Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Extending the Expiration Date of the Temporary Amendments to Rules 10.9261 and 10.9830, 1810-1813 [2022-00380]

Download as PDF 1810 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 12, 2022 / Notices U.S. code citation Civil monetary penalty description 15 U.S.C. 80b–3(i) (Investment Advisers Act Sec. 203(i)). 15 U.S.C. 80b–9(e) (Investment Advisers Act Sec. 209(e)). 15 U.S.C. 7215(c)(4)(D)(i) (SarbanesOxley Act Sec. 105(c)(4)(D)(i)). 15 U.S.C. 7215(c)(4)(D)(ii) (SarbanesOxley Act Sec. 105(c)(4)(D)(ii)). For any other person/fraud/substantial losses or risk of losses to others. For natural person .................................................... For any other person ................................................ For natural person/fraud ........................................... For any other person/fraud ....................................... For natural person/fraud/substantial losses or risk of losses to others or gains to self. For any other person/fraud/substantial losses or risk of losses to others or gain to self. For natural person .................................................... For any other person ................................................ For natural person/fraud ........................................... For any other person/fraud ....................................... For natural person/fraud/substantial losses or risk of losses to others. For any other person/fraud/substantial losses or risk of losses to others. For natural person .................................................... For any other person ................................................ For natural person .................................................... For any other person ................................................ Pursuant to the 2015 Act and 17 CFR 201.1001, the adjusted penalty amounts in this Notice (and all penalty adjustments performed pursuant to the 2015 Act) apply to penalties imposed after the date the adjustment is effective for violations that occurred after November 2, 2015, the 2015 Act’s enactment date. These penalty amounts supersede the amounts in the 2021 Adjustment.15 For violations that occurred on or before November 2, 2015, the penalty amounts in Table I to 17 CFR 201.1001 continue to apply.16 By the Commission. Dated: January 6, 2022. Vanessa A. Countryman, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2022–00384 Filed 1–11–22; 8:45 am] lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 BILLING CODE 8011–01–P 15 The penalty amounts in this Notice are being published in the Federal Register and will not be added to the Code of Federal Regulations in accordance with the 2015 Act and 17 CFR 201.1001(b). See 28 U.S.C. 2461 note Sec. 4(a)(2); 17 CFR 201.1001(b). In addition to being published in the Federal Register, the penalty amounts in this Notice will be made available on the Commission’s website at https://www.sec.gov/enforce/civilpenalties-inflation-adjustments.htm, as detailed in 17 CFR 201.1001(b). This website also lists the penalty amounts for violations that occurred on or before November 2, 2015. 16 17 CFR 201.1001(a). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:04 Jan 11, 2022 Jkt 256001 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–93918; File No. SR– NYSEARCA–2021–107] Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Extending the Expiration Date of the Temporary Amendments to Rules 10.9261 and 10.9830 January 6, 2022. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) 1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’) 2 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,3 notice is hereby given that, on December 27, 2021, NYSE Arca, Inc. (‘‘NYSE Arca’’ or the ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II below, which Items have been prepared by the self-regulatory organization. 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 proposes extending the expiration date of the temporary amendments to Rules 10.9261 and 10.9830 as set forth in SR–NYSEArca– 2020–85 from December 31, 2021, to March 31, 2022, in conformity with recent changes by the Financial Industry U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 15 U.S.C. 78a. 3 17 CFR 240.19b–4. Frm 00096 Fmt 4703 CPI–U multiplier 2022 Adjusted penalty amounts 975,230 1.06222 1,035,909 9,753 97,523 97,523 487,616 195,047 1.06222 1.06222 1.06222 1.06222 1.06222 10,360 103,591 103,591 517,955 207,183 975,230 1.06222 1,035,909 9,753 97,523 97,523 487,616 195,047 1.06222 1.06222 1.06222 1.06222 1.06222 10,360 103,591 103,591 517,955 207,183 975,230 1.06222 1,035,909 143,621 2,872,441 1,077,165 21,543,299 1.06222 1.06222 1.06222 1.06222 152,557 3,051,164 1,144,186 22,883,723 Regulatory Authority, Inc. (‘‘FINRA’’). The proposed rule change would not make any changes to the text of NYSE Arca Rules 10.9261 and 10.9830. The proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s website at www.nyse.com, at the principal office of the Exchange, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, the self-regulatory organization included statements concerning the purpose of, and basis for, the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of those 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 parts of such statements. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and the Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The Exchange proposes extending the expiration date of the temporary amendments as set forth in SR– NYSEArca–2020–85 4 to Rules 10.9261 (Evidence and Procedure in Hearing) 4 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 90088 (October 5, 2020), 85 FR 64186 (October 9, 2020) (SR–NYSEArca–2020–85) (‘‘SR–NYSEArca–2020– 85’’). 1 15 PO 00000 2021 Adjustment penalty amounts Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\12JAN1.SGM 12JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 12, 2022 / Notices and 10.9830 (Hearing) from December 31, 2021, to March 31, 2022, to harmonize with recent changes by FINRA to extend the expiration date of the temporary amendments to its Rules 9261 and 9830. SR–NYSEArca–2020–85 temporarily granted to the Chief or Deputy Chief Hearing Officer the authority to order that hearings be conducted by video conference if warranted by public health risks posed by in-person hearings during the ongoing COVID–19 pandemic. The proposed rule change would not make any changes to the text of Exchange Rules 10.9261 and 10.9830.5 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 Background In 2019, NYSE Arca adopted disciplinary rules based on the text of the Rule 8000 and Rule 9000 Series of its affiliate NYSE American LLC (‘‘NYSE American’’), with certain changes. The NYSE American disciplinary rules are, in turn, substantially the same as the Rule 8000 Series and Rule 9000 Series of FINRA and the New York Stock Exchange LLC.6 The NYSE Arca disciplinary rules were implemented on May 27, 2019.7 In adopting disciplinary rules modeled on FINRA’s rules, NYSE Arca adopted the hearing and evidentiary processes set forth in Rule 10.9261 and in Rule 10.9830 for hearings in matters involving temporary and permanent cease and desist orders under the Rule 10.9800 Series. As adopted, the text of Rule 10.9261 and Rule 10.9830 are substantially the same as the FINRA rules with certain modifications.8 In response to the COVID–19 global health crisis and the corresponding need to restrict in-person activities, on August 31, 2020, FINRA filed with the Commission a proposed rule change for immediate effectiveness, SR–FINRA– 2020–027, which allowed FINRA’s Office of Hearing Officers (‘‘OHO’’) to conduct hearings, on a temporary basis, by video conference, if warranted by the current COVID–19-related public health risks posed by an in-person hearing. Among the rules FINRA amended were Rules 9261 and 9830.9 5 The Exchange may submit a separate rule filing to extend the expiration date of the proposed extension beyond March 31, 2022 if the Exchange requires additional temporary relief from the rule requirements identified in SR–NYSEArca–2020–85. The amended NYSE Arca rules will revert back to their original state at the conclusion of the temporary relief period and any extension thereof. 6 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 85639 (April 12, 2019), 84 FR 16346 (April 18, 2019) (SR– NYSEArca–2019–15) (‘‘2019 Notice’’). 7 See NYSE Arca Equities RB–19–060 & NYSE Arca Options RB–19–02 (April 26, 2019). 8 See 2019 Notice, 84 FR at 16365 & 16373–4. 9 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 89737 (September 2, 2020), 85 FR 55712 (September 9, VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:04 Jan 11, 2022 Jkt 256001 Given that FINRA and OHO administers disciplinary hearings on the Exchange’s behalf, and that the public health concerns addressed by FINRA’s amendments apply equally to Exchange disciplinary hearings, on September 23, 2020, the Exchange filed to temporarily amend Rule 10.9261 and Rule 10.9830 to permit FINRA to conduct virtual hearings on its behalf.10 In December 2020, FINRA filed a proposed rule change, SR–FINRA–2020–042, to extend the expiration date of the temporary amendments in SR–FINRA–2020–027 from December 31, 2020, to April 30, 2021.11 On December 22, 2020, the Exchange similarly filed to extend the temporary amendments to Rule 10.9261 and Rule 10.9830 to April 30, 2021.12 On April 1, 2021, FINRA filed a proposed rule change, SR–FINRA– 2021–006, to extend the expiration date of the temporary rule amendments to, among other rules, FINRA Rule 9261 and 9830 from April 30, 2021, to August 31, 2021.13 On April 20, 2021, the Exchange filed to extend the temporary amendments to Rule 10.9261 and Rule 10.9830 to August 31, 2021.14 On August 13, 2021, FINRA filed a proposed rule change, SR–FINRA– 2021–019, to extend the expiration date of the temporary amendments to, among other rules, FINRA Rule 9261 and 9830 from August 31, 2021, to December 31, 2021.15 On August 27, 2021, the Exchange filed to extend the temporary amendments to Rule 10.9261 and Rule 10.9830 to December 31, 2021, after which the temporary amendments will expire absent another proposed rule change filing by the Exchange.16 While there are signs of improvement, FINRA has determined that much uncertainty remains for the coming months. The presence of the Delta variant, dissimilar vaccination rates throughout the United States, and the uptick in transmissions in many locations indicate that COVID–19 2020) (SR–FINRA–2020–027) (‘‘SR–FINRA–2020– 027’’). 10 See note 4, supra. 11 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 90619 (December 9, 2020), 85 FR 81250 (December 15, 2020) (SR–FINRA–2020–042). 12 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 90820 (December 30, 2020), 86 FR 647 (January 6, 2021) (SR–NYSEArca–2020–116). 13 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 91495 (April 7, 2021), 86 FR 19306 (April 13, 2021) (SR– FINRA–2021–006). 14 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 91633 (April 22, 2021), 86 FR 22474 (April 28, 2021) (SR– NYSEArca–2021–27). 15 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 92685 (August 17, 2021), 86 FR 47169 (August 23, 2021) (SR–FINRA–2021–019). 16 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 92909 (September 9, 2021), 86 FR 51415 (September 15, 2021) (SR–NYSEArca–2021–76). PO 00000 Frm 00097 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 1811 remains an active and real public health concern.17 Due to the uncertainty and the lack of a clear timeframe for a sustained and widespread abatement of COVID–19-related health concerns and corresponding restrictions,18 FINRA believes that there is a continued need for temporary relief beyond December 31, 2021.19 On December 7, 2021, FINRA accordingly filed to extend the expiration date of the temporary rule amendments to, among other rules, FINRA Rule 9261 and 9830 from December 31, 2021, to March 31, 2022.20 Proposed Rule Change Consistent with FINRA’s recent proposal, the Exchange proposes to extend the expiration date of the temporary rule amendments to NYSE 17 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 93758 (December 13, 2021), 86 FR 71695 (December 17, 2021) (SR–FINRA–2021–031) (‘‘SR–FINRA–2021– 031’’). FINRA noted that, for example, President Joe Biden on July 29, 2021, announced several measures to increase the number of people vaccinated against COVID–19 and to slow the spread of the Delta variant, including strengthening safety protocols for federal government employees and contractors. See https://www.whitehouse.gov/ briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/07/29/ factsheet-president-biden-to-announce-new-actionsto-get-more-americansvaccinated-and-slow-thespread-of-the-delta-variant/. Thereafter, the Biden Administration announced on November 4, 2021, details of two major vaccination policies to further help fight COVID–19. See https:// www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statementsreleases/2021/11/04/factsheet-bidenadministration-announces-details-of-two-majorvaccination-policies/. Most recently, President Biden announced several new actions to help protect Americans against the Delta and Omicron variants. See https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefingroom/statements-releases/2021/12/02/factsheetpresident-biden-announces-new-actions-to-protectamericans-against-thedelta-and-omicron-variantsas-we-battle-covid-19-this-winter/. See SR–FINRA– 2021–031, 86 FR at 71695, n. 6. 18 For instance, FINRA noted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (‘‘CDC’’) recently announced that the first confirmed case of COVID– 19 caused by the Omicron variant was detected in the United States. See https://www.cdc.gov/media/ releases/2021/s1201-omicron-variant.html. The CDC also recommends that fully vaccinated people wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission and noted that fully vaccinated people might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission, particularly if they are immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease from COVID–19. See https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html. Furthermore, as FINRA also noted, numerous states currently have COVID–19 restrictions in place. Six states (Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington) require most people to wear masks in indoor public places regardless of vaccination status, and three states (California, Connecticut, and New York) have mask mandates in indoor public places for those individuals who are unvaccinated. Several other states have mask mandates in certain settings, such as healthcare facilities, schools, and correctional facilities. See SR–FINRA–2021–031, 86 FR at 71696, n. 7. 19 See SR–FINRA–2021–031, 86 FR at 71695–96. 20 See SR–FINRA–2021–031, 86 FR at 71695. E:\FR\FM\12JAN1.SGM 12JAN1 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 1812 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 12, 2022 / Notices Arca Rules 10.9261 and 10.9830 as set forth in SR–NYSEArca–2020–85 from December 31, 2021, to March 31, 2022. As set forth in SR–FINRA–2021–031, while there are signs of improvement, much uncertainty remains for the coming months. The presence of the Delta variant, dissimilar vaccination rates throughout the United States, and the uptick in transmissions in many locations indicate that COVID–19 remains an active and real public health concern.21 Due to the uncertainty and the lack of a clear timeframe for a sustained and widespread abatement of COVID–19-related health concerns and corresponding restrictions,22 FINRA believes that there is a continued need for temporary relief beyond December 31, 2021.23 FINRA accordingly proposed to extend the expiration date of the temporary rule amendments from December 31, 2021, to March 31, 2022. The Exchange proposes to similarly extend the expiration date of the temporary rule amendments to NYSE Arca Rules 10.9261 and 10.9830 as set forth in SR–NYSEArca–2020–85 from December 31, 2021, to March 31, 2022. The Exchange agrees with FINRA that, while there are signs of improvement, much uncertainty remains for the coming months. The Exchange also agrees that, due to the uncertainty and the lack of a clear timeframe for a sustained and widespread abatement of COVID–19-related health concerns and corresponding restrictions, for the reasons set forth in SR–FINRA–2021– 031, there is a continued need for this temporary relief beyond December 31, 2021. The proposed change would permit OHO to continue to assess, based on critical COVID–19 data and criteria and the guidance of health and security consultants, whether an in-person hearing would compromise the health and safety of the hearing participants such that the hearing should proceed by video conference. As noted in SR– FINRA–2021–031, in deciding whether to schedule a hearing by video conference, OHO may consider a variety of other factors in addition to COVID– 19 trends. Similarly, as noted in SR– FINRA–2021–031, in SR–FINRA–2020– 027, FINRA provided a non-exhaustive list of other factors OHO may take into consideration, including a hearing participant’s individual health concerns and access to the connectivity and technology necessary to participate in a video conference hearing.24 The 21 See note 17, supra. note 18, supra. 23 See SR–FINRA–2021–031, 86 FR at 71695. 24 See SR–FINRA–2021–031, 86 FR at 71695, n. 13. Exchange believes that this is a reasonable procedure to continue to follow for hearings under Rules 10.9261 and 10.9830 chaired by a FINRA employee. As noted below, the Exchange has filed the proposed rule change for immediate effectiveness and has requested that the SEC waive the requirement that the proposed rule change not become operative for 30 days after the date of the filing, so the Exchange can implement the proposed rule change immediately. 2. Statutory Basis The proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act,25 in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5),26 in particular, because it is designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in facilitating transactions in securities, to remove impediments to, and perfect the mechanism of, a free and open market and a national market system and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. Additionally, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is designed to provide a fair procedure for the disciplining of members and persons associated with members, consistent with Sections 6(b)(7) and 6(d) of the Act.27 The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change supports the objectives of the Act by providing greater harmonization between Exchange rules and FINRA rules of similar purpose, resulting in less burdensome and more efficient regulatory compliance. As such, the proposed rule change will foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in facilitating transactions in securities and will remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system. The proposed rule change, which extends the expiration date of the temporary amendments to Exchange rules consistent with FINRA’s extension to its Rules 9261 and 9830 as set forth in SR–FINRA–2021–031, will permit the Exchange to continue to effectively conduct hearings during the COVID–19 pandemic. Given the current and frequently changing COVID–19 conditions and the uncertainty around when those conditions will see 22 See VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:04 Jan 11, 2022 Jkt 256001 25 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). 27 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(7) & 78f(d). meaningful, widespread and sustained improvement, without this relief allowing OHO to proceed by video conference, some or all hearings may have to be postponed. The ability to conduct hearings by video conference will permit the adjudicatory functions of the Exchange’s disciplinary rules to continue unabated, thereby avoiding protracted delays. The Exchange believes that this is especially important in matters where temporary and permanent cease and desist orders are sought because the proposed rule change would enable those hearings to continue to proceed without delay, thereby enabling the Exchange to continue to take immediate action to stop significant, ongoing customer harm, to the benefit of the investing public. As set forth in detail in the SR– NYSEArca–2020–85, the temporary relief to permit hearings to be conducted via video conference maintains fair process and will continue to provide fair process consistent with Sections 6(b)(7) and 6(d) of the Act 28 while striking an appropriate balance between providing fair process and enabling the Exchange to fulfill its statutory obligations to protect investors and maintain fair and orderly markets while avoiding the COVID–19-related public health risks for hearing participants. The Exchange notes that this proposal, like, like SR–NYSEArca–2020–85, provides only temporary relief. As proposed, the changes would be in place through March 31, 2022. As noted in SR–NYSEArca–2020–85 and above, the amended rules will revert back to their original state at the conclusion of the temporary relief period and, if applicable, any extension thereof. Accordingly, the proposed rule change extending this temporary relief is in the public interest and consistent with the Act’s purpose. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange does not believe that the proposed temporary rule change will impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The proposed rule change is not intended to address competitive issues but is rather intended solely to provide continued temporary relief given the impacts of the COVID–19 pandemic and the related health and safety risks of conducting in-person activities. The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change will prevent unnecessary impediments to critical adjudicatory 26 15 PO 00000 Frm 00098 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 28 15 E:\FR\FM\12JAN1.SGM U.S.C. 78f(b)(7) & 78f(d). 12JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 12, 2022 / Notices processes and its ability to fulfill its statutory obligations to protect investors and maintain fair and orderly markets that would otherwise result if the temporary amendments were to expire on December 31, 2021. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others No written comments were solicited or received with respect to the proposed rule change. 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 29 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.30 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 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. A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b–4(f)(6) 31 normally does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b4(f)(6)(iii),32 the Commission may designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has asked the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that the proposal may become operative immediately upon filing. The Exchange has indicated that the proposed rule change to extend the expiration date will continue to prevent unnecessary impediments to its critical adjudicatory processes, and its ability to fulfill its statutory obligations to protect investors and maintain fair and orderly markets that would otherwise result if the temporary amendments were to expire on December 31, 2021.33 Importantly, the Exchange has also stated that extending the relief provided in SR– NYSEArca–2020–85 immediately upon filing and without a 30-day operative delay will allow the Exchange to 29 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 31 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 32 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). 33 See supra Item II. 30 17 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:04 Jan 11, 2022 Jkt 256001 continue critical adjudicatory and review processes in a reasonable and fair manner and meet its critical investor protection goals, while also following best practices with respect to the health and safety of hearing participants.34 The Commission also notes that this proposal extends without change the temporary relief previously provided by SR–NYSEArca–2020–85.35 As proposed, the changes would be in place through March 31, 2022 and the amended rules will revert back to their original state at the conclusion of the temporary relief period and, if applicable, any extension thereof.36 For these reasons, the Commission believes that waiver of the 30-day operative delay for this proposal is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest. Accordingly, the Commission hereby waives the 30-day operative delay and designates the proposal operative upon filing.37 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) 38 of the Act to determine whether the proposed rule change should be approved or disapproved. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or 34 See SR–FINRA–2021–031 at 71698 (noting the same with respect to FINRA employees in granting FINRA’s request to waive the 30-day operative delay so that SR–FINRA–2021–031 would become operative immediately upon filing). 35 See supra note 4. 36 See supra note 5. As noted above, the Exchange states that if it requires temporary relief from the rule requirements identified in this proposal beyond March 31, 2022 it may submit a separate rule filing to extend the effectiveness of the temporary relief under these rules. 37 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, the Commission has considered the proposed rule change’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). 38 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B). PO 00000 Frm 00099 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 1813 • Send an email to rule-comments@ sec.gov. Please include File Number SR– NYSEARCA–2021–107 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–NYSEARCA–2021–107. 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–NYSEARCA–2021–107 and should be submitted on or before February 2, 2022. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.39 J. Matthew DeLesDernier, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2022–00380 Filed 1–11–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P 39 17 E:\FR\FM\12JAN1.SGM CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). 12JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 12, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1810-1813]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-00380]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-93918; File No. SR-NYSEARCA-2021-107]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing 
and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Extending the 
Expiration Date of the Temporary Amendments to Rules 10.9261 and 
10.9830

January 6, 2022.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) \1\ of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 (the ``Act'') \2\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\3\ notice is hereby 
given that, on December 27, 2021, NYSE Arca, Inc. (``NYSE Arca'' or the 
``Exchange'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 
``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II 
below, which Items have been prepared by the self-regulatory 
organization. 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\ 15 U.S.C. 78a.
    \3\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The Exchange proposes extending the expiration date of the 
temporary amendments to Rules 10.9261 and 10.9830 as set forth in SR-
NYSEArca-2020-85 from December 31, 2021, to March 31, 2022, in 
conformity with recent changes by the Financial Industry Regulatory 
Authority, Inc. (``FINRA''). The proposed rule change would not make 
any changes to the text of NYSE Arca Rules 10.9261 and 10.9830. The 
proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's website at 
www.nyse.com, at the principal office of the Exchange, and at the 
Commission's Public Reference Room.

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

    In its filing with the Commission, the self-regulatory organization 
included statements concerning the purpose of, and basis for, the 
proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the 
proposed rule change. The text of those 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 parts of such statements.

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

1. Purpose
    The Exchange proposes extending the expiration date of the 
temporary amendments as set forth in SR-NYSEArca-2020-85 \4\ to Rules 
10.9261 (Evidence and Procedure in Hearing)

[[Page 1811]]

and 10.9830 (Hearing) from December 31, 2021, to March 31, 2022, to 
harmonize with recent changes by FINRA to extend the expiration date of 
the temporary amendments to its Rules 9261 and 9830. SR-NYSEArca-2020-
85 temporarily granted to the Chief or Deputy Chief Hearing Officer the 
authority to order that hearings be conducted by video conference if 
warranted by public health risks posed by in-person hearings during the 
ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed rule change would not make any 
changes to the text of Exchange Rules 10.9261 and 10.9830.\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 90088 (October 5, 
2020), 85 FR 64186 (October 9, 2020) (SR-NYSEArca-2020-85) (``SR-
NYSEArca-2020-85'').
    \5\ The Exchange may submit a separate rule filing to extend the 
expiration date of the proposed extension beyond March 31, 2022 if 
the Exchange requires additional temporary relief from the rule 
requirements identified in SR-NYSEArca-2020-85. The amended NYSE 
Arca rules will revert back to their original state at the 
conclusion of the temporary relief period and any extension thereof.
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Background
    In 2019, NYSE Arca adopted disciplinary rules based on the text of 
the Rule 8000 and Rule 9000 Series of its affiliate NYSE American LLC 
(``NYSE American''), with certain changes. The NYSE American 
disciplinary rules are, in turn, substantially the same as the Rule 
8000 Series and Rule 9000 Series of FINRA and the New York Stock 
Exchange LLC.\6\ The NYSE Arca disciplinary rules were implemented on 
May 27, 2019.\7\
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    \6\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 85639 (April 12, 
2019), 84 FR 16346 (April 18, 2019) (SR-NYSEArca-2019-15) (``2019 
Notice'').
    \7\ See NYSE Arca Equities RB-19-060 & NYSE Arca Options RB-19-
02 (April 26, 2019).
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    In adopting disciplinary rules modeled on FINRA's rules, NYSE Arca 
adopted the hearing and evidentiary processes set forth in Rule 10.9261 
and in Rule 10.9830 for hearings in matters involving temporary and 
permanent cease and desist orders under the Rule 10.9800 Series. As 
adopted, the text of Rule 10.9261 and Rule 10.9830 are substantially 
the same as the FINRA rules with certain modifications.\8\
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    \8\ See 2019 Notice, 84 FR at 16365 & 16373-4.
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    In response to the COVID-19 global health crisis and the 
corresponding need to restrict in-person activities, on August 31, 
2020, FINRA filed with the Commission a proposed rule change for 
immediate effectiveness, SR-FINRA-2020-027, which allowed FINRA's 
Office of Hearing Officers (``OHO'') to conduct hearings, on a 
temporary basis, by video conference, if warranted by the current 
COVID-19-related public health risks posed by an in-person hearing. 
Among the rules FINRA amended were Rules 9261 and 9830.\9\
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    \9\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 89737 (September 2, 
2020), 85 FR 55712 (September 9, 2020) (SR-FINRA-2020-027) (``SR-
FINRA-2020-027'').
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    Given that FINRA and OHO administers disciplinary hearings on the 
Exchange's behalf, and that the public health concerns addressed by 
FINRA's amendments apply equally to Exchange disciplinary hearings, on 
September 23, 2020, the Exchange filed to temporarily amend Rule 
10.9261 and Rule 10.9830 to permit FINRA to conduct virtual hearings on 
its behalf.\10\ In December 2020, FINRA filed a proposed rule change, 
SR-FINRA-2020-042, to extend the expiration date of the temporary 
amendments in SR-FINRA-2020-027 from December 31, 2020, to April 30, 
2021.\11\ On December 22, 2020, the Exchange similarly filed to extend 
the temporary amendments to Rule 10.9261 and Rule 10.9830 to April 30, 
2021.\12\ On April 1, 2021, FINRA filed a proposed rule change, SR-
FINRA-2021-006, to extend the expiration date of the temporary rule 
amendments to, among other rules, FINRA Rule 9261 and 9830 from April 
30, 2021, to August 31, 2021.\13\ On April 20, 2021, the Exchange filed 
to extend the temporary amendments to Rule 10.9261 and Rule 10.9830 to 
August 31, 2021.\14\ On August 13, 2021, FINRA filed a proposed rule 
change, SR-FINRA-2021-019, to extend the expiration date of the 
temporary amendments to, among other rules, FINRA Rule 9261 and 9830 
from August 31, 2021, to December 31, 2021.\15\ On August 27, 2021, the 
Exchange filed to extend the temporary amendments to Rule 10.9261 and 
Rule 10.9830 to December 31, 2021, after which the temporary amendments 
will expire absent another proposed rule change filing by the 
Exchange.\16\
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    \10\ See note 4, supra.
    \11\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 90619 (December 9, 
2020), 85 FR 81250 (December 15, 2020) (SR-FINRA-2020-042).
    \12\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 90820 (December 30, 
2020), 86 FR 647 (January 6, 2021) (SR-NYSEArca-2020-116).
    \13\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 91495 (April 7, 
2021), 86 FR 19306 (April 13, 2021) (SR-FINRA-2021-006).
    \14\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 91633 (April 22, 
2021), 86 FR 22474 (April 28, 2021) (SR-NYSEArca-2021-27).
    \15\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 92685 (August 17, 
2021), 86 FR 47169 (August 23, 2021) (SR-FINRA-2021-019).
    \16\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 92909 (September 9, 
2021), 86 FR 51415 (September 15, 2021) (SR-NYSEArca-2021-76).
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    While there are signs of improvement, FINRA has determined that 
much uncertainty remains for the coming months. The presence of the 
Delta variant, dissimilar vaccination rates throughout the United 
States, and the uptick in transmissions in many locations indicate that 
COVID-19 remains an active and real public health concern.\17\ Due to 
the uncertainty and the lack of a clear timeframe for a sustained and 
widespread abatement of COVID-19-related health concerns and 
corresponding restrictions,\18\ FINRA believes that there is a 
continued need for temporary relief beyond December 31, 2021.\19\ On 
December 7, 2021, FINRA accordingly filed to extend the expiration date 
of the temporary rule amendments to, among other rules, FINRA Rule 9261 
and 9830 from December 31, 2021, to March 31, 2022.\20\
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    \17\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 93758 (December 13, 
2021), 86 FR 71695 (December 17, 2021) (SR-FINRA-2021-031) (``SR-
FINRA-2021-031''). FINRA noted that, for example, President Joe 
Biden on July 29, 2021, announced several measures to increase the 
number of people vaccinated against COVID-19 and to slow the spread 
of the Delta variant, including strengthening safety protocols for 
federal government employees and contractors. See https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/07/29/factsheet-president-biden-to-announce-new-actions-to-get-more-americansvaccinated-and-slow-the-spread-of-the-delta-variant/. 
Thereafter, the Biden Administration announced on November 4, 2021, 
details of two major vaccination policies to further help fight 
COVID-19. See https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/11/04/factsheet-biden-administration-announces-details-of-two-major-vaccination-policies/. Most recently, President 
Biden announced several new actions to help protect Americans 
against the Delta and Omicron variants. See https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/12/02/factsheet-president-biden-announces-new-actions-to-protect-americans-against-thedelta-and-omicron-variants-as-we-battle-covid-19-this-winter/. See SR-FINRA-2021-031, 86 FR at 71695, n. 6.
    \18\ For instance, FINRA noted that the Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention (``CDC'') recently announced that the first 
confirmed case of COVID-19 caused by the Omicron variant was 
detected in the United States. See https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1201-omicron-variant.html. The CDC also recommends 
that fully vaccinated people wear a mask in public indoor settings 
in areas of substantial or high transmission and noted that fully 
vaccinated people might choose to wear a mask regardless of the 
level of transmission, particularly if they are immunocompromised or 
at increased risk for severe disease from COVID-19. See https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html. Furthermore, as FINRA also noted, numerous states 
currently have COVID-19 restrictions in place. Six states (Hawaii, 
Illinois, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington) require most 
people to wear masks in indoor public places regardless of 
vaccination status, and three states (California, Connecticut, and 
New York) have mask mandates in indoor public places for those 
individuals who are unvaccinated. Several other states have mask 
mandates in certain settings, such as healthcare facilities, 
schools, and correctional facilities. See SR-FINRA-2021-031, 86 FR 
at 71696, n. 7.
    \19\ See SR-FINRA-2021-031, 86 FR at 71695-96.
    \20\ See SR-FINRA-2021-031, 86 FR at 71695.
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Proposed Rule Change
    Consistent with FINRA's recent proposal, the Exchange proposes to 
extend the expiration date of the temporary rule amendments to NYSE

[[Page 1812]]

Arca Rules 10.9261 and 10.9830 as set forth in SR-NYSEArca-2020-85 from 
December 31, 2021, to March 31, 2022.
    As set forth in SR-FINRA-2021-031, while there are signs of 
improvement, much uncertainty remains for the coming months. The 
presence of the Delta variant, dissimilar vaccination rates throughout 
the United States, and the uptick in transmissions in many locations 
indicate that COVID-19 remains an active and real public health 
concern.\21\ Due to the uncertainty and the lack of a clear timeframe 
for a sustained and widespread abatement of COVID-19-related health 
concerns and corresponding restrictions,\22\ FINRA believes that there 
is a continued need for temporary relief beyond December 31, 2021.\23\ 
FINRA accordingly proposed to extend the expiration date of the 
temporary rule amendments from December 31, 2021, to March 31, 2022.
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    \21\ See note 17, supra.
    \22\ See note 18, supra.
    \23\ See SR-FINRA-2021-031, 86 FR at 71695.
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    The Exchange proposes to similarly extend the expiration date of 
the temporary rule amendments to NYSE Arca Rules 10.9261 and 10.9830 as 
set forth in SR-NYSEArca-2020-85 from December 31, 2021, to March 31, 
2022. The Exchange agrees with FINRA that, while there are signs of 
improvement, much uncertainty remains for the coming months. The 
Exchange also agrees that, due to the uncertainty and the lack of a 
clear timeframe for a sustained and widespread abatement of COVID-19-
related health concerns and corresponding restrictions, for the reasons 
set forth in SR-FINRA-2021-031, there is a continued need for this 
temporary relief beyond December 31, 2021. The proposed change would 
permit OHO to continue to assess, based on critical COVID-19 data and 
criteria and the guidance of health and security consultants, whether 
an in-person hearing would compromise the health and safety of the 
hearing participants such that the hearing should proceed by video 
conference. As noted in SR-FINRA-2021-031, in deciding whether to 
schedule a hearing by video conference, OHO may consider a variety of 
other factors in addition to COVID-19 trends. Similarly, as noted in 
SR-FINRA-2021-031, in SR-FINRA-2020-027, FINRA provided a non-
exhaustive list of other factors OHO may take into consideration, 
including a hearing participant's individual health concerns and access 
to the connectivity and technology necessary to participate in a video 
conference hearing.\24\ The Exchange believes that this is a reasonable 
procedure to continue to follow for hearings under Rules 10.9261 and 
10.9830 chaired by a FINRA employee.
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    \24\ See SR-FINRA-2021-031, 86 FR at 71695, n. 13.
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    As noted below, the Exchange has filed the proposed rule change for 
immediate effectiveness and has requested that the SEC waive the 
requirement that the proposed rule change not become operative for 30 
days after the date of the filing, so the Exchange can implement the 
proposed rule change immediately.
2. Statutory Basis
    The proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b) of the 
Act,\25\ in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 
6(b)(5),\26\ in particular, because it is designed to prevent 
fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and 
equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination 
with persons engaged in facilitating transactions in securities, to 
remove impediments to, and perfect the mechanism of, a free and open 
market and a national market system and, in general, to protect 
investors and the public interest. Additionally, the Exchange believes 
the proposed rule change is designed to provide a fair procedure for 
the disciplining of members and persons associated with members, 
consistent with Sections 6(b)(7) and 6(d) of the Act.\27\
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    \25\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \26\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
    \27\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(7) & 78f(d).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change supports the 
objectives of the Act by providing greater harmonization between 
Exchange rules and FINRA rules of similar purpose, resulting in less 
burdensome and more efficient regulatory compliance. As such, the 
proposed rule change will foster cooperation and coordination with 
persons engaged in facilitating transactions in securities and will 
remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open 
market and a national market system.
    The proposed rule change, which extends the expiration date of the 
temporary amendments to Exchange rules consistent with FINRA's 
extension to its Rules 9261 and 9830 as set forth in SR-FINRA-2021-031, 
will permit the Exchange to continue to effectively conduct hearings 
during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the current and frequently changing 
COVID-19 conditions and the uncertainty around when those conditions 
will see meaningful, widespread and sustained improvement, without this 
relief allowing OHO to proceed by video conference, some or all 
hearings may have to be postponed. The ability to conduct hearings by 
video conference will permit the adjudicatory functions of the 
Exchange's disciplinary rules to continue unabated, thereby avoiding 
protracted delays. The Exchange believes that this is especially 
important in matters where temporary and permanent cease and desist 
orders are sought because the proposed rule change would enable those 
hearings to continue to proceed without delay, thereby enabling the 
Exchange to continue to take immediate action to stop significant, 
ongoing customer harm, to the benefit of the investing public.
    As set forth in detail in the SR-NYSEArca-2020-85, the temporary 
relief to permit hearings to be conducted via video conference 
maintains fair process and will continue to provide fair process 
consistent with Sections 6(b)(7) and 6(d) of the Act \28\ while 
striking an appropriate balance between providing fair process and 
enabling the Exchange to fulfill its statutory obligations to protect 
investors and maintain fair and orderly markets while avoiding the 
COVID-19-related public health risks for hearing participants. The 
Exchange notes that this proposal, like, like SR-NYSEArca-2020-85, 
provides only temporary relief. As proposed, the changes would be in 
place through March 31, 2022. As noted in SR-NYSEArca-2020-85 and 
above, the amended rules will revert back to their original state at 
the conclusion of the temporary relief period and, if applicable, any 
extension thereof.
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    \28\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(7) & 78f(d).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Accordingly, the proposed rule change extending this temporary 
relief is in the public interest and consistent with the Act's purpose.

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

    The Exchange does not believe that the proposed temporary rule 
change will impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or 
appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The proposed 
rule change is not intended to address competitive issues but is rather 
intended solely to provide continued temporary relief given the impacts 
of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related health and safety risks of 
conducting in-person activities. The Exchange believes that the 
proposed rule change will prevent unnecessary impediments to critical 
adjudicatory

[[Page 1813]]

processes and its ability to fulfill its statutory obligations to 
protect investors and maintain fair and orderly markets that would 
otherwise result if the temporary amendments were to expire on December 
31, 2021.

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

    No written comments were solicited or received with respect to the 
proposed rule change.

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 \29\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\30\ 
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 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.
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    \29\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
    \30\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \31\ normally 
does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the 
filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b4(f)(6)(iii),\32\ the Commission 
may designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the 
protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has asked 
the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that the proposal 
may become operative immediately upon filing. The Exchange has 
indicated that the proposed rule change to extend the expiration date 
will continue to prevent unnecessary impediments to its critical 
adjudicatory processes, and its ability to fulfill its statutory 
obligations to protect investors and maintain fair and orderly markets 
that would otherwise result if the temporary amendments were to expire 
on December 31, 2021.\33\ Importantly, the Exchange has also stated 
that extending the relief provided in SR-NYSEArca-2020-85 immediately 
upon filing and without a 30-day operative delay will allow the 
Exchange to continue critical adjudicatory and review processes in a 
reasonable and fair manner and meet its critical investor protection 
goals, while also following best practices with respect to the health 
and safety of hearing participants.\34\ The Commission also notes that 
this proposal extends without change the temporary relief previously 
provided by SR-NYSEArca-2020-85.\35\ As proposed, the changes would be 
in place through March 31, 2022 and the amended rules will revert back 
to their original state at the conclusion of the temporary relief 
period and, if applicable, any extension thereof.\36\ For these 
reasons, the Commission believes that waiver of the 30-day operative 
delay for this proposal is consistent with the protection of investors 
and the public interest. Accordingly, the Commission hereby waives the 
30-day operative delay and designates the proposal operative upon 
filing.\37\
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    \31\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \32\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
    \33\ See supra Item II.
    \34\ See SR-FINRA-2021-031 at 71698 (noting the same with 
respect to FINRA employees in granting FINRA's request to waive the 
30-day operative delay so that SR-FINRA-2021-031 would become 
operative immediately upon filing).
    \35\ See supra note 4.
    \36\ See supra note 5. As noted above, the Exchange states that 
if it requires temporary relief from the rule requirements 
identified in this proposal beyond March 31, 2022 it may submit a 
separate rule filing to extend the effectiveness of the temporary 
relief under these rules.
    \37\ For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, 
the Commission has considered the proposed rule change's impact on 
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 
78c(f).
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    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) \38\ of the Act to determine whether the proposed 
rule change should be approved or disapproved.
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    \38\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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-NYSEARCA-2021-107 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-NYSEARCA-2021-107. 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-NYSEARCA-2021-107 and should be 
submitted on or before February 2, 2022.
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    \39\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\39\
J. Matthew DeLesDernier,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2022-00380 Filed 1-11-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P


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