Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Make Changes to Certain Representations Relating to the Hashdex Bitcoin Futures Fund, 87825-87827 [2023-27809]
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 242 / Tuesday, December 19, 2023 / Notices
participants will be treated in the same
manner under this proposal.
C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s
Statement on Comments on the
Proposed Rule Change Received From
Members, Participants, or Others
Written comments were neither
solicited nor received.
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 17 and Rule
19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.18 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 from the date on which it
was filed, or such shorter time as the
Commission may designate, it has
become effective pursuant to section
19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act 19 and
subparagraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b-4
thereunder.20
A proposed rule change filed under
Rule 19b–4(f)(6) 21 normally does not
become operative prior to 30 days after
the date of the filing. However, pursuant
to Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii),22 the
Commission may designate a shorter
time if such action is consistent with the
protection of investors and the public
interest. The Exchange has requested
that the Commission waive the 30-day
operative delay so that the proposal may
become operative immediately upon
filing. According to the Exchange, the
proposed rule change is a competitive
response to a filing submitted by Nasdaq
ISE that was recently approved by the
Commission.23 The Exchange has stated
that waiver of the 30-day operative
delay would ensure fair competition
among the exchanges by allowing the
Exchange to permit the listing of two
Wednesday expirations for options on
ETPs. The Commission believes that the
proposed rule change presents no novel
issues and that waiver of the 30-day
operative delay is consistent with the
17 15
U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6).
19 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
20 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.
21 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6).
22 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii).
23 See supra note 4.
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protection of investors and the public
interest. Accordingly, the Commission
hereby waives the 30-day operative
delay and designates the proposed rule
change as 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
• Send an email to rule-comments@
sec.gov. Please include file number SR–
MIAX–2023–49 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–MIAX–2023–49. 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
24 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day
operative delay, the Commission has also
considered the proposed rule’s impact on
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See
15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
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87825
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–MIAX–2023–49 and should be
submitted on or before January 9, 2024.
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.25
Sherry R. Haywood,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2023–27782 Filed 12–18–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–99164; File No. SR–
NYSEARCA–2023–84]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE
Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and
Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed
Rule Change To Make Changes to
Certain Representations Relating to
the Hashdex Bitcoin Futures Fund
December 13, 2023.
Pursuant to section 19(b)(1) 1 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(‘‘Act’’) 2 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,3
notice is hereby given that, on December
1, 2023, 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 to make
changes to certain representations made
in the proposed rule change previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’ or
‘‘SEC’’) pursuant to Rule 19b–4 relating
to the Hashdex Bitcoin Futures Fund,
25 17
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12), (59).
U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
2 15 U.S.C. 78a.
3 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
1 15
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 242 / Tuesday, December 19, 2023 / Notices
shares of which are currently listed and
traded on the Exchange under NYSE
Arca Rule 8.200–E. 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
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1. Purpose
The Commission has approved the
listing and trading on the Exchange of
shares (‘‘Shares’’) of the Hashdex
Bitcoin Futures Fund (the ‘‘Target
ETF’’),4 under NYSE Arca Rule 8.200–
E, Commentary .02, which governs the
listing and trading of Trust Issued
Receipts.5 Shares of the Target ETF are
currently listed and traded on the
Exchange under NYSE Arca Rule 8.200–
E, Commentary .02. According to the
Releases, the Target ETF is a series of
Teucrium Commodity Trust (the
‘‘Teucrium Trust’’), a Delaware statutory
trust. The Exchange represented in the
4 See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 94620
(April 6, 2022), 87 FR 21676 (April 12, 2022)) (SR–
NYSEARCA–2021–53) (Order Granting Approval of
a Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by
Amendment No. 2, To List and Trade Shares of the
Teucrium Bitcoin Futures Fund Under NYSE Arca
Rule 8.200–E, Commentary .02 (Trust Issued
Receipts) (‘‘Approval Order’’); and 92573 (August 5,
2021), 86 FR 44062 (August 11, 2021) (Notice of
Filing of a Proposed Rule Change To List and Trade
Shares of Teucrium Bitcoin Futures Fund Under
NYSE Arca Rule 8.200–E) (‘‘Notice’’). (The
Approval Order and the Notice are referred to
collectively herein as the ‘‘Releases’’). The Fund
was renamed as the Hashdex Bitcoin Futures Fund
after approval of the proposed rule change but prior
to its initial listing and trading on the Exchange.
5 Commentary .02 to NYSE Arca Rule 8.200–E
applies to Trust Issued Receipts that invest in
‘‘Financial Instruments.’’ The term ‘‘Financial
Instruments,’’ as defined in Commentary .02(b)(4) to
NYSE Arca Rule 8.200–E, means any combination
of investments, including cash; securities; options
on securities and indices; futures contracts; options
on futures contracts; forward contracts; equity caps,
collars, and floors; and swap agreements.
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Releases that the Target ETF is managed
and controlled by Teucrium Trading,
LLC (‘‘Sponsor’’) and that the Sponsor is
registered as a commodity pool operator
(‘‘CPO’’) and a commodity trading
adviser (‘‘CTA’’) with the Commodity
Futures Trading Commission (‘‘CFTC’’)
and is a member of the National Futures
Association (‘‘NFA’’).
The Tidal Commodities Trust I
(‘‘Tidal Trust’’) has filed a combined
prospectus and information statement
(the ‘‘Information Statement’’) with the
Commission describing an Agreement
and Plan of Partnership Merger and
Liquidation (‘‘Plan of Merger’’) between
the Teucrium Trust and the Tidal Trust
pursuant to which the assets of the
Target ETF will be reorganized into the
Hashdex Bitcoin Futures ETF (the
‘‘Acquiring ETF’’), a series of the Tidal
Trust.6 According to the Information
Statement, the Target ETF has the same
investment objective and investment
strategies and substantially identical
investment risks as the Acquiring ETF.
Upon the closing of the reorganization
contemplated by the Plan of Merger
(‘‘Reorganization’’), the Target ETF will
transfer all of its assets and liabilities to
the Acquiring ETF. Simultaneously, the
Acquiring ETF will distribute its shares
(the ‘‘Merger Shares’’) to the
shareholders of the Target ETF. The
Merger Shares will have a net asset
value (‘‘NAV’’) per share equal to the
NAV per share of the Target ETF
determined immediately before the
closing of the Reorganization resulting
in a distribution of one share of Merger
Shares for each outstanding share of the
Target ETF. Closing of the
Reorganization will result in the
termination of all outstanding Target
ETF shares and the liquidation of the
Target ETF. Shareholders of the Target
ETF will thus effectively be converted
into shareholders of the Acquiring ETF
and will hold shares of the Acquiring
ETF with the same NAV as shares of the
Target ETF that they held prior to the
Reorganization. According to the
Information Statement, following the
Reorganization, the Shares will be
issued by the Tidal Trust and the
sponsor of the Acquiring ETF will be
Toroso Investments LLC (‘‘New
Sponsor’’).
The purpose of this proposed rule
change is to change certain
representations made in the proposed
rule change previously filed with the
Commission pursuant to Rule 19b–4
relating to the Target ETF, as described
6 On July 21, 2023, the Tidal Commodities Trust
I submitted to the Commission its registration
statement on Form S–1 under the Securities Act of
1933 (the ‘‘Registration Statement’’). The
Registration Statement is not yet effective.
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above, which changes would be
implemented as a result of the
Reorganization. Following the
Reorganization, the Acquiring ETF will
continue to comply with all initial and
continued listing requirements under
NYSE Arca Rule 8.200–E, Commentary
.02. In addition, the Acquiring ETF’s
portfolio meets and will continue to
meet the representations regarding the
Target ETF’s investments as described
in the Releases.7 Except for the changes
noted above, all other representations
made in the Releases remain
unchanged.
2. Statutory Basis
The basis under the Act for this
proposed rule change is the requirement
under section 6(b)(5) 8 that an exchange
have rules that are designed to prevent
fraudulent and manipulative acts and
practices, to promote just and equitable
principles of trade, to remove
impediments to, and perfect the
mechanism of a free and open market
and, in general, to protect investors and
the public interest.
The Exchange believes that the
proposed rule change is designed to
prevent fraudulent and manipulative
acts and practices, and is designed to
promote just and equitable principles of
trade and to protect investors and the
public interest.
Tidal Trust has filed the Information
Statement describing the Reorganization
pursuant to which the assets of the
Target ETF will be reorganized into the
Acquiring ETF. This filing proposes to
reflect organizational and administrative
changes that would be implemented as
a result of the Reorganization, including
changes to the trust entity issuing shares
of the Target ETF and the sponsor to the
Target ETF. According to the
Information Statement, the investment
objective of the Acquiring ETF will be
the same as that of the Target ETF
following the Reorganization. The
Exchange believes these changes will
not adversely impact investors or
Exchange trading. In addition, the
Acquiring ETF’s portfolio meets and
will continue to meet the
representations regarding the Target
7 According to the Notice, the investment
objective of the Target ETF is to have the daily
changes in the NAV of the Target ETF’s Shares
reflect the daily changes in the price of a specified
benchmark (the ‘‘Benchmark’’). The Benchmark is
the average of the closing settlement prices for the
first to expire and second to expire BTC Contracts
listed on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Inc. The
first to expire and second to expire BTC Contracts
and MBT Contracts are referred to as the Bitcoin
Futures Contracts. According to the Notice, under
normal market conditions, the Target ETF will
invest in Bitcoin Futures Contracts and in cash and
cash equivalents.
8 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 242 / Tuesday, December 19, 2023 / Notices
ETF’s investments as described in the
Releases. Except for the changes noted
above, all other representations made in
the Releases remain unchanged. As
stated above and in the Releases, shares
of the Acquiring ETF shall also conform
to the initial and continued listing
criteria under Rule 8.200–E.
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 purpose of the Act. The Exchange
believes the proposed rule change will
not impose a burden on competition
and will benefit investors and the
marketplace by permitting continued
listing and trading of Shares of the
Acquiring ETF following
implementation of the changes
described above, which changes would
not impact the investment objective of
the Acquiring ETF.
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 9 and Rule
19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.10 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, it has
become effective pursuant to section
19(b)(3)(A) of the Act and Rule 19b–
4(f)(6) thereunder.11
A proposed rule change filed under
Rule 19b–4(f)(6) 12 normally does not
become operative prior to 30 days after
the date of the filing. However, pursuant
to Rule 19b4(f)(6)(iii),13 the Commission
may designate a shorter time if such
9 15
U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6).
11 In addition, Rule 19b–4(f)(6) requires a selfregulatory organization to give the Commission
written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule
change at least five business days prior to the date
of filing of the proposed rule change, or such
shorter time as designated by the Commission. The
Exchange has satisfied this requirement.
12 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6).
13 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii).
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87827
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
states that the proposed changes reflect
organizational and administrative
changes that would be implemented as
a result of the Reorganization. The
Commission believes that waiver of the
30-day operative delay is consistent
with the protection of investors and the
public interest because the proposal
does not raise any new or novel issues.
Accordingly, the Commission hereby
waives the 30-day operative delay and
designates the proposal operative upon
filing.14
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.
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–NYSEARCA–2023–84 and should be
submitted on or before January 9, 2024.
IV. Solicitation of Comments
For the Commission, by the Division of
Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
authority.15
Sherry R. Haywood,
Assistant Secretary.
Interested persons are invited to
submit written data, views and
arguments concerning the foregoing,
including whether the proposed rule
change is consistent with the Act.
Comments may be submitted by any of
the following methods:
Electronic Comments
• Use the Commission’s internet
comment form (https://www.sec.gov/
rules/sro.shtml); or
• Send an email to rule-comments@
sec.gov. Please include file number SR–
NYSEARCA–2023–84 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–2023–84. 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
14 For purposes only of waiving the 30-day
operative delay, the Commission has considered the
proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition,
and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
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[FR Doc. 2023–27809 Filed 12–18–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–99163; File No. SR–
NASDAQ–2023–055]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; The
Nasdaq Stock Market LLC; Notice of
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of
Proposed Rule Change To Amend the
Definition of Commodity-Based Trust
Shares in Nasdaq Rule 5711(d)(iv)(A)
and To Correct a Typographical Error
in Nasdaq Rule 5711(d)(iv)(B)
December 13, 2023.
Pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2
notice is hereby given that on December
11, 2023, The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
(‘‘Nasdaq’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission
(‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule
change as described in Items I and II
below, which Items have been prepared
by the Exchange. The Commission is
publishing this notice to solicit
15 17
CFR 200.30–3(a)(12), (59).
U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.
1 15
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 242 (Tuesday, December 19, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 87825-87827]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-27809]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
[Release No. 34-99164; File No. SR-NYSEARCA-2023-84]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing
and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Make Changes to
Certain Representations Relating to the Hashdex Bitcoin Futures Fund
December 13, 2023.
Pursuant to section 19(b)(1) \1\ of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 (``Act'') \2\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\3\ notice is hereby given
that, on December 1, 2023, 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 to make changes to certain representations
made in the proposed rule change previously filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the ``Commission'' or ``SEC'') pursuant to
Rule 19b-4 relating to the Hashdex Bitcoin Futures Fund,
[[Page 87826]]
shares of which are currently listed and traded on the Exchange under
NYSE Arca Rule 8.200-E. 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 Commission has approved the listing and trading on the Exchange
of shares (``Shares'') of the Hashdex Bitcoin Futures Fund (the
``Target ETF''),\4\ under NYSE Arca Rule 8.200-E, Commentary .02, which
governs the listing and trading of Trust Issued Receipts.\5\ Shares of
the Target ETF are currently listed and traded on the Exchange under
NYSE Arca Rule 8.200-E, Commentary .02. According to the Releases, the
Target ETF is a series of Teucrium Commodity Trust (the ``Teucrium
Trust''), a Delaware statutory trust. The Exchange represented in the
Releases that the Target ETF is managed and controlled by Teucrium
Trading, LLC (``Sponsor'') and that the Sponsor is registered as a
commodity pool operator (``CPO'') and a commodity trading adviser
(``CTA'') with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (``CFTC'') and
is a member of the National Futures Association (``NFA'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 94620 (April 6,
2022), 87 FR 21676 (April 12, 2022)) (SR-NYSEARCA-2021-53) (Order
Granting Approval of a Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by
Amendment No. 2, To List and Trade Shares of the Teucrium Bitcoin
Futures Fund Under NYSE Arca Rule 8.200-E, Commentary .02 (Trust
Issued Receipts) (``Approval Order''); and 92573 (August 5, 2021),
86 FR 44062 (August 11, 2021) (Notice of Filing of a Proposed Rule
Change To List and Trade Shares of Teucrium Bitcoin Futures Fund
Under NYSE Arca Rule 8.200-E) (``Notice''). (The Approval Order and
the Notice are referred to collectively herein as the ``Releases'').
The Fund was renamed as the Hashdex Bitcoin Futures Fund after
approval of the proposed rule change but prior to its initial
listing and trading on the Exchange.
\5\ Commentary .02 to NYSE Arca Rule 8.200-E applies to Trust
Issued Receipts that invest in ``Financial Instruments.'' The term
``Financial Instruments,'' as defined in Commentary .02(b)(4) to
NYSE Arca Rule 8.200-E, means any combination of investments,
including cash; securities; options on securities and indices;
futures contracts; options on futures contracts; forward contracts;
equity caps, collars, and floors; and swap agreements.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Tidal Commodities Trust I (``Tidal Trust'') has filed a
combined prospectus and information statement (the ``Information
Statement'') with the Commission describing an Agreement and Plan of
Partnership Merger and Liquidation (``Plan of Merger'') between the
Teucrium Trust and the Tidal Trust pursuant to which the assets of the
Target ETF will be reorganized into the Hashdex Bitcoin Futures ETF
(the ``Acquiring ETF''), a series of the Tidal Trust.\6\ According to
the Information Statement, the Target ETF has the same investment
objective and investment strategies and substantially identical
investment risks as the Acquiring ETF. Upon the closing of the
reorganization contemplated by the Plan of Merger (``Reorganization''),
the Target ETF will transfer all of its assets and liabilities to the
Acquiring ETF. Simultaneously, the Acquiring ETF will distribute its
shares (the ``Merger Shares'') to the shareholders of the Target ETF.
The Merger Shares will have a net asset value (``NAV'') per share equal
to the NAV per share of the Target ETF determined immediately before
the closing of the Reorganization resulting in a distribution of one
share of Merger Shares for each outstanding share of the Target ETF.
Closing of the Reorganization will result in the termination of all
outstanding Target ETF shares and the liquidation of the Target ETF.
Shareholders of the Target ETF will thus effectively be converted into
shareholders of the Acquiring ETF and will hold shares of the Acquiring
ETF with the same NAV as shares of the Target ETF that they held prior
to the Reorganization. According to the Information Statement,
following the Reorganization, the Shares will be issued by the Tidal
Trust and the sponsor of the Acquiring ETF will be Toroso Investments
LLC (``New Sponsor'').
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\6\ On July 21, 2023, the Tidal Commodities Trust I submitted to
the Commission its registration statement on Form S-1 under the
Securities Act of 1933 (the ``Registration Statement''). The
Registration Statement is not yet effective.
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The purpose of this proposed rule change is to change certain
representations made in the proposed rule change previously filed with
the Commission pursuant to Rule 19b-4 relating to the Target ETF, as
described above, which changes would be implemented as a result of the
Reorganization. Following the Reorganization, the Acquiring ETF will
continue to comply with all initial and continued listing requirements
under NYSE Arca Rule 8.200-E, Commentary .02. In addition, the
Acquiring ETF's portfolio meets and will continue to meet the
representations regarding the Target ETF's investments as described in
the Releases.\7\ Except for the changes noted above, all other
representations made in the Releases remain unchanged.
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\7\ According to the Notice, the investment objective of the
Target ETF is to have the daily changes in the NAV of the Target
ETF's Shares reflect the daily changes in the price of a specified
benchmark (the ``Benchmark''). The Benchmark is the average of the
closing settlement prices for the first to expire and second to
expire BTC Contracts listed on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Inc.
The first to expire and second to expire BTC Contracts and MBT
Contracts are referred to as the Bitcoin Futures Contracts.
According to the Notice, under normal market conditions, the Target
ETF will invest in Bitcoin Futures Contracts and in cash and cash
equivalents.
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2. Statutory Basis
The basis under the Act for this proposed rule change is the
requirement under section 6(b)(5) \8\ that an exchange have rules that
are designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices,
to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to remove
impediments to, and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market
and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest.
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\8\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
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The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is designed to
prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, and is designed
to promote just and equitable principles of trade and to protect
investors and the public interest.
Tidal Trust has filed the Information Statement describing the
Reorganization pursuant to which the assets of the Target ETF will be
reorganized into the Acquiring ETF. This filing proposes to reflect
organizational and administrative changes that would be implemented as
a result of the Reorganization, including changes to the trust entity
issuing shares of the Target ETF and the sponsor to the Target ETF.
According to the Information Statement, the investment objective of the
Acquiring ETF will be the same as that of the Target ETF following the
Reorganization. The Exchange believes these changes will not adversely
impact investors or Exchange trading. In addition, the Acquiring ETF's
portfolio meets and will continue to meet the representations regarding
the Target
[[Page 87827]]
ETF's investments as described in the Releases. Except for the changes
noted above, all other representations made in the Releases remain
unchanged. As stated above and in the Releases, shares of the Acquiring
ETF shall also conform to the initial and continued listing criteria
under Rule 8.200-E.
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 purpose of the Act. The Exchange believes the
proposed rule change will not impose a burden on competition and will
benefit investors and the marketplace by permitting continued listing
and trading of Shares of the Acquiring ETF following implementation of
the changes described above, which changes would not impact the
investment objective of the Acquiring ETF.
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 \9\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\10\
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, it has become effective pursuant to
section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\11\
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\9\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
\10\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
\11\ In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6) requires a self-regulatory
organization to give the Commission written notice of its intent to
file the proposed rule change at least five business days prior to
the date of filing of the proposed rule change, or such shorter time
as designated by the Commission. The Exchange has satisfied this
requirement.
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A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \12\ normally
does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the
filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b4(f)(6)(iii),\13\ 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 states that
the proposed changes reflect organizational and administrative changes
that would be implemented as a result of the Reorganization. The
Commission believes that waiver of the 30-day operative delay is
consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest
because the proposal does not raise any new or novel issues.
Accordingly, the Commission hereby waives the 30-day operative delay
and designates the proposal operative upon filing.\14\
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\12\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
\13\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
\14\ For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay,
the Commission has considered the proposed rule'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 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.
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-2023-84 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-2023-84. 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-NYSEARCA-2023-84 and should
be submitted on or before January 9, 2024.
For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\15\
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\15\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12), (59).
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Sherry R. Haywood,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2023-27809 Filed 12-18-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P