[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 61 (Wednesday, March 30, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18446-18451]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-06635]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-94513; File No. SR-CBOE-2022-012]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe Exchange, Inc.; Notice of 
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend 
Its Rules Relating to the Continuing Education for Registered Persons 
as Provided Under Exchange Rule 3.33 and To Amend Related Registration 
Requirements as Provided Under Rule 3.30

March 24, 2022.
    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 15, 2022, Cboe Exchange, Inc. (the ``Exchange'' or ``Cboe 
Options'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 
``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II 
below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Exchange 
filed the proposal as a ``non-controversial'' proposed rule change 
pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act \3\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6) thereunder.\4\ 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\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
    \4\ 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

    The Exchange proposes to amend its rules relating to the Continuing 
Education for Registered Persons as provided under Exchange Rule 3.33 
and to amend related Registration Requirements as provided under Rule 
3.30. The text of the proposed rule change is provided in Exhibit 5.
    The text of the proposed rule change is also available on the 
Exchange's website (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.

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

1. Purpose
(i) Background
    The continuing education program for registered persons of broker-
dealers (``CE Program'') currently requires registered persons to 
complete continuing education consisting of a Regulatory Element and a 
Firm Element. The Regulatory Element is delivered through a web-based 
delivery method called ``CE Online,'' which is administered through the 
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (``FINRA'') online 
continuing education system, and focuses on regulatory requirements and 
industry standards, while the Firm Element is provided by each firm and 
focuses on securities products, services and strategies the firm 
offers, firm policies and industry trends. The CE Program for 
registered persons is codified under Exchange Rule 3.33.
    The Securities and Exchange Commission (the ``SEC'' or the 
``Commission'') recently approved a proposal submitted by FINRA 
relating to its CE Program.\5\ The Exchange understands that other 
exchanges have or will propose similar amendments based on FINRA's rule 
changes. Therefore, the Exchange proposes to amend and enhance its own 
CE Program as provided under Rule 3.33 and its related Registration 
Requirements as provided under Rule 3.30 in response to FINRA's amended 
CE Program and to facilitate compliance with the Exchange's CE Program 
requirements by members of multiple exchanges. The Exchange proposes to 
implement the proposed rule changes to align with FINRA's CE Program 
implementation dates.\6\ Specifically, the proposed implementation 
dates are as follows: Changes relating to proposed Rule 3.33(c) 
(Continuing Education Program for Persons Maintaining Their 
Qualification Following the Termination of a Registration Category) 
will become effective March 15, 2022; changes relating to Rule 3.30.09 
(Waiver of Examination for Individuals Working for a Financial Services 
Industry Affiliate of a TPH) \7\ (referred to as the ``FSA waiver 
program'' or ``FSAWP'') will become effective March 15, 2022; and all 
other changes, including changes to Rules 3.33(a) (Regulatory Element) 
\8\ and 3.33(b) (Firm Element) will become effective January 1, 2023.
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    \5\ See Securities and Exchange Act No. 93097 (September 21, 
2021), 86 FR 53358 (September 27, 2021) (SR-FINRA-2021-015) (Order 
Approving a Proposed Rule Change To Amend FINRA Rules 1210 
(Registration Requirements) and 1240 (Continuing Education 
Requirements)).
    \6\ See FINRA Regulatory Notice 21-41 (November 17, 2021).
    \7\ ``TPH'' refers to Trading Permit Holder. See Rule 1.1.
    \8\ An individual's initial annual Regulatory Element due date 
will be December 31, 2023.
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a. Regulatory Element
    Exchange Rule 3.33(a) currently requires a registered person to 
complete the applicable Regulatory Element initially within 120 days 
after the person's second registration anniversary date and, 
thereafter, within 120 days after every third registration anniversary 
date.\9\ The Exchange may extend these

[[Page 18447]]

time frames for good cause shown.\10\ Unless otherwise determined, any 
registered persons who have not completed the Regulatory Element of the 
program within the prescribed time frames will have their 
registration(s) deemed inactive and will be designated as ``CE 
inactive'' in the CRD system until the requirements of the Regulatory 
Element have been satisfied.\11\ A CE inactive person is prohibited 
from performing, or being compensated for, any activities requiring 
registration, including supervision. Moreover, if registered persons 
remain CE inactive for two consecutive years, they must requalify by 
retaking required examinations (or obtain a waiver of the applicable 
qualification examinations).\12\
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    \9\ See Rule 3.33(a). An individual's registration anniversary 
date is generally the date they initially registered in the Central 
Registration Depository (``CRD[supreg]'') system. However, an 
individual's registration anniversary date would be reset if the 
individual has been out of the industry for two or more years and is 
required to requalify by examination, or obtain an examination 
waiver, in order to reregister. An individual's registration 
anniversary date would also be reset if the individual obtains a 
conditional examination waiver that requires them to complete the 
Regulatory Element by a specified date. Non-registered individuals 
who are participating in the waiver program under Rule 3.30.09 
(Waiver of Examinations for Individuals Working for a Financial 
Services Industry Affiliate of a TPH) (``FSAWP participants'') are 
also subject to the Regulatory Element. See also proposed Rule 
3.33(a)(5) (Definition of Covered Person). The Regulatory Element 
for FSAWP participants correlates to their most recent 
registration(s), and it must be completed based on the same cycle 
had they remained registered. FSAWP participants are eligible for a 
single, fixed seven-year waiver period from the date of their 
initial designation, subject to specified conditions. Registered 
persons who become subject to a significant disciplinary action, as 
specified in Rule 3.33(a)(2) (Disciplinary Actions), may be required 
to retake the Regulatory Element within 120 days of the effective 
date of the disciplinary action, if they remain registered. Further, 
their cycle for participation in the Regulatory Element may be 
adjusted to reflect the effective date of the disciplinary action 
rather than their registration anniversary date.
    \10\ See Rule 3.33(a)(1).
    \11\ Supra note 9. Individuals must complete the entire 
Regulatory Element session to be considered to have ``completed'' 
the Regulatory Element; partial completion is the same as non-
completion.
    \12\ See Rule 3.33(g). This CE inactive two-year period is 
calculated from the date such persons become CE inactive, and it 
continues to run regardless of whether they terminate their 
registrations before the end of the two-year period. Therefore, if 
registered persons terminate their registrations while in a CE 
inactive status, they must satisfy all outstanding Regulatory 
Element prior to the end of the CE inactive two-year period in order 
to reregister with a member without having to requalify by 
examination or having to obtain an examination waiver.
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    The Regulatory Element currently consists of a subprogram for 
registered persons generally, and a subprogram for principals and 
supervisors.\13\ While some of the current Regulatory Element content 
is unique to particular registration categories, most of the content 
has broad application to both representatives and principals.\14\ The 
Regulatory Element was originally designed at a time when most 
individuals had to complete the Regulatory Element at a test center, 
and its design was shaped by the limitations of the test center-based 
delivery model. In 2015, the delivery of the Regulatory Element was 
transitioned to an online platform, referred to above as CE Online, 
which allows individuals to complete the content online at a location 
of their choosing, including their private residence. This online 
delivery provides for much greater flexibility in updating content in a 
timelier fashion, developing content tailored to each registration 
category and presenting the material in an optimal learning format.
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    \13\ The S101 (General Program for Registered Persons) and the 
S201 (Registered Principals and Supervisors).
    \14\ The current content is presented in a single format leading 
individuals through a case that provides a story depicting 
situations that they may encounter in the course of their work.
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b. Firm Element
    Rule 3.33(c) (Firm Element) currently requires each firm to develop 
and administer an annual Firm Element training program for covered 
registered persons.\15\ The rule requires firms to conduct an annual 
needs analysis to determine the appropriate training.\16\ Currently, at 
a minimum, the Firm Element must cover training in ethics and 
professional responsibility as well as the following items concerning 
securities products, services and strategies offered by the member: (1) 
General investment features and associated risk factors; (2) 
suitability and sales practice considerations; and (3) applicable 
regulatory requirements.\17\ A firm, consistent with its needs 
analysis, may determine to apply toward the Firm Element other required 
training. The current rule does not expressly recognize other required 
training, such as training relating to the anti-money laundering 
(``AML'') compliance program and training relating to the annual 
compliance meeting, for purposes of satisfying Firm Element 
training.\18\
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    \15\ The rule defines ``covered registered persons'' as any 
registered person or any associated person who has direct contact 
with customers in the conduct of a Trading Permit Holder's or TPH 
organization's securities sales, trading or investment banking 
activities, and the immediate supervisors of any such persons. See 
Rule 3.33(c)(1) (Persons Subject to the Firm Element).
    \16\ See Rule 3.33(c)(2) (Standards).
    \17\ Id.
    \18\ See, e.g. Rules 8.12 and 8.16(g).
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c. Termination of a Registration
    Currently, individuals whose registrations as representatives or 
principals have been terminated for two or more years may reregister as 
representatives or principals only if they requalify by retaking and 
passing the applicable representative- or principal-level examination 
or if they obtain a waiver of such examination(s) (the ``two-year 
qualification period'').\19\ The two-year qualification period was 
adopted prior to the creation of the CE Program and was intended to 
ensure that individuals who reregister are relatively current on their 
regulatory and securities knowledge.
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    \19\ See Rule 3.33(g). The two-year qualification period is 
calculated from the date individuals terminate their registration 
and the date the Exchange receives a new application for 
registration. The two-year qualification period does not apply to 
individuals who terminate a limited registration category that is a 
subset of a broader registration category for which they remain 
qualified. Such individuals have the option of reregistering in the 
more limited registration category without having to requalify by 
examination or obtain an examination waiver so long as they continue 
to remain qualified for the broader registration category. Further, 
the two-year qualification period only applies to the 
representative- and principal-level examinations; it does not extend 
to the Securities Industry Essentials (``SIE'') examination. The SIE 
examination is valid for four years, but having a valid SIE 
examination alone does not qualify an individual for registration as 
a representative or principal. Individuals whose registrations as 
representatives or principals have been revoked pursuant to Exchange 
Rule 13.11 (Judgment and Sanction) may only requalify by retaking 
the applicable representative- or principal-level examination in 
order to reregister as representatives or principals, in addition to 
satisfying the eligibility conditions for association with a firm. 
Waivers are granted either on a case-by-case basis under Rule 
3.30.03 (Qualification Examinations and Waivers of Examinations) or 
as part of the FSA waiver program under Rule 3.30.09 (Waiver of 
Examination for Individuals Working for a Financial Services 
Industry Affiliate of a TPH).
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(ii) Proposed Rule Change
    After extensive work with the Securities Industry/Regulatory 
Council on Continuing Education (``CE Council''), FINRA, other Self-
Regulatory Organizations and industry participants, the Exchange 
proposes the following changes under Rules 3.30 and 3.33 to align with 
FINRA's Rule 1240.
a. Transition to Annual Regulatory Element for Each Registration 
Category
    As noted above, currently, the Regulatory Element generally must be 
completed every three years, and the content is broad in nature. Based 
on changes in technology and learning theory, the Regulatory Element 
content can be updated and delivered in a timelier fashion and tailored 
to each registration category, which would further the goals of the 
Regulatory Element.\20\ Therefore, to provide

[[Page 18448]]

registered persons with more timely and relevant training on 
significant regulatory developments, the Exchange proposes amending 
Rule 3.33(a) to require registered persons to complete the Regulatory 
Element annually by December 31.\21\ The proposed amendment would also 
require registered persons to complete Regulatory Element content for 
each representative or principal registration category that they hold, 
which would also further the goals of the Regulatory Element.\22\
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    \20\ When the CE Program was originally adopted in 1995, 
registered persons were required to complete the Regulatory Element 
on their second, fifth and 10th registration anniversary dates. See 
Securities Exchange Act Release No. 35341 (February 8, 1995), 60 FR 
8426 (February 14, 1995) (Order Approving File Nos. SR-AMEX-94-59; 
SR-CBOE-94-49; SR-CHX-94-27; SR-MSRB-94-17; SR-NASD-94-72; SR-NYSE-
94-43; SR-PSE-94-35; and SR-PHLX-94-52). The change to the current 
three-year cycle was made in 1998 to provide registered persons more 
timely and effective training, consistent with the overall purpose 
of the Regulatory Element. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 
39712 (March 3, 1998), 63 FR 11939 (March 11, 1998) (Order Approving 
File Nos. SR-CBOE-97-68; SR-MSRB-98-02; SR-NASD-98-03; and SR-NYSE-
97-33).
    \21\ See proposed Rules 3.33(a)(1) and (a)(4).
    \22\ See proposed Rules 3.30.07 and 3.33(a)(1).
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    Under the proposed rule change, TPHs and TPH organizations would 
have the flexibility to require their registered persons to complete 
the Regulatory Element sooner than December 31, which would allow TPHs 
and TPH organizations to coordinate the timing of the Regulatory 
Element with other training requirements, including the Firm 
Element.\23\ For example, a TPH or TPH organization could require its 
registered persons to complete both their Regulatory Element and Firm 
Element by October 1 of each year.
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    \23\ See proposed Rules 3.33(a)(1) and (a)(4).
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    Individuals who would be registering as a representative or 
principal for the first time on or after the implementation date of the 
proposed rule change would be required to complete their initial 
Regulatory Element for that registration category in the next calendar 
year following their registration.\24\ In addition, subject to 
specified conditions, individuals who would be reregistering as a 
representative or principal on or after the implementation date of the 
proposed rule change would also be required to complete their initial 
Regulatory Element for that registration category in the next calendar 
year following their reregistration.\25\
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    \24\ See proposed Rule 3.33(a)(1).
    \25\ See proposed Rule 3.33(a)(4).
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    Consistent with current requirements, individuals who fail to 
complete their Regulatory Element within the prescribed period would be 
automatically designated as CE inactive.\26\ However, the proposed rule 
change preserves the Exchange's ability to extend the time by which a 
registered person must complete the Regulatory Element for good cause 
shown.\27\
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    \26\ See proposed Rule 3.33(a)(2).
    \27\ Id. The proposed rule change clarifies that the request for 
an extension of time must be in writing and include supporting 
documentation, which is consistent with current practice.
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    The Exchange also proposes amending Rule 3.33(a) to provide that: 
(1) Individuals who are designated as CE inactive would be required to 
complete all of their pending and upcoming annual Regulatory Element, 
including any annual Regulatory Element that becomes due during their 
CE inactive period, to return to active status; \28\ (2) the two-year 
CE inactive period is calculated from the date individuals become CE 
inactive, and it continues to run regardless of whether individuals 
terminate their registrations; \29\ (3) individuals who become subject 
to a significant disciplinary action may be required to complete 
assigned continuing education content as prescribed by the Exchange; 
\30\ (4) individuals who have not completed any Regulatory Element 
content for a registration category in the calendar year(s) prior to 
reregistering would not be approved for registration for that category 
until they complete that Regulatory Element content, pass an 
examination for that registration category or obtain an unconditional 
examination waiver for that registration category, whichever is 
applicable; \31\ and (5) the Regulatory Element requirements apply to 
individuals who are registered, or in the process of registering, as a 
representative or principal.\32\ In addition, the Exchange proposes 
making conforming amendments to Rule 3.30.07.
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    \28\ Id.
    \29\ Id.
    \30\ Id.
    \31\ See proposed Rule 3.33(a)(4).
    \32\ See proposed Rule 3.33(a)(5).
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    Under the proposed rule change, the amount of content that 
registered persons would be required to complete in a three-year, 
annual cycle for a particular registration category is expected to be 
comparable to what most registered persons are currently completing 
every three years. In some years, there may be more required content 
for some registration categories depending on the volume of rule 
changes and regulatory issues. In addition, an individual who holds 
multiple registrations may be required to complete additional content 
compared to an individual who holds a single registration because, as 
noted above, individuals would be required to complete content specific 
to each registration category that they hold. However, individuals with 
multiple registrations would not be subject to duplicative regulatory 
content in any given year. The more common registration combinations 
would likely share much of their relevant regulatory content each year. 
For example, individuals registered as General Securities 
Representatives and General Securities Principals would receive the 
same content as individuals solely registered as General Securities 
Representatives, supplemented with a likely smaller amount of 
supervisory-specific content on the same topics. The less common 
registration combinations may result in less topic overlap and more 
content overall.
b. Recognition of Other Training Requirements for Firm Element and 
Application of Firm Element to Covered Registered Persons
    To better align the Firm Element requirement with other required 
training, the Exchange proposes to revise/adopt proposed Rule 3.33(b) 
to expressly allow TPHs and TPH organizations to consider training 
relating to the AML compliance program and the annual compliance 
meeting toward satisfying an individual's annual Firm Element 
requirement.\33\ The Exchange also proposes amending the definition of 
``covered registered persons'' who are subject to the Firm Element 
requirement to any person registered with a TPH, including any person 
who maintains solely a permissive registration consistent with Rule 
3.30.02 (Permissive Registrations), thereby further aligning the 
description of ``covered registered persons'' in the Firm Element 
requirement with the description of ``covered persons'' in the 
Regulatory Element requirement.\34\ In conjunction with this proposed 
change, the Exchange proposes modifying the current minimum training 
criteria under Rule 3.33(b) to instead provide that the training must 
cover topics related to the role, activities, or responsibilities of 
the registered person and to professional responsibility.
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    \33\ See proposed Rule 3.33(b)(2)(D).
    \34\ The group of persons who may be considered a ``covered 
registered person'' under the Firm Element provisions in proposed 
Rule 3.33(b)(1) is a subset of the group of persons who may be 
considered a ``covered person'' under the Regulatory Element 
provisions in proposed Rule 3.33(a)(5). See also note 15, supra, and 
surrounding discussion for comparison on the current definition of 
``covered registered person.''

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[[Page 18449]]

c. Maintenance of Qualification After Termination of Registration
    The Exchange proposes to adopt Rules 3.33(c), 3.33.01, and 3.33.02 
to provide eligible individuals who terminate any of their 
representative or principal registrations the option of maintaining 
their qualification for any of the terminated registrations by 
completing continuing education. The proposed rule change would not 
eliminate the two-year qualification period. Rather, it would provide 
such individuals an alternative means of staying current on their 
regulatory and securities knowledge following the termination of a 
registration(s). Eligible individuals who elect not to participate in 
the proposed continuing education program would continue to be subject 
to the current two-year qualification period. The proposed rule change 
is generally aligned with other professional continuing education 
programs that allow individuals to maintain their qualification to work 
in their respective fields during a period of absence from their 
careers (including an absence of more than two years) by satisfying 
continuing education requirements for their credential.
    The proposed rule change would impose the following conditions and 
limitations:
    <bullet> Individuals would be required to be registered in the 
terminated registration category for at least one year immediately 
prior to the termination of that category; \35\
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    \35\ See proposed Rule 3.33(c)(1).
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    <bullet> individuals could elect to participate when they terminate 
a registration or within two years from the termination of a 
registration; \36\
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    \36\ See proposed Rule 3.33(c)(2).
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    <bullet> individuals would be required to complete annually all 
prescribed continuing education; \37\
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    \37\ See proposed Rule 3.33(c)(3). However, upon a participant's 
request and for good cause shown, the Exchange would have the 
ability to grant an extension of time for the participant to 
complete the prescribed continuing education. A participant who is 
also a registered person must directly request an extension of the 
prescribed continuing education from the Exchange.
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    <bullet> individuals would have a maximum of five years in which to 
reregister; \38\
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    \38\ See proposed Rule 3.33(c).
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    <bullet> individuals who have been CE inactive for two consecutive 
years, or who become CE inactive for two consecutive years during their 
participation, would not be eligible to participate or continue; \39\ 
and
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    \39\ See proposed Rule 3.33(c)(4) and (c)(5).
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    <bullet> individuals who are subject to a statutory 
disqualification, or who become subject to a statutory disqualification 
following the termination of their registration or during their 
participation, would not be eligible to participate or continue.\40\
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    \40\ See proposed Rules 3.33(c)(1) and (c)(6). Individuals who 
are subject to a statutory disqualification would not be eligible to 
enter the proposed continuing education program. Individuals who 
become subject to a statutory disqualification while participating 
in the proposed continuing education program would not be eligible 
to continue in the program. Further, any content completed by such 
participants would be retroactively nullified upon disclosure of the 
statutory disqualification. The following example illustrates the 
application of the proposed rule change to individuals who become 
subject to a statutory disqualification while participating in the 
proposed continuing education program. Individual A participates in 
the proposed continuing education program for four years and 
completes the prescribed content for each of those years. During 
year five of his participation, he becomes subject to a statutory 
disqualification resulting from a foreign regulatory action. In that 
same year, the Exchange receives a Form U4 submitted by a member on 
behalf of Individual A requesting registration with the Exchange. 
The Form U4 discloses the statutory disqualification event. the 
Exchange would then retroactively nullify any content that 
Individual A completed while participating in the proposed 
continuing education program. Therefore, in this example, in order 
to become registered with the Exchange, he would be required to 
requalify by examination. This would be in addition to satisfying 
the eligibility conditions for association with an Exchange TPH or 
TPH Organization. See also Exchange Act Sections 3(a)(39) and 
15(b)(4).
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    The proposed rule change also includes a look-back provision that 
would, subject to specified conditions, extend the proposed option for 
maintaining qualifications following a registration category 
termination to (i) individuals who have been registered as a 
representative or principal within two years immediately prior to the 
planned March 15, 2022 implementation date of the proposed rule change, 
and (ii) individuals who have been FSAWP participants immediately prior 
to the planned March 15, 2022 implementation date of the proposed rule 
change.\41\ With respect to the FSAWP, the Exchange proposes to make 
the look-back provision available to individuals who are participants 
in the Exchange's FSAWP or the FSA waiver programs of Exchange's 
affiliate, Cboe C2 Exchange, Inc. (``C2 Options''), and/or FINRA 
immediately preceding March 15, 2022. In addition, effective March 15, 
2022, the Exchange proposes to not accept any new initial designations 
for individuals under the Exchange's FSAWP. Effectively, upon 
implementation, the FSAWP would not be available for new participants 
and what remains of the program would only be applicable to pre-
existing participants. Ultimately, the FSAWP will expire in favor of 
the new proposed maintenance of qualification requirements.\42\
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    \41\ See proposed Rule 3.33.01. Such individuals would be 
required to elect whether to participate by the March 15, 2022 
implementation date of the proposed rule change. If such individuals 
elect to participate, they would be required to complete their 
initial annual content by the end of 2022 (i.e., by the end of the 
calendar year in which the proposed rule change is implemented). In 
addition, if such individuals elect to participate, their initial 
participation period would be adjusted based on the date that their 
registration was terminated.
    \42\ See proposed changes to Rule 3.30.09.
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    In addition, the proposed rule change includes a re-eligibility 
provision that would allow individuals to regain eligibility to 
participate each time they reregister with a TPH or TPH Organization 
for a period of at least one year and subsequently terminate their 
registration, provided that they satisfy the other participation 
conditions and limitations.\43\ Finally, the Exchange proposes making 
conforming amendments to Rule 3.30, including making ministerial 
changes and adding references to proposed Rules 3.33(a) and (c) under 
Rule 3.30.08. The proposed rule change will have several important 
benefits. It will provide individuals with flexibility to address life 
and career events and necessary absences from registered functions 
without having to requalify each time. It will also incentivize them to 
stay current on their respective securities industry knowledge 
following the termination of any of their registrations. The continuing 
education under the proposed option will be as rigorous as the 
continuing education of registered persons, which promotes investor 
protection. Further, the proposed rule change will enhance diversity 
and inclusion in the securities industry by attracting and retaining a 
broader and diverse group of professionals.
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    \43\ See proposed Rule 3.33.02.
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    Significantly, the proposed rule change will be of particular value 
to women, who continue to be the primary caregivers for children and 
aging family members and, as a result, are likely to be absent from the 
industry for longer periods.\44\ In addition, the proposed rule change 
will provide longer-term relief for women, individuals with low incomes 
and other populations, including older workers, who are at a higher 
risk of a job loss during certain economic downturns and who are likely 
to remain unemployed for longer periods.\45\
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    \44\ See The Female Face of Family Caregiving (November 2018), 
available at https://www.nationalpartnership.org/our-work/resources/economic-justice/femaleface-family-caregiving.pdf.
    \45\ See The COVID-19 Recession is the Most Unequal in Modern 
U.S. History (September 30, 2020), available at https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/business/coronavirus-recessionequality/ and Unemployment's Toll on Older Workers Is Worst 
in Half a Century (October 21, 2020), available at https://www.aarp.org/work/working-at-50-plus/info-2020/pandemic-unemployment-older-workers/.

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[[Page 18450]]

d. Other Changes to Rule 3.33
    The Exchange proposes to restructure and modify the rule text of 
Rule 3.33 to align with FINRA Rule 1240 numbering, provisions and rule 
text.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with 
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ``Act'') and the rules and 
regulations thereunder applicable to the Exchange and, in particular, 
the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act.\46\ Specifically, the 
Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the 
Section 6(b)(5) \47\ 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) \48\ requirement that the rules of an exchange not be 
designed to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, 
brokers, or dealers.
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    \46\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \47\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
    \48\ Id.
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    The Exchange believes that the proposal to move to an annual 
Regulatory Element training with content tailored to an individual's 
representative or principal registration categories is designed to 
protect investors and is in the public interest. As noted in the order 
approving the similar changes to the FINRA CE Program,\49\ the 
Commission found that ``the rule is reasonably designed to minimize the 
potential adverse impact on firms and their registered persons. 
Furthermore, increasing the timeliness of registered persons' training, 
as well as the relevance of the training's content by tailoring it to 
each registration category that they hold, would enhance their 
education and compliance with their regulatory obligations.''
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    \49\ Supra note 5.
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    The Exchange believes that the proposed changes to the Regulatory 
Element and Firm Element portions of its CE Program will ensure that 
all registered persons receive timely and relevant training, which 
will, in turn, enhance compliance and investor protection. Further, the 
Exchange believes that establishing a path for individuals to maintain 
their qualification following the termination of a registration will 
reduce unnecessary impediments to requalification and promote greater 
diversity and inclusion in the securities industry without diminishing 
investor protection.
    The Exchange also believes that the proposed rule change will bring 
consistency and uniformity with FINRA's recently amended CE Program, 
which will, in turn, assist TPHs and their associated persons in 
complying with these rules and improve regulatory efficiency. The 
proposed rule changes makes ministerial changes to the Exchange's 
continuing education rules to align them with registration and 
qualification rules of FINRA and other exchanges as discussed above, in 
order to prevent unnecessary regulatory burdens and to promote 
efficient administration of the rules. The change also makes minor 
updates and corrections to the Exchange's rules which improve 
readability.

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. The Exchange believes that 
the proposed rule changes which are, in all material respects, based 
upon and substantially similar to, recent rule changes adopted by 
FINRA, will reduce the regulatory burden placed on market participants 
engaged in trading activities across different markets. The Exchange 
believes that the harmonization of the CE Program requirements across 
the various markets will reduce burdens on competition by removing 
impediments to participation in the national market system and 
promoting competition among participants across the multiple national 
securities exchanges.

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

    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 \50\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6) thereunder.\51\
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    \50\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
    \51\ 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. The Exchange has asked the 
Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that this proposed 
rule change may become operative immediately upon filing. In addition, 
Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) \52\ requires a self-regulatory organization to 
give the Commission written notice of its intent to file a proposed 
rule change under that subsection at least five business days prior to 
the date of filing, or such shorter time as designated by the 
Commission. The Exchange has provided such notice.
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    \52\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
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    Waiver of the 30-day operative delay would allow the Exchange to 
implement proposed changes to its Continuing Education Rules by March 
15, 2022 to coincide with one of FINRA's announced implementation 
dates, thereby eliminating the possibility of a significant regulatory 
gap between the FINRA and Exchange rules, providing more uniform 
standards across the securities industry, and helping to avoid 
confusion for registered persons of the Exchange that are also FINRA 
members. For this reason, 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.\53\
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    \53\ 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

[[Page 18451]]

Commission takes such action, the Commission shall institute 
proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule change should be 
approved or disapproved.

IV. Solicitation of Comments

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

Electronic Comments

    <bullet> Use the Commission's internet comment form (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
    <bullet> Send an email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c7b5b2aba2eaa4a8aaaaa2a9b3b487b4a2a4e9a0a8b1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c7b5b2aba2eaa4a8aaaaa2a9b3b487b4a2a4e9a0a8b1">[email protected]</span></a>. Please include 
File Number SR-CBOE-2022-012 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

    <bullet> 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-2022-012. 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 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.
    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-CBOE-2022-012 
and should be submitted on or before April 20, 2022.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\54\
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    \54\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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J. Matthew DeLesDernier,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2022-06635 Filed 3-29-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P


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