[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 81 (Tuesday, April 28, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23615-23618]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-09764]


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

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-74783; File No. SR-BX-2015-021]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing and Immediate 
Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change by NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc. Relating 
to NASDAQ OMX BX Equities Market Participant Registration and Sponsored 
Access

April 22, 2015.
    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 April 16, 2015, NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc. (``BX'' or ``Exchange'') filed 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'' or ``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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

    The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 4611, entitled ``NASDAQ OMX BX 
Equities Market Participant Registration'' and adopt a new Rule 4615, 
entitled ``Sponsored Participants.''
    The Exchange requests that the Commission waive the 30-day 
operative

[[Page 23616]]

delay period contained in Exchange Act Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii).\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's 
Web site at http://nasdaqomxbx.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 Rule 4611, 
entitled ``NASDAQ OMX BX Equities Market Participant Registration'' to: 
(i) Amend this rule, which today applies solely to members conducting 
an equities business on the Exchange, to apply to the rule text to 
members conducting an options business on the Exchange; and (ii) delete 
4611(d) pertaining to Sponsored Access and relocate the text to new 
Rule 4615 and also apply the rule to members transacting an options 
business.
    Exchange Rule 4611 today applies solely to the BX Equities market. 
This rule explains the various conditions that registration with the 
Exchange shall be conditioned upon initially and then subsequently 
imposing a continuing obligation to comply with the requirements. The 
requirements include a relationship with a clearing agency, compliance 
with Rules and procedures for use of the Trading System, rules 
concerning equipment usage, and compliance with rules regarding the 
acceptance and settlement of a trade. Rule 4611 requires reporting of 
noncompliance by the member and permits the Exchange to impose 
temporary restrictions to address a system problem. At the time this 
rule was adopted in 2008 the Exchange did not operate an options 
market. In 2012, BX received approval to establish a new options 
market.\4\ At this time, the Exchange intends to apply the provisions 
of Rule 4611 to all of its members similar to the NASDAQ Stock Market 
LLC (``Nasdaq') Rule 4611.\5\ The Exchange is removing all references 
to ``Equities'' in Rule 4611 and adding the word ``BX,'' where 
appropriate, to apply the Rule to all members of the Exchange, 
including equities and options members.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 67256 (Jun 26, 
2012), 77 FR 39277 (July 2, 2012) (SR-BX-2012-030).
    \5\ See Nasdaq Rule 4611(d).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange also proposes to relocate the rule applicable to 
Sponsored Participant from Rule 4611(d) to a new Rule 4615 to create a 
separate rule and apply the rule to both equity and options members. 
Today, 4611(d) refers solely to equity members of the Exchange. The 
Exchange proposes to title the new rule ``Sponsored Participants.''
    A Sponsored Participant is an entity with authorized electronic 
access to the Exchange for the entry and execution of orders. A 
Sponsored Participant trades under a Sponsoring Member's execution and 
clearing identity pursuant to a sponsorship arrangement. The rules 
continue to require the Sponsoring Member to take responsibility for 
the Sponsored Participant's activity on the Exchange. Similar to 
current Rule 4611(d), the relocated rule text imposes the same 
responsibilities as the current rule for Sponsored Participants, except 
that members conducting an options business on the Exchange will also 
have the ability to offer Sponsored Access.
    By way of background, new Rule 4615, similar to Rule 4611(d) 
continues to require the following elements for the Sponsored Access. 
First, the Sponsored Participant and its Sponsoring Member must have 
entered into and maintained an Access Agreement with the Exchange. The 
Sponsoring Member must designate the Sponsored Participant by name in 
an addendum to the Access Agreement. Second, there must be a Sponsored 
Participant Agreement between the Sponsoring Member and the Sponsored 
Participant that contains certain sponsorship provisions, enumerated in 
full in Rule 4615(b)(ii). The orders of the Sponsored Participant are 
binding in all respects on the Sponsoring Member. The Sponsoring Member 
is responsible for the actions of the Sponsored Participant. In 
addition to the Sponsoring Member being required to comply with the 
Exchange Certificate of Incorporation, By-Laws, Rules and procedures of 
the Exchange, the Sponsored Participant shall do so as if such 
Sponsored Participant were an Exchange member. The Sponsored 
Participant shall maintain, keep current and provide to the Sponsoring 
Member a list of individuals authorized to obtain access to the 
Exchange on behalf of the Sponsored Participant. The Sponsored 
Participant shall familiarize its authorized individuals with all of 
the Sponsored Participant's obligations under this Rule and will assure 
that they receive appropriate training prior to any use or access to 
the Exchange. The Sponsored Participant may not permit anyone other 
than authorized individuals to use or obtain access to the Exchange.\6\ 
The Sponsored Participant shall take reasonable security precautions to 
prevent unauthorized use or access to the Exchange, including 
unauthorized entry of information into the Exchange, and agrees that it 
is responsible for any and all orders, trades and other messages and 
instructions entered, transmitted or received under identifiers, 
passwords and security codes of authorized individuals, and for the 
trading and other consequences thereof. The Sponsored Participant 
acknowledges its responsibility to establish adequate procedures and 
controls that permit it to effectively monitor its employees', agents' 
and Participants' use and access to the Exchange for compliance with 
the terms of this agreement. Finally, the Sponsored Participant shall 
pay when due all amounts, if any, payable to Sponsoring Member, the 
Exchange, or any other third parties that arise from the Sponsored 
Participant's access to and use of the Exchange. Such amounts include, 
but are not limited to applicable exchange and regulatory fees. Third, 
the Sponsoring Member must provide the Exchange with a Sponsored 
Participant Addendum to its Access Agreement acknowledging its 
responsibility for the orders, executions and actions of its Sponsored 
Participant at issue.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ If the Exchange determines that an authorized individual has 
caused a Member to violate the Exchange's Rules, the Exchange could 
direct the Member to suspend or withdraw the person's status as an 
authorized individual.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange would apply the Sponsored Participant rule to members 
conducting an options business on the Exchange. Today the rule applies 
solely to members conducting an equities business on the Exchange. The 
Exchange intends to offer sponsored access in the same manner as NASDAQ

[[Page 23617]]

to members conducting an options and an equities business.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ See Nasdaq Rule 4611(d).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange is removing all references to ``Equities'' in Rule 
4611 and adding the word ``BX,'' where appropriate, to apply the Rule 
to all members of the Exchange, equities and options members.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that its proposal is consistent with Section 
6(b) of the Act \8\ in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 
6(b)(5) of the Act \9\ 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 continuing to permit market participants gain access to a 
marketplace. Specifically, the Exchange believes the proposed rule 
change is consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) requirements that the 
rules of an exchange be designed to promote just and equitable 
principles of trade, to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts, 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 
to perfect the mechanism for a free and open market and a national 
market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public 
interest.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \9\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
    \10\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    With respect to Rule 4611, the proposed amendments would permit the 
Rule to be equally applicable to all members of the Exchange, equity 
and options. Today, the rule applies solely to equity members. The 
Exchange intends to offer uniform access and permit members conducting 
an equities and options business on the Exchange to similarly offer 
Sponsored Access as is the case today on the Nasdaq market with new 
Rule 4615.\11\ Similarly, the Exchange intends to impose equal 
obligations for accessing the System on members conducting either an 
equities or an options business with revised Rule 4611. The Exchange 
believes that applying these rules in a uniform manner to all members 
(equity and options) would result in uniform application of Exchange 
rules.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ See Nasdaq Rule 4611(d).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additionally, the Exchange believes the proposed rule changes are 
consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) requirement that the rules of a 
national securities exchange be designed to not permit unfair 
discrimination between customer, issuers, brokers or dealers.\12\ New 
Rule 4615 continues to make clear the obligations of the Sponsoring 
Members.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange believes that the changes proposed herein should serve 
to help market participants seeking access to its marketplace. The 
Exchange believes that proposed Rule 4615, similar to current Rule 
4611(d), allows the Exchange to receive from Sponsoring Members certain 
information in a uniform format, which aids the Exchange's efforts to 
monitor and regulate BX's markets and its members and aids the 
prevention of fraudulent and manipulative practices.
    The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is designed to 
avoid unfair discrimination among members, as the proposed rule change 
provides for the Exchange to impose requirements on members in an 
objective manner. The proposed amendments extend the requirements in 
Rule 4611 and the access in new Rule 4615 to both equity and options 
members. Finally, the proposed rule change will help remove impediments 
to and promote a free and open market and a national market system 
because it is consistent with rules in place at other exchanges and 
imposes substantially similar requirements on its members.

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. Rule 4611 obligations would 
apply uniformly to both equity and options members. Similarly, new Rule 
4615 will treat all members, equity and options members, in a uniform 
fashion. The proposed rule change seeks to provide clear guidelines on 
the responsibilities of all parties that provide Sponsored Access as 
well as the responsibilities owed by Sponsored Members. The proposed 
rule is similar to other exchange rules.
    The proposed rule change does not impose any undue burden on 
competition, rather it seeks to uniformly apply both Rule 4611 and new 
Rule 4615 to all members, equity and options.

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 significantly 
affect the protection of investors or the public interest; does not 
impose any significant burden on competition; and by its terms does not 
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) \13\ of the Act and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6) thereunder.\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \14\ 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 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 shall institute proceedings to 
determine whether the proposed rule change 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-BX-2015-021 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

     Send paper comments in triplicate to Brent J. Fields, 
Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., 
Washington, DC 20549-1090.


[[Page 23618]]


All submissions should refer to File Number SR-BX-2015-021. 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 the 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-BX-2015-021 and should be 
submitted on or before May 19, 2015.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\15\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Brent J. Fields,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2015-09764 Filed 4-27-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P