Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Modify Rule 6.62P-O, 9188-9192 [2024-02647]

Download as PDF 9188 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 28 / Friday, February 9, 2024 / Notices Competitive product(s), applicable statutory and regulatory requirements include 39 U.S.C. 3632, 39 U.S.C. 3633, 39 U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR part 3035, and 39 CFR part 3040, subpart B. Comment deadline(s) for each request appear in section II. II. Docketed Proceeding(s) 1. Docket No(s).: CP2023–181; Filing Title: USPS Notice of Amendment to Priority Mail, First-Class Package Service, Parcel Select & Parcel Return Service Contract 1, Filed Under Seal; Filing Acceptance Date: February 5, 2024; Filing Authority: 39 CFR 3035.105; Public Representative: Cherry Yao; Comments Due: February 13, 2024. 2. Docket No(s).: MC2024–182 and CP2024–188; Filing Title: USPS Request to Add Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage Contract 46 to Competitive Product List and Notice of Filing Materials Under Seal; Filing Acceptance Date: February 5, 2024; Filing Authority: 39 U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR 3040.130 through 3040.135, and 39 CFR 3035.105; Public Representative: Alain Brou; Comments Due: February 13, 2024. 3. Docket No(s).: MC2024–183 and CP2024–189; Filing Title: USPS Request to Add Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage Contract 184 to Competitive Product List and Notice of Filing Materials Under Seal; Filing Acceptance Date: February 5, 2024; Filing Authority: 39 U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR 3040.130 through 3040.135, and 39 CFR 3035.105; Public Representative: Samuel Robinson; Comments Due: February 13, 2024. This Notice will be published in the Federal Register. [FR Doc. 2024–02731 Filed 2–8–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710–FW–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–99470; File No. SR– NYSEARCA–2024–09] ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Modify Rule 6.62P–O Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) 1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’) 2 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,3 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 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 modify Rule 6.62P–O (Orders and Modifiers) to adopt electronic Customer Cross Order and Complex Customer Cross Order functionality and to amend Rule 1.1 (Definitions) to clarify the treatment of Professional Customer interest. 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 Jennie L. Jbara, Alternate Certifying Officer. February 5, 2024. notice is hereby given that on January 23, 2024, NYSE Arca, Inc. (‘‘NYSE Arca’’ 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 self-regulatory organization. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. 1. Purpose The Exchange proposes to modify Rule 6.62P–O (Orders and Modifiers) to adopt electronically-entered Customer Cross (‘‘C2C’’) Orders and Complex Customer Cross (‘‘Complex C2C’’) Orders (collectively, ‘‘Customer Cross Orders’’). The Exchange also proposes to amend the definition of ‘‘Customer and Professional Customer’’ (Rule 1.1.) to clarify the treatment of Professional Customer interest. Proposed Rule 6.62P–O(g)(2): Customer Cross Orders 4 The Exchange proposes to adopt rules governing electronically-entered 1 15 2 15 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:20 Feb 08, 2024 4 To reflect the addition of Customer Cross Orders, the Exchange proposes to amend current Jkt 262001 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Customer Cross Orders, which rules are substantively identical to the recentlyadopted Customer Cross Orders on the Exchange’s affiliate, NYSE American LLC (‘‘NYSE American’’).5 Proposed Rule 6.62P–O(g)(2) would describe Customer Cross Orders. Proposed Rule 6.62P–O(g)(2)(A) would provide that a C2C Order and a Complex C2C Order must be comprised of a Customer (but not a Professional Customer) order to buy and a Customer (but not a Professional Customer) order to sell at the same price and for the same quantity. The proposal to limit eligible interest to Customer but not Professional Customer interest is substantively identical to the rules of NYSE American.6 In addition, as proposed, a C2C Order or Complex C2C Order that is not rejected on arrival would immediately trade in full at its limit price.7 Further, proposed Rule 6.62P–O(g)(2)(A) would provide that C2C Orders and Complex C2C Orders would not route and may be entered with a Minimum Price Variation (‘‘MPV’’) of $0.01 regardless of the MPV of the options series.8 Finally, the proposed Rule would specify that Commentary .01 to Rule 6.47A–O would apply to Customer Cross Orders, which means that OTP Holders and OTP Firms may not utilize Customer Cross Orders to increase their economic gain without first giving other trading interest on the Exchange an opportunity to participate in the trade or to trade at the transaction price when the OTP Holder or OTP Firm was already bidding or offering at that price.9 This proposed handling of Customer Cross Orders is substantively identical to the rules on NYSE Rule 6.62P–O(g) by removing the statement that ‘‘[a] Cross Order is a Qualified Contingent Cross (‘‘QCC’’) Order’’ and retaining the title of ‘‘Cross Orders’’. In addition, the Exchange proposes to update the title of paragraph Rule 6.62P–O (g)(1) to ‘‘Qualified Contingent Cross (‘‘QCC’’) Orders.’’ The Exchange believes that these proposed changes would add clarity and transparency to, and improve the accuracy of, the Exchange’s rules. See proposed Rule 6.62P–O(g) and (g)(1). 5 See NYSE American Rule 900.3NYP(g)(2) (describing single-leg and complex Customer Cross Orders). See also Securities Exchange Act Release No. 99231 (December 22, 2023), 88 FR 89783 (December 28, 2023) (SR–NYSEAMER–2023–66) (immediately effective rule change to adopt electronically-entered Customer Cross Orders). 6 See NYSE American Rule 900.3NYP(g)(2)(A). 7 See proposed Rule 6.62P–O(g)(2)(A) (providing, in relevant part, that ‘‘[a] C2C Order or Complex C2C Order that is not rejected per Rule 6.62P– O(g)(2)(B) [Execution of C2C Orders] or (C) [Execution of Complex C2C Orders], respectively, will immediately trade in full at its limit price’’). 8 Rule 1.1 defines ‘‘Minimum Price Variation’’ or ‘‘MPV’’ as the price variations established by the Exchange, which for quoting and trading options traded on the Exchange are set forth in 6.72–O(a). 9 See proposed Rule 6.62P–O(g)(2)(A). See also Rule 6.47A–O, Commentary .01. E:\FR\FM\09FEN1.SGM 09FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 28 / Friday, February 9, 2024 / Notices ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 American regarding the handling of such orders on that exchange.10 Proposed Rule 6.62P–O(g)(2)(B) provides that a C2C Order that has one option leg would be rejected if received when the NBBO is crossed or if the C2C would trade at a price that (i) is at the same price as a displayed Customer order on the Consolidated Book and (ii) is not at or between the NBBO and the Exchange BBO. The Exchange believes that the proposal would provide for the efficient entry and execution of C2C Orders while continuing to protect same-priced, displayed Customer interest (i.e., by ensuring that the C2C Order does not trade ahead of displayed Customer interest resting in the Consolidated Book). As noted above, the proposed C2C Orders would operate in a manner that is identical to the handling of single-leg customer cross orders per NYSE American rules.11 Proposed Rule 6.62P–O(g)(2)(C) would describe the Exchange’s pricing requirements for a Complex C2C Order, which requirements are identical to those set forth in NYSE American Rule 900.3NYP(g)(2)(C). As is the case per NYSE American rules, to validate the price of a Complex C2C Order, the Exchange would rely on the Derived BBO (‘‘DBBO’’) as described in Rule 6.91P–O(a)(5).12 If the Exchange is not able to calculate the DBBO for a complex strategy because of one of the circumstances described in Rule 6.91P– O(a)(5)(B)–(C), the Exchange will not execute an order for that strategy until the circumstance is resolved.13 10 See Rule 6.47A–O, Commentary .01 (providing an identical prohibition to the one set forth in NYSE American Rule 935NY, Commentary .01, which prevents order-senders from using the customer crossing mechanism to increase economic gain without first providing an opportunity of eligible interest to trade at the transaction price of the cross order). 11 See NYSE American Rule 900.3NYP(g)(2)(B). 12 The DBBO provides for the establishment of a derived (theoretical) bid or offer for a particular complex strategy. See Rule 6.91P–O(a)(5) (defining the DBBO and providing that the bid (offer) price used to calculate the DBBO on each leg will be the Exchange BB (BO) (if available), bound by the maximum allowable Away Market Deviation). The Away Market Deviation, as defined in Rule 6.91P– O(a)(1), ensures that an ECO does not execute too far away from the prevailing market. Rule 6.91P– O(a)(5) also provides for the establishment of the DBBO in the absence of an Exchange BB (BO), or ABB(ABO), or both. The Exchange’s definition of DBBO and its use in relation to Complex C2C Orders is identical to how this concept is defined and utilized by NYSE American. Compare Rule 6.91P–O(a)(5) with NYSE American Rule 980NYP(a)(5). 13 See proposed Rule 6.62P–O(g)(2)(C). See also Rule 6.91P–O(a)(5)(B) (providing that, ‘‘[i]f, for a leg of a complex strategy, there is neither an Exchange BBO nor an ABBO, the Exchange will not allow the complex strategy to trade until, for that leg, there is either an Exchange BB or BO, or an ABB or ABO, on at least one side of the market’’) and (a)(5)(C) VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:20 Feb 08, 2024 Jkt 262001 9189 Consistent with this handling, the Exchange proposes that it would reject a Complex C2C Order if the Exchange is unable to calculate the DBBO for a leg of the Complex C2C Order per Rule 6.91P–O(a)(5)(B) or (a)(5)(C).14 In addition, proposed Rule 6.62P– O(g)(2)(C) provides that no option leg of a Complex C2C Order will trade at a price worse than the Exchange BBO and such order would be rejected if it fails to meet the following requirements: • the transaction price must be at or between the DBBO and may not equal the DBBO if the DBBO is calculated using the Exchange BBO and the Exchange BBO of any component of the complex strategy on either side of the market includes displayed Customer interest. If the DBB (DBO) includes displayed Customer interest on the Exchange, the transaction price must improve the DBB (DBO) by at least one cent ($0.01) (per proposed Rule 6.62P– O(g)(2)(C)(i)); and • the transaction price must be at or between the best-priced Complex Orders to buy and sell in the complex strategy and may not equal the price of a resting Customer Complex Order (per proposed Rule 6.62P–O(g)(2)(C)(ii)). As noted above the pricing requirements for the proposed Complex C2C Orders are identical to NYSE American’s requirement for such orders.15 The Exchange also proposes a conforming change to Rule 6.91P– O(b)(1) to include Complex Customer Cross Orders among the type of Electronic Complex Orders available for trading on the Exchange, which change would add clarity, transparency, and internal consistency to the Exchange’s rules.16 definition of ‘‘Customer’’ includes a ‘‘Professional Customer’’, as described below.17 Per Rule 1.1, for options traded on the Exchange, the terms ‘‘Customer’’ and ‘‘Professional Customer’’ do not include a broker or dealer.18 When the Exchange adopted its definition of Professional Customer nearly a decade ago, it noted that its definition was ‘‘similar to designations that have been adopted by all other options exchanges.’’ 19 At that time, however, the Exchange explicitly stated that it was not proposing ‘‘to revise any order execution or processing rules, including its priority rules, to change the treatment of Professional Customers’’ but noted instead that ‘‘Professional Customer orders will be treated as Customer orders under Exchange rules for all purposes, except those related to order marking.’’ 20 The Exchange further noted that ‘‘[a]s the only options Exchange to have not yet adopted the Professional Customer definition, the Exchange’s proposal will allow OTP Holders to mark their Professional Customer orders similarly regardless of whether the order is placed on the Exchange or another options exchange’’ and that adopting the Professional Customer designation would ‘‘facilitate cross-market initiatives (such as harmonizing rules relating to Obvious Errors).’’ 21 Although the Exchange was clear as to its intent when it adopted the Professional Customer designation, it did not modify its definition of ‘‘Customer’’ to reflect this intention. Thus, for avoidance of doubt and consistent with the Exchange’s previously stated intent, the Exchange proposes to modify the definition of Customer to include Rule 1.1: Definitions of Customer and Professional Customer The Exchange proposes to modify the definition of ‘‘Customer’’ to provide that, ‘‘unless otherwise specified’’, the 17 See proposed Rule (emphasis added). See also NYSE American Rule 980NYP(b)(1). 18 See Rule 1.1 (defining Customer and Professional Customer). For order counting purposes, the term ‘‘Professional Customer’’ applies to an individual or organization that ‘‘places more than 390 orders in listed options per day on average during a calendar month for its own beneficial account(s).’’ See id. 19 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 73665 (November 21, 2014), 79 FR 70907, 70908 at n. 7 (November 28, 2014) (SR–NYSEARCA–2014–133) (immediately effective rule change to adopt the definition of Professional Customer) (the ‘‘2014 Proposal’’). See id., 79 FR, at 70908 at n. 7 (citing other options markets that had already adopted the Professional Customer designation). 20 See id., 79 FR at 70908, n. 8 (specifying that, at that time, at least two other options exchanges had adopted a definition of Professional Customer that was the ‘‘same’’ as the Exchange’s thenproposed definition and that those exchanges likewise did ‘‘not treat Professional Customers differently than Customers for purposes of execution or processing.’’). Thus, from inception, the treatment of market participants designated as Professional Customers differed among options exchanges. 21 See id., 79 FR at 70908. (providing, in relevant part that, ‘‘[i]f the best bid and offer prices (when not based solely on the Exchange BBO) for a component leg of the complex strategy are locked or crossed, the Exchange will not allow an ECO for that strategy to execute against another ECO until this condition resolves’’). This proposed handling of Complex C2C Orders is identical to the handling of such orders on NYSE American. Compare proposed Rule 6.62P– O(g)(2)(C) with NYSE American Rule 900.3NYP(g)(2)(C). 14 See proposed Rule 6.62P–O(g)(2)(B). See also NYSE American Rule 900.3NYP(g)(2)(B). 15 See NYSE American Rule 900.3NYP(g)(2)(C)(i)– (ii). 16 See proposed Rule 6.91P–O(b)(1) (providing that Electronic Complex Orders ‘‘may be entered as Limit Orders, Limit Orders designated as Complex Only Orders, Complex QCCs, or as Complex Customer Cross Orders) (emphasis added). See also NYSE American Rule 980NYP(b)(1). PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\09FEN1.SGM 09FEN1 9190 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 28 / Friday, February 9, 2024 / Notices Professional Customer, ‘‘unless otherwise specified’’ in Exchange rules.22 The Exchange believes this rule change would add clarity and transparency to the Exchange’s rules, making them easier to navigate and understand. Implementation Because of the technology changes associated with this proposed rule change, the Exchange will announce the implementation date by Trader Update, which, subject to effectiveness of this proposed rule change, is anticipated to be in the first quarter of 2024. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 2. Statutory Basis The proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,23 in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5),24 in particular, because it is designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in facilitating transactions in securities, to remove impediments to, and perfect the mechanism of, a free and open market and a national market system and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. The Exchange believes that the proposed Customer Cross Orders (for single-leg and complex interest) would remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system because the proposed rules would allow OTP Holders and OTP Firms to electronically trade these types of crossing orders on the Exchange. The proposed functionality would benefit investors and the public interest because it would enhance and automate each order entry firms’ ability to submit two-sided Customer orders—i.e., Customer Cross Orders (both single-leg and complex). As such, the proposed rule change would provide OTP Holders and OTP Firms with an efficient means of executing their Customer orders. In addition, the proposed Customer Cross Orders would remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market 22 See proposed Rule 1.1 (providing that ‘‘[f]or options traded on the Exchange, the term ‘Customer’ does not include a broker or dealer and, unless otherwise specified, includes a ‘‘Professional Customer’’(emphasis added) See, e.g., proposed Rule 6.62P–O(g)(2) (specifying that Customer Cross Orders ‘‘must be comprised of a Customer (but not a Professional Customer) order to buy and a Customer (but not a Professional Customer) order to sell at the same price and for the same quantity’’)). 23 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). 24 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:20 Feb 08, 2024 Jkt 262001 system because OTP Holders and OTP Firms would be given an additional way to execute single-leg and Complex Orders on the Exchange. As noted herein, the proposed Customer Cross Orders functionality is identical to functionality described in the rules of the Exchange’s affiliate, NYSE American.25 With this proposal, OTP Holders and OTP Firms would likewise have an additional venue on which to execute two-sided Customer orders electronically—i.e., Customer Cross Orders. As such, the proposed order types may attract additional Customer order flow (both two-sided and singlesided) to the Exchange, which may, in turn, result in greater liquidity available for trading on the Exchange. Regarding the proposed single-leg C2C Order type, the Exchange believes that the adoption of this order type would provide for the efficient entry and execution of C2C Orders while continuing to protect same-priced, displayed Customer interest (i.e., by ensuring that the C2C Order does not trade ahead of displayed Customer interest resting in the Consolidated Book). Further, as noted herein, the proposed order type is not new or novel because each C2C Order would operate in a manner that is identical to the handling of single-leg customer cross orders per the rules of NYSE American.26 The proposed Complex C2C Order would protect investors and the public interest by assuring that these orders comply with the existing priority and allocation rules applicable to the processing and execution of Complex Orders per Rule 6.91P–O. In particular, the proposed Complex C2C Orders would continue to protect same-priced, displayed Customer interest and would ensure that Complex C2C Orders do not trade ahead of such displayed Customer interest, whether in the leg markets or as Customer Complex Orders. The Exchange believes the proposed Complex C2C Orders would promote just and equitable principles of trade because (as discussed herein) the proposed orders—which are not new or novel—would operate in a manner that is identical to the handling of complex customer cross orders per the rules of NYSE American.27 The Exchange believes the proposed amendment to the Rule 1.1 definition of Customer and Professional Customer would remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market 25 See NYSE American Rule 900.3NYP(g)(2). NYSE American Rule 900.3NYP(g)(2)(B). 27 See NYSE American Rule 900.3NYP(g)(2)(C). 26 See PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 system because it would add clarity and transparency to—and improve the accuracy of—the Exchange’s rules making them easier to comprehend to the benefit of all market participants. Finally, the proposed conforming changes to Rules 6.62P–O(g) and 6.91P– O(b)(1) to accommodate the adoption of single-leg and Complex Customer Cross Orders on the Exchange would remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system because the rule changes would add clarity and transparency to—and improve the accuracy of—the Exchange’s rules making them easier to comprehend to the benefit of all market participants. 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. Specifically, the Exchange’s proposal to adopt a new electronically-entered crossing order type (i.e., the Customer Cross Order) would not impose any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The Exchange believes that the proposed change would not impose a burden on intramarket competition because the proposed order types would provide OTP Holders and OTP Firms with the option of utilizing another means of executing two-sided Customer interest— both single-leg and Complex Orders on the Exchange. The proposed change would also benefit investors by providing another venue (i.e., in addition to NYSE American) on which Customer Cross Orders may be submitted electronically. The Exchange believes that the proposed change would enhance intermarket competition. The Exchange believes that adopting Customer Cross Orders would promote competition as it would afford OTP Holders and OTP Firms another venue on which to execute two-sided Customer orders for single-leg and complex trading interest. Further, the Exchange anticipates that this proposal will create new opportunities for the Exchange to attract new business to the Exchange. As such, the Exchange believes that this proposal does not create an undue burden on intermarket competition. Rather, the Exchange believes that the proposed rule would bolster intermarket competition by promoting fair competition among individual markets. The Exchange does not believe the proposed amendment to the Rule 1.1 E:\FR\FM\09FEN1.SGM 09FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 28 / Friday, February 9, 2024 / Notices definition of Customer and Professional Customer would impose any undue burden on intra-market or intermarket competition as all market participants on the Exchange would be subject to the updated definition. In addition, the proposal to limit the availability of the proposed Customer Cross Orders to interest submitted on behalf of Customers would align the Exchange with the rules of NYSE American, which has the same limitation.28 In addition, the proposed conforming changes to Rules 6.62P–O(g) and 6.91P– O(b)(1) to accommodate the addition of single-leg and Complex Customer Cross Orders would not impose an undue burden on intra-market or intermarket competition but would instead add clarity, transparency, and internal consistency to the Exchange’s rules. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others No written comments were solicited or received with respect to the proposed rule change. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action The Exchange has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act 29 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder.30 Because the proposed rule change does not: (i) significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative prior to 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate, if consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest, the proposed rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act and Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder.31 A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b–4(f)(6) 32 normally does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b4(f)(6)(iii),33 the Commission 28 See NYSE American Rule 900.3NYP(g)(2). U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii). 30 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 31 Id. 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. 32 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 33 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 29 15 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:20 Feb 08, 2024 Jkt 262001 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 waiver of the operative delay will provide market participants with an additional venue for executing twosided single-leg and complex Customer orders electronically. In addition, the proposed change to the definition of ‘‘Customer’’ is designed to reflect the Exchange’s intention when it adopted the definition of definition of Professional Customer in 2014, as described above. The proposed C2C and Complex C2C Orders are substantively identical to order types adopted by the Exchange’s affiliate, NYSE American.34 Among other things, the proposed rules protect the priority of displayed Customer interest on the Exchange by providing that a C2C Order with one option leg will be rejected if it would trade at the same price as a displayed Customer order on the Exchange’s Consolidated Book.35 In addition, a Complex C2C Order must trade at a price that is (i) better than the DBB (DBO) if the DBB (DBO) includes displayed Customer interest on the Exchange, and (ii) better than a resting Customer Complex Order on the Exchange.36 Consistent with the rules of other options exchanges that offer customer cross orders, the proposed Customer Cross Orders are limited to Customer orders.37 The proposed change to the definition of Customer is designed to ensure that the definition reflects the Exchange’s intention, as described in the 2014 Proposal, to treat Professional Customers as Customers, unless otherwise specified. The proposed conforming changes to Exchange Rules 6.62P–O(g)(1) and 6.91P–O(b)(1) will update the Exchange’s rules to reflect the addition of Customer Cross Orders. The proposal, which does not raise new or novel regulatory issues, will provide market participants with an additional venue for crossing single-leg and complex Customer Cross Orders electronically. Accordingly, the Commission hereby waives the 30-day operative delay and designates the 34 See NYSE American Rule 900.3NYP(g)(2) and note 5, supra. 35 See proposed Exchange Rule 6.62P– O(g)(2)(B)(i). 36 See proposed Exchange Rule 6.62P–O(g)(2)(C). 37 See proposed Exchange Rule 6.62P–O(g)(2)(A) and NYSE American Rule 900.3NYP(g)(2)(A). See also Cboe Rule 5.38(f). PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 9191 proposed rule change operative upon filing.38 At any time within 60 days of the filing of such proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. 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– NYSEARCA–2024–09 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–2024–09. 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 38 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). E:\FR\FM\09FEN1.SGM 09FEN1 9192 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 28 / Friday, February 9, 2024 / Notices 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–2024–09 and should be submitted on or before March 1, 2024. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.39 Sherry R. Haywood, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2024–02647 Filed 2–8–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and the Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–99471; File No. SR–IEX– 2024–04] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Investors Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Pursuant to IEX Rule 15.110 To Amend IEX’s Fee Schedule February 5, 2024. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) 1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’) 2 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,3 notice is hereby given that, on January 24, 2024, the Investors Exchange LLC (‘‘IEX’’ or the ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II and III 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 Pursuant to the provisions of Section 19(b)(1) under the Act,4 and Rule 19b– ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 4 thereunder,5 the Exchange is filing with the Commission a proposed rule change to amend its Fee Schedule, 6 pursuant to IEX Rule 15.110(a) and (c) (the ‘‘Fee Schedule’’), to revise the Fee Codes 7 applicable to transactions that involve a Post Only order that executes on entry. Changes to the Fee Schedule pursuant to this proposal are effective upon filing,8 and the Exchange plans to implement the changes on February 15, 2024. The text of the proposed rule change is available at the Exchange’s website at www.iextrading.com, at the principal office of the Exchange, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. 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 these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The self-regulatory organization 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 the Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The Exchange proposes to amend its Fee Schedule, pursuant to IEX Rule 15.110(a) and (c), to revise the Fee Codes applicable to transactions that involve a Post Only order that executes on entry. IEX recently filed a rule change to introduce a Post Only order parameter instruction and a Trade Now instruction.9 The Post Only Filing was effective on filing but will not be implemented until February 15, 2024.10 Additional Fee Codes Description Y ......................... W ........................ Post Only order executes on entry .......................................... Resting order removes against Post Only order ..................... 39 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. 4 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 5 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 6 See Fee Schedule at https:// www.iexexchange.io/resources/trading/fee-schedule for the complete list of fee code combinations and their corresponding fees. 1 15 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:20 Feb 08, 2024 Jkt 262001 Frm 00080 Fee Schedule Changes IEX proposes to introduce two new Fee Codes, to specify (1) when a Post Only order executed on entry, and (2) when a resting non-displayed order with a Trade Now instruction removed liquidity from a Post Only order that executed on entry. Specifically, as proposed, Fee Code Y will be included on any execution report for a Post Only order that executes on entry, and Fee Code W will be included on any execution report for a resting order with a Trade Now instruction that removes liquidity against an incoming liquidityadding Post Only order. IEX proposes to add these Fee Codes to the Fee Code Modifiers table on the IEX Fee Schedule as follows: Fee See Relevant Fee Code Combinations Below. See Relevant Fee Code Combinations Below. 7 Fee Codes are identified on each execution report message from the Exchange in the Trade Liquidity Indicator (FIX tag 9730) field. See ‘‘Transaction Fees/Definitions’’ on the Fee Schedule. 8 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii). 9 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 98988 (November 20, 2023), 88 FR 82926 (November 27, 2023) (SR–IEX–2023–13) (‘‘Post Only Filing’’). PO 00000 As described in the Post Only Filing, Members 11 may attach a Post Only parameter instruction to any displayable, non-routable order priced at or above $1.00 per share (i.e., a Post Only order).12 A Post Only order will not remove contra-side liquidity from the IEX Order Book 13 on entry (and will rest on the Order Book as a displayed liquidity adding order), except in two specific circumstances: (i) if the value of such execution when removing liquidity equals or exceeds the value of such execution if the order instead posted to the IEX Order Book and subsequently provided liquidity, including the applicable fees charged or rebates provided (the ‘‘Sum of Fees’’), or (ii) if the contra-side resting order with which the incoming order could match is a non-displayed order with a ‘‘Trade Now’’ instruction.14 When an incoming Post Only order matches a resting order with a Trade Now instruction, the resting order converts into an executable order that removes liquidity against the incoming Post Only order, and the incoming Post Only order becomes the liquidity adding order. Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 10 See IEX Trading Alert 2024–003, available at https://iextrading.com/alerts/#/239. 11 See IEX Rule 1.160(s). 12 If a Member submits a Post Only order that is priced below $1.00 per share, the Exchange will disregard the Post Only instruction. See IEX Rule 11.190(b)(20)(A). 13 See IEX Rule 1.160(p). 14 See IEX Rule 11.190(b)(21). E:\FR\FM\09FEN1.SGM 09FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 28 (Friday, February 9, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9188-9192]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-02647]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-99470; File No. SR-NYSEARCA-2024-09]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing 
and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Modify Rule 
6.62P-O

February 5, 2024.
    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 January 23, 2024, NYSE Arca, Inc. (``NYSE Arca'' 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 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 modify Rule 6.62P-O (Orders and Modifiers) 
to adopt electronic Customer Cross Order and Complex Customer Cross 
Order functionality and to amend Rule 1.1 (Definitions) to clarify the 
treatment of Professional Customer interest. The proposed rule change 
is available on the Exchange's website at www.nyse.com, at the 
principal office of the Exchange, and at the Commission's Public 
Reference Room.

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

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

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

1. Purpose
    The Exchange proposes to modify Rule 6.62P-O (Orders and Modifiers) 
to adopt electronically-entered Customer Cross (``C2C'') Orders and 
Complex Customer Cross (``Complex C2C'') Orders (collectively, 
``Customer Cross Orders''). The Exchange also proposes to amend the 
definition of ``Customer and Professional Customer'' (Rule 1.1.) to 
clarify the treatment of Professional Customer interest.
Proposed Rule 6.62P-O(g)(2): Customer Cross Orders \4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ To reflect the addition of Customer Cross Orders, the 
Exchange proposes to amend current Rule 6.62P-O(g) by removing the 
statement that ``[a] Cross Order is a Qualified Contingent Cross 
(``QCC'') Order'' and retaining the title of ``Cross Orders''. In 
addition, the Exchange proposes to update the title of paragraph 
Rule 6.62P-O (g)(1) to ``Qualified Contingent Cross (``QCC'') 
Orders.'' The Exchange believes that these proposed changes would 
add clarity and transparency to, and improve the accuracy of, the 
Exchange's rules. See proposed Rule 6.62P-O(g) and (g)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange proposes to adopt rules governing electronically-
entered Customer Cross Orders, which rules are substantively identical 
to the recently-adopted Customer Cross Orders on the Exchange's 
affiliate, NYSE American LLC (``NYSE American'').\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ See NYSE American Rule 900.3NYP(g)(2) (describing single-leg 
and complex Customer Cross Orders). See also Securities Exchange Act 
Release No. 99231 (December 22, 2023), 88 FR 89783 (December 28, 
2023) (SR-NYSEAMER-2023-66) (immediately effective rule change to 
adopt electronically-entered Customer Cross Orders).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed Rule 6.62P-O(g)(2) would describe Customer Cross Orders. 
Proposed Rule 6.62P-O(g)(2)(A) would provide that a C2C Order and a 
Complex C2C Order must be comprised of a Customer (but not a 
Professional Customer) order to buy and a Customer (but not a 
Professional Customer) order to sell at the same price and for the same 
quantity. The proposal to limit eligible interest to Customer but not 
Professional Customer interest is substantively identical to the rules 
of NYSE American.\6\ In addition, as proposed, a C2C Order or Complex 
C2C Order that is not rejected on arrival would immediately trade in 
full at its limit price.\7\ Further, proposed Rule 6.62P-O(g)(2)(A) 
would provide that C2C Orders and Complex C2C Orders would not route 
and may be entered with a Minimum Price Variation (``MPV'') of $0.01 
regardless of the MPV of the options series.\8\ Finally, the proposed 
Rule would specify that Commentary .01 to Rule 6.47A-O would apply to 
Customer Cross Orders, which means that OTP Holders and OTP Firms may 
not utilize Customer Cross Orders to increase their economic gain 
without first giving other trading interest on the Exchange an 
opportunity to participate in the trade or to trade at the transaction 
price when the OTP Holder or OTP Firm was already bidding or offering 
at that price.\9\ This proposed handling of Customer Cross Orders is 
substantively identical to the rules on NYSE

[[Page 9189]]

American regarding the handling of such orders on that exchange.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ See NYSE American Rule 900.3NYP(g)(2)(A).
    \7\ See proposed Rule 6.62P-O(g)(2)(A) (providing, in relevant 
part, that ``[a] C2C Order or Complex C2C Order that is not rejected 
per Rule 6.62P-O(g)(2)(B) [Execution of C2C Orders] or (C) 
[Execution of Complex C2C Orders], respectively, will immediately 
trade in full at its limit price'').
    \8\ Rule 1.1 defines ``Minimum Price Variation'' or ``MPV'' as 
the price variations established by the Exchange, which for quoting 
and trading options traded on the Exchange are set forth in 6.72-
O(a).
    \9\ See proposed Rule 6.62P-O(g)(2)(A). See also Rule 6.47A-O, 
Commentary .01.
    \10\ See Rule 6.47A-O, Commentary .01 (providing an identical 
prohibition to the one set forth in NYSE American Rule 935NY, 
Commentary .01, which prevents order-senders from using the customer 
crossing mechanism to increase economic gain without first providing 
an opportunity of eligible interest to trade at the transaction 
price of the cross order).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed Rule 6.62P-O(g)(2)(B) provides that a C2C Order that has 
one option leg would be rejected if received when the NBBO is crossed 
or if the C2C would trade at a price that (i) is at the same price as a 
displayed Customer order on the Consolidated Book and (ii) is not at or 
between the NBBO and the Exchange BBO. The Exchange believes that the 
proposal would provide for the efficient entry and execution of C2C 
Orders while continuing to protect same-priced, displayed Customer 
interest (i.e., by ensuring that the C2C Order does not trade ahead of 
displayed Customer interest resting in the Consolidated Book). As noted 
above, the proposed C2C Orders would operate in a manner that is 
identical to the handling of single-leg customer cross orders per NYSE 
American rules.\11\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ See NYSE American Rule 900.3NYP(g)(2)(B).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed Rule 6.62P-O(g)(2)(C) would describe the Exchange's 
pricing requirements for a Complex C2C Order, which requirements are 
identical to those set forth in NYSE American Rule 900.3NYP(g)(2)(C). 
As is the case per NYSE American rules, to validate the price of a 
Complex C2C Order, the Exchange would rely on the Derived BBO 
(``DBBO'') as described in Rule 6.91P-O(a)(5).\12\ If the Exchange is 
not able to calculate the DBBO for a complex strategy because of one of 
the circumstances described in Rule 6.91P-O(a)(5)(B)-(C), the Exchange 
will not execute an order for that strategy until the circumstance is 
resolved.\13\ Consistent with this handling, the Exchange proposes that 
it would reject a Complex C2C Order if the Exchange is unable to 
calculate the DBBO for a leg of the Complex C2C Order per Rule 6.91P-
O(a)(5)(B) or (a)(5)(C).\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ The DBBO provides for the establishment of a derived 
(theoretical) bid or offer for a particular complex strategy. See 
Rule 6.91P-O(a)(5) (defining the DBBO and providing that the bid 
(offer) price used to calculate the DBBO on each leg will be the 
Exchange BB (BO) (if available), bound by the maximum allowable Away 
Market Deviation). The Away Market Deviation, as defined in Rule 
6.91P-O(a)(1), ensures that an ECO does not execute too far away 
from the prevailing market. Rule 6.91P-O(a)(5) also provides for the 
establishment of the DBBO in the absence of an Exchange BB (BO), or 
ABB(ABO), or both. The Exchange's definition of DBBO and its use in 
relation to Complex C2C Orders is identical to how this concept is 
defined and utilized by NYSE American. Compare Rule 6.91P-O(a)(5) 
with NYSE American Rule 980NYP(a)(5).
    \13\ See proposed Rule 6.62P-O(g)(2)(C). See also Rule 6.91P-
O(a)(5)(B) (providing that, ``[i]f, for a leg of a complex strategy, 
there is neither an Exchange BBO nor an ABBO, the Exchange will not 
allow the complex strategy to trade until, for that leg, there is 
either an Exchange BB or BO, or an ABB or ABO, on at least one side 
of the market'') and (a)(5)(C) (providing, in relevant part that, 
``[i]f the best bid and offer prices (when not based solely on the 
Exchange BBO) for a component leg of the complex strategy are locked 
or crossed, the Exchange will not allow an ECO for that strategy to 
execute against another ECO until this condition resolves''). This 
proposed handling of Complex C2C Orders is identical to the handling 
of such orders on NYSE American. Compare proposed Rule 6.62P-
O(g)(2)(C) with NYSE American Rule 900.3NYP(g)(2)(C).
    \14\ See proposed Rule 6.62P-O(g)(2)(B). See also NYSE American 
Rule 900.3NYP(g)(2)(B).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, proposed Rule 6.62P-O(g)(2)(C) provides that no option 
leg of a Complex C2C Order will trade at a price worse than the 
Exchange BBO and such order would be rejected if it fails to meet the 
following requirements:
     the transaction price must be at or between the DBBO and 
may not equal the DBBO if the DBBO is calculated using the Exchange BBO 
and the Exchange BBO of any component of the complex strategy on either 
side of the market includes displayed Customer interest. If the DBB 
(DBO) includes displayed Customer interest on the Exchange, the 
transaction price must improve the DBB (DBO) by at least one cent 
($0.01) (per proposed Rule 6.62P-O(g)(2)(C)(i)); and
     the transaction price must be at or between the best-
priced Complex Orders to buy and sell in the complex strategy and may 
not equal the price of a resting Customer Complex Order (per proposed 
Rule 6.62P-O(g)(2)(C)(ii)).
    As noted above the pricing requirements for the proposed Complex 
C2C Orders are identical to NYSE American's requirement for such 
orders.\15\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ See NYSE American Rule 900.3NYP(g)(2)(C)(i)-(ii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange also proposes a conforming change to Rule 6.91P-
O(b)(1) to include Complex Customer Cross Orders among the type of 
Electronic Complex Orders available for trading on the Exchange, which 
change would add clarity, transparency, and internal consistency to the 
Exchange's rules.\16\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ See proposed Rule 6.91P-O(b)(1) (providing that Electronic 
Complex Orders ``may be entered as Limit Orders, Limit Orders 
designated as Complex Only Orders, Complex QCCs, or as Complex 
Customer Cross Orders) (emphasis added). See also NYSE American Rule 
980NYP(b)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rule 1.1: Definitions of Customer and Professional Customer
    The Exchange proposes to modify the definition of ``Customer'' to 
provide that, ``unless otherwise specified'', the definition of 
``Customer'' includes a ``Professional Customer'', as described 
below.\17\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ See proposed Rule (emphasis added). See also NYSE American 
Rule 980NYP(b)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Per Rule 1.1, for options traded on the Exchange, the terms 
``Customer'' and ``Professional Customer'' do not include a broker or 
dealer.\18\ When the Exchange adopted its definition of Professional 
Customer nearly a decade ago, it noted that its definition was 
``similar to designations that have been adopted by all other options 
exchanges.'' \19\ At that time, however, the Exchange explicitly stated 
that it was not proposing ``to revise any order execution or processing 
rules, including its priority rules, to change the treatment of 
Professional Customers'' but noted instead that ``Professional Customer 
orders will be treated as Customer orders under Exchange rules for all 
purposes, except those related to order marking.'' \20\ The Exchange 
further noted that ``[a]s the only options Exchange to have not yet 
adopted the Professional Customer definition, the Exchange's proposal 
will allow OTP Holders to mark their Professional Customer orders 
similarly regardless of whether the order is placed on the Exchange or 
another options exchange'' and that adopting the Professional Customer 
designation would ``facilitate cross-market initiatives (such as 
harmonizing rules relating to Obvious Errors).'' \21\ Although the 
Exchange was clear as to its intent when it adopted the Professional 
Customer designation, it did not modify its definition of ``Customer'' 
to reflect this intention. Thus, for avoidance of doubt and consistent 
with the Exchange's previously stated intent, the Exchange proposes to 
modify the definition of Customer to include

[[Page 9190]]

Professional Customer, ``unless otherwise specified'' in Exchange 
rules.\22\ The Exchange believes this rule change would add clarity and 
transparency to the Exchange's rules, making them easier to navigate 
and understand.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ See Rule 1.1 (defining Customer and Professional Customer). 
For order counting purposes, the term ``Professional Customer'' 
applies to an individual or organization that ``places more than 390 
orders in listed options per day on average during a calendar month 
for its own beneficial account(s).'' See id.
    \19\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 73665 (November 21, 
2014), 79 FR 70907, 70908 at n. 7 (November 28, 2014) (SR-NYSEARCA-
2014-133) (immediately effective rule change to adopt the definition 
of Professional Customer) (the ``2014 Proposal''). See id., 79 FR, 
at 70908 at n. 7 (citing other options markets that had already 
adopted the Professional Customer designation).
    \20\ See id., 79 FR at 70908, n. 8 (specifying that, at that 
time, at least two other options exchanges had adopted a definition 
of Professional Customer that was the ``same'' as the Exchange's 
then-proposed definition and that those exchanges likewise did ``not 
treat Professional Customers differently than Customers for purposes 
of execution or processing.''). Thus, from inception, the treatment 
of market participants designated as Professional Customers differed 
among options exchanges.
    \21\ See id., 79 FR at 70908.
    \22\ See proposed Rule 1.1 (providing that ``[f]or options 
traded on the Exchange, the term `Customer' does not include a 
broker or dealer and, unless otherwise specified, includes a 
``Professional Customer''(emphasis added) See, e.g., proposed Rule 
6.62P-O(g)(2) (specifying that Customer Cross Orders ``must be 
comprised of a Customer (but not a Professional Customer) order to 
buy and a Customer (but not a Professional Customer) order to sell 
at the same price and for the same quantity'')).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Implementation
    Because of the technology changes associated with this proposed 
rule change, the Exchange will announce the implementation date by 
Trader Update, which, subject to effectiveness of this proposed rule 
change, is anticipated to be in the first quarter of 2024.
2. Statutory Basis
    The proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b) of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934,\23\ in general, and furthers the 
objectives of Section 6(b)(5),\24\ in particular, because it is 
designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to 
promote just and equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation 
and coordination with persons engaged in facilitating transactions in 
securities, to remove impediments to, and perfect the mechanism of, a 
free and open market and a national market system and, in general, to 
protect investors and the public interest.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \24\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange believes that the proposed Customer Cross Orders (for 
single-leg and complex interest) would remove impediments to and 
perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market 
system because the proposed rules would allow OTP Holders and OTP Firms 
to electronically trade these types of crossing orders on the Exchange. 
The proposed functionality would benefit investors and the public 
interest because it would enhance and automate each order entry firms' 
ability to submit two-sided Customer orders--i.e., Customer Cross 
Orders (both single-leg and complex). As such, the proposed rule change 
would provide OTP Holders and OTP Firms with an efficient means of 
executing their Customer orders. In addition, the proposed Customer 
Cross Orders would remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a 
free and open market and a national market system because OTP Holders 
and OTP Firms would be given an additional way to execute single-leg 
and Complex Orders on the Exchange. As noted herein, the proposed 
Customer Cross Orders functionality is identical to functionality 
described in the rules of the Exchange's affiliate, NYSE American.\25\ 
With this proposal, OTP Holders and OTP Firms would likewise have an 
additional venue on which to execute two-sided Customer orders 
electronically--i.e., Customer Cross Orders. As such, the proposed 
order types may attract additional Customer order flow (both two-sided 
and single-sided) to the Exchange, which may, in turn, result in 
greater liquidity available for trading on the Exchange.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \25\ See NYSE American Rule 900.3NYP(g)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regarding the proposed single-leg C2C Order type, the Exchange 
believes that the adoption of this order type would provide for the 
efficient entry and execution of C2C Orders while continuing to protect 
same-priced, displayed Customer interest (i.e., by ensuring that the 
C2C Order does not trade ahead of displayed Customer interest resting 
in the Consolidated Book). Further, as noted herein, the proposed order 
type is not new or novel because each C2C Order would operate in a 
manner that is identical to the handling of single-leg customer cross 
orders per the rules of NYSE American.\26\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \26\ See NYSE American Rule 900.3NYP(g)(2)(B).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed Complex C2C Order would protect investors and the 
public interest by assuring that these orders comply with the existing 
priority and allocation rules applicable to the processing and 
execution of Complex Orders per Rule 6.91P-O. In particular, the 
proposed Complex C2C Orders would continue to protect same-priced, 
displayed Customer interest and would ensure that Complex C2C Orders do 
not trade ahead of such displayed Customer interest, whether in the leg 
markets or as Customer Complex Orders. The Exchange believes the 
proposed Complex C2C Orders would promote just and equitable principles 
of trade because (as discussed herein) the proposed orders--which are 
not new or novel--would operate in a manner that is identical to the 
handling of complex customer cross orders per the rules of NYSE 
American.\27\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \27\ See NYSE American Rule 900.3NYP(g)(2)(C).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange believes the proposed amendment to the Rule 1.1 
definition of Customer and Professional Customer would remove 
impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and 
a national market system because it would add clarity and transparency 
to--and improve the accuracy of--the Exchange's rules making them 
easier to comprehend to the benefit of all market participants.
    Finally, the proposed conforming changes to Rules 6.62P-O(g) and 
6.91P-O(b)(1) to accommodate the adoption of single-leg and Complex 
Customer Cross Orders on the Exchange would remove impediments to and 
perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market 
system because the rule changes would add clarity and transparency to--
and improve the accuracy of--the Exchange's rules making them easier to 
comprehend to the benefit of all market participants.

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. Specifically, the Exchange's 
proposal to adopt a new electronically-entered crossing order type 
(i.e., the Customer Cross Order) would not impose any burden on 
competition not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes 
of the Act. The Exchange believes that the proposed change would not 
impose a burden on intra-market competition because the proposed order 
types would provide OTP Holders and OTP Firms with the option of 
utilizing another means of executing two-sided Customer interest--both 
single-leg and Complex Orders on the Exchange. The proposed change 
would also benefit investors by providing another venue (i.e., in 
addition to NYSE American) on which Customer Cross Orders may be 
submitted electronically.
    The Exchange believes that the proposed change would enhance 
intermarket competition. The Exchange believes that adopting Customer 
Cross Orders would promote competition as it would afford OTP Holders 
and OTP Firms another venue on which to execute two-sided Customer 
orders for single-leg and complex trading interest. Further, the 
Exchange anticipates that this proposal will create new opportunities 
for the Exchange to attract new business to the Exchange. As such, the 
Exchange believes that this proposal does not create an undue burden on 
intermarket competition. Rather, the Exchange believes that the 
proposed rule would bolster intermarket competition by promoting fair 
competition among individual markets.
    The Exchange does not believe the proposed amendment to the Rule 
1.1

[[Page 9191]]

definition of Customer and Professional Customer would impose any undue 
burden on intra-market or intermarket competition as all market 
participants on the Exchange would be subject to the updated 
definition. In addition, the proposal to limit the availability of the 
proposed Customer Cross Orders to interest submitted on behalf of 
Customers would align the Exchange with the rules of NYSE American, 
which has the same limitation.\28\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \28\ See NYSE American Rule 900.3NYP(g)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, the proposed conforming changes to Rules 6.62P-O(g) 
and 6.91P-O(b)(1) to accommodate the addition of single-leg and Complex 
Customer Cross Orders would not impose an undue burden on intra-market 
or intermarket competition but would instead add clarity, transparency, 
and internal consistency to the Exchange's rules.

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

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

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

    The Exchange has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 
19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act \29\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\30\ 
Because the proposed rule change does not: (i) significantly affect the 
protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any 
significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative prior to 
30 days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as 
the Commission may designate, if consistent with the protection of 
investors and the public interest, the proposed rule change has become 
effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder.\31\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \29\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
    \30\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \31\ Id. 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) \32\ normally 
does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the 
filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b4(f)(6)(iii),\33\ 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 
waiver of the operative delay will provide market participants with an 
additional venue for executing two-sided single-leg and complex 
Customer orders electronically. In addition, the proposed change to the 
definition of ``Customer'' is designed to reflect the Exchange's 
intention when it adopted the definition of definition of Professional 
Customer in 2014, as described above.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \32\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \33\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed C2C and Complex C2C Orders are substantively identical 
to order types adopted by the Exchange's affiliate, NYSE American.\34\ 
Among other things, the proposed rules protect the priority of 
displayed Customer interest on the Exchange by providing that a C2C 
Order with one option leg will be rejected if it would trade at the 
same price as a displayed Customer order on the Exchange's Consolidated 
Book.\35\ In addition, a Complex C2C Order must trade at a price that 
is (i) better than the DBB (DBO) if the DBB (DBO) includes displayed 
Customer interest on the Exchange, and (ii) better than a resting 
Customer Complex Order on the Exchange.\36\ Consistent with the rules 
of other options exchanges that offer customer cross orders, the 
proposed Customer Cross Orders are limited to Customer orders.\37\ The 
proposed change to the definition of Customer is designed to ensure 
that the definition reflects the Exchange's intention, as described in 
the 2014 Proposal, to treat Professional Customers as Customers, unless 
otherwise specified. The proposed conforming changes to Exchange Rules 
6.62P-O(g)(1) and 6.91P-O(b)(1) will update the Exchange's rules to 
reflect the addition of Customer Cross Orders. The proposal, which does 
not raise new or novel regulatory issues, will provide market 
participants with an additional venue for crossing single-leg and 
complex Customer Cross Orders electronically. Accordingly, the 
Commission hereby waives the 30-day operative delay and designates the 
proposed rule change operative upon filing.\38\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \34\ See NYSE American Rule 900.3NYP(g)(2) and note 5, supra.
    \35\ See proposed Exchange Rule 6.62P-O(g)(2)(B)(i).
    \36\ See proposed Exchange Rule 6.62P-O(g)(2)(C).
    \37\ See proposed Exchange Rule 6.62P-O(g)(2)(A) and NYSE 
American Rule 900.3NYP(g)(2)(A). See also Cboe Rule 5.38(f).
    \38\ 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).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    At any time within 60 days of the filing of such proposed rule 
change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule 
change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or 
appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or 
otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.

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-2024-09 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-2024-09. 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

[[Page 9192]]

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-
2024-09 and should be submitted on or before March 1, 2024.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\39\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \39\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12), (59).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sherry R. Haywood,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2024-02647 Filed 2-8-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P


This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.