[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 34 (Friday, February 20, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9291-9294]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-03517]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-74272; File No. SR-Phlx-2015-15]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC; Notice of 
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Relating to 
Remote Streaming Quote Traders

February 13, 2015.
    Pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(the

[[Page 9292]]

``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that 
on February 9, 2015, NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC (``Phlx'' or ``Exchange'') 
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'' or 
``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.
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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 the 
Substance of the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange proposes to amend Phlx Rule 507, entitled 
``Application for Approval as an SQT or RSQT or RSQTO and Assignment in 
Options'' to increase the number of Remote Streaming Quote Traders 
(``RSQTs'') that may be affiliated with a Remote Streaming Quote Trader 
Organization (``RSQTOs'').
    The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's 
Web site at http://nasdaqomxphlx.cchwallstreet.com/, at the principal 
office of the Exchange, and at the Commission's Public Reference Room.

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

    In its filing with the Commission, the 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 purpose of the proposed rule change is to amend Phlx Rule 507, 
entitled ``Application for Approval as an SQT or RSQT or RSQTO and 
Assignment in Options,'' to increase the number of RSQTs that may be 
affiliated with RSQTOs. RSQTs are one of several types of Registered 
Options Traders (``ROTs'') on the Exchange. ROTs are market makers that 
include Streaming Quote Traders (``SQTs''),\3\ RSQTs,\4\ Directed 
Streaming Quote Traders (``DSQTs''), and Directed Remote Streaming 
Quote Traders (``DRSQTs'').\5\
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    \3\ An SQT is an ROT who has received permission from the 
Exchange to generate and submit option quotations electronically in 
eligible options to which such SQT is assigned. An SQT may only 
submit such quotations while such SQT is physically present on the 
floor of the Exchange. See Rule 1014(b)(ii)(A).
    \4\ An RSQT is an ROT that is a member or member organization 
with no physical trading floor presence who has received permission 
from the Exchange to generate and submit option quotations 
electronically in eligible options to which such RSQT has been 
assigned. An RSQT may only submit such quotations electronically 
from off the floor of the Exchange. See Rule 1014(b)(ii)(B).
    \5\ A DSQT is an SQT and a DRSQT is an RSQT that receives a 
Directed Order. Exchange Rule 1080(l)(i)(A) defines Directed Order 
as any customer order (other than a stop or stop-limit order as 
defined in Rule 1066) to buy or sell which has been directed to a 
particular specialist, RSQT, or SQT by an Order Flow Provider and 
delivered to the Exchange via its electronic quoting, execution and 
trading system.
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    Rule 507 is one of the numerous rules administered by the Exchange 
that deal with allocation and assignment of securities. These Rules 
generally describe the process for: Applying for an appointment as a 
specialist; allocating classes of options to specialist units and 
individual specialists; applying for an appointment as an SQT or RQT; 
as well as continuing performance obligations. The Rules also indicate, 
among other things, under what circumstances new allocations are made 
to specialists and assignments are determined for SQTs.\6\ The process 
for applying to be an RSQTO and applying for an assignment in options 
as an RQST or SQT is set forth in Rule 507. All new applicants for 
trading privileges will continue to be subject to the process for 
assignment described in Rule 507. The Exchange considers all applicants 
for assignment in options using the objective criteria set forth in 
Exchange Rule 507(b). The objective criteria are used by the Exchange 
in determining the most beneficial assignment of options for the 
Exchange and the public. Approved RSQTs have certain electronic quoting 
obligations via the Exchange's electronic quoting and trading system, 
as well as restrictions, pertaining to the current market makers on the 
Exchange.\7\ SQTs and RSQTs are subject to performance evaluations to 
determine whether they have fulfilled performance standards relating 
to, among other things, quality of markets, efficient quote submission 
to the Exchange (including quotes submitted through a third party 
vendor), competition among market makers, observance of ethical 
standards, and administrative factors.\8\
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    \6\ See, e.g., Supplementary Material .01 to Rule 506 
(specialist may not apply for a new allocation for a period of six 
months after an option allocation was taken away from the specialist 
in a disciplinary proceeding or an involuntary reallocation 
proceeding). Specifically, Rule 507 discusses the process of 
applying for approval as an RSQT or SQT on the Exchange and 
assignment of options to them. Under Rule 507, RSQTOs are Exchange 
member organizations while SQTs and RSQTs are Exchange members. Any 
member organization of the Exchange in good standing that satisfies 
the RSQTO readiness requirements will be approved as an RSQTO. 
RSQTOs may also be referred to as Remote Market Maker Organizations 
(``RMOs'') and RSQTs may also be referred to as Remote Market 
Markers (``RMMs''). Rule 507(a). No limit is placed on the number of 
member organizations that may become RSQTOs. Moreover, as many as 
three RSQT applicants affiliated with an RSQTO may be approved as an 
RSQT, to the extent that each such RSQT applicant is qualified as an 
ROT in good standing, and satisfies the five readiness requirements 
that are set out in Rule 507. There is no limit on the number of 
qualifying ROTs that may be approved as RSQTs, as long as the 
applicants are qualified as ROTs in good standing and satisfy the 
readiness requirements. No limit is placed on the number of member 
organizations that may become RSQTOs. Moreover, as many as three 
RSQT applicants affiliated with an RSQTO may be approved as an RSQT, 
to the extent that each such RSQT applicant is qualified as an ROT 
in good standing, and satisfies the five readiness requirements that 
are set out in Rule 507. There is no limit on the number of 
qualifying ROTs that may be approved as RSQTs, as long as the 
applicants are qualified as ROTs in good standing and satisfy the 
readiness requirements.
    \7\ More than one RSQT may submit a quote in an assigned option, 
to the extent that each RSQT applies for and is approved as an RSQT 
affiliated with an RSQTO pursuant to Rule 507. See Rule 1014 
(b)(ii)(B).
    \8\ See Rule 510.
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    The Exchange is not proposing to amend the process or procedure for 
applying to act as a market maker on the Exchange nor the obligations 
or performance evaluations that are conducted once appointed. The 
Exchange proposes to amend Rule 507(a) to increase the number of RSQTs 
that may be affiliated with an RSQTO from three to five RSTQs. The 
Exchange initially selected three RSQTs when the concept of an RSQTO 
was adopted because the Exchange believed that up to three RSQTs for 
each RSQTO organization would strike a proper balance with respect to 
the anticipated increase to support quoting and trading options in 
light of competition. The RSQTO concept was initially adopted in 
2013.\9\ At this time, the Exchange believes the number of RSQTs 
affiliated with an RSQTO can be increased to allow up to five RSQTs to 
be affiliated with an RSQTO, without a significant impact on message 
traffic, while allowing increased competition. The Exchange has allowed 
up to three RSQTs in the interim two years and at this time believes it 
has the adequate

[[Page 9293]]

capacity to propose the increased number of RSQTs to quote. The 
Exchange will continue to monitor the number of permitted RSQTs in 
relation to its capacity. The Exchange notes that the Maximum Number of 
Quoters (``MNQs'') refers to the maximum number of participants that 
may be assigned in a particular equity option at any one time. The MNQ 
level for options trading on the Exchange is 30 for all equity options 
listed for trading on the Exchange.\10\ This rule change will not 
impact the MNQ. Other options exchanges similarly impose higher limits 
on the number of total members that may quote electronically.\11\ The 
Exchange represents that it has the system capacity to continue to 
support quoting and trading options subsequent to the effectiveness of 
this proposal. The Exchange represents that it has an adequate 
surveillance program in place for options that are quoted and traded on 
the Exchange and intends to continue application of those program 
procedures as necessary. Additionally, the Exchange is a member of the 
Intermarket Surveillance Group (``ISG'') under the Intermarket 
Surveillance Group Agreement, dated June 20, 1994. ISG members 
coordinate surveillance and investigative information sharing for 
equity and options markets. Moreover, futures exchanges are affiliated 
members of the ISG, which allows for the sharing of surveillance 
information for potential intermarket trading abuses.
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    \9\ See Securities and Exchange [sic] Release No. 68689 (January 
25 [sic], 2013), 78 FR 5518 (January 18 [sic], 2013) (SR-Phlx-2013-
03).
    \10\ See Commentaries .01 to .05 to Rule 507.
    \11\ The Chicago Board Options Exchange Incorporated (``CBOE'') 
imposes an upper limit on the aggregate number of Trading Permit 
Holders that may quote electronically in each product during each 
trading session (``Class Quoting Limit'' or ``CQL''). The DPM or 
LMM(s) assigned to the product and Market-Makers who hold an 
appointment in the product are entitled to quote electronically in 
those products for as long as they maintain an appointment in those 
products. All other Market-Makers that request the ability to submit 
quotes electronically in the subject product will be entitled to 
quote electronically in that product in the order in which they so 
request provided the number of Trading Permit Holders quoting 
electronically in the product does not exceed the CQL. When the 
number of Trading Permit Holders in the product quoting 
electronically equals the CQL, all other Trading Permit Holders 
requesting the ability to quote electronically in that product will 
be wait-listed in the order in which they submitted the request. The 
CQL for products trading on the Hybrid Trading System is fifty (50). 
See CBOE Rule 8.3A.
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    The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change increasing the 
number of RSQTs that may be affiliated with RSQTOs will encourage 
competition, create additional trading opportunities and outlets and 
increase the depth of markets.
    The Exchange is also proposing to delete rule text in Rule 507 
related to RSQTO conversions. The rule text was originally adopted to 
provide guidance as to the initial manner and timeframe within which 
members were required to notify the Exchange of the names of the 
affiliated RSQTs. This language is no longer necessary and the Exchange 
proposes to delete the rule text.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that its proposal is consistent with section 
6(b) of the Act \12\ in general, and furthers the objectives of section 
6(b)(5) of the Act \13\ in particular, in that it is designed to 
promote just and equitable principles of trade, 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, by enabling a greater number of RSQTs to be affiliated with 
an RSQTO.
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    \12\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \13\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
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    The Exchange believes that this proposal does not engender unfair 
discrimination among specialists, specialist units, SQTs and RSQTs. 
This proposal to amend Rule 507 will be equally applicable to all 
members and member organizations at the Exchange. Increasing the number 
of RSQTs associated with an RSQTO is pro-competitive, because it adds 
depth and liquidity to the Exchange's markets by permitting additional 
participants to compete on the Exchange.
    The Exchange believes that deleting the language concerning the 
RSQTO conversion period, which was initially implemented to provide a 
timeframe to permit member organizations to provide notification to the 
Exchange of up to three affiliated RSQTs, will clarify the Rule text by 
removing this language which is no longer necessary and is outdated.

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 not necessary or appropriate in 
furtherance of the purposes of the Act. To the contrary, the proposal 
further promotes intra-market competition on the Exchange which should 
lead to tighter, more efficient markets to the benefit of market 
participants including public investors that engage in trading and 
hedging on the Exchange, and thereby make the Exchange a desirable 
market as compared to other options exchanges and therefore promoted 
inter-market competition.

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

    No written comments were either solicited or received.

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

    Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not: (i) 
Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public 
interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) 
become operative for 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or 
such shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become 
effective pursuant to section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) [sic] of the Act \14\ and 
subparagraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b-4 thereunder.\15\
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    \14\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(a)(ii).
    \15\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6) 
requires a self-regulatory organization to give the Commission 
written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change at 
least five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed 
rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. 
The Exchange has satisfied this requirement.
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    At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule 
change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule 
change if it appears to the Commission that such action is: (i) 
Necessary or appropriate in the public interest; (ii) for the 
protection of investors; or (iii) otherwise in furtherance of the 
purposes of the Act. If the Commission takes such action, the 
Commission shall institute proceedings to determine whether the 
proposed rule should be approved or disapproved.

IV. Solicitation of Comments

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

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's Internet comment form (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an email to [email protected]. Please include 
File Number SR-Phlx-2015-15 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-Phlx-2015-15. This file

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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 office 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-Phlx-2015-15, and should be 
submitted on or before March 13, 2015.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\16\
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    \16\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Jill M. Peterson,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2015-03517 Filed 2-19-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P