[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 213 (Thursday, November 3, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 76671-76683]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-26510]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-79189; File No. SR-C2-2016-020]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated; 
Notice of Filing of a Proposed Rule Change Relating to Price Protection 
Mechanisms and Risk Controls

October 28, 2016.
    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 25, 2016, C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated 
(``Exchange'' or ``C2'') filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission (``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 Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange proposes to enhance current and adopt new price 
protection mechanisms and risk controls for orders and quotes. The text 
of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's Web site 
(http://www.c2exchange.com/Legal/), 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 has in place various price check mechanisms and risk

[[Page 76672]]

controls that are designed to prevent incoming orders and quotes from 
automatically executing at potentially erroneous prices or to assist 
Trading Permit Holders (``TPHs'' or ``Participants'') with managing 
their risk.\3\ These mechanisms and controls are designed to help 
maintain a fair and orderly market by mitigating potential risks 
associated with orders trading at prices that are extreme and 
potentially erroneous, or in extremely large and potentially erroneous 
volumes, that may be harmful to market participants. The Exchange 
proposes to amend Rules 6.17 and 8.12 to add new, as well as enhance 
current, price protection mechanisms and risk controls to further 
prevent potentially harmful and disruptive trading.\4\
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    \3\ See, e.g., 6.13, Interpretation and Policy .04 (price check 
parameters for complex orders), 6.17(a) (market-width and drill 
through price check parameters), Rule 6.17(b) (simple limit order 
price parameters), 6.17(d) and (e) (price protections), and 8.12 
(Quote Risk Monitor Mechanism (``QRM'')).
    \4\ The proposed rule change makes conforming changes to other 
rules, as further discussed below.
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Limit Order Price Parameter for Simple Orders
    The proposed rule change amends the limit order price parameter for 
simple orders in Rule 6.17(b). This price parameter currently states 
the Exchange will not accept for execution eligible limit orders if:
     Prior to the opening of a series (including before a 
series is opened following a halt), the order is to buy (sell) at more 
than an acceptable tick distance (``ATD'') above (below) the Exchange's 
previous day's close; however, this is not applicable to limit orders 
of C2 Market-Makers or away Market-Makers, or to intermarket sweep 
orders (``ISO''s), which cannot be entered prior to the opening on the 
System; or
     once a series has opened, the order is to buy (sell) at 
more than an ATD above (below) the disseminated Exchange offer (bid).
    The proposed rule change states the System rejects back to a TPH an 
order to buy (sell) at more than an acceptable tick distance above 
(below) if:
     Prior to the opening of a series (including during any 
pre-opening period and opening rotation), (1) the last disseminated 
national best offer (``NBO'') (national best bid (``NBB'')), if a 
series is open on another exchange(s), or (2) the Exchange's previous 
day's closing price, if a series is not yet open on any other exchange; 
if the NBBO is locked, crossed or unavailable; \5\ or if there is no 
NBO (NBB) and the previous day's closing price is greater (less) than 
or equal to the NBB (NBO). However, this does not apply to orders of C2 
or away market-makers, or to ISOs; if there is no NBO (NBB) and the 
Exchange's previous day's closing price is less (greater) than the NBB 
(NBO); or if there is no NBBO and no Exchange previous day's closing 
price;
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    \5\ If the NBBO (or BBO) is not currently being disseminated, 
the NBBO (or BBO) will be considered ``unavailable.''
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     intraday, the last disseminated NBO (NBB), or the 
Exchange's best offer (bid) if the NBBO is locked, crossed or 
unavailable. However, this does not apply if there is no NBBO and no 
Exchange best bid or offer (``BBO''); or
     during a trading halt (including during any pre-opening 
period or opening rotation prior to re-opening following the halt), the 
last disseminated NBO (NBB). However, this does not apply to a buy 
(sell) order if the NBBO is locked, crossed or unavailable; to ISOs; or 
if there is no NBO (NBB).
    Prior to a series opening on C2, the series may already be open on 
another exchange(s), in which case that exchange(s) would be 
disseminating an NBBO. The NBBO would more accurately reflect the then-
current market, rather than the previous day's closing price, and thus 
the Exchange believes it would be a better measure to use for purposes 
of determining the reasonability of the prices of orders. If the series 
is not yet open on any other exchange, the System will continue to use 
the Exchange's previous day's closing price as the comparison figure. 
Additionally, the System will use the Exchange's previous day's closing 
price if the NBBO is locked, crossed or unavailable (and thus 
unreliable) or if there is no NBO (NBB) and the Exchange's previous 
day's closing price is greater (less) than or equal to the NBB (NBO). 
The check will continue to not apply to orders of C2 or away market-
makers, or to ISOs,\6\ and will also not apply to orders entered when 
there is no NBO (NBB) and the Exchange's previous day's closing price 
is less (greater) than the NBB (NBO) or if there is no NBBO and no 
Exchange previous day's closing price (for example, if the order is in 
a newly listed series) (and thus no reliable measure against which to 
compare the price of the order to determine its reasonability). Prior 
to the opening of a series, and the NBBO is unavailable, the previous 
day's closing price is the most relevant pricing information to 
determine the price at which an investor may want to buy or sell within 
a series, and the Exchange believes it is a reasonable substitute for 
the NBB or NBO when not available. With respect to the proposed 
provisions regarding the applicability of the check when there is no 
NBO (NBB) against which the price of the buy (sell) order can be 
compared to determine price reasonability, the Exchange believes using 
the previous day's closing price is appropriate if that price is 
greater (less) than or equal to the NBB (NBO) because it does not cross 
the disseminated NBB (NBO). On the contrary, if that price is less 
(greater) than the NBB (NBO), and thus would cross the disseminated NBB 
(NBO), the Exchange believes that closing price is too far away from 
what an NBO (NBB) would be if an offer (bid) quote or sell (buy) order 
were to be entered and essentially creates a crossed, unreliable 
market.
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    \6\ The proposed rule change moves this rule provision to 
subparagraphs (b)(1) and (b)(3). The proposed rule change also 
deletes the language stating subparagraph (b)(2) applies to ISOs, 
because it is unnecessary to explicitly state this given the rules 
clarify when a provision does not apply to a specific order type.
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    Once a series has opened on C2, this check will compare the price 
of a buy (sell) order to the last disseminated NBO (NBB) rather than 
the Exchange best offer (bid). The NBBO would more accurately reflect 
the then-current market, rather than the Exchange BBO, and thus the 
Exchange believes it would be a better measure to use for purposes of 
determining the reasonability of the prices of orders. The System will 
continue to use the Exchange BBO if the NBBO is locked, crossed or 
unavailable (and thus unreliable). This check will not apply intraday 
if there is no NBBO and no BBO (and thus no reliable measure against 
which to compare the price of the order to determine its 
reasonability).
    With respect to orders entered during a trading halt (including 
during any pre-opening period or opening rotation prior to re-opening 
following a halt), the proposed rule change states the System will use 
the last disseminated NBO (NBB) rather than the Exchange's previous 
day's closing price (as the current rule states). If a halt occurs 
during the trading day, the NBO (NBB) would more accurately reflect the 
then-current market rather than the previous day's closing price, which 
would be stale by that time. This check will not apply to orders if the 
NBBO is locked, crossed or unavailable (and thus unreliable); to ISOs; 
or if there is no NBO (NBB) (and thus no reliable measure against which 
to compare the price of the order to determine its reasonability).
    The rule currently states the Exchange determines the ATD on a 
series-by-

[[Page 76673]]

series \7\ and premium basis and will be no less than five minimum 
increment ticks. The proposed rule change amends the minimum ATD to be 
two minimum increment ticks rather than five. The Exchange believes it 
may be appropriate to set the ATD for certain classes (depending on the 
minimum increment and premium) to be fewer than five to ensure that the 
ATD price is not so far away from the market price and thus this price 
check is effective given the market model or market conditions.\8\ 
Additionally, because market conditions during pre-opening periods, 
trading rotations, and trading halts are different than those present 
when the exchange is open for trading, the proposed rule change 
provides the Exchange with flexibility to apply a different ATD during 
those times (which the Exchange may want to be less than the current 
minimum of five). The Exchange believes it is appropriate to have the 
ability to apply a different ATD during the pre-open period or opening 
rotation so the check does not impact the Exchange's ability to open an 
option or determination of the opening price. The Exchange may also 
want to apply a different ATD during a halt, as pricing during those 
times may be volatile and inaccurate.\9\
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    \7\ The proposed rule change amends this to be class-by-class 
rather than series-by-series. The Exchange generally sets parameters 
on a class-by-class basis. The proposed rule change also moves this 
provision from subparagraph (c)(1) to paragraph (b).
    \8\ The Exchange notes current Rule 6.17(c)(1) sets the minimum 
ATD at two minimum increments for the drill through protection.
    \9\ Note current Rule 6.17(c)(2) (which becomes proposed Rule 
6.17(c)) permits a senior official on the Exchange Help Desk to 
grant intra-day relief by widening or inactivating one or more of 
the applicable acceptable price range (``APR'') and/or ATD 
parameters settings in the interest of a fair and orderly market. 
The Exchange makes additional nonsubstantive changes to paragraph 
(c), including to clarify it applies to paragraphs (a) and (b) of 
the Rule. The provisions for the checks in paragraphs (d) and (e) 
specify when those checks do and do not apply.
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    The proposed rule change deletes the Exchange's flexibility to not 
apply this price parameter to immediate-or-cancel orders, as the 
Exchange believes these orders are also at risk of execution at extreme 
and potentially erroneous prices and thus will benefit from 
applicability of these checks.
    The proposed rule change also states this price parameter does not 
apply to orders with a stop contingency. By definition, the stop 
contingency \10\ is triggered for a buy order if there is a last sale 
or bid at or above the stop price and for a sell order if there is a 
last sale or offer at or below the stop price. As a result, buy orders 
with a stop contingency are generally submitted at a triggering price 
that is above the NBO, and sell orders with a stop contingency are 
generally submitted at a triggering price that is below the NBB. 
Because these orders are expected to be priced outside the NBBO, the 
Exchange will not apply this check to not interfere with the 
application of the stop contingency.\11\
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    \10\ See Rule 6.10.
    \11\ The proposed rule change also makes nonsubstantive changes 
to Rule 6.17(b), including moving a provision from current paragraph 
(c) into proposed paragraph (b) regarding the precedence of the 
limit order price parameter that applies only to proposed paragraph 
(b). The proposed rule change also deletes the language in current 
paragraph (c) regarding returning an order to the order entry firm, 
as the proposed language in paragraph (b) more directly states the 
order will be rejected, which is consistent with System 
functionality.
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Drill Through Price Check Parameter
    The proposed rule change amends the drill through price check 
parameter in Rule 6.17(a)(2). Currently, the System will not 
automatically execute eligible orders that are marketable if the 
execution would follow an initial partial execution on the Exchange and 
would be at a subsequent price not within an ATD from the initial 
execution (determined by the Exchange on a series-by-series and premium 
basis for market orders and/or marketable limit orders).\12\ An ATD may 
be no less than two minimum increment ticks. Pursuant to paragraph (c), 
if an execution is suspended because executing the remaining unexecuted 
portion of an order would exceed the drill through ATD, then such 
unexecuted portion will be cancelled.
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    \12\ Pursuant to the rule filing of Chicago Board Options 
Exchange, Incorporated, upon which this rule was based and which 
proposed this language, the intent of this provision is to allow the 
Exchange to determine to apply the drill through price check 
parameter, as well as the market-width price check parameter, to 
market orders and/or marketable limit orders. See Securities 
Exchange Act Release No. 34-63191 (October 27, 2010), 75 FR 67411 
(November 2, 2010) (SR-CBOE-2010-094) (notice of filing and 
immediate effectiveness of proposed rule change related to the 
automatic execution feature, including a change to allow CBOE to 
determine ``to apply these price check parameters to market and/or 
marketable limit orders''). Currently, the Exchange applies the 
market-width check to market orders and the drill through check to 
market and marketable limit orders. The proposed rule change merely 
removes this flexibility from the Rules and codifies the current 
practice (which is permitted under the current Rule).
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    Pursuant to the proposed rule change, if a buy (sell) order not yet 
exposed via HAL (pursuant to Rule 6.18) partially executes, and the 
System determines the unexecuted portion would execute at a subsequent 
price higher (lower) than the price that is an ATD above (below) the 
NBO (NBB) (the ``drill through price''), the System will not 
automatically execute that portion and will expose \13\ that portion 
via HAL at the better of the NBBO and the drill through price (if 
eligible for HAL). The Exchange will determine the ATD on a class and 
premium basis (which may be no less than two minimum increment 
ticks),\14\ which the Exchange will announce via Regulatory Circular. 
If a buy (sell) order is exposed via HAL (other than pursuant to the 
previous sentence) or SAL \15\ and, following the exposure period 
pursuant to Rule 6.18 or 6.14, respectively, the System determines the 
order (or any unexecuted portion) would execute at a price higher 
(lower) than the drill through price, the System will not automatically 
execute the order (or unexecuted portion).\16\
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    \13\ Currently, the Exchange has not activated HAL in any class.
    \14\ The proposed rule change amends this to be class-by-class 
rather than series-by-series. The Exchange generally sets parameters 
on a class-by-class basis.
    \15\ The proposed rule change expands this to include SAL, a 
similar price improvement auction the Exchange may activate in 
classes in which it did not activate HAL. In classes in which SAL is 
activated, an order eligible for SAL will be exposed immediately and 
would not partially execute prior to being exposed via SAL. For this 
reason, SAL is not included in proposed Rule 6.17(a)(2)(A). 
Currently, the Exchange has not activated SAL in any class.
    \16\ The proposed rule change makes corresponding changes to 
Rules 6.14 and 6.18 to clarify orders (or portions) that do not 
execute following the applicable exposure process are subject to the 
drill through price check parameter in proposed Rule 6.17(a)(2). The 
proposed rule change also amends Rule 6.18 to provide orders (or any 
unexecuted portions) may initiate a HAL at the better of the drill 
through price and NBBO and make other nonsubstantive changes.
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    Under the proposed rule change, rather than be cancelled, these 
orders (or unexecuted portions) will rest in the book (based on the 
time at which they enter the book for priority purposes) for a time 
period in milliseconds (which the Exchange will determine and announce 
via Regulatory Circular and will not exceed three seconds) \17\ with a 
price equal to the drill through price.\18\ This time period will 
provide an additional opportunity for execution for these orders (or 
unexecuted portions) at a price that does not appear to be erroneous. 
If the order (or any unexecuted portion) does not execute during that 
time period, the System cancels it. Buy (sell) orders (or any 
unexecuted portion) not eligible for

[[Page 76674]]

HAL or SAL that would execute at a price higher (lower) than the drill 
through price will continue to be cancelled. To avoid any confusion, 
the proposed rule change also clarifies this drill through check does 
not apply to executions of orders following exposure at the open 
pursuant to Rule 6.11(g)(2) and Interpretation and Policy .04, which 
instead are subject to a separate drill through protection set forth in 
that rule.\19\
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    \17\ Because the Exchange currently has not activated HAL in any 
class, no initial time period will be set.
    \18\ Any order (or unexecuted portion) that by its terms cancels 
if it does not execute immediately (including immediate-or-cancel, 
fill-or-kill, intermarket sweep, and market-maker trade prevention 
orders) will be cancelled rather than rest in the book for this time 
period in accordance with the definition of those order types.
    \19\ The proposed rule change amends the market width price 
check parameter in Rule 6.17(a)(1) to be determined on a class-by-
class basis rather than series-by-series. The Exchange generally 
sets parameters on a class-by-class basis. The proposed rule change 
makes additional nonsubstantive changes to Rule 6.17(a)(1), 
including moving provisions from current paragraph (c) applicable 
only to the market-width parameter (including the provision 
regarding setting the APR and the provision stating an order that 
does not meet the APR width will be cancelled) to proposed 
subparagraph (a)(1). The proposed rule change also amends Rule 
6.11(g)(2) and Interpretation and Policy .04 to update the cross-
reference to the drill through price check parameter and indicate 
the Exchange will determine the ATD for the opening drill through 
protection on a class-by-class rather than series-by-series basis 
consistent with the proposed rule change described above.
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    The following examples illustrate the new functionality to briefly 
rest orders in the book in connection with the drill through price 
check parameter. As noted above, C2 has not activated HAL or SAL on C2, 
and thus this new functionality will apply to orders on C2 only if C2 
activates those auctions for any classes. Upon approval of this 
proposed rule change, unless C2 activates these auctions at this time, 
the drill through price check parameter will apply to orders in the 
same manner as it does today (as described in proposed Rule 
6.17(a)(2)(D))--buy (sell) orders (or any unexecuted portion) that 
would execute at a subsequent price higher (lower) than the drill 
through price will be cancelled.
Example #1
    Suppose C2's market for a series in a class with a 0.05 minimum 
increment is 0.90-1.00, represented by a quote for 10 contracts on each 
side (the quote offer is Quote A). The following sell orders or quote 
offers also rest in the series: 10 contracts at 1.05 (Order A), 10 
contracts at 1.10 (Quote B), 10 contracts at 1.15 (Order B), and 100 
contracts at 1.20 (Order C). The market for away exchanges is 0.80-
1.25. The Exchange's drill through amount for the class is three ticks 
(or 0.15), and the drill through resting time period is two seconds. 
The System receives an incoming order to buy 100 at 1.30, which 
executes against resting orders and quotes as follows: 10 against Quote 
A at 1.00, 10 against Order A at 1.05, 10 against Quote B at 1.10, and 
10 against Order B at 1.15. The System will not automatically execute 
the remaining 60 contracts from the incoming order against Order C, 
because 1.20 is more than 0.15 away from the initial execution price of 
1.00 and thus exceeds the drill through price check. The 60 unexecuted 
contracts are then exposed pursuant to HAL at 1.15 (which is the drill 
through price, and better than the NBO). No responses to trade against 
the remaining 60 contracts are entered during the auction, so the 60 
contracts remain unexecuted. These contracts then rest in the book for 
two seconds at a price of 1.15. No incoming orders are entered during 
that time period to trade against the remaining 60 contracts, so the 
System cancels that remaining portion of the original incoming order.
Example #2
    Suppose C2's market for a series in a class with a 0.05 minimum 
increment is 0.90-1.00, represented by a quote for 10 contracts on each 
side (the quote offer is Quote A). The following sell orders or quote 
offers also rest in the series: 10 contracts at 1.05 (Order A), 10 
contracts at 1.10 (Quote B), 10 contracts at 1.15 (Order B), and 100 
contracts at 1.20 (Order C). The market for away exchanges is 0.80-
1.10, with 5 contracts available on each side. The Exchange's drill 
through amount for the class is three ticks (or 0.15), and the drill 
through resting time period is two seconds. The System receives an 
incoming order to buy 100 at 1.30, which executes against resting 
orders and quotes as follows: 10 against Quote A at 1.00, 10 against 
Order A at 1.05, and 10 against Quote B at 1.10. The System will not 
automatically execute the remaining 70 contracts from the incoming 
order against Orders B and C, because C2 no longer has size available 
at the NBBO. The 70 unexecuted contracts are then exposed pursuant to 
HAL at 1.10 (which is the NBO). No responses to trade against the 
remaining 70 contracts are entered during the auction, so 5 contracts 
route away to trade at 1.10 against the 5 contracts available at an 
away exchange. The best offer from an away exchange then changes to 
1.25. Of the remaining 65 unexecuted contracts from the incoming order, 
10 trade against Order B at 1.15. The System will not automatically 
execute the remaining 55 contracts from the incoming order against 
Order C, because 1.20 is more than 0.15 away from the initial execution 
price of 1.00 and thus exceeds the drill through price check. These 
contracts will not be exposed pursuant to HAL again, and instead will 
rest in the book for two seconds at a price of 1.15. An incoming order 
to buy 20 at 1.15 is entered after one second, which trades against 20 
of the 55 resting contracts. No other incoming orders are entered 
during that time period to trade against the remaining 35 contracts, so 
the System cancels that remaining portion of the original incoming 
order.
TPH-Designated Risk Settings
    The proposed rule change amends Rule 6.17 to authorize the Exchange 
to share any TPH-designated risk settings in the system with a Clearing 
TPH that clears Exchange transactions on behalf of the TPH. Rule 3.1 
states Trading Permits confer the ability to transact on the Exchange, 
and only CBOE Trading Permit Holders in good standing or non-CBOE 
Trading Permit Holders whose applications to become C2 Permit Holders 
are approved by the Exchange are eligible to receive Trading Permits. 
All Exchange transactions must be submitted for clearance to the 
Options Clearing Corporation (the ``Clearing Corporation'') and are 
subject to the Clearing Corporation's rules. For each Exchange 
transaction in which it participates, a Participant must immediately 
give up the name of the Clearing Participant through which the Exchange 
transaction will be cleared.\20\ Each TPH must provide a letter of 
guarantee or authorization for the TPH's trading activities on the 
Exchange from a Clearing Participant.\21\
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    \20\ See Rule 6.30.
    \21\ See Rule 3.10.
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    Thus, while not all TPHs are Clearing TPHs, all TPHs require a 
Clearing TPH's consent to clear Exchange transactions on their behalf 
in order to conduct business on the Exchange. The letter of 
authorization or guarantee describes the relationship between the TPH 
and Clearing TPH and provides the Exchange with notice of which 
Clearing TPHs have relationships with which TPHs. The Clearing TPH that 
guarantees the TPH's Exchange transactions has a financial interest in 
understanding the risk tolerance of the TPH. This proposed rule change 
would provide the Exchange with authority to provide Clearing TPHs 
directly with information that may otherwise be available to such 
Clearing TPHs by virtue of their relationship with respective TPHs.\22\
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    \22\ The Exchange will share a TPH's risk settings with its 
Clearing TPH(s) upon request from the Clearing TPH(s).
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    The risk settings that the Exchange may share with Clearing TPHs 
include, but are not limited to, settings under Rule 8.12 (related to 
QRM, as further described below), and will include

[[Page 76675]]

settings under proposed Rule 6.17(g) (related to order entry and 
execution rate checks, as described below) and (h) (related to maximum 
contract size, as described below). To the extent the Exchange proposes 
additional rules providing for TPH-designated risk settings other than 
those in current rules and this rule filing, the Exchange will be able 
to share those settings with Clearing TPHs under this proposed change 
as well.\23\ Other options exchanges have similar rules permitting them 
to share member-designated risk settings with other members that clear 
transactions on the member's behalf.\24\
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    \23\ The proposed rule change also makes nonsubstantive changes 
to Rule 6.17, including adding risk controls to the name of the rule 
and an introductory sentence that the System's acceptance and 
execution of orders and quotes are subject to the price protection 
mechanisms and risk controls in Rule 6.17 and other rules.
    \24\ See, e.g., Miami International Securities Exchange, LLC 
(``MIAX'') Rule 500; NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc. (``BX'') Chapter VI, 
Section 20; NYSE Arca, Inc. (``Arca'') Rule 6.2A(a); NYSE MKT LLC 
(``MKT'') Rule 902.1NY(a); and NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC (``PHLX'') Rule 
1016.
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Put Strike Price/Call Underlying Value Checks
    The proposed rule change amends the put strike price and call 
underlying value checks in Rule 6.17(d). Pursuant to these checks, the 
System rejects back to the TPH a quote or buy limit order for (1) a put 
if the price of the quote bid or order is greater than or equal to the 
strike price of the option, or (2) a call if the price of the quote bid 
or order is greater than or equal to the consolidated last sale price 
of the underlying security, with respect to equity and exchange-traded 
fund options, or the last disseminated value of the underlying index, 
with respect to index options.\25\ The proposed rule change extends 
this check to apply to market orders (or any remaining size after 
partial execution).
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    \25\ Note the current rule states the check does not apply if 
market data for the underlying is unavailable. If the value of the 
underlying is not currently being disseminated, market data for the 
underlying will be considered ``unavailable.''
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    With respect to put options, a TPH seeks to buy an option that 
could be exercised into the right to sell the underlying. The value of 
a put can never exceed the strike price of the option, even if the 
underlying goes to zero. For example, one put for stock ABC with a 
strike price of $50 gives the holder the right to sell 100 shares of 
ABC for $50, no more or less. Therefore, it would be illogical to pay 
more than $50 for the right to sell shares of ABC, regardless of the 
price of ABC. Under this check, the Exchange deems any put bid or buy 
limit order with a price that equals or exceeds the strike price of the 
option to be erroneous and rejects it, and the Exchange believes it 
would be appropriate to similarly reject a market order (or remaining 
size after partial execution) that would execute at that erroneous 
price.
    With respect to call options, a TPH seeks to buy an option that 
could be exercised into the right to buy the underlying. The Exchange 
does not believe a derivative product that conveys the right to buy the 
underlying should ever be priced higher than the prevailing value of 
the underlying itself. In that case, a market participant could 
purchase the underlying at the prevailing value rather than pay a 
larger amount for the call. Accordingly, under this check, the Exchange 
rejects bids or buy limit orders for call options with prices that are 
equal to or in excess of the value of the underlying. As an example, 
suppose a TPH submits an order to buy an ABC call for $11 when the last 
sale price for stock ABC is $10. The System rejects this order. The 
Exchange believes it would be appropriate to similarly reject a market 
order (or remaining size after partial execution) that would execute at 
that erroneous price.
    The proposed rule change also states the put and call checks will 
not apply to market orders that execute during the opening process as 
set forth in Rule 6.11 to avoid impacting the determination of the 
opening price. Separate price protections apply during the opening 
process, including the drill through protection in Rule 6.11.\26\
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    \26\ The Exchange also makes a nonsubstantive change to Rule 
6.17(d) so the language reads ``greater than or equal to'' rather 
than ``equal to or greater than,'' which is the standard phrase, as 
well as to re-letter and re-number subparagraphs to be consistent 
with other subparagraphs in the rule.
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Quote Inverting NBBO Check
    The proposed rule change amends Rule 6.17(e) regarding the quote 
inverting NBBO check. Pursuant to this check, if C2 is at the NBO 
(NBB), the System rejects a quote back to a Market-Maker if the quote 
bid (offer) crosses the NBO (NBB) by more than a number of ticks 
specified by the Exchange. If C2 is not at the NBO (NBB), the System 
rejects a quote back to a Market-Maker if the quote bid (offer) locks 
or crosses the NBO (NBB).\27\ If the NBBO is unavailable, locked or 
crossed, then this check compares the quote to the BBO (if available). 
The rule is currently silent on what happens if the BBO is also 
unavailable. Therefore, the proposed rule change clarifies the System 
does not apply this check to incoming quotes when the BBO is also 
unavailable, as there is no then-current price to use as a comparison 
to determine the reasonability of the quote. The proposed rule change 
also clarifies this is true when a series is open for trading.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \27\ The System also cancels any resting quote of the Market-
Maker in the same series.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed rule change further clarifies the times when this 
check applies. Current Rule 6.17(e)(ii) provides the Exchange may not 
apply the check during the pre-opening, a trading rotation, or trading 
halt. Proposed Rule 6.17(e)(2) states prior to the opening of a series 
(including during any pre-opening period and opening rotation), the 
System does not apply this check to incoming quotes if the series is 
not open on another exchange. This is consistent with flexibility in 
the current rule permitting the Exchange to apply (or not apply) the 
check prior to the open. The Exchange believes without inputs of 
pricing from other exchanges, it is appropriate to not apply the check 
if a series is not yet open on another exchange to avoid rejecting 
quotes that may be consistent with market pricing not yet available in 
the System. Proposed Rule 6.17(e)(3) deletes the Exchange's flexibility 
to apply the quote inverting NBBO check during a trading halt. The 
Exchange currently does not apply the check to quotes entered during 
these times and does not expect to do so. The proposed rule change 
moves the provision permitting a senior official at the Exchange's Help 
Desk to determine not to apply this check in the interest of 
maintaining a fair and orderly market to proposed Rule 6.17(e)(4).
Execution of Quotes That Lock or Cross NBBO
    The proposed rule change amends the provision related to the 
execution of quotes that lock or cross the NBBO in current Rule 
6.17(e)(iii). As this is a separate limitation on execution than the 
quote inverting NBBO check in Rule 6.17(e),\28\ the proposed rule 
change moves this limitation to proposed Rule 6.17(f) (and makes other 
nonsubstantive changes to the numbering and lettering within that 
paragraph, as well as adding a name to the paragraph). The rule 
currently states if the System accepts a quote that locks or crosses 
the NBBO, the System executes the quote bid (offer) against quotes and 
orders in the book at a price(s) that is the same or better than

[[Page 76676]]

the best price disseminated by an away exchange(s) up to the size 
available on the Exchange and either (1) cancels any remaining size of 
the quote, if the price of the quote locks or crosses the price 
disseminated by the away exchange(s), or (2) books any remaining size 
of the quote, if the price of the quote does not lock or cross the 
price of the away exchange(s).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \28\ The quote inverting NBBO check rejects quotes back to a 
Market-Maker if the quote bid (offer) crosses the NBO (NBB) by more 
than a specified number of ticks. The limitation on execution of 
quote that lock or cross the NBBO describes how the System will 
handle quotes that lock or cross the NBBO (but not by more than the 
specified number of ticks and thus are accepted).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, the current rule is silent regarding the applicability 
of this limitation on execution to quotes when the NBBO is locked, 
crossed or unavailable. The purpose of this provision is to prevent 
trade-throughs and displays of locked and crossed markets in accordance 
with the Options Linkage Plan. However, when the NBBO is locked or 
crossed, it is unreliable for comparison purposes. Additionally, if 
there is no NBBO available, then there is no measure against which the 
System can compare the price of an incoming quote. Therefore, the 
proposed rule change states if the NBBO is locked, crossed or 
unavailable, the System does not apply this check to incoming quotes. 
The linkage rules similarly provide exceptions to the prohibitions on 
trade-throughs and crossed markets when there is a crossed market or 
systems or equipment malfunctions.\29\ The proposed rule change adds a 
senior official at the Exchange's Help Desk may determine not to apply 
this check in the interest of maintaining a fair and orderly 
market.\30\ The Exchange may believe it is appropriate to disable this 
check in response to a market event or market volatility to avoid 
inadvertently cancelling quotes not erroneously priced but rather 
priced to reflect potentially rapidly changing prices.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \29\ See CBOE Rules 6.81 and 6.82 (which are incorporated by 
reference into the C2 Rules).
    \30\ Pursuant to Exchange procedures, any decision to not apply 
the quote inverting NBBO check, as well as the reason for the 
decision, will be documented, retained, and periodically reviewed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Order Entry, Execution and Price Parameter Rate Checks
    The proposed rule change adopts order entry, execution and price 
parameter rate checks in proposed Rule 6.17(g). Currently, QRM 
(described below) provides Market-Makers with functionality to help 
manage their risk by limiting the number of quotes they may execute in 
a specified period of time (based on several parameters). The proposed 
order entry and execution rate checks will provide similar risk-
management functionality for orders. These order risk protections are 
designed to aid TPHs in their risk management by supplementing current 
and proposed price reasonability checks with activity-based order 
protections that protect against entering too many orders, executing 
too many contracts, and having too many orders rejected because of 
price protection parameters in a short time, based on parameters 
entered by TPHs.
    Specifically, the proposed rule change states each TPH must provide 
to the Exchange parameters for an acronym or, if the TPH requests, a 
login,\31\ for each of the following rate checks. The System will count 
each of the following over rolling time intervals, which the Exchange 
will set and announce via Regulatory Circular:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \31\ A TPH firm may have multiple acronyms. For each Trading 
Permit a TPH purchases, it receives up to three log-ins (the TPH may 
elect to use fewer than the three). Additionally, a TPH may purchase 
additional bandwidth packets, each of which comes with three log-
ins. The TPH determines which log-ins will be used under which 
acronym. While not required, TPH firms, for example, may use one 
acronym, or log-in, for its proprietary business and another for its 
customer agency business (if the firm conducts both). Additionally, 
TPH firms sometimes use different log-ins for different customers. 
Allowing TPHs to set parameters for these protection mechanisms will 
allow TPHs to minimize the possibility of these mechanisms from 
affecting multiple businesses, if they choose to set up acronyms and 
log-ins in a manner that keeps these business separate.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) The total number of orders (of all order types) and auction 
responses entered and accepted by the System (``orders entered'');
    (2) the total number of contracts (from orders and auction 
responses) executed on the System, which does not count stock contracts 
executed as part of stock-option orders (``contracts executed'');
    (3) the total number of orders the System books or cancels (except 
orders (or any unexecuted portions) that by their terms cancel if they 
do not execute immediately (such as immediate-or-cancel, fill-or-kill, 
intermarket sweep, and market-maker trade prevention orders)) \32\ 
pursuant to the drill through price check parameter (as amended by this 
proposed rule change) in proposed Rule 6.17(a)(2) (``drill through 
events''); and
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \32\ As discussed above, orders (or unexecuted portions) that by 
their terms cancel if they do not execute immediately will be 
cancelled rather than rest in the book for a period of time (as 
proposed in this filing) pursuant to the drill through price check 
parameter is [sic] triggered. Because these orders will not book or 
be cancelled pursuant to the drill through price check parameter 
(but rather because of their terms), these orders will not be 
included in the count for the drill through event check.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (4) the total number of orders the System cancels pursuant to the 
limit order price parameters in Rules 6.13, Interpretation and Policy 
.04(f) and (g) and 6.17(b) (``price reasonability events'').
    When the System determines the orders entered, contracts executed, 
drill through order [sic] events or price reasonability events within 
the applicable time interval exceeds a TPH's parameter, the System (1) 
rejects all subsequent incoming orders and quotes, (2) cancels all 
resting quotes (if the acronym or login is for a Market-Maker), and (3) 
for the orders entered and contracts executed checks, if the TPH 
requests (i.e., this part of the proposed functionality is optional), 
cancels resting orders (either all orders, orders with time-in-force of 
day, or orders entered on that trading day) for the acronym or login, 
as applicable.
    The System will not accept new orders or quotes from a restricted 
acronym or login, as applicable, until the Exchange receives the TPH's 
manual notification (in a form and manner determined by the Exchange, 
which will be announced by Regulatory Circular) to reactivate its 
ability to send orders and quotes for the acronym or login. While an 
acronym or login is restricted, a TPH may continue to interact with any 
resting orders (i.e., orders not cancelled pursuant to this protection) 
entered prior to its acronym or login becoming restricted, including 
receiving trade execution reports and canceling resting orders.
    While these order entry and execution rate checks are mandatory for 
all TPHs, the Exchange is not proposing to establish minimum or maximum 
values for the parameters described in (1) through (4) above. The 
Exchange believes this approach will give TPHs the flexibility needed 
to appropriately tailor these checks to their respective risk 
management needs. In this regard, the Exchange notes each TPH is in the 
best position to determine risk settings appropriate for its firm based 
on its trading activity and business needs. The Exchange will set the 
values of the time intervals; \33\ however, the Exchange believes the 
amount of flexibility provided to TPHs by having no minimum or maximum 
values, or default values, for the parameters, as well as by permitting 
the parameters to be set at the acronym or login level, sufficiently 
allows TPHs to adjust their parameter inputs to these intervals in 
accordance with their business models and risk management needs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \33\ The Exchange expects the initial time intervals for all 
these checks to be set at one and five minutes. The time intervals 
set by the Exchange will apply to all TPHs, who will not be able to 
change these time intervals.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange believes these proposed order entry and execution rate 
checks will assist TPHs in better managing their risk when trading on 
C2. In particular,

[[Page 76677]]

the proposed rule change provides functionality that allows TPHs to set 
risk management thresholds for the number of orders entered or 
contracts executed on the Exchange during a specified period. This is 
similar to how other options exchanges have implemented activity-based 
risk management protections, and the Exchange believes this 
functionality will likewise benefit TPHs.\34\ Additionally, similar to 
QRM, which includes a parameter for the maximum number of QRM incidents 
that will trigger cancellation of their orders and quotes once reached, 
the proposed rule change includes parameters for a maximum number of 
orders that book or cancel pursuant to the drill through check and 
cancel pursuant to the limit order price check. This could occur, for 
example, if a system issue is causing many orders to be submitted at 
prices that are too far away from the market and likely erroneous; this 
protection will help prevent execution of these erroneous orders.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \34\ See, e.g., International Securities Exchange, LLC (``ISE'') 
Rule 714(d) and MIAX Rule 519A.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The below examples illustrate how these order entry and execution 
rate checks will work:
Example #1--Order Entry Rate Check
    A TPH designates an allowable orders entered rate of 9 orders/1 
minute for acronym ABC.\35\ The TPH enters three orders for acronym 
ABC, then enters nine additional orders one minute and thirty seconds 
later (for the same acronym). Because the orders entered did not exceed 
the TPH's designated rate for acronym ABC within one minute (the second 
batch of orders was entered more than one minute after the first batch 
of orders), acronym ABC is not restricted from submitting additional 
orders. Thirty seconds later, the TPH enters one additional order for 
acronym ABC. Entry of this order triggers the rate check because the 
TPH entered 10 orders in less than one minute for acronym ABC. At this 
time, acronym ABC becomes restricted,\36\ and the System will reject 
all orders (and quotes, if acronym ABC is a Market-Maker), cancel any 
resting quotes (if acronym ABC is a Market-Maker), and cancel resting 
orders (if the TPH opted to enable that functionality). The TPH must 
contact the Exchange to resume trading for acronym ABC.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \35\ As noted above, the Exchange intends to initially set 
intervals of one minute and five minutes, so the TPH would have a 
separate entry rate for the five-minute interval, which would be 
measured in the same manner demonstrated by these examples. This is 
true for each of the rate checks in proposed Rule 6.17(g).
    \36\ Note the System accepts the tenth order entered, as the 
check is not triggered until the orders entered exceeds the TPH's 
designated rate during a one-minute interval.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Example #2--Contracts Executed Rate Check
    A TPH designates an allowable contracts executed rate of 999 
contracts/1 minute for acronym DEF. The TPH enters an order to buy 600 
contracts for acronym DEF, which immediately executes against a resting 
quote offer. One minute and 15 seconds after that execution, the TPH 
enters an order to sell 500 contracts for acronym DEF, which 
immediately executes against a resting quote bid. Because the two 
executions did not exceed the TPH's designated rate for acronym DEF 
within one minute (the second execution occurred more than one minute 
after the first execution), acronym DEF is not restricted from 
submitting additional orders. Forty-five seconds after the second 
execution, the TPH enters an order to buy 500 contracts for acronym 
DEF, which immediately executes against a resting sell order. Execution 
of this third order triggers the rate check because the TPH executed 
1,000 contracts in less than one minute for acronym DEF. At this time, 
acronym DEF becomes restricted,\37\ and the System will reject all 
orders (and quotes, if acronym DEF is a Market-Maker), cancel any 
resting quotes (if acronym DEF is a Market-Maker), and cancel resting 
orders (if the TPH opted to enable that functionality). The TPH must 
contact the Exchange to resume trading for acronym DEF.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \37\ Note the System executes this third order, as the check is 
not triggered until the contracts executed exceeds the TPH's 
designated rate during a one-minute interval.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Example #3--Drill Through Event Rate Check
    A TPH designates an allowable drill through event rate of 1 event/1 
minute for acronym GHI. The ATD for the class, whose minimum increment 
is 0.05, is 0.10 (i.e., two minimum increments). The market for the XYZ 
Dec 50 call is 1.00-1.20, represented by an order for 100 contracts on 
each side. There are also resting orders to buy 100 at 0.90 and buy 100 
at 0.80. The TPH enters a market order to sell 300 contracts for 
acronym GHI. One hundred contracts from the order execute against the 
resting order to buy 100 at 1.00 and 100 more contracts from the order 
execute against the resting order to buy 100 at 0.90. The System 
cancels the remaining 100 contracts of the order (pursuant to the drill 
through protection).\38\ Thirty seconds later, the market for the XYZ 
Jan 40 call is 2.00-2.20, represented by an order for 100 contracts on 
each side. There are also resting orders to sell 100 at 2.25, sell 100 
at 2.30, and sell 100 at 2.40. The TPH enters a market order to buy 500 
contracts for acronym GHI. One hundred contracts from the order execute 
against the resting order to sell 100 at 2.20, 100 more contracts from 
the order execute against the resting order to sell 100 at 2.25, and 
100 more contracts from the order execute against the resting order to 
sell 100 at 2.30. The System cancels the remaining 200 contracts 
(pursuant to the drill through protection). This is the second instance 
in less than one minute of the remaining portion of an order for 
acronym GHI being cancelled due to the drill through protection. At 
this time, acronym GHI becomes restricted, and the System will reject 
all orders (and quotes, if acronym GHI is a Market-Maker), and cancel 
any resting quotes (if acronym GHI is a Market-Maker). The TPH must 
contact the Exchange to resume trading for acronym GHI.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \38\ This presumes the order is not eligible for HAL or SAL. As 
discussed above, the Exchange has not activated these auctions on 
C2, and thus the proposed booking functionality will not be 
applicable on C2 upon approval of this rule filing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Example #4--Price Reasonability Event Rate Check
    A TPH designates an allowable price reasonability event rate of 1 
event/1 minute for acronym JKL. The ATD for the class, whose minimum 
increment is 0.05, is 0.10 (i.e., two minimum increments). The market 
for the XYZ Dec 50 call is 1.00-1.20. The TPH enters a limit order to 
sell at 0.85 for acronym JKL. The System rejects the order because it 
is more than 0.10 below the NBB (pursuant to the limit order price 
parameter, as proposed to be changed). Thirty seconds later, the market 
for the XYZ Jan 40 call is 2.00-2.20. The TPH enters a limit order to 
buy at 2.40 for acronym JKL. The System rejects the order because it is 
more than 0.10 above the NBO (pursuant to the limit order price 
parameter, as proposed to be changed). This is the second instance in 
less than one minute of an order for acronym JKL being rejected due to 
the limit order price parameter. At this time, acronym JKL becomes 
restricted, and the System will reject all orders (and quotes, if 
acronym JKL is a Market-Maker), and cancel any resting quotes (if 
acronym JKL is a Market-Maker). The TPH must contact the Exchange to 
resume trading for acronym JKL.
Maximum Contract Size
    The proposed rule change adds a maximum contract size risk control.

[[Page 76678]]

Specifically, proposed Rule 6.17(h) states the System will reject a 
TPH's incoming order or quote (including both sides of a two-sided 
quote) if its size exceeds the TPH's designated maximum contract size 
parameter. Each TPH must provide a maximum contract size for each of 
simple orders, complex orders, and quotes applicable to an acronym or, 
if the TPH requests, a login.\39\ The Exchange believes the amount of 
flexibility provided to TPHs by having no maximum for the contract size 
parameter, as well as by permitting the parameters to be set at the 
acronym or login level, sufficiently allows TPH to adjust their 
parameter inputs to these intervals in accordance with their business 
models and risk management needs. The Exchange believes this proposed 
risk control will help prevent executions of orders with size that may 
be potentially erroneous and mitigate risk associated with such 
executions. This is similar to how other options exchanges have 
implemented maximum contract size protections, and the Exchange 
believes this functionality will likewise benefit TPHs.\40\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \39\ For purposes of determining the contract size of an 
incoming order or quote, the proposed rule states the contract size 
of a complex order will equal the contract size of the largest 
option leg of the order (i.e., if the order is a stock-option order, 
this check will not apply to the stock leg of the order).
    \40\ See, e.g., MIAX Rule 519(b).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If a TPH enters an order or quote to replace a resting order or 
update a resting quote, respectively, and the System rejects the 
incoming order or quote because it exceeds the applicable maximum 
contract size, the System will also cancel the resting order or any 
resting quote in the same series. The Exchange believes it is 
appropriate to reject or cancel the resting order or quote because, by 
submitting a replacement order or quote update because it exceeds the 
TPH's maximum contract size, the TPH is implicitly instructing the 
Exchange to cancel the resting order or quote, respectively. Thus, even 
if the System rejects the replacement order or quote update, the TPH's 
implicit instruction to cancel the resting order or quote remains valid 
nonetheless. Additionally, with respect to quotes, the Exchange 
believes it is appropriate to reject or cancel, as applicable, both 
sides of a quote (whether submitted as a two-sided quote or resting, 
respectively) because Market-Makers generally submit two-sided quotes, 
as their trading strategies and risk profiles are based on the spreads 
of their quotes. Rejecting and cancelling, as applicable, quotes on 
both sides of the series is consistent with this practice. The Exchange 
believes cancellation of resting quotes and orders, and rejection of 
both sides of a two-sided quote, operate as additional safeguards that 
cause TPHs to re-evaluate orders and quotes before attempting to submit 
new orders or quotes.
    To the extent a TPH submits a pair of orders to the Automated 
Improvement Mechanism (``AIM'') \41\ or the Solicitation Auction 
mechanism (``SAM''),\42\ this proposed check will apply to both orders 
in the pair. If the System rejects either order in the pair, then the 
system will also cancel the paired order. It is the intent of these 
paired orders to execute against each other. Thus, the Exchange 
believes it is appropriate to reject both orders if one does not 
satisfy the maximum contract size check to be consistent with the 
intent of the submitting TPH. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with 
respect to A:AIR \43\ orders, if the System rejects the agency order 
pursuant to the maximum contract size check, then the System will also 
reject the contra-side order. However, if the System rejects the 
contra-side order pursuant to this check, the System will accept the 
agency order (assuming it satisfies the check). The purpose of the 
A:AIR contingency provides the opportunity for the agency order (which 
is a customer of the submitting TPH) to execute despite not entering an 
AIM auction pursuant to which the order may execute against a 
facilitation or solicitation order of the TPH. The Exchange believes 
the proposed rule change is consistent with that contingency.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \41\ See Rule 6.51 for a description of the AIM auction process.
    \42\ See Rule 6.52 for a description of the SAM auction process.
    \43\ See Rule 6.51, Interpretation and Policy .10 for a 
description of the A:AIR functionality.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kill Switch
    The Exchange proposes to adopt a kill switch in proposed Rule 
6.17(i). The kill switch will be an optional tool allowing a TPH to 
send a message to the System to, or contact the Exchange Help Desk to 
request that the Exchange, cancel all its resting quotes (if the 
acronym or login is for a Market-Maker), resting orders (either all 
orders, orders with time-in-force of day, or orders entered on that 
trading day), or both for an acronym or login. The System will send a 
TPH an automated message when the Exchange has processed a kill switch 
request for any acronym or login.
    Once a TPH initiates the kill switch for an acronym or login, the 
System rejects all subsequent incoming orders and quotes for the 
acronym or login, as applicable. The System will not accept new orders 
or quotes from a restricted acronym or login until the Exchange 
receives the TPH's manual notification (in a form and manner determined 
by the Exchange, which will be announced by Regulatory Circular) to 
reactivate its ability to send orders and quotes for the acronym or 
login. While an acronym or login is restricted, a TPH may continue to 
interact with any resting orders (i.e., orders not cancelled pursuant 
to the kill switch) entered prior to its acronym or login becoming 
restricted, including receiving trade execution reports and canceling 
resting orders. The proposed kill switch will provide TPHs with a 
powerful risk management tool for immediate control of their order and 
quote activity. It will offer TPHs a means to control their exposure 
through an interface not dependent on the integrity of their own 
systems, should they experience any type of system failure. This is 
similar to how other options exchanges have implemented kill switches, 
and the Exchange believes this functionality will likewise benefit 
TPHs.\44\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \44\ See, e.g., BOX Options Exchange LLC (``BOX'') Rule 7280 and 
PHLX Rule 1019(b).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

QRM Mechanism
    The proposed rule change amends the QRM mechanism in Rule 8.12. QRM 
is functionality that automatically cancels a Market-Maker's quotes 
when certain parameter settings are triggered. Specifically, a Market-
Maker may establish a (1) maximum number of contracts, (2) a maximum 
cumulative percentage of the original quoted size of each side of each 
series, and (3) the maximum number of series for which either side of 
the quote is fully traded that may trade within a rolling time period 
in milliseconds also established by the Market-Maker. When these 
parameters are exceeded within the time interval, the System cancels 
the Market-Maker's quotes in the class and other classes with the same 
underlying. Additionally, Rule 8.12 allows Market-Makers or TPH 
organizations to specify a maximum number of QRM incidents on an 
Exchange-wide basis. When the Exchange determines that a Market-Maker 
or TPH organization has reached its QRM incident limit during the 
rolling time interval, the System will cancel all of the Market-Maker's 
or TPH organization's electronic quotes and Market-Maker orders resting 
in the book in all option classes on the Exchange and prevent the 
Market-Maker or TPH organization from sending additional quotes or 
orders to the Exchange until the Market-Maker or TPH organization

[[Page 76679]]

reactivates its ability to send quotes or orders in a manner prescribed 
by the Exchange.
    This functionality allows Market-Makers to provide liquidity across 
potentially hundreds of options series without being at risk of 
executing the full cumulative size of all these quotes before being 
given adequate opportunity to adjust their quotes. Use of this 
functionality has been voluntary for Market-Makers under the rules. 
From a technical perspective, Market-Makers currently do not need to 
enter any values into the applicable fields, and thus effectively can 
choose not to use these tools. The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 8.12 
to make it mandatory for Market-Makers to enter values for each 
parameter for all classes in which it enters quotes. The purpose of the 
proposed rule change is to prevent Market-Makers from inadvertently 
entering quotes without risk-management parameters. The Exchange notes 
all Market-Makers currently have settings for these parameters. 
However, it is possible that a Market-Maker could inadvertently enter 
quotes without populating one or more of the parameters, resulting in 
the Market-Maker being exposed to much more risk than it intended. The 
proposed rule change will prevent this from occurring.
    While entering values for the QRM parameters will be mandatory to 
prevent inadvertent exposure to risk, the Exchange notes Market-Makers 
who prefer to use their own risk-management systems can enter values 
that assure the Exchange parameters will not be triggered.\45\ 
Accordingly, the proposed rule change provides Market-Makers with 
flexibility to use their own risk management tools. The Exchange notes 
other exchanges make similar functionality mandatory for all Market-
Makers.\46\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \45\ For example, a Market-Maker could set the value for the 
total number of contracts executed in a class at a level exceeding 
the total number of contracts it actually quotes in the class.
    \46\ See, e.g., ISE Rule 804(g).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Order of Application of Risk Controls/Price Protections
    Upon approval of this rule filing, the Exchange will have various 
risk controls and price protection mechanisms in place applicable to 
quotes and orders. The following lists the ``order'' in which the 
System will apply these controls and mechanisms to incoming quotes and 
orders:
Incoming Quotes
     Maximum contract size (proposed Rule 6.17(h));
     put/call check (current Rule 6.17(d), as proposed to be 
amended by this rule filing);
     execution of quotes that lock or cross the NBBO (current 
Rule 6.17(e)(iii), proposed to be moved to proposed Rule 6.17(f) in 
this rule filing); and
     quote inverting NBBO (current Rule 6.17(e), as proposed to 
be amended by this rule filing).

Note QRM may be triggered after a quote executes.
Incoming Simple Limit Orders
     Maximum contract size (proposed Rule 6.17(h));
     put/call check (current Rule 6.17(d), as proposed to be 
amended by this rule filing); \47\ and
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \47\ If a limit order is an order marked to cancel and replace a 
resting limit order, the maximum contract size check applies after 
the put/call check. Generally, cancel and replace orders do not 
modify the size of a resting order, which the System would have 
already determined did not exceed the TPH's maximum contract size 
parameter. Therefore, the Exchange believed it was reasonable to 
apply a price reasonability check to these orders first, as that is 
the order information likely being changed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     limit order price parameter (current Rule 6.17(b), as 
proposed to be amended by this rule filing).

Note the order entry, execution and price parameter rate checks in 
proposed Rule 6.17(g) and the drill through price check parameter in 
current Rule 6.17(a)(2) (as proposed to be amended by this rule filing) 
may be triggered after a limit order executes.
Incoming Simple Market Orders
     Maximum contract size (proposed Rule 6.17(h));
     market-width price check parameter (current Rule 
6.17(a)(1), as proposed to be amended (nonsubstantively) by this rule 
filing); and
     put/call check (current Rule 6.17(d), as proposed to be 
amended by this rule filing).\48\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \48\ The pricing checks always apply after the maximum size 
check for market orders, because they apply at the time the System 
determines at what price these orders will execute, unlike limit 
orders entered with an execution price.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Incoming Complex Orders
     Maximum contract size (proposed Rule 6.17(h));
     limit order price parameter (current Rule 6.13, 
Interpretation and Policy .04(g));
     debit/credit check (current Rule 6.13, Interpretation and 
Policy .04(c)) or buy-buy (sell-sell) strategy parameter (current Rule 
6.13, Interpretation and Policy .04(d)), as applicable;
     maximum value acceptable price range check (current Rule 
6.13, Interpretation and Policy .04(h));
     market width parameter (current Rule 6.13, Interpretation 
and Policy .04(a));
     credit-to-debit parameter (current Rule 6.13, 
Interpretation and Policy .04(b));
     percentage distance parameter (current Rule 6.13, 
Interpretation and Policy .04(e)); and
     stock-option derived net market parameter (current Rule 
6.13, Interpretation and Policy .04(f)).

Note the order entry, execution and price parameter rate checks in 
proposed Rule 6.17(g) and the drill through price check parameter in 
Rule 6.17(a)(2) (as proposed to be amended by this rule filing) may be 
triggered after a market order executes.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with 
the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to the 
Exchange and, in particular, the requirements of Section 6(b) of the 
Act.\49\ Specifically, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change 
is consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) \50\ 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) \51\ requirement that the rules of 
an exchange not be designed to permit unfair discrimination between 
customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \49\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \50\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
    \51\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In particular, the proposed price protection mechanisms and risk 
controls will protect investors and the public interest and maintain 
fair and orderly markets by mitigating potential risks associated with 
market participants entering orders and quotes at unintended prices or 
sizes, and risks associated with orders and quotes trading at prices 
that are extreme and potentially erroneous, which may likely have 
resulted from human or operational error.
    The Exchange believes amending the limit order price parameter for 
simple orders (current Rule 6.17(b)) to use the

[[Page 76680]]

NBBO (rather than the Exchange previous day's closing price or BBO) 
when available perfects the mechanism of a free and open market and a 
national market system because it would more accurately reflect the 
then-current market. Thus, the Exchange believes it would be a better 
measure to use for purposes of determining the reasonability of the 
prices of orders and more accurately prevent executions of limit orders 
at erroneous prices, which ultimately protects investors. Continued use 
of the Exchange's previous day's closing price or BBO, as applicable, 
when no NBBO is available or the NBBO is not reliable will still 
provide continued price protection for orders during those times. The 
Exchange believes those prices would be the most relevant pricing 
information to determine the price at which an investor may want to buy 
or sell within a series, and the Exchange believes it is a reasonable 
substitute when no NBBO is available. The Exchange believes it is 
appropriate to have flexibility to determine to apply a different ATD 
to orders entered during the pre-opening, a trading rotation, or a 
trading halt to reflect different market conditions during those times. 
Additionally, the Exchange believes it is appropriate to not apply the 
check to orders with a stop contingency, because the prices that 
trigger execution of orders with a stop condition are intended to be 
outside the NBBO, and nonapplicability of this check is consistent with 
that condition. Therefore, the Exchange believes it is unnecessary to 
apply this check to stop-limit orders. This flexibility and non-
applicability, as applicable, will further assist the Exchange with its 
efforts to maintain a fair and orderly market, which will ultimately 
protect investors. Application of the drill through check to market and 
marketable limit orders (and of the market width check only to market 
orders) is consistent with the current Rule and applicability of those 
checks; the proposed rule change merely deletes the Exchange's 
flexibility to apply each check to market orders, marketable limit 
orders, or both.
    The proposed rule change to the drill through price check parameter 
(Rule 6.17(a)(2)) will benefit investors, as it describes how the 
System handles orders that were and were not previously exposed prior 
to trading at the drill through price. Additionally, the proposed rule 
change adds functionality to the drill through price check parameter to 
expose orders at the better of the NBBO or drill through price, and 
then rest orders (or any remaining unexecuted portions) in the book for 
a brief time period (not to exceed three seconds) with a price equal to 
the drill through price,\52\ promotes just and equitable principles of 
trade and benefits investors by providing an additional opportunity for 
execution at a price at least as good as the NBBO and that does not 
appear to be erroneous prior to their cancellation while continuing to 
protect them against execution at erroneous prices. Excluding orders 
that by their terms cancel if they do not immediately execute from this 
proposed change is consistent with the terms of those orders. In 
addition, the proposed rule change to apply the drill through 
protection to orders eligible for SAL will prevent erroneous executions 
of more orders, which assists the Exchange in its efforts to maintain a 
fair and orderly market. The proposed rule change also clarifies an 
order will HAL at the better of the NBBO and the drill through price to 
ensure an order will not be exposed at a price worse than the NBBO 
(this is consistent with the current HAL rule, which exposes orders at 
the NBBO).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \52\ As discussed above, this functionality will not be 
applicable upon approval of this filing, because the Exchange has 
not activated HAL and SAL for any classes on C2. Unless C2 activates 
those auctions for a class, the drill through parameter will 
function in the same manner as it does today.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed rule change to permit the Exchange to share TPH-
designated risk settings with Clearing TPHs that clear transactions on 
the TPH's behalf (proposed introductory paragraph to Rule 6.17) will 
permit Clearing TPHs who have a financial interest in the risk settings 
of TPHs with whom they have entered into a letter of authorization or 
letter of guarantee given by such Clearing TPHs to such TPH to better 
monitor and manage the potential risks assumed by Clearing TPHs. 
Because such Clearing TPHs bear the risk associated with Exchange 
transactions of that TPH, it is appropriate for the Clearing TPHs to 
have knowledge of what risk settings the TPH may apply within the 
System. This knowledge will provide Clearing TPHs with greater control 
and flexibility in managing their own risk tolerance and exposure and 
aiding Clearing TPHs in complying with the Act. Additionally, to the 
extent a Clearing TPH might reasonably require a TPH to provide access 
to its risk settings as a prerequisite to continuing to clear trades on 
such TPH's behalf, the Exchange's proposed rule change to share those 
risk settings directly with a Clearing TPH reduces the administrative 
burden on the TPH and ensures that Clearing TPHs are receiving 
information that is up to date and conforms to settings active in the 
System. The Exchange also notes the proposed rule change is consistent 
with rules of other exchanges.\53\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \53\ See, e.g., MIAX Rule 500; BX Chapter VI, Section 20; NYSE 
Arca Rule 6.2A(a); NYSE MKT Rule 902.1NY(a); and PHLX Rule 1016.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed rule change to expand the applicability of the put 
strike price and call underlying value check to market orders (current 
Rule 6.17(d)) will further assist the Exchange's efforts to maintain a 
fair and orderly market by mitigating the potential risks associated 
with additional orders trading at prices that exceed a corresponding 
benchmark (which may result in executions at prices that are 
potentially erroneous). The Exchange believes it promotes fair and 
orderly markets to not apply these checks to market orders executed 
during an opening rotation to avoid impacting the determination of the 
opening price (the Exchange notes separate price protections apply to 
orders during the opening process).
    The proposed rule change to the quote inverting NBBO check (current 
Rule 6.17(e)) benefits investors by clarifying the System does not 
apply those checks to orders entered when there is no NBBO (or BBO with 
respect to the quote inverting NBBO check) available, as there is no 
reliable benchmark during those times against which the System can 
compare quote prices. This will remove impediments to and perfect the 
mechanism of a free and open market because these checks would not 
apply to quotes during times when there is no reliable price benchmark, 
and thus the check would not erroneously reject otherwise acceptable 
quotes, which may be disruptive to Market-Makers that provide necessary 
liquidity to the Exchange. The proposed rule change to delete the 
Exchange's flexibility regarding when to apply the quote inverting NBBO 
check and instead state in the Rules it will not apply prior to a 
series opening if the series is not open on another exchange, and it 
will not apply during a trading halt is appropriate and consistent with 
the current rule. The Exchange currently does not apply the check to 
quotes entered during a halt and does not expect to do so. With respect 
to quotes entered in series prior to the opening, the Exchange believes 
it is appropriate to not apply the check if a series is not yet open on 
another exchange to avoid rejecting quotes that may be consistent with 
market pricing not yet available in the System.
    The proposed changes to the execution of quotes that lock or cross 
the NBBO (current Rule 6.17(e)(iii) and

[[Page 76681]]

proposed Rule 6.17(f)) to not apply the check when the NBBO is locked, 
crossed or unavailable, or to allow the Exchange to disable this check 
in response to a market event or market volatility in the interest of 
maintaining a fair and orderly market, will prevent the System from 
inadvertently cancelling quotes when there is no reliable measure 
against which to compare the price of the order to determine its 
reasonability, or that are not erroneously priced but rather priced to 
reflect potentially rapidly changing prices, respectively, which will 
assist with the maintenance of a fair and orderly market.
    The Exchange believes the proposed order entry, execution and price 
parameter rate checks (proposed Rule 6.17(g)) will assist with the 
maintenance of a fair and orderly market by establishing new activity 
based risk protections for orders. The Exchange currently offers QRM, a 
risk protection mechanism for Market-Maker quotes, which the Exchange 
believes has been successful in reducing Market-Maker risk, and now 
proposes to adopt risk protections for orders that would allow other 
TPHs to similarly manage their exposure to excessive risk. In 
particular, the proposed rule change implements four new risk 
protections based on order entry and execution rates as well as rates 
of orders that trigger the drill through or price reasonability 
parameters. The Exchange believes these new protections would enable 
TPHs to better manage their risk when trading on the Exchange by 
limiting their risk exposure when systems or other issues result in 
orders being entered or executed, as well as executed at extreme 
prices, at rates that exceed predefined thresholds. In today's market, 
the Exchange believes robust risk management is becoming increasingly 
more important for all TPHs. The proposed rule change would provide an 
additional layer or risk protection for TPHs. In particular, these rate 
checks are designed to reduce risk associated with system errors or 
market events that may cause TPHs to send a large number of orders, 
receive multiple, automatic executions, or execute a large number of 
orders at extreme and potentially erroneous prices, before they can 
adjust their exposure in the market. The proposed order entry and 
execution rate checks are similar to risk management functionality 
provided by other options exchanges.\54\ While the order entry and 
contracts executed rate checks apply to all TPHs, it is optional for 
TPHs to have resting orders (or certain subcategories of resting 
orders) cancelled when a rate check is triggered and an acronym or 
login becomes restricted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \54\ See, e.g., ISE Rule 714(d) and MIAX Rule 519A.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed maximum contract size risk control (proposed Rule 
6.17(h)) is designed to help TPHs avoid potential submission of 
erroneously sized orders on the Exchange. Similar to functionality 
intended to protect against orders and quotes executing at unintended 
prices, this proposed functionality will assist in the maintenance of a 
fair and orderly market and protect investors by rejecting orders and 
quotes that are ``too large'' to prevent executions at unintended sizes 
and mitigate risks associated with such executions that are potentially 
erroneous. The Exchange believes the additional risk control feature to 
reject or cancel the resting order or quote when an incoming 
replacement order or quote update is rejected pursuant to this proposed 
risk control is appropriate because, by submitting a replacement order 
or quote update, the TPH is implicitly instructing the Exchange to 
cancel the resting order or quote, respectively. Additionally, the 
Exchange believes it is appropriate to reject or cancel, as applicable, 
both sides of a quote because Market-Makers generally submit two-sided 
quotes, as their trading strategies and risk profiles are based on 
spreads of their quotes, and rejecting and cancelling, as applicable, 
both sides of a quote is consistent with this practice. The Exchange 
believes cancellation of resting quotes and orders, and rejection of 
both sides of a quote, operate as additional safeguards that cause TPHs 
to re-evaluate orders and quotes before attempting to submit new orders 
or quotes. This will further protect against erroneous trades, which 
protects investors. The Exchange also believes the proposed rule change 
regarding how the proposed check will apply to AIM and SAM orders is 
reasonable, as the proposed rule change is consistent with the 
contingencies attached to those types of orders.
    With respect to the proposed order entry, execution and price 
parameter rate checks and maximum contract size check (as well as the 
existing QRM functionality), the Exchange believes it is appropriate to 
not have minimum or maximum values, or default values, for the 
parameters, to provide sufficient flexibility to TPHs to adjust their 
parameter inputs in accordance with their business and risk management 
needs. The Exchange believes price protection mechanisms benefits its 
market and the options industry as a whole, however, ultimately these 
mechanisms primarily protect TPHs against erroneous executions of their 
orders and quotes. C2 appreciates the parameter settings determine 
whether these protections will be meaningful. Based on discussions with 
TPHs regarding its current and proposed package of risk controls and 
price protection mechanisms, the Exchange understands TPHs support the 
implementation of price protection mechanisms such as these and expects 
TPHs to input settings that are meaningful so they can take full 
advantage of the benefits these mechanisms are intended to provide.
    The proposed kill switch (proposed Rule 6.17(i)) is an optional 
tool offered to all TPHs. The Exchange represents the proposed kill 
switch will operate consistently with the firm quote obligations of a 
broker-dealer pursuant to Rule 602 of Regulation NMS and the 
functionality is not mandatory. Specifically, any interest executable 
against a TPH's quotes and orders received by the Exchange prior to the 
time the kill switch is processed by the Exchange will automatically 
execute at the price up to the TPH's size. The kill switch message will 
be accepted by the System in the order of receipt in the queue and will 
be processed in that order so that interest already in the System will 
be processed prior to the kill switch message. A Market-Maker's 
utilization of the kill switch, and subsequent removal of its quotes, 
does not diminish or relieve the Market-Maker of its obligation to 
provide continuous two-sided quotes. Market-Makers will continue to be 
required to provide continuous two-sided quotes on a daily basis, and a 
Market-Maker's utilization of the kill switch will not prohibit the 
Exchange from taking disciplinary action against the Market-Maker for 
failing to meet the continuing quoting obligation each trading day. All 
TPHs may determine whether a kill switch cancels resting quotes, 
resting orders (or certain subcategories of resting orders), or both. 
The Exchange also notes the proposed rule change is consistent with 
rules of other exchanges.\55\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \55\ See, e.g., BOX Rule 7280 (b) and PHLX Rule 1019(b).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange believes requiring Market-Makers to enter values into 
the risk parameters of the QRM mechanism (current Rule 8.12) will not 
be unreasonably burdensome, as all Market-Makers currently utilize the 
functionality. Additionally, the proposed rule change will assist 
Market-Makers in reducing their risk of inadvertently entering quotes 
without populating the risk parameters.

[[Page 76682]]

Reducing this risk will enable Market-Makers to enter quotations with 
larger size, which in turn will benefit investors through increased 
liquidity for the execution of their orders. Such increased liquidity 
benefits investors because they receive better prices and because it 
lowers volatility in the options market.
    While entering values for the QRM parameters will be mandatory to 
prevent inadvertent exposure to risk, the Exchange notes Market-Makers 
who prefer to use their own risk-management systems can enter values 
that assure the Exchange parameters will not be triggered. Accordingly, 
the proposed rule change provides Market-Makers with flexibility to use 
their own risk management tools. The Exchange notes other exchanges 
make similar functionality mandatory for all Market-Makers.\56\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \56\ See, e.g., ISE Rule 804(g).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The individual firm benefits of enhanced risk protections flow 
downstream to counterparties both at the Exchange and at other options 
exchanges, which increases systemic protections as well. The Exchange 
believes these risk protections will allow TPHs to enter orders and 
quotes with reduced fear of inadvertent exposure to excessive risk, 
which will benefit investors through increased liquidity for the 
execution of their orders, thereby protecting investors and the public 
interest. Without adequate risk management tools, such as those 
proposed in this filing, TPHs could reduce the amount of order flow and 
liquidity they provide. Such actions may undermine the quality of the 
markets available to customers and other market participants. 
Accordingly, the proposed rule change is designed to encourage TPHs to 
submit additional order flow and liquidity to the Exchange, thereby 
removing impediments to and perfecting the mechanisms of a free and 
open market and a national market system and, in general, protecting 
investors and the public interest. In addition, providing TPHs with 
more tools for managing risk will facilitate transactions in securities 
because, as noted above, TPHs will have more confidence protections are 
in place that reduce the risks from potential system errors and market 
events. As a result, the new functionality as the potential to promote 
just and equitable principles of trade.
    The Exchange notes TPHs must be mindful of their obligations to 
seek best execution of orders handled on an agency basis. Decisions to 
use the optional functionality described in this filing (i.e., 
cancellation of orders when an acronym or log-in becomes restricted 
after exceeding the orders entered or contracts executed rate, 
cancellation of orders upon initiation of a kill switch), and decisions 
on values of parameters (i.e., parameters for the orders entered, 
contracts executed and price parameter rate check, maximum contract 
size check), must be made consistent with this duty.

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

    C2 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 proposed rule change adds 
price protection mechanisms and risk controls for orders and quotes of 
all Trading Permit Holders submitted to C2 to help further prevent 
potentially erroneous executions, which benefits all market 
participants. These mechanisms and controls apply to orders of all 
TPHs, and quotes of all Market-Makers, in the same manner. The proposed 
rule changes related to the quote inverting NBBO check, the execution 
of quotes that lock or cross the NBBO check, and QRM apply only to 
Market-Makers because only Market-Makers may submit quotes under the 
Rules, and because similar protections applicable to orders are in 
place or also proposed in this rule filing. Additionally, the Exchange 
believes these types of protection for Market-Makers are appropriate 
given their unique role in the market and may encourage Market-Makers 
to quote tighter and deeper markets, which will increase liquidity and 
enhance competition, given the additional protection these price checks 
will provide. The Exchange believes the proposed rule change would 
provide market participants with additional protection from risks 
related to erroneous executions. Certain of the proposed protections 
are similar to those available on other exchanges.\57\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \57\ See, e.g., ISE Rule 714(d) and MIAX Rule 519A (order entry 
and execution rate checks); and MIAX Rule 519(b) (order contract 
size).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    While the proposed rule change makes entry of parameters into the 
QRM mechanism mandatory, the Exchange notes all Market-Makers currently 
avail themselves of this mechanism today. Additionally, the Exchange 
believes the use of QRM will prevent the inadvertent entry of quotes 
without risk-management parameters. Market-Makers who prefer to use 
their own risk-management systems can enter out-of-range values so the 
Exchange-provided parameters will not be triggered and can function as 
back-up protection. While entering values for the QRM parameters will 
be mandatory to prevent inadvertent exposure to risk, the Exchange 
notes Market-Makers who prefer to use their own risk-management systems 
can enter values that assure the Exchange parameters will not be 
triggered. Accordingly, the proposed rule change provides Market-Makers 
with flexibility to use their own risk management tools. The Exchange 
notes other exchanges make similar functionality mandatory for all 
Market-Makers.\58\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \58\ See, e.g., ISE Rule 804(g).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    With respect to the proposed kill switch functionality, all TPHs 
may avail themselves of the kill switch, which functionality is 
optional. The proposed rule change is intended to protect TPHs in the 
event they experience a systems issue or unusual or unexpected market 
activity that would require them to withdraw from the market to protect 
investors. The ability to control risk at either the acronym or login 
level will permit a TPH to protect itself from inadvertent exposure to 
excessive risk at each level. Reducing such risk will enable TPHs to 
enter quotes and orders with protection against inadvertent exposure to 
excessive risk, which in turn will benefit investors through increased 
liquidity for the execution of their orders. Such increased liquidity 
benefits investors because they may receive better prices and because 
it may lower volatility in the options market. Additionally, the 
proposed kill switch functionality is similar to that available on 
other exchanges.\59\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \59\ See, e.g., BOX Rule 7280(b) and PHLX Rule 1019(b).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed rule change to permit the Exchange to share TPH-
designated risk settings with Clearing TPHs that clear transaction on 
behalf of the TPH is not designed to address any competitive issues and 
does not pose any undue burden on non-Clearing TPHs because, unlike 
Clearing TPHs, non-Clearing TPHs do not guarantee the execution of 
transactions on the Exchange. The proposed rule change applies the same 
to all TPHs and Clearing TPHs. Any TPH that does not wish to have the 
Exchange share designated risk settings with its Clearing TPHs could 
avoid this by becoming a clearing member of the Clearing Corporation. 
The Exchange notes other exchanges' rules permit sharing of these 
settings with clearing members.\60\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \60\ See, e.g., MIAX Rule 500; BOX Chapter VI, Section 20; NYSE 
Arca Rule 6.2A(a); NYSE MKT Rule 901.1NY(a); and PHLX Rule 1016 
(sharing TPH-designated risk settings).

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

[[Page 76683]]

    The individual firm benefits of enhanced risk protections flow 
downstream to counterparties both at the Exchange and at other options 
exchanges, which increases systemic protections as well. The Exchange 
believes these risk protections will allow TPHs to enter orders and 
quotes with reduced fear of inadvertent exposure to excessive risk, 
which will benefit investors through increased liquidity for the 
execution of their orders. Without adequate risk management tools, such 
as those proposed in this filing, TPHs could reduce the amount of order 
flow and liquidity they provide. Such actions may undermine the quality 
of the markets available to customers and other market participants. 
Accordingly, the proposed rule change is designed to encourage TPHs to 
submit additional order flow and liquidity to the Exchange, which may 
ultimately promote competition. In addition, providing TPHs with more 
tools for managing risk will facilitate transactions in securities 
because, as noted above, TPHs will have more confidence protections are 
in place that reduce the risks from potential system errors and market 
events.
    Based on discussions with TPHs regarding its current and proposed 
package of risk controls and price protection mechanisms, the Exchange 
understands TPHs support the implementation of price protection 
mechanisms such as these and expects TPHs to input settings that are 
meaningful so they can take full advantage of the benefits these 
mechanisms are intended to provide.

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 comments on the 
proposed rule change.

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

    Within 45 days of the date of publication of this notice in the 
Federal Register or within such longer period up to 90 days (i) as the 
Commission may designate if it finds such longer period to be 
appropriate and publishes its reasons for so finding or (ii) as to 
which the Exchange consents, the Commission will:
    A. By order approve or disapprove 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 email to [email protected]. Please include 
File Number SR-C2-2016-020 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-C2-2016-020. 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-C2-2016-020, and should be 
submitted on or before November 25, 2016.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\61\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \61\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brent J. Fields,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-26510 Filed 11-2-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P