Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe EDGA Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend Its Rules Relating to the Continuing Education for Registered Persons, 76872-76875 [2023-24520]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES
76872
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 214 / Tuesday, November 7, 2023 / Notices
by the ICC Board. These governance
arrangements continue to be clear and
transparent, such that information
relating to the assignment of
responsibilities and the requisite
involvement of the ICC Board and
committees is clearly detailed in the ICC
Rules and policies and procedures,
consistent with the requirements of Rule
17Ad–22(e)(2)(i) and (v).15
Rule 17Ad–22(e)(13) 16 requires each
covered clearing agency to establish,
implement, maintain, and enforce
written policies and procedures
reasonably designed to ensure it has the
authority and operational capacity to
take timely action to contain losses and
liquidity demands and continue to meet
its obligations by, at a minimum,
requiring its participants and, when
practicable, other stakeholders to
participate in the testing and review of
its default procedures, including any
close-out procedures, at least annually
and following material changes thereto.
ICC will apply its existing default
management policies and procedures for
the additional EM Contracts. ICC
believes that these procedures allow for
it to take timely action to contain losses
and liquidity demands and to continue
meeting its obligations in the event of
clearing member insolvencies or
defaults in respect of the additional
single name, in accordance with Rule
17Ad–22(e)(13).17
(C) Clearing Agency’s Statement on
Comments on the Proposed Rule
Change Received From Members,
Participants or Others
(B) Clearing Agency’s Statement on
Burden on Competition
• 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–
ICC–2023–014 on the subject line.
ICC does not believe the proposed
amendments will have any impact, or
impose any burden, on competition not
necessary or appropriate in furtherance
of the purposes of the Act. As discussed
above, the purpose of the proposed rule
change is to adopt rules that will
provide the basis for ICC to clear
additional credit default swap contracts.
The additional EM Contracts will be
available to all ICC participants for
clearing. The clearing of the additional
EM Contracts by ICC does not preclude
the offering of the additional EM
Contracts for clearing by other market
participants. Accordingly, ICC does not
believe that clearance of the additional
EM Contracts will impose any burden
on competition not necessary or
appropriate in furtherance of the
purposes of the Act.
15 Id.
16 17
CFR 240.17Ad–22(e)(13).
17 Id.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:30 Nov 06, 2023
Jkt 262001
Written comments relating to the
proposed rule change have not been
solicited or received. ICC will notify the
Commission of any written comments
received by ICC.
III. Date of Effectiveness of the
Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
Commission Action
Within 45 days of the date of
publication of this notice in the Federal
Register or within such longer period
up to 90 days (i) as the Commission may
designate if it finds such longer period
to be appropriate and publishes its
reasons for so finding or (ii) as to which
the self-regulatory organization
consents, the Commission will:
(A) by order approve or disapprove
such proposed rule change, or
(B) institute proceedings to determine
whether the proposed rule change
should be 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
Paper Comments
Send paper comments in triplicate to
Secretary, Securities and Exchange
Commission, 100 F Street NE,
Washington, DC 20549.
All submissions should refer to file
number SR–ICC–2023–014. 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
PO 00000
Frm 00154
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
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
a.m. and 3 p.m. Copies of such filings
will also be available for inspection and
copying at the principal office of ICE
Clear Credit and on ICE Clear Credit’s
website at https://www.ice.com/clearcredit/regulation.
Do not include personal identifiable
information in submissions; you should
submit only information that you wish
to make available publicly. We may
redact in part or withhold entirely from
publication submitted material that is
obscene or subject to copyright
protection. All submissions should refer
to File Number SR–ICC–2023–014 and
should be submitted on or before
November 28, 2023.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.18
Sherry R. Haywood,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2023–24517 Filed 11–6–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–98836; File No. SR–
CboeEDGA–2023–018]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe
EDGA Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing
and Immediate Effectiveness of a
Proposed Rule Change To Amend Its
Rules Relating to the Continuing
Education for Registered Persons
November 1, 2023.
Pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2
notice is hereby given that on October
19, 2023, Cboe EDGA Exchange, Inc.
(the ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘EDGA’’) 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 Exchange. The
Exchange filed the proposal as a ‘‘noncontroversial’’ proposed rule change
pursuant to section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the
Act 3 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.4
The Commission is publishing this
18 17
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6).
1 15
E:\FR\FM\07NON1.SGM
07NON1
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 214 / Tuesday, November 7, 2023 / Notices
notice to solicit comments on the
proposed rule change from interested
persons.
I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of the Terms of Substance of
the Proposed Rule Change
Cboe EDGA Exchange, Inc. (the
‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘EDGA’’) proposes to
amend its rules relating to the
Continuing Education for Registered
Persons as provided under Exchange
Rule 2.16.01. The text of the proposed
rule change is provided in Exhibit 5.
The text of the proposed rule change
is also available on the Exchange’s
website (https://markets.cboe.com/us/
equities/regulation/rule_filings/edga/),
at the Exchange’s Office of the
Secretary, and at the Commission’s
Public Reference Room.
II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of the Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
Change
In its filing with the Commission, the
Exchange included statements
concerning the purpose of and basis for
the proposed rule change and discussed
any comments it received on the
proposed rule change. The text of these
statements may be examined at the
places specified in Item IV below. The
Exchange has prepared summaries, set
forth in sections A, B, and C below, of
the most significant aspects of such
statements.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES
A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement of the Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
Change
1. Purpose
The proposed rule change amends
Exchange Rule 2.16.01 to provide
eligible individuals another opportunity
to elect to participate in the Maintaining
Qualifications Program (‘‘MQP’’).
In 2021, the Financial Industry
Regulatory Authority, Inc. (‘‘FINRA’’)
implemented rule changes, which
amended FINRA’s Continuing
Education (‘‘CE’’) Program requirements
to, among other things, provide eligible
individuals who terminate any of their
representative or principal registration
categories the option of maintaining
their qualification for any terminated
registration categories by completing
annual continuing education through a
new program, the MQP.5 Under FINRA
5 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 93097
(September 21, 2021), 86 FR 53358 (September 27,
2021) (Order Approving File No. SR–FINRA–2021–
015). Other exchanges, including EDGA,
subsequently filed copycat rule filings to align their
continuing education rules with those of FINRA.
See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 94526
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:30 Nov 06, 2023
Jkt 262001
Rule 1240.01, the MQP designated a
look-back provision that, subject to
specified conditions, extended the
option to participate in the MQP to
individuals who: (1) were registered as
a representative or principal within two
years immediately prior to March 15,
2022 (the implementation date of the
MQP); and (2) individuals who were
participating in the Financial Services
Affiliate Waiver Program (‘‘FSAWP’’) 6
under FINRA Rule 1210.09 (Waiver of
Examinations for Individuals Working
for a Financial Services Industry
Affiliate of a Member) immediately
prior to March 15, 2022 (collectively,
‘‘Look-Back Individuals’’).
In response to FINRA’s rule changes
and to facilitate compliance with the
Exchange’s CE Program requirements by
members of multiple exchanges, the
Exchange implemented rule changes to
align with FINRA’s CE Program and
adopted, among other rule changes,
Exchange Rules 2.16(c), 2.16.01, and
2.16.02. Such rules, among other things,
provide eligible individuals who
terminate any of their representative or
principal registrations the option of
maintaining their qualification for any
of the terminated registrations by
completing continuing education
through the MQP. Further, Exchange
Rule 2.16.01 includes a look-back
provision that, subject to specified
conditions, extends the option for
maintaining qualifications following a
registration category termination to (i)
individuals who have been registered as
a representative or principal within two
years immediately preceding March 15,
2022, and (ii) individuals who have
been participants of the FSAWP
immediately preceding March 15, 2022
implementation (i.e., Look-Back
Individuals). With respect to the
FSAWP, the Exchange made the lookback provision available to individuals
who are participants in the FSA waiver
programs of Exchange’s affiliates, Cboe
Exchange, Inc. (‘‘Cboe Options’’) and
Cboe C2 Exchange, Inc. (‘‘C2 Options’’),
and/or FINRA immediately preceding
March 15, 2022. Look-Back Individuals
who elected to participate in the new
MQP were required to make such
election by March 15, 2022 (the
implementation date of the MQP).7
(March 28, 2022), 87 FR 19153 (April 1, 2022), (SR–
CboeEDGA–2022–005).
6 The FSAWP is a waiver program for eligible
individuals who have left a member firm to work
for a foreign or domestic financial services affiliate
of a member firm. FINRA stopped accepting new
participants for the FSAWP beginning on March 15,
2022; however, individuals who were already
participating in the FSAWP prior to that date had
the option of continuing in the FSAWP.
7 See Rule 2.16.01. If such individuals elect to
participate, they would be required to complete
PO 00000
Frm 00155
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
76873
FINRA recently submitted a proposal
related to its CE Program (the ‘‘FINRA
Rule Change’’).8 The proposal set forth
changes to FINRA Rule 1240.01, which
provide Look-Back Individuals a second
opportunity to elect to participate in the
MQP (the ‘‘Second Enrollment
Period’’).9 In addition, the proposed rule
change requires that Look-Back
Individuals who elect to participate in
the MQP during the Second Enrollment
Period complete any prescribed 2022
and 2023 MQP content by March 31,
2024. In the FINRA Rule Change, FINRA
noted that in Regulatory Notice 21–41
(November 17, 2021), it announced that
Look-Back Individuals who wanted to
take part in the MQP were required to
make their election between January 31,
2022, and March 15, 2022 (the ‘‘First
Enrollment Period’’). In addition to the
announcement in Regulatory Notice
21–41, FINRA notified the Look-Back
Individuals about the MQP and the First
Enrollment Period via two separate
mailings of postcards to their home
addresses and communications through
their FINRA Financial Professional
Gateway (‘‘FinPro’’) accounts.10
In the FINRA Rule Change, FINRA
further noted that shortly after the First
Enrollment Period had ended, a number
of Look-Back Individuals contacted
FINRA and indicated that they had only
recently become aware of the MQP.
FINRA noted that it also received
anecdotal information that a number of
these individuals may not have learned
of the MQP, or the First Enrollment
Period, in a timely manner, or at all, due
to communication and operational
issues.11 In addition, the original sixweek enrollment period may not have
provided Look-Back Individuals with
sufficient time to evaluate whether they
their initial annual content by the end of 2022 (i.e.,
by the end of the calendar year in which the
proposed rule change is implemented). In addition,
if such individuals elect to participate, their initial
participation period would be adjusted based on the
date that their registration was terminated.
8 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 97184
(March 22, 2023), 88 FR 18359 (March 28, 2023)
(SR–FINRA–2023–005).
9 To reflect the availability of the Second
Enrollment Period, FINRA Rule 1240.01 clarifies
that for all Look-Back Individuals who elect to
participate in the MQP, their participation period
would also be for a period of five years following
the termination of their registration categories, as
with other MQP participants.
10 Look-Back Individuals were able to notify
FINRA of their election to participate in the MQP
through their FinPro accounts.
11 According to FINRA, this may have been a
result of the timing of FINRA’s announcements
relating to the MQP, which coincided with the
holiday season and the transition to the New Year.
Further, given that Look-Back Individuals were out
of the industry at the time of these announcements,
it was unlikely that they would have learned of the
MQP, or the First Enrollment Period, through
informal communication channels.
E:\FR\FM\07NON1.SGM
07NON1
76874
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 214 / Tuesday, November 7, 2023 / Notices
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES
should participate in the MQP. For
these reasons, FINRA recently amended
its rules to provide Look-Back
Individuals a second opportunity to
elect to participate in the MQP.
For similar reasons and to facilitate
compliance with the Exchange’s CE
Program requirements by members of
multiple exchanges, the Exchange is
also proposing to amend its rules (i.e.,
Exchange Rule 2.16.01) to provide LookBack Individuals with a Second
Enrollment Period. The Exchange also
understands that other exchanges have
or will propose similar amendments
based on FINRA’s rule changes. The
Second Enrollment Period will be
between the effective date of this filing,
and December 31, 2023.12 In addition,
the proposed rule change requires that
Look-Back Individuals who elect to
participate in the MQP during the
Second Enrollment Period complete any
prescribed 2022 and 2023 MQP content
by March 31, 2024.13
The Exchange proposes to revise
Exchange Rule 2.16.01 to state that
persons eligible under Exchange Rule
2.16.01 shall make their election to
participate in the continuing education
program under Exchange Rule 2.16(c) by
either (1) March 15, 2022; or (2) between
the effective date of this filing, and
December 31, 2023.
The Exchange also proposes to amend
Exchange Rule 2.16.01 to state that
eligible persons who elect to participate
in the continuing education program
between the effective date of this filing,
and December 31, 2023, must complete
any prescribed 2022 and 2023
continuing education content by March
31, 2024.
Finally, the Exchange proposes to
amend Exchange Rule 2.16.01 to remove
reference to Exchange Rule 2.5.08. This
Exchange Rule references the FSA
waiver programs of Cboe Options Rule
3.30.09, C2 Options Chapter 3, Section
B and/or FINRA Rule 1210.09.14 As
12 The current rule text also provides that if LookBack Individuals elect to participate in the MQP,
the Exchange shall adjust their participation period
by deducting from that period the amount of time
that has lapsed between the date that such persons
terminated their registration categories and March
15, 2022. To reflect the availability of the Second
Enrollment Period, the proposed rule change
clarifies that for all Look-Back Individuals who
elect to participate in the MQP, their participation
period would also be for a period of five years
following the termination of their registration
categories, as with other MQP participants. See
supra note 9.
13 Look-Back Individuals who elect to enroll in
the MQP during the Second Enrollment Period
would also need to pay the annual program fee of
$100 for both 2022 and 2023 at the time of their
enrollment.
14 The Exchange notes that the text proposed for
deletion includes an incorrect rule reference to Rule
2.5.08; the FSA Waiver Program is described in
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:30 Nov 06, 2023
Jkt 262001
there were no participants in the FSA
waiver programs of the Exchange’s
affiliates, Cboe Options or C2 Options,
immediately preceding March 15, 2022,
the Exchange proposes to amend
Exchange Rule 2.16.01 to refer
specifically to FINRA Rule 1210.09 and
clarify that anyone participating in the
FINRA FSAWP immediately preceding
March 15, 2022 would still be eligible
to participate in the MQP, provided
conditions in Exchange Rule 2.16(c) are
met.15
2. Statutory Basis
The Exchange believes the proposed
rule change is consistent with the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
‘‘Act’’) and the rules and regulations
thereunder applicable to the Exchange
and, in particular, the requirements of
section 6(b) of the Act.16 Specifically,
the Exchange believes the proposed rule
change is consistent with the section
6(b)(5) 17 requirements that the rules of
an exchange be designed to prevent
fraudulent and manipulative acts and
practices, to promote just and equitable
principles of trade, to foster cooperation
and coordination with persons engaged
in regulating, clearing, settling,
processing information with respect to,
and facilitating transactions in
securities, to remove impediments to
and perfect the mechanism of a free and
open market and a national market
system, and, in general, to protect
investors and the public interest.
Additionally, the Exchange believes the
proposed rule change is consistent with
the section 6(b)(5) 18 requirement that
the rules of an exchange not be designed
to permit unfair discrimination between
customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers.
The Exchange believes that providing
Look-Back Individuals a second
opportunity to elect to participate in the
MQP is warranted because participation
in the MQP would reduce unnecessary
impediments to requalification for these
individuals without diminishing
investor protection. In addition, the
proposed rule change is consistent with
other goals, such as the promotion of
diversity and inclusion in the securities
industry by attracting and retaining a
broader and diverse group of
Rule 2.5.07. The Exchange further notes that, as
described herein, while the Exchange’s affiliates,
Cboe Options or C2 Options, maintained FSA
waiver programs, there were no participants in their
FSA waiver programs immediately preceding
March 15, 2022.
15 The Exchange also proposes a non-substantive
change to Exchange Rule 2.5.07, to correct the
referenced FINRA Rule from Rule 2110.09 to Rule
1210.09.
16 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
17 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
18 Id.
PO 00000
Frm 00156
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
professionals. The MQP also allows the
industry to retain expertise from skilled
individuals, providing investors with
the advantage of greater experience
among the individuals working in the
industry. The Exchange believes that
providing Look-Back Individuals a
second opportunity to elect to
participate in the MQP will further
these goals and objectives.
Further, the Exchange believes the
proposed amendments reduce the
possibility of a significant regulatory
gap between Exchange and FINRA rules,
providing more uniform standards
across the securities industry. The
Exchange believes that the proposed
rule change will bring consistency and
uniformity with FINRA’s recently
amended CE Program, which will, in
turn, assist Members and their
associated persons in complying with
these rules and improve regulatory
efficiency. The proposed rule changes
make ministerial changes to the
Exchange’s continuing education rules
to align them with the continuing
education rules of FINRA and other
exchanges as discussed above, in order
to prevent unnecessary regulatory
burdens and to promote efficient
administration of the rules.
Finally, the Exchange believes the
proposed amendments to remove
reference to Exchange Rule 2.5.08,
which references the FSA waiver
programs under Cboe Options Rule
3.30.09, C2 Options Chapter 3, Section
B and/or FINRA Rule 1210.09, and to
amend Exchange Rule 2.16.01 to refer
specifically to FINRA Rule 1210.09 will
add clarity to the Exchange Rules, as
there were no participants in the FSA
waiver programs of the Exchange’s
affiliates, Cboe Options or C2 Options,
immediately preceding March 15, 2022.
Further, the Exchange believes that the
amendments to clarify that anyone
participating in the FINRA FSAWP
immediately preceding March 15, 2022
would still be eligible to participate in
the MQP, provided conditions in
Exchange Rule 2.16(c) are met, ensures
consistency and uniformity with
FINRA’s recently amended CE Program,
which, as noted above, will in turn
assist Members and their associated
persons in complying with these rules
and improve regulatory efficiency.
B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement on Burden on Competition
The Exchange does not believe that
the proposed rule change will impose
any burden on competition that is not
necessary or appropriate in furtherance
of the purposes of the Act. The
Exchange believes that the proposed
rule changes which are, in all material
E:\FR\FM\07NON1.SGM
07NON1
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 214 / Tuesday, November 7, 2023 / Notices
respects, based upon and substantially
similar to, recent rule changes adopted
by FINRA, will reduce the regulatory
burden placed on market participants
engaged in trading activities across
different markets. The Exchange
believes that the harmonization of the
CE Program requirements across the
various markets will reduce burdens on
competition by removing impediments
to participation in the national market
system and promoting competition
among participants across the multiple
national securities exchanges.
C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement on Comments on the
Proposed Rule Change Received From
Members, Participants, or Others
The Exchange neither solicited nor
received comments on the proposed
rule change.
III. Date of Effectiveness of the
Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
Commission Action
EDGA has filed the proposed rule
change pursuant to section 19(b)(3)(A)
of the Act 19 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6)
thereunder.20 Because the foregoing
proposed rule change does not: (i)
significantly affect the protection of
investors or the public interest; (ii)
impose any significant burden on
competition; and (iii) become operative
for 30 days after the date of the filing,
or such shorter time as the Commission
may designate, it has become effective
pursuant to 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act and
Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder.21
A proposed rule change filed under
Rule 19b–4(f)(6) 22 normally does not
become operative prior to 30 days after
the date of the filing. However, pursuant
to Rule 19b4(f)(6)(iii),23 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. EDGA has
indicated that the immediate operation
19 15
U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6).
21 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b–
4(f)(6)(iii) requires a self-regulatory organization to
give the Commission written notice of its intent to
file the proposed rule change, along with a brief
description and text of the proposed rule change,
at least five business days prior to the date of filing
of the proposed rule change, or such shorter time
as designated by the Commission. The Exchange
has satisfied this requirement.
22 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6).
23 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii).
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES
20 17
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:30 Nov 06, 2023
Jkt 262001
of the proposed rule change is
appropriate because it would allow the
Exchange to implement the proposed
changes to its continuing education
rules without delay, thereby eliminating
the possibility of a significant regulatory
gap between the FINRA rules and the
Exchange rules, providing more uniform
standards across the securities industry,
and helping to avoid confusion for
Exchange members that are also FINRA
members. EDGA also noted that FINRA
plans to conduct additional public
outreach efforts to promote awareness of
the MQP and the availability of the
Second Enrollment Period among LookBack Individuals. Therefore, EDGA
indicated that the immediate operation
of the proposed rule change is also
appropriate because it would help to
further notify Look-Back Individuals of
their options and provide additional
time for them to consider whether they
wish to participate in the MQP before
the December 31, 2023 deadline. 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.24
At any time within 60 days of the
filing of the proposed rule change, the
Commission summarily may
temporarily suspend such rule change if
it appears to the Commission that such
action is necessary or appropriate in the
public interest, for the protection of
investors, or otherwise in furtherance of
the purposes of the Act. If the
Commission takes such action, the
Commission shall institute proceedings
to determine whether the proposed rule
should be approved or disapproved.
IV. Solicitation of Comments
Interested persons are invited to
submit written data, views and
arguments concerning the foregoing,
including whether the proposed rule
change is consistent with the Act.
Comments may be submitted by any of
the following methods:
Electronic Comments
• Use the Commission’s internet
comment form (https://www.sec.gov/
rules/sro.shtml); or
24 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).
PO 00000
Frm 00157
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
76875
• Send an email to rule-comments@
sec.gov. Please include file number SR–
CboeEDGA–2023–018 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–CboeEDGA–2023–018. 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
a.m. and 3 p.m. Copies of the filing also
will be available for inspection and
copying at the principal office of the
Exchange. Do not include personal
identifiable information in submissions;
you should submit only information
that you wish to make available
publicly. We may redact in part or
withhold entirely from publication
submitted material that is obscene or
subject to copyright protection. All
submissions should refer to file number
SR–CboeEDGA–2023–018 and should
be submitted on or before November 28,
2023.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.25
Sherry R. Haywood,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2023–24520 Filed 11–6–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
25 17
E:\FR\FM\07NON1.SGM
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).
07NON1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 214 (Tuesday, November 7, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 76872-76875]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-24520]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
[Release No. 34-98836; File No. SR-CboeEDGA-2023-018]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe EDGA Exchange, Inc.; Notice
of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To
Amend Its Rules Relating to the Continuing Education for Registered
Persons
November 1, 2023.
Pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(the ``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given
that on October 19, 2023, Cboe EDGA Exchange, Inc. (the ``Exchange'' or
``EDGA'') 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 Exchange. The Exchange
filed the proposal as a ``non-controversial'' proposed rule change
pursuant to section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act \3\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6) thereunder.\4\ The Commission is publishing this
[[Page 76873]]
notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested
persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
\3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
\4\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance
of the Proposed Rule Change
Cboe EDGA Exchange, Inc. (the ``Exchange'' or ``EDGA'') proposes to
amend its rules relating to the Continuing Education for Registered
Persons as provided under Exchange Rule 2.16.01. The text of the
proposed rule change is provided in Exhibit 5.
The text of the proposed rule change is also available on the
Exchange's website (https://markets.cboe.com/us/equities/regulation/rule_filings/edga/), at the Exchange's Office of the Secretary, and at
the Commission's Public Reference Room.
II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements
concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and
discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The
text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in
Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in
sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such
statements.
A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change
1. Purpose
The proposed rule change amends Exchange Rule 2.16.01 to provide
eligible individuals another opportunity to elect to participate in the
Maintaining Qualifications Program (``MQP'').
In 2021, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.
(``FINRA'') implemented rule changes, which amended FINRA's Continuing
Education (``CE'') Program requirements to, among other things, provide
eligible individuals who terminate any of their representative or
principal registration categories the option of maintaining their
qualification for any terminated registration categories by completing
annual continuing education through a new program, the MQP.\5\ Under
FINRA Rule 1240.01, the MQP designated a look-back provision that,
subject to specified conditions, extended the option to participate in
the MQP to individuals who: (1) were registered as a representative or
principal within two years immediately prior to March 15, 2022 (the
implementation date of the MQP); and (2) individuals who were
participating in the Financial Services Affiliate Waiver Program
(``FSAWP'') \6\ under FINRA Rule 1210.09 (Waiver of Examinations for
Individuals Working for a Financial Services Industry Affiliate of a
Member) immediately prior to March 15, 2022 (collectively, ``Look-Back
Individuals'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 93097 (September 21,
2021), 86 FR 53358 (September 27, 2021) (Order Approving File No.
SR-FINRA-2021-015). Other exchanges, including EDGA, subsequently
filed copycat rule filings to align their continuing education rules
with those of FINRA. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 94526
(March 28, 2022), 87 FR 19153 (April 1, 2022), (SR-CboeEDGA-2022-
005).
\6\ The FSAWP is a waiver program for eligible individuals who
have left a member firm to work for a foreign or domestic financial
services affiliate of a member firm. FINRA stopped accepting new
participants for the FSAWP beginning on March 15, 2022; however,
individuals who were already participating in the FSAWP prior to
that date had the option of continuing in the FSAWP.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In response to FINRA's rule changes and to facilitate compliance
with the Exchange's CE Program requirements by members of multiple
exchanges, the Exchange implemented rule changes to align with FINRA's
CE Program and adopted, among other rule changes, Exchange Rules
2.16(c), 2.16.01, and 2.16.02. Such rules, among other things, provide
eligible individuals who terminate any of their representative or
principal registrations the option of maintaining their qualification
for any of the terminated registrations by completing continuing
education through the MQP. Further, Exchange Rule 2.16.01 includes a
look-back provision that, subject to specified conditions, extends the
option for maintaining qualifications following a registration category
termination to (i) individuals who have been registered as a
representative or principal within two years immediately preceding
March 15, 2022, and (ii) individuals who have been participants of the
FSAWP immediately preceding March 15, 2022 implementation (i.e., Look-
Back Individuals). With respect to the FSAWP, the Exchange made the
look-back provision available to individuals who are participants in
the FSA waiver programs of Exchange's affiliates, Cboe Exchange, Inc.
(``Cboe Options'') and Cboe C2 Exchange, Inc. (``C2 Options''), and/or
FINRA immediately preceding March 15, 2022. Look-Back Individuals who
elected to participate in the new MQP were required to make such
election by March 15, 2022 (the implementation date of the MQP).\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\7\ See Rule 2.16.01. If such individuals elect to participate,
they would be required to complete their initial annual content by
the end of 2022 (i.e., by the end of the calendar year in which the
proposed rule change is implemented). In addition, if such
individuals elect to participate, their initial participation period
would be adjusted based on the date that their registration was
terminated.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINRA recently submitted a proposal related to its CE Program (the
``FINRA Rule Change'').\8\ The proposal set forth changes to FINRA Rule
1240.01, which provide Look-Back Individuals a second opportunity to
elect to participate in the MQP (the ``Second Enrollment Period'').\9\
In addition, the proposed rule change requires that Look-Back
Individuals who elect to participate in the MQP during the Second
Enrollment Period complete any prescribed 2022 and 2023 MQP content by
March 31, 2024. In the FINRA Rule Change, FINRA noted that in
Regulatory Notice 21-41 (November 17, 2021), it announced that Look-
Back Individuals who wanted to take part in the MQP were required to
make their election between January 31, 2022, and March 15, 2022 (the
``First Enrollment Period''). In addition to the announcement in
Regulatory Notice 21-41, FINRA notified the Look-Back Individuals about
the MQP and the First Enrollment Period via two separate mailings of
postcards to their home addresses and communications through their
FINRA Financial Professional Gateway (``FinPro'') accounts.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\8\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 97184 (March 22,
2023), 88 FR 18359 (March 28, 2023) (SR-FINRA-2023-005).
\9\ To reflect the availability of the Second Enrollment Period,
FINRA Rule 1240.01 clarifies that for all Look-Back Individuals who
elect to participate in the MQP, their participation period would
also be for a period of five years following the termination of
their registration categories, as with other MQP participants.
\10\ Look-Back Individuals were able to notify FINRA of their
election to participate in the MQP through their FinPro accounts.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the FINRA Rule Change, FINRA further noted that shortly after
the First Enrollment Period had ended, a number of Look-Back
Individuals contacted FINRA and indicated that they had only recently
become aware of the MQP. FINRA noted that it also received anecdotal
information that a number of these individuals may not have learned of
the MQP, or the First Enrollment Period, in a timely manner, or at all,
due to communication and operational issues.\11\ In addition, the
original six-week enrollment period may not have provided Look-Back
Individuals with sufficient time to evaluate whether they
[[Page 76874]]
should participate in the MQP. For these reasons, FINRA recently
amended its rules to provide Look-Back Individuals a second opportunity
to elect to participate in the MQP.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\11\ According to FINRA, this may have been a result of the
timing of FINRA's announcements relating to the MQP, which coincided
with the holiday season and the transition to the New Year. Further,
given that Look-Back Individuals were out of the industry at the
time of these announcements, it was unlikely that they would have
learned of the MQP, or the First Enrollment Period, through informal
communication channels.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
For similar reasons and to facilitate compliance with the
Exchange's CE Program requirements by members of multiple exchanges,
the Exchange is also proposing to amend its rules (i.e., Exchange Rule
2.16.01) to provide Look-Back Individuals with a Second Enrollment
Period. The Exchange also understands that other exchanges have or will
propose similar amendments based on FINRA's rule changes. The Second
Enrollment Period will be between the effective date of this filing,
and December 31, 2023.\12\ In addition, the proposed rule change
requires that Look-Back Individuals who elect to participate in the MQP
during the Second Enrollment Period complete any prescribed 2022 and
2023 MQP content by March 31, 2024.\13\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\12\ The current rule text also provides that if Look-Back
Individuals elect to participate in the MQP, the Exchange shall
adjust their participation period by deducting from that period the
amount of time that has lapsed between the date that such persons
terminated their registration categories and March 15, 2022. To
reflect the availability of the Second Enrollment Period, the
proposed rule change clarifies that for all Look-Back Individuals
who elect to participate in the MQP, their participation period
would also be for a period of five years following the termination
of their registration categories, as with other MQP participants.
See supra note 9.
\13\ Look-Back Individuals who elect to enroll in the MQP during
the Second Enrollment Period would also need to pay the annual
program fee of $100 for both 2022 and 2023 at the time of their
enrollment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Exchange proposes to revise Exchange Rule 2.16.01 to state that
persons eligible under Exchange Rule 2.16.01 shall make their election
to participate in the continuing education program under Exchange Rule
2.16(c) by either (1) March 15, 2022; or (2) between the effective date
of this filing, and December 31, 2023.
The Exchange also proposes to amend Exchange Rule 2.16.01 to state
that eligible persons who elect to participate in the continuing
education program between the effective date of this filing, and
December 31, 2023, must complete any prescribed 2022 and 2023
continuing education content by March 31, 2024.
Finally, the Exchange proposes to amend Exchange Rule 2.16.01 to
remove reference to Exchange Rule 2.5.08. This Exchange Rule references
the FSA waiver programs of Cboe Options Rule 3.30.09, C2 Options
Chapter 3, Section B and/or FINRA Rule 1210.09.\14\ As there were no
participants in the FSA waiver programs of the Exchange's affiliates,
Cboe Options or C2 Options, immediately preceding March 15, 2022, the
Exchange proposes to amend Exchange Rule 2.16.01 to refer specifically
to FINRA Rule 1210.09 and clarify that anyone participating in the
FINRA FSAWP immediately preceding March 15, 2022 would still be
eligible to participate in the MQP, provided conditions in Exchange
Rule 2.16(c) are met.\15\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\14\ The Exchange notes that the text proposed for deletion
includes an incorrect rule reference to Rule 2.5.08; the FSA Waiver
Program is described in Rule 2.5.07. The Exchange further notes
that, as described herein, while the Exchange's affiliates, Cboe
Options or C2 Options, maintained FSA waiver programs, there were no
participants in their FSA waiver programs immediately preceding
March 15, 2022.
\15\ The Exchange also proposes a non-substantive change to
Exchange Rule 2.5.07, to correct the referenced FINRA Rule from Rule
2110.09 to Rule 1210.09.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Statutory Basis
The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ``Act'') and the rules and
regulations thereunder applicable to the Exchange and, in particular,
the requirements of section 6(b) of the Act.\16\ Specifically, the
Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the
section 6(b)(5) \17\ requirements that the rules of an exchange be
designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to
promote just and equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation
and coordination with persons engaged in regulating, clearing,
settling, processing information with respect to, and facilitating
transactions in securities, to remove impediments to and perfect the
mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and,
in general, to protect investors and the public interest. Additionally,
the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the
section 6(b)(5) \18\ requirement that the rules of an exchange not be
designed to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers,
brokers, or dealers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\16\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
\17\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
\18\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Exchange believes that providing Look-Back Individuals a second
opportunity to elect to participate in the MQP is warranted because
participation in the MQP would reduce unnecessary impediments to
requalification for these individuals without diminishing investor
protection. In addition, the proposed rule change is consistent with
other goals, such as the promotion of diversity and inclusion in the
securities industry by attracting and retaining a broader and diverse
group of professionals. The MQP also allows the industry to retain
expertise from skilled individuals, providing investors with the
advantage of greater experience among the individuals working in the
industry. The Exchange believes that providing Look-Back Individuals a
second opportunity to elect to participate in the MQP will further
these goals and objectives.
Further, the Exchange believes the proposed amendments reduce the
possibility of a significant regulatory gap between Exchange and FINRA
rules, providing more uniform standards across the securities industry.
The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change will bring
consistency and uniformity with FINRA's recently amended CE Program,
which will, in turn, assist Members and their associated persons in
complying with these rules and improve regulatory efficiency. The
proposed rule changes make ministerial changes to the Exchange's
continuing education rules to align them with the continuing education
rules of FINRA and other exchanges as discussed above, in order to
prevent unnecessary regulatory burdens and to promote efficient
administration of the rules.
Finally, the Exchange believes the proposed amendments to remove
reference to Exchange Rule 2.5.08, which references the FSA waiver
programs under Cboe Options Rule 3.30.09, C2 Options Chapter 3, Section
B and/or FINRA Rule 1210.09, and to amend Exchange Rule 2.16.01 to
refer specifically to FINRA Rule 1210.09 will add clarity to the
Exchange Rules, as there were no participants in the FSA waiver
programs of the Exchange's affiliates, Cboe Options or C2 Options,
immediately preceding March 15, 2022. Further, the Exchange believes
that the amendments to clarify that anyone participating in the FINRA
FSAWP immediately preceding March 15, 2022 would still be eligible to
participate in the MQP, provided conditions in Exchange Rule 2.16(c)
are met, ensures consistency and uniformity with FINRA's recently
amended CE Program, which, as noted above, will in turn assist Members
and their associated persons in complying with these rules and improve
regulatory efficiency.
B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition
The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will
impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate
in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The Exchange believes that
the proposed rule changes which are, in all material
[[Page 76875]]
respects, based upon and substantially similar to, recent rule changes
adopted by FINRA, will reduce the regulatory burden placed on market
participants engaged in trading activities across different markets.
The Exchange believes that the harmonization of the CE Program
requirements across the various markets will reduce burdens on
competition by removing impediments to participation in the national
market system and promoting competition among participants across the
multiple national securities exchanges.
C. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed
Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others
The Exchange neither solicited nor received comments on the
proposed rule change.
III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
Commission Action
EDGA has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to section
19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \19\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\20\
Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not: (i) significantly
affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose
any significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative for
30 days after the date of the filing, or such shorter time as the
Commission may designate, it has become effective pursuant to
19(b)(3)(A) of the Act and Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder.\21\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\19\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
\20\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
\21\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii)
requires a self-regulatory organization to give the Commission
written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change, along
with a brief description and text of the proposed rule change, at
least five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed
rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission.
The Exchange has satisfied this requirement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \22\ normally
does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the
filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b4(f)(6)(iii),\23\ 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. EDGA has indicated that
the immediate operation of the proposed rule change is appropriate
because it would allow the Exchange to implement the proposed changes
to its continuing education rules without delay, thereby eliminating
the possibility of a significant regulatory gap between the FINRA rules
and the Exchange rules, providing more uniform standards across the
securities industry, and helping to avoid confusion for Exchange
members that are also FINRA members. EDGA also noted that FINRA plans
to conduct additional public outreach efforts to promote awareness of
the MQP and the availability of the Second Enrollment Period among
Look-Back Individuals. Therefore, EDGA indicated that the immediate
operation of the proposed rule change is also appropriate because it
would help to further notify Look-Back Individuals of their options and
provide additional time for them to consider whether they wish to
participate in the MQP before the December 31, 2023 deadline. 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.\24\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\22\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
\23\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
\24\ 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).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule
change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule
change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or
appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or
otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission
takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to
determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved.
IV. Solicitation of Comments
Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views and
arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule
change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of
the following methods:
Electronic Comments
Use the Commission's internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
Send an email to [email protected]. Please include
file number SR-CboeEDGA-2023-018 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-CboeEDGA-2023-018. 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
a.m. and 3 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for
inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. Do not
include personal identifiable information in submissions; you should
submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. We
may redact in part or withhold entirely from publication submitted
material that is obscene or subject to copyright protection. All
submissions should refer to file number SR-CboeEDGA-2023-018 and should
be submitted on or before November 28, 2023.
For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\25\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\25\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sherry R. Haywood,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2023-24520 Filed 11-6-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
