Self-Regulatory Organizations; MIAX Sapphire LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change to Establish Fees for Industry Members Related to Certain Historical Costs of the National Market System Plan Governing the Consolidated Audit Trail, 75848-75895 [2024-20636]

Download as PDF 75848 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–100962; File No. SR– SAPPHIRE–2024–27] Self-Regulatory Organizations; MIAX Sapphire LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change to Establish Fees for Industry Members Related to Certain Historical Costs of the National Market System Plan Governing the Consolidated Audit Trail September 6, 2024. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on August 23, 2024, MIAX Sapphire, LLC (‘‘MIAX Sapphire’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) a 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 comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange is filing a proposal to amend the MIAX Sapphire Fee Schedule (the ‘‘Fee Schedule’’) to establish fees for Industry Members 3 related to certain historical costs of the National Market System Plan Governing the Consolidated Audit Trail (the ‘‘CAT NMS Plan’’ or ‘‘Plan’’) incurred prior to January 1, 2022. These fees would be payable to Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC (‘‘CAT LLC’’ or ‘‘the Company’’) 4 and referred to as Historical CAT Assessment 1, and would be described in a section of the Exchange’s fee schedule entitled ‘‘Consolidated Audit Trail Funding Fees.’’ The fee rate for Historical CAT Assessment 1 will be $0.000013 per executed equivalent share. CAT Executing Brokers will receive their first monthly invoice for Historical CAT Assessment 1 in 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. 3 An ‘‘Industry Member’’ is defined as ‘‘a member of a national securities exchange or a member of a national securities association.’’ See Miami International Securities Exchange LLC (‘‘MIAX Rule’’) Rule 1701(u). The Exchange notes that MIAX Chapter XVII is incorporated by reference into the Exchange’s rulebook. As such, MIAX Chapter XVII also applies to the Exchange. See also Section 1.1 of the CAT NMS Plan. Unless otherwise specified, capitalized terms used in this rule filing are defined as set forth in the CAT NMS Plan and/or the CAT Compliance Rule. See MIAX Rule 1701. 4 The term ‘‘CAT LLC’’ may be used to refer to Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC or CAT NMS, LLC, depending on the context. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 2 17 VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 November 2024 calculated based on their transactions as CAT Executing Brokers for the Buyer (‘‘CEBB’’) and/or CAT Executing Brokers for the Seller (‘‘CEBS’’) in October 2024. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange’s website at https://www.miaxglobal.com/markets/ us-options/miax-sapphire/rule-filings, at the Exchange’s principal office, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose On July 11, 2012, the Commission adopted Rule 613 of Regulation NMS, which required the self-regulatory organizations (‘‘SROs’’) to submit a national market system (‘‘NMS’’) plan to create, implement and maintain a consolidated audit trail that would capture customer and order event information for orders in NMS securities across all markets, from the time of order inception through routing, cancellation, modification or execution.5 On November 15, 2016, the Commission approved the CAT NMS Plan.6 Under the CAT NMS Plan, the Operating Committee has the discretion to establish funding for CAT LLC to operate the CAT, including establishing fees for Industry Members to be assessed by CAT LLC that would be implemented on behalf of CAT LLC by the Participants.7 The Operating Committee adopted a revised funding model to fund the CAT (‘‘CAT Funding Model’’). On September 6, 2023, the Commission approved the CAT Funding Model, after 5 Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 67457 (July 18, 2012), 77 FR 45721 (Aug. 1, 2012) (‘‘Rule 613 Adopting Release’’). 6 Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 79318 (Nov. 15, 2016), 81 FR 84696 (Nov. 23, 2016) (‘‘CAT NMS Plan Approval Order’’). 7 Section 11.1(b) of the CAT NMS Plan. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 concluding that the model was reasonable and that it satisfied the requirements of Section 11A of the Exchange Act and Rule 608 thereunder.8 The CAT Funding Model provides a framework for the recovery of the costs to create, develop and maintain the CAT, including providing a method for allocating costs to fund the CAT among Participants and Industry Members. The CAT Funding Model establishes two categories of fees: (1) CAT fees assessed by CAT LLC and payable by certain Industry Members to recover a portion of historical CAT costs previously paid by the Participants (‘‘Historical CAT Assessment’’ fees); and (2) CAT fees assessed by CAT LLC and payable by Participants and Industry Members to fund prospective CAT costs (‘‘Prospective CAT Costs’’ fees).9 Under the CAT Funding Model, ‘‘[t]he Operating Committee will establish one or more fees (each a ‘Historical CAT Assessment’) to be payable by Industry Members with regard to CAT costs previously paid by the Participants (‘Past CAT Costs’).’’ 10 In establishing a Historical CAT Assessment, the Operating Committee will determine a ‘‘Historical Recovery Period’’ and calculate a ‘‘Historical Fee Rate’’ for that Historical Recovery Period. Then, for each month in which a Historical CAT Assessment is in effect, each CEBB and CEBS would be required to pay the fee—the Historical CAT Assessment— for each transaction in Eligible Securities executed by the CEBB or CEBS from the prior month as set forth in CAT Data, where the Historical CAT Assessment for each transaction will be calculated by multiplying the number of executed equivalent shares in the transaction by one-third and by the Historical Fee Rate.11 Each Historical CAT Assessment to be paid by CEBBs and CEBSs is designed 8 Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 98290 (Sept. 6, 2023), 88 FR 62628 (Sept. 12, 2023) (‘‘CAT Funding Model Approval Order’’). 9 Under the CAT Funding Model, the Operating Committee may establish one or more Historical CAT Assessments. Section 11.3(b) of the CAT NMS Plan. This filing only establishes Historical CAT Assessment 1 related to certain Historical CAT Costs as described herein; it does not address any other potential Historical CAT Assessment related to other Historical CAT Costs. In addition, under the CAT Funding Model, the Operating Committee also may establish CAT Fees related to CAT costs going forward. Section 11.3(a) of the CAT NMS Plan. This filing does not address any potential CAT Fees related to CAT costs going forward. Any such other fee for any other Historical CAT Assessment or CAT Fee for Prospective CAT Costs will be subject to a separate fee filing. 10 Section 11.3(b) of the CAT NMS Plan. 11 In approving the CAT Funding Model, the Commission stated that, ‘‘[i]n the Commission’s view, the proposed recovery of the Past CAT Costs via the Historical CAT Assessment is reasonable.’’ CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62662. E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices to contribute toward the recovery of two-thirds of the Historical CAT Costs. Because the Participants previously have paid Past CAT Costs via loans to the Company, the Participants would not be required to pay any Historical CAT Assessment. In lieu of a Historical CAT Assessment, the Participants’ onethird share of Historical CAT Costs will be paid by the cancellation of loans made by the Participants to the Company on a pro rata basis based on the outstanding loan amounts due under the loans, instead of through the payment of a CAT fee.12 In addition, the Participants also will be 100% responsible for certain Excluded Costs (as discussed below). CAT LLC proposes to charge CEBBs and CEBSs (as described in more detail below) Historical CAT Assessment 1 to recover certain historical CAT costs incurred prior to January 1, 2022, in accordance with the CAT Funding Model. To implement this fee on behalf of CAT LLC, the CAT NMS Plan requires the Participants to ‘‘file with the SEC under Section 19(b) of the Exchange Act any such fees on Industry Members that the Operating Committee approves, and such fees shall be labeled 75849 and (b) with respect to a transaction in an Eligible Security that is executed otherwise than on an exchange and required to be reported to an equity trade reporting facility of a registered national securities association, the Industry Member identified as the executing broker and the Industry Member identified as the contra-side executing broker in the TRF/ORF/ADF transaction data event in the CAT Data submitted to the CAT by FINRA pursuant to the Participant Technical (1) CAT Executing Brokers Specifications; provided, however, in Historical CAT Assessment 1 will be those circumstances where there is a charged to each CEBB and CEBS for non-Industry Member identified as the each applicable transaction in Eligible contra-side executing broker in the TRF/ Securities.16 The CAT NMS Plan defines ORF/ADF transaction data event or no a ‘‘CAT Executing Broker’’ to mean: contra-side executing broker is (a) with respect to a transaction in an identified in the TRF/ORF/ADF Eligible Security that is executed on an transaction data event, then the Industry exchange, the Industry Member Member identified as the executing identified as the Industry Member responsible for the order on the buy-side broker in the TRF/ORF/ADF transaction data event would be treated as CAT of the transaction and the Industry Executing Broker for the Buyer and for Member responsible for the sell-side of 17 the transaction in the equity order trade the Seller. The following fields of the Participant event and option trade event in the CAT Technical Specifications indicate the Data submitted to the CAT by the CAT Executing Brokers for the relevant exchange pursuant to the Participant Technical Specifications; transactions executed on an exchange. as ‘Consolidated Audit Trail Funding Fees.’ ’’ 13 The Plan further states that ‘‘Participants will be required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 19(b) of the Exchange Act a filing for each Historical CAT Assessment.’’ 14 Accordingly, the purpose of this filing is to implement a Historical CAT Assessment on behalf of CAT LLC for Industry Members, referred to as Historical CAT Assessment 1, in accordance with the CAT NMS Plan.15 EQUITY ORDER (EOT) 18 No. Field name Data type 12.n.8/13.n.8 .... member ............................ Member Alias Include key Description The identifier for the member firm that is responsible for the order on this side of the trade. Not required if there is no order for the side as indicated by the NOBUYID/NOSELLID instruction. This must be provided if orderID is provided. C OPTION TRADE (OT) 19 No. Field name 16.n.13/17.n.13 member ............................ 12 Section 11.3(b)(ii) of the CAT NMS Plan. 11.1(b) of the CAT NMS Plan. 14 Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(I) of the CAT NMS Plan. 15 Note that there may be one or more Historical CAT Assessments depending on the timing of the completion of the Financial Accountability Milestones, among other things. Section 11.3(b) of the CAT NMS Plan. 16 In its approval of the CAT Funding Model, the Commission determined that charging CAT fees to CAT Executing Brokers was reasonable. In reaching this conclusion the Commission noted that the use of CAT Executing Brokers is appropriate because the CAT Funding Model is based upon the 13 Section lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 Data type VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 Member Alias The identifier for the member firm that is responsible for the order .. calculation of executed equivalent shares, and, therefore, charging CAT Executing Brokers would reflect their executing role in each transaction. Furthermore, the Commission noted that, because CAT Executing Brokers are already identified in transaction reports from the exchanges and FINRA’s equity trade reporting facilities recorded in CAT Data, charging CAT Executing Brokers could streamline the billing process. CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62629. 17 Section 1.1 of the CAT NMS Plan. Note that CEBBs and CEBSs may, but are not required to, pass-through their CAT fees to their clients, who may, in turn, pass their fees to their clients until PO 00000 Frm 00003 Include key Description Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 R they are imposed ultimately on the account that executed the transaction. See CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62649. 18 See Table 23, Section 4.7 (Order Trade Event) of the CAT Reporting Technical Specifications for Plan Participants, Version 4.1.0-r21 (Apr. 15, 2024), https://www.catnmsplan.com/sites/default/files/ 2024-04/04.15.2024-CAT_Reporting_Technical_ Specifications_for_Participants_4.1.0-r21.pdf (‘‘CAT Reporting Technical Specifications for Plan Participants’’). 19 See Table 51, Section 5.2.5.1 (Simple Option Trade Event) of the CAT Reporting Technical Specifications for Plan Participants. E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 75850 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices In addition, the following fields of the Participant Technical Specifications would indicate the CAT Executing Brokers for the transactions executed otherwise than on an exchange. TRF/ORF/ADF TRANSACTION DATA EVENT (TRF) 20 No. Field name Data type 26 ..................... 28 ..................... reportingExecutingMpid .... contraExecutingMpid ........ (2) Calculation of Historical Fee Rate 1 The Operating Committee determined the Historical Fee Rate to be used in calculating Historical CAT Assessment 1 (‘‘Historical Fee Rate 1’’) by dividing the Historical CAT Costs for Historical CAT Assessment 1 (‘‘Historical CAT Costs 1’’) by the projected total executed share volume of all transactions in Eligible Securities for the Historical Recovery Period for Historical CAT Assessment 1 (‘‘Historical Recovery Period 1’’), as discussed in detail below. Based on this calculation, the Operating Committee has determined that Historical Fee Rate 1 would be $0.00003994969693072937 per executed equivalent share. This rate is then divided by three and rounded to determine the fee rate of $0.000013 per executed equivalent share that will be assessed to CEBBs and CEBSs, as also discussed in detail below. (A) Executed Equivalent Shares for Transactions in Eligible Securities Under the CAT NMS Plan, for purposes of calculating each Historical CAT Assessment, executed equivalent shares in a transaction in Eligible Securities will be reasonably counted as follows: (1) each executed share for a transaction in NMS Stocks will be counted as one executed equivalent share; (2) each executed contract for a transaction in Listed Options will be counted based on the multiplier applicable to the specific Listed Options (i.e., 100 executed equivalent shares or such other applicable multiplier); and Member Alias Member Alias Include key Description MPID of the executing party ............................................................... MPID of the contra-side executing party ............................................ (3) each executed share for a transaction in OTC Equity Securities shall be counted as 0.01 executed equivalent share.21 (B) Historical CAT Costs 1 The CAT NMS Plan states that ‘‘[t]he Operating Committee will reasonably determine the Historical CAT Costs sought to be recovered by each Historical CAT Assessment, where the Historical CAT Costs will be Past CAT Costs minus Past CAT Costs reasonably excluded from Historical CAT Costs by the Operating Committee. Each Historical CAT Assessment will seek to recover from CAT Executing Brokers two-thirds of Historical CAT Costs incurred during the period covered by the Historical CAT Assessment.’’ 22 As described in detail below, Historical CAT Costs 1 would be $318,059,819. This figure includes Past CAT Costs of $401,312,909 minus certain Excluded Costs of $83,253,090. Participants collectively will remain responsible for one-third of Historical CAT Costs 1 (which is $106,019,939.67), plus the Excluded Costs of $83,253,090. CEBBs collectively will be responsible for onethird of Historical CAT Costs 1 (which is $106,019,939.67), and CEBSs collectively will be responsible for onethird of Historical CAT Costs 1 (which is $106,019,939.67). The following describes in detail Historical CAT Costs 1 with regard to four separate historical time periods as well as Past CAT Costs excluded from Historical CAT Costs 1 (‘‘Excluded Costs’’). The following cost details are provided in accordance with the requirement in the CAT NMS Plan to provide in the fee filing ‘‘a brief description of the amount and type of Historical CAT Costs, including (1) the technology line items of cloud hosting services, operating fees, CAIS operating fees, change request fees, and capitalized developed technology costs, (2) legal, (3) consulting, (4) insurance, (5) professional and administration and (6) public relations costs.’’ 23 Each of the costs described below are reasonable, appropriate and necessary for the creation, implementation and maintenance of CAT. (i) Historical CAT Costs Incurred Prior to June 22, 2020 (Pre-FAM Costs) Historical CAT Costs 1 would include costs incurred by CAT prior to June 22, 2020 (‘‘Pre-FAM Period’’) and already funded by the Participants, excluding Excluded Costs (described further below). Historical CAT Costs 1 would include costs for the Pre-FAM Period of $124,290,730. The Participants would remain responsible for one-third of this cost (which they have previously paid) ($41,430,243.33), and Industry Members would be responsible for the remaining two-thirds, with CEBBs paying onethird ($41,430,243.33) and CEBSs paying one-third ($41,430,243.33). These costs do not include Excluded Costs, as discussed further below. The following table breaks down Historical CAT Costs 1 for the Pre-FAM Period into the categories set forth in Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT NMS Plan. Historical CAT costs 1 for Pre-FAM Period (prior to June 22, 2020) * lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 Operating expense Capitalized Developed Technology Costs ** ....................................................................................................................... Technology Costs ................................................................................................................................................................ Cloud Hosting Services ................................................................................................................................................ Operating Fees ............................................................................................................................................................. CAIS Operating Fees ................................................................................................................................................... Change Request Fees ................................................................................................................................................. 20 See Table 61, Section 6.1 (TRF/ORF/ADF Transaction Data Event) of the CAT Reporting Technical Specifications for Plan Participants. 21 Section 11.3(a)(i)(B) and 11.3(b)(i)(B) of the CAT NMS Plan. In approving the CAT Funding VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 Model, the Commission concluded that ‘‘the use of executed equivalent share volume as the basis of the proposed cost allocation methodology is reasonable and consistent with the approach taken PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4701 R C Sfmt 4703 $51,847,150 33,568,579 10,268,840 21,085,485 2,072,908 141,346 by the funding principles of the CAT NMS Plan.’’ CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62640. 22 Section 11.3(b)(i)(C) of the CAT NMS Plan. 23 Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(B) of the CAT NMS Plan. E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices 75851 Historical CAT costs 1 for Pre-FAM Period (prior to June 22, 2020) * Operating expense Legal .................................................................................................................................................................................... Consulting ............................................................................................................................................................................ Insurance ............................................................................................................................................................................. Professional and administration .......................................................................................................................................... Public relations ............................................................................................................................................................. 19,674,463 17,013,414 880,419 1,082,036 224,669 Total Operating Expenses ............................................................................................................................................ 124,290,730 * The costs described in this table of costs for the Pre-FAM Period were calculated based upon CAT LLC’s review of applicable bills and invoices and related financial statements. CAT LLC financial statements are available on the CAT website. In addition, in accordance with Section 6.6(a)(i) of the CAT NMS Plan, in 2018 CAT LLC provided the SEC with ‘‘an independent audit of fees, costs, and expenses incurred by the Participants on behalf of the Company prior to the Effective Date of the Plan that will be publicly available.’’ The audit is available on the CAT website. ** The non-cash amortization of these capitalized developed technology costs of $2,115,545 incurred during the period prior to June 22, 2020 have been appropriately excluded from the above table.24 The Pre-FAM Period includes a broad range of CAT-related activity from 2012 through June 22, 2020, including the evaluation of the requirements of SEC Rule 613, the development of the CAT NMS Plan, the evaluation and selection of the initial and successor Plan Processors, the commencement of the creation and implementation of the CAT to comply with Rule 613 and the CAT NMS Plan, including technical specifications for transaction reporting and regulatory access, and related technology and the commencement of reporting to the CAT. The following describes the costs for each of the categories for the Pre-FAM Period. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 (a) Technology Costs—Cloud Hosting Services The $10,268,840 in technology costs for cloud hosting services represent costs incurred for services provided by the cloud services provider for the CAT, Amazon Web Services, Inc. (‘‘AWS’’), during the Pre-FAM Period. As part of its proposal for acting as the successor Plan Processor for the CAT, FCAT selected AWS as a subcontractor to provide cloud hosting services. In 2019, after reviewing the capabilities of other cloud services providers, FCAT determined that AWS was the only cloud services provider at that time sufficiently mature and capable of providing the full suite of necessary cloud services for the CAT, including, for example, the security, resiliency and complexity necessary for the CAT computing requirements. The use of cloud hosting services is standard for this type of high-volume data 24 With respect to certain costs that were ‘‘appropriately excluded,’’ such excluded costs relate to the amortization of capitalized technology costs, which are amortized over the life of the Plan Processor Agreement. As such costs have already been otherwise reflected in the filing, their inclusion would double count the capitalized technology costs. In addition, amortization is a noncash expense. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 activity and reasonable and necessary for implementation of the CAT, particularly given the substantial data volumes associated with the CAT. Under the Plan Processor Agreement with FCAT, CAT LLC is required to pay FCAT the fees incurred by the Plan Processor for cloud hosting services provided by AWS as FCAT’s subcontrator [sic] on a monthly basis for the cloud hosting services, and FCAT, in turn, pays such fees to AWS. The fees for cloud hosting services were negotiated by FCAT on an arm’s length basis with the goals of managing cost and receiving services required to comply with the CAT NMS Plan and Rule 613, taking into consideration a variety of factors, including the expected volume of data, the breadth of services provided and market rates for similar services. The fees for cloud hosting services during the Pre-FAM Period were paid to FCAT by CAT NMS, LLC 25 and subsequently Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC (as previously noted, both entities are referred to generally as ‘‘CAT LLC’’),26 and FCAT, in turn, paid AWS. CAT LLC was funded via loan contributions by the Participants.27 25 CAT NMS, LLC was formed by FINRA and the U.S. national securities exchanges to implement the requirements of SEC Rule 613 under the Exchange Act. SEC Rule 613 required the SROs to jointly submit to the SEC the CAT NMS Plan to create, implement and maintain the CAT. The SEC approved the CAT NMS Plan on November 15, 2016. CAT NMS Plan Approval Order. 26 On August 29, 2019, the Participants formed a new Delaware limited liability company named Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC for the purpose of conducting activities related to the CAT from and after the effectiveness of the proposed amendment of the CAT NMS Plan to replace CAT NMS, LLC. See Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 87149 (Sept. 27, 2019), 84 FR 52905 (Oct. 3, 2019). 27 For each of the costs paid by CAT NMS, LLC and Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC as discussed throughout this filing, CAT NMS, LLC and Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC paid these costs via loan contributions by the Participants to CAT NMS, LLC and Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC, respectively. PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 AWS was engaged by FCAT to provide a broad array of cloud hosting services for the CAT, including data ingestion, data management, and analytic tools. Services provided by AWS include storage services, databases, compute services and other services (such as networking, management tools and DevOps tools). AWS also was engaged to provide various environments for CAT, such as development, performance testing, test and production environments. The cost for AWS services for the CAT is a function of the volume of CAT Data. The greater the amount of CAT Data, the greater the cost of AWS services to the CAT. During the PreFAM Period from the engagement of AWS in February 2019 through June 2020, AWS provided cloud hosting services for volumes of CAT Data far in excess of the volume predictions set forth in the CAT NMS Plan. The CAT NMS Plan states, when all CAT Reporters are submitting their data to the CAT, it ‘‘must be sized to receive[,] process and load more than 58 billion records per day,’’ 28 and that ‘‘[i]t is expected that the Central Repository will grow to more than 29 petabytes of raw, uncompressed data.’’ 29 However, the volume of CAT Data for the PreFAM Period was far in excess of these predicted levels. By the end of this period, data submitted to the CAT included options and equities Participant Data,30 Phase 2a and Phase 2b Industry Member Data 31 (including certain linkages), as well as SIP Data,32 reference data and other types of Other 28 Appendix D–4 of the CAT NMS Plan at n.262. D–5 of the CAT NMS Plan. 30 See Section 6.3(d) of the CAT NMS Plan. 31 See Securities Exchange Rel. No. 88702 (Apr. 20, 2020), 85 FR 23075 (Apr. 24, 2020) (‘‘Phased Reporting Exemptive Relief Order’’) for a description of Phase 2a and Phase 2b Industry Member Data. 32 See Section 6.5(a)(ii) of the CAT NMS Plan. 29 Appendix E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 75852 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices Data.33 The following chart provides data regarding the average daily volume, cumulative total events, total compute hours and storage footprint of the CAT during the Pre-FAM Period.34 Date range: 3/29/19 to 4/12/20 * Average Daily Volume in Billions: Participant—Equities ........................................................................................................ Participant—Options ......................................................................................................... Industry Member—Equities .............................................................................................. Industry Member—Options ............................................................................................... SIP—Options & Equities .................................................................................................. Average Total Daily Volume ............................................................................................. Cumulative Total Events for the Period .................................................................................. Total Compute Hours for the Period ....................................................................................... Storage Footprint at End of Period (Petabytes) ...................................................................... 5 80 ........................................ ........................................ 64 149 3,890 *** N/A 30.57 Date range: 4/13/20 to 6/21/20 ** 5 981 3 0.04 70 166 4,990 5,663,247 47.96 * The Participant Equities in RSA format. ** Start of Industry Member reporting on 4/13/2020. *** Note that, although there were compute hours during this period, data related to such compute hours are no longer available in current data. (b) Technology Costs—Operating Fees lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 The $21,085,485 in technology costs related to operating fees represent costs incurred with regard to activities of FCAT as the Plan Processor. Operating fees are those fees paid by CAT LLC to FCAT as the Plan Processor to operate and maintain the CAT and to perform business operations related to the system, including compliance, security, testing, training, communications with the industry (e.g., management of the FINRA CAT Helpdesk, FAQs, website and webinars) and program management as required by the CAT NMS Plan. FCAT was selected to assume the role of the successor Plan Processor. Prior to this selection, the Participants engaged in discussions with two prior Bidders 35 for the successor Plan Processor role. The Operating Committee formed a Selection Subcommittee in accordance with Section 4.12 of the CAT NMS Plan to evaluate and review Bids and to make a recommendation to the Operating Committee with respect to the selection of the successor Plan Processor. In an April 9, 2019 letter to the Commission, the Participants described the reasons for its selection of the successor Plan Processor: The Selection Subcommittee considered factors including, but not limited to, the following, in recommending FINRA to the Operating Committee as the successor Plan Processor: a. FINRA’s specialized technical expertise and capabilities in the area of broker-dealer technology; 33 See Appendix C–108 of the CAT NMS Plan. that the volume data described in this table does not include CAIS data. 35 The term ‘‘Bidder’’ is defined in Section 1.1 of the CAT NMS Plan. 34 Note VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 b. The need to appoint a successor Plan Processor with specialized expertise to develop, implement, and maintain the CAT System in accordance with the CAT NMS Plan and SEC Rule 613; c. FINRA’s detailed proposal in response to CATLLC’s recent inquiries; and d. FINRA’s data query and analytics systems demonstration to the Participants. Based on these and other factors, the Selection Subcommittee determined that FINRA was the most appropriate Bidder to become the successor Plan Processor.36 On February 26, 2019, the Operating Committee (with FINRA recusing itself) voted to select FINRA as the successor Plan Processor pursuant to Section 6.1(t) of the CAT NMS Plan.37 On March 29, 2019, CAT LLC and FCAT (a wholly owned subsidiary of FINRA) entered into a Plan Processor Agreement pursuant to which FCAT would perform the functions and duties of the Plan Processor contemplated by the CAT NMS Plan, including the management and operation of the CAT. Under the Plan Processor Agreement with FCAT, CAT LLC is required to pay FCAT a negotiated monthly fixed price for the operation of the CAT. This fixed price contract was negotiated on an arm’s length basis with the goals of managing costs and receiving services required to comply with the CAT NMS Plan and Rule 613, taking into consideration a variety of factors, including the breadth of services provided and market rates for similar types of activity. The operating fees during the Pre-FAM Period were paid to FCAT by CAT LLC. From March 29, 2019 (the commencement of the Plan Processor 36 Letter from Michael J. Simon, Chair, CAT NMS, LLC Operating Committee, to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, SEC (Apr. 9, 2019), https://www.sec.gov/ divisions/marketreg/rule613-info-notice-of-planprocessor-selection-040919.pdf. PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 Agreement with FCAT) through June 22, 2020 (the end of the Pre-FAM Period), the Plan Processor’s activities with respect to the CAT included the following: • Commenced user acceptance testing with market data provided by Exegy Incorporated (‘‘Exegy’’), a market data provider; 38 • Published Technical Specifications and related reporting scenarios documents for Phase 2a, 2b and 2c reporting for Industry Members, after substantial engagement with SEC staff, Industry Members and Participants on the Technical Specifications; • Facilitated testing for Phase 2a and 2b reporting for Industry Members; • Began developing Technical Specifications and related reporting scenarios documents for Phase 2d reporting for Industry Members, after substantial engagement with SEC staff, Industry Members and Participants on the Technical Specifications; • Published Central Repository Access Technical Specifications, and provided regulator access to test data from Industry Members; • Facilitated Participant exchanges that support options market makers sending Quote Sent Time to the CAT; • Facilitated the introduction of OPRA and Options NBBO Other Data to CAT; • Addressed compliance items, including drafting CAT policies and procedures, and addressing requirements under Regulation SCI; • Provided support to the Operating Committee, the Compliance 37 Id. 38 The use of Exegy to provide market data, including the costs and market data provided, is discussed below in Section 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(i). E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices Subcommittee and CAT working groups; • Assisted with interpretive efforts and exemptive requests regarding the CAT NMS Plan; • Oversaw the security of the CAT; • Monitored the operation of the CAT, including with regard to Participant and Industry Member reporting; • Provided support to subcontractors under the Plan Processor Agreement; • Provided support in discussions with Participants, the SEC and its staff; • Operated the FINRA CAT Helpdesk, which is the primary source for answers to questions about CAT, including questions regarding: clock synchronization, firm reporting responsibilities, interpretive questions, technical specifications for reporting to CAT and more; • Facilitated communications with the industry, including via FAQs, CAT Alerts, meetings, presentations and webinars; • Administered the CAT website and all of its content; 39 and • Provided technical support and assistance with connectivity, data access, and user support, including the use of CAT Data and query tools, for Participants and the SEC staff. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 (c) Technology Costs—CAIS Operating Fees The $2,072,908 in technology costs related to CAIS operating fees represent the fees paid for FCAT’s subcontractor charged with the development and operation of CAT’s Customer and Account Information System (‘‘CAIS’’). The CAT is required under the CAT NMS Plan to capture and store Customer Identifying Information and Customer Account Information in a database separate from the transactional database and to create a CAT-CustomerID for each Customer. During the Pre-FAM Period, the CAISrelated services were provided by the Plan Processor through the Plan Processor’s subcontractor, Kingland Systems Incorporation (‘‘Kingland’’). Kingland had experience operating in the securities regulatory technology space, and as a part of its proposal for acting as the Plan Processor for the CAT, FCAT selected Kingland as a subcontractor to provide certain CAISrelated services. Under the Plan Processor Agreement with FCAT, CAT LLC is required to pay to the Plan Processor the fees incurred by FCAT for CAIS-related services provided by FCAT through Kingland on 39 The CAT website is https:// www.catnmsplan.com. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 a monthly basis. FCAT negotiated the fees for Kingland’s CAIS-related services on an arm’s length basis with the goals of managing costs and receiving services required to comply with the CAT NMS Plan, taking into consideration a variety of factors, including the services to be provided and market rates for similar types of activity. The fees for CAISrelated services during the Pre-FAM Period were paid by CAT LLC to FCAT. FCAT, in turn, paid Kingland. During the Pre-FAM Period, Kingland began development of the CAIS Technical Specifications and the building of CAIS. In addition, Kingland also worked on the build related to the CCID Alternative, an alternative approach to customer information that was not included in the CAT NMS Plan as originally adopted.40 Furthermore, Kingland also worked on the acceleration of the reporting of large trader identifiers (‘‘LTID’’) earlier than originally contemplated during this period, in accordance with exemptive relief granted by the SEC.41 (d) Technology Costs—Change Request Fees The technology costs related to change request fees include costs related to certain modifications, upgrades or other changes to the CAT. Change requests are standard practice and necessary to reflect operational changes, including changes related to new market developments, such as new market participants. In general, if CAT LLC determines that a modification, upgrade or other change to the functionality or service is necessary and appropriate, CAT LLC will submit a request for such a change to the Plan Processor. The Plan Processor will then respond to the request with a proposal for implementing the change, including the cost (if any) of such a change. CAT LLC then determines whether to approve the proposed change. The change request costs were paid by CAT LLC to FCAT. During the Pre-FAM Period, CAT LLC incurred costs of $141,346 related to change requests implemented by FCAT. Such change requests related to a development fee regarding the OPRA and SIP data feeds, and the reprocessing of certain exchange data.42 40 For a discussion of the CCID Alternative, see Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 88393 (Mar. 17, 2020), 85 FR 16152 (Mar. 20, 2020). 41 Phased Reporting Exemptive Relief Order at 23079–80. 42 Note that CAT LLC also has incurred costs related to specific Industry Members (e.g., reprocessing costs related to Industry Member reporting errors). PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 75853 (e) Technology Costs—Capitalized Developed Technology Costs This category of costs includes capitalizable application development costs incurred in the development of the CAT. The capitalized developed technology costs for the Pre-FAM Period of $51,847,150 relate to technology provided by the Initial Plan Processor and the successor Plan Processor. Initial Plan Processor: Thesys CAT, LLC. The capitalized developed technology costs related to the Initial Plan Processor include costs incurred with regard to testing for Participant reporting, Participant reporting to the CAT, a security assessment of the CAT, and the development of the billing function for the CAT. On January 17, 2017, the Selection Committee of the CAT NMS Plan selected the Initial Plan Processor, Thesys Technologies, LLC, for the CAT NMS Plan pursuant to Article V of the CAT NMS Plan.43 The Participants utilized a request for proposal (‘‘RFP’’) to seek proposals to build and operate the CAT, receiving a number of proposals in response to the RFP. The Participants carefully reviewed and considered each of the proposals, including holding in-person meetings with each of the Bidders. After several rounds of review, the Participants selected the Initial Plan Processor in accordance with the CAT NMS Plan, taking into consideration that the Initial Plan Processor had experience operating in the securities regulatory technology space, among other considerations. On April 6, 2017, CAT LLC entered into an agreement with Thesys CAT LLC (‘‘Thesys CAT’’), a Thesys affiliate, to perform the functions and duties of the Plan Processor contemplated by the CAT NMS Plan, including the management and operation of the CAT. Under the agreement, CAT LLC would pay Thesys CAT a negotiated, fixed price fee for its role as the Initial Plan Processor. Effective January 30, 2019, the Plan Processor Agreement with Thesys CAT was terminated, and FCAT was subsequently selected as the successor Plan Processor. From January 17, 2017 through January 30, 2019, the time in which the Thesys CAT was engaged for the CAT, but excluding the period from November 15, 2017 through January 30, 2019, the Initial Plan Processor engaged in various activities with respect to the CAT, including preparing iterative drafts of Participant Technical 43 Letter from the Participants to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, SEC (Jan. 18, 2017), https://www.sec.gov/ divisions/marketreg/rule613-info-notice-of-planprocessor-selection.pdf. E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 75854 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 Specifications, Industry Member Technical Specifications and the Central Repository Access Technical Specifications. In addition, Thesys CAT also developed CAT technology, addressed compliance items, including drafting CAT policies and procedures, addressing Regulation SCI requirements, establishing a CAT Compliance Officer and a Chief Information Security Officer, addressed security-related matters for the CAT, and worked towards the initiation of Participant reporting per the Participant Technical Specifications. Successor Plan Processor: FCAT. The capitalized developed technology costs related to FCAT include: (1) development costs incurred during the application development stage to meet various agreed-upon milestones regarding the CAT, including the completion of go-live functionality related to options ingestion and validation, equities regulatory services agreement query tool updates and unlinked options data query, options linkages release, Industry Member Phase 2a file submission and data integrity (including error corrections), and Industry Member testing, including reporting relationships, ATS order type management, basic reporting statistics, SFTP data integrity feedback and error correction; (2) costs related to certain modifications, upgrades, or other changes to the CAT that were not contemplated by the agreement between CAT LLC and the Plan Processor, including a one-time development fee for a secure analytics workspace, a onetime development fee of an Industry Member connectivity solution, and a one-time development fee for the acceleration of multi-factor authentication; (3) CAIS implementation fees; and (4) license fees. (f) Legal Costs The legal costs of $19,674,463 represent the fees paid for legal services provided by two law firms, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP (‘‘WilmerHale’’) and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP (‘‘Pillsbury’’), during the Pre-FAM Period. The legal costs exclude those costs incurred from November 15, 2017 through November 15, 2018. Law Firm: WilmerHale. Following the adoption of Rule 613, the Participants determined it was necessary to engage external legal counsel to advise the Participants with respect to corporate and regulatory legal matters related to the CAT, including drafting and developing the CAT NMS Plan. The Participants considered a variety of VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 factors in their analysis of prospective law firms, including (1) the firm’s qualifications, resources and expertise; (2) the firm’s relevant experience and understanding of the regulatory matters raised by the CAT and in advising on matters of similar scope; (3) the composition of the legal team; and (4) professional fees. Following a series of interviews, the Participants acting as a consortium determined that WilmerHale was well qualified given the balance of these considerations and engaged WilmerHale in February 2013. WilmerHale’s billing rates are negotiated on an annual basis and are determined with reference to the rates charged by other leading law firms for similar work. The Participants assess WilmerHale’s performance and review prospective budgets and staffing plans submitted by WilmerHale on an annual basis. WilmerHale’s compensation arrangements are reasonable and appropriate, and in line with the rates charged by other leading law firms for similar work. The legal costs for WilmerHale during the Pre-FAM Period included costs incurred from 2013 until June 22, 2020 to address corporate and regulatory legal matters related to the CAT. The legal fees for this law firm during the period from February 2013 until the formation of the CAT NMS, LLC on November 15, 2016 were paid directly by the exchanges and FINRA to WilmerHale. After the formation of CAT NMS LLC, the legal fees were paid by CAT LLC to WilmerHale. After WilmerHale was engaged in 2013 through the end of the Pre-FAM Period on June 22, 2020 (excluding the legal costs from November 15, 2017 through November 15, 2018), WilmerHale provided legal assistance to the CAT on a variety of matters, including with regard to the following: • Analyzed various legal matters associated with the Selection Plan, and drafted an amendment to the Selection Plan; • Assisted with the RFP and bidding process for the CAT Plan Processor; • Analyzed legal matters related to the Development Advisory Group (‘‘DAG’’); • Drafted the CAT NMS Plan, analyzed various items related to the CAT NMS Plan, and responded to comment letters on CAT NMS Plan; • Provided legal support for the formation of the legal entity, the governance of the CAT, including governance support prior to the adoption of the CAT NMS Plan, which involved support for the full committee of exchanges and FINRA as well as subcommittees of this group (e.g., Joint PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 Subcommittee Group, Technical, Industry Outreach, Cost and Funding and Other Products) and the DAG, governance support during the transition to the new governance structure under the CAT NMS Plan, and governance support after the adoption of the CAT NMS Plan, which involved support for the Operating Committee, Advisory Committee, Compliance Subcommittee and CAT working groups; • Assisted with the development of the CAT funding model and drafted related amendments of the CAT NMS Plan and related filings; • Negotiated and drafted the plan processor agreements with the Initial Plan Processor and the successor Plan Processor; • Provided assistance with compliance with Regulation SCI; • Assisted with clock synchronization study; • Provided assistance with respect to the establishment of CAT security; • Drafted exemptive requests from CAT NMS Plan requirements, including with regard to options market maker quotes, Customer IDs, CAT Reporter IDs, linking allocations to executions, CAT reporting timeline, FDIDs, customer and account information, timestamp granularity, small industry members, data facility reporting and linkage, allocation reports, SRO-assigned market participant identifiers and cancelled trade indicators, thereby seeking to implement changes that would be cost effective and benefit Industry Members and Participants; • Assisted with the Implementation Plan required pursuant to Section 6.6(c)(i) of the CAT NMS Plan; • Provided advice regarding CAT policies and procedures; • Analyzed the SEC’s amendment of the CAT NMS Plan regarding financial accountability; • Provided interpretations of and related to the CAT NMS Plan; • Provided support with regard to discussions with the SEC and its staff, including with respect to addressing interpretive and implementation issues; and • Assisted with third-party vendor agreements. Law Firm: Pillsbury. The legal costs for CAT during the Pre-FAM Period include costs related to the legal services performed by Pillsbury. The Participants interviewed this law firm as well as other potential law firms to provide legal assistance regarding certain liability matters. After considering a variety of factors in its analysis, including the relevant expertise and fees of the firm, CAT LLC E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 determined to hire Pillsbury in April 2019. The hourly fee rates for this law firm were in line with market rates for specialized legal expertise. The legal fees were paid by CAT LLC to Pillsbury. The legal costs for Pillsbury during the Pre-FAM Period included costs incurred from April 2019 until June 22, 2020 to address legal matters regarding the agreements between CAT Reporters and CAT LLC concerning certain terms associated with CAT Reporting (the ‘‘Reporter Agreement’’). During that period, Pillsbury advised CAT LLC regarding applicable legal matters, participated in negotiations between the Participants and Industry Members, participated in meetings with senior SEC staff, the Chairman, and Commissioners, represented CAT LLC and the Participants in an SEC administrative proceeding, and drafted a proposed amendment to the CAT NMS Plan regarding liability matters. Liability issues related to the CAT are important matters that needed to be resolved and clarified. CAT LLC’s efforts to seek such resolution and clarity work to the benefit of Participants, Industry Members and other market participants. Moreover, litigation involving CAT LLC is an expense of operating the CAT, and, therefore, is appropriately an obligation of both Participants and Industry Members under the CAT Funding Model. (g) Consulting Costs The consulting costs of $17,013,414 represent the fees paid to the consulting firm Deloitte & Touche LLP (‘‘Deloitte’’) as project manager during the Pre-FAM Period, from October 2012 until June 22, 2020. These consulting costs include costs for advisory services related to the operation of the CAT, and meeting facilitation and communications coordination, vendor support and financial analyses. To help facilitate project management given the unprecedented complexity and scope of the CAT project, the Participants determined it was necessary to engage a consulting firm to assist with the CAT project in 2012, following the adoption of Rule 613. A variety of factors were considered in the analysis of prospective consulting firms, including (1) the firm’s qualifications, resources, and expertise; (2) the firm’s relevant experience and understanding of the regulatory issues raised by the CAT and in coordinating matters of similar scope; (3) the composition of the consulting team; and (4) professional fees. Following a series of interviews, the exchanges and FINRA as a consortium determined that Deloitte was well qualified given the balance of VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 these considerations and engaged Deloitte on October 1, 2012. Deloitte’s fee rates are negotiated on an annual basis and are in line with market rates for this type of specialized consulting work. CAT LLC assesses Deloitte’s performance and reviews prospective budgets and staffing plans submitted by Deloitte on an annual basis. Deloitte’s compensation arrangements are reasonable and appropriate, and in line with the rates charged by other leading consulting firms for similar work. The consulting costs for CAT during the period from 2012 until the formation of the CAT NMS, LLC were paid directly by the Participants to Deloitte. After the formation of CAT NMS, LLC, the consulting fees were paid by CAT LLC to Deloitte. CAT LLC reviewed the consulting fees each month and approved the invoices. After Deloitte was hired in 2012 through the end of the Pre-FAM Period on June 22, 2020 (excluding the consulting costs from November 15, 2017 through November 15, 2018), Deloitte provided a variety of consulting services, including the following: • Established and implemented program operations for the CAT project, including the program managment [sic] office and workstream design; • Assisted with the Plan Processor selection process, including but not limited to, the development of the RFP and the bidder evaluation process, and facilitation and consolidation of the Participant’s independent reviews; • Assisted with the development and drafting of the CAT NMS Plan, including conducting cost-benefit studies, analyzing OATS and CAT requirements, and drafting appendices to the Plan; • Assisted with cost and fundingrelated activities for the CAT, including the development of the CAT funding model and assistance with loans and the CAT bank account for CAT funding; • Provided governance support to the CAT, including governance support prior to the adoption of the CAT NMS Plan, which involved support for the full committee of exchanges and FINRA as well as subcommittees of this group (e.g., Joint Subcommittee Group, Technical, Industry Outreach, Cost and Funding and Other Products) and the DAG, governance support during the transition to the new governance structure under the CAT NMS Plan and governance support after the adoption of the CAT NMS Plan, which involved support for the Operating Committee, Advisory Committee, Compliance Subcommittee and CAT working groups; PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 75855 • Provided support to the Operating Committee, the Chair of the Operating Committee and the Leadership Team, including project management support, coordination and planning for meetings and communications, and interfacing with law firms and the SEC; • Assisted with industry outreach and communications regarding the CAT, including assistance with industry outreach events, the development of the CAT website, frequently asked questions, and coordinating with the CAT LLC’s public relations firm; • Provided support for updating the SEC on the progress of the development of the CAT; • Provided active planning and coordination with and support for the Initial Plan Processor with regard to the development of the CAT, and reported to the Participants on the progress; • Coordinated efforts regarding the selection of the successor Plan Processor; • Assisted with the transition from the Initial Plan Processor to the successor Plan Processor, including support for the Operating Committee and successor Plan Processor for the new role; and • Provided support for third-party vendors for the CAT, including FCAT, Anchin and the law firms engaged by CAT LLC. (h) Insurance The insurance costs of $880,419 represent the cost incurred for insurance for CAT during the Pre-FAM Period. Commencing in 2020, CAT LLC performed an evaluation of various potential alternatives for CAT insurance policies, which included engaging in discussions with different insurance companies and conducting cost comparisons of various alternative approaches to insurance. Based on an analysis of a variety of factors, including coverage and premiums, CAT LLC determined to purchase cyber security liability insurance, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, and errors and omissions liability insurance from USI Insurance Services LLC (‘‘USI’’). Such policies are standard for corporate entities, and cyber security liability insurance is important for the CAT System. The annual premiums for these policies were competitive for the coverage provided. The annual premiums were paid by CAT LLC to USI. (i) Professional and Administration Costs In adopting the CAT NMS Plan, the Commission amended the Plan to add a requirement that CAT LLC’s financial E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 75856 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices statements be prepared in compliance with GAAP, audited by an independent public accounting firm, and made publicly available.44 The professional and administration costs include costs related to accounting and accounting advisory services to support the operating and financial functions of CAT, financial statement audit services by an independent accounting firm, preparation of tax returns, and various cash management and treasury functions. In addition, professional and administration costs for the Pre-FAM Period include costs related to the receipt of market data and a security assessment. The costs for these professional and administration services were $1,082,036 for the Pre-FAM Period. Financial Advisory Firm: Anchin Accountants & Advisors (‘‘Anchin’’). CAT LLC determined to hire a financial advisory firm, Anchin, to assist with financial matters for the CAT in April 2018. CAT LLC interviewed Anchin as well as other potential financial advisory firms to assist with the CAT project, considering a variety of factors in its analysis, including the firm’s relevant expertise and fees. The hourly fee rates for this firm were in line with market rates for these financial advisory services. The fees for these services were paid by CAT LLC to Anchin. After Anchin was hired in April 2018 through the end of the Pre-FAM Period on June 22, 2020 (excluding the period from April 2018 through November 15, 2018), Anchin provided a variety of services, including the following: • Developed, updated and maintained internal controls; • Provided cash management and treasury functions; • Facilitated bill payments; • Provided monthly bookkeeping; • Reviewed vendor invoices and documentation in support of cash disbursements; • Provided accounting research and consultations on various accounting, financial reporting and tax matters; • Addressed not-for-profit tax and accounting considerations; • Prepared tax returns; • Addressed various accounting, financial and operating inquiries from Participants; • Developed and maintained quarterly and annual operating and financial budgets, including budget to actual fluctuation analyses; • Addressed accounting and financial reporting matters relating to the transition from CAT NMS, LLC to Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC, 44 Section 9.2 of the CAT NMS Plan. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 including supporting the dissolution of CAT NMS, LLC; • Supported compliance with the CAT NMS Plan; • Worked with and provided support to the Operating Committee and various CAT working groups; • Prepared monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements; • Supported the annual financial statement audits by an independent auditor; • Reviewed historical costs from inception; and • Provided accounting and financial information in support of SEC filings. Accounting Firm: Grant Thornton LLP (‘‘Grant Thornton’’). In February 2020, CAT LLC determined to engage an independent accounting firm, Grant Thornton, to complete the audit of CAT LLC’s financial statements, in accordance with the requirements of the CAT NMS Plan. CAT LLC interviewed this firm as well as another potential accounting firm to audit CAT LLC’s financial statements, considering a variety of factors in its analysis, including the relevant expertise and fees of each of the firms. CAT LLC determined that Grant Thornton was well-qualified for the proposed role given the balance of these considerations. Grant Thornton’s fixed fee rate compensation arrangement was reasonable and appropriate, and in line with the market rates charged for these types of accounting services. The fees for these services were paid by CAT LLC to Grant Thornton. Market Data Provider: Exegy. The professional and administrative costs for the Pre-FAM Period included costs related to the receipt of certain market data for the CAT pursuant to an agreement with the CAT LLC, and then with FCAT. Exegy provided SIP Data required by the CAT NMS Plan. After performing an analysis of the available market data vendors to confirm that the data provided met the SIP Data requirements of the CAT NMS Plan and comparing the costs of the vendors providing the required SIP Data, CAT LLC determined to purchase market data from Exegy from July 2018 through March 2019. CAT LLC determined that, unlike certain other vendors, Exegy provided market data that included all data elements required by the CAT NMS Plan.45 In addition, the fees were reasonable and in line with market rates for the market data received. Accordingly, the professional and administrative costs for the PreFAM Period include the Exegy costs from November 2018 through March 45 See PO 00000 Section 6.5(a)(ii) of the CAT NMS Plan. Frm 00010 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 2019. The cost of the market data was reasonable for the market data received. The fees for the market data were paid directly by CAT LLC to Exegy. Upon the termination of the contract between CAT LLC and Exegy, FCAT entered into a contract with Exegy to purchase the required market data from Exegy in July 2019. All costs under the contract were treated as a direct pass through cost to CAT LLC. Therefore, the fees for the market data were paid by CAT LLC to FCAT, who, in turn, paid Exegy for the market data. Security Assessment: RSM US LLP (‘‘RSM’’). The operating costs for the Pre-FAM Period include costs related to a third party security assessment of the CAT performed by RSM. The assessment was designed to verify and validate the effective design, implementation, and operation of the controls specified by NIST Special Publication 800–53, Revision 4 and related standards and guidelines. Such a security assessment is in line with industry practice and important given the data included in the CAT. CAT LLC determined to engage RSM to perform the security assessment, after considering a variety of factors in its analysis, including the firm’s relevant expertise and fees. The fees were reasonable and in line with market rates for such an assessment. RSM performed the assessment from October 2018 through December 2018. Accordingly, the costs for the Pre-FAM Period include the costs incurred in November and December 2018. The cost for the security assessment were paid directly to RSM by CAT LLC. (j) Public Relations Costs The public relations costs of $224,669 represent the fees paid to public relations firms during the Pre-FAM Period for professional communications services to CAT, including media relations consulting, strategy and execution. By engaging a public relations firm, CAT LLC was better positioned to understand and address CAT matters to the benefit of all market participants. Specifically, the public relations firms provided services related to communications with the public regarding the CAT, including monitoring developments related to the CAT (e.g., congressional efforts, public comments and reaction to proposals, press coverage of the CAT), reporting such developments to CAT LLC, and drafting and disseminating communications to the public regarding such developments as well as reporting on developments related to the CAT (e.g., amendments to the CAT NMS Plan). Public relations services were E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices important for various reasons, including monitoring comments made by market participants about CAT and understanding issues related to the CAT discussed on the public record. The services performed by each of the public relations firms were comparable. The fees for such services were reasonable and in line with market rates. Only one public relations firm was engaged at a time; the three firms were engaged sequentially as the primary public relations contact moved among the three firms during this time period. Public Relations Firm: Peppercomm, Inc. (‘‘Peppercomm’’). The national securities exchanges and FINRA, acting as a consortium, determined to hire the public relations firm Peppercomm in October 2014 and continued to engage this firm through September 2017. The exchanges and FINRA made this engagement decision after considering a variety of factors in its analysis, including the firm’s relevant expertise and fees. The fee rates for this public relations firm were negotiated on an arm’s length basis and were in line with market rates for these types of services. The public relations costs during the period from October 2014 until the formation of the CAT NMS, LLC were paid directly by the exchanges and FINRA to the public relations firm. After the formation of CAT NMS, LLC, the consulting fees were paid by CAT LLC. Public Relations Firm: Sloane & Company (‘‘Sloane’’). CAT LLC determined to hire a new public relations firm, Sloane, in March 2018, based on, among other things, their expertise and the primary contact’s history with the project. The fee rates for this public relations firm were in line with market rates for these types of services. The fees during the Pre-FAM Period were paid by CAT LLC to Sloane. CAT LLC continued the engagement with Sloane until February 2020. Public Relations Firm: Peak Strategies. CAT LLC determined to hire a new public relations firm, Peak Strategies, in March 2020, based on, among other things, their expertise and the primary contact’s history with the project. The fee rates for this public relations firm were in line with market 75857 rates for these types of services. The fees during the Pre-FAM Period were paid by CAT LLC to Peak Strategies. (ii) Historical CAT Costs Incurred in Financial Accountability Milestone Period 1 Historical CAT Costs 1 would include costs incurred by CAT and already funded by the Participants during Period 1 of the Financial Accountability Milestones (‘‘FAM Period 1’’),46 which covers the period from June 22, 2020– July 31, 2020. Historical CAT Costs 1 would include costs for FAM Period 1 of $6,377,343. The Participants would remain responsible for one-third of this cost (which they have previously paid) ($2,125,781), and Industry Members would be responsible for the remaining two-thirds, with CEBBs paying onethird ($2,125,781) and CEBSs paying one-third ($2,125,781). The following table breaks down Historical CAT Costs 1 for FAM Period 1 into the categories set forth in Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT NMS Plan. Operating expense Historical CAT costs for FAM Period 1 * Capitalized Developed Technology Costs ** ....................................................................................................................... Technology Costs ................................................................................................................................................................ Cloud Hosting Services ................................................................................................................................................ Operating Fees ............................................................................................................................................................. CAIS Operating Fees ................................................................................................................................................... Change Request Fees ................................................................................................................................................. Legal .................................................................................................................................................................................... Consulting ............................................................................................................................................................................ Insurance ............................................................................................................................................................................. Professional and administration .......................................................................................................................................... Public relations .................................................................................................................................................................... $1,684,870 3,996,800 2,642,122 1,099,680 254,998 ........................................ 481,687 137,209 ........................................ 69,077 7,700 Total Operating Expenses ............................................................................................................................................ 6,377,343 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 * The costs described in this table of costs for FAM Period 1 were calculated based upon CAT LLC’s review of applicable bills and invoices and related financial statements. CAT LLC financial statements are available on the CAT website. ** The non-cash amortization of these capitalized developed technology costs of $362,121 incurred during FAM Period 1 have been appropriately excluded from the above table.47 By the completion of FAM Period 1, CAT LLC was required to implement the reporting by Industry Members (excluding Small Industry Members that are not OATS reporters) of equities transaction data and options transaction data, excluding Customer Account Information, Customer-ID and Customer Identifying Information.48 CAT LLC completed the requirements of FAM Period 1 by July 31, 2020. The following describes the costs for each of the categories for FAM Period 1. 46 Section 11.6(a)(i)(A) of the CAT NMS Plan. discussed above, with respect to certain costs that were ‘‘appropriately excluded,’’ such excluded costs relate to the amortization of capitalized technology costs, which are amortized 47 As VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 (a) Technology Costs—Cloud Hosting Services CAT LLC continued to utilize AWS in FAM Period 1 to provide a broad array of cloud hosting services for the CAT, including data ingestion, data management, and analytic tools. AWS continued to provide storage services, databases, compute services and other services (such as networking, management tools and DevOps tools), as well as various environments for CAT, such as development, performance over the life of the Plan Processor Agreement. As such costs have already been otherwise reflected in the filing, their inclusion would double count the capitalized technology costs. In addition, amortization is a non-cash expense. PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 testing, test, and production environments, during the FAM 1 Period. Accordingly, the $2,642,122 in technology costs for cloud hosting services represent costs incurred for services provided by AWS, as the cloud services provider, during FAM Period 1. The fee arrangement for AWS described above with regard to the Pre-FAM Period continued in place during FAM Period 1 pursuant to the Plan Processor Agreement. Moreover, CAT LLC continued to believe that AWS’s 48 See definition of ‘‘Initial Industry Member Core Equity and Options Reporting’’ in Section 1.1 of the CAT NMS Plan. E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 75858 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices maturity in the cloud services space as well as the significant cost and time necessary to move the CAT to a different cloud services provider supported the continued engagement of AWS. The cost for AWS cloud services for the CAT continued to be a function of the volume of CAT Data. During the FAM 1 Period, the volume of CAT Data continued to far exceed the original predictions for the CAT as set forth in the CAT NMS Plan. During this period, data submitted to the CAT included options and equities Participant Data, Phase 2a and Phase 2b Industry Member Data (including certain linkages) as well as SIP Data, reference data and other types of Other Data. The following chart provides data regarding the average daily volume, cumulative total events, total compute hours and storage footprint of the CAT during FAM Period 1.49 Date range: 6/22/20–7/31/20 Average Daily Volume in Billions: Participant—Equities .................................................................................................................................................... Participant—Options ..................................................................................................................................................... Industry Member—Equities .......................................................................................................................................... Industry Member—Options ........................................................................................................................................... SIP—Options & Equities .............................................................................................................................................. Average Total Daily Volume ......................................................................................................................................... Cumulative Total Events for the Period .............................................................................................................................. Total Compute Hours for the Period ................................................................................................................................... Storage Footprint at End of Period (Petabytes) .................................................................................................................. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 (b) Technology Costs—Operating Fees Pursuant to the Plan Processor Agreement discussed above, FCAT continued in its role as the Plan Processor for the CAT during FAM Period 1. Accordingly, the $1,099,680 in technology costs for operating fees represent costs incurred for the services provided by FCAT under the Plan Processor Agreement during FAM Period 1. The fee arrangement for FCAT described above with regard to the PreFAM Period continued in place during FAM Period 1 pursuant to the Plan Processor Agreement. During FAM Period 1, FCAT’s activities with respect to the CAT included the following: • Published iterative drafts of draft Technical Specifications for Phase 2d, after substantial engagement with SEC staff, Industry Members and Participants on the Technical Specifications; • Published iterative drafts of CAIS Technical Specifications, after substantial engagement with SEC staff, Industry Members and Participants on the Technical Specifications; • Facilitated Industry Member reporting of Quote Sent Time on Options Market Maker quotes; • Addressed compliance items, including drafting CAT policies and procedures, and addressing Regulation SCI requirements; • Provided support to the Operating Committee, the Compliance Subcommittee and CAT working groups; • Assisted with interpretive efforts and exemptive requests regarding the CAT NMS Plan; • Oversaw the security of the CAT; • Monitored the operation of the CAT, including with regard to Participant and Industry Member reporting; • Provided support to subcontractors under the Plan Processor Agreement; • Provided support in discussions with Participants and the SEC and its staff; • Operated the FINRA CAT Helpdesk; • Facilitated communications with the industry, including via FAQs, CAT Alerts, meetings, presentations and webinars; • Administered the CAT website and all of its content; and • Provided technical support and assistance with connectivity, data access, and user support, including the use of CAT Data and query tools, for Participants and the SEC staff. (c) Technology Costs—CAIS Operating Fees Pursuant to the Plan Processor Agreement discussed above, Kingland continued in its role as a subcontractor for the development and implementation of CAIS during FAM Period 1. Accordingly, the $254,998 in technology costs for CAIS operating fees represent costs incurred for services provided by Kingland during FAM Period 1. The fee arrangement for Kingland described above with regard to the Pre-FAM Period continued in place during FAM Period 1 pursuant to the Plan Processor Agreement. During FAM Period 1, Kingland continued the development of the CAIS Technical Specifications and building of CAIS. In addition, Kingland continued to work on the CAIS Technical Specifications and build related to CCID Alternative, as well as the acceleration of the reporting of LTIDs. (d) Technology Costs—Change Request Fees CAT LLC did not incur costs related to change requests during FAM Period 1. (e) Technology Costs—Capitalized Developed Technology Costs Capitalized developed technology costs for FAM Period 1 of $1,684,870 include capitalizable application development costs incurred in the development of the CAT by FCAT. Such costs include: (1) costs related to certain modifications, upgrades, or other changes to the CAT that were not contemplated by the agreement between CAT LLC and the Plan Processor, including separate production and industry test entitlements, and reprocessing of exchange event timestamps; (2) implementation fees; and (3) license fees. (f) Legal Costs The legal costs of $481,687 represent the fees paid for legal services provided by two law firms, WilmerHale and Pillsbury during FAM Period 1. Law Firm: WilmerHale. CAT LLC continued to employ WilmerHale during FAM Period 1 based on, among other things, their expertise and long history with the project. The hourly fee rates for this law firm were in line with market rates for specialized legal expertise. The legal fees during FAM Period 1 were paid by CAT LLC to WilmerHale. During FAM Period 1, 49 Note that the volume data described in this table does not include CAIS data. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 6 103 7 0.31 74 185 5,190 2,612,082 57.47 E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices WilmerHale provided legal assistance to the CAT including with regard to the following: • Assisted with the development of the CAT funding model and drafted related amendments and fee filings; • Drafted exemptive requests from CAT NMS Plan requirements regarding, for example, verbal activity, options market maker quote sent time, TRF linkages, and allocations; • Provided interpretations related to CAT NMS Plan requirements, including the Financial Accountability Milestone amendment; • Assisted with compliance with Regulation SCI; • Provided support for the Operating Committee, Compliance Subcommittee, working groups and Leadership Team, including with regard to meetings with the SEC staff; • Assisted with the drafting of the Implementation Plan required pursuant to Section 6.6(c)(i) of the CAT NMS Plan; • Assisted with communications and presentations for the industry regarding CAIS; • Drafted SRO rule filings related to the CAT Compliance Rule; • Provided support for Compliance Subcommittee, including with regard to response to OCIE examinations and the annual assessment; • Provided guidance regarding CAT technical specifications; • Assisted with third-party vendor agreements; and • Provided support with regard to discussions with the SEC and its staff, including with respect to addressing interpretive and implementation issues. Law Firm: Pillsbury. CAT LLC continued to employ Pillsbury during FAM Period 1 based on, among other things, their expertise and history with the project. The hourly fee rates for this law firm were in line with market rates for specialized legal expertise. The legal fees during FAM Period 1 were paid by CAT LLC to Pillsbury. During FAM Period 1, Pillsbury provided legal assistance to the CAT regarding the CAT Reporter Agreement. During that period, Pillsbury advised CAT LLC regarding applicable legal matters and drafted a proposed amendment to the CAT NMS Plan regarding liability matters. Liability issues related to the CAT are important matters that needed to be resolved and clarified. CAT LLC’s efforts to seek such resolution and clarity work to the benefit of Participants, Industry Members and other market participants. (g) Consulting Costs The consulting costs of $137,209 represent the fees paid to Deloitte as VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 project manager during FAM Period 1. CAT LLC continued to employ Deloitte during FAM Period 1 based on, among other things, their expertise and cumulative experience with the CAT. The fee rates for Deloitte during FAM Period 1 were negotiated and in line with market rates for this type of specialized consulting work. The consulting fees during FAM Period 1 were paid by CAT LLC to the consulting firm. CAT LLC reviewed the consulting fees each month and approved the invoices. During FAM Period 1, Deloitte’s CAT-related activities included the following: • Implemented program operations for the CAT project; • Provided support to the Operating Committee, the Chair of the Operating Committee and the Leadership Team, including project management support, coordination and planning for meetings and communications, and interfacing with law firms and the SEC; • Assisted with cost and funding matters for the CAT, including the development of the CAT funding model and assistance with loans and the CAT bank account for CAT funding; • Provided support for updating the SEC on the progress of the development of the CAT; • Assisted with the transition from the Initial Plan Processor to the successor Plan Processor; and • Provided support for third-party vendors for the CAT, including FCAT, Anchin and the law firms engaged by CAT LLC. (h) Insurance Although insurance was in effect during FAM Period 1, CAT LLC did not incur costs related to insurance during FAM Period 1. (i) Professional and Administration Costs Financial Advisory Firm: Anchin. The professional and administration costs of $69,077 represent the fees paid to Anchin during FAM Period 1. CAT LLC continued to employ Anchin during FAM Period 1 based on, among other things, their expertise and history with the project. The hourly fee rates for this firm were in line with market rates for these type of financial advisory services. The fees for these services during FAM Period 1 were paid by CAT LLC to Anchin. During FAM Period 1, Anchin provided a variety of services, including the following: • Maintained internal controls; • Provided cash management and treasury functions; • Facilitated bill payments; • Provided monthly bookkeeping; PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 75859 • Reviewed vendor invoices and documentation in support of cash disbursements; • Provided accounting research and consultations on various accounting, financial reporting and tax matters; • Addressed various accounting, financial reporting and operating inquiries from Participants; • Developed and maintained quarterly and annual operating and financial budgets, including budget to actual fluctuation analyses; • Supported compliance with the CAT NMS Plan; • Worked with and provided support to the Operating Committee and various CAT working groups; and • Prepared monthly and quarterly financial statements. (j) Public Relations Costs The public relations costs of $7,700 represent the fees paid to Peak Strategies during FAM Period 1. CAT LLC continued to employ Peak Strategies during FAM Period 1 based on, among other things, their expertise and history with the project. The fee rates for this firm were reasonable and in line with market rates for these types of services. The fees for these services during FAM Period 1 were paid by CAT LLC to Peak Strategies. During FAM Period 1, Peak Strategies continued to provide professional communications services to CAT LLC, including media relations consulting, strategy and execution. Specifically, the public relations firm provided services related to communications with the public regarding the CAT, including monitoring developments related to the CAT (e.g., congressional efforts, public comments and reaction to proposals, press coverage of the CAT), reporting such developments to CAT LLC, and drafting and disseminating communications to the public regarding such developments as well as reporting on developments related to the CAT (e.g., amendments to the CAT NMS Plan). As discussed above, such public relations services were important for various reasons, including monitoring comments made by market participants about the CAT and understanding issues related to the CAT discussed on the public record. By engaging a public relations firm, CAT LLC was better positioned to understand and address CAT matters to the benefit of all market participants. (iii) Historical CAT Costs Incurred in Financial Accountability Milestone Period 2 Historical CAT Costs 1 would include costs incurred by CAT LLC and already E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 75860 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices funded by Participants during Period 2 of the Financial Accountability Milestones (‘‘FAM Period 2’’),50 which covers the period from August 1, 2020– December 31, 2020. Historical CAT Costs 1 would include costs for FAM Period 2 of $42,976,478. The Participants would remain responsible for one-third of this cost (which they have previously paid) ($14,325,493), and Industry Members would be responsible for the remaining twothirds, with CEBBs paying one-third ($14,325,493) and CEBSs paying one- third ($14,325,493). The following table breaks down Historical CAT Costs 1 for FAM Period 2 into the categories set forth in Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT NMS Plan. Historical CAT costs for FAM Period 2 * Operating expense Capitalized Developed Technology Costs ** ....................................................................................................................... Technology Costs ................................................................................................................................................................ Cloud Hosting Services ................................................................................................................................................ Operating Fees ............................................................................................................................................................. CAIS Operating Fees ................................................................................................................................................... Change Request Fees ................................................................................................................................................. Legal .................................................................................................................................................................................... Consulting ............................................................................................................................................................................ Insurance ............................................................................................................................................................................. Professional and administration .......................................................................................................................................... Public relations .................................................................................................................................................................... $6,761,094 31,460,033 20,709,212 9,108,700 1,590,298 51,823 2,766,644 532,146 976,098 438,523 41,940 Total Operating Expenses ............................................................................................................................................ 42,976,478 * The costs described in this table of costs for FAM Period 2 were calculated based upon CAT LLC’s review of applicable bills and invoices and related financial statements. CAT LLC financial statements are available on the CAT website. ** The non-cash amortization of these capitalized developed technology costs of $1,892,505 incurred during FAM Period 2 have been appropriately excluded from the above table.51 By the completion of FAM Period 2, CAT LLC was required to implement the following with regard to the CAT: (a) Industry Member reporting (excluding reporting by Small Industry Members that are not OATS reporters) for equities transactions, excluding Customer Account Information, CustomerID, and Customer Identifying Information, is developed, tested, and implemented at a 5% Error Rate or less and with sufficient intra-firm linkage, inter-firm linkage, national securities exchange linkage, and trade reporting facilities linkage to permit the Participants and the Commission to analyze the full lifecycle of an order across the national market system, excluding linkage of representative orders, from order origination through order execution or order cancellation; and (b) the query tool functionality required by Section 6.10(c)(i)(A) and Appendix D, Sections 8.1.1– 8.1.3 and Section 8.2.1 incorporates the Industry Member equities transaction data described in condition (a) and is available to the Participants and to the Commission.52 CAT LLC completed the requirements of FAM Period 2 by December 31, 2020. The following describes the costs for each of the categories for FAM Period 2. (a) Technology Costs—Cloud Hosting Services CAT LLC continued to utilize AWS in FAM Period 2 to provide a broad array of cloud hosting services for the CAT, including data ingestion, data management, and analytic tools. AWS continued to provide storage services, databases, compute services and other services (such as networking, management tools and DevOps tools), as well as various environments for CAT, such as development, performance testing, test, and production environments, during the FAM 2 Period. Accordingly, the $20,709,212 in technology costs for cloud hosting services represent costs incurred for services provided by AWS, as the cloud services provider, during FAM Period 2. The fee arrangement for AWS described above with regard to the Pre-FAM Period and FAM Period 1 continued in place during FAM Period 2 pursuant to the Plan Processor Agreement. The cost for AWS cloud services for the CAT continued to be a function of the volume of CAT Data. During the FAM 2 Period, the volume of CAT Data continued to far exceed the original predictions for the CAT as set forth in the CAT NMS Plan. During this period, data submitted to the CAT included options and equities Participant Data, Phase 2a and Phase 2b Industry Member Data (including certain linkages) as well as SIP Data, and Other Data, including reference data. In addition, Industry Members began reporting LTID account information. The following chart provides data regarding the average daily volume, cumulative total events, total compute hours and storage footprint of the CAT during FAM Period 2.53 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 Date range: 8/1/20–12/31/20 Average Daily Volume in Billions: Participant—Equities .................................................................................................................................................... Participant—Options ..................................................................................................................................................... Industry Member—Equities .......................................................................................................................................... Industry Member—Options ........................................................................................................................................... SIP—Options & Equities .............................................................................................................................................. Average Total Daily Volume ......................................................................................................................................... 50 Section 11.6(a)(i)(B) of the CAT NMS Plan. discussed above, with respect to certain costs that were ‘‘appropriately excluded,’’ such excluded costs relate to the amortization of capitalized technology costs, which are amortized 51 As VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 over the life of the Plan Processor Agreement. As such costs have already been otherwise reflected in the filing, their inclusion would double count the capitalized technology costs. In addition, amortization is a non-cash expense. PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 6 116 11 0.98 80 282 52 See definition of ‘‘Full Implementation of Core Equity Reporting Requirements’’ in Section 1.1 of the CAT NMS Plan. 53 Note that the volume data described in this table does not include CAIS data. E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices 75861 Date range: 8/1/20–12/31/20 Cumulative Total Events for the Period .............................................................................................................................. Total Compute Hours for the Period ................................................................................................................................... Storage Footprint at End of Period (Petabytes) .................................................................................................................. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 (b) Technology Costs—Operating Fees Pursuant to the Plan Processor Agreement discussed above, FCAT continued in its role as the Plan Processor for the CAT during FAM Period 2. Accordingly, the $9,108,700 in technology costs for operating fees represent costs incurred for the services provided by FCAT under the Plan Processor Agreement during FAM Period 2. The fee arrangement for FCAT described above with regard to the PreFAM Period and FAM Period 1 continued in place during FAM Period 2 pursuant to the Plan Processor Agreement. During FAM Period 2, FCAT’s activities with respect to the CAT included publishing the Technical Specifications for Phase 2d and overseeing the reporting of firm to firm and intrafirm linkages by Industry Members. In addition, FCAT also continued to engage in the following activities during FAM Period 2: • Addressed compliance items, including drafting CAT policies and procedures, and addressing Regulation SCI requirements; • Provided support to the Operating Committee, Compliance Subcommittee and CAT working groups; • Assisted with interpretive efforts and exemptive requests regarding the CAT NMS Plan; • Oversaw the development and implementation of the security of the CAT; • Monitored the operation of the CAT, including with regard to Participant and Industry Member reporting; • Provided support to subcontractors under the Plan Processor Agreement; • Provided support in discussions with the Participants and the SEC and its staff; • Operated the FINRA CAT Helpdesk; • Facilitated communications with the industry, including via FAQs, CAT Alerts, meetings, presentations and webinars; • Administered the CAT website and all of its content; and • Provided technical support and assistance with connectivity, data access, and user support, including the use of CAT Data and query tools, for Participants and the SEC staff. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 (c) Technology Costs—CAIS Operating Fees Pursuant to the Plan Processor Agreement discussed above, Kingland continued in its role as a subcontractor for the development and implementation of CAIS during FAM Period 2. Accordingly, the $1,590,298 in technology costs for CAIS operating fees represent costs incurred for services provided by Kingland during FAM Period 2. The fee arrangement for Kingland described above with regard to the Pre-FAM Period and FAM Period 1 continued in place during FAM Period 2 pursuant to the Plan Processor Agreement. During FAM Period 2, Kingland continued the development of the CAIS Technical Specifications and building of CAIS. In addition, Kingland continued to work on the CAIS Technical Specifications and build related to the CCID Alternative, as well as the acceleration of the reporting of LTIDs. (d) Technology Costs—Change Request Fees During FAM Period 2, CAT LLC engaged FCAT to pursue certain change requests in accordance with the Plan Processor Agreement. The change request costs were paid by CAT LLC to FCAT. Specifically, during FAM Period 2, CAT incurred costs of $51,823 related to a change request regarding the addition of functionality for exchange Participants to report rejected messages to the CAT. (e) Technology Costs—Capitalized Developed Technology Costs Capitalized developed technology costs for FAM Period 2 of $6,761,094 include capitalizable application development costs incurred in the development of the CAT by FCAT. Such costs include (1) development costs incurred during the application development stage to meet various agreed-upon milestones regarding the CAT, as defined in the agreement between CAT LLC and the Plan Processor; (2) costs related to certain modifications, upgrades, or other changes to the CAT that were not contemplated by the agreement between CAT LLC and the Plan Processor, including costs related to separate production and industry test PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 2,170 15,660,392 114.59 entitlements, market maker reference data, and back-processing of exchange exception logic; (3) implementation fees; and (4) license fees. (f) Legal Costs The legal costs of $2,766,644 represent the fees paid for legal services provided by two law firms, WilmerHale and Pillsbury during FAM Period 2. Law Firm: WilmerHale. CAT LLC continued to employ WilmerHale during FAM Period 2 based on, among other things, their expertise and long history with the project. The hourly fee rates for this law firm were in line with market rates for specialized legal expertise. The legal fees during FAM Period 2 were paid by CAT LLC to WilmerHale. During FAM Period 2, the legal assistance provided by WilmerHale included providing legal advice regarding the following: • Assisted with the development of the CAT funding model and drafting related amendments and rule filings; • Drafted exemptive requests from CAT NMS Plan requirements regarding, for example, allocations, exchange activity, OTQT, initial data validation, error corrections and recordkeeping; • Provided interpretations related to CAT NMS Plan requirements, including with regard to the Financial Accountability Milestone amendment, FAQs and technical specifications; • Provided support for the Operating Committee, Compliance Subcommittees, working groups and Leadership Team, including with regard to meetings with the SEC staff; • Assisted with the Implementation Plan and Quarterly Progress Reports required pursuant to Section 6.6 of the CAT NMS Plan; • Drafted SRO rule filings related to the CAT Compliance Rule; • Provided support for the Compliance Subcommittee, including with regard to responses to OCIE examinations and the annual assessment; • Provided guidance regarding the SEC’s proposed security amendments to the CAT NMS Plan; • Provided guidance regarding SRO rule filings for the retirement of systems; • Provided legal support for Operating Committee meetings, including drafting resolutions and other materials and voting advice; E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 75862 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 • Assisted with third-party vendor agreements (e.g., with regard to Anchin, Grant Thornton and insurance policies); • Assisted with change requests; and • Provided support with regard to discussions with the SEC and its staff, including with respect to addressing interpretive and implementation issues. Law Firm: Pillsbury. CAT LLC continued to employ Pillsbury during FAM Period 2 based on, among other things, their expertise and history with the project. The hourly fee rates for this law firm were in line with market rates for specialized legal expertise. The legal fees during FAM Period 2 were paid by CAT LLC to Pillsbury. During FAM Period 2, Pillsbury provided legal assistance to the CAT regarding the CAT Reporter Agreement. During that period, Pillsbury advised CAT LLC regarding applicable legal matters and drafted and filed a proposed amendment to the CAT NMS Plan regarding liability matters. As discussed above, liability issues related to the CAT are important matters that needed to be resolved and clarified. CAT LLC’s efforts to seek such resolution and clarity work to the benefit of Participants, Industry Members and other market participants. (g) Consulting Costs The consulting costs of $532,146 represent the fees paid to Deloitte as project manager during FAM Period 2. CAT LLC continued to employ Deloitte during FAM Period 2 based on, among other things, their expertise and long history with the project. The fee rates for Deloitte during FAM Period 2 were negotiated and in line with market rates for this type of specialized consulting work. The consulting fees during FAM Period 2 were paid to Deloitte by CAT LLC. CAT LLC reviewed the consulting fees each month and approved the invoices. During FAM Period 2, Deloitte’s CAT-related activities included the following: • Implemented program operations for the CAT project; • Provided support to the Operating Committee, the Chair of the Operating Committee and the Leadership Team, including project management support, coordination and planning for meetings and communications, and interfacing with law firms and the SEC; • Assisted with cost and funding matters for the CAT, including the development of the CAT funding model and assistance with loans and the CAT bank account for CAT funding; • Provided support for updating the SEC on the progress of the development of the CAT; and • Provided support for third-party vendors for the CAT, including FCAT, VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 Anchin and the law firms engaged by CAT LLC. (h) Insurance The insurance costs of $976,098 represent the fees paid for insurance during FAM Period 2. CAT LLC continued to maintain cyber security liability insurance, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, and errors and omissions liability insurance offered by USI. After engaging in a process for renewing the coverage, CAT LLC determined to purchase these insurance policies from USI. The annual premiums for these policies were competitive for the coverage provided. The annual premiums were paid by CAT LLC to USI. (i) Professional and Administration Costs The professional and administration costs of $438,523 represent the fees paid to Anchin and Grant Thornton for financial services provided during FAM Period 2. Financial Advisory Firm: Anchin. CAT LLC continued to engage Anchin during FAM Period 2 based on, among other things, their expertise and history with the project. The hourly fee rates for this firm were in line with market rates for these types of financial advisory services. The fees for these services during FAM Period 2 were paid by CAT LLC to Anchin. During FAM Period 2, Anchin provided a variety of services, including the following: • Updated and maintained internal controls; • Provided cash management and treasury functions; • Faciliated [sic] bill payments; • Provided monthly bookkeeping; • Reviewed vendor invoices and documentation in support of cash disbursements; • Provided accounting research and consultations on various accounting, financial reporting and tax matters; • Addressed not-for-profit tax and accounting considerations; • Prepared tax returns; • Addressed various accounting, financial reporting and operating inquiries from the Participants; • Developed and maintained quarterly and annual operating and financial budgets, including budget to actual fluctuation analyses; • Supported compliance with the CAT NMS Plan; • Worked with and provided support to the Operating Committee and various CAT working groups; • Prepared monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements; PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 • Supported the annual financial statement audit by an independent auditor; and • Reviewed historical costs from inception. Accounting Firm: Grant Thornton. CAT LLC continued to employ the accounting firm Grant Thornton during FAM Period 2 based on, among other things, its expertise and cumulative knowledge of CAT LLC. CAT LLC continued to believe that Grant Thornton was well qualified for its role and its fee rates were in line with with market rates for these accounting services. The fees for these services during FAM Period 2 were paid by CAT LLC to Grant Thornton. During FAM Period 2, Grant Thornton performed a financial statement audit for CAT LLC as an independent accounting firm. (j) Public Relations Costs The public relations costs of $41,940 represent the fees paid to Peak Strategies during FAM Period 2. CAT LLC continued to employ Peak Strategies during FAM Period 2 based on, among other things, their expertise and history with the project. The fee rates for this firm were in line with market rates for these types of services. The fees for these services during FAM Period 2 were paid by CAT LLC to Peak Strategies. During FAM Period 2, Peak Strategies continued to provide professional communications services to CAT, including media relations consulting, strategy and execution. Specifically, the public relations firm provided services related to communications with the public regarding the CAT, including monitoring developments related to the CAT (e.g., congressional efforts, public comments and reaction to proposals, press coverage of the CAT), reporting such developments to CAT LLC, and drafting and disseminating communications to the public regarding such developments as well as reporting on developments related to the CAT (e.g., amendments to the CAT NMS Plan). As discussed above, such public relations services were important for various reasons, including monitoring comments made by market participants about the CAT and understanding issues related to the CAT discussed on the public record. By engaging a public relations firm, CAT LLC was better positioned to understand and address CAT matters to the benefit of all market participants. (iv) Historical CAT Costs Incurred in Financial Accountability Milestone Period 3 Historical CAT Costs 1 would include costs incurred by CAT and already E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices funded by the Participants during Period 3 of the Financial Accountability Milestones (‘‘FAM Period 3’’),54 which covers the period from January 1, 2021—December 31, 2021. Historical CAT Costs 1 would include costs for FAM Period 3 of $144,415,268. The Participants would remain responsible for one-third of this cost (which they have previously paid) ($48,138,423), and Industry Members would be responsible for the remaining twothirds, with CEBBs paying one-third ($48,138,423) and CEBSs paying one- 75863 third ($48,138,423). The following table breaks down Historical CAT Costs 1 for FAM Period 3 into the categories set forth in Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT NMS Plan. Historical CAT costs for FAM period 3 * Operating expense Capitalized Developed Technology Costs ** ....................................................................................................................... Technology Costs ................................................................................................................................................................ Cloud Hosting Services ................................................................................................................................................ Operating Fees ............................................................................................................................................................. CAIS Operating Fees ................................................................................................................................................... Change Request Fees ................................................................................................................................................. Legal .................................................................................................................................................................................... Consulting ............................................................................................................................................................................ Insurance ............................................................................................................................................................................. Professional and administration .......................................................................................................................................... Public relations .................................................................................................................................................................... $10,763,372 $123,639,402 94,574,759 23,106,091 5,562,383 396,169 6,333,248 1,408,209 1,582,714 595,923 92,400 Total Operating Expenses ............................................................................................................................................ 144,415,268 * The costs described in this table of costs for FAM Period 3 were calculated based upon CAT LLC’s review of applicable bills and invoices and related financial statements. CAT LLC financial statements are available on the CAT website. ** The non-cash amortization of these capitalized developed technology costs of $5,108,044 incurred during FAM Period 3 have been appropriately excluded from the above table.55 By the completion of FAM Period 3, CAT LLC was required to implement the following requirements with regard the CAT: lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 (a) reporting to the Order Audit Trail System (‘‘OATS’’) is no longer required for new orders; (b) Industry Member reporting for equities transactions and simple electronic options transactions, excluding Customer Account Information, Customer-ID, and Customer Identifying Information, with sufficient intra-firm linkage, inter-firm linkage, national securities exchange linkage, trade reporting facilities linkage, and representative order linkages (including any equities allocation information provided in an Allocation Report) to permit the Participants and the Commission to analyze the full lifecycle of an order across the national market system, from order origination through order execution or order cancellation, is developed, tested, and implemented at a 5% Error Rate or less; (c) Industry Member reporting for manual options transactions and complex options transactions, excluding Customer Account Information, Customer-ID, and Customer Identifying Information, with all required linkages to permit the Participants and the Commission to analyze the full lifecycle of an order across the national market system, from order origination through order execution or 54 Section 11.6(a)(i)(C) of the CAT NMS Plan. discussed above, with respect to certain costs that were ‘‘appropriately excluded,’’ such excluded costs relate to the amortization of capitalized technology costs, which are amortized 55 As VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 order cancellation, including any options allocation information provided in an Allocation Report, is developed, tested, and fully implemented; (d) the query tool functionality required by Section 6.10(c)(i)(A) and Appendix D, Sections 8.1.1– 8.1.3, Section 8.2.1, and Section 8.5 incorporates the data described in conditions (b)–(c) and is available to the Participants and to the Commission; and (e) the requirements of Section 6.10(a) are met.56 CAT LLC continued to utilize AWS in FAM Period 3 to provide a broad array of cloud hosting services for the CAT, including data ingestion, data management, and analytic tools. AWS continued to provide storage services, databases, compute services and other services (such as networking, management tools and DevOps tools), as well as various environments for CAT, such as development, performance testing, test, and production environments, during the FAM 3 Period. Accordingly, the $94,574,759 in technology costs for cloud hosting services represents costs incurred for services provided by AWS, as the cloud services provider, during FAM Period 3. The fee arrangement for AWS described above for the earlier periods continued in place during FAM Period 3 pursuant to the Plan Processor Agreement. The cost for AWS cloud services for the CAT continued to be a function of the volume of CAT Data. During FAM Period 3, the volume of CAT Data continued to far exceed the original predictions for the CAT as set forth in the CAT NMS Plan. During this period, data submitted to the CAT included options and equities Participant Data, Phase 2a, Phase 2b, Phase 2c and Phase 2d Industry Member Data (including certain linkages), SIP Data, Other Data, including reference data, and LTID account information. The following chart provides data regarding the average daily volume, cumulative total events, total compute hours and storage footprint of the CAT during FAM Period 3.57 over the life of the Plan Processor Agreement. As such costs have already been otherwise reflected in the filing, their inclusion would double count the capitalized technology costs. In addition, amortization is a non-cash expense. 56 See definition of ‘‘Full Availability and Regulatory Utilization of Transactional Database Functionality’’ in Section 1.1 of the CAT NMS Plan. 57 Note that the volume data described in this table does not include CAIS data. CAT LLC completed the requirements of FAM Period 3 by December 31, 2021. The following describes the costs for each of the categories for FAM Period 3. (a) Technology Costs—Cloud Hosting Services PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 75864 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices Date Range: 1/1/21 to 4/25/21 Average Daily Volume in Billions: Participant—Equities ............................................................................................................................ Participant—Options ............................................................................................................................. Industry Member—Equities .................................................................................................................. Industry Member—Options ................................................................................................................... SIP—Options & Equities ...................................................................................................................... Average Total Daily Volume ................................................................................................................. Cumulative Total Events for the Period ...................................................................................................... Total Compute Hours for the Period ........................................................................................................... Storage Footprint at End of Period (Petabytes) .......................................................................................... 9 135 20 2 129 297 7,480 15,860,304 180.22 Date Range: 4/26/21/to 12/31/ 21 * 9 136 19 2 137 304 5,310 33,487,318 284.62 * Start of Participant Equities in CAT format and SIP Equities on 4/26/21. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 (b) Technology Costs—Operating Fees Pursuant to the Plan Processor Agreement discussed above, FCAT continued in its role as the Plan Processor for the CAT during FAM Period 3. Accordingly, the $23,106,091 in technology costs for operating fees represent costs incurred for the services provided by FCAT under the Plan Processor Agreement during FAM Period 3. The fee arrangement for FCAT described above with regard to the prior Periods continued in place during FAM Period 3 pursuant to the Plan Processor Agreement. During FAM Period 3, FCAT’s activities with respect to the CAT included the following: • Facilitated Phase 2c and Phase 2d testing for Industry Members; • Oversaw creation of linkages of the lifecycle of order events based on the received data through Phase 2d; • Addressed compliance items, including drafting CAT policies and procedures, and addressing Regulation SCI requirements; • Provided support to the Operating Committee, the Compliance Subcommittee and CAT working groups; • Assisted with interpretive efforts and exemptive requests regarding the CAT NMS Plan; • Oversaw the security of the CAT; • Monitored the operation of the CAT, including with regard to Participant and Industry Member reporting; • Provided support to subcontractors under the Plan Processor Agreement; • Provided support in discussions with the Participants and the SEC and its staff; • Operated the FINRA CAT Helpdesk; • Facilitated communications with the industry, including via FAQs, CAT Alerts, meetings, presentations and webinars; • Administered the CAT website and all of its content; and • Provided technical support and assistance with connectivity, data VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 access, and user support, including the use of CAT Data and query tools, for Participants and the SEC staff. (c) Technology Costs—CAIS Operating Fees Pursuant to the Plan Processor Agreement with FCAT discussed above, Kingland continued in its role as a subcontractor for the development and implementation of CAIS during FAM Period 3. Accordingly, the $5,562,383 in technology costs for CAIS operating fees represents costs incurred for services provided by Kingland during FAM Period 3. The fee arrangement for Kingland described above with regard to the prior Periods continued in place during FAM Period 3 pursuant to the Plan Processor Agreement. During FAM Period 3, Kingland continued the development of the CAIS Technical Specifications and building of CAIS. In addition, Kingland continued to work on the CAIS Technical Specifications and build related to the CCID Alternative, as well as the acceleration of the reporting of LTIDs. The full CAIS Technical Specifications were published during FAM Period 3. (d) Technology Costs—Change Request Fees During FAM Period 3, CAT LLC engaged FCAT to pursue certain change requests in accordance with the Plan Processor Agreement. The change request costs were paid by CAT LLC to FCAT. Specifically, during FAM Period 3, CAT incurred costs of $396,169 related to change requests, including the following: (1) the addition of functionality for exchange Participants to report rejected messages to the CAT; (2) the migration of MIRS query engine to AWS to reduce operational costs and increase resiliency; and (3) updating the Participant Technical Specifications to allow for two-sided Participant option quote reporting. PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 (e) Technology Costs—Capitalized Developed Technology Costs Capitalized developed technology costs for FAM Period 3 of $10,763,372 include capitalizable application development costs incurred in the development of the CAT by FCAT. Such costs include (1) development costs incurred during the application development stage to meet various agreed-upon milestones regarding the CAT, as defined in the agreement between CAT LLC and the Plan Processor, including the transition from equity data received by FINRA pursuant to various regulatory services agreements between FINRA and Participant exchanges to the equity CAT Data, and the completion of the Industry Member Phase 2d options manual and complex orders go-live requirements; (2) costs related to certain modifications, upgrades, or other changes to the CAT that were not contemplated by the agreement between CAT LLC and the Plan Processor, including costs related to off-exchange volume concentration, Participant 24-hour trading and an external metastore; (3) implementation fees; and (4) license fees. (f) Legal Costs The legal costs of $6,333,248 represent the fees paid for legal services provided by three law firms, WilmerHale, Pillsbury and Covington & Burling LLP (‘‘Covington’’) during FAM Period 3. Law Firm: WilmerHale. CAT LLC continued to employ WilmerHale during FAM Period 3 based on, among other things, their expertise and long history with the project. The hourly fee rates for this law firm were in line with market rates for specialized legal expertise. The legal fees during FAM Period 3 were paid by CAT LLC to WilmerHale. During FAM Period 3, the legal assistance provided by WilmerHale included providing legal advice regarding the following: E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices • Assisted with the development of the CAT funding model and drafting related amendments and rule filings; • Drafted exemptive requests from CAT NMS Plan requirements, including, for example, verbal activity regarding Phase 2c cutover, error reports, error corrections, Phase 2d Reporting, unique Order-ID on internal route events, reporting addresses, recordkeeping, and unique CCID for foreign customers; • Provided interpretations related to CAT NMS Plan requirements, including with regard to the Financial Accountability Milestone amendment, FAQs, CAIS requirements, ADF, and technical specifications; • Provided support for the Operating Committee, Compliance Subcommittee, working groups and Leadership Team, including with regard to meetings with the SEC staff; • Assisted with the Implementation Plan and Quarterly Progress Reports required pursuant to Section 6.6(c) of the CAT NMS Plan; • Drafted SRO rule filings related to the CAT Compliance Rule; • Provided support for Compliance Subcommittee, including with regard to responses to OCIE examinations and the annual assessment; • Provided guidance regarding the SEC’s proposed security amendments to the CAT NMS Plan; • Provided guidance regarding SRO rule filings for the retirement of systems; • Provided legal support for Operating Committee meetings, including drafting resolutions and other materials and voting advice; • Provided assistance with change requests; • Provided guidance and regulatory support for litigation regarding the response to the SEC’s exemptive orders; • Assisted with communications with the industry, including CAT Alerts and presentations; • Provided guidance regarding the confidentiality of CAT Data, including third-party information requests; • Assisted with cost management analysis and proposals; and • Provided support with regard to discussions with the SEC and its staff, including with respect to addressing interpretive and implementation issues. Law Firm: Pillsbury. CAT LLC continued to employ Pillsbury during FAM Period 3 based on, among other things, their expertise and history with the project. The hourly fee rates for this law firm were in line with market rates for specialized legal expertise. The legal fees during FAM Period 3 were paid by CAT LLC to Pillsbury. During FAM Period 3, Pillsbury provided legal assistance to the CAT regarding the CAT VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 Reporter Agreement. During this period, Pillsbury advised CAT LLC regarding applicable legal matters, reviewed and responded to comment letters regarding the proposed Plan amendment, participated in meetings with senior SEC staff, responded to comments submitted following the SEC’s April 6, 2021 order instituting proceedings,58 and assessed legal matters regarding the SEC’s October 29, 2021 order denying the proposed Plan amendment.59 Law Firm: Covington. CAT LLC hired Covington for litigation with the SEC regarding certain exemptive orders related to the CAT, including orders issued in December 2020.60 CAT LLC interviewed this law firm as well as other potential law firms, considering a variety of factors in its analysis for choosing legal assistance, including the relevant expertise and fees of the potential lawyers. CAT LLC approved the engagement of Covington in January 2021. The fee rates for this law firm, which were calculated based on hourly rates, were in line with market rates for specialized services. The legal fees for FAM Period 3 for this firm were paid by CAT LLC to Covington. After Covington was hired in 2021 through the end of 2021, the firm provided legal assistance regarding the litigation with the SEC regarding the 2020 Orders. These services included researching, drafting, and filing motions to stay the 2020 orders and related materials in proceedings before the SEC, as well as researching, drafting, and filing petitions for judicial review of the 2020 Orders in proceedings before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Covington oversaw ongoing litigation proceedings on these matters, and also supported WilmerHale with respect to settlement negotiations with the SEC staff regarding the 2020 Orders. In addition to these services, CAT LLC engaged Covington in November 2021 to provide assistance with respect to the SEC’s disapproval of CAT NMS Plan amendments concerning a proposed limitation on liability in the event of a data breach or similar event. Covington provided advice concerning CAT’s response to the SEC’s disapproval order. This work accounted for a minority of Covington’s fees in 2021.61 58 Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 91487 (Apr. 6, 2021), 86 FR 19054 (Apr. 12, 2021). 59 Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 93484 (Oct. 29, 2021), 86 FR 60933 (Nov. 4, 2021). 60 See Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 90688 (Dec. 16, 2020), 85 FR 83634 (Dec. 22, 2020); and Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 90689 (Dec. 16, 2020), 85 FR 83667 (Dec. 22, 2020) (collectively, the ‘‘2020 Orders’’). 61 As discussed above with regard to Pillsbury’s work on liability matters, liability issues related to PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 75865 (g) Consulting Costs The consulting costs of $1,408,209 represent the fees paid to Deloitte as project manager during FAM Period 3. CAT LLC continued to employ Deloitte during FAM Period 3 based on, among other things, their expertise and long history with the project. The fee rates for Deloitte during FAM Period 3 were negotiated and in line with market rates for this type of specialized consulting work. The consulting fees during FAM Period 3 were paid to Deloitte by CAT LLC. CAT LLC reviewed the consulting fees each month and approved the invoices. During FAM Period 3, Deloitte’s CAT-related activities included the following: • Implemented program operations for the CAT project; • Provided support to the Operating Committee, the Chair of the Operating Committee and the Leadership Team, including project management support, coordination and planning for meetings and communications, and interfacing with law firms and the SEC; • Assisted with cost and funding matters for the CAT, including the development of the CAT funding model and assistance with loans and the CAT bank account for CAT funding; • Provided support for updating the SEC on the progress of the development of the CAT; and • Provided support for third-party vendors for the CAT, including FCAT, Anchin and the law firms engaged by CAT LLC. (h) Insurance The insurance costs of $1,582,714 represent the fees paid for insurance during FAM Period 3. CAT LLC continued to maintain cyber security liability insurance, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, and errors and omissions liability insurance offered by USI. After engaging in a process for renewing the coverage, CAT LLC determined to purchase these insurance policies from USI. The annual premiums for these policies were competitive for the coverage provided. The annual premiums were paid by CAT LLC to USI. (i) Professional and Administration Costs The professional and administration costs of $595,923 represent the fees paid to Anchin and Grant Thornton for financial services during FAM Period 3. the CAT are important matters that needed to be resolved and clarified. CAT LLC’s efforts to seek such resolution and clarity work to the benefit of Participants, Industry Members and other market participants. Moreover, such activity is a necessary part of the operation of the CAT. E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 75866 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 Financial Advisory Firm: Anchin. CAT LLC continued to employ Anchin during FAM Period 3 based on, among other things, their expertise and history with the project. The hourly fee rates for this firm were in line with market rates for these financial advisory services. The fees for these services during FAM Period 3 were paid by CAT LLC to Anchin. During FAM Period 3, Anchin provided a variety of services, including the following: • Updated and maintained internal controls; • Provided cash management and treasury functions; • Faciliated [sic] bill payments; • Provided monthly bookkeeping; • Reviewed vendor invoices and documentation in support of cash disbursements; • Provided accounting research and consultations on various accounting, financial reporting and tax matters; • Addressed not-for-profit tax and accounting considerations; • Prepared tax returns; • Addressed various accounting, financial reporting and operating inquiries from Participants; • Developed and maintained quarterly and annual operating and financial budgets, including budget to actual fluctuation analyses; • Supported compliance with the CAT NMS Plan; • Worked with and provided support to the Operating Committee and various CAT working groups; • Prepared monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements; • Supported the annual financial statement audits by an independent auditor; • Reviewed historical costs from inception; and • Provided accounting and financial information in support of SEC filings. Accounting Firm: Grant Thornton. CAT LLC continued to employ the accounting firm Grant Thornton during FAM Period 3 based on, among other things, their expertise and cumulative knowledge of CAT LLC. CAT LLC determined that Grant Thornton was well qualified for its role and that its fixed fee rates were in line with market rates for these accountant services. The fees for these services during FAM Period 3 were paid by CAT LLC to Grant Thornton. During FAM Period 3, Grant Thornton provided audited financial statements for CAT LLC. (j) Public Relations Costs The public relations costs of $92,400 represent the fees paid to Peak Strategies during FAM Period 3. CAT LLC continued to employ Peak Strategies during FAM Period 3 based on, among other things, their expertise and history with the project. The fee rates for this firm were in line with market rates for these types of services. The fees for these services during FAM Period 3 were paid by CAT LLC to Peak Strategies. During FAM Period 3, Peak Strategies continued to provide professional communications services to CAT, including media relations consulting, strategy and execution. Specifically, the public relations firm provided services related to communications with the public regarding the CAT, including monitoring developments related to the CAT (e.g., congressional efforts, public comments and reaction to proposals, press coverage of the CAT), reporting such developments to CAT LLC, and drafting and disseminating communications to the public regarding such developments as well as reporting on developments related to the CAT (e.g., amendments to the CAT NMS Plan). As discussed above, such public relations services were important for various reasons, including monitoring comments made by market participants about the CAT and understanding issues related to the CAT discussed on the public record. By engaging a public relations firm, CAT LLC was better positioned to understand and address CAT matters to the benefit of all market participants. (v) Excluded Costs Historical CAT Costs 1 would not include three categories of CAT costs (‘‘Excluded Costs’’): (1) $14,749,362 of costs related to the termination of the relationship with the Initial Plan Processor; (2) $48,874,937, which are all CAT costs incurred from November 15, 2017 through November 15, 2018; and (3) $19,628,791, which are costs paid to the the Initial Plan Processor from November 16, 2018 through February 2019 when the relationship with the Initial Plan Processor was concluded. The Participants would remain responsible for 100% of these costs, which total $83,253,090. CAT LLC determined to exclude these Excluded Costs from Historical CAT Costs 1 because these costs relate to the delay in the start of reporting to the CAT and the conclusion of the relationship with the Initial Plan Processor.62 (a) Costs Related to Conclusion of Relationship With Initial Plan Processor First, Historical CAT Costs 1 would not include $14,749,362 of costs related to the conclusion of the relationship with the Initial Plan Processor. Such costs include costs related to the American Arbitration Association, the legal assistance of Pillsbury with regard to the arbitration with the Initial Plan Processor, and the settlement costs related to the arbitration with the Initial Plan Processor. The Participants would remain responsible for 100% of these $14,749,362 in costs. (b) Costs Incurred From November 15, 2017 Through November 15, 2018 Second, Historical CAT Costs 1 would not include all CAT costs incurred from November 15, 2017 through November 15, 2018. CAT LLC determined to exclude all costs during this one-year period of $48,874,937 from fees charged to Industry Members due to the delay in the start of reporting to the CAT. The Participants would remain responsible for 100% of these $48,874,937 in costs. The following table breaks down these costs into the categories set forth in Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT NMS Plan. Operating expense Excluded costs for November 15, 2017– November 15, 2018 * Capitalized Developed Technology Costs ........................................................................................................................... Technology Costs ................................................................................................................................................................ Cloud Hosting Services ................................................................................................................................................ Operating Fees ............................................................................................................................................................. $37,852,083 ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ 62 In approving the CAT Funding Model, the Commission states that the proposed exclusion of the first two categories of Excluded Costs ‘‘is reasonable in the Commission’s view because it would not require all costs incurred by the Participants to be recovered from Industry Members VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 through the Historical CAT Assessment, specifically excluding those costs related to the delay in the start of reporting to the CAT and costs related to the conclusion of the relationship with the Initial Plan Processor.’’ CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62663. In addition to the first two PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 categories of Excluded Costs, CAT LLC is now proposing a third category of Excluded Costs that would exclude all costs paid to the Initial Plan Processor after November 15, 2018. E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices 75867 Operating expense Excluded costs for November 15, 2017– November 15, 2018 * CAIS Operating Fees ................................................................................................................................................... Change Request Fees ................................................................................................................................................. Legal .................................................................................................................................................................................... Consulting ............................................................................................................................................................................ Insurance ............................................................................................................................................................................. Professional and administration .......................................................................................................................................... Public relations .................................................................................................................................................................... ........................................ ........................................ 6,143,278 4,452,106 ........................................ 340,145 87,325 Total Operating Expenses ............................................................................................................................................ 48,874,937 * The costs described in this table of Excluded Costs were calculated based upon CAT LLC’s review of applicable bills and invoices and related financial statements. CAT LLC financial statements are available on the CAT website. The following provides additional detail regarding the Excluded Costs. (I) Technology Costs—Cloud Hosting Services, Operating Fees, CAIS Operating Fees and Change Request Fees CAT LLC did not incur technology costs related to the categories of cloud hosting services, operating fees, CAIS operating fees or change requests during the period from November 15, 2017 through November 15, 2018. (II) Technology Costs—Capitalized Developed Technology Costs Capitalized developed technology costs for the period from November 15, 2017 through November 15, 2018 include capitalizable application development costs of $37,852,083 incurred in the development of the CAT by the Initial Plan Processor. Such costs include development costs incurred during the application development stage to meet various agreed-upon milestones regarding the CAT, as defined in the agreement between CAT LLC and the Initial Plan Processor. Such costs include costs related to Industry Member technical specifications for orders and transactions, the system security plan, testing and production for Participant CAT reporting, third-party security assessment and response, query portal, onboarding of the Chief Information Security Officer, and ingestion of FINRA TRF data and FINRA data related to halts and corporate actions. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 (III) Legal Costs The legal costs of $6,143,278 represent the fees paid to WilmerHale for legal services from November 15, 2017 through November 15, 2018. During this period, WilmerHale provided legal assistance to the CAT including with regard to the following: • Provided legal support for the governance of the CAT, including governance support for the Operating Committee, Advisory Committee, VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 Compliance Subcommittee, and CAT working groups; • Assisted with the development of the CAT funding model and drafted related amendments of the CAT NMS Plan; • Provided assistance related to CAT security; • Drafted exemptive requests, including requests related to PII; • Assisted with the Implementation Plan required pursuant to Section 6.6(c)(i) of the CAT NMS Plan; • Provided interpretations of and related to the CAT NMS Plan; • Provided advice with regard to regulator access to the CAT; • Assisted with the Plan Processor transition; • Provided assistance regarding communications with the industry regarding the CAT; • Provided advice regarding Customer Account Information and PII; • Provided support for litigation related to SEC exemptive orders; and • Provided support with regard to discussions with the SEC and its staff, including with respect to addressing interpretative and implementation issues. (IV) Consulting Costs The consulting costs of $4,452,106 represent the fees paid to Deloitte for their role as project manager for the CAT from November 15, 2017 through November 15, 2018. During this period, Deloitte engaged in the following activities with respect to the CAT: • Implemented program operations for the CAT project; • Provided governance support to the Operating Committee, including support for Subcommittees and working groups of the Operating Committee (e.g., Compliance Subcommittee, Cost and Funding Working Group, Technical Working Group, Industry Outreach Working Group, Security Working Group and Steering Committee); • Assisted with cost and funding issues for the CAT, including the PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 development of the CAT funding model and assistance with loans and the CAT bank account for CAT funding; • Provided support for updating the SEC on the progress of the development of the CAT; and • Provided active planning and coordination with and support for the Initial Plan Processor with regard to the development of the CAT, and reported to the Participants on the progress. (V) Insurance CAT LLC did not incur costs related to insurance during the period from November 15, 2017 through November 15, 2018. (VI) Professional and Administration Costs The professional and administration costs of $340,145 represent the fees paid to Anchin, Exegy and RSM from November 15, 2017 through November 15, 2018. Financial Advisory Firm: Anchin. From the commencement of its engagment [sic] in April 2018 through November 15, 2018, Anchin engaged in the following activities with respect to the CAT: • Developed, updated and maintained internal controls; • Provided cash management and treasury functions; • Facilitated bill payments; • Provided monthly bookkeeping; • Reviewed vendor invoices and documentation in support of cash disbursements; • Provided accounting research and consultations on various accounting, financial reporting and tax matters; • Addressed not-for-profit tax and accounting considerations; • Prepared tax returns; • Addressed various accounting, financial reporting and operating inquiries from Participants; • Developed and maintained quarterly and annual operating and financial budgets, including budget to actual fluctuation analyses; E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 75868 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices • Addressed accounting and financial matters relating to the transition from CAT NMS, LLC to Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC, including supporting the dissolution of CAT NMS, LLC; • Supported compliance with the CAT NMS Plan; • Worked with and provided support to the Operating Committee and various CAT working groups; • Prepared monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements; • Supported the annual financial statement audits by an independent auditor; • Reviewed historical costs from inception; and • Provided accounting and financial information in support of SEC filings. Market Data Provider: Exegy. From July 2018 through November 15, 2018, CAT LLC purchased market data from Exegy (as described in more detail above). Security Assessment: RSM. From October 2018 through November 15, 2018, CAT LLC incurred costs for RSM’s performance of a security assessment (as described in more detail above). (VII) Public Relations Costs The public relations costs of $87,325 represent the fees paid to Sloane from November 15, 2017 through November 15, 2018. From the commencement of its engagment [sic] in March 2018 through November 15, 2018, Sloane provided professional communications services to CAT, including media relations consulting, strategy and execution. Specifically, Sloane provided services related to communications with the public regarding the CAT, including monitoring developments related to the CAT (e.g., congressional efforts, public comments and reaction to proposals, press coverage of the CAT), reporting such developments to CAT LLC, and drafting and disseminating communications to the public regarding such developments as well as reporting on developments related to the CAT (e.g., amendments to the CAT NMS Plan). lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 (c) Costs Paid to Initial Plan Processor From November 16, 2018 Through February 2019 Third, Historical CAT Costs 1 would not include the $19,628,791 in costs paid to the Initial Plan Processor from November 16, 2018 through February 2019 when CAT LLC’s relationship with the Initial Plan Processor concluded. CAT LLC determined that Historical CAT Costs 1 would not include any fees paid to the Initial Plan Processor after VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 November 15, 2017,63 which was the date by which Participants were required to begin reporting to the CAT.64 As discussed above, the Participants determined that Historical CAT Costs 1 would not include all CAT costs incurred from November 15, 2017 through November 15, 2018, which includes $37,852,083 in Initial Plan Processor costs incurred from November 15, 2017 through November 15, 2018 (as well as other CAT costs during this period). The remaining Initial Plan Processor costs incurred after November 15, 2018 are the $19,628,791 in costs for the period from November 16, 2018 through February 2019 incurred in the development of the CAT by the Initial Plan Processor, as well as a transition fee for the transition from the Initial Plan Processor to the successor Plan Processor. The Participants would remain responsible for 100% of these $19,628,791 in costs. 24 months for Historical Recovery Period 1 would establish a fee rate that is lower than other transaction-based fees, including fees assessed pursuant to Section 31.67 In addition, in establishing a Historical Recovery Period of 24 months, the Operating Committee recognized that the total costs for Historical CAT Assessment 1 were less than the total costs for 2022 and 2023,68 and therefore it would be reasonable and appropriate to recover costs subject to this filing over an approximate twoyear period. The length of the Historical Recovery Period 1 and the reasons for its length are provided in this filing in accordance with the requirement in the CAT NMS Plan to provide such information in a fee filing for a Historical CAT Assessment.69 (C) Historical Recovery Period 1 Under the CAT NMS Plan, the Operating Committee is required to reasonably establish the length of the Historical Recovery Period used in calculating each Historical Fee Rate based upon the amount of the Historical CAT Costs to be recovered by the Historical CAT Assessment, and to describe the reasons for its length.65 The Historical Recovery Period used in calculating the Historical Fee Rate may not be less than 24 months or more than five years.66 The Operating Committee has determined to establish a Historical Recovery Period 1 of 24 months for Historical CAT Assessment 1. The Operating Committee determined that the length of Historical Recovery Period 1 appropriately weighs the need for a reasonable Historical Fee Rate 1 that spreads the Historical CAT Costs over an appropriate amount of time and the need to repay the loans to the Participants in a timely fashion. The Operating Committee determined that The calculation of Historical Fee Rate 1 also requires the determination of the projected total executed equivalent share volume of transactions in Eligible Securities for Historical Recovery Period 1. Under the CAT NMS Plan, the Operating Committee is required to ‘‘reasonably determine the projected total executed equivalent share volume of all transactions in Eligible Securities for each Historical Recovery Period based on the executed equivalent share volume of all transactions in Eligible Securities for the prior twelve months.’’ 70 The Operating Committee is required to base its projection on the prior twelve months, but it may use its discretion to analyze the likely volume for the upcoming year. Such discretion would allow the Operating Committee to use its judgment when estimating projected total executed equivalent share volume if the volume over the prior twelve months was unusual or otherwise unfit to serve as the basis of a future volume estimate.71 The total executed equivalent share volume of transactions in Eligible Securities for the 12-month period from June 2023 through May 2024 was 3,980,753,840,905.21 executed equivalent shares. The Operating Committee has determined to calculate the projected total executed equivalent 63 As discussed below, CAT LLC believes that it is appropriate to recover costs related to the services performed by the Initial Plan Processor prior to November 15, 2017. See Section 3(a)(10)(E) below. 64 The SEC approved the CAT NMS Plan on November 15, 2016, and Participant reporting was required to begin on the first anniversary of this date, November 15, 2017. See Section 6.3 of the CAT NMS Plan and CAT NMS Plan Approval Order. 65 Section 11.3(b)(i)(D)(I) and Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT NMS Plan. 66 Section 11.3(b)(i)(D)(I) of the CAT NMS Plan. In the CAT Funding Model Approval Order, the SEC stated that ‘‘[i]n the Commission’s view, it is reasonable for the Operating Committee to establish the length of the Historical Recovery Period to be no less than 24 months and no more than five years.’’ CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62664. PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 (D) Projected Total Executed Equivalent Share Volume 67 As the SEC noted in the CAT Funding Model Approval Order, recent Section 31 fees ranged from $0.00009 per share to $0.0004 per share. CAT Funding Model at 62682. 68 The total CAT costs for 2022 were approximately $186 million and the total CAT costs for 2023 were approximately $233 million. 69 Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(C) of the CAT NMS Plan. 70 Section 11.3(b)(i)(E) of the CAT NMS Plan. 71 CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62664. E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices share volume for the 24 months of Historical Recovery Period 1 by doubling the executed equivalent share volume for the prior 12 months. The Operating Committee determined that such an approach was reasonable as the CAT’s annual executed equivalent share volume has remained relatively constant. For example, the executed equivalent share volume for 2021 was 3,963,697,612,395, the executed equivalent share volume for 2022 was 4,039,821,841,560.31, and the executed equivalent share volume for 2023 was 3,868,940,345,680.6. Accordingly, the projected total executed equivalent share volume for Historical Recovery Period 1 is projected to be 7,961,507,681,810.42 executed equivalent shares.72 The projected total executed equivalent share volume of all transactions in Eligible Securities for Historical Recovery Period 1 and a description of the calculation of the projection is provided in this filing in accordance with the requirement in the CAT NMS Plan to provide such information in a fee filing for a Historical CAT Assessment.73 previously have paid all Past CAT Costs. The CAT NMS Plan explains that: Because Participants previously have paid Past CAT Costs via loans to the Company, Participants would not be required to pay any Historical CAT Assessment. In lieu of a Historical CAT Assessment, the Participants’ one-third share of Historical CAT Costs and such other additional Past CAT Costs as reasonably determined by the Operating Committee will be paid by the cancellation of loans made to the Company on a pro rata basis based on the outstanding loan amounts due under the loans.76 The CAT NMS Plan further states that ‘‘Historical CAT Assessments are designed to recover two-thirds of the Historical CAT Costs.’’ 77 (4) Monthly Fees lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 CEBBs and CEBSs would be required to pay fees for Historical CAT Assessment 1 on a monthly basis for the period in which Historical CAT Assessment 1 is in effect.78 A CEBB or CEBS’s fee for each month would be calculated based on the transactions in Eligible Securities executed by the CEBB or CEBS from the prior month.79 Proposed paragraph (a)(1)(A) of the fee schedule would state that each CAT Executing Broker would receive its first (E) Historical Fee Rate 1 invoice in November 2024, and ‘‘would Historical Fee Rate 1 would be receive an invoice each month thereafter calculated by dividing Historical CAT Costs 1 by the reasonably projected total in which Historical CAT Assessment 1 executed equivalent share volume of all is in effect.’’ Proposed paragraph (a)(1)(B) of the fee schedule would state transactions in Eligible Securities for that ‘‘Consolidated Audited Trail, LLC Historical Recovery Period 1, as 74 described in detail above. Specifically, shall provide each CAT Executing Broker with an invoice for Historical Historical Fee Rate 1 would be CAT Assessment 1 on a monthly basis.’’ calculated by dividing $318,059,819 by In addition, proposed paragraph (b)(1) 7,961,507,681,810.42. As a result, the of the fee schedule states that each Historical Fee Rate 1 would be $0.00003994969693072937 per executed CEBB and CEBS is required to pay its CAT fees ‘‘each month.’’ equivalent share. Historical Fee Rate 1 is provided in this filing in accordance (5) Actual Recovery Period for Historical with the requirement in the CAT NMS CAT Assessment 1 Plan to provide the Historical Fee Rate The CAT NMS Plan states that, in a fee filing for a Historical CAT ‘‘[n]otwithstanding the length of the Assessment.75 Historical Recovery Period used in calculating the Historical Fee Rate, each (3) Past CAT Costs and Participants Historical CAT Assessment calculated Participants would not be required to using the Historical Fee Rate will pay any fees associated with Historical remain in effect until all Historical CAT CAT Assessment 1 as the Participants Costs for the Historical CAT Assessment 72 This projection was calculated by multiplying 3,980,753,840,905.21 executed equivalent shares by two. 73 Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(D) of the CAT NMS Plan. 74 In approving the CAT Funding Model, the Commission stated that ‘‘[t]he calculation of the Historical Fee Rate by dividing the Historical CAT Costs by the projected total executed equivalent share volume of all transactions in Eligible Securities for the Historical Recovery Period is reasonable.’’ CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62664. 75 Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(A) of the CAT NMS Plan. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 76 Section 11.3(b)(ii) of the CAT NMS Plan. In approving the CAT Funding Model, the Commission stated that ‘‘[t]he proposed allocation of the Historical CAT Assessment solely to CEBSs and CEBBs, and ultimately Industry Members, is reasonable. The Historical CAT Assessment will still be divided into thirds,’’ as the Participants’ one-third share of Historical CAT Costs will be paid by the cancellation of loans made to the Company. CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62666. 78 See Section 11.3(b)(iii)(A) of the CAT NMS Plan. 79 See proposed paragraph (a)(1)(B) of the fee schedule. 77 Id. PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 75869 are collected.’’ 80 Accordingly, Historical CAT Assessment 1 will remain in effect until all Historical CAT Costs 1 have been collected. The actual recovery period for Historical CAT Assessment 1 may be shorter or longer than Historical Recovery Period 1 depending on the actual executed equivalent share volumes during the time that Historical CAT Assessment 1 is in effect.81 (6) Consolidated Audit Trail Funding Fees To implement Historical CAT Assessment 1, a new section would be added to the Exchange’s fee schedule for ‘‘Consolidated Audit Trail Funding Fees’’, and it would include the proposed paragraphs described below. (A) Fee Schedule for Historical CAT Assessment 1 The CAT NMS Plan states that: Each month in which a Historical CAT Assessment is in effect, each CEBB and each CEBS shall pay a fee for each transaction in Eligible Securities executed by the CEBB or CEBS from the prior month as set forth in CAT Data, where the Historical CAT Assessment for each transaction will be calculated by multiplying the number of executed equivalent shares in the transaction by one-third and by the Historical Fee Rate reasonably determined pursuant to paragraph (b)(i) of this Section 11.3.82 Accordingly, based on the factors discussed above, the Exchange proposes to add paragraph (a)(1) to the Consolidated Audit Trail Funding Fees section of its fee schedule. Proposed paragraph (a)(1) would state the following: (A) Each CAT Executing Broker shall receive its first invoice for Historical CAT Assessment 1 in November 2024, which shall set forth the Historical CAT Assessment 1 fees calculated based on transactions in October 2024, and shall receive an invoice for Historical CAT Assessment 1 for each month thereafter in which Historical CAT Assessment 1 is in effect. (B) Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC shall provide each CAT Executing Broker with an invoice for Historical CAT Assessment 1 on a monthly basis. Each month, such invoices shall set forth a fee for each transaction in Eligible Securities executed by the CAT Executing Broker in its capacity as a CAT Executing Broker for the Buyer (‘‘CEBB’’) and/or the CAT Executing Broker for the Seller (‘‘CEBS’’) (as applicable) from the prior 80 Section 11.3(b)(i)(D)(II) of the CAT NMS Plan. approving the CAT Funding Model, the Commission stated that, ‘‘[i]n the Commission’s view, it is reasonable for Industry Members to be charged a Historical CAT Assessment until all Historical CAT Costs for the Historical CAT Assessment are collected.’’ CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62665. 82 Section 11.3(b)(iii)(A) of the CAT NMS Plan. 81 In E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 75870 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 month as set forth in CAT Data. The fee for each such transaction will be calculated by multiplying the number of executed equivalent shares in the transaction by the fee rate of $0.000013 per executed equivalent share. (C) Historical CAT Assessment 1 will remain in effect until $212,039,879.34 (twothirds of Historical CAT Costs 1) are collected from CAT Executing Brokers collectively, which is estimated to be approximately two years, but could be for a longer or shorter period of time. Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC will provide notice when Historical CAT Assessment 1 will no longer be in effect. (D) Each CAT Executing Broker shall be required to pay each invoice for Historical CAT Assessment 1 in accordance with paragraph (b). As noted in the Plan amendment for the CAT Funding Model, ‘‘as a practical matter, the fee filing for a Historical CAT Assessment would provide the exact fee per executed equivalent share to be paid for each Historical CAT Assessment, by multiplying the Historical Fee Rate by one-third and describing the relevant number of decimal places for the fee rate.83 Accordingly, proposed paragraph (a)(1)(B) of the fee schedule would set forth a fee rate of $0.000013 per executed equivalent share. This fee rate is calculated by multiplying Historical Fee Rate 1 of $0.00003994969693072937 by one-third, and rounding the result to 6 decimal places.84 The Operating Committee determined to use six decimal places to balance the accuracy of the calculation with the potential systems and other impracticalities of using additional decimal places in the calculation. The proposed language in paragraph (a)(1)(A) of the fee schedule would describe when CAT Executing Brokers would receive their first monthly invoice for Historical CAT Assessment 1. Specifically, CAT Executing Brokers would receive their first monthly invoice for Historical CAT Assessment 1 in November 2024 and the fees set forth in that invoice would be calculated based on transactions executed in the prior month, that is, transactions executed in October 2024. The payment for the first invoice would be required within 30 days after the receipt of the first invoice (unless a longer period is indicated), as described in paragraph (b)(2) of the fee schedule. Proposed paragraph (a)(1)(A) of the fee schedule also would describe the 83 CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62658, n.658. 84 Dividing $0.00003994969693072937 by three equals $0.00001331656564357646. Rounding $0.00001331656564357646 to six decimal places equals $0.000013. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 monthly cadence of the invoices for Historical CAT Assessment 1. Specifically, after the first invoices are provided to CAT Executing Brokers in November 2024, invoices will be sent to CAT Executing Brokers each month thereafter while Historical CAT Assessment 1 is in effect. Proposed paragraph (a)(1)(B) of the fee schedule would describe the invoices for Historical CAT Assessment 1. Proposed paragraph (a)(1)(B) of the fee schedule would state that ‘‘Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC shall provide each CAT Executing Broker with an invoice for Historical CAT Assessment 1 on a monthly basis.’’ Proposed paragraph (a)(1)(B) of the fee schedule also would describe the fees to be set forth in the invoices for Historical CAT Assessment 1. Specifically, it would state that ‘‘[e]ach month, such invoices shall set forth a fee for each transaction in Eligible Securities executed by the CAT Executing Broker in its capacity as a CAT Executing Broker for the Buyer (‘‘CEBB’’) and/or the CAT Executing Broker for the Seller (‘‘CEBS’’) (as applicable) from the prior month as set forth in CAT Data. The fee for each such transaction will be calculated by multiplying the number of executed equivalent shares in the transaction by the fee rate of $0.000013 per executed equivalent share.’’ Furthermore, proposed paragraph (a)(1)(C) of the fee schedule would describe how long Historical CAT Assessment 1 would remain in effect. It would state that ‘‘Historical CAT Assessment 1 will remain in effect until $212,039,879.34 (two-thirds of Historical CAT Costs 1) are collected from CAT Executing Brokers collectively, which is estimated to be approximately two years, but could be for a longer or shorter period of time.’’ This proposed paragraph would further state that ‘‘Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC will provide notice when Historical CAT Assessment 1 will no longer be in effect.’’ Historical CAT Assessment 1 will be assessed for all transactions executed in each month through the end of the month in which two-thirds of Historical CAT Costs 1 are assessed, and then CAT LLC will provide notice that Historical CAT Assessment 1 is no longer in effect. Since Historical CAT Assessment 1 is a monthly fee based on transaction volume from the prior month, Historical CAT Assessment 1 may collect more than two-thirds of Historical CAT Costs 1. To the extent that occurs, any excess money collected during the final month in which Historical CAT Assessment 1 is in effect will be used to offset future PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 fees and/or to fund the reserve for the CAT. Finally, proposed paragraph (a)(1)(D) of the fee schedule sets forth the requirement for the CAT Executing Brokers to pay the invoices for Historical CAT Assessment 1. It would state that ‘‘[e]ach CAT Executing Broker shall be required to pay each invoice for Historical CAT Assessment 1 in accordance with paragraph (b).’’ (B) Manner of Payment Paragraph (b)(1) to the ‘‘Consolidated Audit Trail Funding Fees’’ section of its fee schedule describes the manner of payment of Industry Member CAT fees. Paragraph (b)(1) states that ‘‘[e]ach CAT Executing Broker shall pay its CAT fees as required pursuant to paragraph (a) each month to the Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC in the manner prescribed by the Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC.’’ The CAT NMS Plan requires the Operating Committee to establish a system for the collection of CAT fees.85 The Plan Processor has established a billing system for CAT fees.86 Therefore, the Exchange proposes to require CAT Executing Brokers to pay Historical CAT Assessment 1 in accordance with such system. (C) Failure To Pay CAT Fees The CAT NMS Plan further states that: Participants shall require each Industry Member to pay all applicable fees authorized under this Article XI within thirty (30) days after receipt of an invoice or other notice indicating payment is due (unless a longer payment period is otherwise indicated). If an Industry Member fails to pay any such fee when due (as determined in accordance with the preceding sentence), such Industry Member shall pay interest on the outstanding balance from such due date until such fee is paid at a per annum rate equal to the lesser of: (a) the Prime Rate plus 300 basis points; or (b) the maximum rate permitted by applicable law.87 Accordingly, the Exchange previously has added this requirement to the Exchange’s fee schedule. Specifically, paragraph (b)(2) of the fee schedule states: Each CAT Executing Broker shall pay the CAT fees required pursuant to paragraph (a) within thirty days after receipt of an invoice 85 Section 11.4 of the CAT NMS Plan. billing process and system are described in CAT Alert 2023–02 as well as the CAT FAQs related to the billing of CAT fees, the Industry Member CAT Reporter Portal User Guide, the FCAT Industry Member Onboarding Guide, the FCAT Connectivity Supplement for Industry Members and the CAT Billing Webinars (dated Sept. 28, 2023, and Nov. 7, 2023), each available on the CAT website. 87 Section 11.4 of the CAT NMS Plan. 86 The E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices or other notice indicating payment is due (unless a longer payment period is otherwise indicated). If a CAT Executing Broker fails to pay any such CAT fee when due, such CAT Executing Broker shall pay interest on the outstanding balance from such due date until such fee is paid at a per annum rate equal to the lesser of (i) the Prime Rate plus 300 basis points, or (ii) the maximum rate permitted by applicable law. The requirements of paragraph (b)(2) would apply to Historical CAT Assessment 1. (7) Historical CAT Assessment Details The CAT NMS Plan states that: Details regarding the calculation of a CAT Executing Broker’s Historical CAT Assessment will be provided upon request to such CAT Executing Broker. At a minimum, such details would include each CAT Executing Broker’s executed equivalent share volume and corresponding fee by (1) Listed Options, NMS Stocks and OTC Equity Securities, (2) by transactions executed on each exchange and transactions executed otherwise than on an exchange, and (3) by buy-side transactions and sell-side transactions.88 Such information would provide CEBBs and CEBSs with the ability to understand the details regarding the calculation of their Historical CAT Assessment.89 CAT LLC will provide CAT Executing Brokers with these details regarding the calculation of their Historical CAT Assessments on their monthly invoice for the Historical CAT Assessment. In addition, CAT LLC will make certain aggregate statistics regarding Historical CAT Assessments publicly available. Specifically, the CAT NMS Plan states that, ‘‘[f]or each Historical CAT Assessment, at a minimum, CAT LLC will make publicly available the aggregate executed equivalent share volume and corresponding aggregate fee by (1) Listed Options, NMS Stocks and OTC Equity Securities, (2) by transactions executed on each exchange and transactions executed otherwise on an exchange, and (3) by buy-side transactions and sell-side transactions.’’ 90 Such aggregate 88 Section 11.3(a)(iv)(A) of the CAT NMS Plan. approving the CAT Funding Model, the Commission stated that, ‘‘[i]n the Commission’s view, providing CAT Execut[ing] Brokers information regarding the calculation of their CAT Fees will aid in transparency and permit CAT Execut[ing] Brokers to confirm the accuracy of their invoices for CAT Fees.’’ CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62667. 90 Section 11.3(a)(iv)(B) of the CAT NMS Plan. In approving the CAT Funding Model, the Commission stated that ‘‘[t]he publication of the aggregate executed equivalent share volume and aggregate fee is appropriate because it would allow Participants and CAT Executing Brokers a highlevel validation of executed volume and fees.’’ CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62667. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 89 In VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 statistics will be available on the CAT website. Furthermore, CAT LLC will make publicly available on the CAT website the total amount invoiced each month that Historical CAT Assessment 1 is in effect as well as the total amount invoiced for Historical CAT Assessment 1 for all months since its commencement. CAT LLC also will make publicly available on the CAT website the total costs to be collected from Industry Members for Historical CAT Assessment 1. By reviewing statistics regarding how much has been invoiced and how much remains to be invoiced for Historical CAT Assessment 1, Industry Members would have sufficient information to reasonably track how much longer Historical CAT Assessment 1 is likely to be in place. (8) Implementation Assistance To assist Industry Members with compliance with the commencement of Historical CAT Assessment 1, CAT LLC has been making available to CAT Executing Brokers mock invoices prior to the commencement of Historical CAT Assessment 1. Specifically, CAT Executing Brokers have received mock invoices based on transaction data each month since November 2023. The mock invoices are in the same form as the actual, payable invoices, including both the relevant transaction data and the corresponding fee. However, no payments have been required in response to such mock invoices; they have been used solely to assist CAT Executing Brokers with the development of their processes for paying the CAT fees. Such data has provided CAT Executing Brokers with a preview of the transaction data used in creating the invoices for Historical CAT Assessment 1 fees, as the data will be the same as data provided in actual invoices. Such data preview is intended to facilitate the payment of Historical CAT Assessment 1. (9) Financial Accountability Milestones The CAT NMS Plan states that ‘‘[n]o Participant will make a filing with the SEC pursuant to Section 19(b) of the Exchange Act regarding any Historical CAT Assessment until any applicable Financial Accountability Milestone described in Section 11.6 has been satisfied.’’ 91 The CAT NMS Plan further states that ‘‘in all filings submitted by the Participants to the Commission under Section 19(b) of the Exchange Act, to establish or implement PostAmendment Industry Member Fees 91 Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(III) of the CAT NMS Plan. PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 75871 pursuant to this Article, . . . the Participants shall clearly indicate whether such fees are related to PostAmendment Expenses incurred during Period 1, Period 2, Period 3, or Period 4.’’ 92 As discussed in detail below, all applicable Financial Accountability Milestones for Historical CAT Assessment 1—that is, Period 1, Period 2 and Period 3 of the Financial Accountability Milestones—have been satisfied. Furthermore, as discussed below, this filing clearly indicates that Historical CAT Assessment 1 relates to Post-Amendment Expenses incurred during Periods 1, 2 and 3 of the Financial Accountability Milestones. (A) Period 1 of the Financial Accountability Milestones In accordance with Section 11.6(b) of the CAT NMS Plan, Historical CAT Assessment 1 seeks to recover costs that are related to ‘‘all fees, costs, and expenses (including legal and consulting fees, costs, and expenses) incurred by or for the Company in connection with the development, implementation and operation of the CAT from the effective date of [Section 11.6 of the CAT NMS Plan] until such time as Full Implementation of CAT NMS Plan Requirements has been achieved’’ 93 (‘‘Post-Amendment Expenses’’) incurred during FAM Period 1. FAM Period 1 began on June 22, 2020, the effective date of Section 11.6 of the CAT NMS Plan, and concluded on July 31, 2020, the date of Initial Industry Member Core Equity and Options Reporting. Section 1.1 of the CAT NMS Plan defines ‘‘Initial Industry Member Core Equity and Options Reporting’’ as: The reporting by Industry Members (excluding Small Industry Members that are not OATS reporters) of both: (a) equities transaction data, excluding Customer Account Information, Customer-ID, and Customer Identifying Information; and (b) options transaction data, excluding Customer Account Information, Customer-ID and Customer Identifying Information. Under Section 1.1 of the CAT NMS Plan, this Financial Accountability Milestone is considered complete as of the date identified in the Participants’ Quarterly Progress Reports.94 As indicated by the Participants’ Quarterly Progress Report for the third quarter of 92 Section 11.6(b) of the CAT NMS Plan. 11.6 of the CAT NMS Plan. 94 The Quarterly Progress Reports are available at https://www.catnmsplan.com/implementationplan. 93 Section E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 75872 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 2020,95 Initial Industry Member Core Equity and Option Reporting was completed on schedule on July 22, 2020, which is prior to the July 31, 2020 deadline. Under the FAM Period 1 requirement of Initial Industry Member Core Equity and Options Reporting, Industry Members—excluding Small Industry Members that are not OATS reporters— were required to report two categories of data to the CAT: equites transaction data and options transaction data (both excluding Customer Account Information, Customer-ID, and Customer Identifying Information) by July 31, 2020. Pursuant to exemptive relief provided by the Commission, the Commission authorized the Participants’ Compliance Rules to allow core equity reporting for Industry Members (Phase 2a) to begin on June 22, 2020 and core options reporting for Industry Members (Phase 2b) to begin on July 20, 2020.96 In adopting the FAMs, the Commission stated that the equities transaction reporting required for FAM Period 1 ‘‘is consistent with the functionality that the Participants describe on the CAT NMS Plan website as ‘Production Go-Live for Equities 2a file submission and data integrity validations.’ ’’ 97 The Phase 2a Industry Member Data is described in detail in the SEC’s Phased Reporting Exemptive Relief Order, and includes the following data related to Eligible Securities that are equities: • All events and scenarios covered by OATS, which includes information related to the receipt or origination of orders, order transmittal, and order modifications, cancellations and executions; • Reportable Events for: (1) proprietary orders, including market maker orders, for Eligible Securities that 95 See Q3 2020 Quarterly Progress Report (Oct. 30, 2020) and Updated Q3 2020 Quarterly Progress Report (Jan. 29, 2021). 96 See Phased Reporting Exemptive Relief Order. Under the CAT NMS Plan as adopted, the Participants were required, through their Compliance Rules, to require their Large Industry Members to commence reporting Industry Member Data to the Central Repository by November 15, 2018, and to require their Small Industry Members to commence reporting Industry Member Data to the Central Repository by November 15, 2019. Sections 6.7(a)(v) and (vi) of the CAT NMS Plan. The SEC granted exemptive relief from these provisions of the CAT NMS Plan to allow for the phased implementation of Industry Member reporting via five phases addressing the reporting requirements for Phase 2a Industry Member Data, Phase 2b Industry Member Data, Phase 2c Industry Member Data, Phase 2d Industry Member Data and Phase 2e Industry Member Data. 97 Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 88890 (May 15, 2020), 85 FR 31322, 31330 n.97 (May 22, 2020) (‘‘FAM Adopting Release’’). VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 are equities; (2) electronic quotes in listed equity Eligible Securities (i.e., NMS stocks) sent to a national securities exchange or FINRA’s Alternative Display Facility (‘‘ADF’’); (3) electronic quotes in unlisted Eligible Securities (i.e., OTC Equity Securities) received by an Industry Member operating an interdealer quotation system (‘‘IDQS’’); and (4) electronic quotes in unlisted Eligible Securities sent to an IDQS or other quotation system not operated by a Participant or Industry Member; • Firm Designated IDs (‘‘FDIDs’’), which Industry Members must report to the CAT as required by Sections 6.3(d)(i)(A) and 6.4(d)(ii)(C) of the CAT NMS Plan; • Industry Members would be required to report all street side representative orders, including both agency and proprietary orders and mark such orders as representative orders, except in certain limited exceptions as described in the Industry Member Technical Specifications; • The link between the street side representative order and the order being represented when: (1) the representative order was originated specifically to represent a single order received either from a customer or another brokerdealer; and (2) there is (a) an existing direct electronic link in the Industry Member’s system between the order being represented and the representative order and (b) any resulting executions are immediately and automatically applied to the represented order in the Industry Member’s system; • Manual and Electronic Capture Time for Manual Order Events; • Special handling instructions for the original receipt or origination of an order during Phase 2a; and • When routing an order, whether the order was routed as an intermarket sweep order (‘‘ISO’’). In Phase 2a, Industry Members were not required to report modifications of a previously routed order in certain limited instances, nor were they required to report a cancellation of an order received from a Customer after the order has been executed.98 The Quarterly Progress Report for the third quarter of 2020 states that ‘‘Interim Step: Production Go-Live for Equities 2a file submission and data integrity validation (Large Industry Members and Small OATS Reporters)’’ was completed on June 22, 2020. Accordingly, the FAM Period 1 requirement of reporting by Industry Members (excluding Small Industry Members that are not OATS reporters) of ‘‘equities transaction data, excluding Customer Account Information, Customer-ID, and Customer Identifying Information’’ was completed on June 22, 2020. In adopting the FAMs, the Commission stated that the options transaction reporting required for FAM Period 1 is ‘‘consistent with the functionality that the Participants describe on the CAT NMS Plan website as ‘Production Go-Live for Options 2b file submission and data integrity validations.’ ’’ 99 The Phase 2b Industry Member Data is described in detail in the SEC’s Phased Reporting Exemptive Relief Order, and includes the Industry Member Data related to Eligible Securities that are options and related to simple electronic option orders, excluding electronic paired option orders. A simple electronic option order is an order to buy or sell a single option that is not related to or dependent on any other transaction for pricing and timing of execution that is either received or routed electronically by an Industry Member. Electronic receipt of an order is defined as the initial receipt of an order by an Industry Member in electronic form in standard format directly into an order handling or execution system. Electronic routing of an order is the routing of an order via electronic medium in standard format from one Industry Member’s order handling or execution system to an exchange or another Industry Member. An electronic paired option order is an electronic option order that contains both the buy and sell side that is routed to another Industry Member or exchange for crossing and/or price improvement as a single transaction on an exchange. Responses to auctions of simple orders and paired simple orders would be reportable in Phase 2b. Furthermore, combined orders in options would be treated in Phase 2b in the same way as equity representative orders are treated in Phase 2a. A combined order would mean, as permitted by SRO rules, a single, simple order in Listed Options created by combining individual, simple orders in Listed Options from a customer with the same exchange origin code before routing to an exchange. During Phase 2b, the single combined order sent to an exchange must be reported and marked as a combined order, but the linkage to the underlying orders is not required to be reported until Phase 2d.100 The Quarterly Progress Report for the third quarter of 2020 states that ‘‘Interim Step: Production Go-Live for Options 2b 99 FAM 98 Phased Reporting Exemptive Relief Order at 23076–78. PO 00000 Frm 00026 Adopting Release at 31330, n.98. Reporting Exemptive Relief Order at 100 Phased 23078. Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices file submission and data integrity validations’’ was completed on July 20, 2020. Accordingly, the FAM Period 1 requirement of reporting by Industry Members (excluding Small Industry Members that are not OATS reporters) of ‘‘options transaction data, excluding Customer Account Information, Customer-ID and Customer Identifying Information’’ was completed on July 20, 2020. As discussed above, the Historical CAT Costs 1 to be recovered via Historical CAT Assessment 1 would include fees, costs and expenses incurred by or for the Company in connection with the development, implementation and operation of the CAT during the period from June 22, 2020 through July 31, 2020. The total costs for this period, as discussed above, are $6,377,343. Participants would remain responsible for one-third of this cost (which they have previously paid), and Industry Members would be responsible for the remaining twothirds, with CEBBs paying one-third ($2,125,781) and CEBSs paying onethird ($2,125,781). lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 (B) Period 2 of the Financial Accountability Milestones Historical CAT Assessment 1 seeks to recover costs that are related to PostAmendment Expenses incurred during FAM Period 2. FAM Period 2 began on August 1, 2020, and concluded on December 31, 2020, the date of the Full Implementation of Core Equity Reporting. Section 1.1 of the CAT NMS Plan defines ‘‘Full Implementation of Core Equity Reporting’’ as: the point at which: (a) Industry Member reporting (excluding reporting by Small Industry Members that are not OATS reporters) for equities transactions, excluding Customer Account Information, Customer-ID, and Customer Identifying Information, is developed, tested, and implemented at a 5% Error Rate or less and with sufficient intrafirm linkage, inter-firm linkage, national securities exchange linkage, and trade reporting facilities linkage to permit the Participants and the Commission to analyze the full lifecycle of an order across the national market system, excluding linkage of representative orders, from order origination through order execution or order cancellation; and (b) the query tool functionality required by Section 6.10(c)(i)(A) and Appendix D, Sections 8.1.1– 8.1.3 and Section 8.2.1 incorporates the Industry Member equities transaction data described in condition (a) and is available to the Participants and to the Commission. This Financial Accountability Milestone shall be considered complete as of the date identified in a Quarterly Progress Report meeting the requirements of Section 6.6(c). Under Section 1.1 of the CAT NMS Plan, this Financial Accountability VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 Milestone is considered complete as of the date identified in the Participants’ Quarterly Progress Reports. As indicated by the Participants’ Quarterly Progress Report for the fourth quarter of 2020,101 Full Implementation of Core Equity Reporting was completed on schedule by December 31, 2020. Specifically, the Full Implementation of Core Equity Reporting requires the satisfaction of two prongs. The first prong requires Participants to have fully implemented the first phase of equities transaction reporting for Industry Members (excluding Small Industry Members that are not OATS reporters) at an Error Rate of less than 5%. In addition, equities transaction data produced by the CAT at this stage must also be sufficiently interlinked so as to permit full analysis of an order’s lifecycle across the national market, excluding full linkage of representative orders. As CAT LLC reported on its Quarterly Progress Reports, Phase 2a was fully implemented as of October 26, 2020, including intra-firm, inter-firm, national securities exchange, and trade reporting facilities linkages.102 In addition to the reporting of Phase 2a Industry Member Data as described above with regard to FAM Period 1, the following linkage data was added to the CAT as described in the Quarterly Progress Reports for the third and fourth quarter of 2020: • ‘‘Production Go-Live for Equities 2a Intrafirm Linkage validations’’ was completed on 7/27/2020; 103 • ‘‘Production Go-Live for Firm to Firm Linkage validations for Equities 2a (Large Industry Members and Small OATS Reporters)’’ was completed on October 26, 2020; and • ‘‘Production Go-Live for Equities 2a Exchange and TRF Linkage validations (Large Industry Members and Small OATS Reporters)’’ was completed on October 26, 2020. Furthermore, as CAT LLC reported on its Quarterly Progress Report for the fourth quarter of 2020, the average overall error rate for Phase 2a Industry Member Data was less than 5% as of December 31, 2020. The average overall error rate was calculated by dividing the compliance errors by processed records. The second prong of this FAM requires that the equities transaction data collected by the CAT at this stage be made available to regulators through two basic query tools required by the 101 Q4 2020 Quarterly Progress Report (Jan. 29, 2021). 102 For a description of the requirements of Phases 2a, see Phased Reporting Exemptive Relief Order. 103 Q3 2020 Quarterly Progress Report (Oct. 20, 2021). PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 75873 CAT NMS Plan—a targeted query tool that will enable regulators to retrieve data via an online query screen with a variety of predefined selection criteria, and a user-defined direct query tool that will provide regulators with the ability to query data using all available attributes and data sources.104 As CAT LLC reported on its Quarterly Progress Reports, the query tool functionality incorporating the data from Phase 2a was available to the Participants and the Commission as of December 31, 2020.105 The Commission has determined that the Participants have sufficiently complied with the conditions set forth in the 2020 Orders and with the technical requirements for Quarterly Progress Reports set forth in Section 6.6(c) of the CAT NMS Plan for purposes of determining compliance with this FAM.106 As discussed above, Historical CAT Costs 1 to be recovered via Historical CAT Assessment 1 would include fees, costs and expenses incurred by or for the Company in connection with the development, implementation and operation of the CAT during the period from August 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. The total costs for this period, as discussed above, are $42,976,478. Participants would remain responsible for one-third of this cost (which they have previously paid), and Industry Members would be responsible for the remain [sic] two-thirds, with CEBBs paying one-third ($14,325,492.70) and CEBSs paying one-third ($14,325,492.70). (C) Period 3 of the Financial Accountability Milestones Historical CAT Assessment 1 seeks to recover costs that are related to PostAmendment Expenses incurred during FAM Period 3. FAM Period 3 began on January 1, 2021, and concluded on December 31, 2021, the date of the Full Availability and Regulatory Utilization of Transactional Database Functionality. Section 1.1 of the CAT NMS Plan 104 Section 6.10(c)(i)(A) of the CAT NMS Plan requires the Plan Processor to ‘‘provide Participants and the SEC with access to all CAT Data stored in the Central Repository’’ via an ‘‘online targeted query tool.’’ Appendix D, Sections 8.1.1–8.1.3 of the CAT NMS Plan describes the required functionality associated with this regulatory tool. Appendix D, Section 8.2.1 describes the required functionality associated with a user-defined direct query tool that will ‘‘deliver large sets of data that can then be used in internal surveillance or market analysis applications.’’ 105 See Q3 2020 Quarterly Progress Report (Oct. 30, 2020); Updated Q3 2020 Quarterly Progress Report (Jan. 29, 2021); and Q4 2020 Quarterly Progress Report (Jan. 29, 2021). 106 Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 98848 (Nov. 2, 2023), 88 FR 77128, 77129 n.13 (Nov. 8, 2023) (‘‘Settlement Exemptive Order’’). E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 75874 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices defines ‘‘Full Availability and Regulatory Utilization of Transactional Database Functionality’’ as: lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 the point at which: (a) reporting to the Order Audit Trail System (‘‘OATS’’) is no longer required for new orders; (b) Industry Member reporting for equities transactions and simple electronic options transactions, excluding Customer Account Information, Customer-ID, and Customer Identifying Information, with sufficient intra-firm linkage, inter-firm linkage, national securities exchange linkage, trade reporting facilities linkage, and representative order linkages (including any equities allocation information provided in an Allocation Report) to permit the Participants and the Commission to analyze the full lifecycle of an order across the national market system, from order origination through order execution or order cancellation, is developed, tested, and implemented at a 5% Error Rate or less; (c) Industry Member reporting for manual options transactions and complex options transactions, excluding Customer Account Information, Customer-ID, and Customer Identifying Information, with all required linkages to permit the Participants and the Commission to analyze the full lifecycle of an order across the national market system, from order origination through order execution or order cancellation, including any options allocation information provided in an Allocation Report, is developed, tested, and fully implemented; (d) the query tool functionality required by Section 6.10(c)(i)(A) and Appendix D, Sections 8.1.1– 8.1.3, Section 8.2.1, and Section 8.5 incorporates the data described in conditions (b)–(c) and is available to the Participants and to the Commission; and (e) the requirements of Section 6.10(a) are met. This Financial Accountability Milestone shall be considered complete as of the date identified in a Quarterly Progress Report meeting the requirements of Section 6.6(c). Under Section 1.1 of the CAT NMS Plan, this Financial Accountability Milestone is considered complete as of the date identified in the Participants’ Quarterly Progress Reports. As indicated by the Participants’ Quarterly Progress Report for the fourth quarter of 2021,107 Full Availability and Regulatory Utilization of Transactional Database Functionality was completed on schedule by December 31, 2021. Specifically, the ‘‘Full Availability and Regulatory Utilization of Transactional Database Functionality’’ requires the satisfaction of five prongs. The first prong requires that reporting to the Order Audit Trail System (‘‘OATS’’) is no longer required for new orders. As CAT LLC reported on its Quarterly Progress Report for the fourth quarter of 2021,108 FINRA retired OATS effective 107 Q4 2021 Quarterly Progress Report (Jan. 17, 2022). 108 Id. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 September 1, 2021.109 Accordingly, after the retirement of OATS, reporting to OATS was no longer required. In addition to Phase 2a and Phase 2b Industry Member Data, the second and third prongs of ‘‘Full Availability and Regulatory Utilization of Transactional Database Functionality’’ require Industry Member reporting of Phase 2c Industry Member Data and Phase 2d Industry Member Data. The Phase 2c Industry Member Data is described in detail in the SEC’s Phased Reporting Exemptive Relief Order. That Order states that ‘‘Phase 2c Industry Member Data’’ is Industry Member Data related to Eligible Securities that are equities other than Phase 2a Industry Member Data, Phase 2d Industry Member Data, or Phase 2e Industry Member Data. Specifically, the Phase 2c Industry Member Data includes Industry Member Data that is related to Eligible Securities that are equities and that is related to: (1) Allocation Reports as required to be recorded and reported to the Central Repository pursuant to Section 6.4(d)(ii)(A)(1) of the CAT NMS Plan; (2) quotes in unlisted Eligible Securities sent to an IDQS operated by a CAT Reporter (reportable by the Industry Member sending the quotes) (except for quotes reportable in Phase 2d, as discussed below); (3) electronic quotes in listed equity Eligible Securities (i.e., NMS stocks) that are not sent to a national securities exchange or FINRA’s Alternative Display Facility; (4) reporting changes to client instructions regarding modifications to algorithms; (5) marking as a representative order any order originated to work a customer order in price guarantee scenarios, such as a guaranteed VWAP; (6) flagging rejected external routes to indicate a route was not accepted by the receiving destination; (7) linkage of duplicate electronic messages related to a Manual Order Event between the electronic event and the original manual route; (8) special handling instructions on order route reports (other than the ISO, which is required to be reported in Phase 2a); (9) quote identifier on trade events; (10) reporting of LTIDs (if applicable) for accounts with Reportable Events that are reportable to CAT as of and including Phase 2c; (11) reporting of date account opened or Account Effective Date (as applicable) for accounts and reporting of a flag indicating the Firm Designated ID type as account or relationship; (12) order effective time for orders that are received by an Industry Member and do not become effective until a later time; 109 Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 92239 (June 23, 2021), 86 FR 34293 (June 29, 2021). PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 (13) the modification or cancellation of an internal route of an order; and (14) linkages to the customer orders(s) being represented for representative order scenarios, including agency average price trades, net trades, aggregated orders, and disconnected Order Management System (‘‘OMS’’)— Execution Management System (‘‘EMS’’) scenarios, as required in the Industry Member Technical Specifications.110 Phase 2c Industry Member Data also includes electronic quotes that are provided by or received in a CAT Reporter’s order/quote handling or execution systems in Eligible Securities that are equities and are provided by an Industry Member to other market participants off a national securities exchange under the following conditions: (1) an equity bid or offer is displayed publicly or has been communicated (a) for listed securities to the ADF operated by FINRA; or (b) for unlisted equity securities to an ‘‘interdealer quotation system,’’ as defined in FINRA Rule 6420(c); or (2) an equity bid or offer which is accessible electronically by customers or other market participants and is immediately actionable for execution or routing; i.e., no further manual or electronic action is required by the responder providing the quote in order to execute or cause a trade to be executed). With respect to OTC Equity Securities, OTC Equity Securities quotes sent by an Industry Member to an IDQS operated by an Industry Member CAT Reporter (other than such an IDQS that does not match and execute orders) are reportable by the Industry Member sending them in Phase 2c. Accordingly, any response to a request for quote or other form of solicitation response provided in a standard electronic format (e.g., FIX) that meets this quote definition (i.e., an equity bid or offer which is accessible electronically by customers or other market participants and is immediately actionable for execution or routing) would be reportable in Phase 2c.111 The Phase 2d Industry Member Data is described in detail in the SEC’s Phased Reporting Exemptive Relief Order. ‘‘Phase 2d Industry Member Data’’ is Industry Member Data that is related to Eligible Securities that are options other than Phase 2b Industry Member Data, Industry Member Data that is related to Eligible Securities that are equities other than Phase 2a Industry Member Data or Phase 2c Industry Member Data, and Industry Member Data other than Phase 2e 110 Phase Reporting Exemptive Relief Order at 23078–79. 111 Id. at 23079. E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices Industry Member Data. Phase 2d Industry Member Data includes with respect to the Eligible Securities that are options: (1) simple manual orders; (2) electronic and manual paired orders; (3) all complex orders with linkages to all CAT-reportable legs; (4) LTIDs (if applicable) for accounts with Reportable Events for Phase 2d; (5) date account opened or Account Effective Date (as applicable) for accounts with an LTID and flag indicating the Firm Designated ID type as account or relationship for such accounts; (6) Allocation Reports as required to be recorded and reported to the Central Repository pursuant to Section 6.4(d)(ii)(A)(1) of the CAT NMS Plan; (7) the modification or cancellation of an internal route of an order; and (8) linkage between a combined order and the original customer orders. Phase 2d Industry Member Data also would include electronic quotes that are provided by or received in a CAT Reporter’s order/ quote handling or execution systems in Eligible Securities that are options and are provided by an Industry Member to other market participants off a national securities exchange under the following conditions: a listed option bid or offer which is accessible electronically by customers or other market participants and is immediately actionable (i.e., no further action is required by the responder providing the quote in order to execute or cause a trade to be executed). Accordingly, any response to a request for quote or other form of solicitation response provided in standard electronic format (e.g., FIX) that meets this definition is reportable in Phase 2d for options.112 Phase 2d Industry Member Data also includes with respect to Eligible Securities that are options or equities (1) receipt time of cancellation and modification instructions through Order Cancel Request and Order Modification Request events; (2) modifications of previously routed orders in certain instances; and (3) OTC Equity Securities quotes sent by an Industry Member to an IDQS operated by an Industry Member CAT Reporter that does not match and execute orders. In addition, subject to any exemptive or other relief, Phase 2d Industry Member Data will include verbal or manual quotes on an exchange floor or in the over-thecounter market, where verbal quotes and manual quotes are defined as bids or offers in Eligible Securities provided verbally or that are provided or received other than via a CAT Reporter’s order handling and execution system (e.g., 112 Id. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 quotations provided via email or instant messaging).113 The Quarterly Progress Report for the fourth quarter of 2021 states that ‘‘Phase 2a was fully implemented as of October 26, 2020;’’ ‘‘Phase 2b was fully implemented as of January 4, 2021;’’ ‘‘Phase 2c was implemented as of April 26, 2021;’’ and ‘‘Phase 2d was fully implemented as of December 13, 2021.’’ 114 The Quarterly Progress Reports for 2021 provide additional detail regarding the implementation of these steps including the following: • ‘‘Production Go-Live for Equities 2c reporting requirements (Large Industry Members)’’ was completed on April 26, 2021; • ‘‘LTID Account Information Reporting Go-Live for Phases 2a, 2b and 2c (Large Industry Members)’’ was completed on April 26, 2021; • ‘‘FCAT Plan Processor creates linkages of the lifecycle of order events based on the received data through Phase 2d Production Go-Live for Options 2d reporting requirements (Large Industry Members)’’ was completed on December 13, 2021; • ‘‘Production Go-Live for Options 2d reporting requirements (Large Industry Members)’’ was completed on December 13, 2021; • ‘‘Production Go-Live for Options 2b reporting requirements (Small OATS Reporters and Small Non-OATS Reporters)’’ was completed on December 13, 2021; • ‘‘Production Go-Live for Equities 2c reporting requirements (Small OATS Reporters and Small Non-OATS Reporters)’’ was completed on December 13, 2021; • ‘‘Production Go-Live for Options 2d reporting requirements (Small OATS Reporters and Small Non-OATS Reporters)’’ was completed on December 13, 2021; • ‘‘LTID Account Information Reporting Go-Live for Phases 2d (Large Industry Members)’’ was completed on December 13, 2021; and • ‘‘LTID Account Information Reporting Go-Live for Phases 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d (Small Industry Members)’’ was completed on December 13, 2021.115 The third prong of ‘‘Full Availability and Regulatory Utilization of Transactional Database Functionality’’ also imposes an Error Rate requirement of 5% or less. The Quarterly Progress Report for the fourth quarter of 2021 states the average overall error rate was 113 Id. at 23079–80. Q4 2021 Quarterly Progress Report (Jan. 17, 2022). 115 See Q2 2021 Quarterly Progress Report (July 27, 2021); and Q4 2021 Quarterly Progress Report (Jan. 17, 2022). 114 See PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 75875 less than 5% as of December 31, 2021. The average overall error rate was calculated by dividing the compliance errors by processed records. The fourth prong of ‘‘Full Availability and Regulatory Utilization of Transactional Database Functionality’’ requires that the data collected by the CAT at this stage be made available to regulators through an online targeted query tool and a user-defined direct query tool. As CAT LLC reported on its Quarterly Progress Report for the fourth quarter of 2021, the query tool functionality incorporating the data from Phases 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d was available to the Participants and to the Commission as of December 31, 2021.116 The fifth prong requires the requirements of Section 6.10(a) of the CAT NMS Plan to have been met. Section 6.10(a) of the CAT NMS Plan requires the Participants to use the tools described in Appendix D to ‘‘develop and implement a surveillance system, or enhance existing surveillance systems, reasonably designed to make use of the consolidated information contained in the Central Repository.’’ The Exchange implemented a surveillance system, or enhanced existing surveillance systems, reasonably designed to make use of the consolidated information contained in the Central Repository as of December 31, 2021 in accordance with Section 6.10(a) of the CAT NMS Plan.117 The Commission has determined that the Participants have sufficiently complied with the conditions set forth in the 2020 Orders and with the technical requirements for Quarterly Progress Reports set forth in Section 6.6(c) of the CAT NMS Plan for purposes of determining compliance with this FAM.118 As discussed above, Historical CAT Costs 1 to be recovered via Historical CAT Assessment 1 would include fees, costs and expenses incurred by or for the Company in connection with the development, implementation and operation of the CAT during the period from January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021. The total costs for this period, as discussed above, are $144,415,268. Participants would remain responsible for one-third of this cost (which they have previously paid), and Industry Members would be responsible for the remaining two-thirds, with CEBBs paying one-third ($48,138,422.70) and 116 See Q4 2021 Quarterly Progress Report (Jan. 17, 2022). 117 See Q1 2021 Quarterly Progress Report (Apr. 30, 2021); Q2 2021 Quarterly Progress Report (July 27, 2021); Q3 2021 Quarterly Progress Report (Nov. 1, 2021); Q4 2021 Quarterly Progress Report (Jan. 17, 2022). 118 Settlement Exemptive Order at 77129 n.13. E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 75876 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices CEBSs paying one-third ($48,138,422.70). (D) Additional Considerations Related to the Financial Accountability Milestones As discussed above, CAT LLC has satisfied the Financial Accountability Milestones (‘‘FAMs’’) for Periods 1 through 3.119 As discussed below, none of the circumstances related to NIA Electronic RFQ Responses, the 2023 Verbal Quotes Exemption, the November 2023 Order, or Executing Broker reporting, affect the conclusion that the FAMs for Periods 1 through 3 were satisfied in a timely fashion. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 (i) NIA Electronic RFQ Responses CAT LLC does not believe that the exemptive relief relating to the reporting of electronic responses for quotes (‘‘RFQs’’) that are not immediately actionable (‘‘NIA Electronic RFQ Responses’’) affect the conclusion that FAMs 1 through 3 have been satisfied. The only reason CAT LLC pursued this relief is because certain Industry Members introduced concerns that NIA Electronic RFQ Responses could be considered ‘‘orders’’ reportable pursuant to Rule 613(j)(8) and some Industry Members were not prepared to report such orders to CAT. Thus, the relief was requested on behalf of Industry Members. CAT LLC itself has not taken any position on whether NIA Electronic RFQ Responses are ‘‘orders,’’ as the definition of ‘‘order’’ is an SEC rule and the trading processes for NIA Electronic RFQ Responses are the Industry Members’, not those of the Participants or CAT LLC. Accordingly, CAT LLC stated in its letter that ‘‘Industry Members must determine whether trading interest falls within the definition of an ‘order’ for CAT purposes. To the extent an NIA Electronic RFQ Response is not considered an ‘‘order’’ as defined in Rule 613(j)(8) and the CAT NMS Plan, it would not be reportable to CAT.’’ 120 Only ‘‘orders’’ as defined in SEC Rule 613(j)(8) are reportable to CAT. There is no agreement across the industry or among regulators as to whether NIA Electronic RFQ Responses are ‘‘orders’’ 119 In May 2020, the Commission adopted amendments to the CAT NMS Plan that establish four Financial Accountability Milestones and set target deadlines by which these milestones must be achieved. These amendments also reduce the amount of any fees, costs, and expenses that may be recovered from Industry Members if the Participants fail to meet the target deadlines. FAM Adopting Release. 120 See Letter from Brandon Becker, Chair, CAT NMS Plan Operating Committee to Vanessa Countryman, Secretary, Commission (Feb. 13, 2024) at 2. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 reportable to CAT. Certain Industry Members have raised the question as to whether NIA Electronic RFQ Responses are orders, but others have argued that they are not orders under Rule 613(j)(8).121 Indeed, members of the Advisory Committee, which CAT LLC relies upon for guidance with regard to Industry Member issues, have not had a definitive view on whether NIA Electronic RFQ Responses are orders. As Rule 613(j)(8) is an SEC rule, CAT LLC believes that only the SEC can provide a definitive determination as to if, and under what circumstances, an NIA Electronic RFQ Response is considered an ‘‘order’’ reportable to CAT. The issue has persisted for some time. As a result, CAT LLC filed an exemptive request regarding NIA Electronic RFQ Responses for clarity on the interpretive issue. As recently as April 2024, Industry Members have re-raised this issue stating that the SEC agrees that it must provide additional guidance on this interpretive issue to resolve the CAT reporting issue for NIA Electronic RFQ Responses: As further discussed in the prior FIF letters, even if the Commission had the legal authority to require the reporting of NIA RFQ responses to CAT without an amendment to Rule 613, the Commission has not provided guidance to industry members as to the conditions under which NIA RFQ responses would be reportable to CAT. In subsequent discussions with industry members, Commission representatives have agreed that, prior to NIA RFQ responses being reportable to CAT, it would be necessary for the Commission to provide further guidance to industry members as to the conditions under which NIA RFQ responses would be reportable to CAT.122 On May 20, 2024, the Commission granted CAT LLC’s request for exemptive relief from certain CAT reporting requirements pertaining to NIA Electronic RFQ Responses to the extent such responses are considered ‘‘orders’’ reportable pursuant to Rule 613(j)(8).123 The Commission, however, did not provide additional guidance regarding the conditions under which NIA Electronic RFQ Responses would be reportable to CAT. The Commission stated in its exemptive order that ‘‘[t]o the extent that the Participants are availing themselves of exemptive relief from a CAT NMS Plan requirement, such requirement shall not be included in the requirements for the Financial Accountability Milestones, provided that any conditions of the exemption are satisfied.’’ 124 When the Commission proposed the FAMs, the Participants expressed concern that, ‘‘by conditioning the ability of CAT LLC and the Participants to collect Post-Amendment Industry Member Fees on factors dependent on the efforts of Industry Members, the Commission’s proposals inadvertently establish a perverse incentive for Industry Members to devote less than maximum efforts to comply with their obligations related to the CAT as they will pay less fees in such instances.’’ 125 The Participants further warned that ‘‘Industry Members may request or require unanticipated reporting delays to address Industry Member implementation issues or concerns,’’ but that, ‘‘[f]aced with financial penalties for missed deadlines, the Participants may not be able to fully address legitimate industry concerns or accommodate requests for delays with respect to future deadlines.’’ 126 CAT LLC has engaged in good faith to help address NIA Electronic RFQ Responses and other concerns relevant to the ability of Industry Members to meet their CAT reporting obligations. CAT LLC should not be penalized financially for seeking in good faith to resolve a difficult interpretive issue for the benefit of Industry Members. (ii) 2023 Verbal Quotes Exemption CAT LLC does not believe that the Commission’s May 19, 2023 order granting temporary exemptive relief relating to certain verbal floor activity and unstructured verbal and electronic upstairs activity (the ‘‘2023 Verbal Quotes Exemption’’) affects the conclusion that FAMs 1 through 3 have been satisfied. The 2023 Verbal Quotes Exemption, which was issued on May 19, 2023, is not relevant for purposes of FAM Periods 1 through 3, which only cover the period through December 31, 2021. The relevant exemption for this time period is the Commission’s November 12, 2020 order, which granted relief for the same activity through July 31, 2023 (the ‘‘2020 Verbal Quotes Order’’).127 The Commission has stated that, ‘‘to the extent that the Participants are availing themselves of exemptive relief from a CAT NMS Plan requirement, such requirement shall not 124 Id. at n.11. Letter from Michael Simon, CAT NMS Plan Operating Committee Chair, to Vanessa Countryman, Secretary, Commission at 9 (Oct. 28, 2019). 126 Id. at 10. 127 Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 90405, 85 FR 73544 (Nov. 18, 2020) (the ‘‘2020 Verbal Quotes Exemption’’). 125 See 121 See, e.g., Letter from Howard Meyerson, Managing Director, FIF, to Sai Rao, Counsel for Trading and Markets, Office of the Chair (Apr. 25, 2024). 122 Id. 123 Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 100181 (May 20, 2024), 89 FR 45715 (May 23, 2024). PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices be included in the requirements for a Financial Accountability Milestone, provided that the conditions of the exemption are satisfied.’’ 128 Here, the 2020 Verbal Quotes Order was in effect and the conditions of the exemption were satisfied as of December 31, 2021, and therefore may be relied upon for purposes of determining compliance with FAM Periods 1 through 3.129 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 (iii) November 2023 Order CAT LLC does not believe that the Commission’s November 2, 2023 order granting relief from certain CAT NMS Plan requirements (the ‘‘November 2023 Order’’) affects the conclusion that FAMs 1 through 3 have been satisfied. The November 2023 Order is not relevant for purposes of FAM Periods 1 through 3, which only cover the period through December 31, 2021. As described in the November 2023 Order, the relevant exemptive orders for this time period were issued on December 16, 2020, which also states that ‘‘the Commission has determined that the Participants have sufficiently complied with the conditions set forth in the prior Orders and with the technical requirements for Quarterly Progress Reports set forth in section 6.6(c) of the CAT NMS Plan, including for purposes of determining compliance with any applicable Financial Accountability Milestones.’’ 130 The November 2023 Exemption Order is consistent with the Commission’s repeated statements in the FAM adopting release that it would have ‘‘authority to grant exemptive relief from any requirement associated with a particular Financial Accountability Milestone,’’ citing Section 36 of the Exchange Act and Rule 608.131 Similarly, the CAT NMS Plan 128 See, e.g., Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 89051 (June 11, 2020), 85 FR 36631, 36633 (June 17, 2020). The straightforward reading of the Commission’s statement is that compliance with the conditions of an exemption will be measured as of the deadline for a particular FAM Period. 129 As a condition to the 2020 Verbal Quotes Exemption, the Commission required that the Participants provide a written status update on the reporting of these quotes and orders by July 31, 2022, including the estimated costs of reporting these quotes and orders and an implementation plan for the reporting of these quotes and orders. As noted, the 2020 Verbal Quotes Order was in effect and the conditions of the exemption were satisfied as of December 31, 2021, and therefore may be relied upon for purposes of determining compliance with FAM Periods 1 through 3. In any event, on June 3, 2022, the Participants provided the required written status update. See Letter from Michael Simon, CAT NMS Plan Operating Committee Chair, to Vanessa Countryman, Secretary, Commission (June 3, 2022). 130 Id. at 77129 n.12. 131 FAM Adopting Release at 31335 (May 22, 2020). Section 36 of the Exchange Act grants the Commission the authority to ‘‘conditionally or unconditionally exempt any person, security, or VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 expressly contemplates the Commission’s ability to grant exemptive relief from any CAT NMS Plan requirement.132 (iv) Executing Broker Reporting CAT LLC also completed the requirements of FAM Period 2, including the required linkages, by December 31, 2020. Although Participant exchanges may report the Executing Broker to CAT differently in certain situations, these reporting differences are irrelevant for linkage purposes as the fields used for CAT Executing Broker are not used for linkage. (10) Additional Support for Reasonableness of Historical CAT Costs The CAT Funding Model approved by the Commission permits the recovery of reasonable costs in each of the categories of CAT costs sought to be recovered via Historical CAT Assessment 1.133 As described in detail above and in further detail below, the CAT costs to be recovered for each category are reasonable. The following discusses in further details how each of the following costs are reasonable: (1) costs incurred prior to the effective date of the CAT NMS Plan; (2) cloud hosting services costs; (3) costs related to funding model filings; (4) costs related to litigation with the SEC regarding the CAT NMS Plan; (5) costs related to the Initial Plan Processor; (6) CAIS implementation costs; (7) public relations costs; (8) legal costs related to the limitation of liability provision in the CAT Reporter agreements; and (9) costs for the Chair of CAT Operating Committee. As discussed in detail below, each of these costs is reasonable and should be recoverable in transaction . . . from any provision or provisions of [the Exchange Act] or of any rule or regulation thereunder, to the extent that such exemption is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, and is consistent with the protection of investors.’’ 15 U.S.C. 78mm(a)(1). Under Rule 608(e) of Regulation NMS, the Commission may ‘‘exempt from [Rule 608], either unconditionally or on specified terms and conditions, any self-regulatory organization, member thereof, or specified security, if the Commission determines that such exemption is consistent with the public interest, the protection of investors, the maintenance of fair and orderly markets and the removal of impediments to, and perfection of the mechanism of, a national market system.’’ 17 CFR 242.608(e). 132 Section 12.3 of the CAT NMS Plan (‘‘[T]o the extent the SEC grants exemptive relief applicable to any provision of this Agreement, Participants and Industry Members shall be entitled to comply with such provision pursuant to the terms of the exemptive relief so granted at the time such relief is granted irrespective of whether this Agreement has been amended.’’) 133 See Sections 11.1(a)(i) and 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT NMS Plan. PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 75877 accordance with the CAT Funding Model. (A) Costs Incurred Prior to the Effective Date of CAT NMS Plan CAT LLC believes that it is reasonable to seek recovery of costs incurred prior to when the CAT NMS Plan became effective in November 2016, such as legal and consulting fees incurred to create the CAT NMS Plan. Rule 613 specifically mandates that the CAT be created, implemented and maintained, and further provides that the CAT NMS Plan include a proposed allocation of estimated costs to fund the creation, implementation and maintenance of the CAT among the Participants (referred to as ‘‘plan sponsors’’), and between the Participants and Industry Members (referred to as ‘‘members of the plan sponsors’’).134 Consistent with Rule 613, the CAT NMS Plan, as approved by the Commission, specifically authorizes charging Industry Members fees for costs reasonably incurred prior to the date of the approval of the CAT NMS Plan by the Commission in November 2016, including legal and consulting costs. Section 11.1(c) of the CAT NMS Plan states that: [i]n determining fees on Participants and Industry Members the Operating Committee shall take into account fees, costs and expenses (including legal and consulting fees and expenses) reasonably incurred by Participants on behalf of the Company prior to the Effective Date in connection with the creation and implementation of the CAT. Accordingly, the CAT NMS Plan specifically permits the recovery of costs, including legal and consulting costs, reasonably incurred prior to November 2016 in connection with the creation and implementation of the CAT. Furthermore, the costs incurred to create and implement the CAT prior to the effective date of the CAT NMS Plan (‘‘Pre-Formation Costs’’) were reasonable both in scope and amount, in accordance with the requirements of Section 11.1(c) of the CAT NMS Plan. During the four-year period from 2012 to 2016, a total of $13,842,881 in PreFormation Costs were incurred. This is an average of approximately $3.5 million per year over this period. The Pre-Formation Costs fell into three categories: legal costs, consulting costs and public relations costs. This includes legal costs of $3,196,434; consulting costs of $10,589,273; and public relations costs of $57,174. The legal, consulting and public relations services were performed by WilmerHale, Deloitte 134 See, e.g., Rule 613(a)(1)(vii)(D) of the CAT NMS Plan. E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 75878 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices and Peppercomm, respectively. The selection considerations and fees for these three firms are described in detail above and are described further below. The Pre-Formation Costs are direct costs of CAT, which have been funded entirely by the Participants through non-interest-bearing notes. The PreFormation Costs do not include the significant costs incurred by each of the individual Participants in responding to the adoption of Rule 613. The Pre-Formation Costs are reasonable and appropriate as they reflect the extensive efforts that were necessary to create the CAT NMS Plan as mandated after the SEC’s adoption of Rule 613. As described in more detail below, these efforts included, among other things, developing a plan for selecting the Plan Processor, soliciting and evaluating bids, engaging a diverse set of market participants and the SEC in the development of the Plan, interacting with the SEC in their oversight of the development of the Plan, and seeking appropriate exemptive relief to address areas of concern in Rule 613.135 (i) Request for Proposal (‘‘RFP’’) The Participants determined to utilize an RFP to ensure that potential alternative solutions for creating the Plan could be presented and considered, and that a detailed and meaningful costbenefit analysis could be performed. The SEC supported the use of an RFP, and approved its use as it is described in extensive detail in the CAT NMS Plan.136 In the context of the SEC’s adoption of Rule 613, commenters urged the Commission to utilize an RFP process to assist in the planning and design of the NMS plan.137 Specifically, the Commission explained: lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 In this regard, several commenters suggested that the Commission undergo a RFP or request for information (‘‘RFI’’) process to create and implement a consolidated audit trail. Specifically, FIF urged the Commission to perform a RFP 135 The Participants described in detail the process for drafting the CAT NMS Plan in its original filing of the CAT NMS Plan. See Letter from Mike Simon, on behalf of the Participants of the CAT NMS Plan, to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Commission (Sept. 30, 2014). A non-exclusive list of filings and activities associated with CAT, including certain pre-2016 filings, are available on the SEC’s website: https://www.sec.gov/divisions/ marketreg/rule613-info. 136 See detailed discussion of RFP questions in Appendix C of the CAT NMS Plan, and incorporation of RFP requirements in Appendix D at D–2. 137 For example, in its comments on proposed Rule 613, FIF suggested ‘‘that the SROs should select the processor through a ‘request for proposal.’ ’’ Rule 613 Adopting Release at 45785. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 process ‘‘to determine the best technical solution for developing a consolidated audit trail.’’ FIF suggested that the Commission ‘‘should outline a set of goals and guiding principles they are striving to achieve as part of the adopted CAT filing and leave the determination of data elements and other technical requirements to [an] industry working group.’’ Similarly, Direct Edge suggested that Commission staff should form and engage in a working group to develop an RFP for publication by the Commission. DirectEdge explained that an RFP process would facilitate the identification of the costs and benefits of the audit trail, as well as the consideration of a wider range of technological solutions. Further, commenters, including Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., a technology provider, also requested more specific information about the audit trail system to better assess the Commission’s initial cost estimates and to determine the best approach to the consolidated audit trail.138 In response to these comments, the Commission modified Rule 613 to require the Participants to address certain important considerations regarding the features and details of the NMS plan and to extend the timeframe for submission of the CAT NMS Plan by the Participants from the 90 days as originally proposed to 270 days, in part, to accommodate a process that would address these considerations.139 As the SEC noted, ‘‘[i]n light of the numerous specific requirements of Rule 613, the Participants concluded that publication of a request for proposal (‘RFP’) was necessary to ensure that potential alternative solutions to creating the consolidated audit trail can be presented and considered by the Participants and that a detailed and meaningful cost/benefit analysis can be performed, both of which are required considerations to be addressed in the CAT NMS Plan.’’ 140 The SEC specifically recognized that the Participants planned to use an RFP when it approved the Selection Plan, and stated that the RFP was a reasonable approach.141 As the SEC described in its approval order for the Selection Plan, ‘‘[t]he Participants filed the [Selection] Plan to govern how the SROs will proceed with formulating and submitting the CAT NMS Plan—and, as part of that process, how to review, evaluate, and narrow down the bids submitted in response to the RFP (‘Bids’)—and ultimately choosing the plan processor that will build, operate, and maintain the consolidated audit 138 Rule 613 Adopting Release at 45738–39. 613 Adopting Release at 45739. 140 Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 71596 (Feb. 21, 2014), 79 FR 11152, 11152 (Feb. 27, 2014) (‘‘Selection Plan Approval Order’’). 141 Id. 139 Rule PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 trail (‘Plan Processor’).’’ 142 After evaluating the Selection Plan, including the use of an RFP process, the Commission stated that it ‘‘believes the [Selection] Plan is reasonably designed to govern the process by which the SROs will formulate and submit the CAT NMS Plan, including the review, evaluation, and narrowing down of Bids in response to the RFP, and ultimately choosing the Plan Processor that will build, operate, and maintain the consolidated audit trail.’’ 143 On February 26, 2013, the Participants published an RFP soliciting bids from parties interested in serving as the plan processor for the CAT. Initially, 31 firms submitted intentions to bid. In the following months, the Participants engaged with potential bidders with respect to, among other things, the selection process, selection criteria, and potential bidders’ questions and concerns. On March 21, 2014, the Participants received ten bids in response to the RFP. (ii) Selection Plan On September 4, 2013, the Participants filed with the Commission a national market system plan to govern the process for Participant review of the bids submitted in response to the RFP, the procedures for evaluating the bids, and, ultimately, selection of the plan processor (the ‘‘Selection Plan’’).144 The Commission approved the Selection Plan as filed on February 21, 2014.145 In approving the Selection Plan, the Commission concluded that ‘‘it is reasonably designed to achieve its objective of facilitating the development of the CAT NMS Plan and the selection of the Plan Processor.’’ 146 The Selection Plan divided the review and evaluation of bids, and the selection of the plan processor, into various stages. Specifically, pursuant to the Selection Plan, a selection committee reviewed all bids and determined which bids contained sufficient information to allow the Participants to meaningfully assess and evaluate the bids. The ten submitted bids were deemed ‘‘Qualified Bids,’’ and so passed to the next stage, in which each bidder presented its bids to the Participants on a confidential basis. On July 1, 2014, after conducting careful analysis and comparison of the bids, the Selection Committee voted and selected a shortlist of six eligible bidders. The Selection Committee 142 Id. at 11153 at 11159. 144 See Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 70892 (Nov. 15, 2013), 78 FR 69910 (Nov. 21, 2013). 145 See Selection Plan Approval Order. 146 Selection Plan Approval Order at 11160. 143 Id. E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 determined which shortlisted bidders would be provided the opportunity to revise their bids. After the Selection Committee assessed and evaluated the revised bids, the Selection Committee selected the plan processor via two rounds of voting by the Participants, as described in the Selection Plan. The Selection Plan established an Operating Committee responsible for formulating, drafting, and filing with the Commission the CAT NMS Plan and for ensuring that the Participants’ joint obligations under Rule 613 were met in a timely and efficient manner. In formulating the CAT NMS Plan, the Participants also engaged multiple persons across a wide range of roles and expertise, engaged the consulting firm Deloitte as project manager, and engaged the law firm WilmerHale to serve as legal counsel in drafting the Plan. Within this structure, the Participants focused on, among other things, comparative analyses of the proposed technologies and operating models, development of funding models to support the building and operation of the CAT, and detailed review of governance considerations. Given the complexity and scope of developing the CAT NMS Plan, these efforts were extensive. When it approved the CAT NMS Plan in 2016, the Commission reiterated its belief that the Selection Plan remains a ‘‘reasonable approach,’’ that ‘‘the competitive bidding process to select the Plan Processor is a reasonable and effective way to choose a Plan Processor,’’ and that ‘‘the process set forth in the Selection Plan should be permitted to continue’’: In approving the Selection Plan, the Commission stated that the Selection Plan is reasonably designed to achieve its objective of facilitating the development of the CAT NMS Plan and the selection of the Plan Processor. The Commission also found that the Selection Plan is reasonably designed to govern the process by which the SROs will formulate and submit the CAT NMS Plan, including the review, evaluation, and narrowing down of Bids in response to the RFP, and ultimately choosing the Plan Processor that will build, operate, and maintain the consolidated audit trail. The Commission believes that the process set out in the Selection Plan for selecting a Plan Processor remains a reasonable approach, which will facilitate the selection of Plan Processor through a fair, transparent and competitive process and that no modifications to the Selection Plan are required to meet the approval standard. . . . In response to the comment that offered support for a specific Bidder, the Commission agrees with the Participants that the competitive bidding process to select the Plan Processor is a reasonable and effective way to choose a Plan Processor and thus VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 believes that the process set forth in the Selection Plan should be permitted to continue.147 (iii) Engagement With Market Participants and SEC During the process of developing the CAT NMS Plan, the Participants engaged in extensive and meaningful dialogue with market participants and the SEC. To this end, the Participants created a website to update the public on the progress of the CAT NMS Plan, published a request for comment on multiple issues related to the Plan, held multiple public events to inform the industry of the progress of the CAT and to address inquiries, and formed, and later expanded, a DAG to solicit more input from a representative industry group.148 The DAG included representatives of Participants and Industry Members and conducted meetings to discuss, among other things, technical and operational aspects the Participants were considering for the Plan. The Participants issued press releases soliciting participants for the DAG, and a wide spectrum of firms was deliberately chosen to provide insight from various industry segments affected by CAT. The DAG meetings included discussions of topics such as option market maker quote reporting, requirements for capturing Customer IDs, timestamps and clock synchronization, reporting requirements for order handling scenarios, costs and funding, error handling and corrections, and potential elimination of systems made redundant by the CAT. From the inception of the DAG through September 2014, the DAG participated in 36 meetings, as well as a variety of DAG subcommittee meetings. (iv) Request for Exemption From Certain Requirements Under Rule 613 Following multiple discussions between the Participants and both the DAG and the bidders, as well as among the Participants themselves, the Participants recognized that some provisions of Rule 613 would not permit certain solutions to be included in the Plan that the Participants, in coordination with the DAG, determined advisable to effectuate the most efficient and cost-effective CAT. Specifically, ‘‘the SROs reached the conclusion that additional flexibility in certain of the minimum requirements specified in Rule 613 would allow them to propose a more efficient and cost-effective 147 See CAT NMS Plan Approval Order at 84737. Section D(11) of Appendix C of the CAT NMS Plan. 148 See PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 75879 approach without adversely affecting the reliability or accuracy of CAT Data, or its security and confidentiality.’’ 149 Consequently, the Participants submitted a request for exemptive relief from certain provisions of Rule 613 regarding: (1) options market maker quotes; (2) Customer-IDs; (3) CATReporter-IDs; (4) CAT-Order-IDs on allocation reports; and (5) timestamp granularity.150 The Participants filed two supplements to the request for exemptive relief.151 After reviewing the exemptive request, the Commission determined that it was appropriate in the public interest and consistent with the protection of investors to grant the requested exemptive relief.152 In granting the exemptive relief, the Commission stated: [T]he Commission is persuaded to provide flexibility in the discrete areas discussed in the Exemption Request so that the alternative approaches can be included in the CAT NMS Plan and subject to notice and comment. Doing so could allow for more efficient and cost-effective approaches than otherwise would be permitted. The Commission at this stage is not deciding whether the proposed approaches detailed below are more efficient or effective than those in Rule 613. However, the Commission believes the proposed approaches should be within the permissible range of alternatives available to the SROs.153 The Commission further stated that the requested exemptive relief is consistent with the protection of investors. The Commission noted that: Doing so will provide the public an opportunity to consider and comment on whether these proposed alternative approaches would indeed be more efficient and cost-effective than those otherwise required by Rule 613, and whether such approaches would adversely affect the reliability or accuracy of CAT Data or otherwise undermine the goals of Rule 613. Moreover, if—as the SROs represent— efficiency gains and cost savings would result from including the proposed approaches in the CAT NMS Plan without adverse effects, then the resultant benefits could potentially flow to investors (e.g., lower broker-dealer reporting costs resulting in fewer costs passed on to Customers).154 The Participants incorporated the exemptive relief into the proposed CAT 149 Securities Exchange Rel. No. 77265 (Mar. 1, 2016), 81 FR 11856 (Mar. 7, 2016) (‘‘2016 Exemptive Order’’). 150 Letter from Robert Colby, FINRA, on behalf of the SROs, to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Commission (Jan. 30, 2015). 151 See Letter from Robert Colby, FINRA, on behalf of the SROs, to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Commission (Apr. 3, 2015); Letter from the SROs to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Commission (Sept. 2, 2015). 152 See 2016 Exemptive Order. 153 Id. at 11857. 154 Id. E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 75880 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices NMS Plan, which was noticed for comment, and the Commission ultimately approved the CAT NMS Plan with the more efficient and costeffective alternative approaches described in the exemptive relief. Accordingly, the Participants believe that the costs incurred in developing the exemptive request were critical to the creation of a better CAT than was originally contemplated by Rule 613, and therefore should be recoverable as part of Historical CAT Assessment 1. (v) Request for Extensions for Filing the CAT NMS Plan Rule 613(a)(1) under Regulation NMS required the Participants to jointly file the CAT NMS Plan on or before April 28, 2013, less than a year after the adoption of Rule 613. In recognition of the complexity of the project to create the CAT NMS Plan as well as industry interest in limiting or eliminating certain requirements of Rule 613 (e.g., addressing the reporting of options market maker quotes), the Participants requested two extensions of the deadline to file the CAT NMS Plan. The Participants described the need for additional time as follows: The SROs stated in their Request Letter that they do not believe that the 270-day time period provided for in Rule 613(a)(1) provides sufficient time for the development of the RFP, formulation and submission of bids, and review and evaluation of such bids. The SROs also stated that they believe additional time beyond the 270 days provided for in Rule 613(a)(1) is necessary in order to provide sufficient time for effective consultation with and input from the industry and the public on the proposed solution chosen by the SROs for the creation of the consolidated audit trail at the conclusion of the RFP process and the NMS plan itself.155 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 In recognition of the need for additional time to refine the technical description of and requirements for the CAT and to allow for additional evaluation of the proposed cost and funding considerations, the SEC granted two extensions of this deadline.156 The SEC determined that both extensions were appropriate, in the public interest, and consistent with the protection of investors.157 In reaching this conclusion, the Commission stated that ‘‘it understands that the creation of a consolidated audit trail is a significant 155 Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 69060 (Mar. 7, 2013),78 FR 15771, 15772 (Mar. 12, 2013) (‘‘March 2013 Exemptive Order’’). 156 See March 2013 Exemptive Order; Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 71018 (Dec. 6, 2013), 78 FR 75669 (Dec. 12, 2013) (‘‘December 2013 Exemptive Order’’). 157 March 2013 Exemptive Order at 15772; December 2013 Exemptive Order at 75670. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 undertaking and that a proposed NMS plan must include detailed information and discussion about many things.’’ 158 The SEC also noted the following: This additional time to complete the RFP process should allow the SROs to engage in a more thoughtful and comprehensive process for the development of an NMS plan. In this regard, the Commission notes that the additional time to solicit comment from the industry and the public at certain key points in the development of the NMS plan could identify issues that can be resolved earlier in the development of the consolidated audit trail and prior to filing the NMS plan with the Commission.159 Given the Commission’s recognition of the reasonableness and value of the extension of the deadline to file the CAT NMS Plan, the Participants believe that the costs incurred in developing the extension request were important to the process of developing the CAT NMS Plan, and therefore should be recoverable as part of Historical CAT Assessment 1. (vi) Submission and Approval of the CAT NMS Plan After extensive analyses and discussions with the DAG, bidders, market participants and the SEC staff, the Participants finalized the draft of the CAT NMS Plan and filed the CAT NMS Plan with the SEC on September 30, 2014. Following additional discussions, the Participants filed several amendments to the CAT NMS Plan during 2015 and 2016. With these additional changes, the SEC published the CAT NMS Plan for notice and comment in May 2016.160 Following the comment period, the SEC approved the Plan in November 2016.161 (vii) Legal Costs Incurred Prior to the Effective Date of the CAT NMS Plan The Pre-Formation Costs include legal costs of $3,196,434. The legal services were performed by WilmerHale. The selection considerations and fees for WilmerHale were described in detail above. Prior to the creation of CAT LLC, WilmerHale was engaged to represent the consortium of SROs, not the individual Participants. For administrative purposes, FINRA agreed to receive such legal bills, although such costs were shared among the Participants. Therefore, the legal costs incurred with respect to WilmerHale do not include legal costs incurred by the individual Participants. These preformation legal costs are described in 158 March 2013 Exemptive Order at 15772. at 15773. 160 See Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 77724 (Apr. 27, 2016), 81 FR 30614 (May 17, 2016). 161 See CAT NMS Plan Approval Order. 159 Id. PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 detail above and are further described below: • Analyzed various legal matters associated with the Selection Plan and drafted an amendment to Selection Plan; • Assisted with the RFP and bidding process for the CAT Plan Processor; • Analyzed legal matters related to the DAG; • Drafted the CAT NMS Plan, analyzed various items related to the CAT NMS Plan, and responded to comment letters on the CAT NMS Plan; • Provided legal support for the formation of the legal entity, the governance of the CAT, including governance support prior to the adoption of the CAT NMS Plan, which involved support for the full committee of exchanges and FINRA as well as subcommittees of this group (e.g., Joint Subcommittee Group, Technical, Industry Outreach, Cost and Funding, and Other Products) and the DAG, and governance support during the transition to the new governance structure under the CAT NMS Plan; • Drafted exemptive requests; • Provided interpretations related to the CAT NMS Plan; • Provided support with regard to discussions among the exchanges, FINRA and other third parties, such as Deloitte; • Provided tax advice with regard to CAT’s status as a tax-exempt organization; and • Provided support with regard to discussions with the SEC and its staff, including with respect to addressing interpretive and implementation issues. (viii) Consulting Costs Incurred Prior to the Effective Date of the CAT NMS Plan The Pre-Formation Costs include consulting costs of $10,589,273. The consulting services were performed by Deloitte. The selection considerations and fees for Deloitte were described in detail above. Prior to the creation of CAT LLC, for administrative purposes, Deloitte was engaged by FINRA to provide consulting services related to CAT, but the costs were shared by the consortium of SROs per agreement. Therefore, the consulting costs incurred with respect to Deloitte do not include consulting costs incurred by the individual Participants. The preformation consulting costs include the following: • Established and implemented program operations for the CAT project, including the program management office and workstream design; • Assisted with the Plan Processor selection process, including but not limited to, the development of the RFP E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 and the bidder evaluation process, and facilitation and consolidation of the Participants’ independent reviews; • Assisted with the development and drafting of the CAT NMS Plan, including conducting cost-benefit studies, reviewing technical requirements of other NMS plans, analyzing OATS and CAT requirements, and drafting appendices to the Plan; • Provided governance support to the CAT, including governance support prior to the adoption of the CAT NMS Plan, which involved support for the full committee of exchanges and FINRA as well as subcommittees of this group (e.g., Joint Subcommittee Group, Technical, Industry Outreach, Cost and Funding, and Other Products) and the DAG; • Provided support for updating the SEC on the progress of the development of the CAT; • Provided support for industry outreach sessions, including with regard to program design and agenda development, program support and logistics and coordination; and • Provided support in fact finding, drafting content and meeting coordination for WilmerHale with regard to the CAT and the development of the CAT NMS Plan. Such Pre-Formation Costs did not include costs related to the Chair of the CAT NMS Plan Operating Committee, as the CAT NMS Plan had not yet been adopted. (ix) Public Relations Costs Incurred Prior to the Effective Date of the CAT NMS Plan The Pre-Formation Costs include public relations costs of $57,174. The public relations services were performed by Peppercomm. The selection considerations and fees for Peppercomm are described in detail above. The costs related to Peppercomm were shared among the SROs. Therefore, the public relations costs do not include public relations costs incurred by the individual Participants. The preformation public relations costs include services related to communications with the public regarding the CAT, including monitoring developments related to the CAT (e.g., congressional efforts, public comments and reaction to proposals, press coverage of the CAT), reporting such developments to CAT LLC, and drafting and disseminating communications to the public regarding such developments as well as reporting on developments related to the CAT. (B) Cloud Hosting Services In approving the CAT Funding Model, the Commission recognized that it is VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 appropriate to recover reasonable costs related to cloud hosting services as a part of Historical CAT Assessments. CAT LLC believes that the costs related to cloud hosting services described in detail above are reasonable and appropriate given the strict data processing timelines and storage requirements imposed by the Commission-approved CAT NMS Plan and should be recoverable as a part of Historical CAT Assessment 1. (i) Reasonableness of AWS Costs Given the Requirements of the CAT NMS Plan CAT LLC believes that the costs for the cloud hosting services are reasonable, both in terms of the level of the fees paid by CAT LLC for cloud hosting services provided by AWS and the scope of the services performed by AWS for CAT LLC. CAT LLC believes that both the scope and amount of the costs for cloud hosting services are reasonable given the current requirements of the CAT NMS Plan adopted pursuant to Rule 613, including the strict data processing timeline, storage and other technical requirements under the Commissionapproved CAT NMS Plan. CAT LLC believes that the level of fees for the cloud hosting services is reasonable, taking into consideration a variety of factors, including the expected volume of data and the breadth of services provided and market rates for similar services. CAT LLC also believes that the scope of services provided by AWS for the CAT are appropriate given the current requirements of the Commissionapproved CAT NMS Plan. As described above, the cloud hosting services costs reflect a variety of factors including, among other things: • Breadth of Cloud Activities. AWS was engaged by FCAT, the Plan Processor, to provide a broad range of services to the CAT, including data ingestion, data management, and analytic tools. Services provided by AWS necessary to the CAT include storage services, databases, compute services, and other services (such as networking, management tools and development operations (‘‘DevOps’’) tools). AWS also was engaged to provide the various environments for CAT, such as the development, performance testing, test and production environments, which are required by the CAT NMS Plan. • High Data Volume. The cost for AWS services for the CAT is a function of the volume of CAT Data. While it is not linear, the greater the amount of CAT Data, the greater the cost of AWS services to the CAT. The data volume PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 75881 handled by AWS now far exceeds the original volume estimates for the CAT. • Plan Requirements. The cost for AWS services also reflects the technical requirements necessary to meet the stringent performance and other requirements for processing CAT Data. These Plan-dictated processing timelines, storage, testing, security and other technical requirements are significant drivers of AWS costs. • Cost Avoidance Efforts. CAT LLC and FCAT have engaged in ongoing efforts to seek to avoid and minimize AWS costs where permissible under the Plan. Accordingly, these cost avoidance efforts have limited the extent of AWS costs. In addition, various requirements of the CAT NMS Plan adopted pursuant to Rule 613 contribute to the significant cloud hosting services costs, and that various Plan requirements could be amended or removed without affecting the regulatory purpose of the CAT. Indeed, CAT LLC has repeatedly sought exemptive relief and filed amendments to the CAT NMS Plan, and has even filed suit against the Commission, to seek to revise or eliminate certain costly requirements related to the CAT. However, despite these efforts, absent the Commission granting exemptive relief or approving cost savings amendments to the CAT NMS Plan, CAT LLC, the Participants and Industry Members are all required to comply with such requirements. (ii) Effect of CAT Design on CAT Costs (a) Efficient CAT Design CAT is reasonably designed to efficiently and effectively utilize cloud computing and storage services, given the requirements of the Commissionapproved CAT NMS Plan, including requirements related to security, operational reliance and quality assurance, and maintainability. The Plan Processor uses state-of-theart software that meets the strict security standards of the CAT NMS Plan. CAT utilizes a big data processing framework that is extensively used by large data processing companies, such as Apple, Meta, Netflix, IBM and Google. As such, it has substantial commercial support and support in the open-source community. It is also well suited for use with regard to iterative types of algorithms and query functions and analytics that the CAT requires, and it provides the heightened security necessary for the CAT. The development and implementation of the design of CAT is not and has not been static. CAT LLC and the Plan Processor are always evaluating new E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 75882 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 innovations and service offerings from AWS and other providers to seek to maximize efficiency and cost avoidance while still satisfying the requirements of the CAT NMS Plan. These efforts have led to substantial savings to date. The cloud hosting costs for 2023 were less than the cloud hosting costs for 2022 by $8 million despite processing seven trillion more events in 2023 due to the efficiency and cost avoidance efforts for cloud hosting services. For example, when AWS introduced new storage options, FCAT adopted the cost-efficient new storage option after establishing that the new offering would satisfy the security and other standards of the CAT NMS Plan. This change led to millions of dollars of savings in storage costs. Similarly, when AWS introduced a new compute processor, FCAT adopted this new compute processor, which lead to millions of dollars in savings in compute costs. However, in other cases, new cloud technology developments could not be implemented in CAT because they would not satisfy the security or other requirements of the CAT NMS Plan. When evaluating the design of the CAT, it must be kept in mind that the CAT is not a typical commercial technology project. The ability to make use of technology approaches that may lead to cost avoidance is also subject to the restrictive requirements of the CAT NMS Plan, such as processing timeframes, requirements for retention of data versions, query requirements, and security standards. Because such requirements are set forth in the CAT NMS Plan, any modification of such requirements are subject to the timeconsuming process of amending the CAT NMS Plan or seeking an exemption from the relevant requirement. For example, CAT LLC recently has filed an amendment to address several of these expensive Plan requirements.162 (b) CAT Was Designed To Minimize Industry Member Effort The CAT System also was designed to minimize the extent to which Industry Members would need to alter their systems to report to CAT. During the design process, Industry Member groups argued that it would make more sense financially for the CAT to accommodate differences in industry systems, than for all Industry Members to change their systems. Moreover, such design choices 162 See, e.g., Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 99938 (Apr. 10, 2024), 89 FR 26983 (Apr. 16, 2024); Letter from Brandon Becker, CAT NMS Plan Operating Committee Chair, to Vanessa Countryman, Secretary, Commission (Mar. 27, 2024) (proposing amendments to the CAT NMS Plan for $23 million in annual savings). VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 would facilitate consistency, uniformity and accuracy in reporting. Requiring the CAT to make such accommodations may increase CAT costs while accommodating CAT Reporters. Based on the requirements in the CAT NMS Plan and/or in response to industry requests for functionality to be embedded with the Plan Processor to streamline or limit Industry Member system changes, the CAT has been designed to limit the effect on Industry Members. The following provides examples of such accommodations: • Industry Member Reporting. In light of the complexity of Industry Member market activity, the CAT’s order reporting and linkage scenarios document for Industry Members is over 800 pages in length, addressing nearly 200 scenarios.163 The Industry Member Technical Specifications allow for dozens of specific event types, which drive complexity for the Plan Processor, but streamline reporting for Industry Members. Furthermore, the Plan Processor greatly expanded Industry Member linkage requirements to support, among other things, child events and supplemental events, allowing for ‘‘stateless as-you-go’’ and ‘‘batch end-of-day’’ reporting when all data is available. Accordingly, CAT takes on the significant cost and effort of providing the required linkages between CAT events; correspondingly, Industry Members are not required to perform this costly task. • File Submission Process. The CAT was designed to accommodate the varying needs of CAT Reporters with regard to the file submission process. For example, in a 2018 letter, FIF stated that ‘‘[t]he SFTP-based submission process is cumbersome, exposes industry members to unnecessary complexity, and puts the burden of support on the CAT Reporter rather than imbedding more functionality into the Plan Processor.’’ 164 Currently, FCAT provides two mechanisms for submitting files: SFTP via a private network, and the Web via Reporter Web Portal. • Error Corrections. The industry also emphasized the need for the CAT to provide error correction tools and functionalities to identify, rectify and re-submit corrections within the required timeframe. For example, FIF stated in a 2018 letter the following: To be clear, if OATS-like error correction tools are not made available on Day 1, hundreds of firms will be required to create 163 See CAT Industry Member Reporting Scenarios v.4.10 (Oct. 21, 2022). 164 Letter from Janet Early, FIF, to Thesys CAT (Mar. 29, 2018). PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 and test their own tools or obtain vendor alternatives prior to the CAT Go-Live Date. Proprietary tools will require additional system builds, access to and ingestion of CAT data to perform system validation, and testing which will further stress the limited number of subject matter experts (‘‘SMEs’’) dedicated to the implementation of CAT reporting. Should this occur, inevitably firms (especially small firms who lack the necessary IT staff to write code and develop proprietary systems), may be put in the position of passing onto investors the cost required to build hundreds of redundant systems.165 CAT provides various tools to help Industry Members identify and rectify errors. • Data Ingestion Format. The industry also recommended that CAT adopt a flexible input format that provides an option for Industry Members to submit data in formats that are already in use to reduce costs and potential reporting errors. For example, FIF argued the following: FIF CAT WG is not proposing a specific format; rather, we are proposing flexibility of input formats which includes support of existing formats (e.g., OATS, FIX) as well as a baseline specification where all fields are defined, and normalized. The input formats must be clearly and thoroughly defined in Technical Specifications, including FAQs. Mandating a uniform format for reporting data to the CAT simplifies the task for the Central Repository of consolidating/storing data, but it puts the burden on each CAT Reporter to accurately translate their current (e.g., OATS) reporting information into a uniform CAT interface. However, that is likely to yield more errors because it is very dependent on accurate, complete and timely information (Technical Specifications, FAQs, meta-data, competent CAT help desk) available to CAT Reporters, availability of sophisticated CAT test tools to validate interface protocols, and the skill levels of the estimated 300+ unique CAT Reporters/ Submitters during Phase 1 of CAT. Concentrating the responsibility of data conversions with the Central Repository is a reasonable trade-off that should yield fewer errors, and greater accuracy.166 CAT provides such a flexible input format. (c) Effect of Initial Plan Processor Design The costs for cloud hosting services are appropriate and have not been adversely affected by the original design and approaches of the Initial Plan Processor. FCAT’s design costs are the result of the requirements of the Commission-approved CAT NMS Plan. 165 Letter from Christopher Bok, FIF, to Jay Clayton, Chair, Commission, at 4 (Dec. 11, 2018). 166 Letter from Mary Lou Von Kaenel, Managing Director, FIF, to Brent Fields, Secretary, Commission at 92 (July 18, 2016), https:// www.sec.gov/comments/4-698/4698-13.pdf. E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 When FCAT took over as the Plan Processor from Thesys, it utilized certain aspects of the technical specifications created by Thesys in its design. However, FCAT has not maintained aspects of the original design that would not be appropriate for the CAT. FCAT revised and enhanced the original technical specifications of the CAT System to increase its efficiency and efficacy, and to ensure its compliance with the CAT NMS Plan. For example, the Initial Plan Processor’s approach utilized many more fields than FCAT’s approach, which relies on additional linkages. With the additional linkages, the CAT System takes on more of the CAT-related burdens than the Industry Members. Such an approach serves to facilitate consistency, uniformity and accuracy in reporting. Moreover, FCAT did not utilize the system built by the Initial Plan Processor; it rebuilt the CAT System based on revised technical specifications. For example, the Initial Plan Processor used an on-premises processing approach which was not geared toward the huge amounts of data stored in the CAT, while FCAT adopted a cloud-based solution in response to such data demands. Furthermore, given the very short timeframe to develop the CAT System and the prior optimization of certain query tools (e.g., Diver) for regulatory use with significant amounts of data, FCAT determined to rely upon certain existing FINRA tools and adapt them for use with the CAT. (iii) Consideration of AWS Alternatives CAT LLC continues to support the selection of AWS as the cloud hosting services provider for CAT given the compliance, operational, and security requirements of the CAT. Independent analyses confirm these conclusions, noting that ‘‘AWS is an excellent choice for either strategic or tactical use and recommends considering AWS for almost all cloud IaaS or IaaS+PaaS scenarios.’’ 167 AWS provides the following benefits to CAT, among others: • Broad Suitability. AWS has a long track record of successfully serving cloud customers with mission-critical projects. • Proven Scalability. AWS has demonstrated that it is capable of building and delivering services on a large scale. • Track Record of Innovation. AWS continues to rapidly innovate, both in 167 See, e.g., Lydia Leong and Adrian Wong, Solution Comparison for Strategic Cloud Integrated IaaS and PaaS Providers (July 28, 2023) (‘‘Strategic Cloud Assessment Article’’). VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 terms of new domains of capability and at a fundamental level, thereby facilitating innovation for its customers. • Resiliency/Dependability. Another benefit of AWS is its resiliency; it has a strong track record of stable services. As noted in a review of cloud service providers, ‘‘[c]ustomers like to have a broad set of options for resilience and for their cloud providers to have a strong track record of stable services (continuously available, without operational quirks). Only AWS fulfills both desires.’’ 168 • Technical and Customer Support. AWS consistently provides high-quality technical and customer support and engagement. Given the size, scope and regulatory importance of CAT, customer support and engagement that CAT has with the highest levels of AWS are very important to the success of the CAT. • Scale. AWS is capable of supporting large-scale solutions, which is critical given the size and magnitude of the CAT. • Security. AWS provides the security features necessary for the CAT. In addition, the nature of the CAT, including the amount of data it must process and the size of its data footprint, does not allow for a multi-cloud solution as this would be cost prohibitive and greatly increase the security boundary and associated risk profile of the CAT. For example, a multi-cloud hosting option would increase costs, complexity, and risk for operations with regard to, for example, DevOps, production support, and networking. Similarly, with regard to security, a multi-cloud solution would increase risk, including with regard to the need for data transfers between cloud providers and the expansion of the security boundary. With regard to labor, a multi-cloud solution would lose economies of scale due to the need to support unique cloud requirements. Accordingly, the use of single-cloud solution continues to provide advantages with regard to cost, complexity, and risk. Indeed, ‘‘[t]he best practice is to focus on a single primary strategic provider.’’ 169 Furthermore, if another cloud service provider were determined to be a better match for the CAT at some future date, switching cloud service providers would be a very significant, expensive and time-consuming effort. Such an effort would likely be a 10-to-15-year commitment at a substantial expense. Such a move would require the replication or redesign of the underlying cloud environments (e.g., organizational setup, identify management, accounts, environments, DevOps tooling likes release management/config management/network management), as the new provider likely would not have the same infrastructure and software. Once that process has been completed, an exabyte of CAT data would need to be securely migrated to the new platform. (C) Funding Model Filings CAT LLC believes that the recovery of costs related to the development of the funding model is appropriate, and that the amount and scope of such costs, as described above, are reasonable. Funding the CAT is a critical aspect of Rule 613 and the CAT NMS Plan. Article XI of the CAT NMS Plan describes in detail the requirements for funding the CAT, and the Participants are required to comply with and enforce compliance with the funding requirements of the CAT NMS Plan, just as with other aspects of the Plan. Accordingly, the development and implementation of a funding model for the CAT is as much a part of the requirements of the CAT NMS Plan as the development and operation of the CAT System. CAT LLC sees no reason to distinguish the efforts to develop a funding model from, for example, efforts to develop the CAT System, in seeking to recover reasonable CAT costs. Moreover, in approving the CAT Funding Model, the Commission recognized that it is appropriate to recover reasonable costs for legal services as a part of Historical CAT Assessments. As approved by the SEC, the CAT NMS Plan states that ‘‘the reasonably budgeted CAT costs shall include . . . legal costs.’’ 170 In addition, the CAT NMS Plan also requires Participants to include in their fee filings ‘‘a brief description of the amount and type of the Historical CAT Costs, including . . . legal . . . costs.’’ 171 In keeping with these provisions, this filing provides a brief description of reasonably budgeted legal costs above. These legal costs include costs related to the development of the CAT Funding Model. In addition, the legal costs incurred for the assistance in developing the CAT Funding Model are reasonable in both amount and scope and should be recoverable as a part of Historical CAT Assessment 1. As described above, the specialized services were performed by experienced counsel at negotiated rates for such services that reflect both the 170 Section 168 Strategic Cloud Assessment Article. 169 Id. PO 00000 Frm 00037 171 Section 11.1(a)(i) of the CAT NMS Plan. 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT NMS Plan. Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 75883 E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 75884 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices extent of the services and market rates. Moreover, the scope of the legal costs associated with the development of the funding model reflect the complexity of the task in satisfying the detailed requirements of the CAT NMS Plan, the standards of the Exchange Act, and the many perspectives of the different market constituents potentially affected by or interested in the funding model, including Industry Members, Participants and investors. The many and varied comments by market participants on CAT funding over the years demonstrate the complexity of the task. (D) Costs Related to Litigation With the SEC CAT LLC believes that the recovery of legal costs related to the litigation with the SEC regarding the CAT NMS Plan is appropriate, and that the amount and scope of such costs, as described above, are reasonable. As a preliminary matter, as discussed above, the Commission recognized that it is appropriate to recover reasonable costs for legal services as a part of Historical CAT Assessments.172 Moreover, CAT LLC initiated such litigation, and incurred the related legal costs, because it was critical to address the Commission’s interpretations of the CAT NMS Plan. Among other things, such interpretations threatened to impose unnecessary costs on the CAT, which would be borne by the Participants and Industry Members. Indeed, in response to the litigation, the Commission provided exemptive relief that allowed alternative, more costeffective approaches to the implementation of the CAT. Specifically, in the 2023 exemptive order, the Commission stated: lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 The conditional exemptive relief in this Order allows for the implementation of alternative regulatory solutions that continue to advance the regulatory goals that Rule 613 and the CAT NMS Plan were intended to promote, while reducing the implementation and operational costs, burdens, and/or difficulties that would otherwise be incurred by the Participants and Industry Members that must fund the CAT.173 CAT LLC believes it is reasonable and appropriate to incur costs to limit the need to incur even greater costs due to certain interpretations of the Plan. In addition, the legal costs incurred during the litigation are reasonable in both amount and scope and should be recoverable as a part of Historical CAT Assessment 1. As described above, the 172 See Sections 11.1(a)(i) and 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT NMS Plan. 173 Settlement Exemptive Order at 77129–30. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 specialized services were performed by experienced counsel at market rates for such services. As such, the legal costs related to this litigation incurred during the period covered by Historical CAT Assessment 1 were reasonable. Finally, Industry Members will directly benefit from the result of the litigation because it has addressed CAT NMS Plan requirements that would have imposed significantly greater costs on the CAT. Accordingly, it is reasonable and appropriate that the costs of such litigation be included in the Historical CAT Costs 1. (E) Costs Related to the Initial Plan Processor CAT LLC believes that it is appropriate to recover costs related to the services performed by the Initial Plan Processor prior to November 15, 2017, which was the date by which Participants were required to begin reporting to the CAT, due to the delay in the commencement of reporting to the CAT. As discussed above, the Participants determined to exclude all CAT costs incurred from November 15, 2017 through November 15, 2018, which includes $37,852,083 in Thesys costs incurred from November 15, 2017 through November 15, 2018 (as well as other CAT costs during this period). The remaining Thesys costs incurred after November 15, 2018 are the $19,628,791 in capitalized developed technology costs for the period from November 16, 2018 through February 2019 incurred in the development of the CAT by the Initial Plan Processor, as well as a transition fee for the transition from the Initial Plan Processor to the successor Plan Processor. The Participants would remain responsible for 100% of these $19,628,791 in costs. CAT LLC believes that it is appropriate to recover costs related to the services performed by the Initial Plan Processor prior to November 15, 2017. CAT LLC notes that the development and implementation of the CAT System, while unprecedented in scope and design, is like any other large and innovative technology project in that, inevitably, there were adjustments and refinements in the technical approach as the project developed, even with substantial planning efforts and oversight prior to the build. This is even more likely when the project faces a very tight implementation schedule, such as the one imposed by the Commission in Rule 613 and the CAT NMS Plan. However, an adjusted approach does not mean that the funds were not valid expenditures and should not be recovered. PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 The reasonableness of Thesys costs should be evaluated by the Commission as of the time they were incurred, not in hindsight. As detailed above, the Commission concluded in 2016 that ‘‘the competitive bidding process to select the Plan Processor is a reasonable and effective way to choose a Plan Processor,’’ and that ‘‘the process set forth in the Selection Plan should be permitted to continue.’’ 174 Following this process, the Participants notified the Commission of the selection of Thesys as the Initial Plan Processor on January 17, 2017.175 At the time, neither the Commission nor the industry argued that the selection of the Initial Plan Processor was unreasonable or otherwise inconsistent with the CAT NMS Plan, nor did they predict the selection would result in unanticipated delays in the implementation of the CAT System. On the contrary, on April 4, 2017, the President of SIFMA wrote that ‘‘SIFMA looks forward to commencing work with the SROs and Thesys.’’ 176 As noted in the CAT Funding Model Approval Order, ‘‘[i]n Rule 613, the Commission made the determination that the costs of the CAT should be shared by the Participants and Industry Members.’’ 177 If the CAT Funding Model had existed on Day 1, the risk of any unanticipated costs or challenges associated with the Initial Plan Processor would have been fairly and reasonably shared among the Participants and Industry Members on an ongoing basis. Given that the Commission concluded in 2012 that the costs of the CAT would be shared by the Participants and Industry Members, it is not fair or reasonable to determine in hindsight that all of the risk involved in developing the CAT should be allocated entirely to the Participants. (F) CAIS Implementation Costs CAT LLC believes that the recovery of CAIS-related costs is appropriate, and that the amount and scope of such costs, as described above, are reasonable, and that the reasonableness of historical costs should be evaluated by the Commission as of the time they were incurred, not in hindsight. 174 CAT NMS Plan Approval Order at 84737. from the Participants to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, SEC (Jan. 18, 2017), https://www.sec.gov/ divisions/marketreg/rule613-info-notice-of-planprocessor-selection.pdf. 176 Letter from Kenneth E. Bentsen, Jr., SIFMA, to Participants re: Selection of Thesys as CAT Processor (Apr. 4, 2017), https://www.sifma.org/wpcontent/uploads/2017/05/SIFMA-SubmitsComment-Letter-to-SRO-on-the-selection-of-Thesysas-the-CAT-Processor.pdf. 177 CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62650. 175 Letter E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 In approving the CAT Funding Model, the Commission recognized that it is appropriate to recover reasonable CAIS operating costs as a part of Historical CAT Assessments. As approved by the SEC, the CAT NMS Plan states that ‘‘the reasonably budgeted CAT costs shall include . . . CAIS operating fees.’’ 178 In addition, the CAT NMS Plan also requires Participants to include in their fee filings ‘‘a brief description of the amount and type of the Historical CAT Costs, including . . . CAIS operating fees.’’ 179 In keeping with these provisions, this filing provides a brief description of reasonably budgeted CAIS operating fees. In addition, CAT LLC determined that the CAIS operating fees described above are reasonable in both amount and scope and should be recoverable as a part of Historical CAT Assessment 1. The ‘‘CAIS Operating Costs’’ for Historical CAT Assessment 1 total $9,480,587, with Pre-FAM costs of $2,072,908, FAM 1 costs of $254,998, FAM 2 costs of $1,590,298, and FAM 3 costs of $5,562,383. As described above, the CAIS operating fees were incurred with regard to two categories of CAISrelated efforts: (1) the acceleration of the reporting of LTIDs; and (2) the development of the CAIS Technical Specifications and the building of CAIS. These two categories of costs are discussed in more detail below. (i) LTID Reporting During the period covered by Historical CAT Assessment 1, the CAIS operating costs included costs related to the acceleration of the reporting of LTIDs earlier than originally contemplated during this period at the request of the SEC and in accordance with exemptive relief granted by the SEC.180 As the SEC approved in this exemptive relief, the Participants proposed ‘‘to require the reporting of LTIDs to the CAT in Phases 2c and 2d, instead of with the rest of Customer Account Information in Phase 2e, which potentially could result in an earlier elimination of broker-dealer recordkeeping, reporting and monitoring requirements of the Large Trader Rule.’’ 181 To implement the reporting of LTIDs to the CAT, the following steps were taken during the period covered by Historical CAT Assessment 1: • After FCAT developed the LTID Technical Specifications, the LTID 178 Section 179 Section 11.1(a)(i) of the CAT NMS Plan. 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT NMS Plan. 180 See Phased Reporting Exemptive Relief Order at 23079–80. 181 Id. at 23078–79, n.70. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 Technical Specifications were published on January 31, 2020, with additional updates provided to the LTID Technical Specifications through April 2021.182 • The LTID account information testing environment opened on August 24, 2020. • The LTID account information reporting production environment opened on December 14, 2020. • CAT Reporters were required to request their production readiness certification for account information related to LTIDs by the deadline of April 9, 2021. • The LTID account information reporting for Phases 2a, 2b and 2c for Large Industry Members went live on April 26, 2021. • The LTID account information reporting for Phases 2d for Large Industry Members went live on December 13, 2021. • The LTID account information reporting for Phases 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d for Small Industry Members went live on April 26, 2021. Throughout this project, FCAT and CAT LLC worked closely with the industry on LTID and CAIS reporting. Between December 2019 and December 2021, at least 57 checkpoint calls, webinars, and technical working group meetings with industry representatives were hosted to address issues and to educate CAT Reporters regarding LTID and CAIS reporting.183 The LTID reporting project was successfully completed in a timely fashion, and the fees related to the project were reasonable. Accordingly, CAT LLC appropriately seeks to recover such costs via Historical CAT Assessment 1. (ii) CAIS Reporting During the period covered by Historical CAT Assessment 1, FCAT began the development of the full CAIS Technical Specifications and the building of CAIS. The CAIS Technical Specifications were developed during this period as follows: • Iterative drafts of the CAIS Technical Specifications were published on June 30, 2020, December 1, 2020, and January 1, 2021.184 182 The LTID Technical Specifications, including original drafts and updated versions, are available on the Industry Member Specifications page of the CAT website (https://www.catnmsplan.com/ specifications/im). 183 Such contact points with the industry are described in detail on the Events web page of the CAT website (https://www.catnmsplan.com/events). 184 The CAIS Technical Specifications, including original drafts and updated versions, are available on the Industry Member Specifications page of the CAT website (https://www.catnmsplan.com/ specifications/im). PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 75885 • The full, final CAIS Technical Specifications were published on January 29, 2021. • Updated versions of the CAIS Technical Specifications were published throughout 2021.185 As discussed above, FCAT and CAT LLC frequently engaged with the industry regarding the development of CAIS, hosting regular checkpoint calls, webinars, and technical working group meetings with industry representatives to address any issues, including addressing the interplay between Industry Members’ existing customer systems and CAIS, and to educate CAT Reporters regarding LTID and CAIS reporting. Such engagement was critical to the CAIS development process as the CAIS project was unprecedented in terms of its content, scope and complexity. During this period, FCAT also commenced the building of the CAIS system in accordance with the CAIS Technical Specifications during the period covered by Historical CAT Assessment 1. The CAIS system was ready for industry testing shortly after the end of this period in January 2022. The CAIS Technical Specifications and the CAIS system, as developed during this period, continue to be in use today. Industry Members have been required to report, and have continuously reported, required data to CAIS on a daily basis since November 7, 2022, consistent with interim reporting obligations. The CAIS system accepts and validates the CAIS data submitted by Industry Members and provides Industry Members with initial feedback on data errors. In light of the unprecedented nature of the CAIS system, certain changes to the system, such as changes related to error corrections and the CAIS regulatory portal, were necessary to finalize CAIS reporting. FCAT worked to address these remaining issues,186 and, as of May 31, 2024, FCAT indicated that it had achieved the final CAIS reporting milestone. Accordingly, CAT LLC appropriately seeks to recover CAIS operating costs via Historical CAT Assessment 1. (G) Public Relations Costs CAT LLC believes that the recovery of public relations costs is appropriate and that the amount and scope of such costs, as described above, are reasonable. 185 Six updated versions of the CAIS Technical Specifications were published during 2021, in March, May, June, August, October and December. 186 See, e.g., CAT Q4 2023 Quarterly Progress Report (Jan. 30, 2024) (https:// www.catnmsplan.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/ CAT-Q4-2023-QPR.pdf). E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 75886 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 The Commission has long recognized that external public relations costs are reasonably associated with creating, implementing and maintaining the CAT. In the CAT NMS Plan Approval Order, the Commission estimated that the Participants had collectively spent approximately $2,400,000 in preparation of the CAT NMS Plan on external public relations, legal, and consulting costs, and estimated that the Participants would continue to incur external public relations costs associated with maintaining the CAT upon approval of the CAT NMS Plan.187 In approving the CAT Funding Model, the Commission recognized that it is appropriate to recover reasonable costs for public relations services as a part of Historical CAT Assessments. As approved by the SEC, the CAT NMS Plan states that ‘‘the reasonably budgeted CAT costs shall include . . . public relations costs.’’ 188 In addition, the CAT NMS Plan also requires Participants to include in their fee filings ‘‘a brief description of the amount and type of the Historical CAT Costs, including . . . public relations costs.’’ 189 In keeping with these provisions, a brief description of reasonable public relations costs are described above. In addition, CAT LLC determined that the public relations costs described above are reasonable in both amount and scope and should be recoverable as a part of Historical CAT Assessment 1. The services performed by the public relations firms through 2021 were limited in scope to assist CAT LLC, which has no employees of its own, to be better positioned to understand and address CAT matters to the benefit of all market participants and to communicate on important CAT topics with the public. In addition, the costs for these services were appropriately limited. During the 10-year period covered by Historical CAT Assessment 1, the average cost per year for these services was approximately $36,000. (H) Legal Costs Related to the Limitation of Liability Provision in CAT Reporter Agreements CAT LLC believes that the recovery of legal costs related to the limitation of liability provision, including costs related to the proceedings before the SEC and costs related to the proposed amendment to the Consolidated Audit Trail Reporter Agreement and the Consolidated Audit Trail Reporting 187 CAT NMS Plan Approval Order at 84917–18. 11.1(a)(i) of the CAT NMS Plan. 189 Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT NMS Plan. 188 Section VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 Agent Agreement (the ‘‘Reporting Agreements’’) is appropriate and that the amount and scope of such costs as described above are reasonable. As a preliminary matter, as discussed above, the Commission recognized that it is appropriate to recover reasonable costs for legal services as a part of Historical CAT Assessments.190 In addition, CAT LLC determined that the legal costs incurred for the assistance with regard to the limitation of liability provisions are reasonable in both amount and scope and should be recoverable as a part of Historical CAT Assessment 1. Moreover, it is critical that CAT LLC, which has no employees of its own, have the ability to fund a legal defense in litigation and other legal proceedings against it. In response to CAT LLC requiring Industry Members to agree to the limitation of liability provision to submit data to the CAT, SIFMA filed an application for review of actions taken by CAT LLC and the Participants pursuant to Sections 19(d) and 19(f) of the Exchange Act. Contemporaneously with the filing of this proceeding, SIFMA moved for a stay of the requirement that Industry Members sign a Reporter Agreement, or in the alternative, asked the Commission to further delay the launch of CAT reporting on June 22, 2020. CAT LLC must have the resources to defend itself from litigious actions by others, like these. Although a limitation of liability provision ultimately was not adopted as proposed, it was a reasonable provision to propose for the CAT Reporter Agreements, given that such provisions are in accordance with industry norms. Limitations of liability are ubiquitous within the securities industry and have long governed the economic relationships between self-regulatory organizations and the entities that they regulate. For example, U.S. securities exchanges have adopted rules to limit their liability for losses that Industry Members incur through their use of exchange facilities.191 Similarly, FINRA’s former order audit trail, OATS, which has functioned as an integrated audit trail of order, quote, and trade data for equity securities, required FINRA members to acknowledge an agreement that includes a limitation of liability provision.192 In addition, such a 190 See Sections 11.1(a)(i) and 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT NMS Plan. 191 See, e.g., NASDAQ Equities Rule 4626. 192 FINRA Rule 1013(a)(1)(R) requires all applicants for FINRA Membership to acknowledge the FINRA Entitlement Program Agreement and Terms of Use, which applies to OATS. Industry Members click to indicate that they agree to its PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 provision was intended to ensure the financial stability of the CAT. Accordingly, it was reasonable for CAT LLC to propose the use of such a provision.193 Furthermore, as described above, the specialized services were performed by experienced counsel at market rates for such services. Accordingly, the legal costs for the efforts related to the limitation of liability provision were reasonable. (I) Costs for the Chair of CAT Operating Committee CAT LLC believes that the recovery of consulting costs related to the Chair of the CAT Operating Committee is appropriate and that the amount and scope of such costs are reasonable. As a preliminary matter, the selection of the Chair of the Operating Committee complies with the requirements of Section 4.2 of the CAT NMS Plan. The initial Chair that served during the period covered by Historical CAT Assessment was designated by a Participant as the Participant’s alternate voting member. Accordingly, the Chair is a representative of the Participants, as required by the CAT NMS Plan. In addition, in approving the CAT Funding Model, the Commission recognized that it is appropriate to recover reasonable costs for consulting as a part of Historical CAT Assessments. As approved by the SEC, the CAT NMS Plan states that ‘‘the reasonably budgeted CAT costs shall include . . . consulting . . .’’ costs.194 In addition, the CAT NMS Plan also requires Participants to include in their fee filings ‘‘a brief description of the amount and type of the Historical CAT Costs, including . . . consulting’’ 195 costs. In keeping with these provisions, a brief description of reasonable consulting costs is included in this filing, and such reasonable consulting costs include the costs related to the Chair position. The Participants determined that the position of the Chair was a critical role for the implementation of the CAT, and an independent Chair would appropriately consider and address the views of each of the Participants. The Participants also determined that it was important to have a Chair with a strong terms—including its limitation of liability provision—every time they access FINRA’s OATS system to report trade information (i.e., repeatedly over the course of a trading day for many Industry Members). 193 See Letter from Michael Simon, Chair, CAT Operating Committee, to Vanessa Countryman, Secretary, Commission (Dec. 18, 2020). 194 Section 11.1(a)(i) of the CAT NMS Plan. 195 Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT NMS Plan. E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices (A) Reconciliation of CAT Invoices trades with their own books and records. The CAT NMS Plan also does not require CAT LLC to provide the ability to identify the order originator for the underlying trades for the CAT invoices. Accordingly, the billing guidance and processes do not provide CAT Reporters with the ability to identify the order originator for the underlying trades provided by CAT with CAT invoices. CAT LLC has been working closely with CAT Reporters to explain its billing approach and to address any outstanding billing questions. But, it should not be lost that CAT LLC provides information sufficient to allow CAT Reporters to reconcile CAT invoice amounts with the underlying trades provided by CAT LLC. (i) Reconciliation of CAT Invoices to Underlying Trades Provided by CAT CAT LLC understands that there are three types of reconciliation processes related to the invoices: • Reconciliation of CAT Invoices to Underlying Trades: Reconciling the CAT invoice amount to the underlying trades provided by CAT; • Matching Trades to Books and Records: Providing the means to match the underlying trades provided by CAT with CAT invoices to other books and records independently maintained by individual CAT Reporters (e.g., exchange trade journals/ acknowledgements) and data sources of self-regulatory organizations independent of CAT; and • Order Originator Identification: Providing the ability to identify the order originator for the underlying trades provided by CAT with CAT invoices, which would facilitate firms’ ability to pass through CAT Fees to their customers. As discussed further below, CAT LLC only considers the first type of process to be a ‘‘reconciliation’’ and the only type of process that is required under the CAT NMS Plan. CAT LLC provides the means to reconcile the CAT invoice amount to the underlying trades provided by CAT. The CAT NMS Plan does not require CAT LLC to facilitate the second type of process: matching underlying trades for a CAT invoice with a firm’s internal books and records. CAT LLC has access only to the underlying trades provided by CAT; it does not have access to a firm’s internal books and records. Although beyond the requirements of the CAT NMS Plan and involving firm specific considerations, CAT LLC voluntarily has provided guidance and processes to assist CAT Reporters in their efforts to match the underlying (ii) Match the Underlying Trades Provided by CAT With CAT Invoices to Firms’ Internal Books and Records Independent of CAT The CAT NMS Plan does not require CAT LLC to facilitate the matching of underlying trades for a CAT invoice with a firm’s internal books and records, which may consist of trading data from various sources external to CAT. Although beyond the requirements of the CAT NMS Plan and involving firm specific considerations, CAT LLC voluntarily has provided guidance and processes to assist CAT Reporters in their efforts to match the underlying trades with their own books and records. In this regard, it is important to recognize that CAT LLC has developed a billing approach that greatly improves upon existing billing practices for similar regulatory fees (e.g., fees related to Section 31). Accordingly, with the additional information voluntarily provided by CAT LLC, CAT Reporters generally will have sufficient information to match their underlying trades provided by CAT with their own internal books and records that are independent of CAT or to SRO data that is independent of CAT data. However, CAT LLC emphasizes that providing such additional information is not required by the CAT NMS Plan. To facilitate the introduction of CAT fees, CAT LLC has worked with FCAT to develop an approach to CAT billing that is consistent with existing billing constructs used with regard to Section 31-related sales values fees, subject to certain enhancements. Under this billing approach, FCAT is providing additional linkage elements, not necessarily provided in the Section 31sales value fee context, to facilitate CAT Reporters’ ability to match the underlying trades provided by CAT background regarding issues related to the regulatory obligations of selfregulatory organizations, including their obligations under national market system plans. The compensation paid to the Chair is appropriate for a person with such background and skills. The average annual amount paid to the Chair from 2017 through the end of FAM 3 was $292,733.30. Separate from the Chair, CAT LLC relies upon a Leadership Team of representatives of the SROs to oversee the day-to-day implementation of the CAT NMS Plan. CAT LLC does not compensate any member of the Leadership Team. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 (11) Fee Implementation Assistance for Industry Members VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 75887 with their internal books and records and to reduce the complexity of that process. Specifically, FCAT is providing various key elements of the trade itself, such as the tradeID and branch sequence,196 to CAT Reporters in the trade billing details provided with their CAT invoices (‘‘Additional Trade Details’’). As a result, CAT Reporters now have numerous alternative methods for matching a trade with their internal books and records where they previously did not have such matching methods in other fee contexts. With the Additional Trade Details, CAT LLC and FCAT believe that the overwhelming majority of underlying trades provided by CAT bills can be matched with a CAT Reporter’s internal books and records. CAT LLC recognizes that there may be certain cases in which such matching is more difficult given various firm-specific considerations, but believes that such instances are significantly more limited than with regard to the SRO fees charged in relation to Section 31.197 By providing Additional Trade Details that are not available in other fee contexts, FCAT enhances the Industry Members’ ability to match the underlying trades provided with CAT invoices with books and records and SRO data, both of which are independent of CAT data. (iii) CAT LLC Is Not Required To Facilitate CAT Reporters’ Ability To Pass Through Fees to Their Customers Similar to other regulatory fees, the CAT NMS Plan does not address the manner or extent to which CAT Executing Brokers may seek to pass any CAT fees on to their customers, nor does it impose any obligation on CAT LLC or the Plan Processor to facilitate firms’ ability to do so. Accordingly, Historical CAT Assessment 1 does not address the process by which any CAT Reporters may pass through the fee to their 196 See CAT Technical Specifications for Billing Trade Details; Trade Details Schema (https:// catnmsplan.com/sites/default/files/2024-02/ 02.05.24-Billing-Trade-Details-Schema.json); CAT Billing Scenarios, Version 1.0 (Nov. 30, 2023) (https://www.catnmsplan.com/sites/default/files/ 2024-01/01.12.2024-CAT-Billing-Scenariosv1.0.pdf). 197 For years, broker-dealers have faced similar reconciliation issues with regard to SRO fees related to Section 31. Broker-dealers have responded to this issue in the Section 31 context by exercising their discretion as to whether and the manner and extent to which they pass on those fees (e.g., by rounding up its fees to the nearest cent, or decide to charge for, or not charge for, certain transactions, or assess a specific fee or incorporate the costs into other fee programs). See, e.g., Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 49928 (June 28, 2004), 69 FR 41060, 41072 (July 7, 2004) (noting that broker-dealers may ‘‘overcollect’’ Section 31-related fees charged to their clients due to rounding practices, and doublecounting with regard to certain transactions). E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 75888 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices customers. Likewise, the CAT billing approach provided by the Plan Processor is designed to address the needs of CAT Reporters with regard to the reconciliation of CAT invoices with the underlying trades provided by CAT LLC with the invoices; they are not designed to address issues related to any pass-through fees. Accordingly, facilitating CAT Reporters’ ability to pass through fees to their clients is outside the scope of this fee filing. Nevertheless, as described below, CAT LLC and the Plan Processor have expended significant efforts to provide technical assistance to Industry Members regarding the implementation of Historical CAT Assessment 1, including providing Additional Trade Details that provide significant details about each underlying trade. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 (a) Originating Brokers Versus Executing Brokers In its approval of the CAT Funding Model, the Commission approved charging CAT fees to the CAT Executing Broker, rather than the originating broker. This fee filing must comply with the requirements of the CAT Funding Model, and, therefore, charges the Historical CAT Assessment 1 to CAT Executing Brokers. Moreover, charging originating brokers would introduce significant complexity to the billing process from the CAT’s perspective, and would increase the costs of implementing CAT fees. Charging the CAT Executing Broker is simple and straightforward, and leverages a one-to-one relationship between billable events (trades) and billable parties, similar to other transaction-based fees. In contrast, for a single trade event, there may be many originating brokers, and each trade must be broken down on a pro-rata basis, to account for one or more layers of aggregation, disaggregation, and representation of the underlying orders. While CAT is indeed designed to capture and unwind complex aggregation scenarios, the data and linkages are structured to facilitate regulatory use, and not a billing mechanism that assesses fees on a distinct set of executed trades; it is not simply a matter of using existing CAT linkages. Furthermore, charging originating brokers would implicate issues related to lifecycle linkage rates, and issues related to corrections, cancellations and allocations, while charging CAT Executing Brokers would avoid such issues. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 (b) Identification of Order Originator for Underlying Trades As noted, the CAT NMS Plan does not address the manner or extent to which CAT Executing Brokers may seek to pass any CAT Fees on to their customers, nor does it impose any obligation on CAT LLC or the Plan Processor to facilitate firms’ ability to do so. Nevertheless, the Additional Trade Details provided with regard to the underlying trades on CAT invoices may assist with this process. Like with Section 31-related sales value fees, however, it is not always possible to trace every fee on a transaction back to the originating party. Industry Members have faced these issues under Section 31-related sales values fees for many years.198 However, with the Additional Trade Details provided under the CAT billing approach, in many cases, CAT Reporters will be able to identify the order originator for the underlying trades provided by CAT with CAT invoices. In some cases, CAT LLC believes that certain issues related to certain types of market activity may implicate CAT Reporters’ ability to identify the order originator for a limited set of underlying trades for the CAT invoices. Although CAT LLC does not believe that it is required to address these issues, CAT LLC and FCAT have been carefully researching and analyzing these types of issues as they are identified, and have been working voluntarily to assist CAT Reporters with these issues as necessary and when possible. In addition, CAT LLC intends to continue to provide CAT Reporters with billing guidance through FAQs, CAT Alerts and Helpdesk responses to address outstanding billing questions. (B) Significant Technical Assistance CAT LLC has worked with FCAT to provide significant technical assistance to Industry Members to allow the Industry Members to understand how Historical CAT Assessment 1 will be implemented and billed, including webinars, CAT alerts, mock invoices, and responses to questions posed to the FCAT Help Desk. • Technical Specifications and Scenarios. CAT LLC has provided 198 ‘‘FINRA charges a Regulatory Transaction Fee (‘‘RTF’’) to industry members to reimburse FINRA for the Section 31 fees that FINRA pays to the Commission. FINRA does not currently provide industry members with the data that industry members require for proper reconciliation of RTF fees. This has been a major problem for the industry for many years.’’ Letter from Howard Meyerson, Managing Director, FIF, to Robert Cook, Chief Executive Officer, FINRA at 2 (Dec. 15. 2023) (https://fif.com/index.php/working-groups/ category/271-comment-letters?download=2820:fifletter-to-finra-on-pass-through-of-finra-catfees&view=category). PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 detailed technical documentation for CAT billing, including (1) technical specifications, which describe the CAT Billing Trade Details Files associated with monthly CAT invoices, including detailed information about data elements and file formats as well as access instructions, network and transport options; 199 (2) trade details schemas; 200 and (3) CAT billing scenarios.201 • Industry Webinars. CAT LLC has hosted two industry webinars specifically dedicated to CAT billing. The first webinar, hosted on September 28, 2023, discussed the operational implementation of the CAT Reporter billing process.202 The second webinar, hosted on November 7, 2023, provided (1) a demonstration of the CAT Reporter Portal and how to access CAT billing documents, including CAT invoices; and (2) additional information on underlying trade details in relation to the CAT Reporter billing process and an overview of the CAT Contact Management System.203 485 participants and 394 participants attended the two webinars, respectively. • CAT Alert. CAT LLC has published a detailed CAT Alert that describes how FCAT, as the Plan Processor acting on behalf of CAT LLC, will calculate applicable fees, issue invoices to and collect payment from CAT Executing Brokers.204 • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). CAT LLC also has continued to engage with the industry on billing issues by making responses to billing FAQs available on the CAT website. The FAQs address a broad range of frequently asked questions, including, for example, which Industry Members will receive invoices, how fees are calculated, when and how fees are required to be paid, how to access invoices, and how to update the billing contact. To date, responses to 27 FAQs are available on the CAT website, and 199 CAT Technical Specifications for Billing Trade Details, Version 1.0 r1 (Dec. 8. 2023) (https:// catnmsplan.com/sites/default/files/2023-12/ 12.07.2023-CAT-Techical-Specifications-for-BillingTrade-Details-v1.0r1_CLEAN.pdf). 200 Trade Details Schema (https:// catnmsplan.com/sites/default/files/2024-02/ 02.05.24-Billing-Trade-Details-Schema.json). 201 CAT Billing Scenarios, Version 1.0 (Nov. 30, 2023) (https://www.catnmsplan.com/sites/default/ files/2024-01/01.12.2024-CAT-Billing-Scenariosv1.0.pdf). 202 CAT Billing Webinar, Part 1 (Sept. 28, 2023) (https://www.catnmsplan.com/events/part-1-catbilling-webinar). 203 CAT Billing Webinar, Part 2 (Nov. 7, 2023) (https://www.catnmsplan.com/events/part-2-catbilling-webinar). 204 See CAT Alert 2023–02 (Oct. 12, 2023) (https://www.catnmsplan.com/sites/default/files/ 2023-10/10.12.23-CAT-Alert-2023-02.pdf). E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices CAT LLC will provide additional responses to FAQs as warranted.205 • Mock Invoices. To assist Industry Members with compliance with the commencement of Historical CAT Assessment 1, CAT LLC has been making available to CAT Executing Brokers mock invoices for Historical CAT Assessment 1 since December 2023 for billable activity occurring in November 2023. The mock invoices are in the same form as the actual, payable invoices, including both the relevant transaction data and the corresponding fee (as originally contemplated). However, no payments are required in response to such mock invoices; they are to be used solely to assist CAT Executing Brokers with the development of their processes for paying the CAT fees. Such data provides CAT Executing Brokers with a preview of the transaction data used in creating the invoices for Historical CAT Assessment 1 fees, as the data will be the same as data provided in actual invoices. Such data preview is intended to facilitate the payment of Historical CAT Assessment 1. For the November, December, and January billing periods, FCAT has generated trade detail files for 569 distinct firms that are CAT Executing Brokers. As such, CAT Reporters have actively engaged in the billing process via the mock invoices. • Help Desk Assistance. CAT LLC also provides detailed, individualized assistance to Industry Members regarding CAT fees and the billing process through the FCAT Help Desk.206 For example, the Help Desk has assisted with 406 cases related to the billing of CAT fees from July 2023 through March 2024. By providing such detailed and sustained assistance to Industry Members regarding CAT fees and billing, CAT LLC has successfully addressed questions raised by Industry Members regarding the CAT fees and billing processes. 2. Statutory Basis lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the requirements of the Exchange Act. The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 205 See CAT Billing FAQs, Section V of CAT FAQs (https://www.catnmsplan.com/faq?search_ api_fulltext=&field_topics=271&sort_by=field_faq_ number). 206 The CAT NMS Plan requires that the Plan Processor ‘‘staff a CAT help desk, as described in Appendix D, CAT Help Desk, to provide technical expertise.’’ Section 6.10(c)(vi) of the CAT NMS Plan. See also Section 10.3 of Appendix D of the CAT NMS Plan for a description of the Plan requirements for the CAT Help Desk. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 6(b)(5) of the Act,207 which requires, among other things, that the Exchange’s rules must be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest, and not designed to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, brokers and dealers. The Exchange also believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the provisions of Section 6(b)(4) of the Act,208 because it provides for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees and other charges among members and issuers and other persons using its facilities and does not unfairly discriminate between customers, issuers, brokers or dealers. The Exchange further believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b)(8) of the Act,209 which requires that the Exchange’s rules not impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purpose of the Exchange Act. These provisions also require that the Exchange be ‘‘so organized and [have] the capacity to be able to carry out the purposes’’ of the Act and ‘‘to comply, and . . . to enforce compliance by its members and persons associated with its members,’’ with the provisions of the Exchange Act.210 Accordingly, a reasonable reading of the Act indicates that it intended that regulatory funding be sufficient to permit an exchange to fulfill its statutory responsibility under the Act, and contemplated that such funding would be achieved through equitable assessments on the members, issuers, and other users of an exchange’s facilities. The Exchange believes that this proposal is consistent with the Act because it implements provisions of the Plan and is designed to assist the Exchange in meeting regulatory obligations pursuant to the Plan. In approving the Plan, the SEC noted that the Plan ‘‘is necessary and appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors and the maintenance of fair and orderly markets, to remove impediments to, and perfect the mechanism of a national market system, or is otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.’’ 211 To the extent that this proposal implements the Plan and applies specific requirements to Industry Members, the Exchange 207 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(6). U.S.C. 78f(b)(4). 209 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(8). 210 See Section 6(b)(1) of the Exchange Act. 211 CAT NMS Plan Approval Order at 84697. 208 15 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 75889 believes that this proposal furthers the objectives of the Plan, as identified by the SEC, and is therefore consistent with the Act. The Exchange believes that the proposed fees paid by the CEBBs and CEBSs are reasonable, equitably allocated and not unfairly discriminatory. First, the Historical CAT Assessment 1 fees to be collected are directly associated with the costs of establishing and maintaining the CAT, where such costs include Plan Processor costs and costs related to technology, legal, consulting, insurance, professional and administration, and public relations costs. The Exchange has already incurred such development and implementation costs and the proposed Historical CAT Assessment 1 fees, therefore, would allow the Exchange to collect certain of such costs in a fair and reasonable manner from Industry Members, as contemplated by the CAT NMS Plan. The proposed Historical CAT Assessment 1 fees would be charged to Industry Members in support of the maintenance of a consolidated audit trail for regulatory purposes. The proposed fees, therefore, are consistent with the Commission’s view that regulatory fees be used for regulatory purposes and not to support the Exchange’s business operations. The proposed fees would not cover Exchange services unrelated to the CAT. In addition, any surplus would be used as a reserve to offset future fees. Given the direct relationship between CAT fees and CAT costs, the Exchange believes that the proposed fees are reasonable, equitable and not unfairly discriminatory. As further discussed below, the SEC approved the CAT Funding Model, finding it was reasonable and that it equitably allocates fees among Participants and Industry Members. The Exchange believes that the proposed fees adopted pursuant to the CAT Funding Model approved by the SEC are reasonable, equitably allocated and not unfairly discriminatory. (1) Implementation of CAT Funding Model in CAT NMS Plan Section 11.1(b) of the CAT NMS Plan states that ‘‘[t]he Participants shall file with the SEC under Section 19(b) of the Exchange Act any such fees on Industry Members that the Operating Committee approves.’’ Per Section 11.1(b) of the CAT NMS Plan, the Exchange has filed this fee filing to implement the Industry Member CAT fees included in the CAT Funding Model. The Exchange believes that this proposal is consistent with the Exchange Act because it is consistent E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 75890 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 with, and implements, the CAT Funding Model in the CAT NMS Plan, and is designed to assist the Exchange and its Industry Members in meeting regulatory obligations pursuant to the CAT NMS Plan. In approving the CAT NMS Plan, the SEC noted that the Plan ‘‘is necessary and appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors and the maintenance of fair and orderly markets, to remove impediments to, and perfect the mechanism of a national market system, or is otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.’’ 212 Similarly, in approving the CAT Funding Model, the SEC concluded that the CAT Funding Model met this standard.213 As this proposal implements the Plan and the CAT Funding Model described therein, and applies specific requirements to Industry Members in compliance with the Plan, the Exchange believes that this proposal furthers the objectives of the Plan, as identified by the SEC, and is therefore consistent with the Exchange Act. (2) Calculation of Fee Rate for Historical CAT Assessment 1 Is Reasonable The SEC has determined that the CAT Funding Model is reasonable and satisfies the requirements of the Exchange Act. Specifically, the SEC has concluded that the method for determining Historical CAT Assessments as set forth in Section 11.3 of the CAT NMS Plan, including the formula for calculating the Historical Fee Rate, the identification of the parties responsible for payment and the transactions subject to the fee rate for the Historical CAT Assessment, is reasonable and satisfies the Exchange Act.214 In each respect, as discussed above, Historical CAT Assessment 1 is calculated, and would be applied, in accordance with the requirements applicable to Historical CAT Assessments as set forth in the CAT NMS Plan. Furthermore, as discussed below, the Exchange believes that each of the figures for the variables in the SEC-approved formula for calculating the fee rate for Historical CAT Assessment 1 is reasonable and consistent with the Exchange Act. Calculation of the Historical Fee Rate for Historical CAT Assessment 1 requires the figures for the Historical CAT Costs 1, the executed equivalent share volume for the prior twelve months, the determination of Historical Recovery Period 1, and the projection of the executed equivalent share volume for NMS Plan Approval Order at 84696. Funding Model Approval Order at 62686. 214 Id. at 62662–63. Historical Recovery Period 1. Each of these variables is reasonable and satisfies the Exchange Act, as discussed throughout this filing. (A) Historical CAT Costs 1 The formula for calculating a Historical Fee Rate requires the amount of Historical CAT Costs to be recovered. Specifically, Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT NMS Plan requires a fee filing to provide: a brief description of the amount and type of the Historical CAT Costs, including (1) the technology line items of cloud hosting services, operating fees, CAIS operating fees, change request fees, and capitalized developed technology costs, (2) legal, (3) consulting, (4) insurance, (5) professional and administration and (6) public relations costs. In accordance with this requirement, the Exchange has set forth the amount and type of Historical CAT Costs 1 for each of these categories of costs above. Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT NMS Plan also requires that the fee filing provide ‘‘sufficient detail to demonstrate that the Historical CAT Costs are reasonable and appropriate.’’ As discussed below, the Exchange believes that the amounts set forth in this filing for each of these cost categories is ‘‘reasonable and appropriate.’’ Each of the costs included in Historical CAT Costs 1 are reasonable and appropriate because the costs are consistent with standard industry practice, based on the need to comply with the requirements of the CAT NMS Plan, incurred subject to negotiations performed on an arm’s length basis, and/or are consistent with the needs of any legal entity, particularly one with no employees. (i) Technology: Cloud Hosting Services In approving the CAT Funding Model, the Commission recognized that it is appropriate to recover costs related to cloud hosting services as a part of Historical CAT Assessments.215 CAT LLC determined that the costs related to cloud hosting services described in this filing are reasonable and should be included as a part of Historical CAT Costs 1. As described above, the cloud hosting services costs reflect, among other things, the breadth of the CAT cloud activities, data volume far in excess of the original volume estimates, the need for specialized cloud services given the volume and unique nature of the CAT, the processing time requirements of the Plan, and regular efforts to seek to minimize costs where 212 CAT 213 CAT VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 215 Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(B)(1) of the CAT NMS Plan. PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 permissible under the Plan. CAT LLC determined that use of cloud hosting services is necessary for implementation of the CAT, particularly given the substantial data volumes associated with the CAT, and that the fees for cloud hosting services negotiated by FCAT were reasonable, taking into consideration a variety of factors, including the expected volume of data and the breadth of services provided and market rates for similar services.216 Indeed, the actual costs of the CAT are far in excess of the original estimated costs of the CAT due to various factors, including the higher volumes and greater complexity of the CAT than anticipated when Rule 613 was originally adopted. To comply with the requirements of the Plan, the breadth of the cloud activities related to the CAT is substantial. The cloud services not only include the production environment for the CAT, but they also include two industry testing environments, support environments for quality assurance and stress testing and disaster recovery capabilities. Moreover, the cloud storage costs are driven by the requirements of the Plan, which requires the storage of multiple versions of the data, from the original submitted version of the data through various processing steps, to the final version of the data. Data volume is a significant driver of costs for cloud hosting services. When the Commission adopted the CAT NMS Plan in 2016, it estimated that the CAT would need to receive 58 billion records per day 217 and that annual operating costs for the CAT would range from $36.5 million to $55 million.218 Through 2021, the actual data volumes have been five times that original estimate. The data volumes for each period are set forth in detail above.219 In addition to the effect of the data volume on the cloud hosting costs, the processing timelines set forth in the Plan contribute to the cloud hosting costs. Although CAT LLC has proactively sought to manage cloud hosting costs while complying with the Plan, including through requests to the Commission for exemptive relief and an amendment to the CAT NMS Plan, stringent CAT NMS Plan requirements do not allow for any material flexibility in cloud architecture design choices, processing timelines (e.g., the use of 216 For a discussion of the amount and type of cloud hosting services fees, see Sections 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(a), 3(a)(2)(B)(ii)(a), 3(a)(2)(B)(iii)(a) and 3(a)(2)(B)(iv)(A) above. 217 Appendix D–4 of the CAT NMS Plan at n.262. 218 CAT NMS Plan Approval Order at 84801. 219 See Sections 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(a), 3(a)(2)(B)(ii)(a), 3(a)(2)(B)(iii)(a) and 3(a)(2)(B)(iv)(A) above. E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 non-peak processing windows), or lower-cost storage tiers. As a result, the required CAT processing timelines contribute to the cloud hosting costs of the CAT. The costs for cloud hosting services also reflect the need for specialized cloud hosting services given the data volume and unique processing needs of the CAT. The data volume as well as the data processing needs of the CAT necessitate the use of cloud hosting services. The equipment, power and services required for an on-premises data model, the alternative to cloud hosting services, would be cost prohibitive. Moreover, as CAT was being developed, there were limited cloud hosting providers that could satisfy all the necessary CAT requirements, including the operational and security criteria. Over time more providers offering cloud hosting services that would satisfy these criteria have entered the market. CAT LLC will continue to evaluate alternative cloud hosting services, recognizing that the time and cost to move to an alternative cloud provider would be substantial. The reasonableness of the cloud hosting services costs is further supported by key cost discipline mechanisms for the CAT—a cost-based funding structure, cost transparency, cost management efforts (including regular efforts to lower compute and storage costs where permitted by the Plan) and oversight. Together, these mechanisms help ensure the ongoing reasonableness of the CAT’s costs and the level of fees assessed to support those costs.220 (ii) Technology: Operating Fees In approving the CAT Funding Model, the SEC recognized that it is appropriate to recover costs related to operating fees as a part of Historical CAT Assessments.221 CAT LLC determined that the costs related to operating fees described in this filing are reasonable and should be included as a part of Historical CAT Costs 1. The operating fees include the negotiated fees paid by CAT LLC to the Plan Processor to operate and maintain the system for order-related information and to perform business operations related to the system, including compliance, security, testing, training, communications with the industry (e.g., management of the FINRA CAT Helpdesk, FAQs, website and webinars) 220 See Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 97151 (Mar. 15, 2023), 88 FR 17086, 17117 (Mar. 21, 2023) (describing key cost discipline mechanisms for the CAT). 221 Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(B)(1) of the CAT NMS Plan. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 and program management. CAT LLC determined that the selection of FCAT as the Plan Processor was reasonable and appropriate given its expertise with securities regulatory reporting, after a process of considering other potential candidates.222 CAT LLC also determined that the fixed price contract, negotiated on an arm’s length basis with the goals of managing costs and receiving services required to comply with the CAT NMS Plan and Rule 613, was reasonable and appropriate, taking into consideration a variety of factors, including the breadth of services provided and market rates for similar types of activity.223 The services performed by FCAT for each period and the costs related to such services are described above.224 (iii) Technology: CAIS Operating Fees In approving the CAT Funding Model, the SEC recognized that it is appropriate to recover costs related to CAIS operating fees as a part of Historical CAT Assessments.225 CAT LLC determined that the costs related to CAIS operating fees described in this filing are reasonable and should be included as a part of Historical CAT Costs 1. The CAIS operating fees include the fees paid to the Plan Processor to operate and maintain CAIS and to perform the business operations related to the system, including compliance, security, testing, training, communications with the industry (e.g., management of the FINRA CAT Helpdesk, FAQs, website and webinars) and program management. CAT LLC determined that the FCAT-negotiated fees for Kingland’s CAIS-related services, negotiated on an arm’s length basis with the goals of managing costs and receiving services required to comply with the CAT NMS Plan, taking into consideration a variety of factors, including the services to be provided and market rates for similar types of activity, were reasonable and appropriate.226 The services performed by Kingland for each period and the costs for each period are described above.227 (iv) Technology: Change Request Fees In approving the CAT Funding Model, the SEC recognized that it is appropriate to recover costs related to change 222 See Section 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(b) above. Sections 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(b), 3(a)(2)(B)(ii)(b), 3(a)(2)(B)(iii)(b) and 3(a)(2)(B)(iv)(b) above. 224 Id. 225 Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(B)(1) of the CAT NMS Plan. 226 See Sections 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(c), 3(a)(2)(B)(ii)(c), 3(a)(2)(B)(iii)(c) and 3(a)(2)(B)(iv)(c) above. 227 Id. 223 See PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 75891 request fees as a part of Historical CAT Assessments.228 CAT LLC determined that the costs related to change request fees described in this filing are reasonable and should be included as a part of Historical CAT Costs 1. It is common practice to utilize a change request process to address evolving needs in technology projects. This is particularly true for a project like CAT that is the first of its kind, both in substance and in scale. The substance and costs of each of the change requests are evaluated by the Operating Committee, and approved in accordance with the requirements for Operating Committee meetings. In each case, CAT LLC determined that the change requests were necessary to implement the CAT. As described above, the change requests cover various technology changes, including, for example, changes related to CAT reporting, data feeds and exchange functionality. CAT LLC also determined that the costs for each change request were appropriate for the relevant technology change. A description of the change requests for each FAM Period and their total costs are set described above.229 As noted above, the total costs for change requests through FAM Period 3 represent a small percentage of Historical CAT Costs 1—that is, 0.25% of Historical CAT Costs 1. (v) Capitalized Developed Technology Costs In approving the CAT Funding Model, the SEC recognized that it is appropriate to recover costs related to capitalized developed technology costs as a part of Historical CAT Assessments.230 Capitalized developed technology costs include costs related to certain development costs, costs related to certain modifications, upgrades and other changes to the CAT, CAIS implementation fees and license fees. The amount and type of costs for each period are described in more detail above.231 CAT LLC determined that these costs are reasonable and should be included as a part of Historical CAT Costs 1. These costs involve the activity of both the Initial Plan Processor and FCAT, as the successor Plan Processor.232 With regard to the Initial 228 Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(B)(1) of the CAT NMS Plan. 229 See Sections 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(d), 3(a)(2)(B)(ii)(d), 3(a)(2)(B)(iii)(d) and 3(a)(2)(B)(iv)(d) above. 230 Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(B)(1) of the CAT NMS Plan. 231 See Sections 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(e), 3(a)(2)(B)(ii)(e), 3(a)(2)(B)(iii)(e) and 3(a)(2)(B)(iv)(e) above. 232 Id. E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 75892 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices Plan Processor, the Participants utilized an RFP to seek proposals to build and operate the CAT, receiving a number of proposals in response to the RFP. The Participants carefully reviewed and considered each of the proposals, including holding in-person meetings with each of the Bidders. After several rounds of review, the Participants selected the Initial Plan Processor in accordance with the CAT NMS Plan. CAT LLC entered into an agreement with the Initial Plan Processor in which CAT LLC would pay the Initial Plan Processor a negotiated, fixed price fee.233 In addition, as described above, CAT LLC determined that is was appropriate to enter into an agreement with FCAT as the successor Plan Processor.234 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 (vi) Legal In approving the CAT Funding Model, the SEC recognized that it is appropriate to recover costs related to legal fees as a part of Historical CAT Assessments.235 CAT LLC determined that the legal costs described in this filing are reasonable and should be included as a part of Historical CAT Costs 1. Given the unique nature of the CAT, the number of parties involved with the CAT (including, for example, the SEC, Participants, Industry Members, and vendors) and the many regulatory issues associated with the CAT, the scope of the necessary legal services are substantial. CAT LLC determined that the scope of the legal services is necessary to implement and maintain the CAT and that the legal rates reflect the specialized services necessary for such a project. When hiring each law firm for a CAT project, CAT LLC interviewed multiple firms, and determined to hire each firm based on a variety of factors, including the relevant expertise and fees. In each case, CAT LLC determined that the hourly fee rates were in line with market rates for the specialized legal expertise. In addition, CAT LLC determined that the total costs incurred for each CAT project were appropriate given the breadth of services provided. The services performed by each law firm for each period and the costs related to such services are described above.236 (vii) Consulting In approving the CAT Funding Model, the SEC recognized that it is appropriate to recover consulting costs as a part of 233 See Section 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(e) above. Section 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(b) above. 235 Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(B)(2) of the CAT NMS Plan. 236 See Sections 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(f), 3(a)(2)(B)(ii)(f), 3(a)(2)(B)(iii)(f) and 3(a)(2)(B)(iv)(f) above. 234 See VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 Historical CAT Assessments.237 CAT LLC determined that the consulting costs described in this filing are reasonable and should be included as a part of Historical CAT Costs 1. Because there are no CAT employees 238 and because of the significant number of issues associated with the CAT, the consultants provided assistance in the management of various CAT matters and the processes related to such matters.239 CAT LLC considered a variety of factors in choosing a consulting firm and determined to select Deloitte after an interview process.240 CAT LLC also determined that the consulting services were provided at reasonable market rates, as the fees were negotiated annually and comparable to the rates charged by other consulting firms for similar work.241 Moreover, the total costs for such consulting services were appropriate in light of the breadth of services provided by Deloitte. The services performed by Deloitte and the costs related to such services are described above.242 (viii) Insurance In approving the CAT Funding Model, the SEC recognized that it is appropriate to recover insurance costs as a part of Historical CAT Assessments.243 CAT LLC determined that the insurance costs described in this filing are reasonable and should be included as a part of Historical CAT Costs 1. CAT LLC determined that it is common practice to have directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, and errors and omissions liability insurance. CAT LLC further determined that it was important to have cyber security insurance given the nature of the CAT, and such a decision is consistent with the CAT NMS Plan, which states that the cyber incident response plan may include ‘‘[i]nsurance against security breaches.’’ 244 In selecting the insurance providers for these policies, CAT LLC engaged in an evaluation of alternative insurers, including a comparison of the pricing 237 Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(B)(3) of the CAT NMS Plan. 238 As stated in the filing of the proposed CAT NMS Plan, ‘‘[i]t is the intent of the Participants that the Company have no employees.’’ Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 77724 (Apr. 27, 2016), 81 FR 30614, 30621 (May 17, 2016). 239 CAT LLC uses certain third parties to perform tasks that may be performed by administrators for other NMS Plans. See, e.g., CTA Plan and CQ Plan. 240 See Section 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(g) above. 241 See Sections 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(g), 3(a)(2)(B)(ii)(g), 3(a)(2)(B)(iii)(g) and 3(a)(2)(B)(iv)(g) above. 242 Id. 243 Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(B)(4) of the CAT NMS Plan. 244 Section 4.1.5 of Appendix D of the CAT NMS Plan. PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 offered by the alternative insurers.245 Based on this analysis, CAT LLC determined that the selected insurance policies provided appropriate coverage at reasonable market rates.246 (ix) Professional and Administration In approving the CAT Funding Model, the SEC recognized that it is appropriate to recover professional and administration costs as a part of Historical CAT Assessments.247 CAT LLC determined that the professional and administration costs described in this filing are reasonable and should be included as a part of Historical CAT Costs 1. Because there are no CAT employees, all required accounting, financial, tax, cash management and treasury functions for CAT LLC have been outsourced at market rates. In addition, the required annual financial statement audit of CAT LLC is included in professional and administration costs, which costs are also at market rates. CAT LLC determined to hire a financial advisory firm, Anchin, to assist with financial matters for the CAT. CAT LLC interviewed Anchin as well as other potential financial advisory firms to assist with the CAT project, considering a variety of factors in its analysis, including the firm’s relevant expertise and fees.248 The hourly fee rates for this firm were in line with market rates for the financial advisory services provided.249 Moreover, the total costs for such financial advisory services was appropriate in light of the breadth of services provided by Anchin. The services performed by Anchin and the costs related to such services are described above.250 CAT LLC also determined to engage an independent accounting firm, Grant Thornton, to complete the audit of CAT LLC’s financial statements, in accordance with the requirements of the CAT NMS Plan. CAT LLC interviewed this firm as well as another potential accounting firm to audit CAT LLC’s financial statements, considering a variety of factors in its analysis, including the relevant expertise and fees of each of the firms. CAT LLC determined that Grant Thornton was well-qualified for the role given the 245 See Sections 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(h), 3(a)(2)(B)(ii)(h), 3(a)(2)(B)(iii)(h) and 3(a)(2)(B)(iv)(h) above. 246 Id. 247 Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(B)(5) of the CAT NMS Plan. 248 See Section 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(i) above. 249 See Sections 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(i), 3(a)(2)(B)(ii)(i), 3(a)(2)(B)(iii)(i) and 3(a)(2)(B)(iv)(i) above. 250 Id. E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices balanace of these considerations.251 Grant Thornton’s fixed fee rate compensation arrangement was reasonable and appropriate, and in line with the market rates charged for these types of accounting services.252 Moreover, the total costs for such financial advisory services was appropriate in light of the breadth of services provided by Grant Thornton. The services performed by Grant Thornton and the costs related to such services are described above.253 The professional and administrative costs also include costs related to the receipt of certain market data from Exegy. After performing an analysis of the available market data vendors to confirm that the data provided met the SIP Data requirements of the CAT NMS Plan and comparing the costs of the vendors providing the required SIP Data, CAT LLC determined to purchase market data from Exegy. Exegy provided the data elements required by the CAT NMS Plan, and the fees were reasonable and in line with market rates for the market data received.254 The professional and administrative costs also include costs related to a third party security assessment of the CAT performed by RSM. The assessment was designed to verify and validate the effective design, implementation and operation of the controls specified by NIST Special Publication 800–53, Revision 4 and related standards and guidelines. Such a security assessment is in line with industry practice and important given the data included in the CAT. CAT LLC determined to engage RSM to perform the security assessment, after considering a variety of factors in its analysis, including the firm’s relevant expertise and fees. The fees were reasonable and in line with market rates for such an assessment.255 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 (x) Public Relations Costs In approving the CAT Funding Model, the SEC recognized that it is appropriate to recover public relations costs as a part of Historical CAT Assessments.256 CAT LLC determined that the public relations costs described in this filing are reasonable and should be included as a part of Historical CAT Costs 1. CAT LLC determined that the types of public relations services utilized were beneficial to the CAT and market participants more generally. Public 251 See Section 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(i) above. Sections 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(i), 3(a)(2)(B)(ii)(i), 3(a)(2)(B)(iii)(i) and 3(a)(2)(B)(iv)(i) above. 253 Id. 254 See Section 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(i) above. 255 Id. 256 Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(B)(6) of the CAT NMS Plan. 252 See VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 relations services were important for various reasons, including monitoring comments made by market participants about CAT and understanding issues related to the CAT discussed on the public record.257 By engaging a public relations firm, CAT LLC was better positioned to understand and address CAT issues to the benefit of all market participants.258 Moreover, CAT LLC determined that the rates charged for such services were in line with market rates.259 As noted above, the total public relations costs through FAM Period 3 represent a small percentage of Historical CAT Costs 1—that is, 0.1% of Historical CAT Costs 1. (B) Total Executed Equivalent Share Volume for the Prior 12 Months The total executed equivalent share volume of transactions in Eligible Securities for the 12-month period from June 2023 through May 2024 was 3,980,753,840,905.21 executed equivalent shares. CAT LLC determined the total executed equivalent share volume for the prior twelve months by counting executed equivalent shares in the same manner as it will count executed equivalent shares for CAT billing purposes. (C) Historical Recovery Period 1 CAT LLC has determined to establish a Historical Recovery Period of 24 months for Historical CAT Assessment 1 and that such length is reasonable. CAT LLC determined that the length of Historical Recovery Period 1 appropriately weighs the need for a reasonable Historical Fee Rate 1 that spreads the Historical CAT Costs over an appropriate amount of time and the need to repay the loans notes to the Participants in a timely fashion. CAT LLC determined that 24 months for Historical Recovery Period 1 would establish a fee rate that is lower than other transaction-based fees, including fees assessed pursuant to Section 31.260 In addition, in establishing a Historical Recovery Period of 24 months, CAT LLC recognized that the total costs for Historical CAT Assessment 1 was less than the total costs for 2022 and 2023, and therefore it would be appropriate to recover those costs in two years. 257 See Section 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(j) above. Sections 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(j), 3(a)(2)(B)(ii)(j), 3(a)(2)(B)(iii)(j) and 3(a)(2)(B)(iv)(j) above. 259 Id. 260 As the SEC noted in the CAT Funding Model Approval Order, recent Section 31 fees ranged from $0.00009 per share to $0.0004 per share. CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62682. 258 See PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 75893 (D) Projected Executed Equivalent Share Volume for Historical Recovery Period 1 CAT LLC has determined to calculate the projected total executed equivalent share volume for the 24 months of Historical Recovery Period 1 by doubling the executed equivalent share volume for the prior 12 months. CAT LLC determined that such an approach was reasonable as the CAT’s annual executed equivalent share volume has remained relatively constant in recent years. For example, the executed equivalent share volume for 2021 was 3,963,697,612,395, the executed equivalent share volume for 2022 was 4,039,821,841,560.31, and the executed equivalent share volume for 2023 was 3,868,940,345,680.6. Accordingly, the projected total executed equivalent share volume for Historical Recovery Period 1 is projected to be 7,961,507,681,810.42 executed equivalent shares.261 (E) Actual Fee Rate for Historical CAT Assessment 1 (i) Decimal Places As noted in the Plan amendment for the CAT Funding Model, as a practical matter, the fee filing for a Historical CAT Assessment would provide the exact fee per executed equivalent share to be paid for each Historical CAT Assessment, by multiplying the Historical Fee Rate by one-third and describing the relevant number of decimal places for the fee rate.262 Accordingly, proposed paragraph (a)(1)(B) of the fee schedule would set forth a fee rate of $0.000013 per executed equivalent share. This fee rate is calculated by multiplying Historical Fee Rate 1 by one-third, and rounding the result to 6 decimal places. CAT LLC determined that the use of six decimal places is reasonable as it balances the accuracy of the calculation with the potential systems and other impracticalities of using additional decimal places in the calculation. (ii) Reasonable Fee Level The Exchange believes that imposing Historical CAT Assessment 1 with a fee rate of $0.000013 per executed equivalent share is reasonable because it provides for a revenue stream for the Company that is aligned with Historical CAT Costs 1 and such costs would be spread out over an appropriate recovery period, as discussed above. Moreover, the Exchange believes that the level of 261 This projection was calculated by multiplying 3,980,753,840,905.21 executed equivalent shares by two. 262 CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62658, n.658. E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 75894 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 the fee rate is reasonable, as it is comparable to other transaction-based fees. Indeed, Historical CAT Assessment 1 is significantly lower than fees assessed pursuant to Section 31 (e.g., $0.0009 per share to 0.0004 per share),263 and, as a result, the magnitude of Historical CAT Assessment 1 is small, and therefore will mitigate any potential adverse economic effects or inefficiencies.264 Furthermore, the reasonable fee rate for Historical CAT Assessment 1 further supports CAT LLC’s decision to seek to recover all Historical CAT Costs prior to 2022, rather than establishing separate Historical CAT Assessments for preFAM, FAM 1, FAM 2 and FAM 3 costs. (3) Historical CAT Assessment 1 Provides for an Equitable Allocation of Fees Historical CAT Assessment 1 provides for an equitable allocation of fees, as it equitably allocates CAT costs between and among the Participants and Industry Members. The SEC approved the CAT Funding Model, finding that each aspect of the CAT Funding Model satisfied the requirements of the Exchange Act, including the formula for calculating Historical CAT Assessments as well as the Industry Members to be charged the Historical CAT Assessments.265 In approving the CAT Funding Model, the SEC stated that ‘‘[t]he Participants have sufficiently demonstrated that the proposed allocation of fees is reasonable.’’ 266 Accordingly, the CAT Funding Model sets forth the requirements for allocating fees related to Historical CAT Costs among Participants and Industry Members, and the fee filings for Historical CAT Assessments must comply with those requirements. Historical CAT Assessment 1 provides for an equitable allocation of fees as it complies with the requirements regarding the calculation of Historical CAT Assessments as set forth in the CAT NMS Plan. For example, as described above, the calculation of Historical CAT Assessment 1 complies with the formula set forth in Section 11.3(b) of the CAT NMS Plan. In addition, Historical CAT Assessment 1 would be charged to CEBBs and CEBSs in accordance with Section 11.3(b) of the CAT NMS Plan. Furthermore, the Participants would continue to remain responsible for their designated share of Past CAT Costs through the cancellation 263 CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62663, 62682. 264 Id. 265 See Section 11.3(b) of the CAT NMS Plan. 266 CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62629. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 of loans made by the Participants to CAT LLC. In addition, as discussed above, each of the inputs into the calculation of Historical CAT Assessment 1— Historical CAT Costs 1 (including Excluded Costs), the count for the executed equivalent share volume for the prior 12 months, the length of the Historical Recovery Period, and the projected executed equivalent share volume for the Historical Recovery Period—are reasonable. Moreover, these inputs lead to a reasonable fee rate for Historical CAT Assessment 1 that is lower than other fee rates for transaction-based fees. A reasonable fee rate allocated in accordance with the requirements of the CAT Funding Model provides for an equitable allocation of fees. (4) Historical CAT Assessment 1 Is Not Unfairly Discriminatory Historical CAT Assessment 1 is not an unfairly discriminatory fee. The SEC approved the CAT Funding Model, finding that each aspect of the CAT Funding Model satisfied the requirements of the Exchange Act. In reaching this conclusion, the SEC analyzed the potential effect of Historical CAT Assessments calculated pursuant to the CAT Funding Model on affected categories of market participants, including Participants (including exchanges and FINRA), Industry Members (including subcategories of Industry Members, such as alternative trading systems, CAT Executing Brokers and market makers), and investors generally, and considered market effects related to equities and options, among other things. Historical CAT Assessment 1 complies with the requirements regarding the calculation of Historical CAT Assessments as set forth in the CAT NMS Plan. In addition, as discussed above, each of the inputs into the calculation of Historical CAT Assessment 1 and the resulting fee rate for Historical CAT Assessment 1 is reasonable. Therefore, Historical CAT Assessment 1 does not impose an unfairly discriminatory fee on Industry Members. Finally, the Exchange believes the proposed fees established pursuant to the CAT Funding Model promote just and equitable principles of trade, and, in general, protect investors and the public interest, and are provided in a transparent manner and specificity in the fee schedule. The Exchange also believes that the proposed fees are reasonable because they would provide ease of calculation, ease of billing and other administrative functions, and predictability of a fee based on fixed PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 rate per executed equivalent share. Such factors are crucial to estimating a reliable revenue stream for CAT LLC and for permitting Exchange members to reasonably predict their payment obligations for budgeting purposes. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition Section 6(b)(8) of the Act 267 requires that the Exchange’s rules not impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purpose of the Exchange Act. The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will result in any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The Exchange notes that Historical CAT Assessment 1 implements provisions of the CAT NMS Plan that were approved by the Commission and is designed to assist the Exchange in meeting its regulatory obligations pursuant to the Plan. In addition, all Participants (including exchanges and FINRA) are proposing to introduce Historical CAT Assessment 1 on behalf of CAT LLC to implement the requirements of the CAT NMS Plan. Therefore, this is not a competitive fee filing, and, therefore, it does not raise competition issues between and among the Participants. Furthermore, in approving the CAT Funding Model, the SEC analyzed the potential competitive impact of the CAT Funding Model, including competitive issues related to market services, trading services and regulatory services, efficiency concerns, and capital formation.268 The SEC also analyzed the potential effect of CAT fees calculated pursuant to the CAT Funding Model on affected categories of market participants, including Participants (including exchanges and FINRA), Industry Members (including subcategories of Industry Members, such as alternative trading systems, CAT Executing Brokers and market makers), and investors generally, and considered market effects related to equities and options, among other things. Based on this analysis, the SEC approved the CAT Funding Model as compliant with the Exchange Act. Historical CAT Assessment 1 is calculated and implemented in accordance with the CAT Funding Model as approved by the SEC. As discussed above, each of the inputs into the calculation of Historical CAT Assessment 1 is reasonable and the 267 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(8). Funding Model Approval Order at 62676–86. 268 CAT E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM 16SEN4 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / Notices resulting fee rate for Historical CAT Assessment 1 calculated in accordance with the CAT Funding Model is reasonable. Therefore, Historical CAT Assessment 1 would not impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purpose of the Exchange Act. 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 foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Exchange Act 269 and Rule 19b–4(f)(2) thereunder,270 because it establishes or changes a due, or fee. At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend the rule change if it appears to the Commission that the action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or would otherwise further the purposes of the Act. If the Commission takes such action, the U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii). 270 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(2). lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES4 269 15 VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Sep 13, 2024 Jkt 262001 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– SAPPHIRE–2024–27 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–SAPPHIRE–2024–27. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 9990 75895 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–SAPPHIRE–2024–27 and should be submitted on or before October 7, 2024. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.271 Sherry R. Haywood, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2024–20636 Filed 9–13–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P 271 17 E:\FR\FM\16SEN4.SGM CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). 16SEN4

Agencies

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 179 (Monday, September 16, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 75848-75895]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-20636]



[[Page 75847]]

Vol. 89

Monday,

No. 179

September 16, 2024

Part VI





Securities and Exchange Commission





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Self-Regulatory Organizations; MIAX Sapphire LLC; Notice of Filing and 
Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Establish Fees for 
Industry Members Related to Certain Historical Costs of the National 
Market System Plan Governing the Consolidated Audit Trail; Notice

Federal Register / Vol. 89 , No. 179 / Monday, September 16, 2024 / 
Notices

[[Page 75848]]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-100962; File No. SR-SAPPHIRE-2024-27]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; MIAX Sapphire LLC; Notice of 
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change to 
Establish Fees for Industry Members Related to Certain Historical Costs 
of the National Market System Plan Governing the Consolidated Audit 
Trail

September 6, 2024.
    Pursuant to the provisions of Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 (the ``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ 
notice is hereby given that on August 23, 2024, MIAX Sapphire, LLC 
(``MIAX Sapphire'' or ``Exchange'') filed with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission (``Commission'') a 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 
comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange is filing a proposal to amend the MIAX Sapphire Fee 
Schedule (the ``Fee Schedule'') to establish fees for Industry Members 
\3\ related to certain historical costs of the National Market System 
Plan Governing the Consolidated Audit Trail (the ``CAT NMS Plan'' or 
``Plan'') incurred prior to January 1, 2022. These fees would be 
payable to Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC (``CAT LLC'' or ``the 
Company'') \4\ and referred to as Historical CAT Assessment 1, and 
would be described in a section of the Exchange's fee schedule entitled 
``Consolidated Audit Trail Funding Fees.'' The fee rate for Historical 
CAT Assessment 1 will be $0.000013 per executed equivalent share. CAT 
Executing Brokers will receive their first monthly invoice for 
Historical CAT Assessment 1 in November 2024 calculated based on their 
transactions as CAT Executing Brokers for the Buyer (``CEBB'') and/or 
CAT Executing Brokers for the Seller (``CEBS'') in October 2024.
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    \3\ An ``Industry Member'' is defined as ``a member of a 
national securities exchange or a member of a national securities 
association.'' See Miami International Securities Exchange LLC 
(``MIAX Rule'') Rule 1701(u). The Exchange notes that MIAX Chapter 
XVII is incorporated by reference into the Exchange's rulebook. As 
such, MIAX Chapter XVII also applies to the Exchange. See also 
Section 1.1 of the CAT NMS Plan. Unless otherwise specified, 
capitalized terms used in this rule filing are defined as set forth 
in the CAT NMS Plan and/or the CAT Compliance Rule. See MIAX Rule 
1701.
    \4\ The term ``CAT LLC'' may be used to refer to Consolidated 
Audit Trail, LLC or CAT NMS, LLC, depending on the context.
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    The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's 
website at https://www.miaxglobal.com/markets/us-options/miax-sapphire/rule-filings, at the Exchange's principal office, and at the 
Commission's Public Reference Room.

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

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

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

1. Purpose
    On July 11, 2012, the Commission adopted Rule 613 of Regulation 
NMS, which required the self-regulatory organizations (``SROs'') to 
submit a national market system (``NMS'') plan to create, implement and 
maintain a consolidated audit trail that would capture customer and 
order event information for orders in NMS securities across all 
markets, from the time of order inception through routing, 
cancellation, modification or execution.\5\ On November 15, 2016, the 
Commission approved the CAT NMS Plan.\6\ Under the CAT NMS Plan, the 
Operating Committee has the discretion to establish funding for CAT LLC 
to operate the CAT, including establishing fees for Industry Members to 
be assessed by CAT LLC that would be implemented on behalf of CAT LLC 
by the Participants.\7\ The Operating Committee adopted a revised 
funding model to fund the CAT (``CAT Funding Model''). On September 6, 
2023, the Commission approved the CAT Funding Model, after concluding 
that the model was reasonable and that it satisfied the requirements of 
Section 11A of the Exchange Act and Rule 608 thereunder.\8\
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    \5\ Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 67457 (July 18, 2012), 77 
FR 45721 (Aug. 1, 2012) (``Rule 613 Adopting Release'').
    \6\ Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 79318 (Nov. 15, 2016), 81 
FR 84696 (Nov. 23, 2016) (``CAT NMS Plan Approval Order'').
    \7\ Section 11.1(b) of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \8\ Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 98290 (Sept. 6, 2023), 88 
FR 62628 (Sept. 12, 2023) (``CAT Funding Model Approval Order'').
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    The CAT Funding Model provides a framework for the recovery of the 
costs to create, develop and maintain the CAT, including providing a 
method for allocating costs to fund the CAT among Participants and 
Industry Members. The CAT Funding Model establishes two categories of 
fees: (1) CAT fees assessed by CAT LLC and payable by certain Industry 
Members to recover a portion of historical CAT costs previously paid by 
the Participants (``Historical CAT Assessment'' fees); and (2) CAT fees 
assessed by CAT LLC and payable by Participants and Industry Members to 
fund prospective CAT costs (``Prospective CAT Costs'' fees).\9\
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    \9\ Under the CAT Funding Model, the Operating Committee may 
establish one or more Historical CAT Assessments. Section 11.3(b) of 
the CAT NMS Plan. This filing only establishes Historical CAT 
Assessment 1 related to certain Historical CAT Costs as described 
herein; it does not address any other potential Historical CAT 
Assessment related to other Historical CAT Costs. In addition, under 
the CAT Funding Model, the Operating Committee also may establish 
CAT Fees related to CAT costs going forward. Section 11.3(a) of the 
CAT NMS Plan. This filing does not address any potential CAT Fees 
related to CAT costs going forward. Any such other fee for any other 
Historical CAT Assessment or CAT Fee for Prospective CAT Costs will 
be subject to a separate fee filing.
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    Under the CAT Funding Model, ``[t]he Operating Committee will 
establish one or more fees (each a `Historical CAT Assessment') to be 
payable by Industry Members with regard to CAT costs previously paid by 
the Participants (`Past CAT Costs').'' \10\ In establishing a 
Historical CAT Assessment, the Operating Committee will determine a 
``Historical Recovery Period'' and calculate a ``Historical Fee Rate'' 
for that Historical Recovery Period. Then, for each month in which a 
Historical CAT Assessment is in effect, each CEBB and CEBS would be 
required to pay the fee--the Historical CAT Assessment--for each 
transaction in Eligible Securities executed by the CEBB or CEBS from 
the prior month as set forth in CAT Data, where the Historical CAT 
Assessment for each transaction will be calculated by multiplying the 
number of executed equivalent shares in the transaction by one-third 
and by the Historical Fee Rate.\11\
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    \10\ Section 11.3(b) of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \11\ In approving the CAT Funding Model, the Commission stated 
that, ``[i]n the Commission's view, the proposed recovery of the 
Past CAT Costs via the Historical CAT Assessment is reasonable.'' 
CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62662.
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    Each Historical CAT Assessment to be paid by CEBBs and CEBSs is 
designed

[[Page 75849]]

to contribute toward the recovery of two-thirds of the Historical CAT 
Costs. Because the Participants previously have paid Past CAT Costs via 
loans to the Company, the Participants would not be required to pay any 
Historical CAT Assessment. In lieu of a Historical CAT Assessment, the 
Participants' one-third share of Historical CAT Costs will be paid by 
the cancellation of loans made by the Participants to the Company on a 
pro rata basis based on the outstanding loan amounts due under the 
loans, instead of through the payment of a CAT fee.\12\ In addition, 
the Participants also will be 100% responsible for certain Excluded 
Costs (as discussed below).
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    \12\ Section 11.3(b)(ii) of the CAT NMS Plan.
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    CAT LLC proposes to charge CEBBs and CEBSs (as described in more 
detail below) Historical CAT Assessment 1 to recover certain historical 
CAT costs incurred prior to January 1, 2022, in accordance with the CAT 
Funding Model. To implement this fee on behalf of CAT LLC, the CAT NMS 
Plan requires the Participants to ``file with the SEC under Section 
19(b) of the Exchange Act any such fees on Industry Members that the 
Operating Committee approves, and such fees shall be labeled as 
`Consolidated Audit Trail Funding Fees.' '' \13\ The Plan further 
states that ``Participants will be required to file with the SEC 
pursuant to Section 19(b) of the Exchange Act a filing for each 
Historical CAT Assessment.'' \14\ Accordingly, the purpose of this 
filing is to implement a Historical CAT Assessment on behalf of CAT LLC 
for Industry Members, referred to as Historical CAT Assessment 1, in 
accordance with the CAT NMS Plan.\15\
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    \13\ Section 11.1(b) of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \14\ Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(I) of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \15\ Note that there may be one or more Historical CAT 
Assessments depending on the timing of the completion of the 
Financial Accountability Milestones, among other things. Section 
11.3(b) of the CAT NMS Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(1) CAT Executing Brokers
    Historical CAT Assessment 1 will be charged to each CEBB and CEBS 
for each applicable transaction in Eligible Securities.\16\ The CAT NMS 
Plan defines a ``CAT Executing Broker'' to mean:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ In its approval of the CAT Funding Model, the Commission 
determined that charging CAT fees to CAT Executing Brokers was 
reasonable. In reaching this conclusion the Commission noted that 
the use of CAT Executing Brokers is appropriate because the CAT 
Funding Model is based upon the calculation of executed equivalent 
shares, and, therefore, charging CAT Executing Brokers would reflect 
their executing role in each transaction. Furthermore, the 
Commission noted that, because CAT Executing Brokers are already 
identified in transaction reports from the exchanges and FINRA's 
equity trade reporting facilities recorded in CAT Data, charging CAT 
Executing Brokers could streamline the billing process. CAT Funding 
Model Approval Order at 62629.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (a) with respect to a transaction in an Eligible Security that is 
executed on an exchange, the Industry Member identified as the Industry 
Member responsible for the order on the buy-side of the transaction and 
the Industry Member responsible for the sell-side of the transaction in 
the equity order trade event and option trade event in the CAT Data 
submitted to the CAT by the relevant exchange pursuant to the 
Participant Technical Specifications; and (b) with respect to a 
transaction in an Eligible Security that is executed otherwise than on 
an exchange and required to be reported to an equity trade reporting 
facility of a registered national securities association, the Industry 
Member identified as the executing broker and the Industry Member 
identified as the contra-side executing broker in the TRF/ORF/ADF 
transaction data event in the CAT Data submitted to the CAT by FINRA 
pursuant to the Participant Technical Specifications; provided, 
however, in those circumstances where there is a non-Industry Member 
identified as the contra-side executing broker in the TRF/ORF/ADF 
transaction data event or no contra-side executing broker is identified 
in the TRF/ORF/ADF transaction data event, then the Industry Member 
identified as the executing broker in the TRF/ORF/ADF transaction data 
event would be treated as CAT Executing Broker for the Buyer and for 
the Seller.\17\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ Section 1.1 of the CAT NMS Plan. Note that CEBBs and CEBSs 
may, but are not required to, pass-through their CAT fees to their 
clients, who may, in turn, pass their fees to their clients until 
they are imposed ultimately on the account that executed the 
transaction. See CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62649.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The following fields of the Participant Technical Specifications 
indicate the CAT Executing Brokers for the transactions executed on an 
exchange.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ See Table 23, Section 4.7 (Order Trade Event) of the CAT 
Reporting Technical Specifications for Plan Participants, Version 
4.1.0-r21 (Apr. 15, 2024), https://www.catnmsplan.com/sites/default/files/2024-04/04.15.2024-CAT_Reporting_Technical_Specifications_for_Participants_4.1.0-r21.pdf (``CAT Reporting Technical Specifications for Plan 
Participants'').
    \19\ See Table 51, Section 5.2.5.1 (Simple Option Trade Event) 
of the CAT Reporting Technical Specifications for Plan Participants.

                                             Equity Order (EOT) \18\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          No.                       Field name                    Data type          Description     Include key
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12.n.8/13.n.8.........  member............................  Member Alias........  The identifier     C
                                                                                   for the member
                                                                                   firm that is
                                                                                   responsible for
                                                                                   the order on
                                                                                   this side of the
                                                                                   trade. Not
                                                                                   required if
                                                                                   there is no
                                                                                   order for the
                                                                                   side as
                                                                                   indicated by the
                                                                                   NOBUYID/NOSELLID
                                                                                   instruction.
                                                                                   This must be
                                                                                   provided if
                                                                                   orderID is
                                                                                   provided.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                             Option Trade (OT) \19\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          No.                       Field name                    Data type          Description     Include key
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16.n.13/17.n.13.......  member............................  Member Alias........  The identifier     R
                                                                                   for the member
                                                                                   firm that is
                                                                                   responsible for
                                                                                   the order.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 75850]]

    In addition, the following fields of the Participant Technical 
Specifications would indicate the CAT Executing Brokers for the 
transactions executed otherwise than on an exchange.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ See Table 61, Section 6.1 (TRF/ORF/ADF Transaction Data 
Event) of the CAT Reporting Technical Specifications for Plan 
Participants.

                                  TRF/ORF/ADF Transaction Data Event (TRF) \20\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          No.                       Field name                    Data type          Description     Include key
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26....................  reportingExecutingMpid............  Member Alias........  MPID of the        R
                                                                                   executing party.
28....................  contraExecutingMpid...............  Member Alias........  MPID of the        C
                                                                                   contra-side
                                                                                   executing party.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(2) Calculation of Historical Fee Rate 1
    The Operating Committee determined the Historical Fee Rate to be 
used in calculating Historical CAT Assessment 1 (``Historical Fee Rate 
1'') by dividing the Historical CAT Costs for Historical CAT Assessment 
1 (``Historical CAT Costs 1'') by the projected total executed share 
volume of all transactions in Eligible Securities for the Historical 
Recovery Period for Historical CAT Assessment 1 (``Historical Recovery 
Period 1''), as discussed in detail below. Based on this calculation, 
the Operating Committee has determined that Historical Fee Rate 1 would 
be $0.00003994969693072937 per executed equivalent share. This rate is 
then divided by three and rounded to determine the fee rate of 
$0.000013 per executed equivalent share that will be assessed to CEBBs 
and CEBSs, as also discussed in detail below.
(A) Executed Equivalent Shares for Transactions in Eligible Securities
    Under the CAT NMS Plan, for purposes of calculating each Historical 
CAT Assessment, executed equivalent shares in a transaction in Eligible 
Securities will be reasonably counted as follows: (1) each executed 
share for a transaction in NMS Stocks will be counted as one executed 
equivalent share; (2) each executed contract for a transaction in 
Listed Options will be counted based on the multiplier applicable to 
the specific Listed Options (i.e., 100 executed equivalent shares or 
such other applicable multiplier); and (3) each executed share for a 
transaction in OTC Equity Securities shall be counted as 0.01 executed 
equivalent share.\21\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ Section 11.3(a)(i)(B) and 11.3(b)(i)(B) of the CAT NMS 
Plan. In approving the CAT Funding Model, the Commission concluded 
that ``the use of executed equivalent share volume as the basis of 
the proposed cost allocation methodology is reasonable and 
consistent with the approach taken by the funding principles of the 
CAT NMS Plan.'' CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62640.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(B) Historical CAT Costs 1
    The CAT NMS Plan states that ``[t]he Operating Committee will 
reasonably determine the Historical CAT Costs sought to be recovered by 
each Historical CAT Assessment, where the Historical CAT Costs will be 
Past CAT Costs minus Past CAT Costs reasonably excluded from Historical 
CAT Costs by the Operating Committee. Each Historical CAT Assessment 
will seek to recover from CAT Executing Brokers two-thirds of 
Historical CAT Costs incurred during the period covered by the 
Historical CAT Assessment.'' \22\ As described in detail below, 
Historical CAT Costs 1 would be $318,059,819. This figure includes Past 
CAT Costs of $401,312,909 minus certain Excluded Costs of $83,253,090. 
Participants collectively will remain responsible for one-third of 
Historical CAT Costs 1 (which is $106,019,939.67), plus the Excluded 
Costs of $83,253,090. CEBBs collectively will be responsible for one-
third of Historical CAT Costs 1 (which is $106,019,939.67), and CEBSs 
collectively will be responsible for one-third of Historical CAT Costs 
1 (which is $106,019,939.67). The following describes in detail 
Historical CAT Costs 1 with regard to four separate historical time 
periods as well as Past CAT Costs excluded from Historical CAT Costs 1 
(``Excluded Costs''). The following cost details are provided in 
accordance with the requirement in the CAT NMS Plan to provide in the 
fee filing ``a brief description of the amount and type of Historical 
CAT Costs, including (1) the technology line items of cloud hosting 
services, operating fees, CAIS operating fees, change request fees, and 
capitalized developed technology costs, (2) legal, (3) consulting, (4) 
insurance, (5) professional and administration and (6) public relations 
costs.'' \23\ Each of the costs described below are reasonable, 
appropriate and necessary for the creation, implementation and 
maintenance of CAT.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ Section 11.3(b)(i)(C) of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \23\ Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(B) of the CAT NMS Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (i) Historical CAT Costs Incurred Prior to June 22, 2020 (Pre-FAM 
Costs)
    Historical CAT Costs 1 would include costs incurred by CAT prior to 
June 22, 2020 (``Pre-FAM Period'') and already funded by the 
Participants, excluding Excluded Costs (described further below). 
Historical CAT Costs 1 would include costs for the Pre-FAM Period of 
$124,290,730. The Participants would remain responsible for one-third 
of this cost (which they have previously paid) ($41,430,243.33), and 
Industry Members would be responsible for the remaining two-thirds, 
with CEBBs paying one-third ($41,430,243.33) and CEBSs paying one-third 
($41,430,243.33). These costs do not include Excluded Costs, as 
discussed further below. The following table breaks down Historical CAT 
Costs 1 for the Pre-FAM Period into the categories set forth in Section 
11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT NMS Plan.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Historical CAT costs 1
                                                    for Pre-FAM Period
               Operating expense                    (prior to June 22,
                                                         2020) *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitalized Developed Technology Costs **......              $51,847,150
Technology Costs...............................               33,568,579
    Cloud Hosting Services.....................               10,268,840
    Operating Fees.............................               21,085,485
    CAIS Operating Fees........................                2,072,908
    Change Request Fees........................                  141,346

[[Page 75851]]

 
Legal..........................................               19,674,463
Consulting.....................................               17,013,414
Insurance......................................                  880,419
Professional and administration................                1,082,036
    Public relations...........................                  224,669
                                                ------------------------
    Total Operating Expenses...................              124,290,730
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The costs described in this table of costs for the Pre-FAM Period were
  calculated based upon CAT LLC's review of applicable bills and
  invoices and related financial statements. CAT LLC financial
  statements are available on the CAT website. In addition, in
  accordance with Section 6.6(a)(i) of the CAT NMS Plan, in 2018 CAT LLC
  provided the SEC with ``an independent audit of fees, costs, and
  expenses incurred by the Participants on behalf of the Company prior
  to the Effective Date of the Plan that will be publicly available.''
  The audit is available on the CAT website.
** The non-cash amortization of these capitalized developed technology
  costs of $2,115,545 incurred during the period prior to June 22, 2020
  have been appropriately excluded from the above table.\24\

    The Pre-FAM Period includes a broad range of CAT-related activity 
from 2012 through June 22, 2020, including the evaluation of the 
requirements of SEC Rule 613, the development of the CAT NMS Plan, the 
evaluation and selection of the initial and successor Plan Processors, 
the commencement of the creation and implementation of the CAT to 
comply with Rule 613 and the CAT NMS Plan, including technical 
specifications for transaction reporting and regulatory access, and 
related technology and the commencement of reporting to the CAT. The 
following describes the costs for each of the categories for the Pre-
FAM Period.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \24\ With respect to certain costs that were ``appropriately 
excluded,'' such excluded costs relate to the amortization of 
capitalized technology costs, which are amortized over the life of 
the Plan Processor Agreement. As such costs have already been 
otherwise reflected in the filing, their inclusion would double 
count the capitalized technology costs. In addition, amortization is 
a non-cash expense.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(a) Technology Costs--Cloud Hosting Services
    The $10,268,840 in technology costs for cloud hosting services 
represent costs incurred for services provided by the cloud services 
provider for the CAT, Amazon Web Services, Inc. (``AWS''), during the 
Pre-FAM Period.
    As part of its proposal for acting as the successor Plan Processor 
for the CAT, FCAT selected AWS as a subcontractor to provide cloud 
hosting services. In 2019, after reviewing the capabilities of other 
cloud services providers, FCAT determined that AWS was the only cloud 
services provider at that time sufficiently mature and capable of 
providing the full suite of necessary cloud services for the CAT, 
including, for example, the security, resiliency and complexity 
necessary for the CAT computing requirements. The use of cloud hosting 
services is standard for this type of high-volume data activity and 
reasonable and necessary for implementation of the CAT, particularly 
given the substantial data volumes associated with the CAT.
    Under the Plan Processor Agreement with FCAT, CAT LLC is required 
to pay FCAT the fees incurred by the Plan Processor for cloud hosting 
services provided by AWS as FCAT's subcontrator [sic] on a monthly 
basis for the cloud hosting services, and FCAT, in turn, pays such fees 
to AWS. The fees for cloud hosting services were negotiated by FCAT on 
an arm's length basis with the goals of managing cost and receiving 
services required to comply with the CAT NMS Plan and Rule 613, taking 
into consideration a variety of factors, including the expected volume 
of data, the breadth of services provided and market rates for similar 
services. The fees for cloud hosting services during the Pre-FAM Period 
were paid to FCAT by CAT NMS, LLC \25\ and subsequently Consolidated 
Audit Trail, LLC (as previously noted, both entities are referred to 
generally as ``CAT LLC''),\26\ and FCAT, in turn, paid AWS. CAT LLC was 
funded via loan contributions by the Participants.\27\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \25\ CAT NMS, LLC was formed by FINRA and the U.S. national 
securities exchanges to implement the requirements of SEC Rule 613 
under the Exchange Act. SEC Rule 613 required the SROs to jointly 
submit to the SEC the CAT NMS Plan to create, implement and maintain 
the CAT. The SEC approved the CAT NMS Plan on November 15, 2016. CAT 
NMS Plan Approval Order.
    \26\ On August 29, 2019, the Participants formed a new Delaware 
limited liability company named Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC for 
the purpose of conducting activities related to the CAT from and 
after the effectiveness of the proposed amendment of the CAT NMS 
Plan to replace CAT NMS, LLC. See Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 
87149 (Sept. 27, 2019), 84 FR 52905 (Oct. 3, 2019).
    \27\ For each of the costs paid by CAT NMS, LLC and Consolidated 
Audit Trail, LLC as discussed throughout this filing, CAT NMS, LLC 
and Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC paid these costs via loan 
contributions by the Participants to CAT NMS, LLC and Consolidated 
Audit Trail, LLC, respectively.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    AWS was engaged by FCAT to provide a broad array of cloud hosting 
services for the CAT, including data ingestion, data management, and 
analytic tools. Services provided by AWS include storage services, 
databases, compute services and other services (such as networking, 
management tools and DevOps tools). AWS also was engaged to provide 
various environments for CAT, such as development, performance testing, 
test and production environments.
    The cost for AWS services for the CAT is a function of the volume 
of CAT Data. The greater the amount of CAT Data, the greater the cost 
of AWS services to the CAT. During the Pre-FAM Period from the 
engagement of AWS in February 2019 through June 2020, AWS provided 
cloud hosting services for volumes of CAT Data far in excess of the 
volume predictions set forth in the CAT NMS Plan. The CAT NMS Plan 
states, when all CAT Reporters are submitting their data to the CAT, it 
``must be sized to receive[,] process and load more than 58 billion 
records per day,'' \28\ and that ``[i]t is expected that the Central 
Repository will grow to more than 29 petabytes of raw, uncompressed 
data.'' \29\ However, the volume of CAT Data for the Pre-FAM Period was 
far in excess of these predicted levels. By the end of this period, 
data submitted to the CAT included options and equities Participant 
Data,\30\ Phase 2a and Phase 2b Industry Member Data \31\ (including 
certain linkages), as well as SIP Data,\32\ reference data and other 
types of Other

[[Page 75852]]

Data.\33\ The following chart provides data regarding the average daily 
volume, cumulative total events, total compute hours and storage 
footprint of the CAT during the Pre-FAM Period.\34\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \28\ Appendix D-4 of the CAT NMS Plan at n.262.
    \29\ Appendix D-5 of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \30\ See Section 6.3(d) of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \31\ See Securities Exchange Rel. No. 88702 (Apr. 20, 2020), 85 
FR 23075 (Apr. 24, 2020) (``Phased Reporting Exemptive Relief 
Order'') for a description of Phase 2a and Phase 2b Industry Member 
Data.
    \32\ See Section 6.5(a)(ii) of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \33\ See Appendix C-108 of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \34\ Note that the volume data described in this table does not 
include CAIS data.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Date range: 3/29/19 to   Date range: 4/13/20 to
                                                                       4/12/20 *                6/21/20 **
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Daily Volume in Billions:
    Participant--Equities.....................................                        5                        5
    Participant--Options......................................                       80                      981
    Industry Member--Equities.................................  .......................                        3
    Industry Member--Options..................................  .......................                     0.04
    SIP--Options & Equities...................................                       64                       70
    Average Total Daily Volume................................                      149                      166
Cumulative Total Events for the Period........................                    3,890                    4,990
Total Compute Hours for the Period............................                  *** N/A                5,663,247
Storage Footprint at End of Period (Petabytes)................                    30.57                    47.96
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The Participant Equities in RSA format.
** Start of Industry Member reporting on 4/13/2020.
*** Note that, although there were compute hours during this period, data related to such compute hours are no
  longer available in current data.

(b) Technology Costs--Operating Fees
    The $21,085,485 in technology costs related to operating fees 
represent costs incurred with regard to activities of FCAT as the Plan 
Processor. Operating fees are those fees paid by CAT LLC to FCAT as the 
Plan Processor to operate and maintain the CAT and to perform business 
operations related to the system, including compliance, security, 
testing, training, communications with the industry (e.g., management 
of the FINRA CAT Helpdesk, FAQs, website and webinars) and program 
management as required by the CAT NMS Plan.
    FCAT was selected to assume the role of the successor Plan 
Processor. Prior to this selection, the Participants engaged in 
discussions with two prior Bidders \35\ for the successor Plan 
Processor role. The Operating Committee formed a Selection Subcommittee 
in accordance with Section 4.12 of the CAT NMS Plan to evaluate and 
review Bids and to make a recommendation to the Operating Committee 
with respect to the selection of the successor Plan Processor. In an 
April 9, 2019 letter to the Commission, the Participants described the 
reasons for its selection of the successor Plan Processor:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \35\ The term ``Bidder'' is defined in Section 1.1 of the CAT 
NMS Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Selection Subcommittee considered factors including, but not 
limited to, the following, in recommending FINRA to the Operating 
Committee as the successor Plan Processor:

    a. FINRA's specialized technical expertise and capabilities in 
the area of broker-dealer technology;
    b. The need to appoint a successor Plan Processor with 
specialized expertise to develop, implement, and maintain the CAT 
System in accordance with the CAT NMS Plan and SEC Rule 613;
    c. FINRA's detailed proposal in response to CATLLC's recent 
inquiries; and
    d. FINRA's data query and analytics systems demonstration to the 
Participants.
    Based on these and other factors, the Selection Subcommittee 
determined that FINRA was the most appropriate Bidder to become the 
successor Plan Processor.\36\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \36\ Letter from Michael J. Simon, Chair, CAT NMS, LLC Operating 
Committee, to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, SEC (Apr. 9, 2019), 
https://www.sec.gov/divisions/marketreg/rule613-info-notice-of-plan-
processor-selection-040919.pdf.

    On February 26, 2019, the Operating Committee (with FINRA recusing 
itself) voted to select FINRA as the successor Plan Processor pursuant 
to Section 6.1(t) of the CAT NMS Plan.\37\ On March 29, 2019, CAT LLC 
and FCAT (a wholly owned subsidiary of FINRA) entered into a Plan 
Processor Agreement pursuant to which FCAT would perform the functions 
and duties of the Plan Processor contemplated by the CAT NMS Plan, 
including the management and operation of the CAT.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \37\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under the Plan Processor Agreement with FCAT, CAT LLC is required 
to pay FCAT a negotiated monthly fixed price for the operation of the 
CAT. This fixed price contract was negotiated on an arm's length basis 
with the goals of managing costs and receiving services required to 
comply with the CAT NMS Plan and Rule 613, taking into consideration a 
variety of factors, including the breadth of services provided and 
market rates for similar types of activity. The operating fees during 
the Pre-FAM Period were paid to FCAT by CAT LLC.
    From March 29, 2019 (the commencement of the Plan Processor 
Agreement with FCAT) through June 22, 2020 (the end of the Pre-FAM 
Period), the Plan Processor's activities with respect to the CAT 
included the following:
     Commenced user acceptance testing with market data 
provided by Exegy Incorporated (``Exegy''), a market data provider; 
\38\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \38\ The use of Exegy to provide market data, including the 
costs and market data provided, is discussed below in Section 
3(a)(2)(B)(i)(i).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Published Technical Specifications and related reporting 
scenarios documents for Phase 2a, 2b and 2c reporting for Industry 
Members, after substantial engagement with SEC staff, Industry Members 
and Participants on the Technical Specifications;
     Facilitated testing for Phase 2a and 2b reporting for 
Industry Members;
     Began developing Technical Specifications and related 
reporting scenarios documents for Phase 2d reporting for Industry 
Members, after substantial engagement with SEC staff, Industry Members 
and Participants on the Technical Specifications;
     Published Central Repository Access Technical 
Specifications, and provided regulator access to test data from 
Industry Members;
     Facilitated Participant exchanges that support options 
market makers sending Quote Sent Time to the CAT;
     Facilitated the introduction of OPRA and Options NBBO 
Other Data to CAT;
     Addressed compliance items, including drafting CAT 
policies and procedures, and addressing requirements under Regulation 
SCI;
     Provided support to the Operating Committee, the 
Compliance

[[Page 75853]]

Subcommittee and CAT working groups;
     Assisted with interpretive efforts and exemptive requests 
regarding the CAT NMS Plan;
     Oversaw the security of the CAT;
     Monitored the operation of the CAT, including with regard 
to Participant and Industry Member reporting;
     Provided support to subcontractors under the Plan 
Processor Agreement;
     Provided support in discussions with Participants, the SEC 
and its staff;
     Operated the FINRA CAT Helpdesk, which is the primary 
source for answers to questions about CAT, including questions 
regarding: clock synchronization, firm reporting responsibilities, 
interpretive questions, technical specifications for reporting to CAT 
and more;
     Facilitated communications with the industry, including 
via FAQs, CAT Alerts, meetings, presentations and webinars;
     Administered the CAT website and all of its content; \39\ 
and
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \39\ The CAT website is https://www.catnmsplan.com.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Provided technical support and assistance with 
connectivity, data access, and user support, including the use of CAT 
Data and query tools, for Participants and the SEC staff.
(c) Technology Costs--CAIS Operating Fees
    The $2,072,908 in technology costs related to CAIS operating fees 
represent the fees paid for FCAT's subcontractor charged with the 
development and operation of CAT's Customer and Account Information 
System (``CAIS''). The CAT is required under the CAT NMS Plan to 
capture and store Customer Identifying Information and Customer Account 
Information in a database separate from the transactional database and 
to create a CAT-Customer-ID for each Customer.
    During the Pre-FAM Period, the CAIS-related services were provided 
by the Plan Processor through the Plan Processor's subcontractor, 
Kingland Systems Incorporation (``Kingland''). Kingland had experience 
operating in the securities regulatory technology space, and as a part 
of its proposal for acting as the Plan Processor for the CAT, FCAT 
selected Kingland as a subcontractor to provide certain CAIS-related 
services.
    Under the Plan Processor Agreement with FCAT, CAT LLC is required 
to pay to the Plan Processor the fees incurred by FCAT for CAIS-related 
services provided by FCAT through Kingland on a monthly basis. FCAT 
negotiated the fees for Kingland's CAIS-related services on an arm's 
length basis with the goals of managing costs and receiving services 
required to comply with the CAT NMS Plan, taking into consideration a 
variety of factors, including the services to be provided and market 
rates for similar types of activity. The fees for CAIS-related services 
during the Pre-FAM Period were paid by CAT LLC to FCAT. FCAT, in turn, 
paid Kingland.
    During the Pre-FAM Period, Kingland began development of the CAIS 
Technical Specifications and the building of CAIS. In addition, 
Kingland also worked on the build related to the CCID Alternative, an 
alternative approach to customer information that was not included in 
the CAT NMS Plan as originally adopted.\40\ Furthermore, Kingland also 
worked on the acceleration of the reporting of large trader identifiers 
(``LTID'') earlier than originally contemplated during this period, in 
accordance with exemptive relief granted by the SEC.\41\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \40\ For a discussion of the CCID Alternative, see Securities 
Exchange Act Rel. No. 88393 (Mar. 17, 2020), 85 FR 16152 (Mar. 20, 
2020).
    \41\ Phased Reporting Exemptive Relief Order at 23079-80.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(d) Technology Costs--Change Request Fees
    The technology costs related to change request fees include costs 
related to certain modifications, upgrades or other changes to the CAT. 
Change requests are standard practice and necessary to reflect 
operational changes, including changes related to new market 
developments, such as new market participants. In general, if CAT LLC 
determines that a modification, upgrade or other change to the 
functionality or service is necessary and appropriate, CAT LLC will 
submit a request for such a change to the Plan Processor. The Plan 
Processor will then respond to the request with a proposal for 
implementing the change, including the cost (if any) of such a change. 
CAT LLC then determines whether to approve the proposed change. The 
change request costs were paid by CAT LLC to FCAT. During the Pre-FAM 
Period, CAT LLC incurred costs of $141,346 related to change requests 
implemented by FCAT. Such change requests related to a development fee 
regarding the OPRA and SIP data feeds, and the reprocessing of certain 
exchange data.\42\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \42\ Note that CAT LLC also has incurred costs related to 
specific Industry Members (e.g., reprocessing costs related to 
Industry Member reporting errors).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(e) Technology Costs--Capitalized Developed Technology Costs
    This category of costs includes capitalizable application 
development costs incurred in the development of the CAT. The 
capitalized developed technology costs for the Pre-FAM Period of 
$51,847,150 relate to technology provided by the Initial Plan Processor 
and the successor Plan Processor.
    Initial Plan Processor: Thesys CAT, LLC. The capitalized developed 
technology costs related to the Initial Plan Processor include costs 
incurred with regard to testing for Participant reporting, Participant 
reporting to the CAT, a security assessment of the CAT, and the 
development of the billing function for the CAT.
    On January 17, 2017, the Selection Committee of the CAT NMS Plan 
selected the Initial Plan Processor, Thesys Technologies, LLC, for the 
CAT NMS Plan pursuant to Article V of the CAT NMS Plan.\43\ The 
Participants utilized a request for proposal (``RFP'') to seek 
proposals to build and operate the CAT, receiving a number of proposals 
in response to the RFP. The Participants carefully reviewed and 
considered each of the proposals, including holding in-person meetings 
with each of the Bidders. After several rounds of review, the 
Participants selected the Initial Plan Processor in accordance with the 
CAT NMS Plan, taking into consideration that the Initial Plan Processor 
had experience operating in the securities regulatory technology space, 
among other considerations. On April 6, 2017, CAT LLC entered into an 
agreement with Thesys CAT LLC (``Thesys CAT''), a Thesys affiliate, to 
perform the functions and duties of the Plan Processor contemplated by 
the CAT NMS Plan, including the management and operation of the CAT. 
Under the agreement, CAT LLC would pay Thesys CAT a negotiated, fixed 
price fee for its role as the Initial Plan Processor. Effective January 
30, 2019, the Plan Processor Agreement with Thesys CAT was terminated, 
and FCAT was subsequently selected as the successor Plan Processor.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \43\ Letter from the Participants to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, 
SEC (Jan. 18, 2017), https://www.sec.gov/divisions/marketreg/rule613-info-notice-of-plan-processor-selection.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    From January 17, 2017 through January 30, 2019, the time in which 
the Thesys CAT was engaged for the CAT, but excluding the period from 
November 15, 2017 through January 30, 2019, the Initial Plan Processor 
engaged in various activities with respect to the CAT, including 
preparing iterative drafts of Participant Technical

[[Page 75854]]

Specifications, Industry Member Technical Specifications and the 
Central Repository Access Technical Specifications. In addition, Thesys 
CAT also developed CAT technology, addressed compliance items, 
including drafting CAT policies and procedures, addressing Regulation 
SCI requirements, establishing a CAT Compliance Officer and a Chief 
Information Security Officer, addressed security-related matters for 
the CAT, and worked towards the initiation of Participant reporting per 
the Participant Technical Specifications.
    Successor Plan Processor: FCAT. The capitalized developed 
technology costs related to FCAT include: (1) development costs 
incurred during the application development stage to meet various 
agreed-upon milestones regarding the CAT, including the completion of 
go-live functionality related to options ingestion and validation, 
equities regulatory services agreement query tool updates and unlinked 
options data query, options linkages release, Industry Member Phase 2a 
file submission and data integrity (including error corrections), and 
Industry Member testing, including reporting relationships, ATS order 
type management, basic reporting statistics, SFTP data integrity 
feedback and error correction; (2) costs related to certain 
modifications, upgrades, or other changes to the CAT that were not 
contemplated by the agreement between CAT LLC and the Plan Processor, 
including a one-time development fee for a secure analytics workspace, 
a one-time development fee of an Industry Member connectivity solution, 
and a one-time development fee for the acceleration of multi-factor 
authentication; (3) CAIS implementation fees; and (4) license fees.
(f) Legal Costs
    The legal costs of $19,674,463 represent the fees paid for legal 
services provided by two law firms, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and 
Dorr LLP (``WilmerHale'') and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP 
(``Pillsbury''), during the Pre-FAM Period. The legal costs exclude 
those costs incurred from November 15, 2017 through November 15, 2018.
    Law Firm: WilmerHale. Following the adoption of Rule 613, the 
Participants determined it was necessary to engage external legal 
counsel to advise the Participants with respect to corporate and 
regulatory legal matters related to the CAT, including drafting and 
developing the CAT NMS Plan. The Participants considered a variety of 
factors in their analysis of prospective law firms, including (1) the 
firm's qualifications, resources and expertise; (2) the firm's relevant 
experience and understanding of the regulatory matters raised by the 
CAT and in advising on matters of similar scope; (3) the composition of 
the legal team; and (4) professional fees. Following a series of 
interviews, the Participants acting as a consortium determined that 
WilmerHale was well qualified given the balance of these considerations 
and engaged WilmerHale in February 2013.
    WilmerHale's billing rates are negotiated on an annual basis and 
are determined with reference to the rates charged by other leading law 
firms for similar work. The Participants assess WilmerHale's 
performance and review prospective budgets and staffing plans submitted 
by WilmerHale on an annual basis. WilmerHale's compensation 
arrangements are reasonable and appropriate, and in line with the rates 
charged by other leading law firms for similar work.
    The legal costs for WilmerHale during the Pre-FAM Period included 
costs incurred from 2013 until June 22, 2020 to address corporate and 
regulatory legal matters related to the CAT. The legal fees for this 
law firm during the period from February 2013 until the formation of 
the CAT NMS, LLC on November 15, 2016 were paid directly by the 
exchanges and FINRA to WilmerHale. After the formation of CAT NMS LLC, 
the legal fees were paid by CAT LLC to WilmerHale.
    After WilmerHale was engaged in 2013 through the end of the Pre-FAM 
Period on June 22, 2020 (excluding the legal costs from November 15, 
2017 through November 15, 2018), WilmerHale provided legal assistance 
to the CAT on a variety of matters, including with regard to the 
following:
     Analyzed various legal matters associated with the 
Selection Plan, and drafted an amendment to the Selection Plan;
     Assisted with the RFP and bidding process for the CAT Plan 
Processor;
     Analyzed legal matters related to the Development Advisory 
Group (``DAG'');
     Drafted the CAT NMS Plan, analyzed various items related 
to the CAT NMS Plan, and responded to comment letters on CAT NMS Plan;
     Provided legal support for the formation of the legal 
entity, the governance of the CAT, including governance support prior 
to the adoption of the CAT NMS Plan, which involved support for the 
full committee of exchanges and FINRA as well as subcommittees of this 
group (e.g., Joint Subcommittee Group, Technical, Industry Outreach, 
Cost and Funding and Other Products) and the DAG, governance support 
during the transition to the new governance structure under the CAT NMS 
Plan, and governance support after the adoption of the CAT NMS Plan, 
which involved support for the Operating Committee, Advisory Committee, 
Compliance Subcommittee and CAT working groups;
     Assisted with the development of the CAT funding model and 
drafted related amendments of the CAT NMS Plan and related filings;
     Negotiated and drafted the plan processor agreements with 
the Initial Plan Processor and the successor Plan Processor;
     Provided assistance with compliance with Regulation SCI;
     Assisted with clock synchronization study;
     Provided assistance with respect to the establishment of 
CAT security;
     Drafted exemptive requests from CAT NMS Plan requirements, 
including with regard to options market maker quotes, Customer IDs, CAT 
Reporter IDs, linking allocations to executions, CAT reporting 
timeline, FDIDs, customer and account information, timestamp 
granularity, small industry members, data facility reporting and 
linkage, allocation reports, SRO-assigned market participant 
identifiers and cancelled trade indicators, thereby seeking to 
implement changes that would be cost effective and benefit Industry 
Members and Participants;
     Assisted with the Implementation Plan required pursuant to 
Section 6.6(c)(i) of the CAT NMS Plan;
     Provided advice regarding CAT policies and procedures;
     Analyzed the SEC's amendment of the CAT NMS Plan regarding 
financial accountability;
     Provided interpretations of and related to the CAT NMS 
Plan;
     Provided support with regard to discussions with the SEC 
and its staff, including with respect to addressing interpretive and 
implementation issues; and
     Assisted with third-party vendor agreements.
    Law Firm: Pillsbury. The legal costs for CAT during the Pre-FAM 
Period include costs related to the legal services performed by 
Pillsbury. The Participants interviewed this law firm as well as other 
potential law firms to provide legal assistance regarding certain 
liability matters. After considering a variety of factors in its 
analysis, including the relevant expertise and fees of the firm, CAT 
LLC

[[Page 75855]]

determined to hire Pillsbury in April 2019. The hourly fee rates for 
this law firm were in line with market rates for specialized legal 
expertise. The legal fees were paid by CAT LLC to Pillsbury. The legal 
costs for Pillsbury during the Pre-FAM Period included costs incurred 
from April 2019 until June 22, 2020 to address legal matters regarding 
the agreements between CAT Reporters and CAT LLC concerning certain 
terms associated with CAT Reporting (the ``Reporter Agreement''). 
During that period, Pillsbury advised CAT LLC regarding applicable 
legal matters, participated in negotiations between the Participants 
and Industry Members, participated in meetings with senior SEC staff, 
the Chairman, and Commissioners, represented CAT LLC and the 
Participants in an SEC administrative proceeding, and drafted a 
proposed amendment to the CAT NMS Plan regarding liability matters. 
Liability issues related to the CAT are important matters that needed 
to be resolved and clarified. CAT LLC's efforts to seek such resolution 
and clarity work to the benefit of Participants, Industry Members and 
other market participants. Moreover, litigation involving CAT LLC is an 
expense of operating the CAT, and, therefore, is appropriately an 
obligation of both Participants and Industry Members under the CAT 
Funding Model.
(g) Consulting Costs
    The consulting costs of $17,013,414 represent the fees paid to the 
consulting firm Deloitte & Touche LLP (``Deloitte'') as project manager 
during the Pre-FAM Period, from October 2012 until June 22, 2020. These 
consulting costs include costs for advisory services related to the 
operation of the CAT, and meeting facilitation and communications 
coordination, vendor support and financial analyses.
    To help facilitate project management given the unprecedented 
complexity and scope of the CAT project, the Participants determined it 
was necessary to engage a consulting firm to assist with the CAT 
project in 2012, following the adoption of Rule 613. A variety of 
factors were considered in the analysis of prospective consulting 
firms, including (1) the firm's qualifications, resources, and 
expertise; (2) the firm's relevant experience and understanding of the 
regulatory issues raised by the CAT and in coordinating matters of 
similar scope; (3) the composition of the consulting team; and (4) 
professional fees. Following a series of interviews, the exchanges and 
FINRA as a consortium determined that Deloitte was well qualified given 
the balance of these considerations and engaged Deloitte on October 1, 
2012.
    Deloitte's fee rates are negotiated on an annual basis and are in 
line with market rates for this type of specialized consulting work. 
CAT LLC assesses Deloitte's performance and reviews prospective budgets 
and staffing plans submitted by Deloitte on an annual basis. Deloitte's 
compensation arrangements are reasonable and appropriate, and in line 
with the rates charged by other leading consulting firms for similar 
work.
    The consulting costs for CAT during the period from 2012 until the 
formation of the CAT NMS, LLC were paid directly by the Participants to 
Deloitte. After the formation of CAT NMS, LLC, the consulting fees were 
paid by CAT LLC to Deloitte. CAT LLC reviewed the consulting fees each 
month and approved the invoices.
    After Deloitte was hired in 2012 through the end of the Pre-FAM 
Period on June 22, 2020 (excluding the consulting costs from November 
15, 2017 through November 15, 2018), Deloitte provided a variety of 
consulting services, including the following:
     Established and implemented program operations for the CAT 
project, including the program managment [sic] office and workstream 
design;
     Assisted with the Plan Processor selection process, 
including but not limited to, the development of the RFP and the bidder 
evaluation process, and facilitation and consolidation of the 
Participant's independent reviews;
     Assisted with the development and drafting of the CAT NMS 
Plan, including conducting cost-benefit studies, analyzing OATS and CAT 
requirements, and drafting appendices to the Plan;
     Assisted with cost and funding-related activities for the 
CAT, including the development of the CAT funding model and assistance 
with loans and the CAT bank account for CAT funding;
     Provided governance support to the CAT, including 
governance support prior to the adoption of the CAT NMS Plan, which 
involved support for the full committee of exchanges and FINRA as well 
as subcommittees of this group (e.g., Joint Subcommittee Group, 
Technical, Industry Outreach, Cost and Funding and Other Products) and 
the DAG, governance support during the transition to the new governance 
structure under the CAT NMS Plan and governance support after the 
adoption of the CAT NMS Plan, which involved support for the Operating 
Committee, Advisory Committee, Compliance Subcommittee and CAT working 
groups;
     Provided support to the Operating Committee, the Chair of 
the Operating Committee and the Leadership Team, including project 
management support, coordination and planning for meetings and 
communications, and interfacing with law firms and the SEC;
     Assisted with industry outreach and communications 
regarding the CAT, including assistance with industry outreach events, 
the development of the CAT website, frequently asked questions, and 
coordinating with the CAT LLC's public relations firm;
     Provided support for updating the SEC on the progress of 
the development of the CAT;
     Provided active planning and coordination with and support 
for the Initial Plan Processor with regard to the development of the 
CAT, and reported to the Participants on the progress;
     Coordinated efforts regarding the selection of the 
successor Plan Processor;
     Assisted with the transition from the Initial Plan 
Processor to the successor Plan Processor, including support for the 
Operating Committee and successor Plan Processor for the new role; and
     Provided support for third-party vendors for the CAT, 
including FCAT, Anchin and the law firms engaged by CAT LLC.
(h) Insurance
    The insurance costs of $880,419 represent the cost incurred for 
insurance for CAT during the Pre-FAM Period. Commencing in 2020, CAT 
LLC performed an evaluation of various potential alternatives for CAT 
insurance policies, which included engaging in discussions with 
different insurance companies and conducting cost comparisons of 
various alternative approaches to insurance. Based on an analysis of a 
variety of factors, including coverage and premiums, CAT LLC determined 
to purchase cyber security liability insurance, directors' and 
officers' liability insurance, and errors and omissions liability 
insurance from USI Insurance Services LLC (``USI''). Such policies are 
standard for corporate entities, and cyber security liability insurance 
is important for the CAT System. The annual premiums for these policies 
were competitive for the coverage provided. The annual premiums were 
paid by CAT LLC to USI.
(i) Professional and Administration Costs
    In adopting the CAT NMS Plan, the Commission amended the Plan to 
add a requirement that CAT LLC's financial

[[Page 75856]]

statements be prepared in compliance with GAAP, audited by an 
independent public accounting firm, and made publicly available.\44\ 
The professional and administration costs include costs related to 
accounting and accounting advisory services to support the operating 
and financial functions of CAT, financial statement audit services by 
an independent accounting firm, preparation of tax returns, and various 
cash management and treasury functions. In addition, professional and 
administration costs for the Pre-FAM Period include costs related to 
the receipt of market data and a security assessment. The costs for 
these professional and administration services were $1,082,036 for the 
Pre-FAM Period.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \44\ Section 9.2 of the CAT NMS Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Financial Advisory Firm: Anchin Accountants & Advisors 
(``Anchin''). CAT LLC determined to hire a financial advisory firm, 
Anchin, to assist with financial matters for the CAT in April 2018. CAT 
LLC interviewed Anchin as well as other potential financial advisory 
firms to assist with the CAT project, considering a variety of factors 
in its analysis, including the firm's relevant expertise and fees. The 
hourly fee rates for this firm were in line with market rates for these 
financial advisory services. The fees for these services were paid by 
CAT LLC to Anchin.
    After Anchin was hired in April 2018 through the end of the Pre-FAM 
Period on June 22, 2020 (excluding the period from April 2018 through 
November 15, 2018), Anchin provided a variety of services, including 
the following:
     Developed, updated and maintained internal controls;
     Provided cash management and treasury functions;
     Facilitated bill payments;
     Provided monthly bookkeeping;
     Reviewed vendor invoices and documentation in support of 
cash disbursements;
     Provided accounting research and consultations on various 
accounting, financial reporting and tax matters;
     Addressed not-for-profit tax and accounting 
considerations;
     Prepared tax returns;
     Addressed various accounting, financial and operating 
inquiries from Participants;
     Developed and maintained quarterly and annual operating 
and financial budgets, including budget to actual fluctuation analyses;
     Addressed accounting and financial reporting matters 
relating to the transition from CAT NMS, LLC to Consolidated Audit 
Trail, LLC, including supporting the dissolution of CAT NMS, LLC;
     Supported compliance with the CAT NMS Plan;
     Worked with and provided support to the Operating 
Committee and various CAT working groups;
     Prepared monthly, quarterly and annual financial 
statements;
     Supported the annual financial statement audits by an 
independent auditor;
     Reviewed historical costs from inception; and
     Provided accounting and financial information in support 
of SEC filings.
    Accounting Firm: Grant Thornton LLP (``Grant Thornton''). In 
February 2020, CAT LLC determined to engage an independent accounting 
firm, Grant Thornton, to complete the audit of CAT LLC's financial 
statements, in accordance with the requirements of the CAT NMS Plan. 
CAT LLC interviewed this firm as well as another potential accounting 
firm to audit CAT LLC's financial statements, considering a variety of 
factors in its analysis, including the relevant expertise and fees of 
each of the firms. CAT LLC determined that Grant Thornton was well-
qualified for the proposed role given the balance of these 
considerations. Grant Thornton's fixed fee rate compensation 
arrangement was reasonable and appropriate, and in line with the market 
rates charged for these types of accounting services. The fees for 
these services were paid by CAT LLC to Grant Thornton.
    Market Data Provider: Exegy. The professional and administrative 
costs for the Pre-FAM Period included costs related to the receipt of 
certain market data for the CAT pursuant to an agreement with the CAT 
LLC, and then with FCAT. Exegy provided SIP Data required by the CAT 
NMS Plan.
    After performing an analysis of the available market data vendors 
to confirm that the data provided met the SIP Data requirements of the 
CAT NMS Plan and comparing the costs of the vendors providing the 
required SIP Data, CAT LLC determined to purchase market data from 
Exegy from July 2018 through March 2019. CAT LLC determined that, 
unlike certain other vendors, Exegy provided market data that included 
all data elements required by the CAT NMS Plan.\45\ In addition, the 
fees were reasonable and in line with market rates for the market data 
received. Accordingly, the professional and administrative costs for 
the Pre-FAM Period include the Exegy costs from November 2018 through 
March 2019. The cost of the market data was reasonable for the market 
data received. The fees for the market data were paid directly by CAT 
LLC to Exegy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \45\ See Section 6.5(a)(ii) of the CAT NMS Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upon the termination of the contract between CAT LLC and Exegy, 
FCAT entered into a contract with Exegy to purchase the required market 
data from Exegy in July 2019. All costs under the contract were treated 
as a direct pass through cost to CAT LLC. Therefore, the fees for the 
market data were paid by CAT LLC to FCAT, who, in turn, paid Exegy for 
the market data.
    Security Assessment: RSM US LLP (``RSM''). The operating costs for 
the Pre-FAM Period include costs related to a third party security 
assessment of the CAT performed by RSM. The assessment was designed to 
verify and validate the effective design, implementation, and operation 
of the controls specified by NIST Special Publication 800-53, Revision 
4 and related standards and guidelines. Such a security assessment is 
in line with industry practice and important given the data included in 
the CAT. CAT LLC determined to engage RSM to perform the security 
assessment, after considering a variety of factors in its analysis, 
including the firm's relevant expertise and fees. The fees were 
reasonable and in line with market rates for such an assessment. RSM 
performed the assessment from October 2018 through December 2018. 
Accordingly, the costs for the Pre-FAM Period include the costs 
incurred in November and December 2018. The cost for the security 
assessment were paid directly to RSM by CAT LLC.
(j) Public Relations Costs
    The public relations costs of $224,669 represent the fees paid to 
public relations firms during the Pre-FAM Period for professional 
communications services to CAT, including media relations consulting, 
strategy and execution. By engaging a public relations firm, CAT LLC 
was better positioned to understand and address CAT matters to the 
benefit of all market participants. Specifically, the public relations 
firms provided services related to communications with the public 
regarding the CAT, including monitoring developments related to the CAT 
(e.g., congressional efforts, public comments and reaction to 
proposals, press coverage of the CAT), reporting such developments to 
CAT LLC, and drafting and disseminating communications to the public 
regarding such developments as well as reporting on developments 
related to the CAT (e.g., amendments to the CAT NMS Plan). Public 
relations services were

[[Page 75857]]

important for various reasons, including monitoring comments made by 
market participants about CAT and understanding issues related to the 
CAT discussed on the public record.
    The services performed by each of the public relations firms were 
comparable. The fees for such services were reasonable and in line with 
market rates. Only one public relations firm was engaged at a time; the 
three firms were engaged sequentially as the primary public relations 
contact moved among the three firms during this time period.
    Public Relations Firm: Peppercomm, Inc. (``Peppercomm''). The 
national securities exchanges and FINRA, acting as a consortium, 
determined to hire the public relations firm Peppercomm in October 2014 
and continued to engage this firm through September 2017. The exchanges 
and FINRA made this engagement decision after considering a variety of 
factors in its analysis, including the firm's relevant expertise and 
fees. The fee rates for this public relations firm were negotiated on 
an arm's length basis and were in line with market rates for these 
types of services. The public relations costs during the period from 
October 2014 until the formation of the CAT NMS, LLC were paid directly 
by the exchanges and FINRA to the public relations firm. After the 
formation of CAT NMS, LLC, the consulting fees were paid by CAT LLC.
    Public Relations Firm: Sloane & Company (``Sloane''). CAT LLC 
determined to hire a new public relations firm, Sloane, in March 2018, 
based on, among other things, their expertise and the primary contact's 
history with the project. The fee rates for this public relations firm 
were in line with market rates for these types of services. The fees 
during the Pre-FAM Period were paid by CAT LLC to Sloane. CAT LLC 
continued the engagement with Sloane until February 2020.
    Public Relations Firm: Peak Strategies. CAT LLC determined to hire 
a new public relations firm, Peak Strategies, in March 2020, based on, 
among other things, their expertise and the primary contact's history 
with the project. The fee rates for this public relations firm were in 
line with market rates for these types of services. The fees during the 
Pre-FAM Period were paid by CAT LLC to Peak Strategies.
(ii) Historical CAT Costs Incurred in Financial Accountability 
Milestone Period 1
    Historical CAT Costs 1 would include costs incurred by CAT and 
already funded by the Participants during Period 1 of the Financial 
Accountability Milestones (``FAM Period 1''),\46\ which covers the 
period from June 22, 2020-July 31, 2020. Historical CAT Costs 1 would 
include costs for FAM Period 1 of $6,377,343. The Participants would 
remain responsible for one-third of this cost (which they have 
previously paid) ($2,125,781), and Industry Members would be 
responsible for the remaining two-thirds, with CEBBs paying one-third 
($2,125,781) and CEBSs paying one-third ($2,125,781). The following 
table breaks down Historical CAT Costs 1 for FAM Period 1 into the 
categories set forth in Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT NMS 
Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \46\ Section 11.6(a)(i)(A) of the CAT NMS Plan.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Historical CAT costs
               Operating expense                    for FAM Period 1 *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitalized Developed Technology Costs **......               $1,684,870
Technology Costs...............................                3,996,800
    Cloud Hosting Services.....................                2,642,122
    Operating Fees.............................                1,099,680
    CAIS Operating Fees........................                  254,998
    Change Request Fees........................  .......................
Legal..........................................                  481,687
Consulting.....................................                  137,209
Insurance......................................  .......................
Professional and administration................                   69,077
Public relations...............................                    7,700
                                                ------------------------
    Total Operating Expenses...................                6,377,343
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The costs described in this table of costs for FAM Period 1 were
  calculated based upon CAT LLC's review of applicable bills and
  invoices and related financial statements. CAT LLC financial
  statements are available on the CAT website.
** The non-cash amortization of these capitalized developed technology
  costs of $362,121 incurred during FAM Period 1 have been appropriately
  excluded from the above table.\47\

    By the completion of FAM Period 1, CAT LLC was required to 
implement the reporting by Industry Members (excluding Small Industry 
Members that are not OATS reporters) of equities transaction data and 
options transaction data, excluding Customer Account Information, 
Customer-ID and Customer Identifying Information.\48\ CAT LLC completed 
the requirements of FAM Period 1 by July 31, 2020. The following 
describes the costs for each of the categories for FAM Period 1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \47\ As discussed above, with respect to certain costs that were 
``appropriately excluded,'' such excluded costs relate to the 
amortization of capitalized technology costs, which are amortized 
over the life of the Plan Processor Agreement. As such costs have 
already been otherwise reflected in the filing, their inclusion 
would double count the capitalized technology costs. In addition, 
amortization is a non-cash expense.
    \48\ See definition of ``Initial Industry Member Core Equity and 
Options Reporting'' in Section 1.1 of the CAT NMS Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(a) Technology Costs--Cloud Hosting Services
    CAT LLC continued to utilize AWS in FAM Period 1 to provide a broad 
array of cloud hosting services for the CAT, including data ingestion, 
data management, and analytic tools. AWS continued to provide storage 
services, databases, compute services and other services (such as 
networking, management tools and DevOps tools), as well as various 
environments for CAT, such as development, performance testing, test, 
and production environments, during the FAM 1 Period. Accordingly, the 
$2,642,122 in technology costs for cloud hosting services represent 
costs incurred for services provided by AWS, as the cloud services 
provider, during FAM Period 1. The fee arrangement for AWS described 
above with regard to the Pre-FAM Period continued in place during FAM 
Period 1 pursuant to the Plan Processor Agreement. Moreover, CAT LLC 
continued to believe that AWS's

[[Page 75858]]

maturity in the cloud services space as well as the significant cost 
and time necessary to move the CAT to a different cloud services 
provider supported the continued engagement of AWS.
    The cost for AWS cloud services for the CAT continued to be a 
function of the volume of CAT Data. During the FAM 1 Period, the volume 
of CAT Data continued to far exceed the original predictions for the 
CAT as set forth in the CAT NMS Plan. During this period, data 
submitted to the CAT included options and equities Participant Data, 
Phase 2a and Phase 2b Industry Member Data (including certain linkages) 
as well as SIP Data, reference data and other types of Other Data. The 
following chart provides data regarding the average daily volume, 
cumulative total events, total compute hours and storage footprint of 
the CAT during FAM Period 1.\49\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \49\ Note that the volume data described in this table does not 
include CAIS data.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Date range: 6/22/20-7/
                                                          31/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Daily Volume in Billions:
    Participant--Equities......................                        6
    Participant--Options.......................                      103
    Industry Member--Equities..................                        7
    Industry Member--Options...................                     0.31
    SIP--Options & Equities....................                       74
    Average Total Daily Volume.................                      185
Cumulative Total Events for the Period.........                    5,190
Total Compute Hours for the Period.............                2,612,082
Storage Footprint at End of Period (Petabytes).                    57.47
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(b) Technology Costs--Operating Fees
    Pursuant to the Plan Processor Agreement discussed above, FCAT 
continued in its role as the Plan Processor for the CAT during FAM 
Period 1. Accordingly, the $1,099,680 in technology costs for operating 
fees represent costs incurred for the services provided by FCAT under 
the Plan Processor Agreement during FAM Period 1. The fee arrangement 
for FCAT described above with regard to the Pre-FAM Period continued in 
place during FAM Period 1 pursuant to the Plan Processor Agreement. 
During FAM Period 1, FCAT's activities with respect to the CAT included 
the following:
     Published iterative drafts of draft Technical 
Specifications for Phase 2d, after substantial engagement with SEC 
staff, Industry Members and Participants on the Technical 
Specifications;
     Published iterative drafts of CAIS Technical 
Specifications, after substantial engagement with SEC staff, Industry 
Members and Participants on the Technical Specifications;
     Facilitated Industry Member reporting of Quote Sent Time 
on Options Market Maker quotes;
     Addressed compliance items, including drafting CAT 
policies and procedures, and addressing Regulation SCI requirements;
     Provided support to the Operating Committee, the 
Compliance Subcommittee and CAT working groups;
     Assisted with interpretive efforts and exemptive requests 
regarding the CAT NMS Plan;
     Oversaw the security of the CAT;
     Monitored the operation of the CAT, including with regard 
to Participant and Industry Member reporting;
     Provided support to subcontractors under the Plan 
Processor Agreement;
     Provided support in discussions with Participants and the 
SEC and its staff;
     Operated the FINRA CAT Helpdesk;
     Facilitated communications with the industry, including 
via FAQs, CAT Alerts, meetings, presentations and webinars;
     Administered the CAT website and all of its content; and
     Provided technical support and assistance with 
connectivity, data access, and user support, including the use of CAT 
Data and query tools, for Participants and the SEC staff.
(c) Technology Costs--CAIS Operating Fees
    Pursuant to the Plan Processor Agreement discussed above, Kingland 
continued in its role as a subcontractor for the development and 
implementation of CAIS during FAM Period 1. Accordingly, the $254,998 
in technology costs for CAIS operating fees represent costs incurred 
for services provided by Kingland during FAM Period 1. The fee 
arrangement for Kingland described above with regard to the Pre-FAM 
Period continued in place during FAM Period 1 pursuant to the Plan 
Processor Agreement. During FAM Period 1, Kingland continued the 
development of the CAIS Technical Specifications and building of CAIS. 
In addition, Kingland continued to work on the CAIS Technical 
Specifications and build related to CCID Alternative, as well as the 
acceleration of the reporting of LTIDs.
(d) Technology Costs--Change Request Fees
    CAT LLC did not incur costs related to change requests during FAM 
Period 1.
(e) Technology Costs--Capitalized Developed Technology Costs
    Capitalized developed technology costs for FAM Period 1 of 
$1,684,870 include capitalizable application development costs incurred 
in the development of the CAT by FCAT. Such costs include: (1) costs 
related to certain modifications, upgrades, or other changes to the CAT 
that were not contemplated by the agreement between CAT LLC and the 
Plan Processor, including separate production and industry test 
entitlements, and reprocessing of exchange event timestamps; (2) 
implementation fees; and (3) license fees.
(f) Legal Costs
    The legal costs of $481,687 represent the fees paid for legal 
services provided by two law firms, WilmerHale and Pillsbury during FAM 
Period 1.
    Law Firm: WilmerHale. CAT LLC continued to employ WilmerHale during 
FAM Period 1 based on, among other things, their expertise and long 
history with the project. The hourly fee rates for this law firm were 
in line with market rates for specialized legal expertise. The legal 
fees during FAM Period 1 were paid by CAT LLC to WilmerHale. During FAM 
Period 1,

[[Page 75859]]

WilmerHale provided legal assistance to the CAT including with regard 
to the following:
     Assisted with the development of the CAT funding model and 
drafted related amendments and fee filings;
     Drafted exemptive requests from CAT NMS Plan requirements 
regarding, for example, verbal activity, options market maker quote 
sent time, TRF linkages, and allocations;
     Provided interpretations related to CAT NMS Plan 
requirements, including the Financial Accountability Milestone 
amendment;
     Assisted with compliance with Regulation SCI;
     Provided support for the Operating Committee, Compliance 
Subcommittee, working groups and Leadership Team, including with regard 
to meetings with the SEC staff;
     Assisted with the drafting of the Implementation Plan 
required pursuant to Section 6.6(c)(i) of the CAT NMS Plan;
     Assisted with communications and presentations for the 
industry regarding CAIS;
     Drafted SRO rule filings related to the CAT Compliance 
Rule;
     Provided support for Compliance Subcommittee, including 
with regard to response to OCIE examinations and the annual assessment;
     Provided guidance regarding CAT technical specifications;
     Assisted with third-party vendor agreements; and
     Provided support with regard to discussions with the SEC 
and its staff, including with respect to addressing interpretive and 
implementation issues.
    Law Firm: Pillsbury. CAT LLC continued to employ Pillsbury during 
FAM Period 1 based on, among other things, their expertise and history 
with the project. The hourly fee rates for this law firm were in line 
with market rates for specialized legal expertise. The legal fees 
during FAM Period 1 were paid by CAT LLC to Pillsbury. During FAM 
Period 1, Pillsbury provided legal assistance to the CAT regarding the 
CAT Reporter Agreement. During that period, Pillsbury advised CAT LLC 
regarding applicable legal matters and drafted a proposed amendment to 
the CAT NMS Plan regarding liability matters. Liability issues related 
to the CAT are important matters that needed to be resolved and 
clarified. CAT LLC's efforts to seek such resolution and clarity work 
to the benefit of Participants, Industry Members and other market 
participants.
(g) Consulting Costs
    The consulting costs of $137,209 represent the fees paid to 
Deloitte as project manager during FAM Period 1. CAT LLC continued to 
employ Deloitte during FAM Period 1 based on, among other things, their 
expertise and cumulative experience with the CAT. The fee rates for 
Deloitte during FAM Period 1 were negotiated and in line with market 
rates for this type of specialized consulting work. The consulting fees 
during FAM Period 1 were paid by CAT LLC to the consulting firm. CAT 
LLC reviewed the consulting fees each month and approved the invoices. 
During FAM Period 1, Deloitte's CAT-related activities included the 
following:
     Implemented program operations for the CAT project;
     Provided support to the Operating Committee, the Chair of 
the Operating Committee and the Leadership Team, including project 
management support, coordination and planning for meetings and 
communications, and interfacing with law firms and the SEC;
     Assisted with cost and funding matters for the CAT, 
including the development of the CAT funding model and assistance with 
loans and the CAT bank account for CAT funding;
     Provided support for updating the SEC on the progress of 
the development of the CAT;
     Assisted with the transition from the Initial Plan 
Processor to the successor Plan Processor; and
     Provided support for third-party vendors for the CAT, 
including FCAT, Anchin and the law firms engaged by CAT LLC.
(h) Insurance
    Although insurance was in effect during FAM Period 1, CAT LLC did 
not incur costs related to insurance during FAM Period 1.
(i) Professional and Administration Costs
    Financial Advisory Firm: Anchin. The professional and 
administration costs of $69,077 represent the fees paid to Anchin 
during FAM Period 1. CAT LLC continued to employ Anchin during FAM 
Period 1 based on, among other things, their expertise and history with 
the project. The hourly fee rates for this firm were in line with 
market rates for these type of financial advisory services. The fees 
for these services during FAM Period 1 were paid by CAT LLC to Anchin. 
During FAM Period 1, Anchin provided a variety of services, including 
the following:
     Maintained internal controls;
     Provided cash management and treasury functions;
     Facilitated bill payments;
     Provided monthly bookkeeping;
     Reviewed vendor invoices and documentation in support of 
cash disbursements;
     Provided accounting research and consultations on various 
accounting, financial reporting and tax matters;
     Addressed various accounting, financial reporting and 
operating inquiries from Participants;
     Developed and maintained quarterly and annual operating 
and financial budgets, including budget to actual fluctuation analyses;
     Supported compliance with the CAT NMS Plan;
     Worked with and provided support to the Operating 
Committee and various CAT working groups; and
     Prepared monthly and quarterly financial statements.
(j) Public Relations Costs
    The public relations costs of $7,700 represent the fees paid to 
Peak Strategies during FAM Period 1. CAT LLC continued to employ Peak 
Strategies during FAM Period 1 based on, among other things, their 
expertise and history with the project. The fee rates for this firm 
were reasonable and in line with market rates for these types of 
services. The fees for these services during FAM Period 1 were paid by 
CAT LLC to Peak Strategies. During FAM Period 1, Peak Strategies 
continued to provide professional communications services to CAT LLC, 
including media relations consulting, strategy and execution. 
Specifically, the public relations firm provided services related to 
communications with the public regarding the CAT, including monitoring 
developments related to the CAT (e.g., congressional efforts, public 
comments and reaction to proposals, press coverage of the CAT), 
reporting such developments to CAT LLC, and drafting and disseminating 
communications to the public regarding such developments as well as 
reporting on developments related to the CAT (e.g., amendments to the 
CAT NMS Plan). As discussed above, such public relations services were 
important for various reasons, including monitoring comments made by 
market participants about the CAT and understanding issues related to 
the CAT discussed on the public record. By engaging a public relations 
firm, CAT LLC was better positioned to understand and address CAT 
matters to the benefit of all market participants.
(iii) Historical CAT Costs Incurred in Financial Accountability 
Milestone Period 2
    Historical CAT Costs 1 would include costs incurred by CAT LLC and 
already

[[Page 75860]]

funded by Participants during Period 2 of the Financial Accountability 
Milestones (``FAM Period 2''),\50\ which covers the period from August 
1, 2020-December 31, 2020. Historical CAT Costs 1 would include costs 
for FAM Period 2 of $42,976,478. The Participants would remain 
responsible for one-third of this cost (which they have previously 
paid) ($14,325,493), and Industry Members would be responsible for the 
remaining two-thirds, with CEBBs paying one-third ($14,325,493) and 
CEBSs paying one-third ($14,325,493). The following table breaks down 
Historical CAT Costs 1 for FAM Period 2 into the categories set forth 
in Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT NMS Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \50\ Section 11.6(a)(i)(B) of the CAT NMS Plan.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Historical CAT costs
               Operating expense                    for FAM Period 2 *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitalized Developed Technology Costs **......               $6,761,094
Technology Costs...............................               31,460,033
    Cloud Hosting Services.....................               20,709,212
    Operating Fees.............................                9,108,700
    CAIS Operating Fees........................                1,590,298
    Change Request Fees........................                   51,823
Legal..........................................                2,766,644
Consulting.....................................                  532,146
Insurance......................................                  976,098
Professional and administration................                  438,523
Public relations...............................                   41,940
                                                ------------------------
    Total Operating Expenses...................               42,976,478
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The costs described in this table of costs for FAM Period 2 were
  calculated based upon CAT LLC's review of applicable bills and
  invoices and related financial statements. CAT LLC financial
  statements are available on the CAT website.
** The non-cash amortization of these capitalized developed technology
  costs of $1,892,505 incurred during FAM Period 2 have been
  appropriately excluded from the above table.\51\

    By the completion of FAM Period 2, CAT LLC was required to 
implement the following with regard to the CAT:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \51\ As discussed above, with respect to certain costs that were 
``appropriately excluded,'' such excluded costs relate to the 
amortization of capitalized technology costs, which are amortized 
over the life of the Plan Processor Agreement. As such costs have 
already been otherwise reflected in the filing, their inclusion 
would double count the capitalized technology costs. In addition, 
amortization is a non-cash expense.

    (a) Industry Member reporting (excluding reporting by Small 
Industry Members that are not OATS reporters) for equities 
transactions, excluding Customer Account Information, CustomerID, 
and Customer Identifying Information, is developed, tested, and 
implemented at a 5% Error Rate or less and with sufficient intra-
firm linkage, inter-firm linkage, national securities exchange 
linkage, and trade reporting facilities linkage to permit the 
Participants and the Commission to analyze the full lifecycle of an 
order across the national market system, excluding linkage of 
representative orders, from order origination through order 
execution or order cancellation; and (b) the query tool 
functionality required by Section 6.10(c)(i)(A) and Appendix D, 
Sections 8.1.1-8.1.3 and Section 8.2.1 incorporates the Industry 
Member equities transaction data described in condition (a) and is 
available to the Participants and to the Commission.\52\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \52\ See definition of ``Full Implementation of Core Equity 
Reporting Requirements'' in Section 1.1 of the CAT NMS Plan.

    CAT LLC completed the requirements of FAM Period 2 by December 31, 
2020. The following describes the costs for each of the categories for 
FAM Period 2.
(a) Technology Costs--Cloud Hosting Services
    CAT LLC continued to utilize AWS in FAM Period 2 to provide a broad 
array of cloud hosting services for the CAT, including data ingestion, 
data management, and analytic tools. AWS continued to provide storage 
services, databases, compute services and other services (such as 
networking, management tools and DevOps tools), as well as various 
environments for CAT, such as development, performance testing, test, 
and production environments, during the FAM 2 Period. Accordingly, the 
$20,709,212 in technology costs for cloud hosting services represent 
costs incurred for services provided by AWS, as the cloud services 
provider, during FAM Period 2. The fee arrangement for AWS described 
above with regard to the Pre-FAM Period and FAM Period 1 continued in 
place during FAM Period 2 pursuant to the Plan Processor Agreement.
    The cost for AWS cloud services for the CAT continued to be a 
function of the volume of CAT Data. During the FAM 2 Period, the volume 
of CAT Data continued to far exceed the original predictions for the 
CAT as set forth in the CAT NMS Plan. During this period, data 
submitted to the CAT included options and equities Participant Data, 
Phase 2a and Phase 2b Industry Member Data (including certain linkages) 
as well as SIP Data, and Other Data, including reference data. In 
addition, Industry Members began reporting LTID account information. 
The following chart provides data regarding the average daily volume, 
cumulative total events, total compute hours and storage footprint of 
the CAT during FAM Period 2.\53\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \53\ Note that the volume data described in this table does not 
include CAIS data.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Date range: 8/1/20-12/
                                                          31/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Daily Volume in Billions:
    Participant--Equities......................                        6
    Participant--Options.......................                      116
    Industry Member--Equities..................                       11
    Industry Member--Options...................                     0.98
    SIP--Options & Equities....................                       80
    Average Total Daily Volume.................                      282

[[Page 75861]]

 
Cumulative Total Events for the Period.........                    2,170
Total Compute Hours for the Period.............               15,660,392
Storage Footprint at End of Period (Petabytes).                   114.59
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(b) Technology Costs--Operating Fees
    Pursuant to the Plan Processor Agreement discussed above, FCAT 
continued in its role as the Plan Processor for the CAT during FAM 
Period 2. Accordingly, the $9,108,700 in technology costs for operating 
fees represent costs incurred for the services provided by FCAT under 
the Plan Processor Agreement during FAM Period 2. The fee arrangement 
for FCAT described above with regard to the Pre-FAM Period and FAM 
Period 1 continued in place during FAM Period 2 pursuant to the Plan 
Processor Agreement. During FAM Period 2, FCAT's activities with 
respect to the CAT included publishing the Technical Specifications for 
Phase 2d and overseeing the reporting of firm to firm and intrafirm 
linkages by Industry Members. In addition, FCAT also continued to 
engage in the following activities during FAM Period 2:
     Addressed compliance items, including drafting CAT 
policies and procedures, and addressing Regulation SCI requirements;
     Provided support to the Operating Committee, Compliance 
Subcommittee and CAT working groups;
     Assisted with interpretive efforts and exemptive requests 
regarding the CAT NMS Plan;
     Oversaw the development and implementation of the security 
of the CAT;
     Monitored the operation of the CAT, including with regard 
to Participant and Industry Member reporting;
     Provided support to subcontractors under the Plan 
Processor Agreement;
     Provided support in discussions with the Participants and 
the SEC and its staff;
     Operated the FINRA CAT Helpdesk;
     Facilitated communications with the industry, including 
via FAQs, CAT Alerts, meetings, presentations and webinars;
     Administered the CAT website and all of its content; and
     Provided technical support and assistance with 
connectivity, data access, and user support, including the use of CAT 
Data and query tools, for Participants and the SEC staff.
(c) Technology Costs--CAIS Operating Fees
    Pursuant to the Plan Processor Agreement discussed above, Kingland 
continued in its role as a subcontractor for the development and 
implementation of CAIS during FAM Period 2. Accordingly, the $1,590,298 
in technology costs for CAIS operating fees represent costs incurred 
for services provided by Kingland during FAM Period 2. The fee 
arrangement for Kingland described above with regard to the Pre-FAM 
Period and FAM Period 1 continued in place during FAM Period 2 pursuant 
to the Plan Processor Agreement. During FAM Period 2, Kingland 
continued the development of the CAIS Technical Specifications and 
building of CAIS. In addition, Kingland continued to work on the CAIS 
Technical Specifications and build related to the CCID Alternative, as 
well as the acceleration of the reporting of LTIDs.
(d) Technology Costs--Change Request Fees
    During FAM Period 2, CAT LLC engaged FCAT to pursue certain change 
requests in accordance with the Plan Processor Agreement. The change 
request costs were paid by CAT LLC to FCAT. Specifically, during FAM 
Period 2, CAT incurred costs of $51,823 related to a change request 
regarding the addition of functionality for exchange Participants to 
report rejected messages to the CAT.
(e) Technology Costs--Capitalized Developed Technology Costs
    Capitalized developed technology costs for FAM Period 2 of 
$6,761,094 include capitalizable application development costs incurred 
in the development of the CAT by FCAT. Such costs include (1) 
development costs incurred during the application development stage to 
meet various agreed-upon milestones regarding the CAT, as defined in 
the agreement between CAT LLC and the Plan Processor; (2) costs related 
to certain modifications, upgrades, or other changes to the CAT that 
were not contemplated by the agreement between CAT LLC and the Plan 
Processor, including costs related to separate production and industry 
test entitlements, market maker reference data, and back-processing of 
exchange exception logic; (3) implementation fees; and (4) license 
fees.
(f) Legal Costs
    The legal costs of $2,766,644 represent the fees paid for legal 
services provided by two law firms, WilmerHale and Pillsbury during FAM 
Period 2.
    Law Firm: WilmerHale. CAT LLC continued to employ WilmerHale during 
FAM Period 2 based on, among other things, their expertise and long 
history with the project. The hourly fee rates for this law firm were 
in line with market rates for specialized legal expertise. The legal 
fees during FAM Period 2 were paid by CAT LLC to WilmerHale. During FAM 
Period 2, the legal assistance provided by WilmerHale included 
providing legal advice regarding the following:
     Assisted with the development of the CAT funding model and 
drafting related amendments and rule filings;
     Drafted exemptive requests from CAT NMS Plan requirements 
regarding, for example, allocations, exchange activity, OTQT, initial 
data validation, error corrections and recordkeeping;
     Provided interpretations related to CAT NMS Plan 
requirements, including with regard to the Financial Accountability 
Milestone amendment, FAQs and technical specifications;
     Provided support for the Operating Committee, Compliance 
Subcommittees, working groups and Leadership Team, including with 
regard to meetings with the SEC staff;
     Assisted with the Implementation Plan and Quarterly 
Progress Reports required pursuant to Section 6.6 of the CAT NMS Plan;
     Drafted SRO rule filings related to the CAT Compliance 
Rule;
     Provided support for the Compliance Subcommittee, 
including with regard to responses to OCIE examinations and the annual 
assessment;
     Provided guidance regarding the SEC's proposed security 
amendments to the CAT NMS Plan;
     Provided guidance regarding SRO rule filings for the 
retirement of systems;
     Provided legal support for Operating Committee meetings, 
including drafting resolutions and other materials and voting advice;

[[Page 75862]]

     Assisted with third-party vendor agreements (e.g., with 
regard to Anchin, Grant Thornton and insurance policies);
     Assisted with change requests; and
     Provided support with regard to discussions with the SEC 
and its staff, including with respect to addressing interpretive and 
implementation issues.
    Law Firm: Pillsbury. CAT LLC continued to employ Pillsbury during 
FAM Period 2 based on, among other things, their expertise and history 
with the project. The hourly fee rates for this law firm were in line 
with market rates for specialized legal expertise. The legal fees 
during FAM Period 2 were paid by CAT LLC to Pillsbury. During FAM 
Period 2, Pillsbury provided legal assistance to the CAT regarding the 
CAT Reporter Agreement. During that period, Pillsbury advised CAT LLC 
regarding applicable legal matters and drafted and filed a proposed 
amendment to the CAT NMS Plan regarding liability matters. As discussed 
above, liability issues related to the CAT are important matters that 
needed to be resolved and clarified. CAT LLC's efforts to seek such 
resolution and clarity work to the benefit of Participants, Industry 
Members and other market participants.
(g) Consulting Costs
    The consulting costs of $532,146 represent the fees paid to 
Deloitte as project manager during FAM Period 2. CAT LLC continued to 
employ Deloitte during FAM Period 2 based on, among other things, their 
expertise and long history with the project. The fee rates for Deloitte 
during FAM Period 2 were negotiated and in line with market rates for 
this type of specialized consulting work. The consulting fees during 
FAM Period 2 were paid to Deloitte by CAT LLC. CAT LLC reviewed the 
consulting fees each month and approved the invoices. During FAM Period 
2, Deloitte's CAT-related activities included the following:
     Implemented program operations for the CAT project;
     Provided support to the Operating Committee, the Chair of 
the Operating Committee and the Leadership Team, including project 
management support, coordination and planning for meetings and 
communications, and interfacing with law firms and the SEC;
     Assisted with cost and funding matters for the CAT, 
including the development of the CAT funding model and assistance with 
loans and the CAT bank account for CAT funding;
     Provided support for updating the SEC on the progress of 
the development of the CAT; and
     Provided support for third-party vendors for the CAT, 
including FCAT, Anchin and the law firms engaged by CAT LLC.
(h) Insurance
    The insurance costs of $976,098 represent the fees paid for 
insurance during FAM Period 2. CAT LLC continued to maintain cyber 
security liability insurance, directors' and officers' liability 
insurance, and errors and omissions liability insurance offered by USI. 
After engaging in a process for renewing the coverage, CAT LLC 
determined to purchase these insurance policies from USI. The annual 
premiums for these policies were competitive for the coverage provided. 
The annual premiums were paid by CAT LLC to USI.
(i) Professional and Administration Costs
    The professional and administration costs of $438,523 represent the 
fees paid to Anchin and Grant Thornton for financial services provided 
during FAM Period 2.
    Financial Advisory Firm: Anchin. CAT LLC continued to engage Anchin 
during FAM Period 2 based on, among other things, their expertise and 
history with the project. The hourly fee rates for this firm were in 
line with market rates for these types of financial advisory services. 
The fees for these services during FAM Period 2 were paid by CAT LLC to 
Anchin. During FAM Period 2, Anchin provided a variety of services, 
including the following:
     Updated and maintained internal controls;
     Provided cash management and treasury functions;
     Faciliated [sic] bill payments;
     Provided monthly bookkeeping;
     Reviewed vendor invoices and documentation in support of 
cash disbursements;
     Provided accounting research and consultations on various 
accounting, financial reporting and tax matters;
     Addressed not-for-profit tax and accounting 
considerations;
     Prepared tax returns;
     Addressed various accounting, financial reporting and 
operating inquiries from the Participants;
     Developed and maintained quarterly and annual operating 
and financial budgets, including budget to actual fluctuation analyses;
     Supported compliance with the CAT NMS Plan;
     Worked with and provided support to the Operating 
Committee and various CAT working groups;
     Prepared monthly, quarterly and annual financial 
statements;
     Supported the annual financial statement audit by an 
independent auditor; and
     Reviewed historical costs from inception.
    Accounting Firm: Grant Thornton. CAT LLC continued to employ the 
accounting firm Grant Thornton during FAM Period 2 based on, among 
other things, its expertise and cumulative knowledge of CAT LLC. CAT 
LLC continued to believe that Grant Thornton was well qualified for its 
role and its fee rates were in line with with market rates for these 
accounting services. The fees for these services during FAM Period 2 
were paid by CAT LLC to Grant Thornton. During FAM Period 2, Grant 
Thornton performed a financial statement audit for CAT LLC as an 
independent accounting firm.
(j) Public Relations Costs
    The public relations costs of $41,940 represent the fees paid to 
Peak Strategies during FAM Period 2. CAT LLC continued to employ Peak 
Strategies during FAM Period 2 based on, among other things, their 
expertise and history with the project. The fee rates for this firm 
were in line with market rates for these types of services. The fees 
for these services during FAM Period 2 were paid by CAT LLC to Peak 
Strategies. During FAM Period 2, Peak Strategies continued to provide 
professional communications services to CAT, including media relations 
consulting, strategy and execution. Specifically, the public relations 
firm provided services related to communications with the public 
regarding the CAT, including monitoring developments related to the CAT 
(e.g., congressional efforts, public comments and reaction to 
proposals, press coverage of the CAT), reporting such developments to 
CAT LLC, and drafting and disseminating communications to the public 
regarding such developments as well as reporting on developments 
related to the CAT (e.g., amendments to the CAT NMS Plan). As discussed 
above, such public relations services were important for various 
reasons, including monitoring comments made by market participants 
about the CAT and understanding issues related to the CAT discussed on 
the public record. By engaging a public relations firm, CAT LLC was 
better positioned to understand and address CAT matters to the benefit 
of all market participants.
    (iv) Historical CAT Costs Incurred in Financial Accountability 
Milestone Period 3
    Historical CAT Costs 1 would include costs incurred by CAT and 
already

[[Page 75863]]

funded by the Participants during Period 3 of the Financial 
Accountability Milestones (``FAM Period 3''),\54\ which covers the 
period from January 1, 2021--December 31, 2021. Historical CAT Costs 1 
would include costs for FAM Period 3 of $144,415,268. The Participants 
would remain responsible for one-third of this cost (which they have 
previously paid) ($48,138,423), and Industry Members would be 
responsible for the remaining two-thirds, with CEBBs paying one-third 
($48,138,423) and CEBSs paying one-third ($48,138,423). The following 
table breaks down Historical CAT Costs 1 for FAM Period 3 into the 
categories set forth in Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT NMS 
Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \54\ Section 11.6(a)(i)(C) of the CAT NMS Plan.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Historical CAT costs
               Operating expense                    for FAM period 3 *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitalized Developed Technology Costs **......              $10,763,372
Technology Costs...............................             $123,639,402
    Cloud Hosting Services.....................               94,574,759
    Operating Fees.............................               23,106,091
    CAIS Operating Fees........................                5,562,383
    Change Request Fees........................                  396,169
Legal..........................................                6,333,248
Consulting.....................................                1,408,209
Insurance......................................                1,582,714
Professional and administration................                  595,923
Public relations...............................                   92,400
                                                ------------------------
    Total Operating Expenses...................              144,415,268
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The costs described in this table of costs for FAM Period 3 were
  calculated based upon CAT LLC's review of applicable bills and
  invoices and related financial statements. CAT LLC financial
  statements are available on the CAT website.
** The non-cash amortization of these capitalized developed technology
  costs of $5,108,044 incurred during FAM Period 3 have been
  appropriately excluded from the above table.\55\

    By the completion of FAM Period 3, CAT LLC was required to 
implement the following requirements with regard the CAT:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \55\ As discussed above, with respect to certain costs that were 
``appropriately excluded,'' such excluded costs relate to the 
amortization of capitalized technology costs, which are amortized 
over the life of the Plan Processor Agreement. As such costs have 
already been otherwise reflected in the filing, their inclusion 
would double count the capitalized technology costs. In addition, 
amortization is a non-cash expense.

    (a) reporting to the Order Audit Trail System (``OATS'') is no 
longer required for new orders; (b) Industry Member reporting for 
equities transactions and simple electronic options transactions, 
excluding Customer Account Information, Customer-ID, and Customer 
Identifying Information, with sufficient intra-firm linkage, inter-
firm linkage, national securities exchange linkage, trade reporting 
facilities linkage, and representative order linkages (including any 
equities allocation information provided in an Allocation Report) to 
permit the Participants and the Commission to analyze the full 
lifecycle of an order across the national market system, from order 
origination through order execution or order cancellation, is 
developed, tested, and implemented at a 5% Error Rate or less; (c) 
Industry Member reporting for manual options transactions and 
complex options transactions, excluding Customer Account 
Information, Customer-ID, and Customer Identifying Information, with 
all required linkages to permit the Participants and the Commission 
to analyze the full lifecycle of an order across the national market 
system, from order origination through order execution or order 
cancellation, including any options allocation information provided 
in an Allocation Report, is developed, tested, and fully 
implemented; (d) the query tool functionality required by Section 
6.10(c)(i)(A) and Appendix D, Sections 8.1.1-8.1.3, Section 8.2.1, 
and Section 8.5 incorporates the data described in conditions (b)-
(c) and is available to the Participants and to the Commission; and 
(e) the requirements of Section 6.10(a) are met.\56\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \56\ See definition of ``Full Availability and Regulatory 
Utilization of Transactional Database Functionality'' in Section 1.1 
of the CAT NMS Plan.

    CAT LLC completed the requirements of FAM Period 3 by December 31, 
2021. The following describes the costs for each of the categories for 
FAM Period 3.
(a) Technology Costs--Cloud Hosting Services
    CAT LLC continued to utilize AWS in FAM Period 3 to provide a broad 
array of cloud hosting services for the CAT, including data ingestion, 
data management, and analytic tools. AWS continued to provide storage 
services, databases, compute services and other services (such as 
networking, management tools and DevOps tools), as well as various 
environments for CAT, such as development, performance testing, test, 
and production environments, during the FAM 3 Period. Accordingly, the 
$94,574,759 in technology costs for cloud hosting services represents 
costs incurred for services provided by AWS, as the cloud services 
provider, during FAM Period 3. The fee arrangement for AWS described 
above for the earlier periods continued in place during FAM Period 3 
pursuant to the Plan Processor Agreement.
    The cost for AWS cloud services for the CAT continued to be a 
function of the volume of CAT Data. During FAM Period 3, the volume of 
CAT Data continued to far exceed the original predictions for the CAT 
as set forth in the CAT NMS Plan. During this period, data submitted to 
the CAT included options and equities Participant Data, Phase 2a, Phase 
2b, Phase 2c and Phase 2d Industry Member Data (including certain 
linkages), SIP Data, Other Data, including reference data, and LTID 
account information. The following chart provides data regarding the 
average daily volume, cumulative total events, total compute hours and 
storage footprint of the CAT during FAM Period 3.\57\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \57\ Note that the volume data described in this table does not 
include CAIS data.

[[Page 75864]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Date Range: 1/1/  Date Range: 4/26/
                                      21 to 4/25/21     21/to 12/31/21 *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Daily Volume in Billions:
    Participant--Equities.........                  9                  9
    Participant--Options..........                135                136
    Industry Member--Equities.....                 20                 19
    Industry Member--Options......                  2                  2
    SIP--Options & Equities.......                129                137
    Average Total Daily Volume....                297                304
Cumulative Total Events for the                 7,480              5,310
 Period...........................
Total Compute Hours for the Period         15,860,304         33,487,318
Storage Footprint at End of Period             180.22             284.62
 (Petabytes)......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Start of Participant Equities in CAT format and SIP Equities on 4/26/
  21.

(b) Technology Costs--Operating Fees
    Pursuant to the Plan Processor Agreement discussed above, FCAT 
continued in its role as the Plan Processor for the CAT during FAM 
Period 3. Accordingly, the $23,106,091 in technology costs for 
operating fees represent costs incurred for the services provided by 
FCAT under the Plan Processor Agreement during FAM Period 3. The fee 
arrangement for FCAT described above with regard to the prior Periods 
continued in place during FAM Period 3 pursuant to the Plan Processor 
Agreement. During FAM Period 3, FCAT's activities with respect to the 
CAT included the following:
     Facilitated Phase 2c and Phase 2d testing for Industry 
Members;
     Oversaw creation of linkages of the lifecycle of order 
events based on the received data through Phase 2d;
     Addressed compliance items, including drafting CAT 
policies and procedures, and addressing Regulation SCI requirements;
     Provided support to the Operating Committee, the 
Compliance Subcommittee and CAT working groups;
     Assisted with interpretive efforts and exemptive requests 
regarding the CAT NMS Plan;
     Oversaw the security of the CAT;
     Monitored the operation of the CAT, including with regard 
to Participant and Industry Member reporting;
     Provided support to subcontractors under the Plan 
Processor Agreement;
     Provided support in discussions with the Participants and 
the SEC and its staff;
     Operated the FINRA CAT Helpdesk;
     Facilitated communications with the industry, including 
via FAQs, CAT Alerts, meetings, presentations and webinars;
     Administered the CAT website and all of its content; and
     Provided technical support and assistance with 
connectivity, data access, and user support, including the use of CAT 
Data and query tools, for Participants and the SEC staff.
(c) Technology Costs--CAIS Operating Fees
    Pursuant to the Plan Processor Agreement with FCAT discussed above, 
Kingland continued in its role as a subcontractor for the development 
and implementation of CAIS during FAM Period 3. Accordingly, the 
$5,562,383 in technology costs for CAIS operating fees represents costs 
incurred for services provided by Kingland during FAM Period 3. The fee 
arrangement for Kingland described above with regard to the prior 
Periods continued in place during FAM Period 3 pursuant to the Plan 
Processor Agreement. During FAM Period 3, Kingland continued the 
development of the CAIS Technical Specifications and building of CAIS. 
In addition, Kingland continued to work on the CAIS Technical 
Specifications and build related to the CCID Alternative, as well as 
the acceleration of the reporting of LTIDs. The full CAIS Technical 
Specifications were published during FAM Period 3.
(d) Technology Costs--Change Request Fees
    During FAM Period 3, CAT LLC engaged FCAT to pursue certain change 
requests in accordance with the Plan Processor Agreement. The change 
request costs were paid by CAT LLC to FCAT. Specifically, during FAM 
Period 3, CAT incurred costs of $396,169 related to change requests, 
including the following: (1) the addition of functionality for exchange 
Participants to report rejected messages to the CAT; (2) the migration 
of MIRS query engine to AWS to reduce operational costs and increase 
resiliency; and (3) updating the Participant Technical Specifications 
to allow for two-sided Participant option quote reporting.
(e) Technology Costs--Capitalized Developed Technology Costs
    Capitalized developed technology costs for FAM Period 3 of 
$10,763,372 include capitalizable application development costs 
incurred in the development of the CAT by FCAT. Such costs include (1) 
development costs incurred during the application development stage to 
meet various agreed-upon milestones regarding the CAT, as defined in 
the agreement between CAT LLC and the Plan Processor, including the 
transition from equity data received by FINRA pursuant to various 
regulatory services agreements between FINRA and Participant exchanges 
to the equity CAT Data, and the completion of the Industry Member Phase 
2d options manual and complex orders go-live requirements; (2) costs 
related to certain modifications, upgrades, or other changes to the CAT 
that were not contemplated by the agreement between CAT LLC and the 
Plan Processor, including costs related to off-exchange volume 
concentration, Participant 24-hour trading and an external metastore; 
(3) implementation fees; and (4) license fees.
(f) Legal Costs
    The legal costs of $6,333,248 represent the fees paid for legal 
services provided by three law firms, WilmerHale, Pillsbury and 
Covington & Burling LLP (``Covington'') during FAM Period 3.
    Law Firm: WilmerHale. CAT LLC continued to employ WilmerHale during 
FAM Period 3 based on, among other things, their expertise and long 
history with the project. The hourly fee rates for this law firm were 
in line with market rates for specialized legal expertise. The legal 
fees during FAM Period 3 were paid by CAT LLC to WilmerHale. During FAM 
Period 3, the legal assistance provided by WilmerHale included 
providing legal advice regarding the following:

[[Page 75865]]

     Assisted with the development of the CAT funding model and 
drafting related amendments and rule filings;
     Drafted exemptive requests from CAT NMS Plan requirements, 
including, for example, verbal activity regarding Phase 2c cutover, 
error reports, error corrections, Phase 2d Reporting, unique Order-ID 
on internal route events, reporting addresses, recordkeeping, and 
unique CCID for foreign customers;
     Provided interpretations related to CAT NMS Plan 
requirements, including with regard to the Financial Accountability 
Milestone amendment, FAQs, CAIS requirements, ADF, and technical 
specifications;
     Provided support for the Operating Committee, Compliance 
Subcommittee, working groups and Leadership Team, including with regard 
to meetings with the SEC staff;
     Assisted with the Implementation Plan and Quarterly 
Progress Reports required pursuant to Section 6.6(c) of the CAT NMS 
Plan;
     Drafted SRO rule filings related to the CAT Compliance 
Rule;
     Provided support for Compliance Subcommittee, including 
with regard to responses to OCIE examinations and the annual 
assessment;
     Provided guidance regarding the SEC's proposed security 
amendments to the CAT NMS Plan;
     Provided guidance regarding SRO rule filings for the 
retirement of systems;
     Provided legal support for Operating Committee meetings, 
including drafting resolutions and other materials and voting advice;
     Provided assistance with change requests;
     Provided guidance and regulatory support for litigation 
regarding the response to the SEC's exemptive orders;
     Assisted with communications with the industry, including 
CAT Alerts and presentations;
     Provided guidance regarding the confidentiality of CAT 
Data, including third-party information requests;
     Assisted with cost management analysis and proposals; and
     Provided support with regard to discussions with the SEC 
and its staff, including with respect to addressing interpretive and 
implementation issues.
    Law Firm: Pillsbury. CAT LLC continued to employ Pillsbury during 
FAM Period 3 based on, among other things, their expertise and history 
with the project. The hourly fee rates for this law firm were in line 
with market rates for specialized legal expertise. The legal fees 
during FAM Period 3 were paid by CAT LLC to Pillsbury. During FAM 
Period 3, Pillsbury provided legal assistance to the CAT regarding the 
CAT Reporter Agreement. During this period, Pillsbury advised CAT LLC 
regarding applicable legal matters, reviewed and responded to comment 
letters regarding the proposed Plan amendment, participated in meetings 
with senior SEC staff, responded to comments submitted following the 
SEC's April 6, 2021 order instituting proceedings,\58\ and assessed 
legal matters regarding the SEC's October 29, 2021 order denying the 
proposed Plan amendment.\59\
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    \58\ Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 91487 (Apr. 6, 2021), 86 
FR 19054 (Apr. 12, 2021).
    \59\ Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 93484 (Oct. 29, 2021), 86 
FR 60933 (Nov. 4, 2021).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Law Firm: Covington. CAT LLC hired Covington for litigation with 
the SEC regarding certain exemptive orders related to the CAT, 
including orders issued in December 2020.\60\ CAT LLC interviewed this 
law firm as well as other potential law firms, considering a variety of 
factors in its analysis for choosing legal assistance, including the 
relevant expertise and fees of the potential lawyers. CAT LLC approved 
the engagement of Covington in January 2021. The fee rates for this law 
firm, which were calculated based on hourly rates, were in line with 
market rates for specialized services. The legal fees for FAM Period 3 
for this firm were paid by CAT LLC to Covington.
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    \60\ See Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 90688 (Dec. 16, 2020), 
85 FR 83634 (Dec. 22, 2020); and Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 
90689 (Dec. 16, 2020), 85 FR 83667 (Dec. 22, 2020) (collectively, 
the ``2020 Orders'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    After Covington was hired in 2021 through the end of 2021, the firm 
provided legal assistance regarding the litigation with the SEC 
regarding the 2020 Orders. These services included researching, 
drafting, and filing motions to stay the 2020 orders and related 
materials in proceedings before the SEC, as well as researching, 
drafting, and filing petitions for judicial review of the 2020 Orders 
in proceedings before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. 
Covington oversaw ongoing litigation proceedings on these matters, and 
also supported WilmerHale with respect to settlement negotiations with 
the SEC staff regarding the 2020 Orders.
    In addition to these services, CAT LLC engaged Covington in 
November 2021 to provide assistance with respect to the SEC's 
disapproval of CAT NMS Plan amendments concerning a proposed limitation 
on liability in the event of a data breach or similar event. Covington 
provided advice concerning CAT's response to the SEC's disapproval 
order. This work accounted for a minority of Covington's fees in 
2021.\61\
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    \61\ As discussed above with regard to Pillsbury's work on 
liability matters, liability issues related to the CAT are important 
matters that needed to be resolved and clarified. CAT LLC's efforts 
to seek such resolution and clarity work to the benefit of 
Participants, Industry Members and other market participants. 
Moreover, such activity is a necessary part of the operation of the 
CAT.
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(g) Consulting Costs
    The consulting costs of $1,408,209 represent the fees paid to 
Deloitte as project manager during FAM Period 3. CAT LLC continued to 
employ Deloitte during FAM Period 3 based on, among other things, their 
expertise and long history with the project. The fee rates for Deloitte 
during FAM Period 3 were negotiated and in line with market rates for 
this type of specialized consulting work. The consulting fees during 
FAM Period 3 were paid to Deloitte by CAT LLC. CAT LLC reviewed the 
consulting fees each month and approved the invoices. During FAM Period 
3, Deloitte's CAT-related activities included the following:
     Implemented program operations for the CAT project;
     Provided support to the Operating Committee, the Chair of 
the Operating Committee and the Leadership Team, including project 
management support, coordination and planning for meetings and 
communications, and interfacing with law firms and the SEC;
     Assisted with cost and funding matters for the CAT, 
including the development of the CAT funding model and assistance with 
loans and the CAT bank account for CAT funding;
     Provided support for updating the SEC on the progress of 
the development of the CAT; and
     Provided support for third-party vendors for the CAT, 
including FCAT, Anchin and the law firms engaged by CAT LLC.
(h) Insurance
    The insurance costs of $1,582,714 represent the fees paid for 
insurance during FAM Period 3. CAT LLC continued to maintain cyber 
security liability insurance, directors' and officers' liability 
insurance, and errors and omissions liability insurance offered by USI. 
After engaging in a process for renewing the coverage, CAT LLC 
determined to purchase these insurance policies from USI. The annual 
premiums for these policies were competitive for the coverage provided. 
The annual premiums were paid by CAT LLC to USI.
(i) Professional and Administration Costs
    The professional and administration costs of $595,923 represent the 
fees paid to Anchin and Grant Thornton for financial services during 
FAM Period 3.

[[Page 75866]]

    Financial Advisory Firm: Anchin. CAT LLC continued to employ Anchin 
during FAM Period 3 based on, among other things, their expertise and 
history with the project. The hourly fee rates for this firm were in 
line with market rates for these financial advisory services. The fees 
for these services during FAM Period 3 were paid by CAT LLC to Anchin. 
During FAM Period 3, Anchin provided a variety of services, including 
the following:
     Updated and maintained internal controls;
     Provided cash management and treasury functions;
     Faciliated [sic] bill payments;
     Provided monthly bookkeeping;
     Reviewed vendor invoices and documentation in support of 
cash disbursements;
     Provided accounting research and consultations on various 
accounting, financial reporting and tax matters;
     Addressed not-for-profit tax and accounting 
considerations;
     Prepared tax returns;
     Addressed various accounting, financial reporting and 
operating inquiries from Participants;
     Developed and maintained quarterly and annual operating 
and financial budgets, including budget to actual fluctuation analyses;
     Supported compliance with the CAT NMS Plan;
     Worked with and provided support to the Operating 
Committee and various CAT working groups;
     Prepared monthly, quarterly and annual financial 
statements;
     Supported the annual financial statement audits by an 
independent auditor;
     Reviewed historical costs from inception; and
     Provided accounting and financial information in support 
of SEC filings.
    Accounting Firm: Grant Thornton. CAT LLC continued to employ the 
accounting firm Grant Thornton during FAM Period 3 based on, among 
other things, their expertise and cumulative knowledge of CAT LLC. CAT 
LLC determined that Grant Thornton was well qualified for its role and 
that its fixed fee rates were in line with market rates for these 
accountant services. The fees for these services during FAM Period 3 
were paid by CAT LLC to Grant Thornton. During FAM Period 3, Grant 
Thornton provided audited financial statements for CAT LLC.
(j) Public Relations Costs
    The public relations costs of $92,400 represent the fees paid to 
Peak Strategies during FAM Period 3. CAT LLC continued to employ Peak 
Strategies during FAM Period 3 based on, among other things, their 
expertise and history with the project. The fee rates for this firm 
were in line with market rates for these types of services. The fees 
for these services during FAM Period 3 were paid by CAT LLC to Peak 
Strategies. During FAM Period 3, Peak Strategies continued to provide 
professional communications services to CAT, including media relations 
consulting, strategy and execution. Specifically, the public relations 
firm provided services related to communications with the public 
regarding the CAT, including monitoring developments related to the CAT 
(e.g., congressional efforts, public comments and reaction to 
proposals, press coverage of the CAT), reporting such developments to 
CAT LLC, and drafting and disseminating communications to the public 
regarding such developments as well as reporting on developments 
related to the CAT (e.g., amendments to the CAT NMS Plan). As discussed 
above, such public relations services were important for various 
reasons, including monitoring comments made by market participants 
about the CAT and understanding issues related to the CAT discussed on 
the public record. By engaging a public relations firm, CAT LLC was 
better positioned to understand and address CAT matters to the benefit 
of all market participants.
(v) Excluded Costs
    Historical CAT Costs 1 would not include three categories of CAT 
costs (``Excluded Costs''): (1) $14,749,362 of costs related to the 
termination of the relationship with the Initial Plan Processor; (2) 
$48,874,937, which are all CAT costs incurred from November 15, 2017 
through November 15, 2018; and (3) $19,628,791, which are costs paid to 
the the Initial Plan Processor from November 16, 2018 through February 
2019 when the relationship with the Initial Plan Processor was 
concluded. The Participants would remain responsible for 100% of these 
costs, which total $83,253,090. CAT LLC determined to exclude these 
Excluded Costs from Historical CAT Costs 1 because these costs relate 
to the delay in the start of reporting to the CAT and the conclusion of 
the relationship with the Initial Plan Processor.\62\
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    \62\ In approving the CAT Funding Model, the Commission states 
that the proposed exclusion of the first two categories of Excluded 
Costs ``is reasonable in the Commission's view because it would not 
require all costs incurred by the Participants to be recovered from 
Industry Members through the Historical CAT Assessment, specifically 
excluding those costs related to the delay in the start of reporting 
to the CAT and costs related to the conclusion of the relationship 
with the Initial Plan Processor.'' CAT Funding Model Approval Order 
at 62663. In addition to the first two categories of Excluded Costs, 
CAT LLC is now proposing a third category of Excluded Costs that 
would exclude all costs paid to the Initial Plan Processor after 
November 15, 2018.
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(a) Costs Related to Conclusion of Relationship With Initial Plan 
Processor
    First, Historical CAT Costs 1 would not include $14,749,362 of 
costs related to the conclusion of the relationship with the Initial 
Plan Processor. Such costs include costs related to the American 
Arbitration Association, the legal assistance of Pillsbury with regard 
to the arbitration with the Initial Plan Processor, and the settlement 
costs related to the arbitration with the Initial Plan Processor. The 
Participants would remain responsible for 100% of these $14,749,362 in 
costs.
(b) Costs Incurred From November 15, 2017 Through November 15, 2018
    Second, Historical CAT Costs 1 would not include all CAT costs 
incurred from November 15, 2017 through November 15, 2018. CAT LLC 
determined to exclude all costs during this one-year period of 
$48,874,937 from fees charged to Industry Members due to the delay in 
the start of reporting to the CAT. The Participants would remain 
responsible for 100% of these $48,874,937 in costs. The following table 
breaks down these costs into the categories set forth in Section 
11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT NMS Plan.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Excluded costs for
               Operating expense                    November 15, 2017-
                                                   November 15, 2018 *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitalized Developed Technology Costs.........              $37,852,083
Technology Costs...............................  .......................
    Cloud Hosting Services.....................  .......................
    Operating Fees.............................  .......................

[[Page 75867]]

 
    CAIS Operating Fees........................  .......................
    Change Request Fees........................  .......................
Legal..........................................                6,143,278
Consulting.....................................                4,452,106
Insurance......................................  .......................
Professional and administration................                  340,145
Public relations...............................                   87,325
                                                ------------------------
    Total Operating Expenses...................               48,874,937
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The costs described in this table of Excluded Costs were calculated
  based upon CAT LLC's review of applicable bills and invoices and
  related financial statements. CAT LLC financial statements are
  available on the CAT website.

    The following provides additional detail regarding the Excluded 
Costs.
(I) Technology Costs--Cloud Hosting Services, Operating Fees, CAIS 
Operating Fees and Change Request Fees
    CAT LLC did not incur technology costs related to the categories of 
cloud hosting services, operating fees, CAIS operating fees or change 
requests during the period from November 15, 2017 through November 15, 
2018.
(II) Technology Costs--Capitalized Developed Technology Costs
    Capitalized developed technology costs for the period from November 
15, 2017 through November 15, 2018 include capitalizable application 
development costs of $37,852,083 incurred in the development of the CAT 
by the Initial Plan Processor. Such costs include development costs 
incurred during the application development stage to meet various 
agreed-upon milestones regarding the CAT, as defined in the agreement 
between CAT LLC and the Initial Plan Processor. Such costs include 
costs related to Industry Member technical specifications for orders 
and transactions, the system security plan, testing and production for 
Participant CAT reporting, third-party security assessment and 
response, query portal, onboarding of the Chief Information Security 
Officer, and ingestion of FINRA TRF data and FINRA data related to 
halts and corporate actions.
(III) Legal Costs
    The legal costs of $6,143,278 represent the fees paid to WilmerHale 
for legal services from November 15, 2017 through November 15, 2018. 
During this period, WilmerHale provided legal assistance to the CAT 
including with regard to the following:
     Provided legal support for the governance of the CAT, 
including governance support for the Operating Committee, Advisory 
Committee, Compliance Subcommittee, and CAT working groups;
     Assisted with the development of the CAT funding model and 
drafted related amendments of the CAT NMS Plan;
     Provided assistance related to CAT security;
     Drafted exemptive requests, including requests related to 
PII;
     Assisted with the Implementation Plan required pursuant to 
Section 6.6(c)(i) of the CAT NMS Plan;
     Provided interpretations of and related to the CAT NMS 
Plan;
     Provided advice with regard to regulator access to the 
CAT;
     Assisted with the Plan Processor transition;
     Provided assistance regarding communications with the 
industry regarding the CAT;
     Provided advice regarding Customer Account Information and 
PII;
     Provided support for litigation related to SEC exemptive 
orders; and
     Provided support with regard to discussions with the SEC 
and its staff, including with respect to addressing interpretative and 
implementation issues.
(IV) Consulting Costs
    The consulting costs of $4,452,106 represent the fees paid to 
Deloitte for their role as project manager for the CAT from November 
15, 2017 through November 15, 2018. During this period, Deloitte 
engaged in the following activities with respect to the CAT:
     Implemented program operations for the CAT project;
     Provided governance support to the Operating Committee, 
including support for Subcommittees and working groups of the Operating 
Committee (e.g., Compliance Subcommittee, Cost and Funding Working 
Group, Technical Working Group, Industry Outreach Working Group, 
Security Working Group and Steering Committee);
     Assisted with cost and funding issues for the CAT, 
including the development of the CAT funding model and assistance with 
loans and the CAT bank account for CAT funding;
     Provided support for updating the SEC on the progress of 
the development of the CAT; and
     Provided active planning and coordination with and support 
for the Initial Plan Processor with regard to the development of the 
CAT, and reported to the Participants on the progress.
(V) Insurance
    CAT LLC did not incur costs related to insurance during the period 
from November 15, 2017 through November 15, 2018.
(VI) Professional and Administration Costs
    The professional and administration costs of $340,145 represent the 
fees paid to Anchin, Exegy and RSM from November 15, 2017 through 
November 15, 2018.
    Financial Advisory Firm: Anchin. From the commencement of its 
engagment [sic] in April 2018 through November 15, 2018, Anchin engaged 
in the following activities with respect to the CAT:
     Developed, updated and maintained internal controls;
     Provided cash management and treasury functions;
     Facilitated bill payments;
     Provided monthly bookkeeping;
     Reviewed vendor invoices and documentation in support of 
cash disbursements;
     Provided accounting research and consultations on various 
accounting, financial reporting and tax matters;
     Addressed not-for-profit tax and accounting 
considerations;
     Prepared tax returns;
     Addressed various accounting, financial reporting and 
operating inquiries from Participants;
     Developed and maintained quarterly and annual operating 
and financial budgets, including budget to actual fluctuation analyses;

[[Page 75868]]

     Addressed accounting and financial matters relating to the 
transition from CAT NMS, LLC to Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC, 
including supporting the dissolution of CAT NMS, LLC;
     Supported compliance with the CAT NMS Plan;
     Worked with and provided support to the Operating 
Committee and various CAT working groups;
     Prepared monthly, quarterly and annual financial 
statements;
     Supported the annual financial statement audits by an 
independent auditor;
     Reviewed historical costs from inception; and
     Provided accounting and financial information in support 
of SEC filings.
    Market Data Provider: Exegy. From July 2018 through November 15, 
2018, CAT LLC purchased market data from Exegy (as described in more 
detail above).
    Security Assessment: RSM. From October 2018 through November 15, 
2018, CAT LLC incurred costs for RSM's performance of a security 
assessment (as described in more detail above).
(VII) Public Relations Costs
    The public relations costs of $87,325 represent the fees paid to 
Sloane from November 15, 2017 through November 15, 2018. From the 
commencement of its engagment [sic] in March 2018 through November 15, 
2018, Sloane provided professional communications services to CAT, 
including media relations consulting, strategy and execution. 
Specifically, Sloane provided services related to communications with 
the public regarding the CAT, including monitoring developments related 
to the CAT (e.g., congressional efforts, public comments and reaction 
to proposals, press coverage of the CAT), reporting such developments 
to CAT LLC, and drafting and disseminating communications to the public 
regarding such developments as well as reporting on developments 
related to the CAT (e.g., amendments to the CAT NMS Plan).
(c) Costs Paid to Initial Plan Processor From November 16, 2018 Through 
February 2019
    Third, Historical CAT Costs 1 would not include the $19,628,791 in 
costs paid to the Initial Plan Processor from November 16, 2018 through 
February 2019 when CAT LLC's relationship with the Initial Plan 
Processor concluded. CAT LLC determined that Historical CAT Costs 1 
would not include any fees paid to the Initial Plan Processor after 
November 15, 2017,\63\ which was the date by which Participants were 
required to begin reporting to the CAT.\64\ As discussed above, the 
Participants determined that Historical CAT Costs 1 would not include 
all CAT costs incurred from November 15, 2017 through November 15, 
2018, which includes $37,852,083 in Initial Plan Processor costs 
incurred from November 15, 2017 through November 15, 2018 (as well as 
other CAT costs during this period). The remaining Initial Plan 
Processor costs incurred after November 15, 2018 are the $19,628,791 in 
costs for the period from November 16, 2018 through February 2019 
incurred in the development of the CAT by the Initial Plan Processor, 
as well as a transition fee for the transition from the Initial Plan 
Processor to the successor Plan Processor. The Participants would 
remain responsible for 100% of these $19,628,791 in costs.
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    \63\ As discussed below, CAT LLC believes that it is appropriate 
to recover costs related to the services performed by the Initial 
Plan Processor prior to November 15, 2017. See Section 3(a)(10)(E) 
below.
    \64\ The SEC approved the CAT NMS Plan on November 15, 2016, and 
Participant reporting was required to begin on the first anniversary 
of this date, November 15, 2017. See Section 6.3 of the CAT NMS Plan 
and CAT NMS Plan Approval Order.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(C) Historical Recovery Period 1
    Under the CAT NMS Plan, the Operating Committee is required to 
reasonably establish the length of the Historical Recovery Period used 
in calculating each Historical Fee Rate based upon the amount of the 
Historical CAT Costs to be recovered by the Historical CAT Assessment, 
and to describe the reasons for its length.\65\ The Historical Recovery 
Period used in calculating the Historical Fee Rate may not be less than 
24 months or more than five years.\66\ The Operating Committee has 
determined to establish a Historical Recovery Period 1 of 24 months for 
Historical CAT Assessment 1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \65\ Section 11.3(b)(i)(D)(I) and Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of 
the CAT NMS Plan.
    \66\ Section 11.3(b)(i)(D)(I) of the CAT NMS Plan. In the CAT 
Funding Model Approval Order, the SEC stated that ``[i]n the 
Commission's view, it is reasonable for the Operating Committee to 
establish the length of the Historical Recovery Period to be no less 
than 24 months and no more than five years.'' CAT Funding Model 
Approval Order at 62664.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Operating Committee determined that the length of Historical 
Recovery Period 1 appropriately weighs the need for a reasonable 
Historical Fee Rate 1 that spreads the Historical CAT Costs over an 
appropriate amount of time and the need to repay the loans to the 
Participants in a timely fashion. The Operating Committee determined 
that 24 months for Historical Recovery Period 1 would establish a fee 
rate that is lower than other transaction-based fees, including fees 
assessed pursuant to Section 31.\67\ In addition, in establishing a 
Historical Recovery Period of 24 months, the Operating Committee 
recognized that the total costs for Historical CAT Assessment 1 were 
less than the total costs for 2022 and 2023,\68\ and therefore it would 
be reasonable and appropriate to recover costs subject to this filing 
over an approximate two-year period.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \67\ As the SEC noted in the CAT Funding Model Approval Order, 
recent Section 31 fees ranged from $0.00009 per share to $0.0004 per 
share. CAT Funding Model at 62682.
    \68\ The total CAT costs for 2022 were approximately $186 
million and the total CAT costs for 2023 were approximately $233 
million.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The length of the Historical Recovery Period 1 and the reasons for 
its length are provided in this filing in accordance with the 
requirement in the CAT NMS Plan to provide such information in a fee 
filing for a Historical CAT Assessment.\69\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \69\ Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(C) of the CAT NMS Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(D) Projected Total Executed Equivalent Share Volume
    The calculation of Historical Fee Rate 1 also requires the 
determination of the projected total executed equivalent share volume 
of transactions in Eligible Securities for Historical Recovery Period 
1. Under the CAT NMS Plan, the Operating Committee is required to 
``reasonably determine the projected total executed equivalent share 
volume of all transactions in Eligible Securities for each Historical 
Recovery Period based on the executed equivalent share volume of all 
transactions in Eligible Securities for the prior twelve months.'' \70\ 
The Operating Committee is required to base its projection on the prior 
twelve months, but it may use its discretion to analyze the likely 
volume for the upcoming year. Such discretion would allow the Operating 
Committee to use its judgment when estimating projected total executed 
equivalent share volume if the volume over the prior twelve months was 
unusual or otherwise unfit to serve as the basis of a future volume 
estimate.\71\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \70\ Section 11.3(b)(i)(E) of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \71\ CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62664.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The total executed equivalent share volume of transactions in 
Eligible Securities for the 12-month period from June 2023 through May 
2024 was 3,980,753,840,905.21 executed equivalent shares. The Operating 
Committee has determined to calculate the projected total executed 
equivalent

[[Page 75869]]

share volume for the 24 months of Historical Recovery Period 1 by 
doubling the executed equivalent share volume for the prior 12 months. 
The Operating Committee determined that such an approach was reasonable 
as the CAT's annual executed equivalent share volume has remained 
relatively constant. For example, the executed equivalent share volume 
for 2021 was 3,963,697,612,395, the executed equivalent share volume 
for 2022 was 4,039,821,841,560.31, and the executed equivalent share 
volume for 2023 was 3,868,940,345,680.6. Accordingly, the projected 
total executed equivalent share volume for Historical Recovery Period 1 
is projected to be 7,961,507,681,810.42 executed equivalent shares.\72\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \72\ This projection was calculated by multiplying 
3,980,753,840,905.21 executed equivalent shares by two.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The projected total executed equivalent share volume of all 
transactions in Eligible Securities for Historical Recovery Period 1 
and a description of the calculation of the projection is provided in 
this filing in accordance with the requirement in the CAT NMS Plan to 
provide such information in a fee filing for a Historical CAT 
Assessment.\73\
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    \73\ Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(D) of the CAT NMS Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(E) Historical Fee Rate 1
    Historical Fee Rate 1 would be calculated by dividing Historical 
CAT Costs 1 by the reasonably projected total executed equivalent share 
volume of all transactions in Eligible Securities for Historical 
Recovery Period 1, as described in detail above.\74\ Specifically, 
Historical Fee Rate 1 would be calculated by dividing $318,059,819 by 
7,961,507,681,810.42. As a result, the Historical Fee Rate 1 would be 
$0.00003994969693072937 per executed equivalent share. Historical Fee 
Rate 1 is provided in this filing in accordance with the requirement in 
the CAT NMS Plan to provide the Historical Fee Rate in a fee filing for 
a Historical CAT Assessment.\75\
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    \74\ In approving the CAT Funding Model, the Commission stated 
that ``[t]he calculation of the Historical Fee Rate by dividing the 
Historical CAT Costs by the projected total executed equivalent 
share volume of all transactions in Eligible Securities for the 
Historical Recovery Period is reasonable.'' CAT Funding Model 
Approval Order at 62664.
    \75\ Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(A) of the CAT NMS Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(3) Past CAT Costs and Participants
    Participants would not be required to pay any fees associated with 
Historical CAT Assessment 1 as the Participants previously have paid 
all Past CAT Costs. The CAT NMS Plan explains that:

    Because Participants previously have paid Past CAT Costs via 
loans to the Company, Participants would not be required to pay any 
Historical CAT Assessment. In lieu of a Historical CAT Assessment, 
the Participants' one-third share of Historical CAT Costs and such 
other additional Past CAT Costs as reasonably determined by the 
Operating Committee will be paid by the cancellation of loans made 
to the Company on a pro rata basis based on the outstanding loan 
amounts due under the loans.\76\
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    \76\ Section 11.3(b)(ii) of the CAT NMS Plan.

    The CAT NMS Plan further states that ``Historical CAT Assessments 
are designed to recover two-thirds of the Historical CAT Costs.'' \77\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \77\ Id. In approving the CAT Funding Model, the Commission 
stated that ``[t]he proposed allocation of the Historical CAT 
Assessment solely to CEBSs and CEBBs, and ultimately Industry 
Members, is reasonable. The Historical CAT Assessment will still be 
divided into thirds,'' as the Participants' one-third share of 
Historical CAT Costs will be paid by the cancellation of loans made 
to the Company. CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62666.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(4) Monthly Fees
    CEBBs and CEBSs would be required to pay fees for Historical CAT 
Assessment 1 on a monthly basis for the period in which Historical CAT 
Assessment 1 is in effect.\78\ A CEBB or CEBS's fee for each month 
would be calculated based on the transactions in Eligible Securities 
executed by the CEBB or CEBS from the prior month.\79\ Proposed 
paragraph (a)(1)(A) of the fee schedule would state that each CAT 
Executing Broker would receive its first invoice in November 2024, and 
``would receive an invoice each month thereafter in which Historical 
CAT Assessment 1 is in effect.'' Proposed paragraph (a)(1)(B) of the 
fee schedule would state that ``Consolidated Audited Trail, LLC shall 
provide each CAT Executing Broker with an invoice for Historical CAT 
Assessment 1 on a monthly basis.'' In addition, proposed paragraph 
(b)(1) of the fee schedule states that each CEBB and CEBS is required 
to pay its CAT fees ``each month.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \78\ See Section 11.3(b)(iii)(A) of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \79\ See proposed paragraph (a)(1)(B) of the fee schedule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(5) Actual Recovery Period for Historical CAT Assessment 1
    The CAT NMS Plan states that, ``[n]otwithstanding the length of the 
Historical Recovery Period used in calculating the Historical Fee Rate, 
each Historical CAT Assessment calculated using the Historical Fee Rate 
will remain in effect until all Historical CAT Costs for the Historical 
CAT Assessment are collected.'' \80\ Accordingly, Historical CAT 
Assessment 1 will remain in effect until all Historical CAT Costs 1 
have been collected. The actual recovery period for Historical CAT 
Assessment 1 may be shorter or longer than Historical Recovery Period 1 
depending on the actual executed equivalent share volumes during the 
time that Historical CAT Assessment 1 is in effect.\81\
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    \80\ Section 11.3(b)(i)(D)(II) of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \81\ In approving the CAT Funding Model, the Commission stated 
that, ``[i]n the Commission's view, it is reasonable for Industry 
Members to be charged a Historical CAT Assessment until all 
Historical CAT Costs for the Historical CAT Assessment are 
collected.'' CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62665.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(6) Consolidated Audit Trail Funding Fees
    To implement Historical CAT Assessment 1, a new section would be 
added to the Exchange's fee schedule for ``Consolidated Audit Trail 
Funding Fees'', and it would include the proposed paragraphs described 
below.
(A) Fee Schedule for Historical CAT Assessment 1
    The CAT NMS Plan states that:

    Each month in which a Historical CAT Assessment is in effect, 
each CEBB and each CEBS shall pay a fee for each transaction in 
Eligible Securities executed by the CEBB or CEBS from the prior 
month as set forth in CAT Data, where the Historical CAT Assessment 
for each transaction will be calculated by multiplying the number of 
executed equivalent shares in the transaction by one-third and by 
the Historical Fee Rate reasonably determined pursuant to paragraph 
(b)(i) of this Section 11.3.\82\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \82\ Section 11.3(b)(iii)(A) of the CAT NMS Plan.

    Accordingly, based on the factors discussed above, the Exchange 
proposes to add paragraph (a)(1) to the Consolidated Audit Trail 
Funding Fees section of its fee schedule. Proposed paragraph (a)(1) 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
would state the following:

    (A) Each CAT Executing Broker shall receive its first invoice 
for Historical CAT Assessment 1 in November 2024, which shall set 
forth the Historical CAT Assessment 1 fees calculated based on 
transactions in October 2024, and shall receive an invoice for 
Historical CAT Assessment 1 for each month thereafter in which 
Historical CAT Assessment 1 is in effect.
    (B) Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC shall provide each CAT 
Executing Broker with an invoice for Historical CAT Assessment 1 on 
a monthly basis. Each month, such invoices shall set forth a fee for 
each transaction in Eligible Securities executed by the CAT 
Executing Broker in its capacity as a CAT Executing Broker for the 
Buyer (``CEBB'') and/or the CAT Executing Broker for the Seller 
(``CEBS'') (as applicable) from the prior

[[Page 75870]]

month as set forth in CAT Data. The fee for each such transaction 
will be calculated by multiplying the number of executed equivalent 
shares in the transaction by the fee rate of $0.000013 per executed 
equivalent share.
    (C) Historical CAT Assessment 1 will remain in effect until 
$212,039,879.34 (two-thirds of Historical CAT Costs 1) are collected 
from CAT Executing Brokers collectively, which is estimated to be 
approximately two years, but could be for a longer or shorter period 
of time. Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC will provide notice when 
Historical CAT Assessment 1 will no longer be in effect.

    (D) Each CAT Executing Broker shall be required to pay each invoice 
for Historical CAT Assessment 1 in accordance with paragraph (b).
    As noted in the Plan amendment for the CAT Funding Model, ``as a 
practical matter, the fee filing for a Historical CAT Assessment would 
provide the exact fee per executed equivalent share to be paid for each 
Historical CAT Assessment, by multiplying the Historical Fee Rate by 
one-third and describing the relevant number of decimal places for the 
fee rate.\83\ Accordingly, proposed paragraph (a)(1)(B) of the fee 
schedule would set forth a fee rate of $0.000013 per executed 
equivalent share. This fee rate is calculated by multiplying Historical 
Fee Rate 1 of $0.00003994969693072937 by one-third, and rounding the 
result to 6 decimal places.\84\ The Operating Committee determined to 
use six decimal places to balance the accuracy of the calculation with 
the potential systems and other impracticalities of using additional 
decimal places in the calculation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \83\ CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62658, n.658.
    \84\ Dividing $0.00003994969693072937 by three equals 
$0.00001331656564357646. Rounding $0.00001331656564357646 to six 
decimal places equals $0.000013.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed language in paragraph (a)(1)(A) of the fee schedule 
would describe when CAT Executing Brokers would receive their first 
monthly invoice for Historical CAT Assessment 1. Specifically, CAT 
Executing Brokers would receive their first monthly invoice for 
Historical CAT Assessment 1 in November 2024 and the fees set forth in 
that invoice would be calculated based on transactions executed in the 
prior month, that is, transactions executed in October 2024. The 
payment for the first invoice would be required within 30 days after 
the receipt of the first invoice (unless a longer period is indicated), 
as described in paragraph (b)(2) of the fee schedule.
    Proposed paragraph (a)(1)(A) of the fee schedule also would 
describe the monthly cadence of the invoices for Historical CAT 
Assessment 1. Specifically, after the first invoices are provided to 
CAT Executing Brokers in November 2024, invoices will be sent to CAT 
Executing Brokers each month thereafter while Historical CAT Assessment 
1 is in effect.
    Proposed paragraph (a)(1)(B) of the fee schedule would describe the 
invoices for Historical CAT Assessment 1. Proposed paragraph (a)(1)(B) 
of the fee schedule would state that ``Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC 
shall provide each CAT Executing Broker with an invoice for Historical 
CAT Assessment 1 on a monthly basis.'' Proposed paragraph (a)(1)(B) of 
the fee schedule also would describe the fees to be set forth in the 
invoices for Historical CAT Assessment 1. Specifically, it would state 
that ``[e]ach month, such invoices shall set forth a fee for each 
transaction in Eligible Securities executed by the CAT Executing Broker 
in its capacity as a CAT Executing Broker for the Buyer (``CEBB'') and/
or the CAT Executing Broker for the Seller (``CEBS'') (as applicable) 
from the prior month as set forth in CAT Data. The fee for each such 
transaction will be calculated by multiplying the number of executed 
equivalent shares in the transaction by the fee rate of $0.000013 per 
executed equivalent share.''
    Furthermore, proposed paragraph (a)(1)(C) of the fee schedule would 
describe how long Historical CAT Assessment 1 would remain in effect. 
It would state that ``Historical CAT Assessment 1 will remain in effect 
until $212,039,879.34 (two-thirds of Historical CAT Costs 1) are 
collected from CAT Executing Brokers collectively, which is estimated 
to be approximately two years, but could be for a longer or shorter 
period of time.'' This proposed paragraph would further state that 
``Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC will provide notice when Historical CAT 
Assessment 1 will no longer be in effect.''
    Historical CAT Assessment 1 will be assessed for all transactions 
executed in each month through the end of the month in which two-thirds 
of Historical CAT Costs 1 are assessed, and then CAT LLC will provide 
notice that Historical CAT Assessment 1 is no longer in effect. Since 
Historical CAT Assessment 1 is a monthly fee based on transaction 
volume from the prior month, Historical CAT Assessment 1 may collect 
more than two-thirds of Historical CAT Costs 1. To the extent that 
occurs, any excess money collected during the final month in which 
Historical CAT Assessment 1 is in effect will be used to offset future 
fees and/or to fund the reserve for the CAT.
    Finally, proposed paragraph (a)(1)(D) of the fee schedule sets 
forth the requirement for the CAT Executing Brokers to pay the invoices 
for Historical CAT Assessment 1. It would state that ``[e]ach CAT 
Executing Broker shall be required to pay each invoice for Historical 
CAT Assessment 1 in accordance with paragraph (b).''
(B) Manner of Payment
    Paragraph (b)(1) to the ``Consolidated Audit Trail Funding Fees'' 
section of its fee schedule describes the manner of payment of Industry 
Member CAT fees. Paragraph (b)(1) states that ``[e]ach CAT Executing 
Broker shall pay its CAT fees as required pursuant to paragraph (a) 
each month to the Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC in the manner 
prescribed by the Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC.'' The CAT NMS Plan 
requires the Operating Committee to establish a system for the 
collection of CAT fees.\85\ The Plan Processor has established a 
billing system for CAT fees.\86\ Therefore, the Exchange proposes to 
require CAT Executing Brokers to pay Historical CAT Assessment 1 in 
accordance with such system.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \85\ Section 11.4 of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \86\ The billing process and system are described in CAT Alert 
2023-02 as well as the CAT FAQs related to the billing of CAT fees, 
the Industry Member CAT Reporter Portal User Guide, the FCAT 
Industry Member Onboarding Guide, the FCAT Connectivity Supplement 
for Industry Members and the CAT Billing Webinars (dated Sept. 28, 
2023, and Nov. 7, 2023), each available on the CAT website.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(C) Failure To Pay CAT Fees
    The CAT NMS Plan further states that:

    Participants shall require each Industry Member to pay all 
applicable fees authorized under this Article XI within thirty (30) 
days after receipt of an invoice or other notice indicating payment 
is due (unless a longer payment period is otherwise indicated). If 
an Industry Member fails to pay any such fee when due (as determined 
in accordance with the preceding sentence), such Industry Member 
shall pay interest on the outstanding balance from such due date 
until such fee is paid at a per annum rate equal to the lesser of: 
(a) the Prime Rate plus 300 basis points; or (b) the maximum rate 
permitted by applicable law.\87\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \87\ Section 11.4 of the CAT NMS Plan.

    Accordingly, the Exchange previously has added this requirement to 
the Exchange's fee schedule. Specifically, paragraph (b)(2) of the fee 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
schedule states:

    Each CAT Executing Broker shall pay the CAT fees required 
pursuant to paragraph (a) within thirty days after receipt of an 
invoice

[[Page 75871]]

or other notice indicating payment is due (unless a longer payment 
period is otherwise indicated). If a CAT Executing Broker fails to 
pay any such CAT fee when due, such CAT Executing Broker shall pay 
interest on the outstanding balance from such due date until such 
fee is paid at a per annum rate equal to the lesser of (i) the Prime 
Rate plus 300 basis points, or (ii) the maximum rate permitted by 
applicable law.

    The requirements of paragraph (b)(2) would apply to Historical CAT 
Assessment 1.
(7) Historical CAT Assessment Details
    The CAT NMS Plan states that:

    Details regarding the calculation of a CAT Executing Broker's 
Historical CAT Assessment will be provided upon request to such CAT 
Executing Broker. At a minimum, such details would include each CAT 
Executing Broker's executed equivalent share volume and 
corresponding fee by (1) Listed Options, NMS Stocks and OTC Equity 
Securities, (2) by transactions executed on each exchange and 
transactions executed otherwise than on an exchange, and (3) by buy-
side transactions and sell-side transactions.\88\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \88\ Section 11.3(a)(iv)(A) of the CAT NMS Plan.

    Such information would provide CEBBs and CEBSs with the ability to 
understand the details regarding the calculation of their Historical 
CAT Assessment.\89\ CAT LLC will provide CAT Executing Brokers with 
these details regarding the calculation of their Historical CAT 
Assessments on their monthly invoice for the Historical CAT Assessment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \89\ In approving the CAT Funding Model, the Commission stated 
that, ``[i]n the Commission's view, providing CAT Execut[ing] 
Brokers information regarding the calculation of their CAT Fees will 
aid in transparency and permit CAT Execut[ing] Brokers to confirm 
the accuracy of their invoices for CAT Fees.'' CAT Funding Model 
Approval Order at 62667.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, CAT LLC will make certain aggregate statistics 
regarding Historical CAT Assessments publicly available. Specifically, 
the CAT NMS Plan states that, ``[f]or each Historical CAT Assessment, 
at a minimum, CAT LLC will make publicly available the aggregate 
executed equivalent share volume and corresponding aggregate fee by (1) 
Listed Options, NMS Stocks and OTC Equity Securities, (2) by 
transactions executed on each exchange and transactions executed 
otherwise on an exchange, and (3) by buy-side transactions and sell-
side transactions.'' \90\ Such aggregate statistics will be available 
on the CAT website.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \90\ Section 11.3(a)(iv)(B) of the CAT NMS Plan. In approving 
the CAT Funding Model, the Commission stated that ``[t]he 
publication of the aggregate executed equivalent share volume and 
aggregate fee is appropriate because it would allow Participants and 
CAT Executing Brokers a high-level validation of executed volume and 
fees.'' CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62667.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Furthermore, CAT LLC will make publicly available on the CAT 
website the total amount invoiced each month that Historical CAT 
Assessment 1 is in effect as well as the total amount invoiced for 
Historical CAT Assessment 1 for all months since its commencement. CAT 
LLC also will make publicly available on the CAT website the total 
costs to be collected from Industry Members for Historical CAT 
Assessment 1. By reviewing statistics regarding how much has been 
invoiced and how much remains to be invoiced for Historical CAT 
Assessment 1, Industry Members would have sufficient information to 
reasonably track how much longer Historical CAT Assessment 1 is likely 
to be in place.
(8) Implementation Assistance
    To assist Industry Members with compliance with the commencement of 
Historical CAT Assessment 1, CAT LLC has been making available to CAT 
Executing Brokers mock invoices prior to the commencement of Historical 
CAT Assessment 1. Specifically, CAT Executing Brokers have received 
mock invoices based on transaction data each month since November 2023. 
The mock invoices are in the same form as the actual, payable invoices, 
including both the relevant transaction data and the corresponding fee. 
However, no payments have been required in response to such mock 
invoices; they have been used solely to assist CAT Executing Brokers 
with the development of their processes for paying the CAT fees. Such 
data has provided CAT Executing Brokers with a preview of the 
transaction data used in creating the invoices for Historical CAT 
Assessment 1 fees, as the data will be the same as data provided in 
actual invoices. Such data preview is intended to facilitate the 
payment of Historical CAT Assessment 1.
(9) Financial Accountability Milestones
    The CAT NMS Plan states that ``[n]o Participant will make a filing 
with the SEC pursuant to Section 19(b) of the Exchange Act regarding 
any Historical CAT Assessment until any applicable Financial 
Accountability Milestone described in Section 11.6 has been 
satisfied.'' \91\ The CAT NMS Plan further states that ``in all filings 
submitted by the Participants to the Commission under Section 19(b) of 
the Exchange Act, to establish or implement Post-Amendment Industry 
Member Fees pursuant to this Article, . . . the Participants shall 
clearly indicate whether such fees are related to Post-Amendment 
Expenses incurred during Period 1, Period 2, Period 3, or Period 4.'' 
\92\ As discussed in detail below, all applicable Financial 
Accountability Milestones for Historical CAT Assessment 1--that is, 
Period 1, Period 2 and Period 3 of the Financial Accountability 
Milestones--have been satisfied. Furthermore, as discussed below, this 
filing clearly indicates that Historical CAT Assessment 1 relates to 
Post-Amendment Expenses incurred during Periods 1, 2 and 3 of the 
Financial Accountability Milestones.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \91\ Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(III) of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \92\ Section 11.6(b) of the CAT NMS Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(A) Period 1 of the Financial Accountability Milestones
    In accordance with Section 11.6(b) of the CAT NMS Plan, Historical 
CAT Assessment 1 seeks to recover costs that are related to ``all fees, 
costs, and expenses (including legal and consulting fees, costs, and 
expenses) incurred by or for the Company in connection with the 
development, implementation and operation of the CAT from the effective 
date of [Section 11.6 of the CAT NMS Plan] until such time as Full 
Implementation of CAT NMS Plan Requirements has been achieved'' \93\ 
(``Post-Amendment Expenses'') incurred during FAM Period 1. FAM Period 
1 began on June 22, 2020, the effective date of Section 11.6 of the CAT 
NMS Plan, and concluded on July 31, 2020, the date of Initial Industry 
Member Core Equity and Options Reporting. Section 1.1 of the CAT NMS 
Plan defines ``Initial Industry Member Core Equity and Options 
Reporting'' as:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \93\ Section 11.6 of the CAT NMS Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The reporting by Industry Members (excluding Small Industry Members 
that are not OATS reporters) of both: (a) equities transaction data, 
excluding Customer Account Information, Customer-ID, and Customer 
Identifying Information; and (b) options transaction data, excluding 
Customer Account Information, Customer-ID and Customer Identifying 
Information.
    Under Section 1.1 of the CAT NMS Plan, this Financial 
Accountability Milestone is considered complete as of the date 
identified in the Participants' Quarterly Progress Reports.\94\ As 
indicated by the Participants' Quarterly Progress Report for the third 
quarter of

[[Page 75872]]

2020,\95\ Initial Industry Member Core Equity and Option Reporting was 
completed on schedule on July 22, 2020, which is prior to the July 31, 
2020 deadline.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \94\ The Quarterly Progress Reports are available at https://www.catnmsplan.com/implementation-plan.
    \95\ See Q3 2020 Quarterly Progress Report (Oct. 30, 2020) and 
Updated Q3 2020 Quarterly Progress Report (Jan. 29, 2021).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under the FAM Period 1 requirement of Initial Industry Member Core 
Equity and Options Reporting, Industry Members--excluding Small 
Industry Members that are not OATS reporters--were required to report 
two categories of data to the CAT: equites transaction data and options 
transaction data (both excluding Customer Account Information, 
Customer-ID, and Customer Identifying Information) by July 31, 2020. 
Pursuant to exemptive relief provided by the Commission, the Commission 
authorized the Participants' Compliance Rules to allow core equity 
reporting for Industry Members (Phase 2a) to begin on June 22, 2020 and 
core options reporting for Industry Members (Phase 2b) to begin on July 
20, 2020.\96\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \96\ See Phased Reporting Exemptive Relief Order. Under the CAT 
NMS Plan as adopted, the Participants were required, through their 
Compliance Rules, to require their Large Industry Members to 
commence reporting Industry Member Data to the Central Repository by 
November 15, 2018, and to require their Small Industry Members to 
commence reporting Industry Member Data to the Central Repository by 
November 15, 2019. Sections 6.7(a)(v) and (vi) of the CAT NMS Plan. 
The SEC granted exemptive relief from these provisions of the CAT 
NMS Plan to allow for the phased implementation of Industry Member 
reporting via five phases addressing the reporting requirements for 
Phase 2a Industry Member Data, Phase 2b Industry Member Data, Phase 
2c Industry Member Data, Phase 2d Industry Member Data and Phase 2e 
Industry Member Data.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In adopting the FAMs, the Commission stated that the equities 
transaction reporting required for FAM Period 1 ``is consistent with 
the functionality that the Participants describe on the CAT NMS Plan 
website as `Production Go-Live for Equities 2a file submission and data 
integrity validations.' '' \97\ The Phase 2a Industry Member Data is 
described in detail in the SEC's Phased Reporting Exemptive Relief 
Order, and includes the following data related to Eligible Securities 
that are equities:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \97\ Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 88890 (May 15, 2020), 85 
FR 31322, 31330 n.97 (May 22, 2020) (``FAM Adopting Release'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     All events and scenarios covered by OATS, which includes 
information related to the receipt or origination of orders, order 
transmittal, and order modifications, cancellations and executions;
     Reportable Events for: (1) proprietary orders, including 
market maker orders, for Eligible Securities that are equities; (2) 
electronic quotes in listed equity Eligible Securities (i.e., NMS 
stocks) sent to a national securities exchange or FINRA's Alternative 
Display Facility (``ADF''); (3) electronic quotes in unlisted Eligible 
Securities (i.e., OTC Equity Securities) received by an Industry Member 
operating an interdealer quotation system (``IDQS''); and (4) 
electronic quotes in unlisted Eligible Securities sent to an IDQS or 
other quotation system not operated by a Participant or Industry 
Member;
     Firm Designated IDs (``FDIDs''), which Industry Members 
must report to the CAT as required by Sections 6.3(d)(i)(A) and 
6.4(d)(ii)(C) of the CAT NMS Plan;
     Industry Members would be required to report all street 
side representative orders, including both agency and proprietary 
orders and mark such orders as representative orders, except in certain 
limited exceptions as described in the Industry Member Technical 
Specifications;
     The link between the street side representative order and 
the order being represented when: (1) the representative order was 
originated specifically to represent a single order received either 
from a customer or another broker-dealer; and (2) there is (a) an 
existing direct electronic link in the Industry Member's system between 
the order being represented and the representative order and (b) any 
resulting executions are immediately and automatically applied to the 
represented order in the Industry Member's system;
     Manual and Electronic Capture Time for Manual Order 
Events;
     Special handling instructions for the original receipt or 
origination of an order during Phase 2a; and
     When routing an order, whether the order was routed as an 
intermarket sweep order (``ISO'').
    In Phase 2a, Industry Members were not required to report 
modifications of a previously routed order in certain limited 
instances, nor were they required to report a cancellation of an order 
received from a Customer after the order has been executed.\98\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \98\ Phased Reporting Exemptive Relief Order at 23076-78.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Quarterly Progress Report for the third quarter of 2020 states 
that ``Interim Step: Production Go-Live for Equities 2a file submission 
and data integrity validation (Large Industry Members and Small OATS 
Reporters)'' was completed on June 22, 2020. Accordingly, the FAM 
Period 1 requirement of reporting by Industry Members (excluding Small 
Industry Members that are not OATS reporters) of ``equities transaction 
data, excluding Customer Account Information, Customer-ID, and Customer 
Identifying Information'' was completed on June 22, 2020.
    In adopting the FAMs, the Commission stated that the options 
transaction reporting required for FAM Period 1 is ``consistent with 
the functionality that the Participants describe on the CAT NMS Plan 
website as `Production Go-Live for Options 2b file submission and data 
integrity validations.' '' \99\ The Phase 2b Industry Member Data is 
described in detail in the SEC's Phased Reporting Exemptive Relief 
Order, and includes the Industry Member Data related to Eligible 
Securities that are options and related to simple electronic option 
orders, excluding electronic paired option orders. A simple electronic 
option order is an order to buy or sell a single option that is not 
related to or dependent on any other transaction for pricing and timing 
of execution that is either received or routed electronically by an 
Industry Member. Electronic receipt of an order is defined as the 
initial receipt of an order by an Industry Member in electronic form in 
standard format directly into an order handling or execution system. 
Electronic routing of an order is the routing of an order via 
electronic medium in standard format from one Industry Member's order 
handling or execution system to an exchange or another Industry Member. 
An electronic paired option order is an electronic option order that 
contains both the buy and sell side that is routed to another Industry 
Member or exchange for crossing and/or price improvement as a single 
transaction on an exchange. Responses to auctions of simple orders and 
paired simple orders would be reportable in Phase 2b. Furthermore, 
combined orders in options would be treated in Phase 2b in the same way 
as equity representative orders are treated in Phase 2a. A combined 
order would mean, as permitted by SRO rules, a single, simple order in 
Listed Options created by combining individual, simple orders in Listed 
Options from a customer with the same exchange origin code before 
routing to an exchange. During Phase 2b, the single combined order sent 
to an exchange must be reported and marked as a combined order, but the 
linkage to the underlying orders is not required to be reported until 
Phase 2d.\100\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \99\ FAM Adopting Release at 31330, n.98.
    \100\ Phased Reporting Exemptive Relief Order at 23078.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Quarterly Progress Report for the third quarter of 2020 states 
that ``Interim Step: Production Go-Live for Options 2b

[[Page 75873]]

file submission and data integrity validations'' was completed on July 
20, 2020. Accordingly, the FAM Period 1 requirement of reporting by 
Industry Members (excluding Small Industry Members that are not OATS 
reporters) of ``options transaction data, excluding Customer Account 
Information, Customer-ID and Customer Identifying Information'' was 
completed on July 20, 2020.
    As discussed above, the Historical CAT Costs 1 to be recovered via 
Historical CAT Assessment 1 would include fees, costs and expenses 
incurred by or for the Company in connection with the development, 
implementation and operation of the CAT during the period from June 22, 
2020 through July 31, 2020. The total costs for this period, as 
discussed above, are $6,377,343. Participants would remain responsible 
for one-third of this cost (which they have previously paid), and 
Industry Members would be responsible for the remaining two-thirds, 
with CEBBs paying one-third ($2,125,781) and CEBSs paying one-third 
($2,125,781).
(B) Period 2 of the Financial Accountability Milestones
    Historical CAT Assessment 1 seeks to recover costs that are related 
to Post-Amendment Expenses incurred during FAM Period 2. FAM Period 2 
began on August 1, 2020, and concluded on December 31, 2020, the date 
of the Full Implementation of Core Equity Reporting. Section 1.1 of the 
CAT NMS Plan defines ``Full Implementation of Core Equity Reporting'' 
as:

the point at which: (a) Industry Member reporting (excluding 
reporting by Small Industry Members that are not OATS reporters) for 
equities transactions, excluding Customer Account Information, 
Customer-ID, and Customer Identifying Information, is developed, 
tested, and implemented at a 5% Error Rate or less and with 
sufficient intra-firm linkage, inter-firm linkage, national 
securities exchange linkage, and trade reporting facilities linkage 
to permit the Participants and the Commission to analyze the full 
lifecycle of an order across the national market system, excluding 
linkage of representative orders, from order origination through 
order execution or order cancellation; and (b) the query tool 
functionality required by Section 6.10(c)(i)(A) and Appendix D, 
Sections 8.1.1-8.1.3 and Section 8.2.1 incorporates the Industry 
Member equities transaction data described in condition (a) and is 
available to the Participants and to the Commission. This Financial 
Accountability Milestone shall be considered complete as of the date 
identified in a Quarterly Progress Report meeting the requirements 
of Section 6.6(c).

    Under Section 1.1 of the CAT NMS Plan, this Financial 
Accountability Milestone is considered complete as of the date 
identified in the Participants' Quarterly Progress Reports. As 
indicated by the Participants' Quarterly Progress Report for the fourth 
quarter of 2020,\101\ Full Implementation of Core Equity Reporting was 
completed on schedule by December 31, 2020.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \101\ Q4 2020 Quarterly Progress Report (Jan. 29, 2021).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Specifically, the Full Implementation of Core Equity Reporting 
requires the satisfaction of two prongs. The first prong requires 
Participants to have fully implemented the first phase of equities 
transaction reporting for Industry Members (excluding Small Industry 
Members that are not OATS reporters) at an Error Rate of less than 5%. 
In addition, equities transaction data produced by the CAT at this 
stage must also be sufficiently interlinked so as to permit full 
analysis of an order's lifecycle across the national market, excluding 
full linkage of representative orders. As CAT LLC reported on its 
Quarterly Progress Reports, Phase 2a was fully implemented as of 
October 26, 2020, including intra-firm, inter-firm, national securities 
exchange, and trade reporting facilities linkages.\102\ In addition to 
the reporting of Phase 2a Industry Member Data as described above with 
regard to FAM Period 1, the following linkage data was added to the CAT 
as described in the Quarterly Progress Reports for the third and fourth 
quarter of 2020:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \102\ For a description of the requirements of Phases 2a, see 
Phased Reporting Exemptive Relief Order.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     ``Production Go-Live for Equities 2a Intrafirm Linkage 
validations'' was completed on 7/27/2020; \103\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \103\ Q3 2020 Quarterly Progress Report (Oct. 20, 2021).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     ``Production Go-Live for Firm to Firm Linkage validations 
for Equities 2a (Large Industry Members and Small OATS Reporters)'' was 
completed on October 26, 2020; and
     ``Production Go-Live for Equities 2a Exchange and TRF 
Linkage validations (Large Industry Members and Small OATS Reporters)'' 
was completed on October 26, 2020.
    Furthermore, as CAT LLC reported on its Quarterly Progress Report 
for the fourth quarter of 2020, the average overall error rate for 
Phase 2a Industry Member Data was less than 5% as of December 31, 2020. 
The average overall error rate was calculated by dividing the 
compliance errors by processed records.
    The second prong of this FAM requires that the equities transaction 
data collected by the CAT at this stage be made available to regulators 
through two basic query tools required by the CAT NMS Plan--a targeted 
query tool that will enable regulators to retrieve data via an online 
query screen with a variety of predefined selection criteria, and a 
user-defined direct query tool that will provide regulators with the 
ability to query data using all available attributes and data 
sources.\104\ As CAT LLC reported on its Quarterly Progress Reports, 
the query tool functionality incorporating the data from Phase 2a was 
available to the Participants and the Commission as of December 31, 
2020.\105\
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    \104\ Section 6.10(c)(i)(A) of the CAT NMS Plan requires the 
Plan Processor to ``provide Participants and the SEC with access to 
all CAT Data stored in the Central Repository'' via an ``online 
targeted query tool.'' Appendix D, Sections 8.1.1-8.1.3 of the CAT 
NMS Plan describes the required functionality associated with this 
regulatory tool. Appendix D, Section 8.2.1 describes the required 
functionality associated with a user-defined direct query tool that 
will ``deliver large sets of data that can then be used in internal 
surveillance or market analysis applications.''
    \105\ See Q3 2020 Quarterly Progress Report (Oct. 30, 2020); 
Updated Q3 2020 Quarterly Progress Report (Jan. 29, 2021); and Q4 
2020 Quarterly Progress Report (Jan. 29, 2021).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission has determined that the Participants have 
sufficiently complied with the conditions set forth in the 2020 Orders 
and with the technical requirements for Quarterly Progress Reports set 
forth in Section 6.6(c) of the CAT NMS Plan for purposes of determining 
compliance with this FAM.\106\
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    \106\ Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 98848 (Nov. 2, 2023), 88 
FR 77128, 77129 n.13 (Nov. 8, 2023) (``Settlement Exemptive 
Order'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As discussed above, Historical CAT Costs 1 to be recovered via 
Historical CAT Assessment 1 would include fees, costs and expenses 
incurred by or for the Company in connection with the development, 
implementation and operation of the CAT during the period from August 
1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. The total costs for this period, as 
discussed above, are $42,976,478. Participants would remain responsible 
for one-third of this cost (which they have previously paid), and 
Industry Members would be responsible for the remain [sic] two-thirds, 
with CEBBs paying one-third ($14,325,492.70) and CEBSs paying one-third 
($14,325,492.70).
(C) Period 3 of the Financial Accountability Milestones
    Historical CAT Assessment 1 seeks to recover costs that are related 
to Post-Amendment Expenses incurred during FAM Period 3. FAM Period 3 
began on January 1, 2021, and concluded on December 31, 2021, the date 
of the Full Availability and Regulatory Utilization of Transactional 
Database Functionality. Section 1.1 of the CAT NMS Plan

[[Page 75874]]

defines ``Full Availability and Regulatory Utilization of Transactional 
Database Functionality'' as:

the point at which: (a) reporting to the Order Audit Trail System 
(``OATS'') is no longer required for new orders; (b) Industry Member 
reporting for equities transactions and simple electronic options 
transactions, excluding Customer Account Information, Customer-ID, 
and Customer Identifying Information, with sufficient intra-firm 
linkage, inter-firm linkage, national securities exchange linkage, 
trade reporting facilities linkage, and representative order 
linkages (including any equities allocation information provided in 
an Allocation Report) to permit the Participants and the Commission 
to analyze the full lifecycle of an order across the national market 
system, from order origination through order execution or order 
cancellation, is developed, tested, and implemented at a 5% Error 
Rate or less; (c) Industry Member reporting for manual options 
transactions and complex options transactions, excluding Customer 
Account Information, Customer-ID, and Customer Identifying 
Information, with all required linkages to permit the Participants 
and the Commission to analyze the full lifecycle of an order across 
the national market system, from order origination through order 
execution or order cancellation, including any options allocation 
information provided in an Allocation Report, is developed, tested, 
and fully implemented; (d) the query tool functionality required by 
Section 6.10(c)(i)(A) and Appendix D, Sections 8.1.1-8.1.3, Section 
8.2.1, and Section 8.5 incorporates the data described in conditions 
(b)-(c) and is available to the Participants and to the Commission; 
and (e) the requirements of Section 6.10(a) are met. This Financial 
Accountability Milestone shall be considered complete as of the date 
identified in a Quarterly Progress Report meeting the requirements 
of Section 6.6(c).

    Under Section 1.1 of the CAT NMS Plan, this Financial 
Accountability Milestone is considered complete as of the date 
identified in the Participants' Quarterly Progress Reports. As 
indicated by the Participants' Quarterly Progress Report for the fourth 
quarter of 2021,\107\ Full Availability and Regulatory Utilization of 
Transactional Database Functionality was completed on schedule by 
December 31, 2021.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \107\ Q4 2021 Quarterly Progress Report (Jan. 17, 2022).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Specifically, the ``Full Availability and Regulatory Utilization of 
Transactional Database Functionality'' requires the satisfaction of 
five prongs. The first prong requires that reporting to the Order Audit 
Trail System (``OATS'') is no longer required for new orders. As CAT 
LLC reported on its Quarterly Progress Report for the fourth quarter of 
2021,\108\ FINRA retired OATS effective September 1, 2021.\109\ 
Accordingly, after the retirement of OATS, reporting to OATS was no 
longer required.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \108\ Id.
    \109\ Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 92239 (June 23, 2021), 86 
FR 34293 (June 29, 2021).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition to Phase 2a and Phase 2b Industry Member Data, the 
second and third prongs of ``Full Availability and Regulatory 
Utilization of Transactional Database Functionality'' require Industry 
Member reporting of Phase 2c Industry Member Data and Phase 2d Industry 
Member Data. The Phase 2c Industry Member Data is described in detail 
in the SEC's Phased Reporting Exemptive Relief Order. That Order states 
that ``Phase 2c Industry Member Data'' is Industry Member Data related 
to Eligible Securities that are equities other than Phase 2a Industry 
Member Data, Phase 2d Industry Member Data, or Phase 2e Industry Member 
Data. Specifically, the Phase 2c Industry Member Data includes Industry 
Member Data that is related to Eligible Securities that are equities 
and that is related to: (1) Allocation Reports as required to be 
recorded and reported to the Central Repository pursuant to Section 
6.4(d)(ii)(A)(1) of the CAT NMS Plan; (2) quotes in unlisted Eligible 
Securities sent to an IDQS operated by a CAT Reporter (reportable by 
the Industry Member sending the quotes) (except for quotes reportable 
in Phase 2d, as discussed below); (3) electronic quotes in listed 
equity Eligible Securities (i.e., NMS stocks) that are not sent to a 
national securities exchange or FINRA's Alternative Display Facility; 
(4) reporting changes to client instructions regarding modifications to 
algorithms; (5) marking as a representative order any order originated 
to work a customer order in price guarantee scenarios, such as a 
guaranteed VWAP; (6) flagging rejected external routes to indicate a 
route was not accepted by the receiving destination; (7) linkage of 
duplicate electronic messages related to a Manual Order Event between 
the electronic event and the original manual route; (8) special 
handling instructions on order route reports (other than the ISO, which 
is required to be reported in Phase 2a); (9) quote identifier on trade 
events; (10) reporting of LTIDs (if applicable) for accounts with 
Reportable Events that are reportable to CAT as of and including Phase 
2c; (11) reporting of date account opened or Account Effective Date (as 
applicable) for accounts and reporting of a flag indicating the Firm 
Designated ID type as account or relationship; (12) order effective 
time for orders that are received by an Industry Member and do not 
become effective until a later time; (13) the modification or 
cancellation of an internal route of an order; and (14) linkages to the 
customer orders(s) being represented for representative order 
scenarios, including agency average price trades, net trades, 
aggregated orders, and disconnected Order Management System (``OMS'')--
Execution Management System (``EMS'') scenarios, as required in the 
Industry Member Technical Specifications.\110\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \110\ Phase Reporting Exemptive Relief Order at 23078-79.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Phase 2c Industry Member Data also includes electronic quotes that 
are provided by or received in a CAT Reporter's order/quote handling or 
execution systems in Eligible Securities that are equities and are 
provided by an Industry Member to other market participants off a 
national securities exchange under the following conditions: (1) an 
equity bid or offer is displayed publicly or has been communicated (a) 
for listed securities to the ADF operated by FINRA; or (b) for unlisted 
equity securities to an ``interdealer quotation system,'' as defined in 
FINRA Rule 6420(c); or (2) an equity bid or offer which is accessible 
electronically by customers or other market participants and is 
immediately actionable for execution or routing; i.e., no further 
manual or electronic action is required by the responder providing the 
quote in order to execute or cause a trade to be executed). With 
respect to OTC Equity Securities, OTC Equity Securities quotes sent by 
an Industry Member to an IDQS operated by an Industry Member CAT 
Reporter (other than such an IDQS that does not match and execute 
orders) are reportable by the Industry Member sending them in Phase 2c. 
Accordingly, any response to a request for quote or other form of 
solicitation response provided in a standard electronic format (e.g., 
FIX) that meets this quote definition (i.e., an equity bid or offer 
which is accessible electronically by customers or other market 
participants and is immediately actionable for execution or routing) 
would be reportable in Phase 2c.\111\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \111\ Id. at 23079.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Phase 2d Industry Member Data is described in detail in the 
SEC's Phased Reporting Exemptive Relief Order. ``Phase 2d Industry 
Member Data'' is Industry Member Data that is related to Eligible 
Securities that are options other than Phase 2b Industry Member Data, 
Industry Member Data that is related to Eligible Securities that are 
equities other than Phase 2a Industry Member Data or Phase 2c Industry 
Member Data, and Industry Member Data other than Phase 2e

[[Page 75875]]

Industry Member Data. Phase 2d Industry Member Data includes with 
respect to the Eligible Securities that are options: (1) simple manual 
orders; (2) electronic and manual paired orders; (3) all complex orders 
with linkages to all CAT-reportable legs; (4) LTIDs (if applicable) for 
accounts with Reportable Events for Phase 2d; (5) date account opened 
or Account Effective Date (as applicable) for accounts with an LTID and 
flag indicating the Firm Designated ID type as account or relationship 
for such accounts; (6) Allocation Reports as required to be recorded 
and reported to the Central Repository pursuant to Section 
6.4(d)(ii)(A)(1) of the CAT NMS Plan; (7) the modification or 
cancellation of an internal route of an order; and (8) linkage between 
a combined order and the original customer orders. Phase 2d Industry 
Member Data also would include electronic quotes that are provided by 
or received in a CAT Reporter's order/quote handling or execution 
systems in Eligible Securities that are options and are provided by an 
Industry Member to other market participants off a national securities 
exchange under the following conditions: a listed option bid or offer 
which is accessible electronically by customers or other market 
participants and is immediately actionable (i.e., no further action is 
required by the responder providing the quote in order to execute or 
cause a trade to be executed). Accordingly, any response to a request 
for quote or other form of solicitation response provided in standard 
electronic format (e.g., FIX) that meets this definition is reportable 
in Phase 2d for options.\112\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \112\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Phase 2d Industry Member Data also includes with respect to 
Eligible Securities that are options or equities (1) receipt time of 
cancellation and modification instructions through Order Cancel Request 
and Order Modification Request events; (2) modifications of previously 
routed orders in certain instances; and (3) OTC Equity Securities 
quotes sent by an Industry Member to an IDQS operated by an Industry 
Member CAT Reporter that does not match and execute orders. In 
addition, subject to any exemptive or other relief, Phase 2d Industry 
Member Data will include verbal or manual quotes on an exchange floor 
or in the over-the-counter market, where verbal quotes and manual 
quotes are defined as bids or offers in Eligible Securities provided 
verbally or that are provided or received other than via a CAT 
Reporter's order handling and execution system (e.g., quotations 
provided via email or instant messaging).\113\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \113\ Id. at 23079-80.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Quarterly Progress Report for the fourth quarter of 2021 states 
that ``Phase 2a was fully implemented as of October 26, 2020;'' ``Phase 
2b was fully implemented as of January 4, 2021;'' ``Phase 2c was 
implemented as of April 26, 2021;'' and ``Phase 2d was fully 
implemented as of December 13, 2021.'' \114\ The Quarterly Progress 
Reports for 2021 provide additional detail regarding the implementation 
of these steps including the following:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \114\ See Q4 2021 Quarterly Progress Report (Jan. 17, 2022).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     ``Production Go-Live for Equities 2c reporting 
requirements (Large Industry Members)'' was completed on April 26, 
2021;
     ``LTID Account Information Reporting Go-Live for Phases 
2a, 2b and 2c (Large Industry Members)'' was completed on April 26, 
2021;
     ``FCAT Plan Processor creates linkages of the lifecycle of 
order events based on the received data through Phase 2d Production Go-
Live for Options 2d reporting requirements (Large Industry Members)'' 
was completed on December 13, 2021;
     ``Production Go-Live for Options 2d reporting requirements 
(Large Industry Members)'' was completed on December 13, 2021;
     ``Production Go-Live for Options 2b reporting requirements 
(Small OATS Reporters and Small Non-OATS Reporters)'' was completed on 
December 13, 2021;
     ``Production Go-Live for Equities 2c reporting 
requirements (Small OATS Reporters and Small Non-OATS Reporters)'' was 
completed on December 13, 2021;
     ``Production Go-Live for Options 2d reporting requirements 
(Small OATS Reporters and Small Non-OATS Reporters)'' was completed on 
December 13, 2021;
     ``LTID Account Information Reporting Go-Live for Phases 2d 
(Large Industry Members)'' was completed on December 13, 2021; and
     ``LTID Account Information Reporting Go-Live for Phases 
2a, 2b, 2c and 2d (Small Industry Members)'' was completed on December 
13, 2021.\115\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \115\ See Q2 2021 Quarterly Progress Report (July 27, 2021); and 
Q4 2021 Quarterly Progress Report (Jan. 17, 2022).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The third prong of ``Full Availability and Regulatory Utilization 
of Transactional Database Functionality'' also imposes an Error Rate 
requirement of 5% or less. The Quarterly Progress Report for the fourth 
quarter of 2021 states the average overall error rate was less than 5% 
as of December 31, 2021. The average overall error rate was calculated 
by dividing the compliance errors by processed records.
    The fourth prong of ``Full Availability and Regulatory Utilization 
of Transactional Database Functionality'' requires that the data 
collected by the CAT at this stage be made available to regulators 
through an online targeted query tool and a user-defined direct query 
tool. As CAT LLC reported on its Quarterly Progress Report for the 
fourth quarter of 2021, the query tool functionality incorporating the 
data from Phases 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d was available to the Participants 
and to the Commission as of December 31, 2021.\116\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \116\ See Q4 2021 Quarterly Progress Report (Jan. 17, 2022).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The fifth prong requires the requirements of Section 6.10(a) of the 
CAT NMS Plan to have been met. Section 6.10(a) of the CAT NMS Plan 
requires the Participants to use the tools described in Appendix D to 
``develop and implement a surveillance system, or enhance existing 
surveillance systems, reasonably designed to make use of the 
consolidated information contained in the Central Repository.'' The 
Exchange implemented a surveillance system, or enhanced existing 
surveillance systems, reasonably designed to make use of the 
consolidated information contained in the Central Repository as of 
December 31, 2021 in accordance with Section 6.10(a) of the CAT NMS 
Plan.\117\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \117\ See Q1 2021 Quarterly Progress Report (Apr. 30, 2021); Q2 
2021 Quarterly Progress Report (July 27, 2021); Q3 2021 Quarterly 
Progress Report (Nov. 1, 2021); Q4 2021 Quarterly Progress Report 
(Jan. 17, 2022).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission has determined that the Participants have 
sufficiently complied with the conditions set forth in the 2020 Orders 
and with the technical requirements for Quarterly Progress Reports set 
forth in Section 6.6(c) of the CAT NMS Plan for purposes of determining 
compliance with this FAM.\118\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \118\ Settlement Exemptive Order at 77129 n.13.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As discussed above, Historical CAT Costs 1 to be recovered via 
Historical CAT Assessment 1 would include fees, costs and expenses 
incurred by or for the Company in connection with the development, 
implementation and operation of the CAT during the period from January 
1, 2021 through December 31, 2021. The total costs for this period, as 
discussed above, are $144,415,268. Participants would remain 
responsible for one-third of this cost (which they have previously 
paid), and Industry Members would be responsible for the remaining two-
thirds, with CEBBs paying one-third ($48,138,422.70) and

[[Page 75876]]

CEBSs paying one-third ($48,138,422.70).
(D) Additional Considerations Related to the Financial Accountability 
Milestones
    As discussed above, CAT LLC has satisfied the Financial 
Accountability Milestones (``FAMs'') for Periods 1 through 3.\119\ As 
discussed below, none of the circumstances related to NIA Electronic 
RFQ Responses, the 2023 Verbal Quotes Exemption, the November 2023 
Order, or Executing Broker reporting, affect the conclusion that the 
FAMs for Periods 1 through 3 were satisfied in a timely fashion.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \119\ In May 2020, the Commission adopted amendments to the CAT 
NMS Plan that establish four Financial Accountability Milestones and 
set target deadlines by which these milestones must be achieved. 
These amendments also reduce the amount of any fees, costs, and 
expenses that may be recovered from Industry Members if the 
Participants fail to meet the target deadlines. FAM Adopting 
Release.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(i) NIA Electronic RFQ Responses
    CAT LLC does not believe that the exemptive relief relating to the 
reporting of electronic responses for quotes (``RFQs'') that are not 
immediately actionable (``NIA Electronic RFQ Responses'') affect the 
conclusion that FAMs 1 through 3 have been satisfied. The only reason 
CAT LLC pursued this relief is because certain Industry Members 
introduced concerns that NIA Electronic RFQ Responses could be 
considered ``orders'' reportable pursuant to Rule 613(j)(8) and some 
Industry Members were not prepared to report such orders to CAT. Thus, 
the relief was requested on behalf of Industry Members. CAT LLC itself 
has not taken any position on whether NIA Electronic RFQ Responses are 
``orders,'' as the definition of ``order'' is an SEC rule and the 
trading processes for NIA Electronic RFQ Responses are the Industry 
Members', not those of the Participants or CAT LLC. Accordingly, CAT 
LLC stated in its letter that ``Industry Members must determine whether 
trading interest falls within the definition of an `order' for CAT 
purposes. To the extent an NIA Electronic RFQ Response is not 
considered an ``order'' as defined in Rule 613(j)(8) and the CAT NMS 
Plan, it would not be reportable to CAT.'' \120\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \120\ See Letter from Brandon Becker, Chair, CAT NMS Plan 
Operating Committee to Vanessa Countryman, Secretary, Commission 
(Feb. 13, 2024) at 2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Only ``orders'' as defined in SEC Rule 613(j)(8) are reportable to 
CAT. There is no agreement across the industry or among regulators as 
to whether NIA Electronic RFQ Responses are ``orders'' reportable to 
CAT. Certain Industry Members have raised the question as to whether 
NIA Electronic RFQ Responses are orders, but others have argued that 
they are not orders under Rule 613(j)(8).\121\ Indeed, members of the 
Advisory Committee, which CAT LLC relies upon for guidance with regard 
to Industry Member issues, have not had a definitive view on whether 
NIA Electronic RFQ Responses are orders. As Rule 613(j)(8) is an SEC 
rule, CAT LLC believes that only the SEC can provide a definitive 
determination as to if, and under what circumstances, an NIA Electronic 
RFQ Response is considered an ``order'' reportable to CAT. The issue 
has persisted for some time. As a result, CAT LLC filed an exemptive 
request regarding NIA Electronic RFQ Responses for clarity on the 
interpretive issue. As recently as April 2024, Industry Members have 
re-raised this issue stating that the SEC agrees that it must provide 
additional guidance on this interpretive issue to resolve the CAT 
reporting issue for NIA Electronic RFQ Responses:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \121\ See, e.g., Letter from Howard Meyerson, Managing Director, 
FIF, to Sai Rao, Counsel for Trading and Markets, Office of the 
Chair (Apr. 25, 2024).

    As further discussed in the prior FIF letters, even if the 
Commission had the legal authority to require the reporting of NIA 
RFQ responses to CAT without an amendment to Rule 613, the 
Commission has not provided guidance to industry members as to the 
conditions under which NIA RFQ responses would be reportable to CAT. 
In subsequent discussions with industry members, Commission 
representatives have agreed that, prior to NIA RFQ responses being 
reportable to CAT, it would be necessary for the Commission to 
provide further guidance to industry members as to the conditions 
under which NIA RFQ responses would be reportable to CAT.\122\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \122\ Id.

    On May 20, 2024, the Commission granted CAT LLC's request for 
exemptive relief from certain CAT reporting requirements pertaining to 
NIA Electronic RFQ Responses to the extent such responses are 
considered ``orders'' reportable pursuant to Rule 613(j)(8).\123\ The 
Commission, however, did not provide additional guidance regarding the 
conditions under which NIA Electronic RFQ Responses would be reportable 
to CAT. The Commission stated in its exemptive order that ``[t]o the 
extent that the Participants are availing themselves of exemptive 
relief from a CAT NMS Plan requirement, such requirement shall not be 
included in the requirements for the Financial Accountability 
Milestones, provided that any conditions of the exemption are 
satisfied.'' \124\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \123\ Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 100181 (May 20, 2024), 89 
FR 45715 (May 23, 2024).
    \124\ Id. at n.11.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    When the Commission proposed the FAMs, the Participants expressed 
concern that, ``by conditioning the ability of CAT LLC and the 
Participants to collect Post-Amendment Industry Member Fees on factors 
dependent on the efforts of Industry Members, the Commission's 
proposals inadvertently establish a perverse incentive for Industry 
Members to devote less than maximum efforts to comply with their 
obligations related to the CAT as they will pay less fees in such 
instances.'' \125\ The Participants further warned that ``Industry 
Members may request or require unanticipated reporting delays to 
address Industry Member implementation issues or concerns,'' but that, 
``[f]aced with financial penalties for missed deadlines, the 
Participants may not be able to fully address legitimate industry 
concerns or accommodate requests for delays with respect to future 
deadlines.'' \126\ CAT LLC has engaged in good faith to help address 
NIA Electronic RFQ Responses and other concerns relevant to the ability 
of Industry Members to meet their CAT reporting obligations. CAT LLC 
should not be penalized financially for seeking in good faith to 
resolve a difficult interpretive issue for the benefit of Industry 
Members.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \125\ See Letter from Michael Simon, CAT NMS Plan Operating 
Committee Chair, to Vanessa Countryman, Secretary, Commission at 9 
(Oct. 28, 2019).
    \126\ Id. at 10.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(ii) 2023 Verbal Quotes Exemption
    CAT LLC does not believe that the Commission's May 19, 2023 order 
granting temporary exemptive relief relating to certain verbal floor 
activity and unstructured verbal and electronic upstairs activity (the 
``2023 Verbal Quotes Exemption'') affects the conclusion that FAMs 1 
through 3 have been satisfied. The 2023 Verbal Quotes Exemption, which 
was issued on May 19, 2023, is not relevant for purposes of FAM Periods 
1 through 3, which only cover the period through December 31, 2021. The 
relevant exemption for this time period is the Commission's November 
12, 2020 order, which granted relief for the same activity through July 
31, 2023 (the ``2020 Verbal Quotes Order'').\127\ The Commission has 
stated that, ``to the extent that the Participants are availing 
themselves of exemptive relief from a CAT NMS Plan requirement, such 
requirement shall not

[[Page 75877]]

be included in the requirements for a Financial Accountability 
Milestone, provided that the conditions of the exemption are 
satisfied.'' \128\ Here, the 2020 Verbal Quotes Order was in effect and 
the conditions of the exemption were satisfied as of December 31, 2021, 
and therefore may be relied upon for purposes of determining compliance 
with FAM Periods 1 through 3.\129\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \127\ Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 90405, 85 FR 73544 (Nov. 
18, 2020) (the ``2020 Verbal Quotes Exemption'').
    \128\ See, e.g., Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 89051 (June 
11, 2020), 85 FR 36631, 36633 (June 17, 2020). The straightforward 
reading of the Commission's statement is that compliance with the 
conditions of an exemption will be measured as of the deadline for a 
particular FAM Period.
    \129\ As a condition to the 2020 Verbal Quotes Exemption, the 
Commission required that the Participants provide a written status 
update on the reporting of these quotes and orders by July 31, 2022, 
including the estimated costs of reporting these quotes and orders 
and an implementation plan for the reporting of these quotes and 
orders. As noted, the 2020 Verbal Quotes Order was in effect and the 
conditions of the exemption were satisfied as of December 31, 2021, 
and therefore may be relied upon for purposes of determining 
compliance with FAM Periods 1 through 3. In any event, on June 3, 
2022, the Participants provided the required written status update. 
See Letter from Michael Simon, CAT NMS Plan Operating Committee 
Chair, to Vanessa Countryman, Secretary, Commission (June 3, 2022).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(iii) November 2023 Order
    CAT LLC does not believe that the Commission's November 2, 2023 
order granting relief from certain CAT NMS Plan requirements (the 
``November 2023 Order'') affects the conclusion that FAMs 1 through 3 
have been satisfied. The November 2023 Order is not relevant for 
purposes of FAM Periods 1 through 3, which only cover the period 
through December 31, 2021. As described in the November 2023 Order, the 
relevant exemptive orders for this time period were issued on December 
16, 2020, which also states that ``the Commission has determined that 
the Participants have sufficiently complied with the conditions set 
forth in the prior Orders and with the technical requirements for 
Quarterly Progress Reports set forth in section 6.6(c) of the CAT NMS 
Plan, including for purposes of determining compliance with any 
applicable Financial Accountability Milestones.'' \130\ The November 
2023 Exemption Order is consistent with the Commission's repeated 
statements in the FAM adopting release that it would have ``authority 
to grant exemptive relief from any requirement associated with a 
particular Financial Accountability Milestone,'' citing Section 36 of 
the Exchange Act and Rule 608.\131\ Similarly, the CAT NMS Plan 
expressly contemplates the Commission's ability to grant exemptive 
relief from any CAT NMS Plan requirement.\132\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \130\ Id. at 77129 n.12.
    \131\ FAM Adopting Release at 31335 (May 22, 2020). Section 36 
of the Exchange Act grants the Commission the authority to 
``conditionally or unconditionally exempt any person, security, or 
transaction . . . from any provision or provisions of [the Exchange 
Act] or of any rule or regulation thereunder, to the extent that 
such exemption is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, 
and is consistent with the protection of investors.'' 15 U.S.C. 
78mm(a)(1). Under Rule 608(e) of Regulation NMS, the Commission may 
``exempt from [Rule 608], either unconditionally or on specified 
terms and conditions, any self-regulatory organization, member 
thereof, or specified security, if the Commission determines that 
such exemption is consistent with the public interest, the 
protection of investors, the maintenance of fair and orderly markets 
and the removal of impediments to, and perfection of the mechanism 
of, a national market system.'' 17 CFR 242.608(e).
    \132\ Section 12.3 of the CAT NMS Plan (``[T]o the extent the 
SEC grants exemptive relief applicable to any provision of this 
Agreement, Participants and Industry Members shall be entitled to 
comply with such provision pursuant to the terms of the exemptive 
relief so granted at the time such relief is granted irrespective of 
whether this Agreement has been amended.'')
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(iv) Executing Broker Reporting
    CAT LLC also completed the requirements of FAM Period 2, including 
the required linkages, by December 31, 2020. Although Participant 
exchanges may report the Executing Broker to CAT differently in certain 
situations, these reporting differences are irrelevant for linkage 
purposes as the fields used for CAT Executing Broker are not used for 
linkage.
(10) Additional Support for Reasonableness of Historical CAT Costs
    The CAT Funding Model approved by the Commission permits the 
recovery of reasonable costs in each of the categories of CAT costs 
sought to be recovered via Historical CAT Assessment 1.\133\ As 
described in detail above and in further detail below, the CAT costs to 
be recovered for each category are reasonable. The following discusses 
in further details how each of the following costs are reasonable: (1) 
costs incurred prior to the effective date of the CAT NMS Plan; (2) 
cloud hosting services costs; (3) costs related to funding model 
filings; (4) costs related to litigation with the SEC regarding the CAT 
NMS Plan; (5) costs related to the Initial Plan Processor; (6) CAIS 
implementation costs; (7) public relations costs; (8) legal costs 
related to the limitation of liability provision in the CAT Reporter 
agreements; and (9) costs for the Chair of CAT Operating Committee. As 
discussed in detail below, each of these costs is reasonable and should 
be recoverable in accordance with the CAT Funding Model.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \133\ See Sections 11.1(a)(i) and 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT 
NMS Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(A) Costs Incurred Prior to the Effective Date of CAT NMS Plan
    CAT LLC believes that it is reasonable to seek recovery of costs 
incurred prior to when the CAT NMS Plan became effective in November 
2016, such as legal and consulting fees incurred to create the CAT NMS 
Plan. Rule 613 specifically mandates that the CAT be created, 
implemented and maintained, and further provides that the CAT NMS Plan 
include a proposed allocation of estimated costs to fund the creation, 
implementation and maintenance of the CAT among the Participants 
(referred to as ``plan sponsors''), and between the Participants and 
Industry Members (referred to as ``members of the plan 
sponsors'').\134\ Consistent with Rule 613, the CAT NMS Plan, as 
approved by the Commission, specifically authorizes charging Industry 
Members fees for costs reasonably incurred prior to the date of the 
approval of the CAT NMS Plan by the Commission in November 2016, 
including legal and consulting costs. Section 11.1(c) of the CAT NMS 
Plan states that:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \134\ See, e.g., Rule 613(a)(1)(vii)(D) of the CAT NMS Plan.

[i]n determining fees on Participants and Industry Members the 
Operating Committee shall take into account fees, costs and expenses 
(including legal and consulting fees and expenses) reasonably 
incurred by Participants on behalf of the Company prior to the 
Effective Date in connection with the creation and implementation of 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
the CAT.

    Accordingly, the CAT NMS Plan specifically permits the recovery of 
costs, including legal and consulting costs, reasonably incurred prior 
to November 2016 in connection with the creation and implementation of 
the CAT.
    Furthermore, the costs incurred to create and implement the CAT 
prior to the effective date of the CAT NMS Plan (``Pre-Formation 
Costs'') were reasonable both in scope and amount, in accordance with 
the requirements of Section 11.1(c) of the CAT NMS Plan. During the 
four-year period from 2012 to 2016, a total of $13,842,881 in Pre-
Formation Costs were incurred. This is an average of approximately $3.5 
million per year over this period. The Pre-Formation Costs fell into 
three categories: legal costs, consulting costs and public relations 
costs. This includes legal costs of $3,196,434; consulting costs of 
$10,589,273; and public relations costs of $57,174. The legal, 
consulting and public relations services were performed by WilmerHale, 
Deloitte

[[Page 75878]]

and Peppercomm, respectively. The selection considerations and fees for 
these three firms are described in detail above and are described 
further below. The Pre-Formation Costs are direct costs of CAT, which 
have been funded entirely by the Participants through non-interest-
bearing notes. The Pre-Formation Costs do not include the significant 
costs incurred by each of the individual Participants in responding to 
the adoption of Rule 613.
    The Pre-Formation Costs are reasonable and appropriate as they 
reflect the extensive efforts that were necessary to create the CAT NMS 
Plan as mandated after the SEC's adoption of Rule 613. As described in 
more detail below, these efforts included, among other things, 
developing a plan for selecting the Plan Processor, soliciting and 
evaluating bids, engaging a diverse set of market participants and the 
SEC in the development of the Plan, interacting with the SEC in their 
oversight of the development of the Plan, and seeking appropriate 
exemptive relief to address areas of concern in Rule 613.\135\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \135\ The Participants described in detail the process for 
drafting the CAT NMS Plan in its original filing of the CAT NMS 
Plan. See Letter from Mike Simon, on behalf of the Participants of 
the CAT NMS Plan, to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Commission (Sept. 
30, 2014). A non-exclusive list of filings and activities associated 
with CAT, including certain pre-2016 filings, are available on the 
SEC's website: https://www.sec.gov/divisions/marketreg/rule613-info.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(i) Request for Proposal (``RFP'')
    The Participants determined to utilize an RFP to ensure that 
potential alternative solutions for creating the Plan could be 
presented and considered, and that a detailed and meaningful cost-
benefit analysis could be performed. The SEC supported the use of an 
RFP, and approved its use as it is described in extensive detail in the 
CAT NMS Plan.\136\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \136\ See detailed discussion of RFP questions in Appendix C of 
the CAT NMS Plan, and incorporation of RFP requirements in Appendix 
D at D-2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the context of the SEC's adoption of Rule 613, commenters urged 
the Commission to utilize an RFP process to assist in the planning and 
design of the NMS plan.\137\ Specifically, the Commission explained:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \137\ For example, in its comments on proposed Rule 613, FIF 
suggested ``that the SROs should select the processor through a 
`request for proposal.' '' Rule 613 Adopting Release at 45785.

    In this regard, several commenters suggested that the Commission 
undergo a RFP or request for information (``RFI'') process to create 
and implement a consolidated audit trail. Specifically, FIF urged 
the Commission to perform a RFP process ``to determine the best 
technical solution for developing a consolidated audit trail.'' FIF 
suggested that the Commission ``should outline a set of goals and 
guiding principles they are striving to achieve as part of the 
adopted CAT filing and leave the determination of data elements and 
other technical requirements to [an] industry working group.'' 
Similarly, Direct Edge suggested that Commission staff should form 
and engage in a working group to develop an RFP for publication by 
the Commission. DirectEdge explained that an RFP process would 
facilitate the identification of the costs and benefits of the audit 
trail, as well as the consideration of a wider range of 
technological solutions. Further, commenters, including Broadridge 
Financial Solutions, Inc., a technology provider, also requested 
more specific information about the audit trail system to better 
assess the Commission's initial cost estimates and to determine the 
best approach to the consolidated audit trail.\138\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \138\ Rule 613 Adopting Release at 45738-39.

    In response to these comments, the Commission modified Rule 613 to 
require the Participants to address certain important considerations 
regarding the features and details of the NMS plan and to extend the 
timeframe for submission of the CAT NMS Plan by the Participants from 
the 90 days as originally proposed to 270 days, in part, to accommodate 
a process that would address these considerations.\139\ As the SEC 
noted, ``[i]n light of the numerous specific requirements of Rule 613, 
the Participants concluded that publication of a request for proposal 
(`RFP') was necessary to ensure that potential alternative solutions to 
creating the consolidated audit trail can be presented and considered 
by the Participants and that a detailed and meaningful cost/benefit 
analysis can be performed, both of which are required considerations to 
be addressed in the CAT NMS Plan.'' \140\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \139\ Rule 613 Adopting Release at 45739.
    \140\ Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 71596 (Feb. 21, 2014), 79 
FR 11152, 11152 (Feb. 27, 2014) (``Selection Plan Approval Order'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The SEC specifically recognized that the Participants planned to 
use an RFP when it approved the Selection Plan, and stated that the RFP 
was a reasonable approach.\141\ As the SEC described in its approval 
order for the Selection Plan, ``[t]he Participants filed the 
[Selection] Plan to govern how the SROs will proceed with formulating 
and submitting the CAT NMS Plan--and, as part of that process, how to 
review, evaluate, and narrow down the bids submitted in response to the 
RFP (`Bids')--and ultimately choosing the plan processor that will 
build, operate, and maintain the consolidated audit trail (`Plan 
Processor').'' \142\ After evaluating the Selection Plan, including the 
use of an RFP process, the Commission stated that it ``believes the 
[Selection] Plan is reasonably designed to govern the process by which 
the SROs will formulate and submit the CAT NMS Plan, including the 
review, evaluation, and narrowing down of Bids in response to the RFP, 
and ultimately choosing the Plan Processor that will build, operate, 
and maintain the consolidated audit trail.'' \143\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \141\ Id.
    \142\ Id. at 11153
    \143\ Id. at 11159.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On February 26, 2013, the Participants published an RFP soliciting 
bids from parties interested in serving as the plan processor for the 
CAT. Initially, 31 firms submitted intentions to bid. In the following 
months, the Participants engaged with potential bidders with respect 
to, among other things, the selection process, selection criteria, and 
potential bidders' questions and concerns. On March 21, 2014, the 
Participants received ten bids in response to the RFP.
(ii) Selection Plan
    On September 4, 2013, the Participants filed with the Commission a 
national market system plan to govern the process for Participant 
review of the bids submitted in response to the RFP, the procedures for 
evaluating the bids, and, ultimately, selection of the plan processor 
(the ``Selection Plan'').\144\ The Commission approved the Selection 
Plan as filed on February 21, 2014.\145\ In approving the Selection 
Plan, the Commission concluded that ``it is reasonably designed to 
achieve its objective of facilitating the development of the CAT NMS 
Plan and the selection of the Plan Processor.'' \146\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \144\ See Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 70892 (Nov. 15, 
2013), 78 FR 69910 (Nov. 21, 2013).
    \145\ See Selection Plan Approval Order.
    \146\ Selection Plan Approval Order at 11160.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Selection Plan divided the review and evaluation of bids, and 
the selection of the plan processor, into various stages. Specifically, 
pursuant to the Selection Plan, a selection committee reviewed all bids 
and determined which bids contained sufficient information to allow the 
Participants to meaningfully assess and evaluate the bids. The ten 
submitted bids were deemed ``Qualified Bids,'' and so passed to the 
next stage, in which each bidder presented its bids to the Participants 
on a confidential basis. On July 1, 2014, after conducting careful 
analysis and comparison of the bids, the Selection Committee voted and 
selected a shortlist of six eligible bidders. The Selection Committee

[[Page 75879]]

determined which shortlisted bidders would be provided the opportunity 
to revise their bids. After the Selection Committee assessed and 
evaluated the revised bids, the Selection Committee selected the plan 
processor via two rounds of voting by the Participants, as described in 
the Selection Plan.
    The Selection Plan established an Operating Committee responsible 
for formulating, drafting, and filing with the Commission the CAT NMS 
Plan and for ensuring that the Participants' joint obligations under 
Rule 613 were met in a timely and efficient manner. In formulating the 
CAT NMS Plan, the Participants also engaged multiple persons across a 
wide range of roles and expertise, engaged the consulting firm Deloitte 
as project manager, and engaged the law firm WilmerHale to serve as 
legal counsel in drafting the Plan. Within this structure, the 
Participants focused on, among other things, comparative analyses of 
the proposed technologies and operating models, development of funding 
models to support the building and operation of the CAT, and detailed 
review of governance considerations. Given the complexity and scope of 
developing the CAT NMS Plan, these efforts were extensive.
    When it approved the CAT NMS Plan in 2016, the Commission 
reiterated its belief that the Selection Plan remains a ``reasonable 
approach,'' that ``the competitive bidding process to select the Plan 
Processor is a reasonable and effective way to choose a Plan 
Processor,'' and that ``the process set forth in the Selection Plan 
should be permitted to continue'':

    In approving the Selection Plan, the Commission stated that the 
Selection Plan is reasonably designed to achieve its objective of 
facilitating the development of the CAT NMS Plan and the selection 
of the Plan Processor. The Commission also found that the Selection 
Plan is reasonably designed to govern the process by which the SROs 
will formulate and submit the CAT NMS Plan, including the review, 
evaluation, and narrowing down of Bids in response to the RFP, and 
ultimately choosing the Plan Processor that will build, operate, and 
maintain the consolidated audit trail. The Commission believes that 
the process set out in the Selection Plan for selecting a Plan 
Processor remains a reasonable approach, which will facilitate the 
selection of Plan Processor through a fair, transparent and 
competitive process and that no modifications to the Selection Plan 
are required to meet the approval standard. . . . In response to the 
comment that offered support for a specific Bidder, the Commission 
agrees with the Participants that the competitive bidding process to 
select the Plan Processor is a reasonable and effective way to 
choose a Plan Processor and thus believes that the process set forth 
in the Selection Plan should be permitted to continue.\147\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \147\ See CAT NMS Plan Approval Order at 84737.

(iii) Engagement With Market Participants and SEC
    During the process of developing the CAT NMS Plan, the Participants 
engaged in extensive and meaningful dialogue with market participants 
and the SEC. To this end, the Participants created a website to update 
the public on the progress of the CAT NMS Plan, published a request for 
comment on multiple issues related to the Plan, held multiple public 
events to inform the industry of the progress of the CAT and to address 
inquiries, and formed, and later expanded, a DAG to solicit more input 
from a representative industry group.\148\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \148\ See Section D(11) of Appendix C of the CAT NMS Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The DAG included representatives of Participants and Industry 
Members and conducted meetings to discuss, among other things, 
technical and operational aspects the Participants were considering for 
the Plan. The Participants issued press releases soliciting 
participants for the DAG, and a wide spectrum of firms was deliberately 
chosen to provide insight from various industry segments affected by 
CAT. The DAG meetings included discussions of topics such as option 
market maker quote reporting, requirements for capturing Customer IDs, 
timestamps and clock synchronization, reporting requirements for order 
handling scenarios, costs and funding, error handling and corrections, 
and potential elimination of systems made redundant by the CAT. From 
the inception of the DAG through September 2014, the DAG participated 
in 36 meetings, as well as a variety of DAG subcommittee meetings.
(iv) Request for Exemption From Certain Requirements Under Rule 613
    Following multiple discussions between the Participants and both 
the DAG and the bidders, as well as among the Participants themselves, 
the Participants recognized that some provisions of Rule 613 would not 
permit certain solutions to be included in the Plan that the 
Participants, in coordination with the DAG, determined advisable to 
effectuate the most efficient and cost-effective CAT. Specifically, 
``the SROs reached the conclusion that additional flexibility in 
certain of the minimum requirements specified in Rule 613 would allow 
them to propose a more efficient and cost-effective approach without 
adversely affecting the reliability or accuracy of CAT Data, or its 
security and confidentiality.'' \149\ Consequently, the Participants 
submitted a request for exemptive relief from certain provisions of 
Rule 613 regarding: (1) options market maker quotes; (2) Customer-IDs; 
(3) CAT-Reporter-IDs; (4) CAT-Order-IDs on allocation reports; and (5) 
timestamp granularity.\150\ The Participants filed two supplements to 
the request for exemptive relief.\151\
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    \149\ Securities Exchange Rel. No. 77265 (Mar. 1, 2016), 81 FR 
11856 (Mar. 7, 2016) (``2016 Exemptive Order'').
    \150\ Letter from Robert Colby, FINRA, on behalf of the SROs, to 
Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Commission (Jan. 30, 2015).
    \151\ See Letter from Robert Colby, FINRA, on behalf of the 
SROs, to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Commission (Apr. 3, 2015); 
Letter from the SROs to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Commission 
(Sept. 2, 2015).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    After reviewing the exemptive request, the Commission determined 
that it was appropriate in the public interest and consistent with the 
protection of investors to grant the requested exemptive relief.\152\ 
In granting the exemptive relief, the Commission stated:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \152\ See 2016 Exemptive Order.

    [T]he Commission is persuaded to provide flexibility in the 
discrete areas discussed in the Exemption Request so that the 
alternative approaches can be included in the CAT NMS Plan and 
subject to notice and comment. Doing so could allow for more 
efficient and cost-effective approaches than otherwise would be 
permitted. The Commission at this stage is not deciding whether the 
proposed approaches detailed below are more efficient or effective 
than those in Rule 613. However, the Commission believes the 
proposed approaches should be within the permissible range of 
alternatives available to the SROs.\153\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \153\ Id. at 11857.

    The Commission further stated that the requested exemptive relief 
is consistent with the protection of investors. The Commission noted 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
that:

    Doing so will provide the public an opportunity to consider and 
comment on whether these proposed alternative approaches would 
indeed be more efficient and cost-effective than those otherwise 
required by Rule 613, and whether such approaches would adversely 
affect the reliability or accuracy of CAT Data or otherwise 
undermine the goals of Rule 613. Moreover, if--as the SROs 
represent--efficiency gains and cost savings would result from 
including the proposed approaches in the CAT NMS Plan without 
adverse effects, then the resultant benefits could potentially flow 
to investors (e.g., lower broker-dealer reporting costs resulting in 
fewer costs passed on to Customers).\154\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \154\ Id.

    The Participants incorporated the exemptive relief into the 
proposed CAT

[[Page 75880]]

NMS Plan, which was noticed for comment, and the Commission ultimately 
approved the CAT NMS Plan with the more efficient and cost-effective 
alternative approaches described in the exemptive relief. Accordingly, 
the Participants believe that the costs incurred in developing the 
exemptive request were critical to the creation of a better CAT than 
was originally contemplated by Rule 613, and therefore should be 
recoverable as part of Historical CAT Assessment 1.
(v) Request for Extensions for Filing the CAT NMS Plan
    Rule 613(a)(1) under Regulation NMS required the Participants to 
jointly file the CAT NMS Plan on or before April 28, 2013, less than a 
year after the adoption of Rule 613. In recognition of the complexity 
of the project to create the CAT NMS Plan as well as industry interest 
in limiting or eliminating certain requirements of Rule 613 (e.g., 
addressing the reporting of options market maker quotes), the 
Participants requested two extensions of the deadline to file the CAT 
NMS Plan. The Participants described the need for additional time as 
follows:

    The SROs stated in their Request Letter that they do not believe 
that the 270-day time period provided for in Rule 613(a)(1) provides 
sufficient time for the development of the RFP, formulation and 
submission of bids, and review and evaluation of such bids. The SROs 
also stated that they believe additional time beyond the 270 days 
provided for in Rule 613(a)(1) is necessary in order to provide 
sufficient time for effective consultation with and input from the 
industry and the public on the proposed solution chosen by the SROs 
for the creation of the consolidated audit trail at the conclusion 
of the RFP process and the NMS plan itself.\155\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \155\ Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 69060 (Mar. 7, 2013),78 
FR 15771, 15772 (Mar. 12, 2013) (``March 2013 Exemptive Order'').

    In recognition of the need for additional time to refine the 
technical description of and requirements for the CAT and to allow for 
additional evaluation of the proposed cost and funding considerations, 
the SEC granted two extensions of this deadline.\156\ The SEC 
determined that both extensions were appropriate, in the public 
interest, and consistent with the protection of investors.\157\ In 
reaching this conclusion, the Commission stated that ``it understands 
that the creation of a consolidated audit trail is a significant 
undertaking and that a proposed NMS plan must include detailed 
information and discussion about many things.'' \158\ The SEC also 
noted the following:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \156\ See March 2013 Exemptive Order; Securities Exchange Act 
Rel. No. 71018 (Dec. 6, 2013), 78 FR 75669 (Dec. 12, 2013) 
(``December 2013 Exemptive Order'').
    \157\ March 2013 Exemptive Order at 15772; December 2013 
Exemptive Order at 75670.
    \158\ March 2013 Exemptive Order at 15772.

    This additional time to complete the RFP process should allow 
the SROs to engage in a more thoughtful and comprehensive process 
for the development of an NMS plan. In this regard, the Commission 
notes that the additional time to solicit comment from the industry 
and the public at certain key points in the development of the NMS 
plan could identify issues that can be resolved earlier in the 
development of the consolidated audit trail and prior to filing the 
NMS plan with the Commission.\159\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \159\ Id. at 15773.

    Given the Commission's recognition of the reasonableness and value 
of the extension of the deadline to file the CAT NMS Plan, the 
Participants believe that the costs incurred in developing the 
extension request were important to the process of developing the CAT 
NMS Plan, and therefore should be recoverable as part of Historical CAT 
Assessment 1.
(vi) Submission and Approval of the CAT NMS Plan
    After extensive analyses and discussions with the DAG, bidders, 
market participants and the SEC staff, the Participants finalized the 
draft of the CAT NMS Plan and filed the CAT NMS Plan with the SEC on 
September 30, 2014. Following additional discussions, the Participants 
filed several amendments to the CAT NMS Plan during 2015 and 2016. With 
these additional changes, the SEC published the CAT NMS Plan for notice 
and comment in May 2016.\160\ Following the comment period, the SEC 
approved the Plan in November 2016.\161\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \160\ See Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 77724 (Apr. 27, 
2016), 81 FR 30614 (May 17, 2016).
    \161\ See CAT NMS Plan Approval Order.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(vii) Legal Costs Incurred Prior to the Effective Date of the CAT NMS 
Plan
    The Pre-Formation Costs include legal costs of $3,196,434. The 
legal services were performed by WilmerHale. The selection 
considerations and fees for WilmerHale were described in detail above. 
Prior to the creation of CAT LLC, WilmerHale was engaged to represent 
the consortium of SROs, not the individual Participants. For 
administrative purposes, FINRA agreed to receive such legal bills, 
although such costs were shared among the Participants. Therefore, the 
legal costs incurred with respect to WilmerHale do not include legal 
costs incurred by the individual Participants. These pre-formation 
legal costs are described in detail above and are further described 
below:
     Analyzed various legal matters associated with the 
Selection Plan and drafted an amendment to Selection Plan;
     Assisted with the RFP and bidding process for the CAT Plan 
Processor;
     Analyzed legal matters related to the DAG;
     Drafted the CAT NMS Plan, analyzed various items related 
to the CAT NMS Plan, and responded to comment letters on the CAT NMS 
Plan;
     Provided legal support for the formation of the legal 
entity, the governance of the CAT, including governance support prior 
to the adoption of the CAT NMS Plan, which involved support for the 
full committee of exchanges and FINRA as well as subcommittees of this 
group (e.g., Joint Subcommittee Group, Technical, Industry Outreach, 
Cost and Funding, and Other Products) and the DAG, and governance 
support during the transition to the new governance structure under the 
CAT NMS Plan;
     Drafted exemptive requests;
     Provided interpretations related to the CAT NMS Plan;
     Provided support with regard to discussions among the 
exchanges, FINRA and other third parties, such as Deloitte;
     Provided tax advice with regard to CAT's status as a tax-
exempt organization; and
     Provided support with regard to discussions with the SEC 
and its staff, including with respect to addressing interpretive and 
implementation issues.
(viii) Consulting Costs Incurred Prior to the Effective Date of the CAT 
NMS Plan
    The Pre-Formation Costs include consulting costs of $10,589,273. 
The consulting services were performed by Deloitte. The selection 
considerations and fees for Deloitte were described in detail above. 
Prior to the creation of CAT LLC, for administrative purposes, Deloitte 
was engaged by FINRA to provide consulting services related to CAT, but 
the costs were shared by the consortium of SROs per agreement. 
Therefore, the consulting costs incurred with respect to Deloitte do 
not include consulting costs incurred by the individual Participants. 
The pre-formation consulting costs include the following:
     Established and implemented program operations for the CAT 
project, including the program management office and workstream design;
     Assisted with the Plan Processor selection process, 
including but not limited to, the development of the RFP

[[Page 75881]]

and the bidder evaluation process, and facilitation and consolidation 
of the Participants' independent reviews;
     Assisted with the development and drafting of the CAT NMS 
Plan, including conducting cost-benefit studies, reviewing technical 
requirements of other NMS plans, analyzing OATS and CAT requirements, 
and drafting appendices to the Plan;
     Provided governance support to the CAT, including 
governance support prior to the adoption of the CAT NMS Plan, which 
involved support for the full committee of exchanges and FINRA as well 
as subcommittees of this group (e.g., Joint Subcommittee Group, 
Technical, Industry Outreach, Cost and Funding, and Other Products) and 
the DAG;
     Provided support for updating the SEC on the progress of 
the development of the CAT;
     Provided support for industry outreach sessions, including 
with regard to program design and agenda development, program support 
and logistics and coordination; and
     Provided support in fact finding, drafting content and 
meeting coordination for
    WilmerHale with regard to the CAT and the development of the CAT 
NMS Plan. Such Pre-Formation Costs did not include costs related to the 
Chair of the CAT NMS Plan Operating Committee, as the CAT NMS Plan had 
not yet been adopted.
(ix) Public Relations Costs Incurred Prior to the Effective Date of the 
CAT NMS Plan
    The Pre-Formation Costs include public relations costs of $57,174. 
The public relations services were performed by Peppercomm. The 
selection considerations and fees for Peppercomm are described in 
detail above. The costs related to Peppercomm were shared among the 
SROs. Therefore, the public relations costs do not include public 
relations costs incurred by the individual Participants. The pre-
formation public relations costs include services related to 
communications with the public regarding the CAT, including monitoring 
developments related to the CAT (e.g., congressional efforts, public 
comments and reaction to proposals, press coverage of the CAT), 
reporting such developments to CAT LLC, and drafting and disseminating 
communications to the public regarding such developments as well as 
reporting on developments related to the CAT.
(B) Cloud Hosting Services
    In approving the CAT Funding Model, the Commission recognized that 
it is appropriate to recover reasonable costs related to cloud hosting 
services as a part of Historical CAT Assessments. CAT LLC believes that 
the costs related to cloud hosting services described in detail above 
are reasonable and appropriate given the strict data processing 
timelines and storage requirements imposed by the Commission-approved 
CAT NMS Plan and should be recoverable as a part of Historical CAT 
Assessment 1.
(i) Reasonableness of AWS Costs Given the Requirements of the CAT NMS 
Plan
    CAT LLC believes that the costs for the cloud hosting services are 
reasonable, both in terms of the level of the fees paid by CAT LLC for 
cloud hosting services provided by AWS and the scope of the services 
performed by AWS for CAT LLC. CAT LLC believes that both the scope and 
amount of the costs for cloud hosting services are reasonable given the 
current requirements of the CAT NMS Plan adopted pursuant to Rule 613, 
including the strict data processing timeline, storage and other 
technical requirements under the Commission-approved CAT NMS Plan.
    CAT LLC believes that the level of fees for the cloud hosting 
services is reasonable, taking into consideration a variety of factors, 
including the expected volume of data and the breadth of services 
provided and market rates for similar services.
    CAT LLC also believes that the scope of services provided by AWS 
for the CAT are appropriate given the current requirements of the 
Commission-approved CAT NMS Plan. As described above, the cloud hosting 
services costs reflect a variety of factors including, among other 
things:
     Breadth of Cloud Activities. AWS was engaged by FCAT, the 
Plan Processor, to provide a broad range of services to the CAT, 
including data ingestion, data management, and analytic tools. Services 
provided by AWS necessary to the CAT include storage services, 
databases, compute services, and other services (such as networking, 
management tools and development operations (``DevOps'') tools). AWS 
also was engaged to provide the various environments for CAT, such as 
the development, performance testing, test and production environments, 
which are required by the CAT NMS Plan.
     High Data Volume. The cost for AWS services for the CAT is 
a function of the volume of CAT Data. While it is not linear, the 
greater the amount of CAT Data, the greater the cost of AWS services to 
the CAT. The data volume handled by AWS now far exceeds the original 
volume estimates for the CAT.
     Plan Requirements. The cost for AWS services also reflects 
the technical requirements necessary to meet the stringent performance 
and other requirements for processing CAT Data. These Plan-dictated 
processing timelines, storage, testing, security and other technical 
requirements are significant drivers of AWS costs.
     Cost Avoidance Efforts. CAT LLC and FCAT have engaged in 
ongoing efforts to seek to avoid and minimize AWS costs where 
permissible under the Plan. Accordingly, these cost avoidance efforts 
have limited the extent of AWS costs.
    In addition, various requirements of the CAT NMS Plan adopted 
pursuant to Rule 613 contribute to the significant cloud hosting 
services costs, and that various Plan requirements could be amended or 
removed without affecting the regulatory purpose of the CAT. Indeed, 
CAT LLC has repeatedly sought exemptive relief and filed amendments to 
the CAT NMS Plan, and has even filed suit against the Commission, to 
seek to revise or eliminate certain costly requirements related to the 
CAT. However, despite these efforts, absent the Commission granting 
exemptive relief or approving cost savings amendments to the CAT NMS 
Plan, CAT LLC, the Participants and Industry Members are all required 
to comply with such requirements.
(ii) Effect of CAT Design on CAT Costs
(a) Efficient CAT Design
    CAT is reasonably designed to efficiently and effectively utilize 
cloud computing and storage services, given the requirements of the 
Commission-approved CAT NMS Plan, including requirements related to 
security, operational reliance and quality assurance, and 
maintainability.
    The Plan Processor uses state-of-the-art software that meets the 
strict security standards of the CAT NMS Plan. CAT utilizes a big data 
processing framework that is extensively used by large data processing 
companies, such as Apple, Meta, Netflix, IBM and Google. As such, it 
has substantial commercial support and support in the open-source 
community. It is also well suited for use with regard to iterative 
types of algorithms and query functions and analytics that the CAT 
requires, and it provides the heightened security necessary for the 
CAT.
    The development and implementation of the design of CAT is not and 
has not been static. CAT LLC and the Plan Processor are always 
evaluating new

[[Page 75882]]

innovations and service offerings from AWS and other providers to seek 
to maximize efficiency and cost avoidance while still satisfying the 
requirements of the CAT NMS Plan. These efforts have led to substantial 
savings to date. The cloud hosting costs for 2023 were less than the 
cloud hosting costs for 2022 by $8 million despite processing seven 
trillion more events in 2023 due to the efficiency and cost avoidance 
efforts for cloud hosting services. For example, when AWS introduced 
new storage options, FCAT adopted the cost-efficient new storage option 
after establishing that the new offering would satisfy the security and 
other standards of the CAT NMS Plan. This change led to millions of 
dollars of savings in storage costs. Similarly, when AWS introduced a 
new compute processor, FCAT adopted this new compute processor, which 
lead to millions of dollars in savings in compute costs. However, in 
other cases, new cloud technology developments could not be implemented 
in CAT because they would not satisfy the security or other 
requirements of the CAT NMS Plan.
    When evaluating the design of the CAT, it must be kept in mind that 
the CAT is not a typical commercial technology project. The ability to 
make use of technology approaches that may lead to cost avoidance is 
also subject to the restrictive requirements of the CAT NMS Plan, such 
as processing timeframes, requirements for retention of data versions, 
query requirements, and security standards. Because such requirements 
are set forth in the CAT NMS Plan, any modification of such 
requirements are subject to the time-consuming process of amending the 
CAT NMS Plan or seeking an exemption from the relevant requirement. For 
example, CAT LLC recently has filed an amendment to address several of 
these expensive Plan requirements.\162\
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    \162\ See, e.g., Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 99938 (Apr. 
10, 2024), 89 FR 26983 (Apr. 16, 2024); Letter from Brandon Becker, 
CAT NMS Plan Operating Committee Chair, to Vanessa Countryman, 
Secretary, Commission (Mar. 27, 2024) (proposing amendments to the 
CAT NMS Plan for $23 million in annual savings).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(b) CAT Was Designed To Minimize Industry Member Effort
    The CAT System also was designed to minimize the extent to which 
Industry Members would need to alter their systems to report to CAT. 
During the design process, Industry Member groups argued that it would 
make more sense financially for the CAT to accommodate differences in 
industry systems, than for all Industry Members to change their 
systems. Moreover, such design choices would facilitate consistency, 
uniformity and accuracy in reporting. Requiring the CAT to make such 
accommodations may increase CAT costs while accommodating CAT 
Reporters.
    Based on the requirements in the CAT NMS Plan and/or in response to 
industry requests for functionality to be embedded with the Plan 
Processor to streamline or limit Industry Member system changes, the 
CAT has been designed to limit the effect on Industry Members. The 
following provides examples of such accommodations:
     Industry Member Reporting. In light of the complexity of 
Industry Member market activity, the CAT's order reporting and linkage 
scenarios document for Industry Members is over 800 pages in length, 
addressing nearly 200 scenarios.\163\ The Industry Member Technical 
Specifications allow for dozens of specific event types, which drive 
complexity for the Plan Processor, but streamline reporting for 
Industry Members. Furthermore, the Plan Processor greatly expanded 
Industry Member linkage requirements to support, among other things, 
child events and supplemental events, allowing for ``stateless as-you-
go'' and ``batch end-of-day'' reporting when all data is available. 
Accordingly, CAT takes on the significant cost and effort of providing 
the required linkages between CAT events; correspondingly, Industry 
Members are not required to perform this costly task.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \163\ See CAT Industry Member Reporting Scenarios v.4.10 (Oct. 
21, 2022).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     File Submission Process. The CAT was designed to 
accommodate the varying needs of CAT Reporters with regard to the file 
submission process. For example, in a 2018 letter, FIF stated that 
``[t]he SFTP-based submission process is cumbersome, exposes industry 
members to unnecessary complexity, and puts the burden of support on 
the CAT Reporter rather than imbedding more functionality into the Plan 
Processor.'' \164\ Currently, FCAT provides two mechanisms for 
submitting files: SFTP via a private network, and the Web via Reporter 
Web Portal.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \164\ Letter from Janet Early, FIF, to Thesys CAT (Mar. 29, 
2018).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Error Corrections. The industry also emphasized the need 
for the CAT to provide error correction tools and functionalities to 
identify, rectify and re-submit corrections within the required 
timeframe. For example, FIF stated in a 2018 letter the following:

    To be clear, if OATS-like error correction tools are not made 
available on Day 1, hundreds of firms will be required to create and 
test their own tools or obtain vendor alternatives prior to the CAT 
Go-Live Date. Proprietary tools will require additional system 
builds, access to and ingestion of CAT data to perform system 
validation, and testing which will further stress the limited number 
of subject matter experts (``SMEs'') dedicated to the implementation 
of CAT reporting. Should this occur, inevitably firms (especially 
small firms who lack the necessary IT staff to write code and 
develop proprietary systems), may be put in the position of passing 
onto investors the cost required to build hundreds of redundant 
systems.\165\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \165\ Letter from Christopher Bok, FIF, to Jay Clayton, Chair, 
Commission, at 4 (Dec. 11, 2018).

    CAT provides various tools to help Industry Members identify and 
rectify errors.
     Data Ingestion Format. The industry also recommended that 
CAT adopt a flexible input format that provides an option for Industry 
Members to submit data in formats that are already in use to reduce 
costs and potential reporting errors. For example, FIF argued the 
following:

    FIF CAT WG is not proposing a specific format; rather, we are 
proposing flexibility of input formats which includes support of 
existing formats (e.g., OATS, FIX) as well as a baseline 
specification where all fields are defined, and normalized. The 
input formats must be clearly and thoroughly defined in Technical 
Specifications, including FAQs.
    Mandating a uniform format for reporting data to the CAT 
simplifies the task for the Central Repository of consolidating/
storing data, but it puts the burden on each CAT Reporter to 
accurately translate their current (e.g., OATS) reporting 
information into a uniform CAT interface. However, that is likely to 
yield more errors because it is very dependent on accurate, complete 
and timely information (Technical Specifications, FAQs, meta-data, 
competent CAT help desk) available to CAT Reporters, availability of 
sophisticated CAT test tools to validate interface protocols, and 
the skill levels of the estimated 300+ unique CAT Reporters/
Submitters during Phase 1 of CAT. Concentrating the responsibility 
of data conversions with the Central Repository is a reasonable 
trade-off that should yield fewer errors, and greater accuracy.\166\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \166\ Letter from Mary Lou Von Kaenel, Managing Director, FIF, 
to Brent Fields, Secretary, Commission at 92 (July 18, 2016), 
https://www.sec.gov/comments/4-698/4698-13.pdf.

    CAT provides such a flexible input format.
(c) Effect of Initial Plan Processor Design
    The costs for cloud hosting services are appropriate and have not 
been adversely affected by the original design and approaches of the 
Initial Plan Processor. FCAT's design costs are the result of the 
requirements of the Commission-approved CAT NMS Plan.

[[Page 75883]]

    When FCAT took over as the Plan Processor from Thesys, it utilized 
certain aspects of the technical specifications created by Thesys in 
its design. However, FCAT has not maintained aspects of the original 
design that would not be appropriate for the CAT. FCAT revised and 
enhanced the original technical specifications of the CAT System to 
increase its efficiency and efficacy, and to ensure its compliance with 
the CAT NMS Plan. For example, the Initial Plan Processor's approach 
utilized many more fields than FCAT's approach, which relies on 
additional linkages. With the additional linkages, the CAT System takes 
on more of the CAT-related burdens than the Industry Members. Such an 
approach serves to facilitate consistency, uniformity and accuracy in 
reporting.
    Moreover, FCAT did not utilize the system built by the Initial Plan 
Processor; it rebuilt the CAT System based on revised technical 
specifications. For example, the Initial Plan Processor used an on-
premises processing approach which was not geared toward the huge 
amounts of data stored in the CAT, while FCAT adopted a cloud-based 
solution in response to such data demands.
    Furthermore, given the very short timeframe to develop the CAT 
System and the prior optimization of certain query tools (e.g., Diver) 
for regulatory use with significant amounts of data, FCAT determined to 
rely upon certain existing FINRA tools and adapt them for use with the 
CAT.
(iii) Consideration of AWS Alternatives
    CAT LLC continues to support the selection of AWS as the cloud 
hosting services provider for CAT given the compliance, operational, 
and security requirements of the CAT. Independent analyses confirm 
these conclusions, noting that ``AWS is an excellent choice for either 
strategic or tactical use and recommends considering AWS for almost all 
cloud IaaS or IaaS+PaaS scenarios.'' \167\ AWS provides the following 
benefits to CAT, among others:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \167\ See, e.g., Lydia Leong and Adrian Wong, Solution 
Comparison for Strategic Cloud Integrated IaaS and PaaS Providers 
(July 28, 2023) (``Strategic Cloud Assessment Article'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Broad Suitability. AWS has a long track record of 
successfully serving cloud customers with mission-critical projects.
     Proven Scalability. AWS has demonstrated that it is 
capable of building and delivering services on a large scale.
     Track Record of Innovation. AWS continues to rapidly 
innovate, both in terms of new domains of capability and at a 
fundamental level, thereby facilitating innovation for its customers.
     Resiliency/Dependability. Another benefit of AWS is its 
resiliency; it has a strong track record of stable services. As noted 
in a review of cloud service providers, ``[c]ustomers like to have a 
broad set of options for resilience and for their cloud providers to 
have a strong track record of stable services (continuously available, 
without operational quirks). Only AWS fulfills both desires.'' \168\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \168\ Strategic Cloud Assessment Article.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Technical and Customer Support. AWS consistently provides 
high-quality technical and customer support and engagement. Given the 
size, scope and regulatory importance of CAT, customer support and 
engagement that CAT has with the highest levels of AWS are very 
important to the success of the CAT.
     Scale. AWS is capable of supporting large-scale solutions, 
which is critical given the size and magnitude of the CAT.
     Security. AWS provides the security features necessary for 
the CAT.
    In addition, the nature of the CAT, including the amount of data it 
must process and the size of its data footprint, does not allow for a 
multi-cloud solution as this would be cost prohibitive and greatly 
increase the security boundary and associated risk profile of the CAT. 
For example, a multi-cloud hosting option would increase costs, 
complexity, and risk for operations with regard to, for example, 
DevOps, production support, and networking. Similarly, with regard to 
security, a multi-cloud solution would increase risk, including with 
regard to the need for data transfers between cloud providers and the 
expansion of the security boundary. With regard to labor, a multi-cloud 
solution would lose economies of scale due to the need to support 
unique cloud requirements. Accordingly, the use of single-cloud 
solution continues to provide advantages with regard to cost, 
complexity, and risk. Indeed, ``[t]he best practice is to focus on a 
single primary strategic provider.'' \169\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \169\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Furthermore, if another cloud service provider were determined to 
be a better match for the CAT at some future date, switching cloud 
service providers would be a very significant, expensive and time-
consuming effort. Such an effort would likely be a 10-to-15-year 
commitment at a substantial expense. Such a move would require the 
replication or redesign of the underlying cloud environments (e.g., 
organizational setup, identify management, accounts, environments, 
DevOps tooling likes release management/config management/network 
management), as the new provider likely would not have the same 
infrastructure and software. Once that process has been completed, an 
exabyte of CAT data would need to be securely migrated to the new 
platform.
(C) Funding Model Filings
    CAT LLC believes that the recovery of costs related to the 
development of the funding model is appropriate, and that the amount 
and scope of such costs, as described above, are reasonable.
    Funding the CAT is a critical aspect of Rule 613 and the CAT NMS 
Plan. Article XI of the CAT NMS Plan describes in detail the 
requirements for funding the CAT, and the Participants are required to 
comply with and enforce compliance with the funding requirements of the 
CAT NMS Plan, just as with other aspects of the Plan. Accordingly, the 
development and implementation of a funding model for the CAT is as 
much a part of the requirements of the CAT NMS Plan as the development 
and operation of the CAT System. CAT LLC sees no reason to distinguish 
the efforts to develop a funding model from, for example, efforts to 
develop the CAT System, in seeking to recover reasonable CAT costs.
    Moreover, in approving the CAT Funding Model, the Commission 
recognized that it is appropriate to recover reasonable costs for legal 
services as a part of Historical CAT Assessments. As approved by the 
SEC, the CAT NMS Plan states that ``the reasonably budgeted CAT costs 
shall include . . . legal costs.'' \170\ In addition, the CAT NMS Plan 
also requires Participants to include in their fee filings ``a brief 
description of the amount and type of the Historical CAT Costs, 
including . . . legal . . . costs.'' \171\ In keeping with these 
provisions, this filing provides a brief description of reasonably 
budgeted legal costs above. These legal costs include costs related to 
the development of the CAT Funding Model.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \170\ Section 11.1(a)(i) of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \171\ Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT NMS Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, the legal costs incurred for the assistance in 
developing the CAT Funding Model are reasonable in both amount and 
scope and should be recoverable as a part of Historical CAT Assessment 
1. As described above, the specialized services were performed by 
experienced counsel at negotiated rates for such services that reflect 
both the

[[Page 75884]]

extent of the services and market rates. Moreover, the scope of the 
legal costs associated with the development of the funding model 
reflect the complexity of the task in satisfying the detailed 
requirements of the CAT NMS Plan, the standards of the Exchange Act, 
and the many perspectives of the different market constituents 
potentially affected by or interested in the funding model, including 
Industry Members, Participants and investors. The many and varied 
comments by market participants on CAT funding over the years 
demonstrate the complexity of the task.
(D) Costs Related to Litigation With the SEC
    CAT LLC believes that the recovery of legal costs related to the 
litigation with the SEC regarding the CAT NMS Plan is appropriate, and 
that the amount and scope of such costs, as described above, are 
reasonable.
    As a preliminary matter, as discussed above, the Commission 
recognized that it is appropriate to recover reasonable costs for legal 
services as a part of Historical CAT Assessments.\172\ Moreover, CAT 
LLC initiated such litigation, and incurred the related legal costs, 
because it was critical to address the Commission's interpretations of 
the CAT NMS Plan. Among other things, such interpretations threatened 
to impose unnecessary costs on the CAT, which would be borne by the 
Participants and Industry Members. Indeed, in response to the 
litigation, the Commission provided exemptive relief that allowed 
alternative, more cost-effective approaches to the implementation of 
the CAT. Specifically, in the 2023 exemptive order, the Commission 
stated:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \172\ See Sections 11.1(a)(i) and 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT 
NMS Plan.

    The conditional exemptive relief in this Order allows for the 
implementation of alternative regulatory solutions that continue to 
advance the regulatory goals that Rule 613 and the CAT NMS Plan were 
intended to promote, while reducing the implementation and 
operational costs, burdens, and/or difficulties that would otherwise 
be incurred by the Participants and Industry Members that must fund 
the CAT.\173\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \173\ Settlement Exemptive Order at 77129-30.

    CAT LLC believes it is reasonable and appropriate to incur costs to 
limit the need to incur even greater costs due to certain 
interpretations of the Plan.
    In addition, the legal costs incurred during the litigation are 
reasonable in both amount and scope and should be recoverable as a part 
of Historical CAT Assessment 1. As described above, the specialized 
services were performed by experienced counsel at market rates for such 
services. As such, the legal costs related to this litigation incurred 
during the period covered by Historical CAT Assessment 1 were 
reasonable.
    Finally, Industry Members will directly benefit from the result of 
the litigation because it has addressed CAT NMS Plan requirements that 
would have imposed significantly greater costs on the CAT. Accordingly, 
it is reasonable and appropriate that the costs of such litigation be 
included in the Historical CAT Costs 1.
(E) Costs Related to the Initial Plan Processor
    CAT LLC believes that it is appropriate to recover costs related to 
the services performed by the Initial Plan Processor prior to November 
15, 2017, which was the date by which Participants were required to 
begin reporting to the CAT, due to the delay in the commencement of 
reporting to the CAT. As discussed above, the Participants determined 
to exclude all CAT costs incurred from November 15, 2017 through 
November 15, 2018, which includes $37,852,083 in Thesys costs incurred 
from November 15, 2017 through November 15, 2018 (as well as other CAT 
costs during this period). The remaining Thesys costs incurred after 
November 15, 2018 are the $19,628,791 in capitalized developed 
technology costs for the period from November 16, 2018 through February 
2019 incurred in the development of the CAT by the Initial Plan 
Processor, as well as a transition fee for the transition from the 
Initial Plan Processor to the successor Plan Processor. The 
Participants would remain responsible for 100% of these $19,628,791 in 
costs.
    CAT LLC believes that it is appropriate to recover costs related to 
the services performed by the Initial Plan Processor prior to November 
15, 2017. CAT LLC notes that the development and implementation of the 
CAT System, while unprecedented in scope and design, is like any other 
large and innovative technology project in that, inevitably, there were 
adjustments and refinements in the technical approach as the project 
developed, even with substantial planning efforts and oversight prior 
to the build. This is even more likely when the project faces a very 
tight implementation schedule, such as the one imposed by the 
Commission in Rule 613 and the CAT NMS Plan. However, an adjusted 
approach does not mean that the funds were not valid expenditures and 
should not be recovered.
    The reasonableness of Thesys costs should be evaluated by the 
Commission as of the time they were incurred, not in hindsight. As 
detailed above, the Commission concluded in 2016 that ``the competitive 
bidding process to select the Plan Processor is a reasonable and 
effective way to choose a Plan Processor,'' and that ``the process set 
forth in the Selection Plan should be permitted to continue.'' \174\ 
Following this process, the Participants notified the Commission of the 
selection of Thesys as the Initial Plan Processor on January 17, 
2017.\175\ At the time, neither the Commission nor the industry argued 
that the selection of the Initial Plan Processor was unreasonable or 
otherwise inconsistent with the CAT NMS Plan, nor did they predict the 
selection would result in unanticipated delays in the implementation of 
the CAT System. On the contrary, on April 4, 2017, the President of 
SIFMA wrote that ``SIFMA looks forward to commencing work with the SROs 
and Thesys.'' \176\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \174\ CAT NMS Plan Approval Order at 84737.
    \175\ Letter from the Participants to Brent J. Fields, 
Secretary, SEC (Jan. 18, 2017), https://www.sec.gov/divisions/marketreg/rule613-info-notice-of-plan-processor-selection.pdf.
    \176\ Letter from Kenneth E. Bentsen, Jr., SIFMA, to 
Participants re: Selection of Thesys as CAT Processor (Apr. 4, 
2017), https://www.sifma.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/SIFMA-Submits-Comment-Letter-to-SRO-on-the-selection-of-Thesys-as-the-CAT-Processor.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As noted in the CAT Funding Model Approval Order, ``[i]n Rule 613, 
the Commission made the determination that the costs of the CAT should 
be shared by the Participants and Industry Members.'' \177\ If the CAT 
Funding Model had existed on Day 1, the risk of any unanticipated costs 
or challenges associated with the Initial Plan Processor would have 
been fairly and reasonably shared among the Participants and Industry 
Members on an ongoing basis. Given that the Commission concluded in 
2012 that the costs of the CAT would be shared by the Participants and 
Industry Members, it is not fair or reasonable to determine in 
hindsight that all of the risk involved in developing the CAT should be 
allocated entirely to the Participants.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \177\ CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62650.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(F) CAIS Implementation Costs
    CAT LLC believes that the recovery of CAIS-related costs is 
appropriate, and that the amount and scope of such costs, as described 
above, are reasonable, and that the reasonableness of historical costs 
should be evaluated by the Commission as of the time they were 
incurred, not in hindsight.

[[Page 75885]]

    In approving the CAT Funding Model, the Commission recognized that 
it is appropriate to recover reasonable CAIS operating costs as a part 
of Historical CAT Assessments. As approved by the SEC, the CAT NMS Plan 
states that ``the reasonably budgeted CAT costs shall include . . . 
CAIS operating fees.'' \178\ In addition, the CAT NMS Plan also 
requires Participants to include in their fee filings ``a brief 
description of the amount and type of the Historical CAT Costs, 
including . . . CAIS operating fees.'' \179\ In keeping with these 
provisions, this filing provides a brief description of reasonably 
budgeted CAIS operating fees.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \178\ Section 11.1(a)(i) of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \179\ Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT NMS Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, CAT LLC determined that the CAIS operating fees 
described above are reasonable in both amount and scope and should be 
recoverable as a part of Historical CAT Assessment 1. The ``CAIS 
Operating Costs'' for Historical CAT Assessment 1 total $9,480,587, 
with Pre-FAM costs of $2,072,908, FAM 1 costs of $254,998, FAM 2 costs 
of $1,590,298, and FAM 3 costs of $5,562,383. As described above, the 
CAIS operating fees were incurred with regard to two categories of 
CAIS-related efforts: (1) the acceleration of the reporting of LTIDs; 
and (2) the development of the CAIS Technical Specifications and the 
building of CAIS. These two categories of costs are discussed in more 
detail below.
(i) LTID Reporting
    During the period covered by Historical CAT Assessment 1, the CAIS 
operating costs included costs related to the acceleration of the 
reporting of LTIDs earlier than originally contemplated during this 
period at the request of the SEC and in accordance with exemptive 
relief granted by the SEC.\180\ As the SEC approved in this exemptive 
relief, the Participants proposed ``to require the reporting of LTIDs 
to the CAT in Phases 2c and 2d, instead of with the rest of Customer 
Account Information in Phase 2e, which potentially could result in an 
earlier elimination of broker-dealer recordkeeping, reporting and 
monitoring requirements of the Large Trader Rule.'' \181\ To implement 
the reporting of LTIDs to the CAT, the following steps were taken 
during the period covered by Historical CAT Assessment 1:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \180\ See Phased Reporting Exemptive Relief Order at 23079-80.
    \181\ Id. at 23078-79, n.70.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     After FCAT developed the LTID Technical Specifications, 
the LTID Technical Specifications were published on January 31, 2020, 
with additional updates provided to the LTID Technical Specifications 
through April 2021.\182\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \182\ The LTID Technical Specifications, including original 
drafts and updated versions, are available on the Industry Member 
Specifications page of the CAT website (https://www.catnmsplan.com/specifications/im).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     The LTID account information testing environment opened on 
August 24, 2020.
     The LTID account information reporting production 
environment opened on December 14, 2020.
     CAT Reporters were required to request their production 
readiness certification for account information related to LTIDs by the 
deadline of April 9, 2021.
     The LTID account information reporting for Phases 2a, 2b 
and 2c for Large Industry Members went live on April 26, 2021.
     The LTID account information reporting for Phases 2d for 
Large Industry Members went live on December 13, 2021.
     The LTID account information reporting for Phases 2a, 2b, 
2c and 2d for Small Industry Members went live on April 26, 2021.
    Throughout this project, FCAT and CAT LLC worked closely with the 
industry on LTID and CAIS reporting. Between December 2019 and December 
2021, at least 57 checkpoint calls, webinars, and technical working 
group meetings with industry representatives were hosted to address 
issues and to educate CAT Reporters regarding LTID and CAIS 
reporting.\183\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \183\ Such contact points with the industry are described in 
detail on the Events web page of the CAT website (https://www.catnmsplan.com/events).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The LTID reporting project was successfully completed in a timely 
fashion, and the fees related to the project were reasonable. 
Accordingly, CAT LLC appropriately seeks to recover such costs via 
Historical CAT Assessment 1.
(ii) CAIS Reporting
    During the period covered by Historical CAT Assessment 1, FCAT 
began the development of the full CAIS Technical Specifications and the 
building of CAIS. The CAIS Technical Specifications were developed 
during this period as follows:
     Iterative drafts of the CAIS Technical Specifications were 
published on June 30, 2020, December 1, 2020, and January 1, 2021.\184\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \184\ The CAIS Technical Specifications, including original 
drafts and updated versions, are available on the Industry Member 
Specifications page of the CAT website (https://www.catnmsplan.com/specifications/im).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     The full, final CAIS Technical Specifications were 
published on January 29, 2021.
     Updated versions of the CAIS Technical Specifications were 
published throughout 2021.\185\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \185\ Six updated versions of the CAIS Technical Specifications 
were published during 2021, in March, May, June, August, October and 
December.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As discussed above, FCAT and CAT LLC frequently engaged with the 
industry regarding the development of CAIS, hosting regular checkpoint 
calls, webinars, and technical working group meetings with industry 
representatives to address any issues, including addressing the 
interplay between Industry Members' existing customer systems and CAIS, 
and to educate CAT Reporters regarding LTID and CAIS reporting. Such 
engagement was critical to the CAIS development process as the CAIS 
project was unprecedented in terms of its content, scope and 
complexity.
    During this period, FCAT also commenced the building of the CAIS 
system in accordance with the CAIS Technical Specifications during the 
period covered by Historical CAT Assessment 1. The CAIS system was 
ready for industry testing shortly after the end of this period in 
January 2022.
    The CAIS Technical Specifications and the CAIS system, as developed 
during this period, continue to be in use today. Industry Members have 
been required to report, and have continuously reported, required data 
to CAIS on a daily basis since November 7, 2022, consistent with 
interim reporting obligations. The CAIS system accepts and validates 
the CAIS data submitted by Industry Members and provides Industry 
Members with initial feedback on data errors. In light of the 
unprecedented nature of the CAIS system, certain changes to the system, 
such as changes related to error corrections and the CAIS regulatory 
portal, were necessary to finalize CAIS reporting. FCAT worked to 
address these remaining issues,\186\ and, as of May 31, 2024, FCAT 
indicated that it had achieved the final CAIS reporting milestone. 
Accordingly, CAT LLC appropriately seeks to recover CAIS operating 
costs via Historical CAT Assessment 1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \186\ See, e.g., CAT Q4 2023 Quarterly Progress Report (Jan. 30, 
2024) (https://www.catnmsplan.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/CAT-Q4-2023-QPR.pdf).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(G) Public Relations Costs
    CAT LLC believes that the recovery of public relations costs is 
appropriate and that the amount and scope of such costs, as described 
above, are reasonable.

[[Page 75886]]

    The Commission has long recognized that external public relations 
costs are reasonably associated with creating, implementing and 
maintaining the CAT. In the CAT NMS Plan Approval Order, the Commission 
estimated that the Participants had collectively spent approximately 
$2,400,000 in preparation of the CAT NMS Plan on external public 
relations, legal, and consulting costs, and estimated that the 
Participants would continue to incur external public relations costs 
associated with maintaining the CAT upon approval of the CAT NMS 
Plan.\187\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \187\ CAT NMS Plan Approval Order at 84917-18.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In approving the CAT Funding Model, the Commission recognized that 
it is appropriate to recover reasonable costs for public relations 
services as a part of Historical CAT Assessments. As approved by the 
SEC, the CAT NMS Plan states that ``the reasonably budgeted CAT costs 
shall include . . . public relations costs.'' \188\ In addition, the 
CAT NMS Plan also requires Participants to include in their fee filings 
``a brief description of the amount and type of the Historical CAT 
Costs, including . . . public relations costs.'' \189\ In keeping with 
these provisions, a brief description of reasonable public relations 
costs are described above.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \188\ Section 11.1(a)(i) of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \189\ Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT NMS Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, CAT LLC determined that the public relations costs 
described above are reasonable in both amount and scope and should be 
recoverable as a part of Historical CAT Assessment 1. The services 
performed by the public relations firms through 2021 were limited in 
scope to assist CAT LLC, which has no employees of its own, to be 
better positioned to understand and address CAT matters to the benefit 
of all market participants and to communicate on important CAT topics 
with the public. In addition, the costs for these services were 
appropriately limited. During the 10-year period covered by Historical 
CAT Assessment 1, the average cost per year for these services was 
approximately $36,000.
(H) Legal Costs Related to the Limitation of Liability Provision in CAT 
Reporter Agreements
    CAT LLC believes that the recovery of legal costs related to the 
limitation of liability provision, including costs related to the 
proceedings before the SEC and costs related to the proposed amendment 
to the Consolidated Audit Trail Reporter Agreement and the Consolidated 
Audit Trail Reporting Agent Agreement (the ``Reporting Agreements'') is 
appropriate and that the amount and scope of such costs as described 
above are reasonable.
    As a preliminary matter, as discussed above, the Commission 
recognized that it is appropriate to recover reasonable costs for legal 
services as a part of Historical CAT Assessments.\190\ In addition, CAT 
LLC determined that the legal costs incurred for the assistance with 
regard to the limitation of liability provisions are reasonable in both 
amount and scope and should be recoverable as a part of Historical CAT 
Assessment 1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \190\ See Sections 11.1(a)(i) and 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT 
NMS Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Moreover, it is critical that CAT LLC, which has no employees of 
its own, have the ability to fund a legal defense in litigation and 
other legal proceedings against it. In response to CAT LLC requiring 
Industry Members to agree to the limitation of liability provision to 
submit data to the CAT, SIFMA filed an application for review of 
actions taken by CAT LLC and the Participants pursuant to Sections 
19(d) and 19(f) of the Exchange Act. Contemporaneously with the filing 
of this proceeding, SIFMA moved for a stay of the requirement that 
Industry Members sign a Reporter Agreement, or in the alternative, 
asked the Commission to further delay the launch of CAT reporting on 
June 22, 2020. CAT LLC must have the resources to defend itself from 
litigious actions by others, like these.
    Although a limitation of liability provision ultimately was not 
adopted as proposed, it was a reasonable provision to propose for the 
CAT Reporter Agreements, given that such provisions are in accordance 
with industry norms. Limitations of liability are ubiquitous within the 
securities industry and have long governed the economic relationships 
between self-regulatory organizations and the entities that they 
regulate. For example, U.S. securities exchanges have adopted rules to 
limit their liability for losses that Industry Members incur through 
their use of exchange facilities.\191\ Similarly, FINRA's former order 
audit trail, OATS, which has functioned as an integrated audit trail of 
order, quote, and trade data for equity securities, required FINRA 
members to acknowledge an agreement that includes a limitation of 
liability provision.\192\ In addition, such a provision was intended to 
ensure the financial stability of the CAT. Accordingly, it was 
reasonable for CAT LLC to propose the use of such a provision.\193\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \191\ See, e.g., NASDAQ Equities Rule 4626.
    \192\ FINRA Rule 1013(a)(1)(R) requires all applicants for FINRA 
Membership to acknowledge the FINRA Entitlement Program Agreement 
and Terms of Use, which applies to OATS. Industry Members click to 
indicate that they agree to its terms--including its limitation of 
liability provision--every time they access FINRA's OATS system to 
report trade information (i.e., repeatedly over the course of a 
trading day for many Industry Members).
    \193\ See Letter from Michael Simon, Chair, CAT Operating 
Committee, to Vanessa Countryman, Secretary, Commission (Dec. 18, 
2020).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Furthermore, as described above, the specialized services were 
performed by experienced counsel at market rates for such services. 
Accordingly, the legal costs for the efforts related to the limitation 
of liability provision were reasonable.
(I) Costs for the Chair of CAT Operating Committee
    CAT LLC believes that the recovery of consulting costs related to 
the Chair of the CAT Operating Committee is appropriate and that the 
amount and scope of such costs are reasonable.
    As a preliminary matter, the selection of the Chair of the 
Operating Committee complies with the requirements of Section 4.2 of 
the CAT NMS Plan. The initial Chair that served during the period 
covered by Historical CAT Assessment was designated by a Participant as 
the Participant's alternate voting member. Accordingly, the Chair is a 
representative of the Participants, as required by the CAT NMS Plan.
    In addition, in approving the CAT Funding Model, the Commission 
recognized that it is appropriate to recover reasonable costs for 
consulting as a part of Historical CAT Assessments. As approved by the 
SEC, the CAT NMS Plan states that ``the reasonably budgeted CAT costs 
shall include . . . consulting . . .'' costs.\194\ In addition, the CAT 
NMS Plan also requires Participants to include in their fee filings ``a 
brief description of the amount and type of the Historical CAT Costs, 
including . . . consulting'' \195\ costs. In keeping with these 
provisions, a brief description of reasonable consulting costs is 
included in this filing, and such reasonable consulting costs include 
the costs related to the Chair position.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \194\ Section 11.1(a)(i) of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \195\ Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT NMS Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Participants determined that the position of the Chair was a 
critical role for the implementation of the CAT, and an independent 
Chair would appropriately consider and address the views of each of the 
Participants. The Participants also determined that it was important to 
have a Chair with a strong

[[Page 75887]]

background regarding issues related to the regulatory obligations of 
self-regulatory organizations, including their obligations under 
national market system plans. The compensation paid to the Chair is 
appropriate for a person with such background and skills. The average 
annual amount paid to the Chair from 2017 through the end of FAM 3 was 
$292,733.30. Separate from the Chair, CAT LLC relies upon a Leadership 
Team of representatives of the SROs to oversee the day-to-day 
implementation of the CAT NMS Plan. CAT LLC does not compensate any 
member of the Leadership Team.
(11) Fee Implementation Assistance for Industry Members
(A) Reconciliation of CAT Invoices
(i) Reconciliation of CAT Invoices to Underlying Trades Provided by CAT
    CAT LLC understands that there are three types of reconciliation 
processes related to the invoices:
     Reconciliation of CAT Invoices to Underlying Trades: 
Reconciling the CAT invoice amount to the underlying trades provided by 
CAT;
     Matching Trades to Books and Records: Providing the means 
to match the underlying trades provided by CAT with CAT invoices to 
other books and records independently maintained by individual CAT 
Reporters (e.g., exchange trade journals/acknowledgements) and data 
sources of self-regulatory organizations independent of CAT; and
     Order Originator Identification: Providing the ability to 
identify the order originator for the underlying trades provided by CAT 
with CAT invoices, which would facilitate firms' ability to pass 
through CAT Fees to their customers.
    As discussed further below, CAT LLC only considers the first type 
of process to be a ``reconciliation'' and the only type of process that 
is required under the CAT NMS Plan. CAT LLC provides the means to 
reconcile the CAT invoice amount to the underlying trades provided by 
CAT.
    The CAT NMS Plan does not require CAT LLC to facilitate the second 
type of process: matching underlying trades for a CAT invoice with a 
firm's internal books and records. CAT LLC has access only to the 
underlying trades provided by CAT; it does not have access to a firm's 
internal books and records. Although beyond the requirements of the CAT 
NMS Plan and involving firm specific considerations, CAT LLC 
voluntarily has provided guidance and processes to assist CAT Reporters 
in their efforts to match the underlying trades with their own books 
and records.
    The CAT NMS Plan also does not require CAT LLC to provide the 
ability to identify the order originator for the underlying trades for 
the CAT invoices. Accordingly, the billing guidance and processes do 
not provide CAT Reporters with the ability to identify the order 
originator for the underlying trades provided by CAT with CAT invoices. 
CAT LLC has been working closely with CAT Reporters to explain its 
billing approach and to address any outstanding billing questions. But, 
it should not be lost that CAT LLC provides information sufficient to 
allow CAT Reporters to reconcile CAT invoice amounts with the 
underlying trades provided by CAT LLC.
(ii) Match the Underlying Trades Provided by CAT With CAT Invoices to 
Firms' Internal Books and Records Independent of CAT
    The CAT NMS Plan does not require CAT LLC to facilitate the 
matching of underlying trades for a CAT invoice with a firm's internal 
books and records, which may consist of trading data from various 
sources external to CAT. Although beyond the requirements of the CAT 
NMS Plan and involving firm specific considerations, CAT LLC 
voluntarily has provided guidance and processes to assist CAT Reporters 
in their efforts to match the underlying trades with their own books 
and records.
    In this regard, it is important to recognize that CAT LLC has 
developed a billing approach that greatly improves upon existing 
billing practices for similar regulatory fees (e.g., fees related to 
Section 31). Accordingly, with the additional information voluntarily 
provided by CAT LLC, CAT Reporters generally will have sufficient 
information to match their underlying trades provided by CAT with their 
own internal books and records that are independent of CAT or to SRO 
data that is independent of CAT data. However, CAT LLC emphasizes that 
providing such additional information is not required by the CAT NMS 
Plan.
    To facilitate the introduction of CAT fees, CAT LLC has worked with 
FCAT to develop an approach to CAT billing that is consistent with 
existing billing constructs used with regard to Section 31-related 
sales values fees, subject to certain enhancements. Under this billing 
approach, FCAT is providing additional linkage elements, not 
necessarily provided in the Section 31-sales value fee context, to 
facilitate CAT Reporters' ability to match the underlying trades 
provided by CAT with their internal books and records and to reduce the 
complexity of that process. Specifically, FCAT is providing various key 
elements of the trade itself, such as the tradeID and branch 
sequence,\196\ to CAT Reporters in the trade billing details provided 
with their CAT invoices (``Additional Trade Details''). As a result, 
CAT Reporters now have numerous alternative methods for matching a 
trade with their internal books and records where they previously did 
not have such matching methods in other fee contexts.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \196\ See CAT Technical Specifications for Billing Trade 
Details; Trade Details Schema (https://catnmsplan.com/sites/default/files/2024-02/02.05.24-Billing-Trade-Details-Schema.json); CAT 
Billing Scenarios, Version 1.0 (Nov. 30, 2023) (https://www.catnmsplan.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/01.12.2024-CAT-Billing-Scenarios-v1.0.pdf).
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    With the Additional Trade Details, CAT LLC and FCAT believe that 
the overwhelming majority of underlying trades provided by CAT bills 
can be matched with a CAT Reporter's internal books and records. CAT 
LLC recognizes that there may be certain cases in which such matching 
is more difficult given various firm-specific considerations, but 
believes that such instances are significantly more limited than with 
regard to the SRO fees charged in relation to Section 31.\197\ By 
providing Additional Trade Details that are not available in other fee 
contexts, FCAT enhances the Industry Members' ability to match the 
underlying trades provided with CAT invoices with books and records and 
SRO data, both of which are independent of CAT data.
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    \197\ For years, broker-dealers have faced similar 
reconciliation issues with regard to SRO fees related to Section 31. 
Broker-dealers have responded to this issue in the Section 31 
context by exercising their discretion as to whether and the manner 
and extent to which they pass on those fees (e.g., by rounding up 
its fees to the nearest cent, or decide to charge for, or not charge 
for, certain transactions, or assess a specific fee or incorporate 
the costs into other fee programs). See, e.g., Securities Exchange 
Act Rel. No. 49928 (June 28, 2004), 69 FR 41060, 41072 (July 7, 
2004) (noting that broker-dealers may ``over-collect'' Section 31-
related fees charged to their clients due to rounding practices, and 
double-counting with regard to certain transactions).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(iii) CAT LLC Is Not Required To Facilitate CAT Reporters' Ability To 
Pass Through Fees to Their Customers
    Similar to other regulatory fees, the CAT NMS Plan does not address 
the manner or extent to which CAT Executing Brokers may seek to pass 
any CAT fees on to their customers, nor does it impose any obligation 
on CAT LLC or the Plan Processor to facilitate firms' ability to do so. 
Accordingly, Historical CAT Assessment 1 does not address the process 
by which any CAT Reporters may pass through the fee to their

[[Page 75888]]

customers. Likewise, the CAT billing approach provided by the Plan 
Processor is designed to address the needs of CAT Reporters with regard 
to the reconciliation of CAT invoices with the underlying trades 
provided by CAT LLC with the invoices; they are not designed to address 
issues related to any pass-through fees. Accordingly, facilitating CAT 
Reporters' ability to pass through fees to their clients is outside the 
scope of this fee filing. Nevertheless, as described below, CAT LLC and 
the Plan Processor have expended significant efforts to provide 
technical assistance to Industry Members regarding the implementation 
of Historical CAT Assessment 1, including providing Additional Trade 
Details that provide significant details about each underlying trade.
(a) Originating Brokers Versus Executing Brokers
    In its approval of the CAT Funding Model, the Commission approved 
charging CAT fees to the CAT Executing Broker, rather than the 
originating broker. This fee filing must comply with the requirements 
of the CAT Funding Model, and, therefore, charges the Historical CAT 
Assessment 1 to CAT Executing Brokers.
    Moreover, charging originating brokers would introduce significant 
complexity to the billing process from the CAT's perspective, and would 
increase the costs of implementing CAT fees. Charging the CAT Executing 
Broker is simple and straightforward, and leverages a one-to-one 
relationship between billable events (trades) and billable parties, 
similar to other transaction-based fees. In contrast, for a single 
trade event, there may be many originating brokers, and each trade must 
be broken down on a pro-rata basis, to account for one or more layers 
of aggregation, disaggregation, and representation of the underlying 
orders. While CAT is indeed designed to capture and unwind complex 
aggregation scenarios, the data and linkages are structured to 
facilitate regulatory use, and not a billing mechanism that assesses 
fees on a distinct set of executed trades; it is not simply a matter of 
using existing CAT linkages. Furthermore, charging originating brokers 
would implicate issues related to lifecycle linkage rates, and issues 
related to corrections, cancellations and allocations, while charging 
CAT Executing Brokers would avoid such issues.
(b) Identification of Order Originator for Underlying Trades
    As noted, the CAT NMS Plan does not address the manner or extent to 
which CAT Executing Brokers may seek to pass any CAT Fees on to their 
customers, nor does it impose any obligation on CAT LLC or the Plan 
Processor to facilitate firms' ability to do so. Nevertheless, the 
Additional Trade Details provided with regard to the underlying trades 
on CAT invoices may assist with this process. Like with Section 31-
related sales value fees, however, it is not always possible to trace 
every fee on a transaction back to the originating party. Industry 
Members have faced these issues under Section 31-related sales values 
fees for many years.\198\ However, with the Additional Trade Details 
provided under the CAT billing approach, in many cases, CAT Reporters 
will be able to identify the order originator for the underlying trades 
provided by CAT with CAT invoices. In some cases, CAT LLC believes that 
certain issues related to certain types of market activity may 
implicate CAT Reporters' ability to identify the order originator for a 
limited set of underlying trades for the CAT invoices. Although CAT LLC 
does not believe that it is required to address these issues, CAT LLC 
and FCAT have been carefully researching and analyzing these types of 
issues as they are identified, and have been working voluntarily to 
assist CAT Reporters with these issues as necessary and when possible. 
In addition, CAT LLC intends to continue to provide CAT Reporters with 
billing guidance through FAQs, CAT Alerts and Helpdesk responses to 
address outstanding billing questions.
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    \198\ ``FINRA charges a Regulatory Transaction Fee (``RTF'') to 
industry members to reimburse FINRA for the Section 31 fees that 
FINRA pays to the Commission. FINRA does not currently provide 
industry members with the data that industry members require for 
proper reconciliation of RTF fees. This has been a major problem for 
the industry for many years.'' Letter from Howard Meyerson, Managing 
Director, FIF, to Robert Cook, Chief Executive Officer, FINRA at 2 
(Dec. 15. 2023) (https://fif.com/index.php/working-groups/category/271-comment-letters?download=2820:fif-letter-to-finra-on-pass-through-of-finra-cat-fees&view=category).
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(B) Significant Technical Assistance
    CAT LLC has worked with FCAT to provide significant technical 
assistance to Industry Members to allow the Industry Members to 
understand how Historical CAT Assessment 1 will be implemented and 
billed, including webinars, CAT alerts, mock invoices, and responses to 
questions posed to the FCAT Help Desk.
     Technical Specifications and Scenarios. CAT LLC has 
provided detailed technical documentation for CAT billing, including 
(1) technical specifications, which describe the CAT Billing Trade 
Details Files associated with monthly CAT invoices, including detailed 
information about data elements and file formats as well as access 
instructions, network and transport options; \199\ (2) trade details 
schemas; \200\ and (3) CAT billing scenarios.\201\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \199\ CAT Technical Specifications for Billing Trade Details, 
Version 1.0 r1 (Dec. 8. 2023) (https://catnmsplan.com/sites/default/files/2023-12/12.07.2023-CAT-Techical-Specifications-for-Billing-Trade-Details-v1.0r1_CLEAN.pdf).
    \200\ Trade Details Schema (https://catnmsplan.com/sites/default/files/2024-02/02.05.24-Billing-Trade-Details-Schema.json).
    \201\ CAT Billing Scenarios, Version 1.0 (Nov. 30, 2023) 
(https://www.catnmsplan.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/01.12.2024-CAT-Billing-Scenarios-v1.0.pdf).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Industry Webinars. CAT LLC has hosted two industry 
webinars specifically dedicated to CAT billing. The first webinar, 
hosted on September 28, 2023, discussed the operational implementation 
of the CAT Reporter billing process.\202\ The second webinar, hosted on 
November 7, 2023, provided (1) a demonstration of the CAT Reporter 
Portal and how to access CAT billing documents, including CAT invoices; 
and (2) additional information on underlying trade details in relation 
to the CAT Reporter billing process and an overview of the CAT Contact 
Management System.\203\ 485 participants and 394 participants attended 
the two webinars, respectively.
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    \202\ CAT Billing Webinar, Part 1 (Sept. 28, 2023) (https://www.catnmsplan.com/events/part-1-cat-billing-webinar).
    \203\ CAT Billing Webinar, Part 2 (Nov. 7, 2023) (https://www.catnmsplan.com/events/part-2-cat-billing-webinar).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     CAT Alert. CAT LLC has published a detailed CAT Alert that 
describes how FCAT, as the Plan Processor acting on behalf of CAT LLC, 
will calculate applicable fees, issue invoices to and collect payment 
from CAT Executing Brokers.\204\
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    \204\ See CAT Alert 2023-02 (Oct. 12, 2023) (https://www.catnmsplan.com/sites/default/files/2023-10/10.12.23-CAT-Alert-2023-02.pdf).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). CAT LLC also has 
continued to engage with the industry on billing issues by making 
responses to billing FAQs available on the CAT website. The FAQs 
address a broad range of frequently asked questions, including, for 
example, which Industry Members will receive invoices, how fees are 
calculated, when and how fees are required to be paid, how to access 
invoices, and how to update the billing contact. To date, responses to 
27 FAQs are available on the CAT website, and

[[Page 75889]]

CAT LLC will provide additional responses to FAQs as warranted.\205\
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    \205\ See CAT Billing FAQs, Section V of CAT FAQs (https://www.catnmsplan.com/faq?search_api_fulltext=&field_topics=271&sort_by=field_faq_number).
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     Mock Invoices. To assist Industry Members with compliance 
with the commencement of Historical CAT Assessment 1, CAT LLC has been 
making available to CAT Executing Brokers mock invoices for Historical 
CAT Assessment 1 since December 2023 for billable activity occurring in 
November 2023. The mock invoices are in the same form as the actual, 
payable invoices, including both the relevant transaction data and the 
corresponding fee (as originally contemplated). However, no payments 
are required in response to such mock invoices; they are to be used 
solely to assist CAT Executing Brokers with the development of their 
processes for paying the CAT fees. Such data provides CAT Executing 
Brokers with a preview of the transaction data used in creating the 
invoices for Historical CAT Assessment 1 fees, as the data will be the 
same as data provided in actual invoices. Such data preview is intended 
to facilitate the payment of Historical CAT Assessment 1. For the 
November, December, and January billing periods, FCAT has generated 
trade detail files for 569 distinct firms that are CAT Executing 
Brokers. As such, CAT Reporters have actively engaged in the billing 
process via the mock invoices.
     Help Desk Assistance. CAT LLC also provides detailed, 
individualized assistance to Industry Members regarding CAT fees and 
the billing process through the FCAT Help Desk.\206\ For example, the 
Help Desk has assisted with 406 cases related to the billing of CAT 
fees from July 2023 through March 2024.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \206\ The CAT NMS Plan requires that the Plan Processor ``staff 
a CAT help desk, as described in Appendix D, CAT Help Desk, to 
provide technical expertise.'' Section 6.10(c)(vi) of the CAT NMS 
Plan. See also Section 10.3 of Appendix D of the CAT NMS Plan for a 
description of the Plan requirements for the CAT Help Desk.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    By providing such detailed and sustained assistance to Industry 
Members regarding CAT fees and billing, CAT LLC has successfully 
addressed questions raised by Industry Members regarding the CAT fees 
and billing processes.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with 
the requirements of the Exchange Act. The Exchange believes that the 
proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the 
Act,\207\ which requires, among other things, that the Exchange's rules 
must be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and 
practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, and, in 
general, to protect investors and the public interest, and not designed 
to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, brokers and 
dealers. The Exchange also believes that the proposed rule change is 
consistent with the provisions of Section 6(b)(4) of the Act,\208\ 
because it provides for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, 
fees and other charges among members and issuers and other persons 
using its facilities and does not unfairly discriminate between 
customers, issuers, brokers or dealers. The Exchange further believes 
that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b)(8) of the 
Act,\209\ which requires that the Exchange's rules not impose any 
burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in 
furtherance of the purpose of the Exchange Act. These provisions also 
require that the Exchange be ``so organized and [have] the capacity to 
be able to carry out the purposes'' of the Act and ``to comply, and . . 
. to enforce compliance by its members and persons associated with its 
members,'' with the provisions of the Exchange Act.\210\ Accordingly, a 
reasonable reading of the Act indicates that it intended that 
regulatory funding be sufficient to permit an exchange to fulfill its 
statutory responsibility under the Act, and contemplated that such 
funding would be achieved through equitable assessments on the members, 
issuers, and other users of an exchange's facilities.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \207\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(6).
    \208\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4).
    \209\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(8).
    \210\ See Section 6(b)(1) of the Exchange Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange believes that this proposal is consistent with the Act 
because it implements provisions of the Plan and is designed to assist 
the Exchange in meeting regulatory obligations pursuant to the Plan. In 
approving the Plan, the SEC noted that the Plan ``is necessary and 
appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors and 
the maintenance of fair and orderly markets, to remove impediments to, 
and perfect the mechanism of a national market system, or is otherwise 
in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.'' \211\ To the extent that 
this proposal implements the Plan and applies specific requirements to 
Industry Members, the Exchange believes that this proposal furthers the 
objectives of the Plan, as identified by the SEC, and is therefore 
consistent with the Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \211\ CAT NMS Plan Approval Order at 84697.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange believes that the proposed fees paid by the CEBBs and 
CEBSs are reasonable, equitably allocated and not unfairly 
discriminatory. First, the Historical CAT Assessment 1 fees to be 
collected are directly associated with the costs of establishing and 
maintaining the CAT, where such costs include Plan Processor costs and 
costs related to technology, legal, consulting, insurance, professional 
and administration, and public relations costs. The Exchange has 
already incurred such development and implementation costs and the 
proposed Historical CAT Assessment 1 fees, therefore, would allow the 
Exchange to collect certain of such costs in a fair and reasonable 
manner from Industry Members, as contemplated by the CAT NMS Plan.
    The proposed Historical CAT Assessment 1 fees would be charged to 
Industry Members in support of the maintenance of a consolidated audit 
trail for regulatory purposes. The proposed fees, therefore, are 
consistent with the Commission's view that regulatory fees be used for 
regulatory purposes and not to support the Exchange's business 
operations. The proposed fees would not cover Exchange services 
unrelated to the CAT. In addition, any surplus would be used as a 
reserve to offset future fees. Given the direct relationship between 
CAT fees and CAT costs, the Exchange believes that the proposed fees 
are reasonable, equitable and not unfairly discriminatory.
    As further discussed below, the SEC approved the CAT Funding Model, 
finding it was reasonable and that it equitably allocates fees among 
Participants and Industry Members. The Exchange believes that the 
proposed fees adopted pursuant to the CAT Funding Model approved by the 
SEC are reasonable, equitably allocated and not unfairly 
discriminatory.
(1) Implementation of CAT Funding Model in CAT NMS Plan
    Section 11.1(b) of the CAT NMS Plan states that ``[t]he 
Participants shall file with the SEC under Section 19(b) of the 
Exchange Act any such fees on Industry Members that the Operating 
Committee approves.'' Per Section 11.1(b) of the CAT NMS Plan, the 
Exchange has filed this fee filing to implement the Industry Member CAT 
fees included in the CAT Funding Model. The Exchange believes that this 
proposal is consistent with the Exchange Act because it is consistent

[[Page 75890]]

with, and implements, the CAT Funding Model in the CAT NMS Plan, and is 
designed to assist the Exchange and its Industry Members in meeting 
regulatory obligations pursuant to the CAT NMS Plan. In approving the 
CAT NMS Plan, the SEC noted that the Plan ``is necessary and 
appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors and 
the maintenance of fair and orderly markets, to remove impediments to, 
and perfect the mechanism of a national market system, or is otherwise 
in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.'' \212\ Similarly, in 
approving the CAT Funding Model, the SEC concluded that the CAT Funding 
Model met this standard.\213\ As this proposal implements the Plan and 
the CAT Funding Model described therein, and applies specific 
requirements to Industry Members in compliance with the Plan, the 
Exchange believes that this proposal furthers the objectives of the 
Plan, as identified by the SEC, and is therefore consistent with the 
Exchange Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \212\ CAT NMS Plan Approval Order at 84696.
    \213\ CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62686.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(2) Calculation of Fee Rate for Historical CAT Assessment 1 Is 
Reasonable
    The SEC has determined that the CAT Funding Model is reasonable and 
satisfies the requirements of the Exchange Act. Specifically, the SEC 
has concluded that the method for determining Historical CAT 
Assessments as set forth in Section 11.3 of the CAT NMS Plan, including 
the formula for calculating the Historical Fee Rate, the identification 
of the parties responsible for payment and the transactions subject to 
the fee rate for the Historical CAT Assessment, is reasonable and 
satisfies the Exchange Act.\214\ In each respect, as discussed above, 
Historical CAT Assessment 1 is calculated, and would be applied, in 
accordance with the requirements applicable to Historical CAT 
Assessments as set forth in the CAT NMS Plan. Furthermore, as discussed 
below, the Exchange believes that each of the figures for the variables 
in the SEC-approved formula for calculating the fee rate for Historical 
CAT Assessment 1 is reasonable and consistent with the Exchange Act. 
Calculation of the Historical Fee Rate for Historical CAT Assessment 1 
requires the figures for the Historical CAT Costs 1, the executed 
equivalent share volume for the prior twelve months, the determination 
of Historical Recovery Period 1, and the projection of the executed 
equivalent share volume for Historical Recovery Period 1. Each of these 
variables is reasonable and satisfies the Exchange Act, as discussed 
throughout this filing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \214\ Id. at 62662-63.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(A) Historical CAT Costs 1
    The formula for calculating a Historical Fee Rate requires the 
amount of Historical CAT Costs to be recovered. Specifically, Section 
11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT NMS Plan requires a fee filing to 
provide:

a brief description of the amount and type of the Historical CAT 
Costs, including (1) the technology line items of cloud hosting 
services, operating fees, CAIS operating fees, change request fees, 
and capitalized developed technology costs, (2) legal, (3) 
consulting, (4) insurance, (5) professional and administration and 
(6) public relations costs.

    In accordance with this requirement, the Exchange has set forth the 
amount and type of Historical CAT Costs 1 for each of these categories 
of costs above.
    Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II) of the CAT NMS Plan also requires that 
the fee filing provide ``sufficient detail to demonstrate that the 
Historical CAT Costs are reasonable and appropriate.'' As discussed 
below, the Exchange believes that the amounts set forth in this filing 
for each of these cost categories is ``reasonable and appropriate.'' 
Each of the costs included in Historical CAT Costs 1 are reasonable and 
appropriate because the costs are consistent with standard industry 
practice, based on the need to comply with the requirements of the CAT 
NMS Plan, incurred subject to negotiations performed on an arm's length 
basis, and/or are consistent with the needs of any legal entity, 
particularly one with no employees.
(i) Technology: Cloud Hosting Services
    In approving the CAT Funding Model, the Commission recognized that 
it is appropriate to recover costs related to cloud hosting services as 
a part of Historical CAT Assessments.\215\ CAT LLC determined that the 
costs related to cloud hosting services described in this filing are 
reasonable and should be included as a part of Historical CAT Costs 1. 
As described above, the cloud hosting services costs reflect, among 
other things, the breadth of the CAT cloud activities, data volume far 
in excess of the original volume estimates, the need for specialized 
cloud services given the volume and unique nature of the CAT, the 
processing time requirements of the Plan, and regular efforts to seek 
to minimize costs where permissible under the Plan. CAT LLC determined 
that use of cloud hosting services is necessary for implementation of 
the CAT, particularly given the substantial data volumes associated 
with the CAT, and that the fees for cloud hosting services negotiated 
by FCAT were reasonable, taking into consideration a variety of 
factors, including the expected volume of data and the breadth of 
services provided and market rates for similar services.\216\ Indeed, 
the actual costs of the CAT are far in excess of the original estimated 
costs of the CAT due to various factors, including the higher volumes 
and greater complexity of the CAT than anticipated when Rule 613 was 
originally adopted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \215\ Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(B)(1) of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \216\ For a discussion of the amount and type of cloud hosting 
services fees, see Sections 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(a), 3(a)(2)(B)(ii)(a), 
3(a)(2)(B)(iii)(a) and 3(a)(2)(B)(iv)(A) above.
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    To comply with the requirements of the Plan, the breadth of the 
cloud activities related to the CAT is substantial. The cloud services 
not only include the production environment for the CAT, but they also 
include two industry testing environments, support environments for 
quality assurance and stress testing and disaster recovery 
capabilities. Moreover, the cloud storage costs are driven by the 
requirements of the Plan, which requires the storage of multiple 
versions of the data, from the original submitted version of the data 
through various processing steps, to the final version of the data.
    Data volume is a significant driver of costs for cloud hosting 
services. When the Commission adopted the CAT NMS Plan in 2016, it 
estimated that the CAT would need to receive 58 billion records per day 
\217\ and that annual operating costs for the CAT would range from 
$36.5 million to $55 million.\218\ Through 2021, the actual data 
volumes have been five times that original estimate. The data volumes 
for each period are set forth in detail above.\219\
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    \217\ Appendix D-4 of the CAT NMS Plan at n.262.
    \218\ CAT NMS Plan Approval Order at 84801.
    \219\ See Sections 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(a), 3(a)(2)(B)(ii)(a), 
3(a)(2)(B)(iii)(a) and 3(a)(2)(B)(iv)(A) above.
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    In addition to the effect of the data volume on the cloud hosting 
costs, the processing timelines set forth in the Plan contribute to the 
cloud hosting costs. Although CAT LLC has proactively sought to manage 
cloud hosting costs while complying with the Plan, including through 
requests to the Commission for exemptive relief and an amendment to the 
CAT NMS Plan, stringent CAT NMS Plan requirements do not allow for any 
material flexibility in cloud architecture design choices, processing 
timelines (e.g., the use of

[[Page 75891]]

non-peak processing windows), or lower-cost storage tiers. As a result, 
the required CAT processing timelines contribute to the cloud hosting 
costs of the CAT.
    The costs for cloud hosting services also reflect the need for 
specialized cloud hosting services given the data volume and unique 
processing needs of the CAT. The data volume as well as the data 
processing needs of the CAT necessitate the use of cloud hosting 
services. The equipment, power and services required for an on-premises 
data model, the alternative to cloud hosting services, would be cost 
prohibitive. Moreover, as CAT was being developed, there were limited 
cloud hosting providers that could satisfy all the necessary CAT 
requirements, including the operational and security criteria. Over 
time more providers offering cloud hosting services that would satisfy 
these criteria have entered the market. CAT LLC will continue to 
evaluate alternative cloud hosting services, recognizing that the time 
and cost to move to an alternative cloud provider would be substantial.
    The reasonableness of the cloud hosting services costs is further 
supported by key cost discipline mechanisms for the CAT--a cost-based 
funding structure, cost transparency, cost management efforts 
(including regular efforts to lower compute and storage costs where 
permitted by the Plan) and oversight. Together, these mechanisms help 
ensure the ongoing reasonableness of the CAT's costs and the level of 
fees assessed to support those costs.\220\
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    \220\ See Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 97151 (Mar. 15, 
2023), 88 FR 17086, 17117 (Mar. 21, 2023) (describing key cost 
discipline mechanisms for the CAT).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(ii) Technology: Operating Fees
    In approving the CAT Funding Model, the SEC recognized that it is 
appropriate to recover costs related to operating fees as a part of 
Historical CAT Assessments.\221\ CAT LLC determined that the costs 
related to operating fees described in this filing are reasonable and 
should be included as a part of Historical CAT Costs 1. The operating 
fees include the negotiated fees paid by CAT LLC to the Plan Processor 
to operate and maintain the system for order-related information and to 
perform business operations related to the system, including 
compliance, security, testing, training, communications with the 
industry (e.g., management of the FINRA CAT Helpdesk, FAQs, website and 
webinars) and program management. CAT LLC determined that the selection 
of FCAT as the Plan Processor was reasonable and appropriate given its 
expertise with securities regulatory reporting, after a process of 
considering other potential candidates.\222\ CAT LLC also determined 
that the fixed price contract, negotiated on an arm's length basis with 
the goals of managing costs and receiving services required to comply 
with the CAT NMS Plan and Rule 613, was reasonable and appropriate, 
taking into consideration a variety of factors, including the breadth 
of services provided and market rates for similar types of 
activity.\223\ The services performed by FCAT for each period and the 
costs related to such services are described above.\224\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \221\ Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(B)(1) of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \222\ See Section 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(b) above.
    \223\ See Sections 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(b), 3(a)(2)(B)(ii)(b), 
3(a)(2)(B)(iii)(b) and 3(a)(2)(B)(iv)(b) above.
    \224\ Id.
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(iii) Technology: CAIS Operating Fees
    In approving the CAT Funding Model, the SEC recognized that it is 
appropriate to recover costs related to CAIS operating fees as a part 
of Historical CAT Assessments.\225\ CAT LLC determined that the costs 
related to CAIS operating fees described in this filing are reasonable 
and should be included as a part of Historical CAT Costs 1. The CAIS 
operating fees include the fees paid to the Plan Processor to operate 
and maintain CAIS and to perform the business operations related to the 
system, including compliance, security, testing, training, 
communications with the industry (e.g., management of the FINRA CAT 
Helpdesk, FAQs, website and webinars) and program management. CAT LLC 
determined that the FCAT-negotiated fees for Kingland's CAIS-related 
services, negotiated on an arm's length basis with the goals of 
managing costs and receiving services required to comply with the CAT 
NMS Plan, taking into consideration a variety of factors, including the 
services to be provided and market rates for similar types of activity, 
were reasonable and appropriate.\226\ The services performed by 
Kingland for each period and the costs for each period are described 
above.\227\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \225\ Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(B)(1) of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \226\ See Sections 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(c), 3(a)(2)(B)(ii)(c), 
3(a)(2)(B)(iii)(c) and 3(a)(2)(B)(iv)(c) above.
    \227\ Id.
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(iv) Technology: Change Request Fees
    In approving the CAT Funding Model, the SEC recognized that it is 
appropriate to recover costs related to change request fees as a part 
of Historical CAT Assessments.\228\ CAT LLC determined that the costs 
related to change request fees described in this filing are reasonable 
and should be included as a part of Historical CAT Costs 1. It is 
common practice to utilize a change request process to address evolving 
needs in technology projects. This is particularly true for a project 
like CAT that is the first of its kind, both in substance and in scale. 
The substance and costs of each of the change requests are evaluated by 
the Operating Committee, and approved in accordance with the 
requirements for Operating Committee meetings. In each case, CAT LLC 
determined that the change requests were necessary to implement the 
CAT. As described above, the change requests cover various technology 
changes, including, for example, changes related to CAT reporting, data 
feeds and exchange functionality. CAT LLC also determined that the 
costs for each change request were appropriate for the relevant 
technology change. A description of the change requests for each FAM 
Period and their total costs are set described above.\229\ As noted 
above, the total costs for change requests through FAM Period 3 
represent a small percentage of Historical CAT Costs 1--that is, 0.25% 
of Historical CAT Costs 1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \228\ Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(B)(1) of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \229\ See Sections 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(d), 3(a)(2)(B)(ii)(d), 
3(a)(2)(B)(iii)(d) and 3(a)(2)(B)(iv)(d) above.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(v) Capitalized Developed Technology Costs
    In approving the CAT Funding Model, the SEC recognized that it is 
appropriate to recover costs related to capitalized developed 
technology costs as a part of Historical CAT Assessments.\230\ 
Capitalized developed technology costs include costs related to certain 
development costs, costs related to certain modifications, upgrades and 
other changes to the CAT, CAIS implementation fees and license fees. 
The amount and type of costs for each period are described in more 
detail above.\231\ CAT LLC determined that these costs are reasonable 
and should be included as a part of Historical CAT Costs 1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \230\ Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(B)(1) of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \231\ See Sections 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(e), 3(a)(2)(B)(ii)(e), 
3(a)(2)(B)(iii)(e) and 3(a)(2)(B)(iv)(e) above.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    These costs involve the activity of both the Initial Plan Processor 
and FCAT, as the successor Plan Processor.\232\ With regard to the 
Initial

[[Page 75892]]

Plan Processor, the Participants utilized an RFP to seek proposals to 
build and operate the CAT, receiving a number of proposals in response 
to the RFP. The Participants carefully reviewed and considered each of 
the proposals, including holding in-person meetings with each of the 
Bidders. After several rounds of review, the Participants selected the 
Initial Plan Processor in accordance with the CAT NMS Plan. CAT LLC 
entered into an agreement with the Initial Plan Processor in which CAT 
LLC would pay the Initial Plan Processor a negotiated, fixed price 
fee.\233\ In addition, as described above, CAT LLC determined that is 
was appropriate to enter into an agreement with FCAT as the successor 
Plan Processor.\234\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \232\ Id.
    \233\ See Section 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(e) above.
    \234\ See Section 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(b) above.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(vi) Legal
    In approving the CAT Funding Model, the SEC recognized that it is 
appropriate to recover costs related to legal fees as a part of 
Historical CAT Assessments.\235\ CAT LLC determined that the legal 
costs described in this filing are reasonable and should be included as 
a part of Historical CAT Costs 1. Given the unique nature of the CAT, 
the number of parties involved with the CAT (including, for example, 
the SEC, Participants, Industry Members, and vendors) and the many 
regulatory issues associated with the CAT, the scope of the necessary 
legal services are substantial. CAT LLC determined that the scope of 
the legal services is necessary to implement and maintain the CAT and 
that the legal rates reflect the specialized services necessary for 
such a project. When hiring each law firm for a CAT project, CAT LLC 
interviewed multiple firms, and determined to hire each firm based on a 
variety of factors, including the relevant expertise and fees. In each 
case, CAT LLC determined that the hourly fee rates were in line with 
market rates for the specialized legal expertise. In addition, CAT LLC 
determined that the total costs incurred for each CAT project were 
appropriate given the breadth of services provided. The services 
performed by each law firm for each period and the costs related to 
such services are described above.\236\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \235\ Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(B)(2) of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \236\ See Sections 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(f), 3(a)(2)(B)(ii)(f), 
3(a)(2)(B)(iii)(f) and 3(a)(2)(B)(iv)(f) above.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(vii) Consulting
    In approving the CAT Funding Model, the SEC recognized that it is 
appropriate to recover consulting costs as a part of Historical CAT 
Assessments.\237\ CAT LLC determined that the consulting costs 
described in this filing are reasonable and should be included as a 
part of Historical CAT Costs 1. Because there are no CAT employees 
\238\ and because of the significant number of issues associated with 
the CAT, the consultants provided assistance in the management of 
various CAT matters and the processes related to such matters.\239\ CAT 
LLC considered a variety of factors in choosing a consulting firm and 
determined to select Deloitte after an interview process.\240\ CAT LLC 
also determined that the consulting services were provided at 
reasonable market rates, as the fees were negotiated annually and 
comparable to the rates charged by other consulting firms for similar 
work.\241\ Moreover, the total costs for such consulting services were 
appropriate in light of the breadth of services provided by Deloitte. 
The services performed by Deloitte and the costs related to such 
services are described above.\242\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \237\ Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(B)(3) of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \238\ As stated in the filing of the proposed CAT NMS Plan, 
``[i]t is the intent of the Participants that the Company have no 
employees.'' Securities Exchange Act Rel. No. 77724 (Apr. 27, 2016), 
81 FR 30614, 30621 (May 17, 2016).
    \239\ CAT LLC uses certain third parties to perform tasks that 
may be performed by administrators for other NMS Plans. See, e.g., 
CTA Plan and CQ Plan.
    \240\ See Section 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(g) above.
    \241\ See Sections 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(g), 3(a)(2)(B)(ii)(g), 
3(a)(2)(B)(iii)(g) and 3(a)(2)(B)(iv)(g) above.
    \242\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(viii) Insurance
    In approving the CAT Funding Model, the SEC recognized that it is 
appropriate to recover insurance costs as a part of Historical CAT 
Assessments.\243\ CAT LLC determined that the insurance costs described 
in this filing are reasonable and should be included as a part of 
Historical CAT Costs 1. CAT LLC determined that it is common practice 
to have directors' and officers' liability insurance, and errors and 
omissions liability insurance. CAT LLC further determined that it was 
important to have cyber security insurance given the nature of the CAT, 
and such a decision is consistent with the CAT NMS Plan, which states 
that the cyber incident response plan may include ``[i]nsurance against 
security breaches.'' \244\ In selecting the insurance providers for 
these policies, CAT LLC engaged in an evaluation of alternative 
insurers, including a comparison of the pricing offered by the 
alternative insurers.\245\ Based on this analysis, CAT LLC determined 
that the selected insurance policies provided appropriate coverage at 
reasonable market rates.\246\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \243\ Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(B)(4) of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \244\ Section 4.1.5 of Appendix D of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \245\ See Sections 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(h), 3(a)(2)(B)(ii)(h), 
3(a)(2)(B)(iii)(h) and 3(a)(2)(B)(iv)(h) above.
    \246\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(ix) Professional and Administration
    In approving the CAT Funding Model, the SEC recognized that it is 
appropriate to recover professional and administration costs as a part 
of Historical CAT Assessments.\247\ CAT LLC determined that the 
professional and administration costs described in this filing are 
reasonable and should be included as a part of Historical CAT Costs 1. 
Because there are no CAT employees, all required accounting, financial, 
tax, cash management and treasury functions for CAT LLC have been 
outsourced at market rates. In addition, the required annual financial 
statement audit of CAT LLC is included in professional and 
administration costs, which costs are also at market rates.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \247\ Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(B)(5) of the CAT NMS Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    CAT LLC determined to hire a financial advisory firm, Anchin, to 
assist with financial matters for the CAT. CAT LLC interviewed Anchin 
as well as other potential financial advisory firms to assist with the 
CAT project, considering a variety of factors in its analysis, 
including the firm's relevant expertise and fees.\248\ The hourly fee 
rates for this firm were in line with market rates for the financial 
advisory services provided.\249\ Moreover, the total costs for such 
financial advisory services was appropriate in light of the breadth of 
services provided by Anchin. The services performed by Anchin and the 
costs related to such services are described above.\250\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \248\ See Section 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(i) above.
    \249\ See Sections 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(i), 3(a)(2)(B)(ii)(i), 
3(a)(2)(B)(iii)(i) and 3(a)(2)(B)(iv)(i) above.
    \250\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    CAT LLC also determined to engage an independent accounting firm, 
Grant Thornton, to complete the audit of CAT LLC's financial 
statements, in accordance with the requirements of the CAT NMS Plan. 
CAT LLC interviewed this firm as well as another potential accounting 
firm to audit CAT LLC's financial statements, considering a variety of 
factors in its analysis, including the relevant expertise and fees of 
each of the firms. CAT LLC determined that Grant Thornton was well-
qualified for the role given the

[[Page 75893]]

balanace of these considerations.\251\ Grant Thornton's fixed fee rate 
compensation arrangement was reasonable and appropriate, and in line 
with the market rates charged for these types of accounting 
services.\252\ Moreover, the total costs for such financial advisory 
services was appropriate in light of the breadth of services provided 
by Grant Thornton. The services performed by Grant Thornton and the 
costs related to such services are described above.\253\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \251\ See Section 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(i) above.
    \252\ See Sections 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(i), 3(a)(2)(B)(ii)(i), 
3(a)(2)(B)(iii)(i) and 3(a)(2)(B)(iv)(i) above.
    \253\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The professional and administrative costs also include costs 
related to the receipt of certain market data from Exegy. After 
performing an analysis of the available market data vendors to confirm 
that the data provided met the SIP Data requirements of the CAT NMS 
Plan and comparing the costs of the vendors providing the required SIP 
Data, CAT LLC determined to purchase market data from Exegy. Exegy 
provided the data elements required by the CAT NMS Plan, and the fees 
were reasonable and in line with market rates for the market data 
received.\254\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \254\ See Section 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(i) above.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The professional and administrative costs also include costs 
related to a third party security assessment of the CAT performed by 
RSM. The assessment was designed to verify and validate the effective 
design, implementation and operation of the controls specified by NIST 
Special Publication 800-53, Revision 4 and related standards and 
guidelines. Such a security assessment is in line with industry 
practice and important given the data included in the CAT. CAT LLC 
determined to engage RSM to perform the security assessment, after 
considering a variety of factors in its analysis, including the firm's 
relevant expertise and fees. The fees were reasonable and in line with 
market rates for such an assessment.\255\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \255\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(x) Public Relations Costs
    In approving the CAT Funding Model, the SEC recognized that it is 
appropriate to recover public relations costs as a part of Historical 
CAT Assessments.\256\ CAT LLC determined that the public relations 
costs described in this filing are reasonable and should be included as 
a part of Historical CAT Costs 1. CAT LLC determined that the types of 
public relations services utilized were beneficial to the CAT and 
market participants more generally. Public relations services were 
important for various reasons, including monitoring comments made by 
market participants about CAT and understanding issues related to the 
CAT discussed on the public record.\257\ By engaging a public relations 
firm, CAT LLC was better positioned to understand and address CAT 
issues to the benefit of all market participants.\258\ Moreover, CAT 
LLC determined that the rates charged for such services were in line 
with market rates.\259\ As noted above, the total public relations 
costs through FAM Period 3 represent a small percentage of Historical 
CAT Costs 1--that is, 0.1% of Historical CAT Costs 1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \256\ Section 11.3(b)(iii)(B)(II)(B)(6) of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \257\ See Section 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(j) above.
    \258\ See Sections 3(a)(2)(B)(i)(j), 3(a)(2)(B)(ii)(j), 
3(a)(2)(B)(iii)(j) and 3(a)(2)(B)(iv)(j) above.
    \259\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(B) Total Executed Equivalent Share Volume for the Prior 12 Months
    The total executed equivalent share volume of transactions in 
Eligible Securities for the 12-month period from June 2023 through May 
2024 was 3,980,753,840,905.21 executed equivalent shares. CAT LLC 
determined the total executed equivalent share volume for the prior 
twelve months by counting executed equivalent shares in the same manner 
as it will count executed equivalent shares for CAT billing purposes.
(C) Historical Recovery Period 1
    CAT LLC has determined to establish a Historical Recovery Period of 
24 months for Historical CAT Assessment 1 and that such length is 
reasonable. CAT LLC determined that the length of Historical Recovery 
Period 1 appropriately weighs the need for a reasonable Historical Fee 
Rate 1 that spreads the Historical CAT Costs over an appropriate amount 
of time and the need to repay the loans notes to the Participants in a 
timely fashion. CAT LLC determined that 24 months for Historical 
Recovery Period 1 would establish a fee rate that is lower than other 
transaction-based fees, including fees assessed pursuant to Section 
31.\260\ In addition, in establishing a Historical Recovery Period of 
24 months, CAT LLC recognized that the total costs for Historical CAT 
Assessment 1 was less than the total costs for 2022 and 2023, and 
therefore it would be appropriate to recover those costs in two years.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \260\ As the SEC noted in the CAT Funding Model Approval Order, 
recent Section 31 fees ranged from $0.00009 per share to $0.0004 per 
share. CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62682.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(D) Projected Executed Equivalent Share Volume for Historical Recovery 
Period 1
    CAT LLC has determined to calculate the projected total executed 
equivalent share volume for the 24 months of Historical Recovery Period 
1 by doubling the executed equivalent share volume for the prior 12 
months. CAT LLC determined that such an approach was reasonable as the 
CAT's annual executed equivalent share volume has remained relatively 
constant in recent years. For example, the executed equivalent share 
volume for 2021 was 3,963,697,612,395, the executed equivalent share 
volume for 2022 was 4,039,821,841,560.31, and the executed equivalent 
share volume for 2023 was 3,868,940,345,680.6. Accordingly, the 
projected total executed equivalent share volume for Historical 
Recovery Period 1 is projected to be 7,961,507,681,810.42 executed 
equivalent shares.\261\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \261\ This projection was calculated by multiplying 
3,980,753,840,905.21 executed equivalent shares by two.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(E) Actual Fee Rate for Historical CAT Assessment 1
(i) Decimal Places
    As noted in the Plan amendment for the CAT Funding Model, as a 
practical matter, the fee filing for a Historical CAT Assessment would 
provide the exact fee per executed equivalent share to be paid for each 
Historical CAT Assessment, by multiplying the Historical Fee Rate by 
one-third and describing the relevant number of decimal places for the 
fee rate.\262\ Accordingly, proposed paragraph (a)(1)(B) of the fee 
schedule would set forth a fee rate of $0.000013 per executed 
equivalent share. This fee rate is calculated by multiplying Historical 
Fee Rate 1 by one-third, and rounding the result to 6 decimal places. 
CAT LLC determined that the use of six decimal places is reasonable as 
it balances the accuracy of the calculation with the potential systems 
and other impracticalities of using additional decimal places in the 
calculation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \262\ CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62658, n.658.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(ii) Reasonable Fee Level
    The Exchange believes that imposing Historical CAT Assessment 1 
with a fee rate of $0.000013 per executed equivalent share is 
reasonable because it provides for a revenue stream for the Company 
that is aligned with Historical CAT Costs 1 and such costs would be 
spread out over an appropriate recovery period, as discussed above. 
Moreover, the Exchange believes that the level of

[[Page 75894]]

the fee rate is reasonable, as it is comparable to other transaction-
based fees. Indeed, Historical CAT Assessment 1 is significantly lower 
than fees assessed pursuant to Section 31 (e.g., $0.0009 per share to 
0.0004 per share),\263\ and, as a result, the magnitude of Historical 
CAT Assessment 1 is small, and therefore will mitigate any potential 
adverse economic effects or inefficiencies.\264\ Furthermore, the 
reasonable fee rate for Historical CAT Assessment 1 further supports 
CAT LLC's decision to seek to recover all Historical CAT Costs prior to 
2022, rather than establishing separate Historical CAT Assessments for 
pre-FAM, FAM 1, FAM 2 and FAM 3 costs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \263\ CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62663, 62682.
    \264\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(3) Historical CAT Assessment 1 Provides for an Equitable Allocation of 
Fees
    Historical CAT Assessment 1 provides for an equitable allocation of 
fees, as it equitably allocates CAT costs between and among the 
Participants and Industry Members. The SEC approved the CAT Funding 
Model, finding that each aspect of the CAT Funding Model satisfied the 
requirements of the Exchange Act, including the formula for calculating 
Historical CAT Assessments as well as the Industry Members to be 
charged the Historical CAT Assessments.\265\ In approving the CAT 
Funding Model, the SEC stated that ``[t]he Participants have 
sufficiently demonstrated that the proposed allocation of fees is 
reasonable.'' \266\ Accordingly, the CAT Funding Model sets forth the 
requirements for allocating fees related to Historical CAT Costs among 
Participants and Industry Members, and the fee filings for Historical 
CAT Assessments must comply with those requirements.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \265\ See Section 11.3(b) of the CAT NMS Plan.
    \266\ CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62629.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Historical CAT Assessment 1 provides for an equitable allocation of 
fees as it complies with the requirements regarding the calculation of 
Historical CAT Assessments as set forth in the CAT NMS Plan. For 
example, as described above, the calculation of Historical CAT 
Assessment 1 complies with the formula set forth in Section 11.3(b) of 
the CAT NMS Plan. In addition, Historical CAT Assessment 1 would be 
charged to CEBBs and CEBSs in accordance with Section 11.3(b) of the 
CAT NMS Plan. Furthermore, the Participants would continue to remain 
responsible for their designated share of Past CAT Costs through the 
cancellation of loans made by the Participants to CAT LLC.
    In addition, as discussed above, each of the inputs into the 
calculation of Historical CAT Assessment 1--Historical CAT Costs 1 
(including Excluded Costs), the count for the executed equivalent share 
volume for the prior 12 months, the length of the Historical Recovery 
Period, and the projected executed equivalent share volume for the 
Historical Recovery Period--are reasonable. Moreover, these inputs lead 
to a reasonable fee rate for Historical CAT Assessment 1 that is lower 
than other fee rates for transaction-based fees. A reasonable fee rate 
allocated in accordance with the requirements of the CAT Funding Model 
provides for an equitable allocation of fees.
(4) Historical CAT Assessment 1 Is Not Unfairly Discriminatory
    Historical CAT Assessment 1 is not an unfairly discriminatory fee. 
The SEC approved the CAT Funding Model, finding that each aspect of the 
CAT Funding Model satisfied the requirements of the Exchange Act. In 
reaching this conclusion, the SEC analyzed the potential effect of 
Historical CAT Assessments calculated pursuant to the CAT Funding Model 
on affected categories of market participants, including Participants 
(including exchanges and FINRA), Industry Members (including 
subcategories of Industry Members, such as alternative trading systems, 
CAT Executing Brokers and market makers), and investors generally, and 
considered market effects related to equities and options, among other 
things. Historical CAT Assessment 1 complies with the requirements 
regarding the calculation of Historical CAT Assessments as set forth in 
the CAT NMS Plan. In addition, as discussed above, each of the inputs 
into the calculation of Historical CAT Assessment 1 and the resulting 
fee rate for Historical CAT Assessment 1 is reasonable. Therefore, 
Historical CAT Assessment 1 does not impose an unfairly discriminatory 
fee on Industry Members.
    Finally, the Exchange believes the proposed fees established 
pursuant to the CAT Funding Model promote just and equitable principles 
of trade, and, in general, protect investors and the public interest, 
and are provided in a transparent manner and specificity in the fee 
schedule. The Exchange also believes that the proposed fees are 
reasonable because they would provide ease of calculation, ease of 
billing and other administrative functions, and predictability of a fee 
based on fixed rate per executed equivalent share. Such factors are 
crucial to estimating a reliable revenue stream for CAT LLC and for 
permitting Exchange members to reasonably predict their payment 
obligations for budgeting purposes.

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

    Section 6(b)(8) of the Act \267\ requires that the Exchange's rules 
not impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or 
appropriate in furtherance of the purpose of the Exchange Act. The 
Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will result in 
any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in 
furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The Exchange notes that 
Historical CAT Assessment 1 implements provisions of the CAT NMS Plan 
that were approved by the Commission and is designed to assist the 
Exchange in meeting its regulatory obligations pursuant to the Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \267\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(8).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, all Participants (including exchanges and FINRA) are 
proposing to introduce Historical CAT Assessment 1 on behalf of CAT LLC 
to implement the requirements of the CAT NMS Plan. Therefore, this is 
not a competitive fee filing, and, therefore, it does not raise 
competition issues between and among the Participants.
    Furthermore, in approving the CAT Funding Model, the SEC analyzed 
the potential competitive impact of the CAT Funding Model, including 
competitive issues related to market services, trading services and 
regulatory services, efficiency concerns, and capital formation.\268\ 
The SEC also analyzed the potential effect of CAT fees calculated 
pursuant to the CAT Funding Model on affected categories of market 
participants, including Participants (including exchanges and FINRA), 
Industry Members (including subcategories of Industry Members, such as 
alternative trading systems, CAT Executing Brokers and market makers), 
and investors generally, and considered market effects related to 
equities and options, among other things. Based on this analysis, the 
SEC approved the CAT Funding Model as compliant with the Exchange Act. 
Historical CAT Assessment 1 is calculated and implemented in accordance 
with the CAT Funding Model as approved by the SEC.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \268\ CAT Funding Model Approval Order at 62676-86.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As discussed above, each of the inputs into the calculation of 
Historical CAT Assessment 1 is reasonable and the

[[Page 75895]]

resulting fee rate for Historical CAT Assessment 1 calculated in 
accordance with the CAT Funding Model is reasonable. Therefore, 
Historical CAT Assessment 1 would not impose any burden on competition 
that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purpose of 
the Exchange Act.

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 foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 
19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Exchange Act \269\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(2) 
thereunder,\270\ because it establishes or changes a due, or fee.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \269\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii).
    \270\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

IV. Solicitation of Comments

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

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an email to [email protected]. Please include 
file number SR-SAPPHIRE-2024-27 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-SAPPHIRE-2024-27. 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-SAPPHIRE-2024-27 and should 
be submitted on or before October 7, 2024.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\271\
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    \271\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Sherry R. Haywood,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2024-20636 Filed 9-13-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P

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