Trading Floor. The Exchange believes this assessment of Desk Fees is reasonable and appropriate as it aligns with the Exchange’s effort to charge based on the space utilized by each firm. 14 A Clerk is a registered on-floor person employed by or associated with a Floor Broker or Floor Market Maker and who is not eligible to effect transactions on the Trading Floor as a Floor Market Maker or Floor Broker. See BOX Rule 7630 (Clerks). 15 Subject to the Trading Floor Credit Floor Brokers may receive. 16 Although no Floor Participant is required to employ Other Registered On-Floor Persons (e.g., Clerks), if a Floor Participant does employ such person(s), and that employee will be consistently on the Trading Floor, they are required to have a desk. The Exchange notes there will be variability on the required number of desks for each Floor Participant depending on the Floor Participants staffing needs. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:20 Apr 21, 2021 Jkt 253001 Exchange notes, although Floor Market Makers operate at the point of sale in the Crowd Area/Pit, Floor Market Makers can employ support staff (Other Registered On-Floor Persons, for example Clerks) who may work at desks adjacent to the Crowd Area on the Trading Floor.17 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that the proposal is consistent with the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act, in general, and Section 6(b)(4) and 6(b)(5) of the Act,18 in particular, in that it provides for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and other charges among BOX Participants and other persons using its facilities and does not unfairly discriminate between customers, issuers, brokers or dealers. First, the Exchange believes the proposed change to remove the $1,500 monthly additional podium fee is reasonable, equitable, and not unfairly discriminatory. Market Maker podia must be located in the middle of the trading crowd, and as such, represent valuable space currently in high demand on the Exchange’s Trading Floor. The location of Market Maker podia is unique and different from that of Floor Broker booth space, and as such, represents valuable space currently in high demand on the Exchange’s Trading Floor. Market Maker podia must be located in the Crowd Area so that they may hear the open outcry of an order and respond accordingly. Unlike podia, Floor Broker booth space is outside of the Crowd Area along the walls of the Trading Floor. The Exchange notes Floor Market Maker podia space has reached maximum capacity on the current Trading Floor and the Exchange anticipates, due to increased demand, to have limited availability for such podia on its new floor as well. The Exchange does not currently have the same level of demand for Floor Broker booth space and will continue to have ample space on its new Trading Floor to accommodate Floor Brokers. Due to the For example, a Floor Participant may employ multiple Clerks and only have one shared desk where each of those Clerks would work at any given time. The Exchange notes, in the aforementioned example, if the Participant was a Floor Market Maker, the Floor Market Maker Clerk would be charged the same Badge Fee and Desk Fee. 17 The Exchange notes desks for Floor Market Maker personnel is not considered ‘‘booth space.’’ Booth space is a term solely for Floor Brokers on the Trading Floor. Specifically, Floor Broker booth space is akin to private office space where employees of the same firm communicate with customers, receive orders, and coordinate covering the Trading Floor to announce such orders into the Crowd Area. 18 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4) and (5). PO 00000 Frm 00135 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 increased demand for Floor Market Maker podia on the Exchange’s Trading Floor and the limited supply of such space—even in the larger Trading Floor footprint—the Exchange believes it is reasonable and appropriate to charge $5,500 per month, per podium for the following reasons.19 Despite moving to a larger floor space, the Exchange’s proposed fee for each podium reflects the fact that the space available for podia is not unlimited and the Exchange is anticipating space to be further limited based on current Market Makers adding additional podia/desks and new market makers interested in joining BOX and utilizing more space on the new Trading Floor. Because Floor Market Maker podia are integrated in the Trading Floor, the more physical space occupied by a single Market Making firm (e.g., multiple podia) means less physical space for other Market Makers to participate in the trading crowd. Thus, the Exchange proposes to revise the podium fee to charge Floor Market Makers in a manner that reflects this reality and to encourage the efficient use of space by these Participants. Furthermore, the Exchange believes this part of the proposal is reasonable because the new, larger floor space (which includes more podia) will provide each Floor Market Making firm the opportunity to participate in additional options transactions. In addition, the Exchange believes the proposed fee is reasonable as the current amount assessed for one podium is $5,500 per month. When the Exchange initially established the BOX Trading Floor (and in turn, the Additional Podium Fee), a lower rate was assessed because the Exchange was trying to incentivize participation on the BOX Trading Floor and was uncertain about the level of demand for such podia. Based on the increased interest in trading on the BOX Trading Floor, the Exchange now believes it is reasonable and appropriate to assess a higher fee for each podium.20 The Exchange notes it operates in a highly competitive market in which market participants can readily move their options business to competing venues if they deem fee levels at a particular venue to be excessive or 19 The Exchange notes, currently there is a waiting list for Market Maker podia due to the space constraints caused by the COVID–19 social distancing requirements. Once the Exchange transitions to its new floor, there will be more space available, however, it will still be limited due to the COVID–19 safety measures in place. 20 The Exchange again notes the demand from current Floor Market Makers and prospective firms necessitated the Exchange’s move to a new trading floor in order to accommodate these space requirements. E:\FR\FM\22APN1.SGM 22APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 76 / Thursday, April 22, 2021 / Notices incentives to be insufficient.21 Further, transacting on the BOX Trading Floor is entirely voluntary and operating on the BOX Trading Floor is merely an additional option for Participants to transact on BOX. In addition, the Exchange believes offering one podium to Floor Market Makers for $5,500 per month (and if necessary, additional podia for $5,500 per month) will better incentivize market making firms to only purchase podia they will make productive use of on the Trading Floor. Removing the additional podium fee of $1,500 per month reduces the potential for a single Market Making firm to use more podia space than needed on the Trading Floor. If a Market Making firm is required to pay the higher $5,500 per month fee for each podium, the Exchange believes this will encourage the efficient use and allocation of such valuable space. Furthermore, the Exchange believes the proposed change is reasonable as it aligns the Exchange’s fees with fees that are assessed at other exchanges with physical trading floors.22 The Exchange believes that the proposed change is equitable and not unfairly discriminatory as it will apply equally to all Floor Market Makers on the BOX Trading Floor. Furthermore, the Exchange believes that it is equitable and not unfairly discriminatory to continue to charge Floor Market Makers more per month than Floor Brokers.23 Unlike Floor Market Makers, Floor Brokers play a critical role in bringing liquidity to the BOX Trading Floor. Orders are brought to the Trading Floor by Floor Brokers 21 The Exchange is aware of multiple competitors with trading floors offering competing products and services to BOX. See Cboe Rule 5.80 (Admission to and Conduct on the Trading Floor); NYSEArca Rule 6.2–O (Admission to and Conduct on the Options Trading Floor); NYSEAmer Rule 902NY (Admission and Conduct on the Options Trading Floor); Nasdaq Phlx Options 8 Floor Trading: Section 8 (Trading Floor Registration). 22 See Nasdaq Phlx Options 7 Pricing Schedule Section 8.A (Permit and Registration Fees). Phlx charges $6,000 per month per permit for each Floor Market Maker with a physical presence on Phlx’s trading floor. NYSE American charges $5,000 per month for NYSE American Options Floor Market Makers. See NYSE American Options Fee Schedule III.A. NYSE American Options Market Makers are ATP Holders registered with the Exchange for the purpose of making transactions as a dealerspecialist on the Floor of the Exchange. See NYSE American Rule 920NY. See also Cboe Fee Schedule, Floor Trading Permit Sliding Scales ($6,000 for 1 permit, $4,500 for permits 2 to 5). Floor permit entitles the holder to act as a Market-Maker on the floor of the exchange. 23 The Exchange notes that a Floor Market Maker is an Options Participant of the Exchange located on the Trading Floor who has received permission from the Exchange to trade in options for his own account. A Floor Broker is an individual who is registered with the Exchange for the purpose, while on the Trading Floor, of accepting and handling options orders. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:20 Apr 21, 2021 Jkt 253001 only, and benefit all Floor Participants by providing more trading opportunities, which may attract Market Makers, Customers and other market participants.24 An increase in activity, in turn, may facilitate tighter spreads, contribute to overall deeper, more liquid market, and increase price discovery, which can benefit all market participants. The Exchange also notes that Floor Market Makers are not obligated to provide continuous quotes like Market Makers on BOX’s electronic market.25 Further, Floor Market Makers are not obligated to respond to all Floor Brokers Orders on the BOX Trading Floor. As such, the Exchange believes Floor Market Makers benefit from the access they have to interact with (at their discretion) orders which are made available in open outcry on the Trading Floor by Floor Brokers. The Exchange also notes that Floor Market Makers may choose to conduct their business on the Trading Floor, unlike Floor Brokers, who have a business model that is naturally tied to the physical trading space. The Exchange offers Market Makers a choice on how to conduct business, only electronic or floor and electronic. The Exchange believes that it is equitable and not unfairly discriminatory to assess Floor Market Makers a higher monthly fee because they have the benefit of trading on both if they so choose. The Exchange believes assessing Floor Brokers a lower fee accounts for the value Floor Brokers provide to the Exchange’s market and other participants. As described above, Floor Market Makers benefit from the access they have on the BOX Trading Floor to interact with orders from Floor Brokers which are made available in open outcry on the Trading Floor. In addition, the Exchange believes the fee differential between Floor Brokers and Floor Market Makers is reasonable and not unfairly discriminatory because pricing differences between these participant types currently exist at other 24 The Exchange emphasizes that no market making firm would be interested in trading on the BOX Trading Floor unless Floor Brokers brought liquidity to the floor. Floor Brokers are essential to the operation of the Exchange’s trading floor. 25 Among other requirements and obligations, electronic Market Makers on BOX are required to post valid quotes at least sixty percent (60%) of the time that the classes are open for trading. See BOX Rule 8050(e). Floor Market Makers are instead obligated to, in response to any request for quote by a Floor Broker or Options Exchange Official, provide a two-sided market. See BOX Rule 8510(c). Therefore, because Floor Market Makers are deriving a substantial benefit from participating in transactions on the floor without carrying more significant obligations to quote on the Trading Floor, the Exchange believes it is fair and equitable to assess higher fees to Floor Market Makers. PO 00000 Frm 00136 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 21403 exchanges within the industry.26 As an example, on Phlx, Floor Market Makers are charged $6,000 per month per permit while Floor Brokers are charged $4,000 per month per permit.27 Further, other exchanges also seek to incentivize Floor Broker order flow by reducing their fees. The Exchange notes Cboe also has a fee structure in place to incentivize Floor Brokers to bring orders to the floor in order to avail themselves of reduced Permit Fees in comparison to Floor Market Makers.28 In a previous filing, Cboe has stated that their Floor Broker ADV Discount (which allows Floor Brokers to pay lower fees than Floor Market Makers) ‘‘is designed to encourage the execution of orders in all classes via open outcry, which may increase volume, which would benefit all market participants . . . trading via open outcry.’’ 29 In addition, the Exchange believes the proposal is equitable and not unfairly discriminatory because it aligns the Exchange’s fees with at least one other competitor when considering the degree of price differentiation.30 For example, assume that Market Making Firm A on NYSE American has two (2) registered ATPs 31 and are therefore charged $10,000 in monthly ATP Fees for operating on the trading floor.32 In addition, NYSE American Market Makers are charged $90 per month per podium. As such, Market Making Firm A would be charged in total $10,180 monthly for its permit fees and podia fees.33 By comparison, Floor Brokers on 26 The Exchange notes, pursuant to this proposal Floor Market Makers will continue to be charged $500 more for a podium compared to Floor Broker firm’s booth space (if the Floor Broker does not achieve their Trading Floor Credit). 27 See Nasdaq Phlx Options 7 Pricing Schedule Section 8.A (Permit and Registration Fees). 28 Cboe Options Fee Schedule, Floor Trading Permit Sliding Scales and Floor Broker ADV Discount. Cboe’s monthly Permit Fees work on a sliding scale basis in conjunction with Floor Brokers being able to achieve discounts based on the Average Daily Volume (‘‘ADV’’) Floor Brokers achieve each month. 29 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 34– 89826 (September 10, 2020), 85 FR 57900 (September 16, 2020) (SR–CBOE–2020–086) (Noticed by Commission for Immediate Effectiveness). 30 See NYSE American Options Fee Schedule Section III. Monthly Trading Permit, Rights, Floor Access and Premium Product Fees. 31 NYSE American ‘‘ATPs’’ are registered BrokerDealers who are permit holders on the exchange, this includes NYSE American Floor Brokers and Market Makers. See id.; See also NYSEAmer Rule 920NY. (Market Makers). These two participant types are analogous to BOX’s Floor Brokers and Floor Market Makers. 32 See id. 33 The Exchange notes, NYSE American limits the number of Floor Market Makers allowed on the floor to two ATPs per month, the Exchange is proposing no such restrictions at this time. E:\FR\FM\22APN1.SGM 22APN1 21404 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 76 / Thursday, April 22, 2021 / Notices NYSE American are assessed a $500 per month ATP Fee and $40 per linear foot per month for all booth space utilized by such Floor Broker.34 Assume Floor Broker Firm B has two Floor Brokers and 10 linear feet of booth space for two, five-foot desks. Floor Broker Firm B would pay $1,000 in ATP Fees and $400 in booth space, for a total of $1,400 per month. The fee differential between Market Making Firm A and Floor Broker Firm B on NYSE would be $8,780 per month. Now consider the same Market Making Firm A with two Market Makers on the BOX Trading Floor. Under this proposal, Market Making Firm A would be charged $11,000 for their two Market Maker Trading Floor Participant fees. Next, assume Floor Broker Firm B is assessed their $5,000 Trading Floor Participant Fee and do not execute a trade on more than 50% of the trading days in the given month.35 Floor Broker B would be charged $5,000 and $350 for each desk for both Floor Brokers, for a total monthly fee of $5,700. The fee differential between Market Making Firm A and Floor Broker Firm B would be $5,300. The Exchange notes, if Floor Broker Firm B achieved its Trading Floor Credit it would only pay for two desks, one for each of its Floor Brokers. Therefore, Floor Broker Firm B would only pay a total of $700 per month in Floor Broker Desk Fees. The fee differential between Market Making Firm A and Floor Broker Firm B on BOX would be $10,300. As discussed herein, when Floor Broker Firm B achieves their Trading Floor Credit, the fee differentials between Participant types are in line with the fee differential on NYSE American. The Exchange recognizes the value that Floor Brokers bring to trading floors and have in place reduced fees (like those discussed above when compared to Floor Market Makers) and other fee caps and rebates to the benefit of Floor Brokers in order to incentivize Floor Brokers to continue bringing their 34 The Exchange notes NYSE American also has an incentive and rebate structure in place to incent Floor Brokers to bring liquidity and execute orders on its floor. See NYSE American Options Fee Schedule, Section III.E. Floor Broker Incentive and Rebate Programs. The FB Prepay Program affords Floor Brokers the opportunity to prepay Monthly ATP Fees (in addition to other fixed costs) and thereby qualify for a percentage reduction of prepaid annual eligible fixed costs (e.g., ATP Fees) or an Alternative Rebate. If a Floor Broker firm achieves the highest Tier 4, it is eligible for 100% refund of eligible fixed costs, or $16,000 per month rebate of eligible fixed costs. 35 The Exchange notes, if a Floor Broker firm executes a trade on 50% or more of trading days in a given month, the firm receives a $5,000 Trading Floor Credit which equals its Trading Floor Participant Fee of $5,000 per month. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:20 Apr 21, 2021 Jkt 253001 customer order flow to the physical trading floor to the benefit of all market participants. Second, the Exchange believes that replacing the Badge Fee subsection with the proposed Other Registered On-Floor Persons subsection is reasonable, equitable, and not unfairly discriminatory. The proposed change is reasonable as it seeks to consolidate the fees that are assessed to all Other Registered On-Floor Persons that are not Floor Brokers or Floor Market Makers. In addition, the Exchange believes it is reasonable to now assess a Desk Fee to Other Registered On-Floor Persons because of the space that these individuals will utilize on the new BOX Trading Floor.36 The Exchange believes charging per desk will offer flexibility to Floor Participants to customize the precise amount of floor space needed for their business, while ensuring that each Floor Participant is charged equitably based on the amount of floor space all their Other Registered On-Floor Persons utilize. The Exchange believes the proposed Desk Fee for Other Registered On-Floor Persons is reasonable and appropriate as a similar fee is assessed on at least one other exchange with a physical trading floor 37 as well as identical to the current Desk fee assessed to BOX Floor Brokers. Finally, the Exchange believes the proposed Other Registered On-Floor Persons Desk Fee is equitable and not unfairly discriminatory as such fee will be applied to all Other Registered On-Floor Persons who are not a Floor Brokers or Floor Market Makers. 36 The Exchange notes that Other Registered OnFloor Persons are not currently allowed on the BOX Trading Floor due to the space constraints caused by the COVID–19 social distancing requirements. Once the Exchange transitions to its new floor, there will be more space available and these individuals will be allowed to return to the BOX Trading Floor, however, space will still be limited due to the COVID–19 safety measures in place. 37 In 2011, Phlx charged a flat $300 per month fee for Trading/Administrative Booth paid by floor brokers and clearing firms. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 34–66086 (January 3, 2012), 77 FR 1111 (January 9, 2012) (SR–Phlx–2011–181). In 2013, Phlx eliminated the Trading/Administrative Booth Fees but increased the Floor Facility Fee to $330 per month and assessed this fee to Clerks among other persons. Clerks on Phlx are defined as ‘‘any registered on-floor person employed by or associated with a member or member organization who is not a member and is not eligible to effect transactions on the Options Floor as a Lead Market Maker, Floor Market Maker, or Floor Broker.’’ See Phlx Options 8 Section 12 (defining ‘‘Clerks’’). As such, the Exchange believes that the proposed Desk Fee for ‘‘all Other Registered On-Floor Persons’’ is reasonable and appropriate as a similar fee (the Floor Facility Fee) currently exists to cover similar costs on Phlx. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 69672 (May 30, 2013), 78 FR 33873 (June 5, 2013) (SR–Phlx–2013–58). See also Phlx Fee Schedule Options 7, Section 9A. PO 00000 Frm 00137 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule changes will impose any burden on intramarket competition because the proposed changes would be applied to all similarly situated participants (i.e., Floor Market Makers, Clerks), and as such, would not impose a disparate burden on competition among the same classes of market participants. As described in further detail above, the proposed removal of additional podium fees for Floor Market Makers does not impose an undue burden on intermarket competition because the resulting fee per podium is similar to other fees at competing exchanges with trading floors.38 Further, the Exchange believes assessing a Desk Fee to Other Registered On-Floor Persons does not create an undue burden on competition because the Exchange is allocating fees to market participants depending on the space they utilize on the Trading Floor. Further, at least one other exchange with a physical trading floor assesses a similar fee for Other Registered OnFloor Persons.39 Lastly, purchasing Desk Space for Other Registered On-Floor Persons employed by a Floor Participant is entirely voluntary. Furthermore, as noted above, the Exchange operates in a highly competitive market in which market participants can readily favor competing venues if they deem fee levels at a particular venue to be excessive. In such an environment, the Exchange must continually adjust its fees to remain competitive with other exchanges. Because competitors are free to modify their own fees in response, the Exchange believes that the degree to which fee changes in this market may impose any burden on competition is limited. For the reasons discussed above, the Exchange believes that the proposed changes do not impose an undue burden on competition. Lastly, as described above, the Trading Floor Participant Fees for Floor Market Makers are in line with fees assessed at other exchanges with physical trading floors.40 The Exchange, along with at least one other competitor, recognize the value that Floor Brokers bring to trading floors and, as such, offer reduced Trading Participant Fees to 38 See supra note 22. supra note 37. 40 See supra note 22. 39 See E:\FR\FM\22APN1.SGM 22APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 76 / Thursday, April 22, 2021 / Notices Floor Brokers (in comparison to Floor Market Makers) in order to incentivize Floor Brokers to continue to bring customer order flow to physical trading floors for the benefit of all market participants.41 C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others No written comments were either solicited or received. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action The foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Exchange Act 42 and Rule 19b–4(f)(2) thereunder,43 because it establishes or changes a due, or fee. At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend the rule change if it appears to the Commission that the action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or would otherwise further the purposes of the Act. If the Commission takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an email to rule-comments@ sec.gov. Please include File Number SR– BOX–2021–03 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–BOX–2021–03. 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 supra note 30. U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii). 43 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2). 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 such 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–BOX–2021–03, and should be submitted on or before May 13, 2021. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.44 J. Lynn Taylor, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2021–08311 Filed 4–21–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–91605; File No. SR– PEARL–2021–16] Self-Regulatory Organizations: MIAX PEARL, LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend the MIAX Pearl Fee Schedule Pursuant to the provisions of 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 April 8, 2021, MIAX PEARL, LLC (‘‘MIAX Pearl’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) a proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III below, which Items 44 17 42 15 1 15 19:20 Apr 21, 2021 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. Jkt 253001 have been prepared by the Exchange. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange is filing a proposal to amend the MIAX Pearl Fee Schedule (the ‘‘Fee Schedule’’) for the Exchange’s options market. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s website at https://www.miaxoptions.com/rulefilings/pearl at MIAX Pearl’s principal office, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The Exchange proposes to make several amendments to the tables for the Add/Remove Tiered Rebates/Fees set forth in Section (1)(a) of the Fee Schedule that apply to the Priority Customer 3 Origin, MIAX Pearl Market Maker 4 Origin, and Non-Priority Customer, Firm, BD, and Non-MIAX Pearl Market Maker Origin (collectively, ‘‘Professional Members’’). As described more fully below, the Exchange proposes to: (i) Modify the volume April 16, 2021. 41 See VerDate Sep<11>2014 21405 PO 00000 Frm 00138 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 3 ‘‘Priority Customer’’ means a person or entity that (i) is not a broker or dealer in securities, and (ii) does not place more than 390 orders in listed options per day on average during a calendar month for its own beneficial accounts(s). The number of orders shall be counted in accordance with Interpretation and Policy .01 of Exchange Rule 100. See the Definitions Section of the Fee Schedule and Exchange Rule 100, including Interpretation and Policy .01. 4 ‘‘Market Maker’’ means a Member registered with the Exchange for the purpose of making markets in options contracts traded on the Exchange and that is vested with the rights and responsibilities specified in Chapter VI of Exchange Rules. See the Definitions Section of the Fee Schedule. E:\FR\FM\22APN1.SGM 22APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 76 (Thursday, April 22, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21401-21405]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-08311]


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

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-91585; File No. SR-BOX-2021-03]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; BOX Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing 
and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend the Fee 
Schedule on the BOX Options Market LLC Facility

April 16, 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 April 1, 2021, BOX Exchange LLC (``Exchange'') 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 Exchange filed the proposed rule 
change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act,\3\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(2) thereunder,\4\ which renders the proposal effective upon filing 
with the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to 
solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii).
    \4\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The Exchange is filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(``Commission'') a proposed rule change to amend the Fee Schedule on 
the BOX Options Market LLC (``BOX'') facility. The text of the proposed 
rule change is available from the principal office of the Exchange, at 
the Commission's Public Reference Room and also on the Exchange's 
internet website at https://boxexchange.com.

II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and 
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

    In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements 
concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and 
discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The 
text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in 
Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in 
Sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such 
statements.

A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and 
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

1. Purpose
    The Exchange expects to move to a new, larger, Trading Floor in Q2 
2021. The move has been driven, in part, by an increase in demand for 
participation on the BOX Trading Floor, particularly for Floor Market 
Makers. The larger Trading Floor will allow a greater number of Floor 
Participants--specifically Floor Market Makers--and their associated 
personnel to be present on the Trading Floor while also continuing to 
follow the social distancing requirements imposed by the COVID-19 
pandemic.\5\ In conjunction with the move to a larger floor, the 
Exchange now proposes to modify the Fee Schedule for trading on BOX to 
amend certain fees in Section VIII.C. (Trading Floor Participant Fees) 
to allow the Exchange to more accurately assess fees for space utilized 
by Floor Participants and their associated personnel.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ See Standards of Conduct for the Safety and Welfare of 
Persons on the BOX Trading Floor related to COVID-19, available at: 
https://boxoptions.com/assets/BOX-Floor_-Standards-of-Conduct_V1.1-1.pdf. The Exchange notes that due to the social distancing 
requirements imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic the Exchange 
restricted ``Other Registered On-Floor Persons'' (defined below) 
access to the Trading Floor, as well as removed some Market Maker 
podia. Moving to the larger Trading Floor will enable the Exchange 
to allow those personnel to return to the Floor.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    First, the Exchange proposes to amend the Trading Floor Participant 
Fees for Floor Market Makers. Currently, each Floor Market Maker pays a 
monthly Trading Floor Participant Fee which entitles the firm to one 
podium \6\ on the BOX Trading Floor \7\ and an unlimited amount of 
registered trading permits for the Floor Market Maker's employees to 
transact on the BOX Trading Floor.\8\ BOX also offers Floor Market 
Makers the option to pay $1,500 per month for additional podiums on the 
Trading Floor.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ A podium is the term used within the industry for the Floor 
Market Maker workspace located in the middle of the Crowd Area 
(defined below).
    \7\ The ``Trading Floor'' is the physical trading floor located 
in Chicago. The Trading Floor shall consist of one ``Crowd Area'' or 
``Pit'' where all option classes will be located. The Crowd Area or 
Pit shall be marked with specific visible boundaries on the Trading 
Floor, as determined by the Exchange. See BOX Rule 100(a)(67).
    \8\ The Exchange notes each podium is limited to one registered 
trading permit holder actively trading at any given time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange now proposes to remove the $1,500 per month fee for an 
additional podium for Floor Market Makers. This proposed change would, 
in effect, require Floor Market Makers who would like to have two or 
more podiums on the BOX Trading Floor to purchase each additional 
podium at $5,500 per month.\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ Floor Market Makers will continue to be allowed only one 
registered trading permit holder at a podium at any one time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    BOX also charges a $100 Badge Fee per month for persons who are not 
trading permit holders but are employed by or associated with a Floor 
Participant and have access to the BOX Trading Floor (e.g., Clerks, 
interns, stock execution clerks etc.).\10\ The Exchange is proposing to 
remove the current Section VIII(C)(c)(Badge Fee) and replace it with

[[Page 21402]]

the proposed Section VIII(C)(c)(Other Registered On-Floor 
Persons'').\11\ The proposed change will retitle the subsection while 
continuing to assess the current Badge Fee of $100 to all Other 
Registered On-Floor Persons associated with Floor Market Makers or 
Floor Brokers.\12\ The Exchange also proposes to introduce a Desk Fee 
of $350 per month for these Other Registered On-Floor Persons. Like the 
Desk Fee currently assessed for Floor Brokers, the proposed Desk Fee 
will entitle Other Registered On-Floor Persons associated with Floor 
Market Makers or Floor Brokers one desk adjacent to the Crowd Area on 
the Trading Floor.\13\ The Exchange notes, although no Floor 
Participant is required to have a Clerk, if a Floor Participant chooses 
to employ a Clerk(s) whom, by the nature of their roles, are 
consistently present on the Trading Floor, that Floor Participant will 
need to purchase a desk for such Clerk. In contrast, if a Floor 
Participant employ's an IT professional to service their technology 
needs, and who only enters the Trading Floor on an infrequent basis, 
the Floor Participant will not need to purchase a desk for such 
personnel. For example, under the proposed fee structure, a Floor 
Broker that occupies one desk on the Trading Floor who wishes to have a 
Clerk \14\ would be assessed a $5,000 per month Floor Broker 
Participant Fee \15\ and a $350 Floor Broker Desk Fee. Their Clerk 
would be assessed a $100 Badge Fee and a $350 Desk Fee per month.\16\ 
The Exchange notes, although Floor Market Makers operate at the point 
of sale in the Crowd Area/Pit, Floor Market Makers can employ support 
staff (Other Registered On-Floor Persons, for example Clerks) who may 
work at desks adjacent to the Crowd Area on the Trading Floor.\17\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ See BOX Rule 7630. The Exchange notes only registered 
trading permit holders are permitted to effect transactions on the 
Trading Floor. The Exchange also notes, registered trading permit 
holders (Floor Market Makers and Floor Brokers) are not assessed a 
Badge Fee as their access to the Trading Floor is granted through 
their registered trading permits.
    \11\ ``Other Registered On-Floor Persons'' include all persons 
registered to be on the Trading Floor except Floor Market Makers and 
Floor Brokers.
    \12\ The Exchange notes this part of the proposal does not 
change any fees assessed to Floor Participants.
    \13\ Only one ``Other Registered On-Floor Person'' will be 
allowed at a desk at any one time, however, the Floor Participant 
may still have more than one ``Other Registered On-Floor Persons''. 
For example, a Floor Market Maker may have one desk for Other 
Registered On-Floor Persons and employ two Clerks part-time; each 
Clerk will be assessed a $100 Badge Fee per month, and only one 
Clerk at a time may be at the desk on the BOX Trading Floor. The 
Exchange believes this assessment of Desk Fees is reasonable and 
appropriate as it aligns with the Exchange's effort to charge based 
on the space utilized by each firm.
    \14\ A Clerk is a registered on-floor person employed by or 
associated with a Floor Broker or Floor Market Maker and who is not 
eligible to effect transactions on the Trading Floor as a Floor 
Market Maker or Floor Broker. See BOX Rule 7630 (Clerks).
    \15\ Subject to the Trading Floor Credit Floor Brokers may 
receive.
    \16\ Although no Floor Participant is required to employ Other 
Registered On-Floor Persons (e.g., Clerks), if a Floor Participant 
does employ such person(s), and that employee will be consistently 
on the Trading Floor, they are required to have a desk. The Exchange 
notes there will be variability on the required number of desks for 
each Floor Participant depending on the Floor Participants staffing 
needs. For example, a Floor Participant may employ multiple Clerks 
and only have one shared desk where each of those Clerks would work 
at any given time. The Exchange notes, in the aforementioned 
example, if the Participant was a Floor Market Maker, the Floor 
Market Maker Clerk would be charged the same Badge Fee and Desk Fee.
    \17\ The Exchange notes desks for Floor Market Maker personnel 
is not considered ``booth space.'' Booth space is a term solely for 
Floor Brokers on the Trading Floor. Specifically, Floor Broker booth 
space is akin to private office space where employees of the same 
firm communicate with customers, receive orders, and coordinate 
covering the Trading Floor to announce such orders into the Crowd 
Area.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that the proposal is consistent with the 
requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act, in general, and Section 
6(b)(4) and 6(b)(5) of the Act,\18\ in particular, in that it provides 
for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and other 
charges among BOX Participants and other persons using its facilities 
and does not unfairly discriminate between customers, issuers, brokers 
or dealers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4) and (5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    First, the Exchange believes the proposed change to remove the 
$1,500 monthly additional podium fee is reasonable, equitable, and not 
unfairly discriminatory. Market Maker podia must be located in the 
middle of the trading crowd, and as such, represent valuable space 
currently in high demand on the Exchange's Trading Floor. The location 
of Market Maker podia is unique and different from that of Floor Broker 
booth space, and as such, represents valuable space currently in high 
demand on the Exchange's Trading Floor. Market Maker podia must be 
located in the Crowd Area so that they may hear the open outcry of an 
order and respond accordingly. Unlike podia, Floor Broker booth space 
is outside of the Crowd Area along the walls of the Trading Floor. The 
Exchange notes Floor Market Maker podia space has reached maximum 
capacity on the current Trading Floor and the Exchange anticipates, due 
to increased demand, to have limited availability for such podia on its 
new floor as well. The Exchange does not currently have the same level 
of demand for Floor Broker booth space and will continue to have ample 
space on its new Trading Floor to accommodate Floor Brokers. Due to the 
increased demand for Floor Market Maker podia on the Exchange's Trading 
Floor and the limited supply of such space--even in the larger Trading 
Floor footprint--the Exchange believes it is reasonable and appropriate 
to charge $5,500 per month, per podium for the following reasons.\19\ 
Despite moving to a larger floor space, the Exchange's proposed fee for 
each podium reflects the fact that the space available for podia is not 
unlimited and the Exchange is anticipating space to be further limited 
based on current Market Makers adding additional podia/desks and new 
market makers interested in joining BOX and utilizing more space on the 
new Trading Floor. Because Floor Market Maker podia are integrated in 
the Trading Floor, the more physical space occupied by a single Market 
Making firm (e.g., multiple podia) means less physical space for other 
Market Makers to participate in the trading crowd. Thus, the Exchange 
proposes to revise the podium fee to charge Floor Market Makers in a 
manner that reflects this reality and to encourage the efficient use of 
space by these Participants. Furthermore, the Exchange believes this 
part of the proposal is reasonable because the new, larger floor space 
(which includes more podia) will provide each Floor Market Making firm 
the opportunity to participate in additional options transactions. In 
addition, the Exchange believes the proposed fee is reasonable as the 
current amount assessed for one podium is $5,500 per month. When the 
Exchange initially established the BOX Trading Floor (and in turn, the 
Additional Podium Fee), a lower rate was assessed because the Exchange 
was trying to incentivize participation on the BOX Trading Floor and 
was uncertain about the level of demand for such podia. Based on the 
increased interest in trading on the BOX Trading Floor, the Exchange 
now believes it is reasonable and appropriate to assess a higher fee 
for each podium.\20\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ The Exchange notes, currently there is a waiting list for 
Market Maker podia due to the space constraints caused by the COVID-
19 social distancing requirements. Once the Exchange transitions to 
its new floor, there will be more space available, however, it will 
still be limited due to the COVID-19 safety measures in place.
    \20\ The Exchange again notes the demand from current Floor 
Market Makers and prospective firms necessitated the Exchange's move 
to a new trading floor in order to accommodate these space 
requirements.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange notes it operates in a highly competitive market in 
which market participants can readily move their options business to 
competing venues if they deem fee levels at a particular venue to be 
excessive or

[[Page 21403]]

incentives to be insufficient.\21\ Further, transacting on the BOX 
Trading Floor is entirely voluntary and operating on the BOX Trading 
Floor is merely an additional option for Participants to transact on 
BOX. In addition, the Exchange believes offering one podium to Floor 
Market Makers for $5,500 per month (and if necessary, additional podia 
for $5,500 per month) will better incentivize market making firms to 
only purchase podia they will make productive use of on the Trading 
Floor. Removing the additional podium fee of $1,500 per month reduces 
the potential for a single Market Making firm to use more podia space 
than needed on the Trading Floor. If a Market Making firm is required 
to pay the higher $5,500 per month fee for each podium, the Exchange 
believes this will encourage the efficient use and allocation of such 
valuable space. Furthermore, the Exchange believes the proposed change 
is reasonable as it aligns the Exchange's fees with fees that are 
assessed at other exchanges with physical trading floors.\22\ The 
Exchange believes that the proposed change is equitable and not 
unfairly discriminatory as it will apply equally to all Floor Market 
Makers on the BOX Trading Floor.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ The Exchange is aware of multiple competitors with trading 
floors offering competing products and services to BOX. See Cboe 
Rule 5.80 (Admission to and Conduct on the Trading Floor); NYSEArca 
Rule 6.2-O (Admission to and Conduct on the Options Trading Floor); 
NYSEAmer Rule 902NY (Admission and Conduct on the Options Trading 
Floor); Nasdaq Phlx Options 8 Floor Trading: Section 8 (Trading 
Floor Registration).
    \22\ See Nasdaq Phlx Options 7 Pricing Schedule Section 8.A 
(Permit and Registration Fees). Phlx charges $6,000 per month per 
permit for each Floor Market Maker with a physical presence on 
Phlx's trading floor. NYSE American charges $5,000 per month for 
NYSE American Options Floor Market Makers. See NYSE American Options 
Fee Schedule III.A. NYSE American Options Market Makers are ATP 
Holders registered with the Exchange for the purpose of making 
transactions as a dealer-specialist on the Floor of the Exchange. 
See NYSE American Rule 920NY. See also Cboe Fee Schedule, Floor 
Trading Permit Sliding Scales ($6,000 for 1 permit, $4,500 for 
permits 2 to 5). Floor permit entitles the holder to act as a 
Market-Maker on the floor of the exchange.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Furthermore, the Exchange believes that it is equitable and not 
unfairly discriminatory to continue to charge Floor Market Makers more 
per month than Floor Brokers.\23\ Unlike Floor Market Makers, Floor 
Brokers play a critical role in bringing liquidity to the BOX Trading 
Floor. Orders are brought to the Trading Floor by Floor Brokers only, 
and benefit all Floor Participants by providing more trading 
opportunities, which may attract Market Makers, Customers and other 
market participants.\24\ An increase in activity, in turn, may 
facilitate tighter spreads, contribute to overall deeper, more liquid 
market, and increase price discovery, which can benefit all market 
participants. The Exchange also notes that Floor Market Makers are not 
obligated to provide continuous quotes like Market Makers on BOX's 
electronic market.\25\ Further, Floor Market Makers are not obligated 
to respond to all Floor Brokers Orders on the BOX Trading Floor. As 
such, the Exchange believes Floor Market Makers benefit from the access 
they have to interact with (at their discretion) orders which are made 
available in open outcry on the Trading Floor by Floor Brokers. The 
Exchange also notes that Floor Market Makers may choose to conduct 
their business on the Trading Floor, unlike Floor Brokers, who have a 
business model that is naturally tied to the physical trading space. 
The Exchange offers Market Makers a choice on how to conduct business, 
only electronic or floor and electronic. The Exchange believes that it 
is equitable and not unfairly discriminatory to assess Floor Market 
Makers a higher monthly fee because they have the benefit of trading on 
both if they so choose. The Exchange believes assessing Floor Brokers a 
lower fee accounts for the value Floor Brokers provide to the 
Exchange's market and other participants. As described above, Floor 
Market Makers benefit from the access they have on the BOX Trading 
Floor to interact with orders from Floor Brokers which are made 
available in open outcry on the Trading Floor.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ The Exchange notes that a Floor Market Maker is an Options 
Participant of the Exchange located on the Trading Floor who has 
received permission from the Exchange to trade in options for his 
own account. A Floor Broker is an individual who is registered with 
the Exchange for the purpose, while on the Trading Floor, of 
accepting and handling options orders.
    \24\ The Exchange emphasizes that no market making firm would be 
interested in trading on the BOX Trading Floor unless Floor Brokers 
brought liquidity to the floor. Floor Brokers are essential to the 
operation of the Exchange's trading floor.
    \25\ Among other requirements and obligations, electronic Market 
Makers on BOX are required to post valid quotes at least sixty 
percent (60%) of the time that the classes are open for trading. See 
BOX Rule 8050(e). Floor Market Makers are instead obligated to, in 
response to any request for quote by a Floor Broker or Options 
Exchange Official, provide a two-sided market. See BOX Rule 8510(c). 
Therefore, because Floor Market Makers are deriving a substantial 
benefit from participating in transactions on the floor without 
carrying more significant obligations to quote on the Trading Floor, 
the Exchange believes it is fair and equitable to assess higher fees 
to Floor Market Makers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, the Exchange believes the fee differential between 
Floor Brokers and Floor Market Makers is reasonable and not unfairly 
discriminatory because pricing differences between these participant 
types currently exist at other exchanges within the industry.\26\ As an 
example, on Phlx, Floor Market Makers are charged $6,000 per month per 
permit while Floor Brokers are charged $4,000 per month per permit.\27\ 
Further, other exchanges also seek to incentivize Floor Broker order 
flow by reducing their fees. The Exchange notes Cboe also has a fee 
structure in place to incentivize Floor Brokers to bring orders to the 
floor in order to avail themselves of reduced Permit Fees in comparison 
to Floor Market Makers.\28\ In a previous filing, Cboe has stated that 
their Floor Broker ADV Discount (which allows Floor Brokers to pay 
lower fees than Floor Market Makers) ``is designed to encourage the 
execution of orders in all classes via open outcry, which may increase 
volume, which would benefit all market participants . . . trading via 
open outcry.'' \29\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \26\ The Exchange notes, pursuant to this proposal Floor Market 
Makers will continue to be charged $500 more for a podium compared 
to Floor Broker firm's booth space (if the Floor Broker does not 
achieve their Trading Floor Credit).
    \27\ See Nasdaq Phlx Options 7 Pricing Schedule Section 8.A 
(Permit and Registration Fees).
    \28\ Cboe Options Fee Schedule, Floor Trading Permit Sliding 
Scales and Floor Broker ADV Discount. Cboe's monthly Permit Fees 
work on a sliding scale basis in conjunction with Floor Brokers 
being able to achieve discounts based on the Average Daily Volume 
(``ADV'') Floor Brokers achieve each month.
    \29\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 34-89826 (September 
10, 2020), 85 FR 57900 (September 16, 2020) (SR-CBOE-2020-086) 
(Noticed by Commission for Immediate Effectiveness).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, the Exchange believes the proposal is equitable and 
not unfairly discriminatory because it aligns the Exchange's fees with 
at least one other competitor when considering the degree of price 
differentiation.\30\ For example, assume that Market Making Firm A on 
NYSE American has two (2) registered ATPs \31\ and are therefore 
charged $10,000 in monthly ATP Fees for operating on the trading 
floor.\32\ In addition, NYSE American Market Makers are charged $90 per 
month per podium. As such, Market Making Firm A would be charged in 
total $10,180 monthly for its permit fees and podia fees.\33\ By 
comparison, Floor Brokers on

[[Page 21404]]

NYSE American are assessed a $500 per month ATP Fee and $40 per linear 
foot per month for all booth space utilized by such Floor Broker.\34\ 
Assume Floor Broker Firm B has two Floor Brokers and 10 linear feet of 
booth space for two, five-foot desks. Floor Broker Firm B would pay 
$1,000 in ATP Fees and $400 in booth space, for a total of $1,400 per 
month. The fee differential between Market Making Firm A and Floor 
Broker Firm B on NYSE would be $8,780 per month.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \30\ See NYSE American Options Fee Schedule Section III. Monthly 
Trading Permit, Rights, Floor Access and Premium Product Fees.
    \31\ NYSE American ``ATPs'' are registered Broker-Dealers who 
are permit holders on the exchange, this includes NYSE American 
Floor Brokers and Market Makers. See id.; See also NYSEAmer Rule 
920NY. (Market Makers). These two participant types are analogous to 
BOX's Floor Brokers and Floor Market Makers.
    \32\ See id.
    \33\ The Exchange notes, NYSE American limits the number of 
Floor Market Makers allowed on the floor to two ATPs per month, the 
Exchange is proposing no such restrictions at this time.
    \34\ The Exchange notes NYSE American also has an incentive and 
rebate structure in place to incent Floor Brokers to bring liquidity 
and execute orders on its floor. See NYSE American Options Fee 
Schedule, Section III.E. Floor Broker Incentive and Rebate Programs. 
The FB Prepay Program affords Floor Brokers the opportunity to 
prepay Monthly ATP Fees (in addition to other fixed costs) and 
thereby qualify for a percentage reduction of pre-paid annual 
eligible fixed costs (e.g., ATP Fees) or an Alternative Rebate. If a 
Floor Broker firm achieves the highest Tier 4, it is eligible for 
100% refund of eligible fixed costs, or $16,000 per month rebate of 
eligible fixed costs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Now consider the same Market Making Firm A with two Market Makers 
on the BOX Trading Floor. Under this proposal, Market Making Firm A 
would be charged $11,000 for their two Market Maker Trading Floor 
Participant fees. Next, assume Floor Broker Firm B is assessed their 
$5,000 Trading Floor Participant Fee and do not execute a trade on more 
than 50% of the trading days in the given month.\35\ Floor Broker B 
would be charged $5,000 and $350 for each desk for both Floor Brokers, 
for a total monthly fee of $5,700. The fee differential between Market 
Making Firm A and Floor Broker Firm B would be $5,300.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \35\ The Exchange notes, if a Floor Broker firm executes a trade 
on 50% or more of trading days in a given month, the firm receives a 
$5,000 Trading Floor Credit which equals its Trading Floor 
Participant Fee of $5,000 per month.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange notes, if Floor Broker Firm B achieved its Trading 
Floor Credit it would only pay for two desks, one for each of its Floor 
Brokers. Therefore, Floor Broker Firm B would only pay a total of $700 
per month in Floor Broker Desk Fees. The fee differential between 
Market Making Firm A and Floor Broker Firm B on BOX would be $10,300. 
As discussed herein, when Floor Broker Firm B achieves their Trading 
Floor Credit, the fee differentials between Participant types are in 
line with the fee differential on NYSE American. The Exchange 
recognizes the value that Floor Brokers bring to trading floors and 
have in place reduced fees (like those discussed above when compared to 
Floor Market Makers) and other fee caps and rebates to the benefit of 
Floor Brokers in order to incentivize Floor Brokers to continue 
bringing their customer order flow to the physical trading floor to the 
benefit of all market participants.
    Second, the Exchange believes that replacing the Badge Fee 
subsection with the proposed Other Registered On-Floor Persons 
subsection is reasonable, equitable, and not unfairly discriminatory. 
The proposed change is reasonable as it seeks to consolidate the fees 
that are assessed to all Other Registered On-Floor Persons that are not 
Floor Brokers or Floor Market Makers. In addition, the Exchange 
believes it is reasonable to now assess a Desk Fee to Other Registered 
On-Floor Persons because of the space that these individuals will 
utilize on the new BOX Trading Floor.\36\ The Exchange believes 
charging per desk will offer flexibility to Floor Participants to 
customize the precise amount of floor space needed for their business, 
while ensuring that each Floor Participant is charged equitably based 
on the amount of floor space all their Other Registered On-Floor 
Persons utilize. The Exchange believes the proposed Desk Fee for Other 
Registered On-Floor Persons is reasonable and appropriate as a similar 
fee is assessed on at least one other exchange with a physical trading 
floor \37\ as well as identical to the current Desk fee assessed to BOX 
Floor Brokers. Finally, the Exchange believes the proposed Other 
Registered On-Floor Persons Desk Fee is equitable and not unfairly 
discriminatory as such fee will be applied to all Other Registered On-
Floor Persons who are not a Floor Brokers or Floor Market Makers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \36\ The Exchange notes that Other Registered On-Floor Persons 
are not currently allowed on the BOX Trading Floor due to the space 
constraints caused by the COVID-19 social distancing requirements. 
Once the Exchange transitions to its new floor, there will be more 
space available and these individuals will be allowed to return to 
the BOX Trading Floor, however, space will still be limited due to 
the COVID-19 safety measures in place.
    \37\ In 2011, Phlx charged a flat $300 per month fee for 
Trading/Administrative Booth paid by floor brokers and clearing 
firms. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 34-66086 (January 3, 
2012), 77 FR 1111 (January 9, 2012) (SR-Phlx-2011-181). In 2013, 
Phlx eliminated the Trading/Administrative Booth Fees but increased 
the Floor Facility Fee to $330 per month and assessed this fee to 
Clerks among other persons. Clerks on Phlx are defined as ``any 
registered on-floor person employed by or associated with a member 
or member organization who is not a member and is not eligible to 
effect transactions on the Options Floor as a Lead Market Maker, 
Floor Market Maker, or Floor Broker.'' See Phlx Options 8 Section 12 
(defining ``Clerks''). As such, the Exchange believes that the 
proposed Desk Fee for ``all Other Registered On-Floor Persons'' is 
reasonable and appropriate as a similar fee (the Floor Facility Fee) 
currently exists to cover similar costs on Phlx. See Securities 
Exchange Act Release No. 69672 (May 30, 2013), 78 FR 33873 (June 5, 
2013) (SR-Phlx-2013-58). See also Phlx Fee Schedule Options 7, 
Section 9A.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will 
impose any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in 
furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The Exchange does not believe 
that the proposed rule changes will impose any burden on intramarket 
competition because the proposed changes would be applied to all 
similarly situated participants (i.e., Floor Market Makers, Clerks), 
and as such, would not impose a disparate burden on competition among 
the same classes of market participants. As described in further detail 
above, the proposed removal of additional podium fees for Floor Market 
Makers does not impose an undue burden on intermarket competition 
because the resulting fee per podium is similar to other fees at 
competing exchanges with trading floors.\38\ Further, the Exchange 
believes assessing a Desk Fee to Other Registered On-Floor Persons does 
not create an undue burden on competition because the Exchange is 
allocating fees to market participants depending on the space they 
utilize on the Trading Floor. Further, at least one other exchange with 
a physical trading floor assesses a similar fee for Other Registered 
On-Floor Persons.\39\ Lastly, purchasing Desk Space for Other 
Registered On-Floor Persons employed by a Floor Participant is entirely 
voluntary.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \38\ See supra note 22.
    \39\ See supra note 37.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Furthermore, as noted above, the Exchange operates in a highly 
competitive market in which market participants can readily favor 
competing venues if they deem fee levels at a particular venue to be 
excessive. In such an environment, the Exchange must continually adjust 
its fees to remain competitive with other exchanges. Because 
competitors are free to modify their own fees in response, the Exchange 
believes that the degree to which fee changes in this market may impose 
any burden on competition is limited. For the reasons discussed above, 
the Exchange believes that the proposed changes do not impose an undue 
burden on competition.
    Lastly, as described above, the Trading Floor Participant Fees for 
Floor Market Makers are in line with fees assessed at other exchanges 
with physical trading floors.\40\ The Exchange, along with at least one 
other competitor, recognize the value that Floor Brokers bring to 
trading floors and, as such, offer reduced Trading Participant Fees to

[[Page 21405]]

Floor Brokers (in comparison to Floor Market Makers) in order to 
incentivize Floor Brokers to continue to bring customer order flow to 
physical trading floors for the benefit of all market participants.\41\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \40\ See supra note 22.
    \41\ See supra note 30.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    No written comments were either solicited or received.

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

    The foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 
19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Exchange Act \42\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(2) 
thereunder,\43\ because it establishes or changes a due, or fee.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \42\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii).
    \43\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule 
change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend the rule 
change if it appears to the Commission that the action is necessary or 
appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or 
would otherwise further the purposes of the Act. If the Commission 
takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to 
determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved.

IV. Solicitation of Comments

    Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and 
arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule 
change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of 
the following methods:

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an email to [email protected]. Please include 
File Number SR-BOX-2021-03 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-BOX-2021-03. 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 such 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-BOX-2021-03, and should be submitted on 
or before May 13, 2021.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\44\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \44\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

J. Lynn Taylor,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2021-08311 Filed 4-21-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.