Document ID: SEC-2017-0224-0001
Agency: sec
Document Type: Notice
Title: Self-Regulatory Organizations; Proposed Rule Changes: NYSE MKT LLC
Posted Date: 2017-02-13T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 28 (Monday, February 13, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10508-10516]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-02837]

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-79982; File No. SR-NYSEMKT-2017-04]

Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE MKT LLC; Notice of Filing of 
Proposed Rule Change Relating to Market Makers Applicable When the 
Exchange Transitions Trading to Pillar, the Exchange's New Trading 
Technology Platform

February 7, 2017.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) \1\ of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 (``Act'') \2\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\3\ notice is hereby given 
that, on January 25, 2017, NYSE MKT LLC (``Exchange'' or ``NYSE MKT'') 
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') the 
proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III below, which 
Items have been prepared by the self-regulatory organization. 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\ 15 U.S.C. 78a.
    \3\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange proposes rules relating to market makers that would be 
applicable when the Exchange transitions trading to Pillar, the 
Exchange's new trading technology platform. The proposed rule change is 
available on the Exchange's Web site at www.nyse.com, at the principal 
office of the Exchange, and at the Commission's Public Reference Room.

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

    In its filing with the Commission, the self-regulatory organization 
included statements concerning the purpose of, and basis for, the 
proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the 
proposed rule change. The text of those statements may be examined at 
the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared 
summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most 
significant parts of such statements.

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

1. Purpose
    With Pillar, the Exchange proposes to transition its cash equities 
trading platform from a Floor-based market with a parity allocation 
model to a fully automated price-time priority allocation model. The 
Exchange will be filing several proposed rule changes to support the 
NYSE MKT cash equities implementation of Pillar. The Exchange has 
already adopted the rule numbering framework of the NYSE Arca Equities, 
Inc. (``NYSE Arca Equities'') rules for Exchange cash equities trading 
on the Pillar trading platform.\4\ As described in the Framework 
Filing, the Exchange denoted the rules applicable to cash equities 
trading on Pillar with the letter ``E'' to distinguish such rules from 
current Exchange rules with the same numbering. In addition, the 
Exchange filed a proposed rule change to support Exchange trading of 
securities listed on New York Stock Exchange LLC (``NYSE''), NYSE Arca, 
Inc., and other exchanges on an unlisted trading privileges basis, 
including Exchange Traded Products listed on other exchanges.\5\ The 
Exchange has also proposed rules based on the rules of NYSE Arca 
Equities to support the transition of Exchange trading to a fully 
automated price-time priority allocation model.\6\
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    \4\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 79242 (November 4, 
2016), 81 FR 79081 (November 10, 2016) (SR-NYSEMKT-2016-97) (Notice 
and Filing of Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change) (the 
``Framework Filing'').
    \5\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 79400 (November 25, 
2016), 81 FR 86750 (December 1, 2016) (SR-NYSEMKT-2016-103) (Notice) 
(the ``ETP Listing Rules Filing'').
    \6\ See SR-NYSEMKT-2017-1 (``Trading Rules Filing'').
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    In this filing, the Exchange proposes rules governing market makers 
on the Exchange following the transition to Pillar. Specifically, for 
all securities that would trade on the Exchange, including UTP 
Securities,\7\ an ETP Holder \8\ could register as a Market Maker \9\ 
and be subject to obligations similar to the obligations of a Market 
Maker on NYSE Arca Equities.\10\ The Exchange proposes that the 
following rules, based on NYSE Arca Equities rules of the same number 
with non-substantive differences, would govern Market Makers on the 
Pillar trading platform:
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    \7\ The term ``UTP Security'' is defined in Rule 1.1E(ii) to 
mean a security that is listed on a national securities exchange 
other than the Exchange and that trades on the Exchange pursuant to 
unlisted trading privileges.
    \8\ In the Trading Rules Filing, the Exchange proposes to define 
the term ``ETP Holder'' in Rule 1.1E(n) as a member organization 
that has been issued an Equity Trading Permit. The term ``member 
organization'' is defined in Rule 2(b)--Equities.
    \9\ As described below, the Exchange proposes to define the term 
``Market Maker'' in Rule 1.1E(v).
    \10\ On NYSE Arca Equities, the term ``Market Maker'' is defined 
in NYSE Arca Equities Rule 1.1(v).
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     Proposed Rule 1.1E(v) (definition of Market Maker);
     proposed Rule 1.1E(w) (definition of Market Maker 
Authorized Trader);
     proposed Rule 7.20E (Registration of Market Makers);
     proposed Rule 7.21E (Obligations of Market Maker 
Authorized Traders);
     proposed Rule 7.22E (Registration of non-DMM Market Makers 
in a Security); and
     proposed Rule 7.23E (Obligations of Market Makers).

[[Page 10509]]

    In addition, the Exchange proposes to require that a Designated 
Market Maker (``DMM'') be registered in each Exchange-listed security, 
which is based on current rules. As proposed, Exchange DMMs would be 
required to meet all of the proposed obligations for Market Makers, and 
would be subject to rules-based heightened quoting obligations in their 
assigned securities.
    Unlike Exchange DMMs under current rules, which are Floor-based 
individuals who operate within a DMM unit of a member organization,\11\ 
the proposed rules for DMMs would provide for electronic access only, 
would not assign securities at the natural person level, and would not 
require DMMs to facilitate the opening, reopening, or closing of 
assigned Exchange-listed securities. In addition, the proposed rules 
would not entitle DMMs to a parity allocation of executions, and also 
would not subject DMMs to heightened capital requirements. Finally, 
DMMs would continue to be subject to rules governing allocation of 
securities and combination of DMM units that are based on current 
rules.
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    \11\ See Rule 2(i)--Equities (defining the term ``DMM'' to mean 
an individual member, officer, partner, employee, or associated 
person of a DMM unit who is approved by the Exchange to act in the 
capacity as a DMM) and Rule 98(b)(1)--Equities (defining a ``DMM 
unit'' as a trading unit within a member organization that is 
approved pursuant to Rule 103--Equities to act as a DMM unit).
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    The Exchange proposes the following rules, which are based on both 
NYSE Arca Equities rules and current Exchange rules, to establish the 
requirements for DMMs on the Pillar trading platform.
     proposed Rule 1.1E(ccc) (definition of DMM);
     proposed Rule 7.24E (Registration and Obligation of DMMs);
     proposed Rule 7.25E (DMM Security Allocation and 
Reallocation); and
     proposed Rule 7.26E (DMM Combination Review Policy).
    Subject to rule approvals for the ETP Listing Rule Filing, Trading 
Rules Filing, and this filing, the Exchange will announce the 
transition of its cash equities trading to the Pillar trading system by 
Trader Update, which the Exchange anticipates will be in the second 
quarter of 2017.
    Because the Exchange would not be trading on both its current 
Floor-based trading platform and the Pillar trading platform at the 
same time, once trading on the Pillar trading platform begins, 
specified current Exchange equities trading rules would no longer be 
applicable. Accordingly, as described in more detail below, for each 
current equities rule that would no longer be applicable when trading 
on the Pillar trading platform begins, the Exchange proposes to state 
in a preamble to such rule that ``this rule is not applicable to 
trading on the Pillar trading platform.'' Once the Exchange has 
transitioned to the Pillar trading platform, the Exchange will file a 
separate proposed rule change to delete those current rules that have 
been identified in this filing as not being applicable to trading on 
Pillar. Current Exchange rules governing equities trading that do not 
have this preamble will continue to govern Exchange operations on its 
cash equities trading platform.
Proposed Rule Changes
    As noted above, the Exchange proposes rules for Market Makers that 
would be applicable to cash equities trading on Pillar that are based 
on NYSE Arca Equities Rules. Throughout these proposed rules, the 
Exchange proposes non-substantive differences as compared to the NYSE 
Arca Equities rules to use the term ``Exchange'' instead of the terms 
``NYSE Arca Marketplace,'' ``NYSE Arca,'' or ``Corporation''; use the 
term ``Exchange Book'' instead of ``NYSE Arca Book''; use the term 
``will'' instead of ``shall''; and use the terms ``mean'' or ``have the 
meaning'' instead of the terms ``shall mean'' or ``shall have the 
meaning.'' \12\ The Exchange proposes that rules governing Market 
Makers on the Pillar trading platform would be set forth in Rules 1.1E 
(Definitions) and Section 2 (Market Makers) of Rule 7E--Equities 
Trading.
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    \12\ Because these non-substantive differences would be applied 
throughout the proposed rules, the Exchange will not note these 
differences separately for each proposed rule.
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Rule 1E
    As described in the Framework Filing, Rule 1E specifies definitions 
that are applicable to trading on the Pillar trading platform. The 
Exchange proposes the text for following existing definitions that are 
marked ``Reserved'':
     The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 1.1E(v) to delete the 
term ``Reserved'' and define the term ``Market Maker'' as the ETP 
Holder that acts as a Market Maker pursuant to Rule 7E. This proposed 
rule is based on NYSE Arca Equities Rule 1.1(v), which defines the term 
``Market Maker,'' without any substantive differences.
     The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 1.1E(w) to delete the 
term ``Reserved'' and define the term ``Market Maker Authorized 
Trader'' or ``MMAT'' to mean an Authorized Trader \13\ who performs 
market making activities pursuant to Rule 7E on behalf of a Market 
Maker. This proposed rule is based on NYSE Arca Equities Rule 1.1(w), 
which defines the term ``Market Maker Authorized Trader,'' without any 
substantive differences.
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    \13\ In the Trading Rules Filing, supra note 6, the Exchange 
proposes to define the term ``Authorized Trader'' in Rule 1.1E(g).
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     The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 1.1E(ccc) to delete 
the term ``Reserved'' and define the term ``Designated Market Maker'' 
and ``DMM'' to mean a registered Market Maker that is subject to 
additional requirements set forth in Section 2 of Rule 7E for Exchange-
listed securities assigned to such DMM. This proposed definition would 
be new and is not based on the rules of NYSE Arca Equities. Because 
DMMs would be Market Makers, and a Market Maker designation is at the 
ETP Holder level, this proposed definition would differ from current 
rules, which define a DMM at the individual level.\14\
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    \14\ See Rule 2(i)--Equities, supra note 11.
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Rule 7.20E
    The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 7.20E to delete the term 
``Reserved'' and re-name it ``Registration of Market Makers.'' Because 
the Exchange would operate as a fully-automated market, the Exchange 
proposes that Market Makers on its Pillar cash equities trading 
platform would have the same registration requirement as marker makers 
on NYSE Arca Equities. Accordingly, the Exchange proposes Rule 7.20E 
based on NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.20 without substantive differences.
    Proposed Rule 7.20E is based on NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.20 with 
specified differences.
     First, because the Exchange already has member 
organizations that are registered as market makers, the Exchange 
proposes that such member organizations would continue to be registered 
as Market Makers under proposed Rule 7.20E without being required to 
re-register as a Market Maker.\15\ The Exchange therefore proposes to 
specify in Rule 7.20E(a)(i) that no ETP Holder would act as a Market 
Maker in any security unless such ETP Holder is registered as a Market 
Maker in such security by the Exchange pursuant to Rule 7.20E or is

[[Page 10510]]

a member organization registered as a DMM or SLMM under Exchange rules 
as of one business day before the Pillar transition date.\16\ 
Accordingly, a member organization registered as either a DMM or SLMM 
on a specified date close to the transition of trading to Pillar would 
be deemed registered as a Market Maker on the Exchange pursuant to 
proposed Rule 7.20E and would not need to re-apply for Market Maker 
status.
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    \15\ Under current Rule 103--Equities, a member organization may 
be approved to be registered as a DMM. In addition, under current 
Rule 107B--Equities, a member organization approved as a 
Supplemental Liquidity Provider may be registered as a market maker 
on the Exchange as an ``SLMM''.
    \16\ As described infra, the Pillar implementation date is 
subject to approval of the Trading Rules Filing, ETP Listing Rules 
Filing, and this filing, and will announce the implementation date 
by Trader Update. Once announced, the Exchange will update the rule 
text with the implementation date.
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     Second, proposed Rule 7.20E(b) is based on NYSE Arca 
Equities Rule 7.20(b) with the following change to the second sentence 
so that it would provide that ``[a]pplications will be reviewed by the 
Exchange, which will consider the ETP Holder's capital, operations, 
personnel, technical resources, and disciplinary history.'' The 
Exchange also proposes an additional clarifying sentence that is not in 
NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.20(b) that would provide that after reviewing 
the application, the Exchange would either approve or disapprove the 
ETP Holder's registration as a Market Maker. These proposed differences 
compared to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.20 do not result in any 
substantive differences.
     Third, the Exchange proposes that DMMs would not be 
covered by the provisions of proposed Rule 7.20E(e), which governs a 
Market Maker's withdrawal of registration as a Market Maker in a 
security. As described in greater detail below, the Exchange proposes 
to address DMM withdrawal from registration in a security in proposed 
Rule 7.24E(a)(4). The Exchange also proposes a substantive difference 
to proposed Rule 7.20E(e) to provide that a Market Maker that fails to 
notify the Exchange of its written notice of withdrawal on the business 
day prior to such withdrawal may be subject to formal disciplinary 
action. The Exchange does not believe that a Market Maker needs to 
provide ten business day's [sic] notice of such withdrawal of 
registration, as required by NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.20(e), because 
the Exchange can process such withdrawals with only one business day's 
[sic] notice.
     Finally, the Exchange proposes a non-substantive 
difference to proposed Rule 7.20E(c) and (e) as compared to NYSE Arca 
Equities Rule 7.20(c) and (d) to use Exchange disciplinary rule 
references in lieu of NYSE Arca Equities disciplinary rule references.
Rule 7.21E
    The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 7.21E to delete the term 
``Reserved'' and re-name it ``Obligations of Market Maker Authorized 
Traders.'' Proposed Rule 7.21E would set forth the requirement that 
MMATs are permitted to enter orders only for the account of the Market 
Maker for which they are registered. The proposed rule would also 
specify the registration requirements for MMAT and the procedures for 
suspension and withdrawal of registration. This proposed rule is based 
on NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.21 without any substantive differences.
Rule 7.22E
    The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 7.22E to delete the term 
``Reserved'' and re-name it ``Registration of Non-DMM Market Makers in 
a Security.'' Proposed Rule 7.22E would set forth the process for 
Market Makers, other than DMMs, to become registered in a security and 
the factors the Exchange may consider in approving the registration of 
a Market Maker in a security. The proposed Rule would also describe 
both termination of a Market Maker's registration in a security by the 
Exchange and voluntary termination by a Market Maker.
    Proposed Rule 7.22E is based on NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.22 with 
the following differences:
     First, because DMM registration in a security would be 
governed by proposed Rule 7.25E, the Exchange proposes that not all 
Market Makers would register in a security pursuant to the requirements 
in proposed Rule 7.22E. Instead, proposed Rule 7.22E would govern only 
registration in a security for non-DMM Market Makers.
     Second, in proposed Rule 7.22E(a), the Exchange proposes 
that a Market Maker may become registered in a security by submitting a 
request to the Exchange rather than the text in NYSE Arca Equities Rule 
7.22, which provides that a prospective Market Maker should file a 
security registration form. The Exchange believes the proposed text 
provides flexibility regarding the manner that the Exchange would 
accept such requests, including electronically, and is not a 
substantive difference.
     Third, the Exchange proposes a substantive difference 
compared to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.22 because it does not propose 
rule text based on paragraphs (c) and (d) of NYSE Arca Equities Rule 
7.22. Those NYSE Arca Equities rules govern designated market makers 
and lead market makers on NYSE Arca Equities. Because the Exchange is 
not proposing to have Market Makers with the same obligations as NYSE 
Arca Equities designated market makers and lead market makers, the 
Exchange is not including in proposed Rule 7.22E the text from 
paragraphs (c) and (d) of NYSE Arca Equites Rule 7.22. The Exchange 
proposes that requirements relating to DMMs would be set forth in 
proposed Rules 7.24E, 7.25E, and 7.26E, described in greater detail 
below.
     Finally, the Exchange proposes additional, non-substantive 
differences by replacing references to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 10 and 
10.13 with references to the Rule 9200 and Rule 9500 Series, 
respectively.
Rule 7.23E
    The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 7.23E to delete the term 
``Reserved'' and re-name it ``Obligations of Market Makers.'' Proposed 
Rule 7.23E would set forth the obligation of all Market Makers, 
including DMMs, to engage in a course of dealings for their own account 
to assist in the maintenance, insofar as reasonably practicable, of 
fair and orderly markets on the Exchange and would delineate the 
specific responsibilities and duties of Market Makers, including the 
obligation to maintain continuous, two-sided trading in registered 
securities and certain pricing obligations Market Makers are required 
to adhere to.
    Proposed Rule 7.23E is based on NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.23 with 
the following differences:
     First, proposed Rules 7.23E(a)(1)(B)(iii) and (iv) would 
have updated definitions for the terms ``Designated Percentage'' and 
``Defined Limit.'' To reflect that the applicable percentages are based 
on how a security is designated under Regulation NMS Plan to Address 
Extraordinary Market Volatility (``LULD Plan''), the Exchange proposes 
to use LULD Plan definitions in proposed Rule 7.23E(a)(1)(B). Using 
these definitions is based on Bats BZX, Inc. (``Bats'') Rule 
11.8(d)(2)(D) and (E), which similarly uses LULD Plan definitions for 
defining the terms ``Designated Percentage'' and ``Defined Limit.'' 
This proposed difference compared to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 
7.23(a)(1)(B)(iii) and (iv) is non-substantive and is meant to be 
clarifying.
     Second, proposed Rule 7.23E(a)(2) would require that a 
Market Maker maintain adequate minimum capital in accordance with the 
provisions of Rule 15c3-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(``Rule 15c3-1''), rather than cite to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 4.1. 
This proposed difference is non-

[[Page 10511]]

substantive because NYSE Arca Equities Rule 4.1 cross references Rule 
15c3-1 and therefore the capital requirements for Market Makers on the 
Exchange would be identical to the capital requirements for Market 
Makers on NYSE Arca Equities.
     Finally, the Exchange proposes that the provisions of 
proposed Rule 7.23E(d), regarding temporary withdrawal of an ETP Holder 
from Market Maker status in the securities in which it is registered, 
would not be applicable to Market Makers acting as a DMM. As described 
in greater detail below, the Exchange proposes to address DMM 
withdrawal from registration in a security in proposed Rule 
7.24E(a)(4).
Rule 7.24E
    The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 7.24E to delete the term 
``Reserved'' and re-name it ``Registration and Obligations of DMMs.'' 
Proposed Rule 7.24E would describe the registration and temporary 
withdrawal procedures and obligations of DMMs on the Exchange's Pillar 
trading platform. Proposed Rule 7.24E is new and is based in part on 
provisions of current 98A--Equities, Rule 103--Equities, Rule 104--
Equities, and Rule 107B--Equities.
    Rule 7.24E(a) would be titled ``General'' and would provide that 
all Exchange-listed securities would be assigned to a DMM and there 
would be no more than one DMM per Exchange-listed security. This is new 
rule text and is based on how the Exchange currently operates, as set 
forth in Rules 103--Equities and 103B--Equities, in that every 
Exchange-listed security is allocated to a DMM.
    Proposed Rule 7.24E(b) would be titled ``Registration'' and would 
require that an ETP Holder be registered as a Market Maker and approved 
as a DMM to be eligible to receive an allocation as a DMM under 
proposed Rule 7.25E. This proposed rule text is based in part on 
current Rule 103(a)(i)--Equities, which provides that no member 
organization shall act as a DMM unit on the Exchange in any security 
unless such member organization is registered as a DMM unit in such 
security with the Exchange and unless the Exchange has approved of the 
member organization so acting as a DMM unit and has not withdrawn such 
approval.
    Proposed paragraphs (b)(1)-(4) of Rule 7.24E would specify 
additional requirements relating to registration.
     The Exchange proposes to provide for continuity for its 
listed companies and provide in proposed Rule 7.24E(b)(1) that a member 
organization that is approved to operate as a DMM unit under Exchange 
rules as of one business day before the Pillar transition date would 
automatically be approved as a DMM under proposed Rule 7.24E. This 
proposed rule text, together with proposed Rule 7.25E(a)(1), described 
below, would ensure that DMM units currently assigned to a security 
would continue to be the assigned DMM in a security when the Exchange 
transitions to the Pillar trading platform.
     Proposed Rule 7.24E(b)(2) would provide for how a Market 
Maker that is not currently approved as a DMM may become a DMM. As 
proposed, Market Makers that are not registered as a DMM as of one 
business day before the Pillar transition date would be required to 
file an application in writing in such form as required by the Exchange 
to be considered eligible to receive an allocation as a DMM. In 
reviewing the application, the Exchange may consider the Market Maker's 
market making ability, capital available for market making, and such 
other factors as the Exchange deems appropriate, including those set 
forth in proposed Rules 7.25E(f) and 7.26E. After reviewing the 
application, the Exchange would either approve or disapprove the 
applicant Market Maker's registration as a DMM. This proposed rule text 
is based on Rule 103(b)(i)--Equities. The Exchange proposes a 
substantive difference from current rules to reference proposed Rules 
7.25E(f) and 7.26E, described below, which establish additional factors 
that the Exchange may consider in determining whether to approve a DMM.
     Proposed Rule 7.24E(b)(3) would provide that an ETP Holder 
registered as a DMM in a security may also be registered as a Market 
Maker in such security pursuant to Rule 7.22E(a) only if such ETP 
Holder maintains information barriers between the trading unit 
operating as a DMM and the trading unit operating as a non-DMM Market 
Maker in the same security. This proposed rule is based on Rule 
107B(h)(2)(A)--Equities, which provides that a DMM unit shall not also 
act as an SLP in the same securities in which it is registered as a 
DMM. Because current rules define a DMM unit as a trading unit within a 
member organization,\17\ current Rule 107B(h)(2)(A)--Equities permits a 
member organization to operate as an SLP in a security that is assigned 
to a DMM unit provided that such SLP is not part of the DMM unit. 
Accordingly, proposed Rule 7.24E(b)(3) would operate substantially the 
same as how a member organization currently may be both a DMM and an 
SLP in the same security through the use of information barriers.
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    \17\ See Rule 98(b)(1)--Equities.
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     Proposed Rule 7.24E(b)(4) would provide that a DMM may 
apply to withdraw temporarily from its DMM status in one or more 
assigned securities. Exchange rules currently provide for the temporary 
reallocation of a security, but the current rule is geared toward 
Floor-based individuals making the determination to temporarily 
reassign a security to another DMM.\18\ To maintain the current ability 
to temporarily reassign a security to another DMM for legal or 
regulatory reasons and also update the rule text to reflect that it 
would not be a decision made by Floor participants, the Exchange 
proposes rule text based in part on NYSE Arca Equities Rule 7.23(d) 
instead of current Rule 103.10--Equities. Accordingly, as proposed, the 
DMM would be required to base its request to temporarily withdraw on 
demonstrated legal or regulatory requirements that necessitate a 
temporary withdrawal, or to provide the Exchange an opinion of counsel 
certifying that such legal or regulatory basis exists. As further 
proposed, the Exchange would act promptly on a withdrawal request and, 
if the request is granted, the Exchange may temporarily reassign the 
security or securities to another DMM. As proposed, Rule 7.24E(b)(4) 
would further provide that the DMM temporarily assigned a security or 
securities would be subject to the obligations set forth in paragraph 
(b) of proposed Rule 7.24E, described below, when acting as a temporary 
DMM in such security or securities. By requiring a legal or regulatory 
basis for requesting a temporary withdrawal in registration in a 
security, the Exchange believes the proposed rule would have the same 
effect as current Rule 103.10--Equities, which requires that the 
determination to temporarily reallocate securities be made for the 
public interest.
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    \18\ See Rule 103.10--Equities (providing that the Chief 
Regulatory Officer or his or her designee and two non-DMM Executive 
Floor Governors or if only one or no non-DMM Executive Floor 
Governors is present on the Floor, the most senior non-DMM Floor 
Governor or Governors, shall have the power to reallocate 
temporarily any security on an emergency basis to another location 
on the Exchange whenever in their opinion such reallocation would be 
in the public interest).
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     Proposed Rule 7.24E(b)(5) would provide that a DMM may not 
be registered in a security of an issuer, or a partner or subsidiary 
thereof, if such entity is an approved person or affiliate of the DMM. 
This proposed rule text is based on current Rule 98A--Equities, with 
non-substantive differences to use

[[Page 10512]]

Pillar terminology. The Exchange proposes that Rule 98A--Equities would 
not be applicable to trading on the Pillar trading platform.
    The Exchange proposes that Rule 103--Equities would not be 
applicable to trading on the Pillar trading platform. Instead, proposed 
Rule 7.24(b), together with proposed Rule 7.20E, described above, would 
establish the registration requirements for DMMs.
    Proposed Rule 7.24E(c) would describe the obligations of DMMs on 
the Pillar Trading Platform. Specifically, in addition to meeting the 
Market Maker obligations set forth in Rule 7.23E, DMMs would be 
required to maintain a bid or an offer at the National Best Bid and 
National Best Offer (``inside'') at least 25% of the day as measured 
across all Exchange-listed securities that have been assigned to the 
DMM. Proposed Rule 7.24E(c) would provide that time at the inside is 
calculated as the average of the percentage of time the DMM unit has a 
bid or offer at the inside. In other words, this would be a portfolio-
based quoting requirement. Orders entered by the DMM that are not 
displayed would not be included in the inside quote calculation.
    The text of proposed Rule 7.24E(c) is based in part on current Rule 
104(a)(1)(A)--Equities. Currently, DMMs are required to maintain a 
quote at the inside at least 10% of the trading day for securities with 
a consolidated average daily volume of less than one million shares and 
at least 5% of the trading day for securities with a consolidated 
average daily volume equal to or greater than one million shares. 
Similar to the proposed quoting requirement set forth in proposed Rule 
7.24E(c), the current quoting requirements are portfolio-based quoting 
requirements. On the Pillar trading platform, because DMMs would not 
have other obligations as set forth in Rule 104(a)--Equities, such as 
the requirement to facilitate openings, reopenings, and closings, the 
Exchange proposes a heightened quoting obligation of 25% across all 
securities assigned to a DMM, regardless of consolidated average daily 
trading volume for a security. The Exchange otherwise proposes that the 
manner that a DMM's quoting obligations would be calculated would be 
the same as under current rules.
    Because proposed Rules 7.22E and 7.24E would describe the 
obligations of DMMs on the Pillar trading platform, the Exchange 
proposes that Rule 104--Equities would not be applicable to trading on 
the Pillar trading platform.
Rule 7.25E
    The Exchange proposes new Rule 7.25E titled ``DMM Security 
Allocation and Reallocation'' to set forth the allocation and 
reallocation of securities to DMMs following the transition to Pillar. 
The proposed Rule is based on current Rule 103B--Equities with 
substantive differences to reflect that an allocation would be to a DMM 
at the ETP Holder level rather than at the individual DMM level and 
non-substantive differences to streamline the rule text. In addition, 
the Exchange would use the term ``DMM,'' as defined in proposed Rule 
1.1E(ccc) to replace current references to either DMM (as an 
individual) or DMM unit. Because proposed Rule 7.25E would establish 
the requirements for the allocation and reallocation of securities to 
DMMs on Pillar, the Exchange proposes that Rule 103B--Equities would 
not be applicable to trading on the Pillar trading platform.
    Proposed Rule 7.25E(a) would set forth the criteria for ETP Holders 
registered as DMMs to be eligible for allocation and reallocation of 
securities.
     Proposed Rule 7.25E(a)(1) would provide that a security 
listed on the Exchange as of one business day before the Pillar 
transition date would continue to be allocated to the member 
organization registered as a DMM in such security, unless reallocated 
under paragraph (c) of the proposed Rule, described below. This 
proposed rule, together with proposed Rule 7.24E(b)(1), described 
above, would ensure continuity for Exchange-listed companies to stay 
with the same DMM after the Exchange transitions to Pillar. To reflect 
that an allocation decision under current Rule 103B--Equities may occur 
after the transition date (e.g., the allocation process began before 
the Pillar transition date), the Exchange proposes to further provide 
that any allocation decisions made under Rule 103B--Equities after one 
business day before the Pillar transition date would be deemed an 
allocation under proposed Rule 7.25E(b), described in greater detail 
below.
     Proposed Rule 7.25E(a)(2) would provide that a security 
would be allocated to a DMM when such security (A) is initially listed 
on the Exchange; and (B) must be reassigned under either this Rule or 
the Exchange's Company Guide. This proposed rule text is based on 
current Rule 103B(I)--Equities with non-substantive differences to use 
Pillar terminology.
     Proposed Rule 7.25E(a)(3) would provide that a DMM's 
eligibility to participate in the allocation process would be 
determined at the time the interview is scheduled by the Exchange. This 
proposed rule text is based on current Rule 103B(II)(I)--Equities with 
non-substantive differences to use Pillar terminology.
     Proposed Rule 7.25E(a)(4) would provide that DMMs would be 
eligible to participate in the allocation process of a listed security 
if the DMM meets the quoting requirements specified in proposed Rule 
7.24E(c), which the Exchange proposes to define as ``DMM obligations.'' 
Rule 7.25E(a)(4) is based on current Rule 103B(II)(A)--Equities with 
non-substantive differences to cross reference proposed DMM 
obligations.\19\ Proposed Rules 7.24E(a)(4)(A)-(D) would describe the 
consequences for a DMM's failure to meet DMM obligations. These 
proposed rules are based on current Rule 103B(II)(J)(1)-(4)--Equities 
with differences to cross reference the proposed DMM obligations rather 
than current quoting requirements.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ The Exchange does not propose rule text for Rule 7.25E 
based on current Rule 103B(II)(B)-(H)--Equities because these 
requirements correlate to quoting requirements depending on the 
consolidated average daily volume of a security, which would not be 
applicable on Pillar.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed Rule 7.25E(b) would describe the allocation process, which 
would operate similarly to the allocation process as currently set 
forth in Rule 103B(III)--Equities. Under the proposed Rule, issuers 
would have the option to select its DMM directly following the 
procedures set forth in proposed Rule 7.25E(b)(1), which is based on 
current Rule 103B(III)(A)--Equities with one substantive difference, or 
delegate the authority to the Exchange to select its DMM as described 
in proposed Rule 7.25E(b)(2), which is based on current Rule 
103B(III)(B)--Equities.
    The Exchange proposes a substantive difference for proposed Rule 
7.25E(b)(1)(A) as compared to current Rule 103B(III)(A)(1)--Equities in 
that an issuer would be required to select a minimum of four DMMs to 
interview rather than a minimum of two DMMs to interview. By increasing 
the minimum number of DMMs that must be interviewed, a larger number of 
DMMs would have an opportunity to participate in the allocation 
process, which would lead to an increase in competition without being 
overly burdensome on the issuer. The increase in number of DMMs to 
interview would also provide the issuer with more choice in the 
selection of its assigned DMM. The Exchange further believes that the 
increase in competition would provide

[[Page 10513]]

DMMs with a greater incentive to perform optimally.\20\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ Proposed Rule 7.25E(b)(1)(A) is based in part on NYSE Rule 
103B(III)(A)(1). See also Securities Exchange Act Release No. 69735 
(June 11, 2013), 78 FR 36279 (June 17, 2013) (SR-NYSE-2013-39) 
(Notice of Filing and immediate effectiveness of proposed NYSE rule 
change to increase number of DMM firms to be interviewed from three 
to four).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, because on Pillar, there would be no Floor 
participants, the Exchange proposes substantive differences for the 
proposed rule to not include references to Floor-based personnel. 
Proposed Rule 7.25E(b)(1)(B)(ii), as compared to current Rule 
103B(III)(A)(2)(b)--Equities, would not refer to the ``individual DMM'' 
assigned to the security because on Pillar, the DMM assigned to a 
security would be at the ETP Holder level. In addition, proposed Rule 
7.25E(b)(2)(A), as compared to current Rule 103B(III)(B)(1)--Equities, 
would provide that the Exchange Selection Panel would be comprised only 
of Exchange staff. Proposed Rule 7.25E(b)(3) would require the DMM 
selected to remain the assigned DMM for one year from the date that the 
issuer begins trading on the Exchange, which is based on Rule 
103B(III)(B)(2)--Equities.\21\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ The Exchange does not propose rule text based on Rule 
103B(III)(B)(3)--Equities relating to requirements for a DMM unit to 
commit extra resources in order to be considered for foreign 
listings. The Exchange believes that proposed Rule 7.24E(b)(2), 
which requires market making ability as a factor in assessing 
whether to approve a Market Maker as a DMM would address any 
considerations of whether a DMM would have the capability to be a 
Market Maker in foreign listings.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed Rule 7.25E(b)(4) through (11) would address allocation of 
specified listings and is based on current Rule 103B(VI)--Equities, 
with non-substantive differences to re-number the provisions, update 
rule cross references, and streamline the rule text:
     Proposed Rule 7.25E(b)(4) would govern the allocation of a 
spin-off or related company to an existing listed company and is based 
on Rule 103B(VI)(A)(1) and (3)--Equities;
     proposed Rule 7.25E(b)(5) would govern the allocation of a 
warrant issued by a listed company and is based on Rule 
103B(VI)(A)(2)--Equities;
     proposed Rule 7.25E(b)(6) would govern the allocation of 
rights traded on the Exchange and is based on Rule 103B(VI)(A)(4)--
Equities;
     proposed Rule 7.25E(b)(7) would govern relistings and is 
based on Rule 103B(VI)(B)--Equities;
     proposed Rule 7.25E(b)(8) would govern common stock 
listing after preferred stock and is based on Rule 103B(VI)(C)--
Equities;
     proposed Rule 7.25E(b)(9)(A)-(C) would govern listed 
company mergers and is based on Rule 103B(VI)(D)(1)-(4)--Equities;
     proposed Rule 7.25E(b)(10) would govern target stocks and 
is based on Rule 103B(VI)(E)--Equities; and
     proposed Rule 7.25E(b)(11) would govern the allocation of 
closed-end management investment companies and is based on Rule 
103B(VI)(F)--Equities.
    Proposed Rule 7.25E(c) would be titled ``Reallocation Process.'' 
Proposed Rules 7.25E(c)(1)(A)-(C) would describe the reallocation 
process when an issuer requests such reallocation, including Exchange 
regulatory staff review of any such request. This proposed rule text is 
based on Rule 103B(IV)--Equities and Supplementary Material .10 to Rule 
103B--Equities with non-substantive differences to re-number the rule 
text and update rule cross-references.
    Proposed Rule 7.25E(c)(2)(A)-(D) would describe the reallocation 
process where a DMM's performance in a particular market situation was, 
in the Exchange's judgment, so egregiously deficient as to call into 
question the Exchange's integrity or impair the Exchange's reputation 
for maintaining an efficient, fair, and orderly market. The proposed 
Rule is based on current Rule 103B(III)(V)(A)-(E)--Equities with non-
substantive differences to re-number the rule text and update rule 
cross references.
    Proposed Rule 7.25E(d), titled ``Allocation Freeze Policy,'' would 
provide that, in the event a DMM unit (1) loses its registration in a 
security as a result of proceedings under the Rule 8000 or 9000 Series, 
as applicable, or (2) voluntarily withdraws its registration in a 
security as a result of possible proceedings under those rules, the DMM 
would be ineligible to apply for future allocations for the six month 
period immediately following the reassignment of the security. The 
proposed Rule is based on current Rule 103B(III)(VI)(G)--Equities with 
non-substantive differences to re-number the rule text and update rule 
cross references.
    Proposed Rule 7.25E(e), titled ``Allocation Sunset Policy,'' would 
provide that allocation decisions would remain effective with respect 
to any initial public offering listing company that lists on the 
Exchange within twelve months of such decision. The proposed Rule is 
based on current Rule 103B(III)(VI)(H)--Equities with non-substantive 
differences to re-number the rule text and update rule cross 
references.
    Finally, proposed Rule 7.25E(f) would set forth the criteria for 
applicants that are not currently DMMs to be eligible to be allocated a 
security as a DMM, including that the proposed DMM demonstrate that it 
understands the DMM business, including the needs of issuers, and has 
an ability and willingness to trade as necessary to maintain fair and 
orderly markets. Under the proposed Rule, the Exchange would also 
consider if the proposed DMM or any of its participants is a DMM or 
market maker on any exchange, the quality of performance of the unit or 
its participants as a DMM or market maker on such exchange. The 
Exchange would also consider any action taken or warning issued within 
the past 12 months by any regulatory or self-regulatory organization 
against the unit or any of its participants with respect to any capital 
or operational problem, or any regulatory or disciplinary matter. The 
proposed Rule is based on current Rule 103B(III)(VI)(I)--Equities with 
proposed substantive differences not to include rule text that relates 
to individual DMMs or additional capital requirements, as these would 
not be applicable to DMMs on Pillar. The Exchange also proposes non-
substantive differences to re-number the rule text and update rule 
cross references.
Rule 7.26E
    The Exchange proposes new Rule 7.26E titled ``DMM Combination 
Policy'' that would establish the requirement for Exchange approval of 
certain proposed combinations of DMMs; the contents of a written 
submission to the Exchange by proponents of the DMM combination 
addressing certain specific enumerated factors for the Exchange to 
consider in approving the transaction; and the procedures the Exchange 
would follow in approving or disapproving a proposed DMM combination. 
The proposed Rule is based on current Rule 123E--Equities (``DMM 
Combination Review Policy'') with proposed substantive differences not 
to include rule text that relates to Floor-based DMM activities as this 
will not be applicable on Pillar. Because this rule would govern DMM 
combinations on the Exchange, the Exchange proposes that Rule 123E--
Equities would not be applicable to trading on the Pillar trading 
platform.
Current Rules That Would Not Be Applicable to Pillar
    In addition to the rules identified above, the Exchange has 
identified additional current rules that would not be applicable to 
trading on Pillar. These rules do not have a counterpart in the 
proposed Pillar rules, described above,

[[Page 10514]]

but would be obsolete on the new, fully-automated trading platform.
    The main category of rules that would not be applicable to trading 
on the Pillar trading platform are those that are specific to Floor-
based trading. For this reason and the additional reasons noted below, 
the Exchange proposes that the following Floor-specific rules would not 
be applicable to trading on the Pillar trading platform:
     Rule 98--Equities (Operation of a DMM Unit). In the 
Trading Rules Filing, the Exchange has proposed Rule 6.3E (Prevention 
of the Misuse of Material, Nonpublic Information), which is based on 
NYSE Arca Equities Rule 6.3 and would require that every ETP Holder 
establish, maintain, and enforce written policies and procedures 
reasonably designed to prevent the misuse of material, non-public 
information by such ETP Holder or persons associated with such ETP 
Holder. Rule 98(c)(2)--Equities is based on NYSE Arca Equities Rule 6.3 
and the remainder of Rule 98--Equities governs the unique role of DMMs 
on the Exchange's cash equities Floor. Because Rule 6.3E is designed to 
prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices by addressing 
the potential misuse of material non-public information and because the 
Exchange would not have Floor-based DMM trading on Pilar [sic], the 
Exchange proposes that Rule 98--Equities would not be applicable to 
trading on Pillar.
     Rule 104A--Equities (DMMs--General).
     Rule 104B--Equities (DMM Commissions).\22\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ In the Trading Rules Filing, supra note 6, the Exchange has 
proposed Rule 7.3E, which provides that ETP Holders may not charge 
fixed commissions, which would be applicable to DMMs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Rule 113--Equities (DMM Unit's Public Customers).
     Rule 460--Equities (DMMs Participating in Contests). 
Because DMMs on the Pillar platform would not have the ability to set 
prices, the current restrictions on DMMs from participating in proxy 
contests of a company registered to that DMM would be unnecessary. The 
Exchange accordingly proposes that Rule 460--Equities would not be 
applicable to trading on Pillar.
    In addition, the Exchange proposes to delete Rules 99--Equities, 
Rule 100--Equities, and Rule 101--Equities, all of which are currently 
marked ``Reserved.'' The Exchange also proposes to delete Rule 113 
Former--Equities (DMMs' Public Customers) as obsolete.
2. Statutory Basis
    The proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b) of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ``Act''),\23\ in general, and 
furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(5),\24\ in particular, because 
it is designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and 
practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to foster 
cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in facilitating 
transactions in securities, to remove impediments to, and perfect the 
mechanism of, a free and open market and a national market system and, 
in general, to protect investors and the public interest. The Exchange 
believes that the proposed rules to support Pillar on the Exchange 
would remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and 
open market because they provide for a complete set of market maker 
rules to support the Exchange's transition to a fully automated cash 
equities trading model on the Pillar trading platform.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \24\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Generally, the Exchange believes that the proposed rules would 
support the Exchange's transition to a fully automated cash equities 
trading market with a price-time priority model because they are based 
on the rules governing market makers of its affiliated market, NYSE 
Arca Equities. The proposed rule change would therefore remove 
impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and 
a national market system because they are based on the approved rules 
of another exchange.
    More specifically, the Exchange believes that the proposed 
definitions of Market Maker, Market Maker Authorized Trader and DMM in 
Rule 1.1E would remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a 
free and open market and a national market system because the proposed 
definitions are terms that would be used in the additional rules 
proposed by the Exchange.
    The Exchange also believes that proposed Rules 7.20E and 7.21E, 
providing for the registration of Market Makers and Market Maker 
Authorized Traders, would remove impediments to and perfect the 
mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system 
because it would specify the requirements for an ETP Holder to register 
as a Market Maker and Market Maker Authorized Trader for trading on the 
Exchange's Pillar trading platform. The proposed rule change would also 
promote just and equitable principles of trade by requiring the same 
registration requirements as have already been approved for NYSE Arca 
Equities.
    The Exchange believes that proposed Rule 7.22E, providing for the 
registration of a Market Maker other than a DMM in a security, would 
similarly remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and 
open market and a national market system because it would specify the 
requirements and process for registered Market Makers to register to 
trade a specific security on the Exchange's Pillar trading platform. 
The proposed registration process is based on the same process on NYSE 
Arca Equities and therefore would promote just and equitable principles 
of trade by specifying requirements that are based on the approved 
rules of another exchange.
    The Exchange believes that proposed Rules 7.23E, setting forth the 
obligations and duties of Market Makers, including DMMs, would remove 
impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and 
a national market system because it would establish rules that would 
govern trading on the Exchange that are consistent with the duties and 
obligations for Market Makers currently in place on the Exchange's 
affiliate NYSE Arca Equities that have been previously approved by the 
Commission. For similar reasons, the Exchange believes that proposed 
Rule 7.23E is also designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts 
and practices and to promote just and equitable principles of trade by 
establishing regulatory requirements for Market Maker participation on 
the Exchange's electronic marketplace that would enhance the quality of 
its market and thereby support investor protection and public interest 
goals.
    The Exchange believes that proposed Rule 7.24E, setting forth the 
registration and obligations for DMMs, would remove impediments to and 
perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market 
system by maintaining the Exchange's current structure to assign listed 
securities to DMMs. The Exchange believes that the proposed heightened 
quoting obligations for DMMs would encourage additional displayed 
liquidity on the Exchange in Exchange-listed securities. Unlike under 
current Exchange rules, DMMs on Pillar would not be entitled to the 
additional benefit of a parity allocation and therefore the proposed 
obligations are reasonable and are designed to enhance the quality of 
the Exchange's market for its listed companies. The Exchange further 
believes that by establishing distinct requirements for DMMs, the 
proposal is also designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts 
and practices and to

[[Page 10515]]

promote just and equitable principles of trade.
    The Exchange believes that proposed Rules 7.25E, setting forth the 
standards and process for DMM security allocation and reallocation, 
would remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and 
open market and a national market system because it would establish 
transparent and objectives rules and standards governing the allocation 
of securities to its DMM that are based on current rules. By adopting 
the current allocation process set forth in Rule 103B--Equities for 
DMMs on the Exchange's all-electronic trading platform, the Exchange 
believes that it would foster continuity and ensure fair and orderly 
trading in its listed securities. The Exchange believes that the 
proposed substantive difference for proposed Rule 7.25E(b)(1)(A) to 
increase the number of DMMs to be interviewed from two to four would 
remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open 
market and a national market system because increasing the number of 
DMMs participating in the issuer allocation process would increase 
competition to provide services to issuers, and will provide the issuer 
with more choice in the selection of its DMM.
    The Exchange believes that proposed Rules 7.26E, setting forth the 
DMM combination review policy, would remove impediments to and perfect 
the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system by 
establishing a review process by which the Exchange would continue to 
review proposed combinations of DMMs in the same manner as it currently 
does for Floor-based DMMs pursuant to Rule 123E--Equities.
    The Exchange further believes that it would remove impediments to 
and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national 
market system to specify which current rules would not be applicable to 
trading on the Pillar trading platform. The Exchange believes that the 
proposed legend that would be added to existing rules, ``[t]his rule is 
not applicable to trading on the Pillar trading platform,'' would 
promote transparency regarding which rules would govern trading on the 
Exchange once it transitions to Pillar. The Exchange has proposed to 
add this legend to rules that would be superseded by proposed rules or 
rules that would not be applicable because they concern Floor-based 
trading.
    The Exchange also believes that it would remove impediments to and 
perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market 
system to delete Rules 99--Equities, Rule 100--Equities, and Rule 101--
Equities, all of which are currently marked ``Reserved,'' because it 
would reduce confusion and promote transparency to delete references to 
rules that do not have any substantive content. The Exchange further 
believes that because it is transitioning to a new rule numbering 
framework, maintaining these rules on a reserved basis is no longer 
necessary.
    Finally, the Exchange believes that deleting Rule 113 Former--
Equities as obsolete removes impediments to and perfects the mechanism 
of a free and open market by simplifying its rulebook and removing 
confusion that may result from having obsolete rules in the Exchange's 
rulebook. The Exchange further believes that the proposal removes 
impediments to and perfects the mechanism of a free and open market by 
ensuring that persons subject to the Exchange's jurisdiction, 
regulators, and the investing public can more easily navigate and 
understand the Exchange's rulebook. The Exchange also believes that 
eliminating obsolete rules would not be inconsistent with the public 
interest and the protection of investors because investors will not be 
harmed and in fact would benefit from increased transparency as to 
which rules are operable, thereby reducing potential confusion.

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 proposed change is 
designed to propose rules that would govern Market Makers on the 
Exchange's new Pillar trading platform, which would be a fully 
automated cash equities trading market that trades all NMS Stocks and 
is based on both the rules of NYSE Arca Equities and current rules. The 
Exchange believes that the proposed rules would promote competition 
because it would provide for obligations relating to Market Makers that 
are based on established rules, thereby reducing any potential barriers 
to entry for Market Makers registered on other exchanges to be approved 
as a Market Maker on the Exchange when it transitions to Pillar. The 
Exchange further believes that its proposed rules governing DMMs would 
not impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or 
appropriate because the proposed rules are designed to provide 
continuity for Exchange-listed companies to maintain existing DMMs 
assigned to their securities, while at the same time proposing 
obligations for DMMs that are tailored to a price-time automated 
trading model.

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

    No written comments were solicited or received with respect to the 
proposed rule change.

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

    Within 45 days of the date of publication of this notice in the 
Federal Register or 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 self-regulatory 
organization consents, the Commission will:
    (A) By order approve or disapprove the 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-NYSEMKT-2017-04 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

     Send paper comments in triplicate to Brent J. Fields, 
Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., 
Washington, DC 20549-1090.

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-NYSEMKT-2017-04. 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

[[Page 10516]]

those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the 
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site viewing and 
printing in the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE., 
Washington, DC 20549 on official business days between the hours of 
10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available 
for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All 
comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does 
not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should 
submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All 
submissions should refer to File Number SR-NYSEMKT-2017-04 and should 
be submitted on or before March 6, 2017.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\25\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \25\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eduardo A. Aleman,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2017-02837 Filed 2-10-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P