[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 118 (Tuesday, June 20, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35471-35474]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-9578]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-53975; File No. SR-CBOE-2006-51]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, 
Incorporated; Notice of Filing of a Proposed Rule Change Regarding 
Market-Maker Appointments

June 12, 2006.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that 
on May 19, 2006, the Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated 
(``CBOE'' or ``Exchange'') filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission (``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in 
Items I and II below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. 
The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit 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

    CBOE proposes to amend CBOE Rule 8.3 relating to Market-Maker 
appointments. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the 
CBOE's Web site (http://www.cboe.com), at the Office of the Secretary, 
CBOE, and at the Commission.

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

[[Page 35472]]

the most significant aspects of such statements.

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

1. Purpose
    The purpose of the proposed rule change is to amend CBOE Rule 8.3 
relating to Market-Maker appointments. Currently, CBOE Rule 8.3(c) 
provides that a Market-Maker can quote: (i) Electronically in all 
Hybrid and Hybrid 2.0 Classes that are located in one designated 
trading station (``appointed trading station''); (ii) in open outcry in 
all classes traded on the Exchange; and (iii) electronically in either 
two additional Hybrid 2.0 Classes in Tier A or Tier B that are not 
located in the Market-Maker's appointed trading station, or five 
additional Hybrid 2.0 Classes in Tiers C, D, or E that are not located 
in the Market-Maker's appointed trading station.
    CBOE now proposes to modify the above provisions as follows which 
would allow Market-Makers additional flexibility in choosing their 
appointed classes and make the Market-Maker appointment process similar 
to the process applicable to Remote Market-Maker (``RMM'') 
appointments.
    First, like RMMs, CBOE proposes to allow a Market-Maker to create a 
Virtual Trading Crowd (``VTC'') appointment, which would confer the 
right to quote electronically in an appropriate number of Hybrid 2.0 
Classes (as defined in CBOE Rule 1.1(aaa)) selected from ``tiers'' that 
have been structured according to trading volume statistics. All 
classes within a specific tier would be assigned an ``appointment 
cost'' depending upon its tier location. The following table sets forth 
the tiers and related appointment costs, which are identical to the 
tiers and appointment costs set forth in CBOE Rule 8.4(d) that have 
been structured for purposes of RMMs appointments.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Hybrid 2.0 option     Appointment
               Tier                        classes             cost
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA................................  Options on the CBOE              .50
                                     Volatility Index
                                     (VIX).
A+................................   Options on              .25
                                     Standard & Poor's
                                     Depositary Receipts.
                                     Options on   ..............
                                     the Nasdaq-100
                                     Index Tracking
                                     Stock.
A*................................  Hybrid 2.0 Classes               .10
                                     1--60.
B*................................  Hybrid 2.0 Classes               .05
                                     61--120.
C*................................  Hybrid 2.0 Classes               .04
                                     121--345.
D*................................  Hybrid 2.0 Classes               .02
                                     346--570.
E*................................  All Remaining Hybrid            .01
                                     2.0 Classes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Excludes Tier AA and A+ Classes.

    CBOE believes that allowing Market-Makers the same flexibility as 
RMMs to choose and structure a VTC appointment composed of Hybrid 2.0 
Classes is appropriate, and would provide Market-Makers with additional 
trading opportunities outside of their appointed trading station.
    With respect to Hybrid Classes (as defined in CBOE Rule 1.1(aaa)), 
CBOE proposes to allow a Market-Maker to quote electronically in an 
appropriate number of Hybrid Classes that are located at one trading 
station, which is similar to the current manner in which Market-Makers 
request appointments, i.e., by trading station. CBOE proposes to assign 
an appointment cost of .01 to each Hybrid Class.
    With regard to trading in open outcry, CBOE Rule 8.3 currently 
provides that a Market-Maker has an appointment to trade in open outcry 
in all classes traded on the Exchange. Because CBOE is proposing to 
apply an appointment cost to each option class traded on the Exchange, 
including both Hybrid and non-Hybrid option classes, CBOE proposes to 
amend CBOE Rule 8.3 to provide that a Market-Maker has an appointment 
to trade in open outcry in all Hybrid and Hybrid 2.0 Classes traded on 
the Exchange. A Market-Maker would be required to be physically present 
in the trading crowd where an option class is located in order to trade 
in open outcry in that option class. A Market-Maker would be permitted 
to submit electronic quotations into any of his/her appointed Hybrid or 
Hybrid 2.0 Classes while the Market-Maker is trading in open outcry.
    For non-Hybrid and non-Hybrid 2.0 Classes (collectively ``Non-
Hybrid Classes''), CBOE proposes to allow a Market-Maker to select as 
his appointment one or more Non-Hybrid Classes traded on the Exchange, 
which would confer the right to trade in open outcry in an appropriate 
number of Non-Hybrid Classes. Each Non-Hybrid Class would be assigned 
an appointment cost, which are set forth below.

 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Appointment
                   Non-Hybrid classes                          cost
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Options on the Standard & Poor's 500 (SPX)..............            1.0
 Options on the S&P 100 (OEX)*..................  ..............
 Options on the S&P 100 (XEO)*..................            1.0
NASDAQ 100 Index Options (NDX)..........................            1.0
Options on the iShares Russell 2000 Index Fund (IWM)....             .85
Options on the Russell 2000 Index (RUT).................             .45
Morgan Stanley Retail Index Options (MVR)...............             .25
Options based on 1/10th the Value of The Dow Jones                   .01
 Industrial Average (DXL)...............................
Options on the iShares S&P 100 (OEF)....................             .01 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The OEX and XEO options classes collectively have an appointment cost
  of 1.0.

    As is the case for RMMs, each membership owned or leased by a 
Market-Maker would have an appointment credit of 1.0. A Market-Maker 
may select for each Exchange membership it owns or leases any 
combination of Hybrid 2.0 Classes, Hybrid Classes which are located at 
one trading station, and Non-Hybrid Classes, whose aggregate 
``appointment cost'' does not exceed 1.0. The Exchange would rebalance 
the ``tiers'' (excluding the ``AA'' and ``A+'' tiers) set forth in 
paragraph (c)(i) of Rule 8.3 once each calendar quarter, which may 
result in additions or deletions to their composition. When a class 
changes tiers it would be assigned the appointment cost of that tier. 
Upon rebalancing, each Market-Maker with a VTC appointment would be 
required to own or lease the appropriate number of Exchange

[[Page 35473]]

memberships reflecting the revised appointment costs of the Hybrid and 
Hybrid 2.0 Classes constituting its appointment. These provisions 
relating to re-balancing are identical to the provisions contained in 
CBOE Rule 8.4(d) applicable to RMMs.
    In new paragraph (c)(vi) of CBOE Rule 8.3, CBOE proposes to 
continue and modify slightly an existing Pilot Program in effect until 
March 24, 2007, which allows a Market-Maker to quote remotely. The 
existing Pilot Program provides that a Market-Maker may submit 
electronic quotations in his/her appointed Hybrid and Hybrid 2.0 
Classes from outside of his/her appointed trading station.\3\ Because 
CBOE is proposing to allow Market-Makers to create a VTC consisting of 
Hybrid 2.0 Classes, CBOE proposes to modify the Pilot Program such that 
it provides Market-Makers with the ability to quote remotely away from 
CBOE's trading floor in their appointed Hybrid and Hybrid 2.0 option 
classes. While on the trading floor, there would be no requirement that 
a Market-Maker must be present in a particular trading station in order 
to stream electronic quotations into his/her appointed classes.
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    \3\ Prior to the Pilot Program, a Market-Maker could only stream 
electronic quotes into an option class when he/she was physically 
present in his/her appointed trading station.
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    CBOE also proposes to continue two existing Pilot Programs set 
forth in CBOE Rules 8.4(c)(i) and 8.93(vii), which are in effect until 
September 14, 2006, and which provide that an RMM or e-DPM in an option 
class can have one Market-Maker affiliated with the RMM or e-DPM 
trading in the option class. However, CBOE Rule 8.3(c) would continue 
to require that a Market-Maker affiliated with an e-DPM or RMM can 
submit electronic quotations in any class in which the affiliated e-DPM 
or RMM has an appointment only if the Market-Maker is present in the 
trading station where the class is located.\4\ CBOE also notes in 
paragraph (c)(vii) to CBOE Rule 8.3 that a Market-Maker and an 
affiliated e-DPM or affiliated RMM can operate as multiple aggregation 
units under the criteria set forth in CBOE Rule 8.4(c)(ii) pursuant to 
a Pilot Program that expires on March 14, 2007.
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    \4\ CBOE Rule 8.3(c) currently provides that for any class in 
which the affiliated RMM or e-DPM has an appointment, a Market-Maker 
is ineligible to submit electronic quotations from outside of its 
appointed trading station.
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    In new paragraph (c)(viii) to CBOE Rule 8.3, CBOE notes that 
pursuant to a Pilot Program that expires on March 14, 2007, two 
affiliated Market-Makers can hold an appointment in the same class 
provided both Market-Makers operate as multiple aggregation units under 
the criteria set forth in CBOE Rule 8.4(c)(ii). This provision is 
consistent with current CBOE Rule 8.3(c)(iii).
    As provided in new Interpretation .01 to CBOE Rule 8.3, in the 
event the total appointment cost for all of the Hybrid 2.0 Classes, 
Hybrid Classes, and/or Non-Hybrid Classes, constituting a Market-
Maker's appointment on the approval date of this rule change exceeded 
1.0, then CBOE proposes to grant the Market-Maker six months from the 
date of the approval of this rule change to comply with the provisions 
of CBOE Rule 8.3(c)(v) that provide a Market-Maker's appointed classes 
cannot have an total appointment cost in excess of 1.0. During these 
six months, any Market-Maker whose total appointment cost exceeds 1.0 
would be ineligible to request an appointment in any other option class 
until the Market-Maker's total appointment cost is less than 1.0. The 
preceding limited exemption to CBOE Rule 8.3(c)(v) would be available 
only to those Market-Makers whose total appointment cost for all of the 
Hybrid 2.0 Classes, Hybrid Classes, and/or Non-Hybrid Classes, 
constituting a Market-Maker's appointment would have exceeded 1.0 on 
April 24, 2006, if the rule had been in effect on that date.
2. Statutory Basis
    CBOE believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act 
\5\ and the rules and regulations under the Act applicable to a 
national securities exchange and, in particular, the requirements of 
Section 6(b) of the Act.\6\ Specifically, the Exchange believes the 
proposed rule change is consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) \7\ 
requirements that the rules of an exchange be designed to remove 
impediments to and perfect the mechanism for a free and open market and 
a national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the 
public interest.
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    \5\ 15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.
    \6\ 15 U.S.C. 78(f)(b).
    \7\ 15 U.S.C. 78(f)(b)(5).
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B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition

    CBOE does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any 
burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of 
the purposes of the Act.

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

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

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

    Within 35 days of the date of publication of this notice in the 
Federal Register or within such longer period (i) as the Commission may 
designate up to 90 days of such date if it finds such longer period to 
be appropriate and publishes its reasons for so finding or (ii) as to 
which the CBOE consents, the Commission will:
    (A) By order approve such proposed rule change, or
    (B) Institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule 
change should be disapproved.

IV. Solicitation of Comments

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

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's Internet comment form (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an e-mail to [email protected]. Please include 
File Number SR-CBOE-2006-51 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

     Send paper comments in triplicate to Nancy M. Morris, 
Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE., 
Washington, DC 20549-1090.

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-CBOE-2006-51. This file 
number should be included on the subject line if e-mail 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 Web site (http://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

[[Page 35474]]

those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the 
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for inspection and 
copying in the Commission's Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, 
NE., Washington, DC 20549-9303. Copies of such filing also will be 
available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the 
CBOE. All comments received will be posted without change; the 
Commission does not edit personal identifying information from 
submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make 
available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR-
CBOE-2006-51 and should be submitted on or before July 11, 2006.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\8\
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    \8\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Nancy M. Morris,
Secretary.
 [FR Doc. E6-9578 Filed 6-19-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8010-01-P