Document ID: SEC-2016-1488-0001
Agency: sec
Document Type: Notice
Title: Self-Regulatory Organizations; Proposed Rule Changes: Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.
Posted Date: 2016-08-24T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 164 (Wednesday, August 24, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57948-57960]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-20211]

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-78617; File No. SR-FINRA-2015-054]

Self-Regulatory Organizations; Financial Industry Regulatory 
Authority, Inc.; Order Approving Rule Change as Modified by Amendment 
Nos. 1 and 2 To Adopt FINRA Capital Acquisition Broker Rules

August 18, 2016.

I. Introduction

    On December 4, 2015, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, 
Inc. (``FINRA'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 
``Commission'' or ``SEC''), pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (``Exchange Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4 
thereunder,\2\ proposed rule change SR-FINRA-2015-054, pursuant to 
which FINRA proposed to adopt a rule set that would apply exclusively 
to firms that meet the definition of ``capital acquisition broker'' 
(``CAB'') and that elect to be governed under this rule set 
(collectively, the ``CAB rules'').
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
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    The Commission published the proposed rule change for public 
comment in the Federal Register on December 23, 2015.\3\ On January 28, 
2016, FINRA extended the time period in which the Commission must 
approve the proposed rule change, disapprove the proposed rule change 
or institute proceedings to determine whether to approve or disapprove 
the proposed rule change to March 22, 2016. On March 17, 2016, the 
Commission instituted proceedings pursuant to Section 19(b)(2)(B) of 
the Exchange Act \4\ to determine whether to approve or disapprove the 
proposed rule change.\5\ The Commission received 18 comment letters on 
the proposal.\6\
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    \3\ Exchange Act Release No. 76675 (December 17, 2015), 80 FR 
79969 (December 23, 2015) (Notice of Filing of File No. SR-FINRA-
2015-054) (``Notice of Filing'').
    \4\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B).
    \5\ Exchange Act Release No. 77391 (March 17, 2016), 81 FR 15588 
(March 23, 2016) (Order Instituting Proceedings To Determine Whether 
to Approve or Disapprove Proposed Rule Change to Adopt FINRA Capital 
Acquisition Broker Rules on File No. SR-FINRA-2015-054).
    \6\ Letters from Peter W. LaVigne, Esq., Chair, Securities 
Regulation Committee, Business Law Section, New York State Bar 
Association, dated January 22, 2016 (``New York Bar Association 
Letter''); Judith M. Shaw, President, North American Securities 
Administrators Association, Inc., dated January 15, 2016 (``NASAA 
Letter''); Timothy Cahill, President, Compass Securities 
Corporation, dated January 13, 2016; Mark Fairbanks, President, 
Foreside Distributors, dated January 13, 2016 (``Foreside Letter''); 
Dan Glusker, Perkins Fund Marketing, LLC, dated January 13, 2016; 
Steven Jafarzadeh, CAIA, Managing Director, CCO Partner, Stonehaven, 
dated January 13, 2016; Richard A. Murphy, Manager, North Bridge 
Capital LLC, dated January 13, 2016; Ron Oldenkamp, President, 
Genesis Marketing Group, dated January 13, 2016; Michael S. Quinn, 
Member and CCO, Q Advisors LLC, dated January 13, 2016 (``Q Advisors 
Letter''); Lisa Roth, President, Monahan & Roth, LLC, dated January 
13, 2016 (``Roth Letter''); Howard Spindel, Senior Managing 
Director, and Cassondra E. Joseph, Managing Director, Integrated 
Management Solutions USA LLC, dated April 8, 2016 (``IMS Letter 
1'')and January 13, 2016 (``IMS Letter 2''); Sajan K. Thomas, 
President, and Stephen J. Myott, Chief Compliance Officer, Thomas 
Capital Group, Inc., dated January 13, 2016; Donna DiMaria, Chairman 
of the Board of Directors, and Lisa Roth, Board of Directors, Third 
Party Marketers Association, dated January 12, 2016 (``3PM 
Letter''); Frank P. L. Minard, Managing Partner, XT Capital 
Partners, LLC, dated January 12, 2016; Arne Rovell, Coronado 
Investments, LLC, dated January 6, 2016 (``Coronado Letter''); 
Daniel H. Kolber, President/CEO, Intellivest Securities, Inc., dated 
December 30, 2016 (``Intellivest Letter''); and Roger W. Mehle, 
Chairman and CEO, Achates Capital Advisors LLC, dated December 29, 
2015 (``Achates Letter'').
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    In response to comments, on March 29, 2016 FINRA filed a partial 
amendment (``Amendment No. 1'') to its proposed rule change to amend 
CAB Rule 016(c)(2) to clarify that the definition of ``capital 
acquisition broker'' does not include any broker or

[[Page 57949]]

dealer that effects securities transactions that would require the 
broker or dealer to report the transaction under the FINRA Rules 6300 
Series, 6400 Series, 6500 Series, 6600 Series, 6700 Series, 7300 Series 
or 7400 Series. The Commission published Amendment No. 1 for public 
comment in the Federal Register on April 15, 2016.\7\ The Commission 
received one additional comment.\8\
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    \7\ Exchange Act Release No. 77581 (April 11, 2016), 81 FR 22333 
(April 15, 2016) (Notice of Filing of Partial Amendment No. 1 to 
Proposed Rule Change to Adopt FINRA Capital Acquisition Broker 
Rules) (``Notice of Amendment No.1'').
    \8\ See letter from Anonymous dated May 3, 2016 (stating 
``Good'').
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    FINRA filed a second amendment on June 28, 2016 (``Amendment No. 
2'') to amend proposed CAB Rule 016(c)(1)(F) regarding a CAB's 
authority to engage in qualifying, identifying, soliciting, or acting 
as a placement agent or finder in connection with unregistered 
securities transactions. The Commission published Amendment No. 2 for 
public comment in the Federal Register on July 7, 2016.\9\ The 
Commission received one comment letter on Amendment No. 2.\10\ FINRA 
responded to all of the comment letters on August 16, 2016.\11\
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    \9\ Exchange Act Release No. 78220 (July 1, 2016), 81 FR 44372 
(July 7, 2016) (Notice of Filing of Partial Amendment No. 2 to 
Proposed Rule Change to Adopt FINRA Capital Acquisition Broker 
Rules) (``Notice of Amendment No.2'').
    \10\ See letter from Kent J. Lund, SDR Capital Markets, Inc., 
dated July 15, 2016 (``SDR Letter'').
    \11\ See letter from Joseph Savage, FINRA, dated August 16, 2016 
(``FINRA Response'').
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    This order grants approval of the proposed rule change, as modified 
by Amendment Nos. 1 and 2.

II. Description of the Rule Change \12\
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    \12\ For a more detailed description of the proposed rule 
change, see the Notice of Filing, supra note 3, Notice of Amendment 
No.1, supra note 7, and Notice of Amendment No.2, supra note 9, 
which were substantially prepared by FINRA.
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    FINRA states that there are firms that are solely corporate 
financing firms that advise companies on mergers and acquisitions, 
advise issuers on raising debt and equity capital in private placements 
with institutional investors, or provide advisory services on a 
consulting basis to companies that need assistance analyzing their 
strategic and financial alternatives. FINRA explains that these firms 
often are registered as broker-dealers because of their activities and 
because they may receive transaction-based compensation as part of 
their services. Nevertheless, FINRA believes that these firms do not 
engage in many of the types of activities typically associated with 
traditional broker-dealers. For example, these firms typically do not 
carry or act as an introducing broker with respect to customer 
accounts, handle customer funds or securities, accept orders to 
purchase or sell securities either as principal or agent for the 
customer, exercise investment discretion on behalf of any customer, or 
engage in proprietary trading of securities or market-making 
activities. Therefore, FINRA proposed to create a separate rule set to 
apply to firms that meet the definition of CAB and elect to be governed 
under this rule set.
    The proposed rules subject CABs to the FINRA By-Laws, as well as 
core FINRA rules that FINRA believes should apply to all of its 
members. The rule set applicable to CABs also includes other FINRA 
rules that are tailored to address CABs' business activities. A brief 
description of the rule set for CABs is included below.

A. General Standards

    CAB Rule 014 provides that all persons that have been approved for 
membership in FINRA as a CAB and persons associated with CABs shall be 
subject to the CAB rules and the FINRA By-Laws (including the schedules 
thereto), unless the context requires otherwise. CAB Rule 015 provides 
that FINRA Rule 0150(b) shall apply to CABs. FINRA Rule 0150(b) 
provides that the FINRA rules do not apply to transactions in, and 
business activities relating to, municipal securities as that term is 
defined in the Exchange Act.
    CAB Rule 016 sets forth basic definitions that apply to CABs. The 
proposed definitions of ``capital acquisition broker'' and 
``institutional investor'' are particularly important to the 
application of the rule set. The term ``capital acquisition broker'' 
means any broker that solely engages in one or more of the following 
activities:
     Advising an issuer, including a private fund, concerning 
its securities offerings or other capital raising activities;
     advising a company regarding its purchase or sale of a 
business or assets or regarding its corporate restructuring, including 
a going-private transaction, divestiture or merger;
     advising a company regarding its selection of an 
investment banker;
     assisting in the preparation of offering materials on 
behalf of an issuer;
     providing fairness opinions, valuation services, expert 
testimony, litigation support, and negotiation and structuring 
services;
     qualifying, identifying, soliciting, or acting as a 
placement agent or finder (i) on behalf of an issuer in connection with 
a sale of newly-issued, unregistered securities to institutional 
investors or (ii) on behalf of an issuer or control person in 
connection with a change of control of a privately-held company. For 
purposes of this part, a ``control person'' is a person who has the 
power to direct the management or policies of a company through 
ownership of securities, by contract, or otherwise. Control will be 
presumed to exist if, before the transaction, the person has the right 
to vote or the power to sell or direct the sale of 25% or more of a 
class of voting securities or in the case of a partnership or limited 
liability company has the right to receive upon dissolution or has 
contributed 25% or more of the capital. Also, for purposes of this 
part, a ``privately-held company'' is a company that does not have any 
class of securities registered, or required to be registered, with the 
SEC under Section 12 of the Exchange Act or with respect to which the 
company files, or is required to file, periodic information, documents, 
or reports under Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act; \13\ and
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    \13\ See Notice of Amendment No.2, supra note 9, 81 FR at 44373 
(amending this prong of the proposed definition of CAB). Originally, 
this prong of the definition of CAB included a broker ``qualifying, 
identifying, soliciting, or acting as a placement agent or finder 
with respect to institutional investors in connection with purchases 
or sales of unregistered securities.'' Notice of Filing, supra note 
3, 80 FR at 79970.
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     effecting securities transactions solely in connection 
with the transfer of ownership and control of a privately-held company 
through the purchase, sale, exchange, issuance, repurchase, or 
redemption of, or a business combination involving, securities or 
assets of the company, to a buyer that will actively operate the 
company or the business conducted with the assets of the company, in 
accordance with the terms and conditions of an SEC rule, release, 
interpretation or ``no-action'' letter that permits a person to engage 
in such activities without having to register as a broker or dealer 
pursuant to Section 15(b) of the Exchange Act.\14\
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    \14\ See CAB Rule 016(c)(1).
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    A firm will be permitted to register as, or change its status to, a 
CAB only if the firm solely engages in one or more of these activities.
    The term ``capital acquisition broker'' does not include any broker 
or dealer that:
     Carries or acts as an introducing broker with respect to 
customer accounts;
     holds or handles customers' funds or securities;
     accepts orders from customers to purchase or sell 
securities either as principal or as agent for the customer (except as 
permitted by paragraphs (c)(1)(F) and (G) of CAB Rule 016);

[[Page 57950]]

     has investment discretion on behalf of any customer;
     engages in proprietary trading of securities or market-
making activities;
     participates in or maintains an online platform in 
connection with offerings of unregistered securities pursuant to 
Regulation Crowdfunding or Regulation A under the Securities Act of 
1933; or
     effects securities transactions that will require the 
broker or dealer to report the transaction under the FINRA Rules 6300 
Series, 6400 Series, 6500 Series, 6600 Series, 6700 Series, 7300 Series 
or 7400 Series.\15\
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    \15\ See CAB Rule 016(c)(2). The original rule in the Notice of 
Filing was amended by Amendment No. 1, which clarified that CABs may 
engage in secondary transactions only if they are not subject to 
FINRA Rules 6300 Series, 6400 Series, 6500 Series, 6600 Series, 6700 
Series, 7300 Series or 7400 Series. See Notice of Amendment No.1, 
supra note 7, 81 FR at 22333.
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    The term ``institutional investor'' has substantially the same 
meaning as that term has under FINRA Rule 2210 (Communications with the 
Public). The term includes any:
     Bank, savings and loan association, insurance company or 
registered investment company;
     governmental entity or subdivision thereof;
     employee benefit plan, or multiple employee benefit plans 
offered to employees of the same employer, that meet the requirements 
of Section 403(b) or Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code and in 
the aggregate have at least 100 participants, but does not include any 
participant of such plans;
     qualified plan, as defined in Section 3(a)(12)(C) of the 
Exchange Act, or multiple qualified plans offered to employees of the 
same employer, that in the aggregate have at least 100 participants, 
but does not include any participant of such plans;
     other person (whether a natural person, corporation, 
partnership, trust, family office or otherwise) with total assets of at 
least $50 million;
     person meeting the definition of ``qualified purchaser'' 
as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(51) of the Investment Company 
Act of 1940 (``1940 Act''); and
     person acting solely on behalf of any such institutional 
investor.

B. FINRA Membership

    The CAB Rule 100 Series sets forth the requirements for a firm that 
wishes to register as a CAB. The CAB Rule 100 Series generally 
incorporates by reference FINRA Rules 1010 (Electronic Filing 
Requirements for Uniform Forms), and 1122 (Filing of Misleading 
Information as to Membership or Registration), and NASD Rules 1011 
(Definitions), 1012 (General Provisions), 1013 (New Member Application 
and Interview), 1014 (Department Decision), 1015 (Review by National 
Adjudicatory Council), 1016 (Discretionary Review by FINRA Board), 1017 
(Application for Approval of Change in Ownership, Control, or Business 
Operations), 1019 (Application to Commission for Review), 1090 (Foreign 
Members), 1100 (Foreign Associates) and IM-1011-1 (Safe Harbor for 
Business Expansions). Accordingly, a CAB applicant will follow the same 
procedures for membership as any other FINRA applicant, with four 
modifications.
     First, an applicant for membership that seeks to qualify 
as a CAB will have to state in its application that it intends to 
operate solely as such.
     Second, in reviewing an application for membership as a 
CAB, the FINRA Member Regulation Department will consider, in addition 
to the standards for admission set forth in NASD Rule 1014, whether the 
applicant's proposed activities are consistent with the limitations 
imposed on CABs under CAB Rule 016(c).
     Third, CAB Rule 116(b) sets forth the procedures for an 
existing FINRA firm to change its status to a CAB. If an existing firm 
is already approved to engage in the activities of a CAB, and the firm 
does not intend to change its existing ownership, control or business 
operations, it will not be required to file either a New Member 
Application (``NMA'') or a Change in Membership Application (``CMA''). 
Instead, the firm will be required to file a request to amend its 
membership agreement or obtain a membership agreement (if none exists 
currently) to provide that: (i) The firm's activities will be limited 
to those permitted for CABs under CAB Rule 016(c), and (ii) the firm 
agrees to comply with the CAB rules.\16\
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    \16\ There will not be an application fee associated with this 
request.
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     Fourth, CAB Rules 116(c) and (d) set forth the procedures 
for an existing CAB to terminate its status as such and continue as a 
FINRA firm. Under Rule 116(c), such a firm will be required to file a 
CMA with the FINRA Member Regulation Department, and to amend its 
membership agreement to provide that the firm agrees to comply with all 
FINRA rules.\17\
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    \17\ Absent a waiver, such a firm will have to pay an 
application fee associated with the CMA. See FINRA By-Laws, Schedule 
A, Section 4(i).
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    Under CAB Rule 116(d), however, if during the first year following 
an existing FINRA member firm's amendment to its membership agreement 
to convert a full-service broker-dealer to a CAB pursuant to Rule 
116(b) a CAB seeks to terminate its status as such and continue as a 
FINRA member firm, the CAB may notify the FINRA Membership Application 
Program group of this change without having to file an application for 
approval of a material change in business operations pursuant to NASD 
Rule 1017. The CAB will instead file a request to amend its membership 
agreement to provide that the member firm agrees to comply with all 
FINRA rules, and execute an amended membership agreement that imposes 
the same limitations on the member firm's activities that existed prior 
to the member firm's change of status to a CAB.\18\
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    \18\ To the extent that the rules applicable to the member firm 
had been amended since it had changed its status to a CAB, FINRA 
will have the discretion to modify any limitations to reflect any 
new rule requirements.
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    The CAB Rule 100 Series also governs the registration and 
qualification examinations of principals and representatives that are 
associated with CABs. These rules incorporate by reference NASD Rules 
1021 (Registration Requirements--Principals), 1022 (Categories of 
Principal Registration), 1031 (Registration Requirements--
Representatives), 1032 (Categories of Representative Registration), 
1060 (Persons Exempt from Registration), 1070 (Qualification 
Examinations and Waiver of Requirements), 1080 (Confidentiality of 
Examinations), IM-1000-2 (Status of Persons Serving in the Armed Forces 
of the United States), IM-1000-3 (Failure to Register Personnel) and 
FINRA Rule 1250 (Continuing Education Requirements). Accordingly, CAB 
firm principals and representatives are subject to the same 
registration, qualification examination, and continuing education 
requirements as principals and representatives of other FINRA firms. 
CABs are also subject to FINRA Rule 1230(b)(6) regarding Operations 
Professional registration.

C. Conduct Rules (CAB Rule 200 Series)

    The CAB Rule 200 Series establishes a streamlined set of conduct 
rules. CABs are subject to FINRA Rules 2010 (Standards of Commercial 
Honor and Principles of Trade), 2020 (Use of Manipulative, Deceptive or 
Other Fraudulent Devices), 2040 (Payments to Unregistered Persons), 
2070 (Transactions Involving FINRA Employees), 2080 (Obtaining an Order 
of Expungement of Customer Dispute Information from the CRD System), 
2081

[[Page 57951]]

(Prohibited Conditions Relating to Expungement of Customer Dispute 
Information), 2263 (Arbitration Disclosure to Associated Persons 
Signing or Acknowledging Form U4), and 2268 (Requirements When Using 
Predispute Arbitration Agreements for Customer Accounts).
    CAB Rules 209 and 211 impose know-your-customer and suitability 
obligations similar to those imposed under FINRA Rules 2090 and 2111. 
CAB Rule 211(b) includes an exception to the customer-specific 
suitability obligations for institutional investors similar to the 
exception found in FINRA Rule 2111(b). CAB Rule 221 is an abbreviated 
version of FINRA Rule 2210 (Communications with the Public), 
essentially prohibiting false and misleading statements.
    Under CAB Rule 240, if a CAB or associated person of a CAB has 
engaged in activities that require the CAB to register as a broker or 
dealer under the Exchange Act, and that are inconsistent with the 
limitations imposed on CABs under CAB Rule 016(c), FINRA could examine 
for and enforce all FINRA rules against such a broker-dealer or 
associated person, including any rule that applies to a FINRA member 
that is not a CAB or to an associated person who is not a person 
associated with a CAB.\19\
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    \19\ FINRA states that the purpose of this rule is to clarify 
that the full FINRA Rulebook would apply if a CAB engages in broker-
dealer activities that are inconsistent with the limitations imposed 
on CABs. FINRA believes that, without CAB Rule 240, it might be 
unclear which rules would apply to a firm that elected CAB status 
and yet engaged in brokerage activities that are impermissible for a 
CAB. See FINRA Response, supra note 11, at 18.
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    FINRA is not subjecting CABs to FINRA Rules 2121 (Fair Prices and 
Commissions), 2122 (Charges for Services Performed), and 2124 (Net 
Transactions with Customers). FINRA Rule 2121 provides that, for both 
listed and unlisted securities, a member that buys for its own account 
from its customer, or sells for its own account to its customer, shall 
buy or sell at a price that is fair, taking into consideration all 
relevant circumstances, including market conditions with respect to the 
security at the time of the transaction, the expense involved, and the 
fact that the member is entitled to a profit. Further, if the member 
acts as agent for its customer in any such transaction, the member 
shall not charge its customer more than a fair commission or service 
charge, taking into consideration all relevant circumstances, including 
market conditions with respect to the security at the time of the 
transaction, the expense of executing the order and the value of any 
service the member may have rendered by reason of its experience in and 
knowledge of such security and the market therefor.
    A CAB is not permitted to act as principal in a securities 
transaction. Accordingly, the provisions of FINRA Rule 2121 that govern 
principal transactions do not apply to a CAB's permitted activities. 
However, CABs are permitted to qualify, identify, solicit or act as 
placement agent or finder in a securities transaction, although only in 
very narrow circumstances on behalf of an issuer in connection with a 
sale of newly-issued, unregistered securities to institutional 
investors or on behalf of an issuer or control person in connection 
with a change of control of a privately-held company. CABs also are 
permitted to effect securities transactions solely in connection with 
the transfer of ownership and control of a privately-held company to a 
buyer that will actively operate the company or the business conducted 
with the assets of the company in accordance with the terms and 
conditions of an SEC rule, release, interpretation or ``no-action'' 
letter. FINRA believes that these narrow circumstances either involve 
institutional parties that are generally capable of negotiating fair 
prices, or involve the sale of a business as a going concern, which 
differ in nature from the types of transactions that typically raise 
issues under FINRA Rule 2121.\20\
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    \20\ See FINRA Response, supra note 11, at 16.
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    FINRA Rule 2122 provides that charges, if any, for services 
performed, including, but not limited to, miscellaneous services such 
as collections due for principal, dividends, or interest; exchange or 
transfer of securities; appraisals, safekeeping or custody of 
securities, and other services shall be reasonable and not unfairly 
discriminatory among customers. FINRA believes that CABs typically 
provide services to institutional customers that are capable of 
negotiating reasonable service charges.\21\ Moreover, CABs are not 
permitted to provide many of the services listed in Rule 2122, such as 
collecting principal, dividends or interest, or providing safekeeping 
or custody services.
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    \21\ Id.
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    FINRA Rule 2124 sets forth specific requirements for executing 
transactions with customers on a ``net'' basis. ``Net'' transactions 
are defined as a type of principal transaction, and CABs may not trade 
securities on a principal basis. Thus, FINRA does not believe it is 
necessary to include FINRA Rule 2124 as part of the CAB rule set.
    Notwithstanding the foregoing, CAB Rule 201 will subject CABs to 
FINRA Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of 
Trade), which requires a member, in the conduct of its business, to 
observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable 
principles of trade. FINRA notes that, depending on the facts, CAB Rule 
201 may apply in situations in which a CAB charged a commission or fee 
that clearly is unreasonable under the circumstances.

D. Supervision and Responsibilities Related to Associated Persons (CAB 
Rule 300 Series)

    The CAB Rule 300 Series establishes a limited set of supervisory 
rules for CABs. CABs are subject to FINRA Rules 3220 (Influencing or 
Rewarding Employees of Others), 3240 (Borrowing from or Lending to 
Customers), and 3270 (Outside Business Activities of Registered 
Persons).
    CAB Rule 311 subjects CABs to some, but not all, of the 
requirements of FINRA Rule 3110 (Supervision) and, consistent with Rule 
3110, is designed to provide CABs with the flexibility to tailor their 
supervisory systems to their business models. CABs are subject to the 
provisions of Rule 3110 concerning the supervision of offices, 
personnel, customer complaints, correspondence and internal 
communications. However, CABs are not subject to the provisions of Rule 
3110 that require annual compliance meetings (paragraph (a)(7)), review 
and investigation of transactions (paragraphs (b)(2) and (d)), specific 
documentation and supervisory procedures for supervisory personnel 
(paragraph (b)(6)), and internal inspections (paragraph (c)).
    FINRA does not believe that the annual compliance meeting 
requirement in FINRA Rule 3110(a)(7) should apply to CABs given the 
nature of their business model and structure. FINRA has observed that 
most current FINRA member firms that would qualify as CABs tend to be 
small and often operate out of a single office. In addition, the range 
of rules that CABs are subject to is narrower than the rules that apply 
to other broker-dealers. Moreover, as noted above, CABs are subject to 
both the Regulatory and Firm Element continuing education requirements. 
Accordingly, FINRA does not believe that CABs need to conduct an annual 
compliance meeting as required under FINRA Rule 3110(a)(7). The fact 
that the annual compliance meeting requirement does not apply to CABs 
or their associated persons is in no way intended to reduce their 
responsibility to have knowledge of and comply with applicable 
securities laws and regulations and the CAB rule set.

[[Page 57952]]

    FINRA also does not believe that FINRA Rule 3110(b)(2), which 
requires members to adopt and implement procedures for the review by a 
registered principal of all transactions relating to the member's 
investment banking or securities business, or FINRA Rule 3110(d), which 
imposes requirements related to the investigation of securities 
transactions and heightened reporting requirements for members engaged 
in investment banking services, should apply to CABs. CABs are not 
permitted to carry or act as an introducing broker with respect to 
customer accounts, hold or handle customers' funds or securities, 
accept orders from customers to purchase or sell securities (except as 
permitted by CAB Rule 016(c)(1)(F) and (G)), have investment discretion 
on behalf of any customer, engage in proprietary trading or market-
making activities, or participate in Crowdfunding or Regulation A 
securities offerings. Accordingly, due to these restrictions, FINRA 
does not believe a CAB's business model necessitates the application of 
these provisions, which primarily address trading and investment 
banking functions that are beyond the permissible scope of a CAB's 
activities.
    FINRA also does not believe that the requirements of FINRA Rule 
3110(b)(6) should apply to CABs. Paragraph (b)(6) generally requires a 
member to have procedures to prohibit its supervisory personnel from: 
(1) Supervising their own activities; and (2) reporting to, or having 
their compensation or continued employment determined by, a person the 
supervisor is supervising.\22\ In addition, FINRA does not believe that 
FINRA Rule 3110(c), which requires members to conduct internal 
inspections of their businesses, should apply to CABs.
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    \22\ FINRA Rule 3110(b)(6)(C)(i) and (ii). FINRA Rule 3110(b)(6) 
also requires that a member's supervisory procedures include the 
titles, registration status and locations of the required 
supervisory personnel and the responsibilities of each supervisory 
person as these relate to the types of business engaged in, 
applicable securities laws and regulations, and FINRA rules, as well 
as a record of the names of its designated supervisory personnel and 
the dates for which such designation is or was effective. FINRA Rule 
3110(b)(6)(A) and (B). In addition, paragraph (b)(6) requires a 
member to have procedures reasonably designed to prevent the 
standards of supervision required pursuant to FINRA Rule 3110(a) 
from being compromised due to the conflicts of interest that may be 
present with respect to an associated person being supervised. FINRA 
Rule 3110(b)(6)(D).
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    FINRA believes that it is providing CABs with flexibility to tailor 
their supervisory structures to their business model, which is geared 
toward acting as a consultant in capital acquisition transactions, 
qualifying, identifying, soliciting or acting as placement agent or 
finder in a securities transaction solely on behalf of an issuer in 
connection with a sale of newly-issued, unregistered securities to 
institutional investors or on behalf of an issuer or a control person 
in connection with a change of control of a privately-held company, or 
with the transfer of ownership and control of a privately-held company. 
As discussed above, many CABs operate out of a single office with a 
small staff, which reduces the need for internal inspections of 
numerous or remote offices. In addition, part of the purpose of 
creating a separate CAB rule set is to streamline and reduce existing 
FINRA rule requirements where doing so does not hinder investor 
protection. FINRA believes that the remaining provisions of FINRA Rule 
3110, coupled with the CAB Rule 200 Series addressing duties and 
conflicts will sufficiently protect CABs' customers from potential harm 
due to insufficient supervision.
    CAB Rule 313 requires CABs to designate and identify one or more 
principals to serve as a firm's chief compliance officer (``CCO''), 
similar to the requirements of FINRA Rule 3130(a). FINRA Rule 3130 
requires a CAB to have its chief executive officer (``CEO'') certify 
that the member has in place processes to establish, maintain, review, 
test and modify written compliance policies and written supervisory 
procedures reasonably designed to achieve compliance with applicable 
federal securities laws and regulations, and FINRA and MSRB rules, 
which are required under FINRA Rules 3130(b) and (c). FINRA does not 
believe the CEO certification is necessary given a CAB's narrow 
business model and smaller rule set.
    CAB Rule 328 prohibits any person associated with a CAB from 
participating in any manner in a private securities transaction as 
defined in FINRA Rule 3280(e).\23\ FINRA does not believe that an 
associated person of a CAB should be engaged in selling securities away 
from the CAB, nor should a CAB have to oversee and review such 
transactions, given its limited business model. This restriction does 
not prohibit associated persons from investing in securities on their 
own behalf, or engaging in securities transactions with immediate 
family members, provided that the associated person does not receive 
selling compensation.
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    \23\ FINRA Rule 3280(e) defines ``private securities 
transaction'' as ``any securities transaction outside the regular 
course or scope of an associated person's employment with a member, 
including, though not limited to, new offerings of securities which 
are not registered with the Commission, provided however that 
transactions subject to the notification requirements of NASD Rule 
3050, transactions among immediate family members (as defined in 
FINRA Rule 5130), for which no associated person receives any 
selling compensation, and personal transactions in investment 
company and variable annuity securities, shall be excluded.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    CAB Rule 331 requires each CAB to implement a written anti-money 
laundering (``AML'') program. FINRA believes that this is consistent 
with the SEC's requirements and Chapter X of Title 31 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations. Accordingly, CAB Rule 331 is similar to FINRA Rule 
3310 (Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program); however, the CAB rule 
contemplates that all CABs will be eligible to conduct the required 
independent testing for compliance every two years (rather than 
annually as FINRA Rule 3310 requires of non-CAB members).

E. Financial and Operational Rules (CAB Rule 400 Series)

    The CAB Rule 400 Series establishes a streamlined set of rules 
concerning firms' financial and operational obligations. CABs are 
subject to FINRA Rules 4140 (Audit), 4150 (Guarantees by, or Flow 
through Benefits for, Members), 4160 (Verification of Assets), 4511 
(Books and Records--General Requirements), 4513 (Records of Written 
Customer Complaints), 4517 (Member Filing and Contact Information 
Requirements), 4524 (Supplemental FOCUS Information), 4530 (Reporting 
Requirements), and 4570 (Custodian of Books and Records). Under CAB 
Rule 411, which is modeled after FINRA Rule 4110, CABs are required to 
suspend business operations during any period a firm is not in 
compliance with the applicable net capital requirements set forth in 
Exchange Act Rule 15c3-1, and CAB Rule 411 also authorizes FINRA to 
direct a CAB to suspend its operation under those circumstances.\24\ 
The CAB rules also set forth requirements concerning withdrawal of 
capital, subordinated loans, notes collateralized by securities, and 
capital borrowings.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \24\ See CAB Rule 411.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Because CABs may not carry or act as an introducing broker with 
respect to customer accounts, they will have more limited customer 
information requirements than those imposed under FINRA Rule 4512.\25\ 
Pursuant to CAB Rule 451, CABs will have to maintain each customer's 
name and residence, whether the customer is of legal age (if 
applicable), and the names of any persons authorized to transact 
business

[[Page 57953]]

on behalf of the customer. CABs will still have to make and preserve 
all books and records required under Exchange Act Rules 17a-3 and 17a-
4.\26\ CABs are subject to a limited set of requirements for the 
supervision and review of a firm's general ledger accounts.\27\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \25\ See CAB Rule 451(b).
    \26\ See CAB Rule 900(c).
    \27\ See CAB Rule 452(a).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    CABs are not subject to FINRA Rules 4370 (Business Continuity Plans 
and Emergency Contact Information) or 4380 (Mandatory Participation in 
FINRA BC/DR Testing under Regulation SCI). FINRA does not believe it is 
necessary to have a rule requiring a CAB to maintain a business 
continuity plan (``BCP''), given a CAB's limited activities, 
particularly since a CAB will not engage in retail customer 
transactions or clearance, settlement, trading, underwriting or similar 
investment banking activities. FINRA Rule 4380 relates to Rule SCI 
under the Exchange Act, which is not applicable to a member that limits 
its activities to those permitted under the CAB rule set.

F. Securities Offerings (CAB Rule 500 Series)

    The CAB Rule 500 Series subjects CABs to FINRA Rules 5122 (Private 
Placements of Securities Issued by Members) and 5150 (Fairness 
Opinions).

G. Investigations and Sanctions, Code of Procedure, and Arbitration and 
Mediation (CAB Rules 800, 900 and 1000)

    CAB Rule 800 provides that CABs are subject to the FINRA Rule 8000 
Series governing investigations and sanctions of firms, other than 
FINRA Rules 8110 (Availability of Manual to Customers), 8211 (Automated 
Submission of Trading Data Requested by FINRA), and 8213 (Automated 
Submission of Trading Data for Non-Exchange-Listed Securities Requested 
by FINRA).
    CABs are not subject to FINRA Rule 8110 (Availability of Manual to 
Customers), which requires members to make available a current copy of 
the FINRA manual for examination by customers upon request. FINRA 
represents that it will make the CAB rule set available through the 
FINRA Web site. Accordingly, FINRA does not believe this rule is 
necessary for CABs.
    CABs also are not subject to FINRA Rules 8211 (Automated Submission 
of Trading Data Requested by FINRA) or 8213 (Automated Submission of 
Trading Data for Non-Exchange-Listed Securities Requested by FINRA). 
Given that these rules are intended to assist FINRA in requesting trade 
data from firms engaged in securities trading, and that CABs will not 
engage in securities trading, FINRA does not believe that these rules 
should apply to CABs.
    CAB Rule 900 provides that CABs are subject to the FINRA Rule 9000 
Series governing disciplinary and other proceedings involving firms, 
other than the FINRA Rule 9700 Series (Procedures on Grievances 
Concerning the Automated Systems). CAB Rule 900(c) provides that any 
CAB may be subject to a fine under FINRA Rule 9216(b) with respect to 
an enumerated list of FINRA By-Laws, CAB rules and SEC rules under the 
Exchange Act. CAB Rule 900(d) authorizes FINRA staff to require a CAB 
to file communications with the FINRA Advertising Regulation Department 
at least ten days prior to use if the staff determined that the CAB had 
departed from CAB Rule 221's standards.\28\
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    \28\ CAB Rule 221 states that: (a) No communication with the 
public by a capital acquisition broker may: (1) Include any false, 
exaggerated, unwarranted, promissory or misleading statement or 
claim; (2) omit any material fact or qualification if the omission, 
in light of the context of the material presented, would cause the 
communication to be misleading; (3) state or imply that FINRA, or 
any other corporate name or facility owned by FINRA, or any other 
regulatory organization endorses, indemnifies, or guarantees the 
capital acquisition broker-dealer's business practices; or (4) imply 
that past performance will recur or make any exaggerated or 
unwarranted claim, opinion or forecast. Further, the rule requires 
that all communications by a capital acquisition broker must be 
based on principles of fair dealing and good faith, must be fair and 
balanced, and must provide a sound basis for evaluating the facts in 
regard to any particular security or type of security, industry, or 
service.
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    CAB Rule 1000 provides that CABs are subject to the FINRA Rule 
12000 Series (Code of Arbitration Procedure for Customer Disputes), 
13000 Series (Code of Arbitration Procedure for Industry Disputes) and 
14000 Series (Code of Mediation Procedure).
    FINRA states that if the Commission approves the rule change it 
will announce the implementation date of the rule change in a 
Regulatory Notice to be published no later than 60 days following 
Commission approval, and that such date will be no later than 180 days 
following publication of the Regulatory Notice.

III. Discussion of Comment Letters, FINRA's Response and Commission 
Findings

    After careful review of the proposed rule change, the comment 
letters, and FINRA's response to the comments, the Commission finds 
that the rule change, as modified by Amendment Nos. 1 and 2, is 
consistent with the requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and 
regulations thereunder that are applicable to a national securities 
association.\29\ Specifically, the Commission finds that the rule 
change is consistent with Section 15A(b)(6) of the Exchange Act,\30\ 
which requires, among other things, that FINRA rules be designed to 
prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just 
and equitable principles of trade, and, in general, to protect 
investors and the public interest.
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    \29\ In approving this rule change, the Commission has 
considered the rule's impact on efficiency, competition, and capital 
formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
    \30\ 15 U.S.C. 78o-3(b)(6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission received a total of twenty comment letters and 
FINRA's response to those comment letters. Commenters were generally 
supportive of the proposal but had suggestions regarding areas where 
certain aspects of the proposal could be expanded or further 
explained.\31\ The Commission has considered the commenters' 
suggestions and FINRA's response and believes, as discussed below, that 
the CAB rules as amended are reasonably designed to provide flexibility 
for CABs, while providing for protection of investors and the public 
interest consistent with Section 15A(b)(6) of the Exchange Act.\32\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \31\ Several commenters request certain changes to SEC rules and 
other requirements that apply to CABs, including, for example, 
eliminating financial responsibility rules, net capital 
requirements, Securities Investor Protection Corporation 
requirements and financial audits for CABs. See generally Achates 
Letter, supra note 6; Q Advisors Letter, supra note 6; 3PM Letter, 
supra note 6; and IMS Letter 1, supra note 6. FINRA responds that 
such changes are outside its authority. Further, the Commission 
believes that such changes are also outside the scope of the 
proposed rule change, and thus, we are not proposing to amend these 
requirements at this time.
    \32\ One commenter suggests that the Commission, FINRA, and 
NASAA should cooperate to more fully analyze the interaction between 
the CAB proposal and state registration requirements to better 
harmonize the application of these provisions. See NASAA Letter. 
This commenter suggests that the most relevant provisions of the CAB 
rule set is CAB Rule 016(c)(1)(G) (i.e., mergers and acquisition 
brokers). The commenter indicates that it will welcome the 
opportunity to work with FINRA and the Commission on the issues 
presented by the proposal (including related to mergers and 
acquisitions brokers), and encourages the Commission to delay 
approval of the proposed rule change until there has been an 
opportunity to more fully explore these issues.
    In response, FINRA states that it disagrees that the SEC should 
delay acting on the CAB proposal. FINRA notes that the definition of 
CAB will permit CABs to engage, among other activities, in mergers 
and acquisition transactions. While FINRA acknowledges that NASAA 
has adopted a model rule for mergers and acquisition brokers, it 
does not believe that any differences between the NASAA model rule 
and the CAB rules should preclude the SEC from approving its 
proposal. See FINRA Response, supra note 11, at 27.
    The Commission notes that approval of FINRA's proposed rule 
change will not preclude further coordination and discussion with 
FINRA and NASAA.

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[[Page 57954]]

A. General Standards and FINRA Membership

1. By-laws
    CAB Rule 014 requires that all persons that have been approved for 
membership in FINRA as a CAB and their associated persons shall be 
subject to the CAB rules and FINRA By-Laws (including the schedules 
thereto) ``unless the context requires otherwise.'' CAB Rule 014 also 
states that the terms used in the CAB rules, if defined in the FINRA 
By-Laws, shall have the same meaning as defined in the FINRA By-Laws, 
unless a term is defined differently in a CAB rule, ``or unless the 
context of a term within a Capital Acquisition Broker Rule requires a 
different meaning.'' \33\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \33\ CAB Rule 014.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    One commenter expresses concern that there is no guidance as to 
what ``context'' may ``require otherwise'' and when and under what 
circumstances. This commenter suggests that this language sets up an 
interpretive issue and will make it impossible to advise a client as to 
what the actual definition is and, more significantly, whether it 
applies in a particular context.\34\ In response, FINRA states that, as 
a general matter, the FINRA By-Laws' provisions would apply as written, 
without the need to interpret them differently as applied to CABs. 
FINRA states that there may be on occasion situations in which reading 
a By-Law provision literally would lead to a clearly incorrect result, 
due to the differences between the CAB Rules and other FINRA Rules 
governing non-CAB firms. FINRA does not believe that this qualification 
for context creates an interpretive issue, nor would it be impossible 
to advise clients on how to comply with the FINRA By-Laws. FINRA also 
explains that the Commission approved similar qualifying language 
regarding application of the FINRA By-Laws in the recently adopted 
Funding Portal Rules.\35\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \34\ See IMS Letter 2, supra note 6, at 3.
    \35\ See FINRA Funding Portal Rule 100(a).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Review of Membership Application
    CAB Rules 101 through 115 generally apply the same standards for 
new member applications by CAB applicants as those that apply to non-
CAB FINRA member firm applicants. CAB Rule 116 generally applies the 
same standards regarding changes in ownership, control or business 
operations to CABs as those that apply to non-CAB firms.\36\ One 
commenter suggests that FINRA should approve the membership 
applications of new CABs within 60 days of the filing of the 
application (instead of 180 days as provided for in CAB Rule 113), 
provided that certain conditions are met, including: A completed 
application; the required supervisory principals, who have each taken 
and passed the applicable examinations; and no significant disciplinary 
history or other red flag indications of potential compliance 
problems.\37\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \36\ See NASD Rule 1017 (Application for Approval of Change in 
Ownership, Control or Business Operations).
    \37\ See New York State Bar Association Letter, supra note 6, at 
1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In response, FINRA states that it does not agree that it should 
revise its proposed rules to require it to act on a CAB's NMA within 60 
days of filing an application that meets certain conditions.\38\ FINRA 
believes that its Membership Application Program staff often will need 
more than 60 days to conduct a proper investigation of an applicant and 
complete other tasks associated with broker-dealer applications, such 
as a membership interview.\39\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \38\ See FINRA Response, supra note 11, at 14.
    \39\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Grace Period
    CAB Rule 116 provides that if during the first year following an 
existing FINRA member's amendment electing to become a CAB the firm 
seeks to terminate its status as such and continue as a full FINRA 
member, the CAB may notify FINRA of this change without having to file 
an application for approval of a material change in business 
operations. One commenter states its view that this one-year grace 
period is not a sufficient amount of time for a firm to determine if 
CAB status is appropriate for its business model.\40\ The commenter 
believes its view that a converted firm may not have sufficient data 
within the first year to evaluate its decision fully, and recommends 
that this grace period be extended to at least 24 months or that there 
be no grace time restrictions at all.\41\ This commenter also suggests 
that FINRA allow interim continued operations as a CAB (provided the 
firm is in regulatory compliance) while an active CMA is being reviewed 
by FINRA, with the firm remaining subject to all the CAB rules pending 
a final decision by FINRA on the CMA.\42\ Another commenter recommends 
that FINRA consider a grace period for firms that unintentionally 
conduct activities beyond the scope of a CAB's permissible 
activities.\43\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \40\ Id.
    \41\ See IMS Letter 1, supra note 6, at 11.
    \42\ Id.
    \43\ See 3PM Letter, supra note 6, at 3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In response, FINRA states that it does not believe that the grace 
period during which a CAB may revert back to its prior non-CAB status 
should be lengthened.\44\ FINRA believes that 12 months will give CABs 
sufficient time to make the determination of whether this status works 
for a firm's business model. FINRA states that a CAB may still change 
its status to a full FINRA member firm after 12 months by filing a CMA. 
However, FINRA agrees that a CAB that determines to terminate its 
status as such and revert back to a non-CAB firm should be permitted to 
continue to operate as a CAB while its CMA or application to amend its 
membership agreement is pending, barring unusual circumstances.\45\ 
With respect to a grace period for impermissible activities, FINRA 
states that it does not believe it is necessary.\46\ FINRA believes 
that unintentional violations of the CAB rules are best handled through 
the examination and enforcement process on a case-by-case basis. FINRA 
believes it may be useful to provide additional guidance to CABs 
concerning the scope of permissible activities, and may do so through 
FAQs or other means.\47\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \44\ See FINRA Response, supra note 11, at 14.
    \45\ Id.
    \46\ Id.
    \47\ Id. at 19.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    After reviewing the CAB rules relating to the application of the 
FINRA By-laws and membership application process, the Commission 
believes that these rules are consistent with Section 15A(b)(6), in 
particular the requirements that FINRA's rules be reasonably designed 
to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote 
just and equitable principles of trade, and, in general, to protect 
investors and the public interest. In particular, given the limited 
activity of CABs, the Commission believes that it is reasonable for 
FINRA to provide a certain amount of flexibility through the use of the 
concept ``unless the context otherwise requires'' in the application of 
the By-laws and the definitions within the By-laws to CABs and the CAB 
Rules, so as to provide for a certain amount of flexibility if needed. 
The Commission notes that FINRA has committed to work with its members 
if interpretive issues arise. The Commission also believes it is 
reasonable for FINRA to provide for the same amount of time for 
approval of new CAB member applications as for non-CAB applications, to 
help ensure that FINRA

[[Page 57955]]

has sufficient time to engage in its new member application process. In 
addition, the Commission believes FINRA's determination that a one year 
grace period for a firm to revert back to full member status is 
reasonably designed to provide a sufficient amount of time for a firm 
to determine whether CAB status makes sense for the firm, while not 
providing too long of a period without requiring the protections of 
going through the full membership process.\48\ With respect to a grace 
period for impermissible activities, the Commission believes that it is 
appropriate for FINRA to address unintentional violations of the CAB 
rules through its examination and enforcement process on a case-by-case 
basis, and notes that FINRA states that it may provide additional 
guidance to CABs concerning the scope of permissible activities.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \48\ In response to another comment, the Commission notes that 
FINRA agrees that a CAB that determines to terminate its status as 
such and revert back to a non-CAB firm should be permitted to 
continue to operate as a CAB while its CMA or application to amend 
its membership agreement is pending, barring unusual circumstances.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Registration and Licensing

    The CAB Rule 100 Series incorporates various NASD rules relating to 
the registration and qualification examinations of principals and 
representatives associated with CABS. Thus CAB firm principals and 
representatives are subject to the same registration, qualification 
examinations, and continued requirements as that of non-CAB FINRA 
member firms. One commenter suggests that FINRA should establish new 
examinations specifically for the registered representatives and 
supervisory principals of CABs that would test only that subject matter 
relevant to the business of CABs.\49\ In response, FINRA states that it 
believes it is premature to establish new examinations at this point 
and may monitor the need in the future.\50\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \49\ See New York State Bar Association Letter, supra note 6, at 
2.
    \50\ See FINRA Response, supra note 11, at 27.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Two commenters request that FINRA clarify whether CABs may hold all 
registration and licenses previously attained by their associated 
persons, including Series 53, 4 and other licenses.\51\ One of these 
commenters also suggests that CABs should not be subject to FINRA Rule 
1230(b)(6) \52\ regarding Operations Professional registration because 
of the scope and nature of the examination.\53\ In addition, the other 
commenter suggests that FINRA should exempt a CAB CCO from FINRA's 
proposed requirement \54\ to obtain and maintain the Series 14 CCO 
license because of the broad and comprehensive scope of the proposed 
license.\55\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \51\ See 3PM, supra note 6, at 2 and Roth Letter, supra note 6, 
at 1.
    \52\ FINRA Rule 1230 requires that each of the following persons 
be registered with FINRA as an Operations Professional: (i) Senior 
management with direct responsibility over the covered functions 
under the Rule; (ii) Any person designated by senior management 
under the Rule as a supervisor, manager or other person responsible 
for approving or authorizing work, including work of other persons, 
in direct furtherance of each of the covered functions in the Rule, 
as applicable, provided that there is sufficient designation of such 
persons by senior management to address each of the applicable 
covered functions; and (iii) Persons with the authority or 
discretion materially to commit a member's capital in direct 
furtherance of the covered functions in the Rule or to commit a 
member to any material contract or agreement (written or oral) in 
direct furtherance of the covered functions in the Rule.
    \53\ See 3PM Letter, supra note 6, at 2.
    \54\ FINRA is separately considering a proposal to establish a 
new stand-alone registration category for compliance officers. 
Before it would implement such a proposal, FINRA would need to file 
a notice with the Commission, which would be subject to review and 
comment.
    \55\ See Roth Letter, supra note 6, at 1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In response, FINRA states that associated persons of CABs will only 
be permitted to retain registrations and licenses that are appropriate 
to their functions.\56\ FINRA notes that this standard applies to non-
CAB member firms as well as to CABs. Further, FINRA does not agree that 
CABs should be exempt from FINRA Rule 1230(b)(6).\57\ FINRA believes 
that many of the functions for which an Operations Professional is 
responsible apply to all types of broker-dealers, including CABs. For 
example, FINRA states that firm account management and reconciliation, 
maintaining a general ledger and treasury, and preparing and filing 
regulatory reports apply to CABs as well as other broker-dealers. 
Accordingly, FINRA declines to eliminate this requirement for CABs. 
FINRA also states that given that its contemplated proposal to put in 
place an examination for CCOs is still under review at FINRA, and 
subject to filing with the SEC, it is premature to exempt CABs from 
this proposal.\58\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \56\ See FINRA Response, supra note 11, at 15.
    \57\ Id.
    \58\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission believes that it is reasonable for FINRA to first 
assess the potential need for new examinations specific to CAB 
activities before determining whether such action is necessary or 
appropriate, particularly given that associated persons of CABs will be 
subject to existing FINRA examination requirements that apply to all 
members, including CABs, to the extent they apply to their CAB 
activities and functions. In this regard, the Commission agrees that it 
is reasonable to subject CABs to the FINRA operations professional 
registration rules, given that many of the functions for which an 
operations professional is responsible would apply to all types of 
FINRA member firms, including CABs. Likewise, the Commission believes 
that it is reasonable for FINRA to apply the same standard regarding 
the retention of licenses by associated persons to CAB member firms and 
non-CAB member firms. Thus, the Commission believes that the CAB 
registration and licensing rules are consistent with requirements in 
Section 15A(b)(6) of the Exchange Act that an association's rules be 
reasonably designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and 
practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, and, in 
general, to protect investors and the public interest.

C. Scope of CAB Permitted Activities

1. Secondary Market Transactions
    As initially filed with the Commission, FINRA's definition of a CAB 
in Rule 016(c) would have included, among the permissible activities of 
a CAB, ``qualifying, identifying, soliciting, or acting as a placement 
agent or finder with respect to institutional investors in connection 
with purchases or sales of unregistered securities.'' One commenter 
interpreted that description as including both primary issuances and 
secondary transactions in unregistered securities and requested that 
FINRA confirm the intent to include secondary transactions among the 
permitted activities of a CAB.\59\ Another commenter noted that the 
definition appears to permit CABs to act as agent in the purchase or 
sale of debt, equity and equity-linked instruments, and not solely one 
category of securities.\60\ One commenter supported the definition in 
its original form.\61\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \59\ See New York State Bar Association Letter, supra note 6, at 
2.
    \60\ See Q Advisors Letter, supra note 6, at 1.
    \61\ See 3PM Letter, supra note 6, at 1-2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Due to concerns that permitting CABs to act as agent in a wide 
array of secondary market transactions would be inconsistent with the 
purpose of its proposed rule set, FINRA subsequently amended proposed 
CAB Rule 016(c)(1)(F) to narrow the range of permitted secondary market 
activities.\62\

[[Page 57956]]

As amended, a CAB will be permitted to engage in qualifying, 
identifying, soliciting, or acting as a placement agent or finder (i) 
on behalf of an issuer in connection with a sale of newly-issued, 
unregistered securities to institutional investors or (ii) on behalf of 
an issuer or a control person in connection with a change of control of 
a privately-held company.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \62\ See Notice of Amendment No. 2, supra note 9, 81 FR at 
44372-44373. Prior to Amendment No. 2, FINRA also amended the scope 
in Amendment No. 1 to clarify that the definition of ``capital 
acquisition broker'' does not include any broker or dealer that 
effects securities transactions that would require the broker or 
dealer to report the transaction under the FINRA Rules 6300 Series, 
6400 Series, 6500 Series, 6600 Series, 6700 Series, 7300 Series or 
7400 Series. See Notice of Amendment No. 1, supra note 7, 80 FR at 
22333.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In response to Amendment No. 2, one commenter states its view that 
CAB Rule 016(c)(1)(F) should expressly permit CABs to engage in 
secondary market transactions.\63\ The commenter suggests that CABs 
should be permitted to sell subsequent to a private placement any 
securities that the CAB receives as compensation for acting as a 
placement agent in a private placement securities transaction. The 
commenter also recommends that CABs be permitted to act as agent to 
assist the owner of securities purchased in a private placement to sell 
them subsequent to such private placement. The commenter suggests that 
it is common for placement agents to receive compensation in the form 
of restricted stock, options or warrants, and for the owner of 
securities purchased in a private placement to desire sometime later to 
sell those securities in a private secondary market transaction. The 
commenter argues that, without its recommended changes, it is likely 
many firms will decline to elect CAB status due to fears of engaging in 
impermissible activities.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \63\ See SDR Letter, supra note 10, at 1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In response, FINRA states that it does not believe that proposed 
CAB Rule 016(c)(1)(F) should be amended. FINRA states that other 
provisions of the proposal that preceded the filing of Amendment No. 2 
would prohibit some of the activities that the commenter recommends. 
FINRA further explains that allowing a CAB to dispose of securities 
that it receives as compensation for placement agent services would 
likely be inconsistent with the prohibition on a CAB engaging in 
proprietary trading, and could be interpreted as allowing trading 
activities that do not fall within a CAB's business model. FINRA states 
that the definition of a CAB also prohibits a CAB from holding or 
handling customer funds or securities. To the extent that a CAB handles 
a customer's stock certificate as part of its services, a CAB could not 
act as agent on behalf of an owner who is disposing of privately placed 
securities. FINRA states that amending these various provisions to 
accommodate these activities at this time would not be prudent, 
particularly given the risk that these amendments would inadvertently 
allow some firms that do not fall within the intended business model to 
elect CAB status. FINRA states that it will consider proposed changes 
to the CAB rules after FINRA and the industry have gained experience 
with their application to CABs.

2. Prohibition on Private Securities Transactions

    One commenter objects to CAB Rule 328 (Prohibition on Private 
Securities Transactions) \64\ on the grounds that a CAB should be 
permitted to set its own policies to supervise private securities 
transactions.\65\ Another commenter suggests that FINRA revise CAB Rule 
328 to allow: (1) The investment advisory activities of associated 
persons of CABs who are also employees or supervised persons of an 
investment adviser registered with the SEC or a state (``RIA''); and 
(2) associated persons of CABs to be employees of a bank or trust 
company engaged in securities or advisory activities that a bank may 
engage in pursuant to the exceptions from the definition of broker or 
dealer in Exchange Act Sections 3(a)(4) or (5) or Regulation R.\66\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \64\ CAB Rule 328 prohibits persons associated with a CAB from 
participating in any manner in a private securities transaction as 
defined in FINRA Rule 3280(e).
    \65\ See IMS Letter 1, supra note 6.
    \66\ See New York State Bar Association Letter, supra note 6, at 
3-4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In response, FINRA states that it does not agree that CAB Rule 328 
should be revised to allow activities to be engaged in by associated 
persons in their capacities as RIA or bank employees, nor does it 
believe CABs should be allowed to supervise private securities 
transactions as a business decision.\67\ FINRA notes that CABs will 
engage only in a limited range of institutional securities activities, 
generally involving either advice to companies and issuers regarding 
private equity or merger and acquisition transactions, or acting as 
agent on behalf of an issuer in connection with a sale of newly-issued, 
unregistered securities to institutional investors or on behalf of an 
issuer or a control person in connection with a change of control of a 
privately-held company.\68\ Given the limited nature of CABs' 
permissible business activities, FINRA believes that CABs generally 
will not be well positioned to supervise and keep records of private 
securities transactions, particularly if a CAB employee conducted 
business with retail investors through an RIA or bank. Accordingly, 
FINRA believes that the prohibitions in Rule 328 should remain as 
proposed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \67\ See FINRA Response, supra note 11, at 23.
    \68\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Prohibition on CABs Chaperoning Foreign Broker-Dealers
    One commenter suggests that FINRA should allow CABs to chaperone 
foreign associated persons under Exchange Act Rule 15a-6, since other 
broker-dealers that are subject to a $5,000 net capital requirement are 
permitted to engage in this activity.\69\ In response, FINRA states 
that it does not agree that CABs should be permitted to engage in 
chaperoning activities under Exchange Act Rule 15a-6.\70\ FINRA notes 
that the CAB rule set did not contemplate that CABs will engage in 
these activities, and FINRA does not believe that most firms that would 
consider registering as a CAB currently engage in them. As such, FINRA 
declines to make this change.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \69\ See IMS Letter 1, supra note 6, at 3-4.
    \70\ See FINRA Response, supra note 11, at 6.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Permitted Activities With Institutional Investors
    One commenter suggests that the definition of a CAB is problematic 
because it allows CABs to provide services only to institutional 
investors as defined by the proposal, which it believes is too 
restrictive.\71\ Two commenters also object to the definition of 
institutional investor because it does not include accredited investors 
as defined under Securities Act Regulation D.\72\ Noting that FINRA had 
stated it purposefully did not propose to define ``institutional 
investor'' to include accredited investors due to serious concerns with 
the manner in which firms market and sell private placements to 
accredited investors, one of these commenters recommends that FINRA 
should address any potential sales practice problems by incorporating 
any other rules needed for this purpose, rather than prohibiting the 
solicitation of accredited investors.\73\ Another commenter suggests 
that FINRA consider lowering the threshold for institutional investors 
preferably to $5 million or less.\74\ This commenter also suggests that 
many issuers may have less than $50 million in assets but are otherwise 
sophisticated, knowledgeable and advised by competent attorneys.\75\
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    \71\ See IMS Letter 1, supra note 6, at 7-8.
    \72\ See id. See also Achates Letter, supra note 6 at 1.
    \73\ See Achates Letter, supra note 6, at 1.
    \74\ See Intellivest Letter, supra note 6, at 1.
    \75\ Id.

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[[Page 57957]]

    In addition to institutional investors, one commenter suggests that 
FINRA permit CAB transactions with certain other categories of persons, 
specifically: (1) A ``knowledgeable employee'' as defined in Investment 
Company Act Rule 3c-5, except that for purposes of the institutional 
investor definition, ``covered company'' would mean either the CAB or 
the issuer of the securities sold in the transaction; and (2) a person 
designated by the issuer of the securities sold in the transaction, 
provided that the CAB did not solicit the person or make a 
recommendation to the person with respect to purchase of the 
securities.\76\ Another commenter also requests a de minimis and/or 
knowledgeable employee exemption to allow for one-off capital-raises 
(under various scenarios where accredited individuals working at 
alternative investment firms and the funds they manage or other closely 
affiliated individuals desire to invest) without violating the CAB 
rules.\77\ This commenter also states that there may be circumstances 
where the issuer wishes to sell securities to persons who would not 
otherwise qualify as institutional investors, but wants the transaction 
to be effected by the CAB.\78\ In addition, the commenter suggests that 
CAB rules should not prohibit sales to those categories of persons, 
since the usual concerns about suitability determinations and content 
of communications by member firms to retail investors will not 
apply.\79\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \76\ See New York State Bar Association Letter, supra note 6, at 
3-4.
    \77\ See Coronado Letter, supra note 6, at 1.
    \78\ Id.
    \79\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In response, FINRA states that the term ``institutional investor'' 
is relevant only with respect to CAB Rule 016(c)(1)(F), which permits 
CABs to qualify, identify, solicit or act as placement agent or finder 
on behalf of an issuer in connection with a sale of newly-issued, 
unregistered securities to institutional investors or on behalf of an 
issuer or control person in connection with a change of control of a 
privately-held company.\80\ FINRA notes that CABs may provide a wide 
array of negotiation, consulting and advisory services to issuers, 
companies and their owners without regard to whether these parties fall 
within the definition of institutional investor pursuant to CAB Rule 
016(c)(1)(A) through (E).\81\ In addition, CABs are permitted to effect 
securities transactions on behalf of accredited investors that do not 
meet the definition of institutional investor in transactions involving 
the transfer of control of a business or company, as permitted by an 
SEC rule, release or no-action letter, pursuant to CAB Rule 
016(c)(1)(G).\82\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \80\ See FINRA Response, supra note 11, at 7.
    \81\ Id. at 10.
    \82\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    By adding qualified purchasers to the definition of ``institutional 
investor,'' FINRA states that its proposal permits CABs to solicit 
investors that have at least $5 million in investments pursuant to CAB 
Rule 016(c)(1)(F).\83\ However, FINRA states that it does not believe 
it is either necessary or appropriate to extend the definition to 
include accredited investors who have less than $5 million in 
investments, since those investors may not have the requisite 
investment acumen or financial means to understand or assume the risks 
associated with investments sold by CABs.\84\ FINRA believes that the 
CAB rule set is not an appropriate model for the broader, more retail, 
private placement marketplace, given that investors in the private 
placement market have been harmed by widespread fraud and abuse in 
recent years.\85\ In addition, FINRA notes that the SEC is also looking 
at whether the definition of accredited investor should be revised.\86\ 
Moreover, FINRA states that expanding the definition of ``institutional 
investor'' to include accredited investors would be substantially 
inconsistent with similar definitions of ``institutional investor'' or 
``institutional account'' in other FINRA Rules.\87\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \83\ See id. at 10-11 and Investment Company Act of 1940 Sec.  
2(a)(51) (``Investment Company Act'').
    \84\ See FINRA Response, supra note 11, at 10-11.
    \85\ FINRA states that it has many formal investigations 
involving broker-dealer conduct in private placements. In 2015, 
FINRA conducted over 650 reviews involving private placements from 
sources including customer complaints, tips, referrals, and firm 
filings. FINRA states that approximately 100 of these matters are 
currently open and under review, and that it has recently settled 
many cases regarding private placements. FINRA states that it has 
brought multiple cases against firms that participated in these 
offerings and their relevant employees. Further, FINRA also states 
that state securities regulators also are bringing many enforcement 
cases involving private placements. FINRA notes that NASAA reported 
that in 2014, Regulation D offerings were the second most frequently 
investigated matters as reported by states. In addition, FINRA 
states that the SEC has settled cases involving fraud or abuse in 
the private placement market. FINRA states, for example, that in 
July 2009, the SEC brought actions involving two high-profile 
private placements, Medical Capital Holdings Inc. and Provident 
Royalties LLC. SEC v. Provident Royalties, LLC., SEC Litigation 
Release No. 21118, 2009 SEC LEXIS 2241 (July 7, 2009); SEC v. 
Medical Capital Holdings, Inc., SEC Litigation Release No. 21141, 
2009 SEC LEXIS 2390 (July 20, 2009). See FINRA Response, supra note 
11, at 11-12.
    \86\ See U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Report on the 
Review of the Definition of ``Accredited Investor'' (December 18, 
2015), available at www.sec.gov.
    \87\ See, e.g., FINRA Rules 2210(a)(4) and 4512(c).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For these reasons, FINRA also does not believe it is appropriate at 
this time to revise the definition of institutional investor to include 
knowledgeable employees as that term is defined in Investment Company 
Act Rule 3c-5, as suggested by one commenter.\88\ FINRA states that it 
may consider revising this definition at a later date, depending on the 
need to expand it, as well as CABs' investment activities.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \88\ See FINRA Response, supra note 11, at 12.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    FINRA believes that any firm that wishes to engage in private 
placement activities beyond that contemplated for CABs should be 
registered as a non-CAB broker-dealer and be subject to all FINRA 
rules, not just the more limited rule set applicable to CABs.\89\ For 
example, FINRA believes that non-CAB rules that are more oriented to 
business conducted with retail investors, such as FINRA Rule 2210 
(Communications with the Public) should apply to these types of private 
placement firms, rather than the CAB rules.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \89\ Id. at 12-13.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission believes that it is reasonable and consistent with 
the protection of investors and the public interest for FINRA to limit 
the permitted activities of CABs in the manner discussed above, given 
the stated purpose of its proposal and the limited rule set that is 
applicable to CABs. Specifically, FINRA states in the Notice of Filing 
that it is proposing a separate rule set that would apply to firms that 
it describes as those that are ``solely corporate financing firms that 
advise companies on mergers and acquisitions, advise issuers on raising 
debt and equity capital in private placements with institutional 
investors, or provide advisory services on a consulting basis to 
companies that need assistance analyzing their strategic and financial 
alternatives.'' \90\ In this context, FINRA's CAB rules, which are more 
streamlined than the full FINRA rule set, are designed to provide 
appropriate flexibility and investor protection in the context of a 
CAB's limited permissible activities.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \90\ Notice of Filing, supra note 3, 80 FR at 79969.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

D. Conduct Rules

    As detailed above in Section II.C., the CAB rule set imposes a 
streamlined set of conduct rules on CABS. One such rule, CAB Rule 209, 
states in part that a CAB must use reasonable diligence to know and 
retain the essential facts concerning a customer.\91\ The facts

[[Page 57958]]

essential to knowing the customer include those required to effectively 
service the customer's account and understand the authority of each 
person acting on behalf of the customer. With respect to this CAB rule, 
one commenter requests clarification of FINRA's statement that ``[i]t 
also recognizes that a CAB or its associated person may look to an 
institutional investor's agent if the investor is represented by an 
agent.'' \92\ Specifically, this commenter requests clarification as to 
what ``look to'' requires and whether this can be interpreted to mean 
that a CAB's responsibility under CAB Rule 209 is limited to learning 
the essential facts of the agent.\93\ Another commenter also seeks 
clarification as to whether a CAB's responsibility under CAB Rule 209 
is limited to learning the essential facts of the agent.\94\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \91\ See FINRA Response, supra note 11, at 16-17.
    \92\ See 3PM Letter, supra note 6, at 2-3.
    \93\ Id.
    \94\ See Roth Letter, supra note 6, at 1-2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In response, FINRA states that it recognizes that firms that elect 
CAB status often will be dealing with customers that are represented by 
agents, and that CAB Rule 209 contemplates situations in which a 
customer is represented by an agent.\95\ For example, CAB Rule 209 
states in part that the facts essential to knowing the customer are 
those required to effectively service the customer's account and 
understand the authority of each person acting on behalf of a 
customer.\96\ FINRA also states that the type of information necessary 
to satisfy the requirements of CAB Rule 209 will depend on the facts 
and circumstances. FINRA explains that the FINRA Rule 2090 ``know your 
customer'' obligation is flexible and that the extent of the obligation 
generally should depend on a particular firm's business model, its 
customers, and applicable regulations,\97\ and that this same 
flexibility applies to CAB Rule 209, which is modeled on FINRA Rule 
2090. Furthermore, FINRA notes that although a CAB must understand, 
inter alia, the essential facts about a customer that are necessary to 
effectively service the customer's account and the authority of each 
person acting on behalf of the customer, the rule does not prescribe 
the exact information that should be assessed or the process by which 
it should be obtained. Depending on the facts and circumstances, FINRA 
states that a CAB could comply with CAB Rule 209 by reasonably relying 
on the assistance of a customer's agent in obtaining the essential 
facts about the customer.\98\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \95\ See FINRA Response, supra note 11, at 17.
    \96\ Id. at 17-18.
    \97\ See Exchange Act Release No. 62718 (Aug. 13, 2010), 75 FR 
52562 (Aug. 26, 2010) (Notice of Filing of File No. SR-FINRA-2010-
039).
    \98\ See FINRA Response, supra note 11, at 18.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    CAB Rule 211 states that a CAB or an associated person of a CAB 
must have a reasonable basis to believe that a recommended transaction 
or investment strategy (as defined in FINRA Rule 2111) involving a 
security or securities is suitable for the customer, based on the 
information obtained through the reasonable diligence of the broker or 
associated person to ascertain the customer's investment profile. CAB 
Rule 211 specifies that a CAB or associated person fulfills this 
customer-specific suitability obligation for an institutional investor, 
if: (1) The broker or associated person has a reasonable basis to 
believe that the institutional investor is capable of evaluating 
investment risks independently, both in general and with regard to 
particular transactions and investment strategies involving a security 
or securities; and (2) the institutional investor affirmatively 
indicates that it is exercising independent judgment in evaluating the 
broker's or associated person's recommendations. CAB Rule 211 also 
states in part that, where an institutional investor has delegated 
decision-making authority to an agent, such as an investment adviser or 
a bank trust department, the factors in determining whether a CAB has a 
reasonable basis to believe that the institutional investor is capable 
of evaluating investment risks independently and indicates that it is 
exercising independent judgment apply to the agent rather than to the 
investor.
    One commenter generally agrees with CAB Rule 211, but believes that 
the rule fails by requiring the suitability analyses to be performed 
before any recommendation is made.\99\ The commenter believes that the 
rule does not recognize that the process of diligence is ongoing, in 
many cases can take several months to several years before an 
investment decision is made, and often does not, and should not 
conclude until the deal is closed. The commenter believes that Rule 211 
should emphasize this point and encourage registered representatives to 
periodically review their suitability analysis throughout the offering 
process, but no less frequently than once before the subscription 
agreement or relevant contract is signed and due diligence is as 
complete as it can be at that particular time.\100\ In response, FINRA 
states that FINRA Rule 2111 applies the suitability rule on a 
recommendation-by-recommendation basis. FINRA explains that it is 
important to emphasize that the rule's focus is on whether the 
recommendation was suitable when it was made.\101\ A recommendation to 
hold securities, maintain an investment strategy involving securities 
or use another investment strategy involving securities--as with a 
recommendation to purchase, sell or exchange securities--normally would 
not create an ongoing duty to monitor and make subsequent 
recommendations. Likewise, CAB Rule 211 would not create an ongoing 
duty to monitor and make subsequent recommendations.\102\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \99\ See 3PM Letter, supra note 6, at 3.
    \100\ Id.
    \101\ See FINRA Response, supra note 11, at 18.
    \102\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Two commenters request that FINRA clarify what it meant when it 
said that a CAB may look to an institutional investor's agent for 
suitability.\103\ One of those commenters suggests that FINRA should 
recognize that a CAB may not have access to some information about an 
investor, particularly where the investor is represented by an agent. 
As an example, the commenter posits that a CAB may have little 
information about an investor's overall investment portfolio. The 
commenter requests that FINRA clarify how CAB Rule 211 would apply in 
these circumstances. In particular, the commenter recommends that the 
proposed rules address some type of minimum compliance standards that 
would be appropriate to these situations, and that a demonstrable best 
efforts basis may be a satisfactory alternative in such instances.\104\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \103\ See Roth Letter, supra note 6, at 1 and 3PM Letter, supra 
note 6, at 3.
    \104\ See 3PM Letter, supra note 6, at 3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As noted, FINRA recognizes that CABs often will be dealing with 
customers represented by agents, and CAB Rule 211 contemplates such 
situations. FINRA emphasizes that CAB Rule 211 states in part that, 
where an institutional investor has delegated decision-making authority 
to an agent, such as an investment adviser or a bank trust department, 
the factors in determining whether a CAB has a reasonable basis to 
believe that the institutional investor is capable of evaluating 
investment risks independently and indicates that it is exercising 
independent judgment apply to the agent rather than to the 
investor.\105\ Thus, FINRA does not believe it would be appropriate to 
suggest minimum compliance standards in situations in which a CAB may 
have limited information about a

[[Page 57959]]

customer.\106\ FINRA states that determining the ``essential facts'' 
needed to effectively service a customer's account and the information 
necessary to form a reasonable basis to believe that a recommendation 
is suitable for a non-institutional customer or that an institutional 
customer (or its agent) is capable of evaluating investment risks 
independently will always vary depending on the facts and 
circumstances.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \105\ See FINRA Response, supra note 11, at 18.
    \106\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    FINRA's CAB rules do not apply FINRA Rules 2121 (Fair Prices and 
Commissions), 2122 (Charges for Services Performed), and 2124 (Net 
Transactions with Customers) to CABs. FINRA does state, however, that 
depending on the facts, CAB Rule 201 (Standards of Commercial Honor and 
Principles of Trade) may apply in situations in which a CAB charged a 
commission or fee that clearly is unreasonable under the circumstances. 
One commenter states its view that applying CAB Rule 201, which is 
modeled on FINRA Rule 2010, may lead to interpretive issues when a CAB 
charges a commission or fee that clearly is unreasonable under the 
circumstances.\107\ In response, FINRA states that it does not agree 
that the CAB rule set will create an interpretive issue in situations 
where a CAB charges unreasonable commissions.\108\ Specifically, FINRA 
explains that it will apply the principles of CAB Rule 201 in the same 
manner as it currently interprets FINRA Rule 2010. Should interpretive 
issues arise with regard to the application of CAB Rule 201 to CAB 
commissions or fees, FINRA is open to further discussion of any 
specific interpretive issues should the context arise, and would 
consider whether any further rulemaking in this area is necessary.\109\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \107\ See IMS Letter 1, supra note 6, at 12 and IMS Letter 2, 
supra note 6, at 4-6.
    \108\ See FINRA Response, supra note 11, at 16.
    \109\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission believes that the CAB conduct rules are consistent 
with Section 15A(b)(6) of the Exchange Act in that they are reasonably 
designed to take into account the limited permissible activities of 
CABs, while still addressing the protection of investors and the public 
interest. The Commission also believes that FINRA has appropriately 
responded to comments regarding the proposed CAB conduct rules to 
clarify their scope and purpose. In this regard, we note that FINRA 
indicates that, depending on the facts, CAB Rule 201 (Standards of 
Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade) may apply in situations in 
which a CAB charges a commission or fee that clearly is unreasonable 
under the circumstances. We also note that FINRA clarifies that a CAB 
could comply with CAB Rule 209 (Know Your Customer) by reasonably 
relying on the assistance of a customer's agent in obtaining the 
essential facts about the customer, and that CAB Rule 211 (Suitability) 
contemplates situations where a CAB will be dealing with customers 
represented by agents for which such suitability determinations will 
vary depending on the facts and circumstances.

E. Supervisory Procedures and Cybersecurity

    As detailed above in Section II.D., the CAB Rule 300 Series 
establishes a limited set of supervisory rules for CABs. FINRA states 
that the CAB supervisory rules are designed to streamline the 
requirements applicable to CABs where doing so does not hinder investor 
protection, and that doing so will provide flexibility to CABs to 
tailor their supervisory structure to their business model, which is 
limited in scope of permissible activities.\110\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \110\ Id. at 20.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    One commenter states its view that requirements related to 
supervisory procedures for supervisors should not be required for 
CABs.\111\ This commenter also recommends that FINRA clarify its 
expectations with respect to email review.\112\ Specifically, the 
commenter suggests that the rules should note that expectations for 
email review should be tailored according to the CAB's business and 
that such expectations will not be as stringent as those for broker-
dealers engaged in non-CAB activities.\113\ In response, FINRA states 
that CAB Rule 311 incorporates by reference FINRA Rule 3110(b)(4), 
which requires members to adopt procedures for the review of incoming 
and outgoing written (including electronic) correspondence and internal 
communications relating to a member's investment banking business.\114\ 
FINRA states that the supervisory procedures must be appropriate for 
the member's business, size, structure and customers.\115\ FINRA 
believes that these standards offer the flexibility that the commenter 
seeks, since they recognize that the procedures may be tailored based 
on a firm's business, size, structure and customers.\116\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \111\ See Foreside Letter, supra note 6, at 1.
    \112\ Id.
    \113\ Id.
    \114\ See FINRA Response, supra note 11, at 20.
    \115\ Id.
    \116\ One commenter requests that the SEC work with the 
appropriate authorities to revisit the anti-money laundering 
responsibilities of CABs and consider requiring other U.S. 
registered entities (such as registered investment advisers) to 
share certain data with FINRA member firms so that all registered 
participants may satisfy their respective compliance obligations in 
the most complete and accurate manner possible. In addition, this 
commenter seeks clarification as to whether CABs, as registered 
broker-dealers, may rely on previous SEC staff anti-money laundering 
guidance. See 3PM Letter, supra note 6.
    In response, FINRA states that because the Bank Secrecy Act 
imposes AML obligations on all broker-dealers, FINRA does not 
believe it has the authority to exempt CABs from the requirements to 
adopt and implement an AML program. To the extent commenters are 
making suggestions directly to the SEC staff, FINRA states that it 
is willing to work with the Commission staff if asked. The 
Commission also notes that CABs, as registered broker-dealers, may 
rely on previous SEC staff guidance, if applicable to their anti-
money laundering requirements and activities.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Also as discussed above in Section II.E, FINRA has not applied 
FINRA Rule 4370, which requires FINRA members to maintain a business 
continuity plan, to CABs. One commenter recommends that FINRA clarify 
the expectations of CABs with respect to cybersecurity.\117\ 
Specifically, while the proposal suggests that a CAB would not be 
required to have a business continuity plan, the commenter suggests 
that the final rules include a requirement to have appropriate 
cybersecurity/information security programs in place, tailored to the 
CAB's business.\118\ In response, FINRA states that it is not applying 
the business continuity plan requirements of FINRA Rule 4370, given 
that, among other things, a CAB may not hold, manage, possess, or 
otherwise handle customer funds or securities. FINRA, however, 
recognizes that CABs are broker-dealers, and FINRA states that it will 
monitor, as part of FINRA's examination and surveillance process, the 
development and operation of CABs' business to identify emergency or 
business disruptions at CABs that affect the ability of the members to 
meet their existing obligations to investors and issuers. FINRA will 
use these efforts to assist in assessing whether additional rulemaking 
in this area is required.\119\ Likewise, FINRA will examine a CAB's 
operations to determine compliance with all applicable SEC rules.\120\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \117\ See Foreside Letter, supra note 6, at 1.
    \118\ Id.
    \119\ See FINRA Response, supra note 11, at 20-21.
    \120\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission believes that CAB rules are reasonably designed to 
provide flexibility to CABs to structure their business, including 
their supervisory and cybersecurity policies and procedures, while 
providing for

[[Page 57960]]

protection of investors and the public interest, in the context of the 
limited permitted activities of CABs. Although FINRA is providing 
flexibility to CABs, we note that FINRA states that a CAB's supervisory 
procedures must be appropriate for the member's business, size, 
structure and customers, and that FINRA will monitor, as part of its 
examination and surveillance process, the development and operation of 
CABs' business to identify emergency or business disruptions at CABs 
that affect the ability of the members to meet their existing 
obligations to investors and issuers. Accordingly, the Commission 
believes that the proposed rule change is reasonably designed to 
prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just 
and equitable principles of trade, and, in general, to protect 
investors and the public interest consistent with Section 15A(b)(6) of 
the Exchange Act.

IV. Conclusion

    For the reasons discussed above, the Commission finds that the rule 
change, as modified by Amendment Nos. 1 and 2, is consistent with the 
Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, in particular 
with Section 15A(b)(6) of the Exchange Act, which requires in part that 
FINRA's rules be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts 
and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, and, 
in general, to protect investors and the public interest.\121\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \121\ See 15 U.S.C. 78o-3(b)(6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    It Is Therefore Ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the 
Act,\122\ that the rule change, SR-FINRA-2015-054, as modified by 
Amendment Nos. 1 and 2, be, and hereby is, approved.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \122\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
    \123\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\123\
Robert Errett,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-20211 Filed 8-23-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P