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###### Securities and Exchange Commission

          - [Release No. 34-74590; File No. SR-CBOE-2015-029]

                    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 March 16, 2014, Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated (the “Exchange” or “CBOE”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.                

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

                    The Exchange proposes to amend its rules regarding the handling and processing of stock-option orders on the Exchange. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's Web site (                    *http://www.cboe.com/​AboutCBOE/​CBOELegalRegulatoryHome.aspx*), 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.                          ( print page 17529)    

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

#### 1. Purpose

                    The Exchange proposes to amend its rules regarding the handling and processing of stock-option orders represented in open outcry on the floor of the Exchange. Specifically, the Exchange proposes to adopt subparagraph (d) to Rule 6.48 (Contract Made on Acceptance of Bid or Offer) to extend electronic stock component routing functionality currently only available in the electronic trading environment to Public Automated Routing (“PAR”) workstation [3]                                          users and thus, allow Trading Permit Holders (“TPHs”) or PAR Officials [4]                                          to electronically route the stock component of a stock-option order represented in open outcry on the floor of the Exchange to an Exchange-designated broker-dealer not affiliated with the Exchange for electronic execution at a stock trading venue directly from PAR. In addition, the Exchange proposes to amend Interpretation and Policy .06 to Rule 6.53C to require that the Clearing Trading Permit Holder (“CTPHs”) (instead of the executing TPH), on a stock-option order, enter into a brokerage agreement with one or more non-affiliated Exchange-designated broker-dealers before electronically routing the stock component a of stock-option order to an Exchange-designated broker-dealer for execution at a stock-trading venue.[5]                                          The Exchange also proposes to add cross-references to the proposed amended stock-option order handling and processing rules in the Interpretations and Policies to Rules 6.45A (Priority and Allocation of Equity Option Trades on the CBOE Hybrid System) and 6.45B (Priority and Allocation of Trades in Index Options and Options on ETFs on the CBOE Hybrid System). The Exchange believes that the proposed enhanced functionalities with respect to the handling and processing of stock-option orders on PAR will promote more efficient trading and benefit market participants by eliminating intermediary manual steps currently required for open outcry stock-option order execution.                

#### Current Procedures

                    Under Rule 1.1, a stock-option order is defined as “an order to buy or sell a stated number of units of an underlying or a related security coupled with either (a) the purchase or sale of option contract(s) on the opposite side of the market representing either the same number of units of the underlying or related security or the number of units of the underlying security necessary to create a delta neutral position or (b) the purchase or sale of an equal number of put and call option contracts, each having the same exercise price, expiration date and each representing the same number of units of stock as, and on the opposite side of the market from, the underlying or related security portion of the order.” [6]                                          Stock-option orders are a popular with investors (                    *e.g.,*                     buy-writes) and are frequently handled and processed on the Exchange. Currently, eligible stock-option orders [7]                                          may be handled and processed on the Exchange either manually in open outcry or electronically through the Hybrid Trading System.[8]                                          This proposal seeks to enhance PAR functionality to allow a third option for handling and processing of a stock-option order on the Exchange by allowing the stock component of a stock-option order executed in open outcry to be handled electronically directly from PAR by a PAR user (                    *i.e.*                     a floor broker or PAR Official) on the floor of the Exchange.                

#### Manual Processing

                    Stock-option orders may be handled and processed on the Exchange in open outcry, with the stock portion of the order manually transmitted (                    *e.g.,*                     via telephone) by the PAR user (                    *i.e.*                     a floor broker or PAR Official) on the floor to a broker on a stock trading venue for execution.[9]                                          Trading of a stock-option order in open outcry involves the stock-option order being represented in open outcry as a strategy order at a single net price with the option component being traded by a broker or PAR Official on the floor of the Exchange and the stock portion being manually transmitted to a broker at a stock trading venue for execution.[10]                                          Manual transmission of the stock component of a stock-option order is accomplished by placing a stock order with a broker as two paired orders with a designated limit price to be matched by the broker either on a lit stock exchange, Alternative Trading System (“ATS”), or over-the-counter. As agent, the broker is responsible for determining whether the order may be executed in accordance with all of the rules applicable to the execution of equity orders, including compliance with the applicable short sale, trade-through, and reporting rules. In the event that the stock leg of a stock-option order cannot be executed by the broker, the stock-option order will remain on                           ( print page 17530)                        PAR or, at the order entry firm's discretion, to the order entry firm's booth.[11]                                          Stock-option orders have historically been handled and processed in open outcry on the Exchange. The Exchange continues to allow TPHs to manually execute stock-option orders in this manner.[12] 

#### Electronic Processing

                    Stock-option orders may also be handled electronically on the Exchange, with the stock portion of the order being electronically transmitted by the Exchange to a non-affiliated third party Exchange-designated broker-dealer for execution at an away stock trading venue.[13]                                          Generally, the stock component of a stock-option order is transmitted to an Exchange-designated broker-dealer [14]                                          as two paired orders with a designated limit price after the Exchange's trading system has determined that a stock-option order is executable at the designated net price. Once transmitted to the Exchange-designated broker-dealer, the Exchange-designated broker dealer acts as agent for the stock leg of the stock-option order and is responsible for the proper execution, trade reporting, and submission to clearing of the stock trade. Specifically, the Exchange-designated broker-dealer will be responsible for determining whether the orders may be executed in accordance with all of the rules applicable to the execution of equity orders, including compliance with the applicable short sale, trade-through, and reporting rules. In the event that the stock component of a stock-option order cannot be executed by the Exchange-designated broker-dealer, the stock-option order execution will be nullified and parties to the trade will be notified by the Exchange.[15] 

                    Currently, TPHs that wish to participate in electronic stock-option order processing must enter into a customer agreement with one or more designated broker-dealer that is not affiliated with the Exchange.[16]                                          In addition, to be eligible for electronic processing, TPHs must validate that they have executed a brokerage agreement with an Exchange-designated broker-dealer in order to obtain activation of stock-option order entry functionality on the Floor Broker Workstation (“FBW”).[17]                                          TPHs may only submit complex orders with a stock component for electronic processing if such orders comply with the Qualified Contingent Trade (“QCT”) Exemption of Rule 611(a) of Regulation NMS.[18]                                          A QCT is a transaction consisting of two or more component orders, executed as agent or principal, that satisfies the six elements enumerated in the Commission's Order exempting QCTs from the requirements of 611(a), which requires trading centers to establish, maintain, and enforce written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to prevent trade-throughs. TPHs submitting stock-option orders for electronic processing must represent that the orders' terms comply with the QCT Exemption of Rule 611(a) of Regulation NMS.[19] 

#### Proposed Rule Changes

The Exchange proposes to introduce enhanced PAR functionality that would allow TPHs and PAR Officials to route the stock portion of a stock-option order directly to an Exchange-designated broker-dealer for electronic execution at a stock trading facility. Under proposed Rule 6.48(d), TPHs and PAR Officials would be able to transmit stock portions of stock-option orders represented in open outcry directly from PAR to an Exchange-designated broker-dealer not affiliated with the Exchange for electronic execution at a stock trading venue. Thus, rather than executing stock orders manually via telephone, PAR users would be able to electronically send the stock portion of the stock-option order from PAR directly to an Exchange-designated broker-dealer for immediate execution at a stock trading venue. The Exchange notes that this functionality (electronic stock component order routing, processing, and handling), is already in use for electronic stock-option orders submitted into the Hybrid Trading System. The Exchange is merely proposing to extend this functionality to stock-option orders handled on the floor of the Exchange. The Exchange believes this added functionality will support more efficient stock-option order execution, streamline the steps required for open outcry stock-option order trading, and enhance the Exchange's audit trail by creating a more robust record of the stock component of stock option order executions on the floor of the Exchange.

                    Proposed Rule 6.48(d) would also provide that stock portions of stock-option orders represented in open outcry may be routed to a designated broker-dealer not affiliated with the Exchange for electronic execution at a stock trading venue as single orders or as paired orders (including with orders transmitted from separate PAR workstations). Consistent with current practices, the Exchange-designated broker-dealer would be responsible for the proper execution, trade reporting, and submission to clearing of the stock trade that is part of the stock-option order. Stock-option order executions for which the stock portion of the order could not be executed at the designated price would be nullified and the parties to the trade would be notified by the Exchange.[20]                                          In addition, consistent with current Interpretation and Policy .06(a) to Rule 6.53C, TPHs' compliance with the Qualified Contingent Trade (“QCT”) Exemption of Rule 611(a) of Regulation NMS would continue to be required for stock-option orders where the stock component of the stock-option order is routed from PAR to an Exchange-designated broker-dealer not affiliated with the Exchange for electronic                           ( print page 17531)                        execution at a stock trading venue selected by the Exchange-designated broker-dealer.                

The Exchange also proposes to amend Interpretation and Policy .06(a) to Rule 6.53C. Under current Interpretation and Policy .06(a) to Rule 6.53C, the stock portion of a stock-option order cannot be processed automatically unless the executing TPH has entered into a brokerage agreement with one or more Exchange-designated broker-dealers that are not affiliated with the Exchange that can electronically execute the equity order on a stock trading venue. The Exchange proposes to change Interpretation and Policy .06 to Rule 6.53C to provide that the Trading Permit Holder shall give up a Clearing Trading Permit Holder previously identified to, and processed by the Exchange as a Designated Give Up for that Trading Permit Holder in accordance with Rule 6.21 and which has entered into a brokerage agreement with one or more Exchange-designated broker-dealers that are not affiliated with the Exchange to electronically execute the stock component of the stock-option order at a stock trading venue selected by the Exchange-designated broker-dealer on behalf of the Trading Permit Holder. The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change would bring Interpretation and Policy .06(a) to Rule 6.53C in line with the Exchange's give up rules in Rule 6.21.

                    All trades are finalized not when they are executed, but when they clear. It is the CTPH, not the order entry TPH that guarantees authorization of a trade and accepts financial responsibility for all Exchange transactions made by the executing TPH. Because the CTPH is the party guaranteeing the transaction, the Exchange believes that it is reasonable to require that the CTPH enter into a brokerage agreement with an Exchange-designated broker-dealer not affiliated with the Exchange in order to route the stock portion of a stock-option order for electronic processing rather than requiring an executing TPH (that may be acting as agent or broker) to enter into such an agreement on the CTPH's behalf. Consistent with Rule 6.21, the CTPH should be responsible for order handling and processing requirements for trades that it guarantees.[21] 

                    Furthermore, under current Interpretation and Policy .06(a) to Rule 6.53C, the stock portion of a stock-option order cannot be processed automatically unless the executing TPH has entered into a brokerage agreement with one or more Exchange-designated broker-dealers that are not affiliated with the Exchange that can electronically execute the equity order on a stock trading venue. Accordingly, even when acting as agent or broker, a TPH cannot submit the stock portion of a stock-option order for electronic processing unless the TPH has entered into a brokerage agreement with an Exchange-designated broker-dealer that is not affiliated with the Exchange. The Exchange believes that current Interpretation and Policy .06(a) has a chilling effect on market activity because it prohibits TPHs from entering orders when acting as a broker for the account of a CTPH or a CTPH customer account. Brokers that represent a stock-option order merely as an executing agent rather than on behalf of their own customers may be less willing to enter into a brokerage agreement with one or more Exchange-designated broker-dealers and accept counterparty risk for a one-time fee. On the other hand, a CTPH that submits such an order to a floor broker on behalf of its own customer and has already accepted counterparty risk on behalf of its customer as clearing agent and would likely enter such a brokerage agreement willing as it would extend counterparty risk current parameters.[22] 

                    Accordingly, the Exchange proposes to amend Interpretation and Policy .06(a) to Rule 6.53C to provide that TPHs shall give up a CTPH previously identified to, and processed by the Exchange as a Designated Give Up in accordance with Rule 6.21 and which has entered into a brokerage agreement with one or more Exchange-designated broker-dealers that are not affiliated with the Exchange to electronically execute the stock portion of the stock-option order at a stock trading venue selected by the Exchange-designated broker-dealer.[23] 

The Exchange also proposes to change Interpretation and Policy .06 to Rule 6.53C to provide that stock-option orders may be executed against other electronic stock-option orders rather than state that such orders may be executed against other stock-option orders through the COB or COA. This change reflects the fact that such orders may be subjected to the Automated Improvement Mechanism (“AIM”) as well as executed through the COB or COA. Finally, the Exchange proposes conforming administrative changes to the Rules to include the language describing these functionality enhancements in Rules 6.45A and 6.45B. The proposed administrative changes would provide reference to this new technology within the priority rules for stock-option orders. Thus, these administrative changes merely add clarity to the Rules regarding the functionality available to TPHs on PAR.

#### 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.[24]                                          Specifically, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) [25]                                          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 facilitation 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) [26]                                          requirement that the rules of an exchange not be designed to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers.                

                    In particular, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change removes impediments to and perfects the mechanism of a free and open market by eliminating steps involved in stock-option order execution on the Exchange which allows for more efficient trading.                           ( print page 17532)                        By allowing PAR users to route the stock portion of a stock-option order to a broker at a stock trading venue directly from PAR, the Exchange is attempting to allow stock-option orders to be matched faster and more efficiently. Creating a more streamlined approach to the execution of stock-option orders allows for less complicated and, thus, less confusing trading on the Exchange. In addition, as a consequence, the proposed rule change will promote more liquidity on the national market system by allowing TPHs to more easily use stock-option orders and more quickly send stock leg portions of complex order to stock trading venues for execution. The Exchange also believes that the proposed rule would enhance the Exchange's audit trail by creating a more robust record of the stock component of stock option order executions on the floor of the Exchange.                

The Exchange also believes that the proposed changes to Interpretation and Policy .06 to Rule 6.53C to provide that the Trading Permit Holder shall give up a Clearing Trading Permit Holder previously identified to, and processed by the Exchange as a Designated Give Up for that Trading Permit Holder in accordance with Rule 6.21 and which has entered into a brokerage agreement with one or more Exchange-designated broker-dealers that are not affiliated with the Exchange to electronically execute the stock component of the stock-option order at a stock trading venue selected by the Exchange-designated broker-dealer on behalf of the Trading Permit Holder would help create a more robust market for stock-option orders and protect investors interests consistent with the Act. The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change would bring Interpretation and Policy .06(a) to Rule 6.53C in line with the Exchange's give up rules in Rule 6.21. Consistent with Rule 6.21, the CTPH should be responsible for order handling and processing requirements for trades that it guarantees. The proposed amendments are reasonable and provide certainty that a CTPH will always be responsible for a trade, which protects investors and the public interest.

Finally, the Exchange believes that the proposed change to Interpretation and Policy .06 to Rule 6.53C providing that stock-option orders may be executed against other electronic stock-option orders and the proposed amendments to Rules 6.45A and 6.45B would add additional clarity and transparency to the Rules. The Exchange continues to evaluate its Rules to add additional clarity and transparency whenever possible. The Exchange believes that its efforts to clarify the Rules are in the interests of market participants and the general public and that providing added transparency in the Rules is consistent with the Act.

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

The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. Specifically, the Exchange already offers such orders and is merely introducing new functionality to execute such orders. Thus, the Exchange does not believe that the proposed changes will pose a burden on intramarket competition or intermarket competition as these orders are already available on the Exchange. The functionality is available to all TPHs that choose to enter into the necessary agreements with the Exchange designated broker-dealer that is not affiliated with the Exchange. To the contrary, the Exchange believes that the proposed rule change will relieve any burden on, or otherwise promote, competition as it allows for market participants to more quickly execute stock-option orders via the Exchange's Hybrid System.

### 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 written 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 rule-comments@sec.gov.                      Please include File Number SR-CBOE-2015-029 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-CBOE-2015-029. 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 such filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal offices 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-CBOE-2015-029, and should be submitted on or before April 22, 2015.                

                        For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.[27] 

Brent J. Fields,

Secretary.

# Footnotes

1.                             15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).                    
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2.                             17 CFR 240.19b-4.                    
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3.                             The PAR workstation (“PAR”) is an Exchange-provided order management tool for use on the Exchange's trading floor by TPHs and PAR Officials.                         *See*                         Rule 6.12A;                         *see also*                         Rule 7.12 for a description of the responsibilities and obligations of PAR Officials. The Exchange's order handling system allows for orders to be routed to and from PAR in accordance with TPH and Exchange order routing parameters and the Rules of the Exchange.                         *See*                         Rule 6.12A.                    
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4.                             A PAR Official is an Exchange employee or independent contractor whom the Exchange may designate as being responsible for (i) operating the PAR workstation in a DPM trading crowd with respect to the classes of options assigned to him/her; (ii) when applicable, maintaining the book with respect to the classes of options assigned to him/her; and (iii) effecting proper executions of orders placed with him/her.                         *See*                         Rule 7.12.                    
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5.                             To enter transactions on the Exchange, a TPH must either be a CTPH or must have a CTPH agree to accept financial responsibility for all of its transactions.                         *See*                         Rule 6.21. Every CTPH will be responsible for the clearance of Exchange transactions of a TPH that “gives up” the CTPH pursuant to a Letter of Authorization, Letter of Guarantee, or other authorization given by the CTPH to the executing TPH.                         *See id.*
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6.                             Rule 1.1(ii);                         *accord*                         Rule 6.53C(a)(2).                    
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7.                             Eligible stock-option orders must comply with the Qualified Contingent Trade Exemption under Rule 611(a) of Regulation NMS.                         *See infra*                         at pages 8-9. TPHs submitting such orders represent that the orders comply with the QCT Exemption.                         *See*                         Interpretation and Policy .06 to Rule 6.53C. Certain other eligibility requirements may also apply to stock-option orders, which may be determined by Exchange routing parameters or in accordance with the order's terms. For example, stock-option orders must couple the stated number of units of an underlying stock or a security convertible into the underlying stock (“convertible security”) with the purchase or sale of options contract(s) on the opposite side of the market representing either (i) the same number of units of the underlying stock or convertible security, or (ii) the number of units of the underlying stock necessary to create a delta neutral position, but in no case in a ratio greater than eight-to-one (8.00), where the ratio represents the total number of units of the underlying stock or convertible security in the option leg to the total number of units of the underlying stock or convertible security in the stock leg (or such lower ratio as may be determined by the Exchange on a class-by-class basis). Only those stock-option orders with no more than the applicable number of legs, as determined by the Exchange on a class-by-class basis, are eligible for processing.                         *See*                         Rule 6.53C(a)(2). For electronic orders, the representing TPH must include a tied to stock indicator on each stock-option order upon systemization.                         *See*                         Rule 6.53(y);                         *see also*                         Regulatory Circular RG12-088 (Automation of Stock-Option Strategy Orders).                    
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8.                             The “Hybrid Trading System” refers to (i) the Exchange's trading platform that allows Market-Makers to submit electronic quotes in their appointed classes and (ii) any connectivity to the foregoing trading platform that is administered by or on behalf of the Exchange, such as a communications hub. References to “Hybrid,” “Hybrid System,” or “Hybrid Trading System” in the Exchange's Rules include all platforms unless otherwise provided by rule.                    
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9.                             TPHs are required to comply with the Qualified Contingent Trade (“QCT”) Exemption of Rule 611(a) of Regulation NMS with respect to the execution of stock-option orders.                         *See*                         Interpretation and Policy .06 to Rule 6.53C.                    
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10.                                                     *See*                         Securities and Exchange Release No. 34-66394 (February 14, 2012), 77 FR 10026 (February 21, 2012) (Notice of Filing of a Proposed Rule Change Related to Stock-Option Processing) (SR-CBOE-2012-005);                         *see also*                         Rules 6.45A(b) and 6.45B(b).                    
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11.                                                     *See*                         Interpretation and Policy .06 to Rule 6.53C(b)(1).                    
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12.                                                     *See*                         Interpretation and Policy .06 to Rule 6.53C.                    
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13.                                                     *See*                         Interpretation and Policy .06 to Rule 6.53C (Complex Orders on the Hybrid System);                         *see also*                         Securities and Exchange Release No. 34-66759 (April 6, 2012), 77 FR 22027 (April 12, 2012) (Order Approving a Proposed Rule Change Relating to Stock-Option Orders) (SR-CBOE-2012-005); Securities and Exchange Release No. 34-66394 (February 14, 2012), 77 FR 10026 (February 21, 2012) (Notice of Filing of a Proposed Rule Change Related to Stock-Option Processing) (SR-CBOE-2012-005); Securities and Exchange Release No. 34-56903 (December 5, 2007), 72 FR 70356 (December 11, 2007) (Order Approving Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment No. 1, Relating to Stock-Option Orders) (SR-CBOE-2007-068).                    
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14.                             Currently, ConvergEx Execution Services, LLC (“ConvergEx”) is the only Exchange-designated broker-dealer that the Exchange uses for executions of stock components of stock-option orders on away stock trading venues. The Exchange, however, may require TPHs to enter into a brokerage agreement with one or more Exchange-designated broker-dealers that are not affiliated with the Exchange to electronically execute the stock component of the stock-option order at a stock trading venue.                         *See*                         Interpretation and Policy .06 to Rule 6.53C.                    
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15.                                                     *See generally id.*                         [sic];                         *see also*                         Rule 6.25(a)(3).                    
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16.                                                     *See*                         Interpretation and Policy .06 to Rule 6.53C;                         *see also*                         Regulatory Circular RG12-088 (Automation of Stock-Option Strategy Orders).                    
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17.                             FBW is a system for electronically entering and electronically managing orders on the floor of the Exchange. FBW is a third-party facility of the Exchange supplied and managed by LiquidPoint, LLC.                    
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18.                                                     *See*17 CFR 242.611(a); Rule 6.53C.06(a);                         *see also*                         Securities and Exchange Release No. 34-57620 (April 4, 2008), 73 FR 19271 (April 9, 2008) (Order Modifying the Exemption for Qualified Contingent Trades from Rule 611(a) of Regulation NMS under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934); Securities Exchange Act Release No. 34-54389 (August 31, 2006), 71 FR 52829 (September 7, 2006) (Order Granting an Exemption for Qualified Contingent Trades from Rule 611(a) of Regulation NMS under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).                    
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19.                                                     *See*                         Interpretation and Policy .06(a) to Rule 6.53C. In addition, the Exchange has built certain checks into the Hybrid Trading System to validate certain aspects of compliance with the QCT Exemption of Rule 611(a) of Regulation NMS for stock-option orders. Those QCT validating checks are described in SR-CBOE-2012-005.                         *See*                         Securities and Exchange Release No. 34-66394 (February 14, 2012), 77 FR 10026 (February 21, 2012) (Notice of Filing of a Proposed Rule Change Related to Stock-Option Processing) (SR-CBOE-2012-005).                    
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20.                                                     *See*                         Rule 6.25(a)(3).                    
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21.                                                     *See*                         Rule 6.21;                         *see also*                         Securities and Exchange Release No. 34-72668 (July 24, 2014), 79 FR 44229 (July 30, 2014) (Order Granting Approval of a Proposed Rule Change Relating to the Give Up of a Clearing Trading Permit Holder) (SR-CBOE-2014-048).                    
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22.                             Notably, CTPHs have indicated support this proposal. The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change will allow for more efficient handling and processing of stock-option orders on the Exchange and that adoption of the proposal would remove impediments to, and perfect the mechanisms, of a national market system across stock and options trading venues.                    
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23.                             Validations of the required brokerage agreements between CTPHs and an Exchange-designated broker-dealer would be conducted by the Exchange. Access to electronic processing of stock option orders would be systematically limited to those CTPHs identified as having a brokerage agreement with an Exchange-designated broker-dealer in place. In addition further validation will be ensured through market participant identifiers provided by CTPHs. MPIDs are firm identifiers issued by the NASDAQ Market Center for electronic securities order processing. All electronic stock option order messages sent to the Exchange must contain an MPID. The Exchange's designed broker-dealer would also use MPIDs to process and clear the stock component of electronically executed stock option orders.                    
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24.                             15 U.S.C. 78f(b).                    
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25.                             15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).                    
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26.                                                     *Id.*
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27.                                 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).                        
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[FR Doc. 2015-07364 Filed 3-31-15; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 8011-01-P