[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 211 (Friday, October 31, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64846-64849]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-25880]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-73439; File No. SR-CBOE-2014-082]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, 
Incorporated; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a 
Proposed Rule Change Relating to the CBOE Trade Match System

October 27, 2014.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(the ``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given 
that on October 24, 2014, Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated 
(the ``Exchange'' or ``CBOE'') filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission (the ``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described 
in Items I, II, and III below, which Items have been prepared by the 
Exchange. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments 
on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 64847]]

I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange proposes to adopt a new rule related to its existing 
CBOE Trade Match System functionality. The text of the proposed rule 
change is available on the Exchange's Web site (http://www.cboe.com/AboutCBOE/CBOELegalRegulatoryHome.aspx), at the Exchange's Office of 
the Secretary, and at the Commission's Public Reference Room.

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

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

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

1. Purpose
    The Exchange is proposing to adopt new Rule 6.67 related to its 
existing CBOE Trade Match System (``CTM'') functionality. CTM is a 
systems user interface provided by the Exchange in which authorized 
Trading Permit Holders (``TPHs'') may receive copies of trade records 
and add and/or update their trade records. Although references to CTM 
exist within Regulatory and Information Circulars, as well as technical 
specifications, the functionality is not currently described in 
Exchange rules. The Exchange believes it would be beneficial to address 
and provide further detail in its rules regarding the CTM functionality 
and permitted uses.
    Exchange rules currently contemplate post trade modifications.\3\ 
Such modifications may be effected via the CTM system. A rule 
explicitly detailing the modification process and defining what 
permitted modifications are allowed however does not currently exist in 
the Exchange's rules. The Exchange believes it would be useful to 
explicitly reference within the rule text the term ``CTM'' and codify 
what post trade modifications via CTM are permitted to reduce confusion 
and add additional transparency to the rules regarding CBOE's systems.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ See, e.g., CBOE Rule 6.61 which provides that a Trading 
Permit Holder ``shall be obligated to reconcile all unmatched trades 
. . . and to report all reconciliations and corrections to the 
Exchange or the Clearing Trading Permit Holder responsible for 
submission to the Exchange.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    First, the Exchange proposes to explicitly reference and describe 
``CTM.'' Specifically, CTM is a system in which authorized TPHs may 
enter and report transactions that have been effected on the Exchange 
in accordance with Exchange rules (e.g., Cabinet Trades \4\ or other 
trades that have been transacted on the Exchange in accordance with 
Exchange rules, but were not processed through the Hybrid System \5\) 
or to correct bona fide errors (e.g., a situation in which a 
transaction was reported using the wrong strike). Documentation 
requirements related to changes made through the use of CTM will be 
announced via a Regulatory Circular.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ See CBOE Rule 6.54.
    \5\ For example, a TPH may not have been able to enter its side 
of a transaction due to a system issue with the trade match record 
entry process.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    By way of background, CBOE Rule 6.51 requires that for all 
transactions made on the Exchange, TPHs must file with the Exchange 
certain trade information \6\ in order to allow the Exchange to 
properly match and clear trades. This information is used to provide 
the comparison of the two sides (i.e., buy and sell) of a transaction. 
When the two sides match, the trade is successfully compared and will 
move on to the Options Clearing Corporation (``OCC'') for clearance. 
For trades that do not match (i.e., trade information from each side do 
not match) TPHs and their respective representatives must make 
reasonable efforts to resolve unmatched trades on trade day.\7\ The 
Exchange notes that unmatched trades may be a result of software 
problems or systemic problems that cause incorrect information to be 
filed or a result of other errors such as ``key punch'' errors which 
result from manual data entry (i.e., trade information outside the 
written order instructions may have been mistakenly keyed in during 
user input). The Exchange notes that CTM may be used by TPHs to change 
certain fields on a trade record for which it has authority to correct, 
in order to update a trade record or correct an unmatched field to 
resolve an out-trade. The Exchange proposes to codify what post trade 
modifications via CTM are permitted and further specify which changes 
will require notification to the Exchange.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ See CBOE Rule 6.51(d).
    \7\ See CBOE Rule 6.61. See also, CBOE Rule 6.60. On each 
business day the Exchange shall match the trade information 
submitted by TPHs on that day and issue Unmatched Trade Reports to 
each Clearing Trading Permit Holder, (``CTPH'') which contains a 
list of such CTPH's trades for that day which the Exchange did not 
receive matching trade data from another CTPH (called ``unmatched 
trades''). Upon receipt of an Unmatched Trade Report, a TPH must 
reconcile all unmatched trades and report all reconciliations and 
corrections to the Exchange or the CTPH responsible for submission 
to the Exchange.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange first seeks to specify which fields may be changed by 
TPHs through the use of CTM without notice to the Exchange. Those 
fields are: (1) Executing Firm and Contra Firm; (2) Executing Broker 
and Contra Broker; (3) CMTA; \8\ (4) Market-Maker Account and Sub 
Account; (5) Customer ID; (6) Position Effect (open/close); (7) 
Optional Data and/or (8) Origin Code (provided the change is not from a 
customer origin code to any other origin code). The Exchange notes that 
the information contained in these fields does not affect the terms of 
a contract or the Consolidated Tape. Rather, the Exchange views these 
changes to be non-critical backoffice changes and as such, the Exchange 
does not believe it needs notice from the TPH making the change. The 
Exchange also notes that such changes would be captured in the 
Exchange's audit trail.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ Under a Clearing Member Trade Agreement (``CMTA''), an 
Options Clearing Corporation (``OCC'') clearing member (``carrying 
clearing member'') authorizes another clearing member (``executing 
clearing member'') to give up the name of the carrying clearing 
member with respect to any trade executed on a specific exchange 
(i.e., the re-assignment of a trade to a different Clearing firm 
occurs post-trade at the OCC).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Next, the Exchange proposes to specify which fields may be changed 
by TPHs through the use of CTM that require TPHs to give notice to the 
Exchange in a form and manner determined by the Exchange. Specifically, 
those fields are: (1) Series; (2) Quantity; (3) Buy or Sell; (4) 
Premium Price and/or (5) Origin Code (if changing origin code from 
customer (C) to any other origin code). The Exchange notes that these 
fields, with the exception of origin code, do change the terms of the 
contract and additionally affect the Consolidated Tape. As such, the 
Exchange proposes to require notice and further documentation as to why 
such a change is being made in order to monitor such changes, as well 
as take the necessary steps to ensure that any such changes are 
properly reflected in the Consolidated Tape. As to changes from a 
Customer (C) origin code to any other origin code, the Exchange notes 
that while such change does not affect the Consolidated Tape or terms 
of a

[[Page 64848]]

contract, such changes may affect other substantive aspects of how a 
trade was processed, including whether a trade should have been given 
order priority. Accordingly, the Exchange believes that TPHs making 
changes to these fields should be required to provide to the Exchange 
notice and documentation relating to the change. The Exchange proposes 
to require that notification of the change be made as soon as 
practicable, but no later than fifteen (15) minutes after the change 
has been made. The Exchange notes that it will not be authorizing any 
changes prior to the TPH making changes to any of the above-mentioned 
fields (i.e., the Exchange will not expressly indicate whether or not a 
change identified in a TPH's notice is in conformity with Exchange 
rules prior to the change being made). Rather, due to inherent time 
constraints, such changes will be reviewed by Exchange personnel after 
the fact, and a TPH that is found to have made an improper modification 
may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with 
the Rules of the Exchange as described more fully below.
    The Exchange lastly proposes to adopt Interpretation and Policy .01 
to provide that any action taken by the Exchange pursuant to proposed 
Rule 6.67(b) and (c) does not constitute a determination by the 
Exchange that the transaction was effected in conformity with Exchange 
Rules.\9\ As noted above, any improper change made through CTM shall be 
processed and given effect, but the TPH may be subject to appropriate 
disciplinary action in accordance with Exchange rules. Additionally, 
the Exchange notes that nothing in proposed Rule 6.67 is intended to 
define or limit the ability of the Exchange to sanction or take other 
remedial action pursuant to other Exchange rules for rule violations or 
other activity for which remedial measures may be proposed. The 
Exchange notes that given the inherent time constraints in making 
various changes to exchange transactions, the Exchange would not be 
able to adequately consider the above-mentioned requirements and make a 
determination within the time required as to whether a change was 
improper or not. As such the Exchange will not prevent any changes from 
being processed and given effect, but will review such changes after 
the fact to ensure compliance with Exchange rules.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ For example, if the Exchange provides a TPH the ability to 
make a change via CTM, such action should not be construed as a 
determination by the Exchange that the transaction proposed is in 
conformity with Exchange Rules.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with 
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ``Act'') and the rules and 
regulations thereunder applicable to the Exchange and, in particular, 
the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act.\10\ Specifically, the 
Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the 
Section 6(b)(5) \11\ requirements that the rules of an exchange be 
designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to 
promote just and equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation 
and coordination with persons engaged in regulating, clearing, 
settling, processing information with respect to, and facilitating 
transactions in securities, to remove impediments to and perfect the 
mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and, 
in general, to protect investors and the public interest. Additionally, 
the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the 
Section 6(b)(5) \12\ requirement that the rules of an exchange not be 
designed to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, 
brokers, or dealers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \11\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
    \12\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange views CTM as an important tool that allows TPHs to 
receive copies of trade records and add and/or update trade records. 
Specifically, as described above, Exchange rules contemplate post trade 
modifications and also require that TPHs resolve unmatched trades. The 
Exchange believes CTM provides TPHs an effective mechanism to make such 
changes and reconcile out-trades due to bona fide errors, thereby 
removing impediments to and perfecting the mechanism of a free and open 
market and a national market system, and protecting investors and the 
public interest. Additionally, CTM provides a mechanism to enter trade 
records for trades effected on the Exchange in accordance with Exchange 
rules, but that were not processed through the Hybrid System and would 
otherwise be processed outside of CBOE's systems.
    The Exchange also believes that clearly defining in the rules 
existing system functionality (i.e., CTM) provides additional 
transparency in the rules and provides market participants an 
additional avenue to easily understand the system and processes CBOE 
offers. The Exchange believes additional transparency removes a 
potential impediment to and perfecting the mechanism for a free and 
open market and a national market system, and, in general, protecting 
investors and the public interest. Additionally, the Exchange believes 
that requiring certain changes made through the CTM system allows the 
Exchange to receive from TPHs information in a uniform format, which 
aids the Exchange's efforts to monitor and regulate CBOE's markets and 
TPHs and helps prevent fraudulent and manipulative practices.
    Finally, the Exchange believes that the proposed rule changes are 
designed to not permit unfair discrimination among market participants. 
For example all TPHs may request access to CTM. Additionally, all TPHs 
will be subject to the same limitations as to the permitted uses of CTM 
functionality.

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

    The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will 
impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate 
in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The Exchange believes that 
proposed Rule 6.67 will promote competition by making the CTM 
functionality more understandable to users and the general public. The 
Exchange believes that by better explaining its CTM functionality to 
TPHs and codifying the permitted uses of CTM, TPHs will better 
understand the Exchange's systems. The Exchange believes that 
additional clarity and transparency in the Rules will make it easier 
for market participants to compete with one another on equal footing in 
the markets and ultimately benefits all investors.

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

    The Exchange neither solicited nor received written comments on the 
proposed rule change.

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

    Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not:
    A. significantly affect the protection of investors or the public 
interest;
    B. impose any significant burden on competition; and
    C. become operative for 30 days from the date on which it was 
filed, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has 
become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \13\ and 
Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \14\ thereunder. At any time within 60 days

[[Page 64849]]

of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may 
temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission 
that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, 
for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the 
purposes of the Act. If the Commission takes such action, the 
Commission will institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed 
rule change should be approved or disapproved.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \14\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 email to [email protected]. Please include 
File Number SR-CBOE-2014-082 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-CBOE-2014-082. 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 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 those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the 
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site 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 
10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of such filing also will be available 
for inspection and copying at the principal offices of the Exchange. 
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-2014-082, 
and should be submitted on or before November 21, 2014.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\15\
Kevin M. O'Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 2014-25880 Filed 10-30-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P