[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 143 (Tuesday, July 26, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48861-48864]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-17584]


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

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-78372; File No. SR-NYSE-2016-50]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; New York Stock Exchange LLC; 
Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change 
Amending Its Rules Regarding Payment of Compensation and Rebates, and 
Research Analyst Attestation Requirements, Harmonizing With Certain 
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. Rules and Making Other 
Conforming Changes

July 20, 2016.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) \1\ of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 (the ``Act'') \2\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\3\ notice is hereby 
given that on July 12, 2016, New York Stock Exchange LLC (``NYSE'' or 
the ``Exchange'') 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 self-
regulatory organization. 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\ 15 U.S.C. 78a.
    \3\ 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 its rules regarding (1) payment of 
compensation and rebates, and (2) research analyst attestation 
requirements in order to harmonize with certain Financial Industry 
Regulatory Authority, Inc. (``FINRA'') rules and make other conforming 
changes. The proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's Web 
site at www.nyse.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 self-regulatory organization 
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 those 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 parts of such statements.

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

1. Purpose
    The Exchange proposes amending its rules concerning (1) payment of 
compensation and rebates, and (2) research analyst attestation 
requirements in order to harmonize with certain FINRA rules and make 
other conforming changes. Specifically, the Exchange proposes to:
     Delete Rule 353 (Rebates and Compensation),\4\ NYSE Rule 
Interpretation 345(a)(i)/01 (Compensation to Non-Registered Persons), 
NYSE Rule Interpretation 345(a)(i)/02 (Compensation Paid for Advisory 
Solicitations), and NYSE Rule Interpretation 345(a)(i)/03 (Compensation 
to Non-Registered Foreign Persons Acting as Finders), adopt the text of 
FINRA Rule 2040 (Payments to Unregistered Persons) (including 
Supplementary Material .01) and add new Supplementary Material .02, and 
amend Rule 8311 (Effect of a Suspension, Revocation, Cancellation, or 
Bar) (including adding Supplementary Material .01) in order to 
harmonize its rules with FINRA's rules regarding the payment of 
transaction-based compensation by members to unregistered persons;
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ References to rules are to NYSE rules unless otherwise 
indicated.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     delete Rule 351 (Reporting Requirements) (including 
Supplementary Material .11 and .12) and amend Rules 472 (Communications 
With The Public) and 9217 (Violations Appropriate for Disposition Under 
Plan Pursuant to SEA Rule 19d-1(c)(2)) to harmonize with FINRA's rules 
regarding annual attestation requirements for research analysts; and
     make certain technical and conforming changes.\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ As discussed below, the conforming changes the Exchange 
proposes would substitute the term ``member organization'' for 
``member'' and the term ``Exchange'' for ``FINRA.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Background
    In 2007, the Exchange and FINRA \6\ entered into an agreement (the 
``Agreement'') pursuant to Rule 17d-2 under the Act to reduce 
regulatory duplication by allocating to FINRA certain regulatory 
responsibilities for NYSE rules and rule interpretations (``FINRA 
Incorporated NYSE Rules'').\7\ In order to reduce regulatory 
duplication and relieve firms that are members of the Exchange and 
FINRA of conflicting or unnecessary regulatory burdens, FINRA has been 
reviewing and amending the NASD and FINRA Incorporated NYSE Rules in 
order to create a consolidated FINRA rulebook.\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ NYSE Regulation, Inc., a former not-for-profit subsidiary of 
the Exchange, was also a party to the Agreement by virtue of the 
fact that it performed regulatory functions for the Exchange 
pursuant to a delegation agreement. See Securities Exchange Act 
Release No. 53382 (February 27, 2006), 71 FR 11251, 11264-65 (March 
6, 2006) (SR-NYSE-2005-77) (approving delegation agreement). The 
delegation agreement terminated on February 16, 2016, and NYSE 
Regulation has ceased providing regulatory services to the Exchange, 
which has re-integrated its regulatory functions.
    \7\ See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 56148 (July 26, 
2007), 72 FR 42146 (August 1, 2007) (order approving the Agreement); 
56147 (July 26, 2007), 72 FR 42166 (August 1, 2007) (SR-NASD-2007-
054) (order approving the incorporation of certain NYSE Rules as 
``Common Rules''). Paragraph 2(b) of the Agreement sets forth 
procedures regarding proposed changes by FINRA or the Exchange to 
the substance of any of the Common Rules.
    \8\ FINRA's rulebook currently has three sets of rules: (1) NASD 
Rules, (2) FINRA Incorporated NYSE Rules, and (3) consolidated FINRA 
Rules. The FINRA Incorporated NYSE Rules apply only to those members 
of FINRA that are also members of the NYSE (``Dual Members''), while 
the consolidated FINRA Rules apply to all FINRA members. For more 
information about the FINRA rulebook consolidation process, see 
FINRA Information Notice, March 12, 2008.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Payment of Transaction-Based Compensation
    As part of the rule consolidation process, in 2014, FINRA adopted 
FINRA Rule 2040 regarding payment of transaction-based compensation by 
members to unregistered persons.\9\ The requirements of Incorporated 
NYSE Rule 353 \10\ as well as Incorporated

[[Page 48862]]

NYSE Rule Interpretation 345(a)(i)/01 (Compensation to Non-Registered 
Persons), Incorporated NYSE Rule Interpretation 345(a)(i)/02 
(Compensation Paid for Advisory Solicitations), and NYSE Rule 
Interpretation 345(a)(i)/03 (Compensation to Non-Registered Foreign 
Persons Acting as Finders) \11\ were consolidated into the new FINRA 
rule, and FINRA deleted Incorporated NYSE Rule 353 and the Incorporated 
NYSE Rule 345 interpretations.\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 73210 (September 
25, 2014), 79 FR 59322 (October 1, 2014) (SR-FINRA-2014-037) 
(``FINRA Notice'') and 73954 (December 30, 2014), 80 FR 553 (January 
6, 2015) (SR-FINRA-2014-37) (``FINRA Approval Order'').
    \10\ NYSE Rule 353(a) prohibits a member, principal executive, 
registered representative or officer from, directly or indirectly, 
rebating to any person any part of the compensation he receives from 
the solicitation of orders for the purchase or sale of securities or 
other similar instruments for the accounts of customers of the 
member, or pay such compensation, or any part thereof, as a bonus, 
commission, fee or other consideration for business sought or 
procured for him or for any other member. NYSE Rule 353(b) further 
provides that a member, principal executive, registered 
representative or officer cannot be compensated for business done by 
or through his employer after the termination of his employment 
except as may be permitted by the NYSE.
    \11\ NYSE Rule Interpretation 345(a)(i)/01 (Compensation to Non-
Registered Persons) prohibits member organizations from paying to 
nonregistered persons compensation based upon the business of 
customers they direct to the member organization if such 
compensation is, among other things, formulated as a direct 
percentage of commissions generated and is other than on an isolated 
basis. NYSE Rule Interpretation 345(a)(i)/02 (Compensation Paid for 
Advisory Solicitations) provides that a member organization that is 
also registered with the Commission as an investment adviser may 
enter into arrangements that comply with Rule 206(4)-3 (Cash 
Payments for Client Solicitations) of the Investment Advisers Act. 
Finally, NYSE Rule Interpretation 345(a)(i)/03 (Compensation to Non-
Registered Foreign Persons Acting as Finders) provides that member 
organizations may pay transaction-related compensation to 
nonregistered foreign finders, based upon the business of customers 
such persons direct to members, subject to identified conditions.
    \12\ See FINRA Approval Order, 80 FR at 555 & 557; see also 
FINRA Notice, 79 FR at 59327. The result was ``one concise rule that 
outlines the applicable requirements for payments to non-members.'' 
FINRA Approval Order, 80 FR at 557.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the same filing, FINRA amended FINRA Rule 8311 to eliminate 
duplicative provisions in NASD IM-2420-2 (Continuing Commissions 
Policy) \13\ and clarify the scope of the rule on payments by members 
to persons subject to suspension, revocation, cancellation, bar or 
other disqualification and added new Supplementary Material .01 
(Remuneration Accrued Prior to Effective Date of Sanction or 
Disqualification) expressly permitting a member to pay to any person 
subject to a sanction or disqualification any remuneration pursuant to 
an insurance or medical plan, indemnity agreement relating to legal 
fees, or as required by an arbitration award or court judgment.\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ NASD IM-2420-2 allows members to pay continuing commissions 
to former registered representatives after they cease to be employed 
by a member, if, among other things, a bona fide contract between 
the member and the registered representative calling for the 
payments was entered into in good faith while the person was a 
registered representative of the employing member. See FINRA Notice, 
79 FR at 59326. Rule 353(b), on the other hand, provides that a 
member, principal executive, registered representative or officer 
cannot be compensated for business done by or through his employer 
after the termination of his employment except as may be permitted 
by the NYSE.
    \14\ FINRA Approval Order, 80 FR at 556-57.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Research Analyst Attestation Requirements
    In 2011, the Exchange adopted FINRA Rule 4530 (Reporting 
Requirements) as NYSE Rule 4530. FINRA Rule 4530 was modeled in part on 
former NYSE Rule 351(a)-(d), which governed trade investigation 
reporting requirements.\15\ The Exchange retained Rule 351(f), which 
requires a letter of attestation signed by a principal executive that 
the member or member organization has established and implemented 
procedures reasonably designed to comply with the provisions of Rule 
472, that each research analyst's compensation was reviewed and 
approved in accordance with the requirements of Rule 472(h)(2), and 
that the basis for such approval has been documented. At the time, the 
Exchange noted that NYSE Rules 351(f), 351.11 and 351.12 governing the 
annual attestation requirement would be addressed as part of the 
research analyst conflict of interest rules.\16\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 64785 (June 30, 
2011), 76 FR 39946 (July 7, 2011) (SR-NYSE-2011-27).
    \16\ See id. at 39946, n.8.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In 2015, FINRA adopted FINRA Rule 2241 (Research Analysts and 
Research Reports), which deleted the requirement to attest annually 
that the firm has in place written supervisory policies and procedures 
reasonably designed to achieve compliance with the applicable 
provisions of the rules, including the compensation committee review 
provision.\17\ As FINRA explained in its filing, firms were already 
obligated pursuant to NASD Rule 3010 (Supervision) to have a 
supervisory system reasonably designed to achieve compliance with all 
applicable securities laws and regulations and FINRA rules. Moreover, 
the research rules also were subject to the supervisory control rules 
(NASD Rule 3012) and the annual certification requirement regarding 
compliance and supervisory processes embodied in FINRA Rule 3130. As 
such, FINRA did not believe that a separate attestation requirement for 
the research rules was necessary.\18\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 75471 (July 16, 
2015), 80 FR 43482, 43488 (July 22, 2015) (SR-FINRA-2014-047).
    \18\ See id. NASD Rules 3010 and 3012 referred to in the 
approval order were adopted with changes as FINRA Rules 3110 
(Supervision) and 3120 (Supervisory Control System). See id., n. 83; 
Securities Exchange Act Release No. 71179 (December 23, 2013), 78 FR 
79542 (December 30, 2013) (SR-FINRA-2013-025).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The attestation requirement in current Rule 351(f) is inconsistent 
with FINRA Rule 2241, thereby presenting member organizations that are 
also FINRA members with inconsistent requirements. Moreover, the 
Exchange has adopted FINRA Rules 3110, 3120 and 3130 as NYSE Rules 
3110, 3120 and 3130.\19\ Exchange member organizations are therefore 
subject to the same supervisory requirements as FINRA member firms, 
including the annual certification requirement regarding compliance and 
supervisory processes in Rule 3130.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 73554 (November 6, 
2014), 79 FR 67508 (November 13, 2014) (SR-NYSE-2014-56) (adopting 
FINRA Rules 3110 and 3120); Securities Exchange Act Release No. 
59965 (May 21, 2009), 74 FR 25783 (May 29, 2009) (SR-NYSE-2009-25) 
(adopting FINRA Rule 3130).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Proposed Rule Changes
Payment of Transaction-Based Compensation
Deletion of Rule 353 and Rule 345 Interpretations, and Adoption of 
FINRA Rule 2040
    In light of FINRA's adoption of a comprehensive rule regarding the 
payment of transaction-based compensation, the Exchange proposes to 
adopt the text of FINRA Rule 2040 as NYSE Rule 2040 and delete Rule 
353, the Exchange's current rule governing rebates and compensation, as 
well as NYSE Rule Interpretations 345(a)(i)/01, 345(a)(i)/02, and 
345(a)(i)/03, which relate to compensation to non-registered persons, 
compensation paid for advisory solicitations, and compensation to non-
registered foreign persons acting as finders, respectively. As noted 
above, the requirements of NYSE Rule 353 and the NYSE Rule 
Interpretations 345(a)(i)/01, 345(a)(i)/02, and 345(a)(i)/03 have been 
consolidated into the FINRA rule, making them redundant.\20\ For 
consistency with Exchange rules, the Exchange proposes to: (1) Change 
references to ``members'' in the text of FINRA Rule 2040 (including 
Supplementary Material .01) to ``member organizations''; (2) change 
references to ``FINRA'' in the text of FINRA Rule 2040 (including 
Supplementary Material .01) to ``the Exchange''; and (3) change the 
reference in Rule 2040(c)(1) to ``disqualification as defined in 
Article III, Section 4 of FINRA's By-Laws'' to ``statutory 
disqualification as defined in Section

[[Page 48863]]

3(a)(39) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.'' In addition, in 
order to ensure that proposed Rule 2040 and FINRA Rule 2040 are fully 
harmonized, the Exchange also proposes to add Supplementary Material 
.02 to proposed Rule 2040 to provide that, for purposes of the rule, 
the term ``associated person'' shall have the same meaning as the terms 
``person associated with a member'' or ``associated person of a 
member'' as defined in Article I (rr) of the FINRA ByLaws. The proposed 
Rule is otherwise the same as its FINRA counterpart.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ See FINRA Approval Order, 80 FR at 555 & 557. See also 
notes 10-12 and accompanying text, supra. There are no associated 
Rule 353 interpretations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amendment to Rule 8311 To Reflect Recent Amendments to FINRA Rule 8311
    To reflect FINRA's recent amendments to FINRA Rule 8311, the 
Exchange proposes certain amendments to NYSE Rule 8311 to fully 
harmonize the two rules. First, the Exchange proposes to delete the 
word ``or'' in the heading and add the phrase ``or Other 
Disqualification.'' The first paragraph would be become subsection (a) 
and the text would be harmonized with FINRA Rule 8311(a).
    Proposed Rule 8311(a) would clarify the scope of payments by member 
organizations to persons subject to suspension, revocation, 
cancellation, bar (each a ``sanction'') or other disqualification and 
would provide that if a person is subject to a sanction or other 
disqualification, a member organization may not allow such person to be 
associated with it in any capacity that is inconsistent with the 
sanction imposed or disqualified status, including a clerical or 
ministerial capacity. Proposed Rule 8311(a) would further provide that 
a member organization may not pay or credit to any person subject to a 
sanction or disqualification, during the period of the sanction or 
disqualification or any period thereafter, any salary, commission, 
profit, or any other remuneration that the person might accrue, not 
just earn, during the period of the sanction or disqualification. The 
Exchange also proposes to add a new sentence to proposed Rule 8311(a) 
providing that a member organization may make payments or credits to a 
person subject to a sanction that are consistent with the scope of 
activities permitted under the sanction where the sanction solely 
limits an associated person from conducting specified activities (such 
as a suspension from acting in a principal capacity) or to a 
disqualified person that has been approved (or is otherwise permitted 
pursuant to Exchange rules and the federal securities laws) to 
associate with a member organization.
    Further, the Exchange proposes to add a new subsection (b) and new 
proposed Supplementary Material .01 that, with the exception of 
conforming references to ``members'' in the text of FINRA Rule 8311 to 
``member organizations'' and references to ``FINRA'' to ``the 
Exchange,'' would be identical to the recent amendments to FINRA Rule 
8311.
    The Exchange believes that the proposed Rule complements proposed 
Rule 2040 and would harmonize the Exchange's rules on payments by 
member organizations to persons subject to suspension, revocation, 
cancellation, bar or other disqualification.
Research Analyst Attestation Requirements
Deletion of NYSE Rule 351(f) and Supplementary Material .11 and .12
    In light of FINRA's elimination of an annual attestation 
requirement when it adopted FINRA Rule 2241,\21\ the Exchange proposes 
to delete NYSE Rule 351(f) and Supplementary Material .11 and .12, 
thereby eliminating inconsistent requirements for member organizations 
that are also FINRA members.\22\ As noted above, Exchange member 
organizations are also subject to the same supervisory requirements as 
FINRA member firms, including the annual certification requirement 
regarding compliance and supervisory processes in Rule 3130.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ See 80 FR at 43488.
    \22\ The Exchange has not adopted FINRA Rule 2241. Under Rule 
2(b)(i), member organizations that transact business with public 
customers must at all times be members of FINRA and, as such, would 
be subject to FINRA's rules, including the requirements of Rule 
2241.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange proposes to mark the entire Rule as ``Reserved'' and 
delete headings (a) through (e) and Supplementary Material .10 and .13, 
which have no content and are marked ``Reserved'' and ``Deleted,'' 
respectively.
Conforming Changes
    The Exchange proposes the following conforming changes. First, the 
Exchange would substitute the term ``member organization'' for 
``member'' \23\ and the term ``Exchange'' for ``FINRA'' in proposed 
Rule 2040 and in the changes proposed for Rule 8311. Second, the 
Exchange would delete references to Rule 351 in Rules 472(c) and (h), 
governing communications with the public, and 9217, which sets forth 
the rules included in the NYSE's minor rule violation plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ The term ``member'' has different meanings under FINRA and 
Exchange rules. Under FINRA Rule 0160(b)(10), a ``member'' means an 
individual, partnership, corporation or other legal entity admitted 
to membership in FINRA under Articles III and IV of the FINRA By-
Laws. Article III, Sec. 1(a) generally limits membership to 
registered brokers, dealers, municipal securities brokers or 
dealers, or government securities brokers or dealers. NYSE's 
equivalent term is ``member organization.'' See Rule 2(b)(i) 
(defining ``member organization'' as a registered broker or dealer 
(unless exempt pursuant to the Act) that is a member of FINRA or 
another registered securities exchange). Under NYSE Rule 2(a), the 
term ``member'' means a natural person associated with a member 
organization who has been approved by the Exchange and designated by 
such member organization to effect transactions on the floor of the 
Exchange or any facility thereof.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that the proposed rule changes are consistent 
with Section 6(b) of the Act,\24\ in general, and Section 6(b)(5) of 
the Act,\25\ in particular, because the proposed rule changes would be 
consistent with and facilitate a governance and regulatory structure 
that is 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. 
The Exchange believes that the proposed rule changes support the 
objectives of the Act by providing greater harmonization between 
Exchange rules and FINRA rules of similar purpose, resulting in less 
burdensome and more efficient regulatory compliance. In particular, 
adopting proposed Rule 2040 and amending Rule 8311 based on FINRA Rules 
2040 and 8311 as well as deleting Rule 353 and NYSE Rule 
Interpretations 345(a)(i)/01, 345(a)(i)/02, and 345(a)(i)/03 would 
promote just and equitable principles of trade by providing greater 
harmonization between NYSE Rules and FINRA Rules of similar purpose, 
resulting in less burdensome and more efficient regulatory compliance.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \24\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \25\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Similarly, deleting Rule 351(f) and Supplementary Material .11 and 
.12 as inconsistent with FINRA Rule 2241 would eliminate inconsistent 
annual attestation requirements, resulting in less burdensome and more 
efficient regulatory compliance and promoting just and equitable 
principles of trade. The Exchange further believes that eliminating the 
annual attestation

[[Page 48864]]

requirement would not be inconsistent with the Exchange's obligations 
under the Exchange Act to prevent fraudulent or manipulative acts and 
practices because Exchange member organizations are subject to the same 
supervisory requirements as FINRA member firms, including an annual 
certification requirement regarding compliance and supervisory 
processes set forth in Rule 3130. To the extent the Exchange has 
proposed changes that differ from the FINRA version of the Exchange 
rules, such changes are generally technical in nature and do not change 
the substance of the proposed rules. The Exchange also believes that 
the proposed conforming changes will update and add specificity to the 
Exchange's rules, which will promote just and equitable principles of 
trade and help to protect investors.

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

    In accordance with Section 6(b)(8) of the Act,\26\ the Exchange 
does not believe that the proposed rule changes will impose any burden 
on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of 
the purposes of the Act. The proposed rule changes are not intended to 
address competitive issues but rather to achieve greater transparency 
and consistency between the Exchange's rules and FINRA's requirements 
concerning payments to unregistered persons, the effect of suspensions, 
revocations, cancellations, bars or other disqualifications, and 
research analyst annual attestation requirements.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \26\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(8).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The Exchange has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 
19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act \27\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\28\ 
Because the 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 prior to 
30 days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as 
the Commission may designate, if consistent with the protection of 
investors and the public interest, the proposed rule change has become 
effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6)(iii) thereunder.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \27\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
    \28\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \29\ normally 
does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the 
filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b4(f)(6)(iii),\30\ the Commission 
may designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the 
protection of investors and the public interest.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \29\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \30\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    At any time within 60 days of the filing of such 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 under 
Section 19(b)(2)(B) \31\ of the Act to determine whether the proposed 
rule change should be approved or disapproved.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \31\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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-NYSE-2016-50 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.

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-NYSE-2016-50. 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-NYSE-2016-50 and should be 
submitted on or before August 16, 2016.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\32\
Robert W. Errett,
Deputy Secretary.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \32\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 2016-17584 Filed 7-25-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P