[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 240 (Friday, December 17, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71695-71698]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-27308]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-93758; File No. SR-FINRA-2021-031]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Financial Industry Regulatory 
Authority, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a 
Proposed Rule Change To Extend the Expiration Date of Temporary 
Amendments Set Forth in SR-FINRA-2020-015 and SR-FINRA-2020-027

December 13, 2021.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that 
on December 7, 2021, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. 
(``FINRA'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'' 
or ``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I and 
II below, which Items have been prepared by FINRA. FINRA has designated 
the proposed rule change as constituting a ``non-controversial'' rule 
change under paragraph (f)(6) of Rule 19b-4 under the Act,\3\ which 
renders the proposal effective upon receipt of this filing by the 
Commission. 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.
    \3\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    FINRA is proposing to extend the expiration date of the temporary 
amendments set forth in SR-FINRA-2020-015 and SR-FINRA-2020-027 from 
December 31, 2021, to March 31, 2022.\4\ The proposed rule change would 
not make any changes to the text of FINRA rules.
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    \4\ If FINRA seeks to provide additional temporary relief from 
the rule requirements identified in this proposed rule change beyond 
March 31, 2022, FINRA will submit a separate rule filing to further 
extend the temporary extension of time. The amended FINRA rules will 
revert to their original form at the conclusion of the temporary 
relief period and any extension thereof.
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    The text of the proposed rule change is available on FINRA's 
website at http://www.finra.org, at the principal office of FINRA 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, FINRA 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. FINRA 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
    In response to the COVID-19 global health crisis and the 
corresponding need to restrict in-person activities, FINRA filed 
proposed rule changes, SR-FINRA-2020-015 and SR-FINRA-2020-027, which 
respectively provide temporary relief from some timing, method of 
service and other procedural requirements in FINRA rules and allow 
FINRA's Office of Hearing Officers (``OHO'') and the National 
Adjudicatory Council (``NAC'') to conduct hearings, on a temporary 
basis, by video conference, if warranted by the current COVID-19-
related public health risks posed by an in-person hearing. In August 
2021, FINRA filed a proposed rule change, SR-FINRA-2021-019, to extend 
the expiration date of the temporary amendments in both SR-FINRA-2020-
015 and SR-FINRA-2020-027 from August 31, 2021, to December 31, 
2021.\5\
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    \5\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 92685 (August 17, 
2021), 86 FR 47169 (August 23, 2021) (Notice of Filing and Immediate 
Effectiveness of File No. SR-FINRA-2021-019).
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    While there are signs of improvement, much uncertainty remains for 
the coming months. The presence of the Delta variant, dissimilar 
vaccination rates throughout the United States, and the uptick in 
transmissions in many locations indicate that COVID-19 remains an 
active and real public health concern.\6\ Due to the uncertainty and 
the

[[Page 71696]]

lack of a clear timeframe for a sustained and widespread abatement of 
COVID-19-related health concerns and corresponding restrictions,\7\ 
FINRA believes there is a continued need for temporary relief beyond 
December 31, 2021. Accordingly, FINRA proposes to extend the expiration 
date of the temporary rule amendments in SR-FINRA-2020-015 and SR-
FINRA-2020-027 from December 31, 2021, to March 31, 2022.
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    \6\ For example, President Joe Biden on July 29, 2021, announced 
several measures to increase the number of people vaccinated against 
COVID-19 and to slow the spread of the Delta variant, including 
strengthening safety protocols for federal government employees and 
contractors. See https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/07/29/fact-sheet-president-biden-to-announce-new-actions-to-get-more-americans-vaccinated-and-slow-the-spread-of-the-delta-variant/. Thereafter, the Biden Administration 
announced on November 4, 2021, details of two major vaccination 
policies to further help fight COVID-19. See https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/11/04/fact-sheet-biden-administration-announces-details-of-two-major-vaccination-policies/. Most recently, President Biden announced 
several new actions to help protect Americans against the Delta and 
Omicron variants. See https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/12/02/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-new-actions-to-protect-americans-against-the-delta-and-omicron-variants-as-we-battle-covid-19-this-winter/.
    \7\ For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
(``CDC'') recently announced that the first confirmed case of COVID-
19 caused by the Omicron variant was detected in the United States. 
See https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1201-omicron-variant.html. The CDC also recommends that fully vaccinated people 
wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or 
high transmission and noted that fully vaccinated people might 
choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission, 
particularly if they are immunocompromised or at increased risk for 
severe disease from COVID-19. See https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html. Furthermore, 
numerous states currently have COVID-19 restrictions in place. Six 
states (Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and 
Washington) require most people to wear masks in indoor public 
places regardless of vaccination status, and three states 
(California, Connecticut, and New York) have mask mandates in indoor 
public places for those individuals who are unvaccinated. Several 
other states have mask mandates in certain settings, such as 
healthcare facilities, schools, and correctional facilities.
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i. SR-FINRA-2020-015
    As stated in its previous filings, FINRA proposed, and subsequently 
extended, the changes set forth in SR-FINRA-2020-015 to temporarily 
amend some timing, method of service and other procedural requirements 
in FINRA rules during the period in which FINRA's operations are 
impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19.\8\ Among other things, the need 
for FINRA staff, with limited exceptions, to work remotely and restrict 
in-person activities-consistent with the recommendations of public 
health officials-have made it challenging to meet some procedural 
requirements and perform some functions required under FINRA rules. For 
example, working remotely makes it difficult to send and receive hard 
copy documents and conduct in-person oral arguments. The temporary 
amendments have addressed these concerns by easing logistical and other 
issues and providing FINRA with needed flexibility for its operations 
during the COVID-19 outbreak, allowing FINRA to continue critical 
adjudicatory and review processes in a reasonable and fair manner and 
meet its critical investor protection goals, while also following best 
practices with respect to the health and safety of its staff.
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    \8\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 88917 (May 20, 
2020), 85 FR 31832 (May 27, 2020) (Notice of Filing and Immediate 
Effectiveness of File No. SR-FINRA-2020-015); Securities Exchange 
Act Release No. 89055 (June 12, 2020), 85 FR 36928 (June 18, 2020) 
(Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of File No. SR-FINRA-
2020-017); Securities Exchange Act Release No. 89423 (July 29, 
2020), 85 FR 47278 (August 4, 2020) (Notice of Filing and Immediate 
Effectiveness of File No. SR-FINRA-2020-022); Securities Exchange 
Act Release No. 90619 (December 9, 2020), 85 FR 81250 (December 15, 
2020) (Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of File No. SR-
FINRA-2020-042); Securities Exchange Act Release No. 91495 (April 7, 
2021), 86 FR 19306 (April 13, 2021) (Notice of Filing and Immediate 
Effectiveness of File No. SR-FINRA-2021-006); supra note 5.
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    FINRA staff, with limited exceptions, continue to work remotely to 
protect their health and safety. As indicated in its previous filings, 
FINRA has established a COVID-19 task force to develop a data-driven, 
staged plan for FINRA staff to safely return to working in FINRA office 
locations and resume other in-person activities. Based on its 
assessment of current COVID-19 conditions, FINRA does not believe the 
COVID-19-related health concerns necessitating this relief will 
meaningfully subside by December 31, 2021, and therefore proposes to 
extend the expiration date of the temporary rule amendments originally 
set forth in SR-FINRA-2020-015 from December 31, 2021, to March 31, 
2022.\9\
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    \9\ See supra note 8 (outlining the filing history of SR-FINRA-
2020-015 and its prior extensions).
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ii. SR-FINRA-2020-027
    The same public health concerns and restrictions, along with a 
corresponding backlog of disciplinary cases,\10\ led FINRA to file, and 
subsequently extend to December 31, 2021, SR-FINRA-2020-027 to 
temporarily amend FINRA Rules 1015, 9261, 9524, and 9830 to grant OHO 
and the NAC authority \11\ to conduct hearings in connection with 
appeals of Membership Application Program decisions, disciplinary 
actions, eligibility proceedings and temporary and permanent cease and 
desist orders by video conference, if warranted by the COVID-19-related 
public health risks posed by an in-person hearing.\12\
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    \10\ For example, FINRA began temporarily postponing in-person 
hearings as a result of the COVID-19 impacts on March 16, 2020.
    \11\ For OHO hearings under FINRA Rules 9261 and 9830, the 
proposed rule change temporarily grants authority to the Chief or 
Deputy Chief Hearing Officer to order that a hearing be conducted by 
video conference. For NAC hearings under FINRA Rules 1015 and 9524, 
this temporary authority is granted to the NAC or the relevant 
Subcommittee.
    \12\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 89739 (September 2, 
2020), 85 FR 55712 (September 9, 2020) (Notice of Filing and 
Immediate Effectiveness of File No. SR-FINRA-2020-027); Securities 
Exchange Act Release No. 90619 (December 9, 2020), 85 FR 81250 
(December 15, 2020) (Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of 
File No. SR-FINRA-2020-042); Securities Exchange Act Release No. 
91495 (April 7, 2021), 86 FR 19306 (April 13, 2021) (Notice of 
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of File No. SRFINRA-2021-006); 
supra note 5.
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    As set forth in the previous filings, FINRA also relies on the 
guidance of its health and safety consultant, in conjunction with 
COVID-19 data and guidance issued by public health authorities, to 
determine whether the current public health risks presented by an in-
person hearing may warrant a hearing by video conference.\13\ Based on 
that guidance and data, FINRA does not believe the COVID-19-related 
health concerns necessitating this relief will meaningfully subside by 
December 31, 2021, and believes there will be a continued need for this 
temporary relief beyond that date.\14\ Accordingly, FINRA proposes to 
extend the expiration date of the temporary rule amendments originally 
set forth in SR-FINRA-2020-027 from December 31, 2021, to March 31, 
2022.\15\ The extension of these temporary amendments allowing for 
specified OHO and NAC hearings to proceed by video conference will 
allow FINRA's critical adjudicatory functions to continue to operate 
effectively in these extraordinary circumstances--enabling FINRA to 
fulfill its statutory

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obligations to protect investors and maintain fair and orderly 
markets--while also protecting the health and safety of hearing 
participants.\16\
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    \13\ As noted in SR-FINRA-2020-027, the temporary proposed rule 
change grants discretion to OHO and the NAC to order a video 
conference hearing. In deciding whether to schedule a hearing by 
video conference, OHO and the NAC may consider a variety of other 
factors in addition to COVID-19 trends. In SR-FINRA-2020-027, FINRA 
provided a non-exhaustive list of other factors OHO and the NAC may 
take into consideration, including a hearing participant's 
individual health concerns and access to the connectivity and 
technology necessary to participate in a video conference hearing.
    \14\ FINRA notes that the proposed extension of the temporary 
amendments does not mean a video conference hearing will be ordered 
in every case. FINRA strives to hold in-person hearings when it is 
safe to do so and began to hold such hearings at a single location 
earlier this year. Specifically, FINRA held its first in-person 
hearing since the temporary rule change was implemented in July 
2021. A subsequent surge in case numbers for the Delta variant of 
the COVID-19 virus caused FINRA's outside health and safety 
consultant to recommend in early August against in-person hearings. 
Accordingly, the Chief Hearing Officer has converted hearings 
scheduled after mid-September from in-person to video conference on 
a case-by-case basis. In addition to creating a safe environment in 
which an in-person hearing may be held, as mentioned above, a number 
of other considerations inform whether any given case will be held 
in-person or by video conference.
    \15\ See supra note 5.
    \16\ Since the temporary amendments were implemented, OHO and 
the NAC have conducted several hearings by video conference. As of 
November 19, 2021, OHO has conducted 12 disciplinary hearings by 
video conference (decisions have been issued in 10 of these cases). 
In five of these disciplinary hearings, all of the parties agreed to 
proceed by video conference; the other seven were ordered to proceed 
by video conference by the Chief Hearing Officer. OHO currently has 
hearings scheduled in eight additional disciplinary matters. In one 
case, the parties have agreed to hold the hearing by video 
conference. No determination has yet been made regarding whether the 
other hearings will be in-person or by video conference. Also, as of 
November 24, 2021, the NAC, through the relevant Subcommittee, has 
conducted 12 oral arguments by video conference in connection with 
appeals of FINRA disciplinary proceedings pursuant to FINRA Rule 
9341(d), as temporarily amended. Furthermore, the NAC has conducted 
via video conference a one-day evidentiary hearing in a membership 
application proceeding pursuant to FINRA Rule 1015, as temporarily 
amended.
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    FINRA has filed the proposed rule change for immediate 
effectiveness and has requested that the SEC waive the requirement that 
the proposed rule change not become operative for 30 days after the 
date of the filing, so FINRA can implement the proposed rule change 
immediately.
2. Statutory Basis
    FINRA believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the 
provisions of Section 15A(b)(6) of the Act,\17\ which requires, among 
other things, that FINRA rules must be designed to prevent fraudulent 
and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable 
principles of trade, and, in general, to protect investors and the 
public interest. FINRA believes that the proposed rule change is also 
consistent with Section 15A(b)(8) of the Act,\18\ which requires, among 
other things, that FINRA rules provide a fair procedure for the 
disciplining of members and persons associated with members.
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    \17\ 15 U.S.C. 78o-3(b)(6).
    \18\ 15 U.S.C. 78o-3(b)(8).
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    The proposed rule change, which extends the expiration date of the 
temporary amendments to FINRA rules set forth in SR-FINRA-2020-015, 
will continue to provide FINRA, and in some cases another party to a 
proceeding, temporary modifications to its procedural requirements in 
order to allow FINRA to maintain fair processes and protect investors 
while operating in a remote work environment and with corresponding 
restrictions on its activities. It is in the public interest, and 
consistent with the Act's purpose, for FINRA to operate pursuant to 
this temporary relief. The temporary amendments allow FINRA to specify 
filing and service methods, extend certain time periods, and modify the 
format of oral argument for FINRA disciplinary and eligibility 
proceedings and other review processes to cope with the current 
pandemic conditions. In addition, extending this temporary relief will 
further support FINRA's disciplinary and eligibility proceedings and 
other review processes that serve a critical role in providing investor 
protection and maintaining fair and orderly markets.
    The proposed rule change, which also extends the expiration date of 
the temporary amendments to FINRA rules set forth in SR-FINRA-2020-027, 
will continue to aid FINRA's efforts to timely conduct hearings in 
connection with its core adjudicatory functions. Given the current and 
frequently changing COVID-19 conditions and the uncertainty around when 
those conditions will see meaningful, widespread and sustained 
improvement, without this relief allowing OHO and NAC hearings to 
proceed by video conference, FINRA might be required to postpone some 
or almost all hearings indefinitely. FINRA must be able to perform its 
critical adjudicatory functions to fulfill its statutory obligations to 
protect investors and maintain fair and orderly markets. As such, this 
relief is essential to FINRA's ability to fulfill its statutory 
obligations and allows hearing participants to avoid the serious COVID-
19-related health and safety risks associated with in-person hearings.
    Among other things, this relief will allow OHO to conduct temporary 
cease and desist proceedings by video conference so that FINRA can take 
immediate action to stop ongoing customer harm and will allow the NAC 
to timely provide members, disqualified individuals and other 
applicants an approval or denial of their applications. As set forth in 
detail in the original filing, this temporary relief allowing OHO and 
NAC hearings to proceed by video conference accounts for fair process 
considerations and will continue to provide fair process while avoiding 
the COVID-19-related public health risks for hearing participants. 
Accordingly, the proposed rule change extending this temporary relief 
is in the public interest and consistent with the Act's purpose.

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

    FINRA does not believe that the temporary proposed rule change will 
result in any burden on competition that is not necessary or 
appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. As set forth in 
SR-FINRA-2020-015 and SR-FINRA-2020-027, the proposed rule change is 
intended solely to extend temporary relief necessitated by the 
continued impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak and the related health and 
safety risks of conducting in-person activities. FINRA believes that 
the proposed rule change will prevent unnecessary impediments to 
FINRA's operations, including its critical adjudicatory processes, and 
its ability to fulfill its statutory obligations to protect investors 
and maintain fair and orderly markets that would otherwise result if 
the temporary amendments were to expire on December 31, 2021.

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

    Written comments were neither solicited nor received.

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

    Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not: (i) 
Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public 
interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) 
become operative for 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or 
such shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has become 
effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \19\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6) thereunder.\20\
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    \19\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \20\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
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    A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) normally does 
not become operative for 30 days after the date of filing. However, 
pursuant to Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii), the Commission may designate a 
shorter time if such action is consistent with the protection of 
investors and the public interest. As FINRA requested in connection 
with SR-FINRA-2020-015 and related extensions,\21\ FINRA has also asked 
the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that this 
proposed rule change may become operative immediately upon filing.
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    \21\ See SR-FINRA-2020-015, 85 FR at 31836. Although FINRA did 
not request that the Commission waive the 30-day operative delay for 
SR-FINRA-2020-027, FINRA did request that the Commission waive the 
30-day operative delay for SR-FINRA-2020-042, FINRA-2021-006, and 
FINRA-2021-019 which extended the expiration date of the temporary 
amendments originally set forth in SR-FINRA-2020-027.
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    FINRA has indicated that extending the relief provided originally 
in SR-FINRA-2020-015 and SR-FINRA-2020-027 will continue to ease

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logistical and other issues by providing FINRA with needed flexibility 
for its operations during the COVID-19 outbreak. Importantly, extending 
the relief provided in these prior rule changes immediately upon filing 
and without a 30-day operative delay will allow FINRA to continue 
critical adjudicatory and review processes in a reasonable and fair 
manner and meet its critical investor protection goals, while also 
following best practices with respect to the health and safety of its 
employees.\22\ The Commission also notes that this proposal, like SR-
FINRA-2020-015 and SR-FINRA-2020-027, provides only temporary relief 
during the period in which FINRA's operations are impacted by COVID-19. 
As proposed, the changes would be in place through March 31, 2022.\23\ 
FINRA also noted in both SR-FINRA-2020-015 and SR-FINRA-2020-027 that 
the amended rules will revert back to their original state at the 
conclusion of the temporary relief period and, if applicable, any 
extension thereof.\24\ For these reasons, the Commission believes that 
waiver of the 30-day operative delay for this proposal is consistent 
with the protection of investors and the public interest. Accordingly, 
the Commission hereby waives the 30-day operative delay and designates 
the proposal operative upon filing.\25\
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    \22\ See supra Item II.A.1; see also SR-FINRA-2020-015, 85 FR at 
31833.
    \23\ As noted above, see supra note 4, FINRA stated that if it 
requires temporary relief from the rule requirements identified in 
this proposal beyond March 31, 2022, it may submit a separate rule 
filing to extend the effectiveness of the temporary relief under 
these rules.
    \24\ See SR-FINRA-2020-015, 85 FR at 31833; see also SR-FINRA-
2020-027, 85 FR at 55712.
    \25\ For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, 
the Commission has considered the proposed rule change's impact on 
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 
78c(f).
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    At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule 
change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule 
change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or 
appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or 
otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission 
takes such action, the Commission shall institute proceedings to 
determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved.

IV. Solicitation of Comments

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

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's internet comment form (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an email to [email protected]. Please include 
File Number SR-FINRA-2021-031 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-FINRA-2021-031. 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 website (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 website viewing and printing in 
the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 
20549, on official business days between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 
3:00 p.m. Copies of such filing also will be available for inspection 
and copying at the principal office of FINRA. All comments received 
will be posted without change. Persons submitting comments are 
cautioned that we do not redact or edit personal identifying 
information from comment submissions. You should submit only 
information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions 
should refer to File Number SR-FINRA-2021-031 and should be submitted 
on or before January 7, 2022.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\26\
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    \26\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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J. Matthew DeLesDernier,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2021-27308 Filed 12-16-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P