Document ID: SEC-2017-0028-0001
Agency: sec
Document Type: Notice
Title: Self-Regulatory Organizations; Proposed Rule Changes: NASDAQ PHLX, LLC
Posted Date: 2017-01-09T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 5 (Monday, January 9, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2418-2425]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-00100]

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-79724; File No. SR-Phlx-2016-105]

Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ PHLX LLC; Notice of Filing 
of Proposed Rule Change To Amend Rules 501, 507, 508, 510, and 511

January 3, 2017.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that 
on December 21, 2016, NASDAQ PHLX LLC (``Phlx'' or the ``Exchange'') 
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'' or 
``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, 
and III below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The 
Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the 
proposed rule change from interested persons.
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 501 (Specialist Appointment), 
Rule 507 (Application for Approval as an SQT, RSQT, or RSQTO and 
Assignment in Options), Rule 508 (Transfer Application), Rule 510 (SQT 
and RSQT Performance Evaluation), and Rule 511 (Specialist Allocation 
and Performance Evaluation).\3\ The proposed amendments are described 
further below.
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    \3\ References to rules are to Phlx rules unless otherwise 
noted. The terms SQT, RSQT, RSQTO, and Specialist are discussed 
below.
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    The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's 
Web site at http://nasdaqphlx.cchwallstreet.com/, at the principal 
office of the Exchange, and at the Commission's Public Reference Room.

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

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

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

1. Purpose
    The Exchange proposes to amend: (1) Rule 501 to delete a reference 
to a back-up specialist; (2) Rule 507 to: Update the reference to 
``Board'' to permit the Board to appoint a panel; update the 
composition of the review committee; and update the reference to Rule 
510; (3) Rule 508 to delete the reference to ``lease'' and the cross-
reference to Rule 511; (4) Rule 510 to re-entitle the rule ``Good 
Standing for Specialist, SQT, and RSQT,'' \4\ and add relevant good 
standing language, and appeal rights; and (5) Rule 511 to delete the 
rule.
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    \4\ ``Specialist'' is an Exchange member who is registered as an 
options specialist pursuant to Rule 1020(a). ``Remote Specialist'' 
is a specialist that does not have a physical presence on the floor 
of the Exchange. Streaming quote trader (``SQT'') and remote 
streaming quote trader (``RSQT'') are electronic traders on the 
Exchange pursuant to Rule 1014(b)(ii)(A) and Rule 1014(b)(ii)(B), 
respectively.
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    Rules 501, 507, 508, 510, and 511 are part of the 500 series of 
rules in the Rules of the Exchange (the ``Series 500 Rules''), which 
are entitled ``Allocation, SQT, RSQT, and Evaluation Rules (Rule 500-
599).'' \5\ Many Series 500 Rules were established more than three 
decades ago with the advent of options trading on the Exchange,\6\ at 
which time Exchange options trading was strictly on-floor open outcry 
through specialists. Exchange options trading has, since that time, 
developed into a robust hybrid system that is currently largely 
electronic and off-floor \7\ but continues to have an on-floor 
specialist \8\ and an open outcry trading floor. The Exchange is now 
updating and modernizing the Series 500 Rules as discussed below.\9\
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    \5\ These Series 500 Rules apply to Exchange members that trade 
options. The Exchange continues to have a hybrid options floor, but 
no longer has an equities floor or a commodities floor.
    \6\ For example, Rules 501, 505, and 506, were adopted on a 
pilot basis in 1982. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 18975 
(August 17, 1982), 47 FR 37019 (August 24, 1982) (approval order 
regarding pilot in respect of Rules 501-506 and authorizing the Phlx 
Allocation, Evaluation and Securities Committee, which no longer 
exists). See also Securities Exchange Act Release No. 18975 (August 
17, 1982), 47 FR 37019 (August 24, 1982) (SR-Phlx-81-1) (approval 
order regarding Rules 100, 201, 203 and 214 in combination with 
Rules 500 through 505). Rules 500, 501, 505, 506, 508, 511, 515, 
520, 522, 523, 525, and 526 (of which Rules 500, 515, 516, 520, 522, 
523, 525, and 526 no longer exist) were permanently approved in 
1991. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 29369 (June 26, 1991), 
56 FR 30604 (July 3, 1991) (SR-Phlx-87-42) (order granting permanent 
approval). Rule 507 was adopted in 2004. See Securities Exchange Act 
Release No. 50100 (July 27, 2004), 69 FR 46612 (August 3, 2004) (SR-
Phlx-2003-59) (order granting approval). Rule 510 was adopted in 
2007. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 55080 (January 10, 
2007), 72 FR 2324 (January 18, 2007) (SR-Phlx-2006-51) (order 
granting approval). The Exchange has filed a separate proposal 
regarding two of the rules in the Series 500 Rules, namely Rules 505 
and 506. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 77121 (February 11, 
2016), 81 FR 8308 (February 18, 2016) (SR-Phlx-2016-22) (notice of 
filing and immediate effectiveness to delete Rule 505 and update 
Rule 506).
    \7\ Electronic traders include Registered Options Traders or 
``ROTs,'' that are Streaming Quote Traders or ``SQTs'', Remote 
Streaming Quote Traders or ``RSQTs,'' as well as off-floor 
specialists (Remote Specialists) (collectively ``market makers''). 
See Rules 1014(b)(ii)(A), 1014(b)(ii)(B), and 1020.
    \8\ Unlike specialists, Remote Specialists do not have a 
physical presence on the floor of the Exchange. Rule 1020.
    \9\ While the vast majority of options-related rules are found 
in Rule 1000 and higher (with option index rules found in Rule 1000A 
and higher), some of the older options-related rules are, as 
discussed, in the Series 500 Rules.
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Updating Rule 501
    The Exchange proposes in Rule 501 to delete the reference to a 
back-up specialist.
    Currently, Rule 501 states that initial application(s) to become a 
specialist unit shall include information regarding the specialist, 
back-up specialist unit and a substitute specialist unit. With the 
development of liquidity-enhancing electronic market makers on the 
Exchange such as RSQTs, which make markets in the same options issues 
as specialists, and the diminution of the

[[Page 2419]]

role that the specialist plays in managing the order book on the 
Exchange, both a back-up specialist and substitute specialist are no 
longer needed.\10\ Therefore, obsolete language in Rule 501 in respect 
of back-up specialists, which includes Commentary .01 to Rule 501, is 
proposed to be deleted from Rule 501. All of the other initial 
application requirements of Rule 501, which include the following 
information, remain unchanged: The identity of the individual who will 
act as head specialist and as assistant specialist(s) in the unit; the 
identity of the unit's staff positions and who will occupy those 
positions; the identity of a substitute specialist unit not associated 
with the specialist unit, which shall serve as a substitute specialist 
unit in the event that the specialist unit is unable to perform the 
duties of a specialist; the unit's clearing arrangements; and the 
unit's capital structure, including any lines of credit.\11\
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    \10\ The function of a back-up specialist unit not associated 
with the specialist unit, as in current Rule 501(b), is for one 
specialist unit on the floor to provide staffing when needed to 
another specialist unit on the floor. Because multiple specialist 
units are no longer present on the floor, the back-up function is no 
longer feasible. Moreover, as discussed below, the specialist unit 
must clearly indicate its staffing to the Exchange, and the 
substitute specialist requirement continues unchanged.
    \11\ Rule 501(a) and (b).
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Updating Rule 507
    The Exchange proposes in Rule 507 to update the reference to 
``Board,'' update the composition of the review committee, and update 
the reference to Rule 510.
    First, Rule 507(a) currently states that the Board has the ability 
to perform functions such as deferring or limiting approval of SQTs or 
RSQTs. The Exchange proposes to replace the role of the Board with 
Exchange staff. The Exchange may therefore defer, for a period to be 
determined in the Exchange's discretion, approval of qualifying 
applications for SQT or RSQT status pending any action required to 
address the issue of concern to the Exchange. The Exchange's Membership 
department \12\ may not defer a determination of the approval of the 
application of any SQT or RSQT applicant or place any limitation(s) on 
access to the Exchange's electronic quoting and trading system on any 
SQT or RSQT applicant unless the basis for such limitation(s) or 
deferral have been objectively determined by the Exchange, subject to 
Securities and Exchange Commission approval or effectiveness pursuant 
to a rule change filing under Section 19(b) of the Securities Exchange 
Act of 1934, as amended. The Exchange shall provide written 
notification to any SQT or RSQT applicant whose application is the 
subject of such limitation(s) or deferral, describing the objective 
basis for such limitation(s) or deferral. The Exchange believes that 
this change will help with the administration and application of Rule 
507. Also, there is an appeal to the Board from any action of Exchange 
staff within Rule 507(e).
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    \12\ Applications for SQTs and RSQTs would be reviewed by the 
Membership department. Today, the Exchange's Membership Department 
review applications for membership to Phlx for both equities and 
options members.
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    Second, Rule 507(e) currently states that an appeal to the Board 
from a decision of the Exchange regarding an SQT, RSQT, or RSQTO \13\ 
application may be requested by a member or member organization; and 
that such appeal shall be heard by a special committee of the Board 
composed of three (3) Directors, at least one of whom will be 
Independent. In light of and commensurate with the first proposed Rule 
507 change regarding the Board, the Exchange proposes to state that any 
appeal from a decision pursuant to Rule 507 may be heard by the Board 
or a panel appointed by the Board (``Board Panel'') composed of three 
(3) members not materially involved in the Exchange decision appealed 
from; \14\ and that, as now, there shall be no appeal to the Board from 
a decision of the Board Panel. If a Board Panel is appointed by the 
Board, three persons shall be selected to serve on the Board Panel and 
in making such selections the Board shall choose individuals whose 
background, experience and training qualify them to consider and make 
determinations regarding the subject matter to be presented to the 
Board Panel. The Exchange notes that references to ``special 
committee'' will now refer to ``Board'' or ``Board Panel'' with this 
proposal. The Board Panel shall consist of two members of the Exchange, 
or general partners or officers of member organizations and one other 
person that would qualify as a public member as defined in Article I of 
the By-Laws, whom the Board considers to be qualified.
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    \13\ ``RSQTO'' is a Remote Streaming Quote Trader Organization 
with up to five affiliated RSQTs. Rule 507(a).
    \14\ The language stating that one of the Board members shall be 
an Independent is proposed to be deleted. The Exchange believes that 
this is proper as the ``Independent'' label is now a distinction 
with little, if any, effect. Whereas the vast majority of Phlx Board 
members were not Independent when Rule 507 was put into place and 
the Exchange was a membership corporation, and application of the 
Independent label may have made sense under those circumstances, the 
composition of the Phlx Board has radically changed since Phlx 
became a subsidiary of a public company, Nasdaq, Inc., in 2008. The 
By-Laws of the Exchange now provide that the Exchange may have 
Public Directors, Non-Industry Directors, and Industry Directors; 
and that Industry Directors may include no more than two officers of 
the Exchange, selected at the sole discretion of the Board, which 
may serve in the role of Staff Director (not Independent). Phlx By-
Laws Article I. See also Securities Exchange Act Release No. 77165 
(February 17, 2016), 81 FR 9041 (February 23, 2016) (SR-BSECC-2015-
002; SR-SCCP-2015-02; SR-BX-2015-085; SR-NASDAQ-2015-160; SR-Phlx-
2015-113) (order granting approval). Now, all but one of the twelve 
members on the Phlx Board are Independent (the only exception being 
one Staff Board member who is an officer of the Exchange). Thus, in 
light of the composition of the Phlx Board, which has one Staff 
Board member, only one of the three Directors on the special 
committee discussed in current Rule 507 could even possibly be not 
Independent; and, by Phlx By-Laws no more than two Directors could 
ever be not Independent. The Exchange believes that, distinct from 
the Independent criteria, the ability of the Board to appoint a 
panel as proposed will serve to enhance the ability to quickly 
assemble a panel in case of potential appeal, if one occurs. The 
Exchange notes that a special committee per Rule 507 has not been 
instituted since, let alone before, Phlx became a subsidiary of 
Nasdaq, Inc. The Exchange also notes that the compositional 
requirements for the Boards that oversee the three options markets 
under the umbrella of Nasdaq, Inc. (Phlx, The NASDAQ Options Market 
LLC (``NOM''), and NASDAQ BX, Inc. (``BX Options'')) are similar. 
While there is no requirement in this proposal for an Independent 
panel member to be appointed to the Board Panel, the Exchange notes 
that the public member has some independent aspect. See Phlx By-Laws 
at Article I (hh), ``The term `public member' means a member of any 
committee appointed by the Board of Directors who has no material 
business relationship with a broker or dealer, the Exchange, or its 
affiliates.''
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    Third, Rule 507(b) currently states that, when making a decision 
concerning an application for assignment in an option, the Exchange 
shall consider the applicant's prior performance as a specialist, SQT, 
or RSQT based on evaluations conducted pursuant to Exchange Rule 
510.\15\ The Exchange is, as discussed below, proposing to update Rule 
510 so that in lieu of the current formulaic language in the rule, 
there is new language that accentuates the good standing of members. In 
light of this, the Exchange proposes to update the 507(b) reference to 
state that the Exchange can consider the applicant's prior performance 
as a specialist, SQT or RSQT based on ``good standing pursuant to Rule 
510.'' The Exchange is not proposing any other change to Rule 507. The 
Exchange notes that the other aspects of Rule 507, such as, for 
example, RSQTO eligibility

[[Page 2420]]

criteria,\16\ SQT and RSQT eligibility criteria,\17\ and technological 
ability for RSQTOs, SQTs, or RSQTs,\18\ remain in place.\19\
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    \15\ Other factors for consideration include: (A) The financial 
and technical resources available to the applicant; and (B) the 
applicant's experience and expertise in market making or options 
trading. Rule 507(b).
    \16\ These RSQTO criteria include: (A) Significant market-making 
and/or specialist experience in a broad array of securities; (B) 
Superior resources, including capital, technology and personnel; (C) 
Demonstrated history of stability, superior electronic capacity, and 
superior operational capacity; (D) Proven ability to interact with 
order flow in all types of markets; (E) Existence of order flow 
commitments; (F) Willingness to accept allocations as an RSQT in 
options overlying 400 or more securities; and (G) Willingness and 
ability to make competitive markets on the Exchange and otherwise to 
promote the Exchange in a manner that is likely to enhance the 
ability of the Exchange to compete successfully for order flow in 
the options it trades. Rule 507(a)(i).
    \17\ These SQT and RSQT criteria include: (A) Significant 
market-making and/or specialist experience in a broad array of 
securities; (B) Superior resources, including capital, technology 
and personnel; (C) Demonstrated history of stability, superior 
electronic capacity, and superior operational capacity; (D) Proven 
ability to interact with order flow in all types of markets; (E) 
Willingness and ability to make competitive markets on the Exchange 
and otherwise to promote the Exchange in a manner that is likely to 
enhance the ability of the Exchange to compete successfully for 
order flow in the options it trades; (F) A current affiliation with 
an Exchange-approved RSQTO (RSQT applicants only). Rule 507(a)(ii).
    \18\ No application for initial assignment in an option shall be 
approved without verification that (A) the RSQTO, SQT or RSQT 
applicant has sufficient technological ability to support his/her 
continuous quoting requirements as set forth in Rule 1014(b)(ii), 
and (B) the RSQTO, SQT or RSQT applicant has successfully completed, 
or is scheduled to complete, testing of its quoting system with the 
Exchange. Rule 507(b)(ii).
    \19\ Specialist (and Remote Specialist) eligibility and 
qualification requirements are discussed in Rules 501, 506, 1014, 
and 1020.
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Updating Rule 508
    The Exchange proposes in Rule 508 to delete the reference to 
``lease'' and to Rule 511.
    First, Rule 508 currently refers to ``lease.'' Leasing is no longer 
practiced on the Exchange, and for this reason the Exchange is 
proposing to delete this obsolete term from Rule 508. This is similar 
to a recent proposal wherein the Exchange noted that leasing is an 
obsolete term that should be deleted.\20\
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    \20\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 77121 (February 11, 
2016), 81 FR 8308 (February 18, 2016) (SR-Phlx-2016-22) (notice of 
filing and immediate effectiveness to delete Rule 505 and update 
Rule 506).
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    Second, Rule 508 currently refers to Rule 511, regarding 
specialists. The Exchange proposes to delete the Rule 508 reference to 
Rule 511. This is because, as discussed below, Rule 511 is proposed to 
be deleted as the language of Rule 510 is proposed to be modified to 
include specialists.\21\
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    \21\ Rule 508 will continue to indicate, without reference to 
Rule 511, that failure to provide the Exchange prior notice of a 
transfer in accordance with Rule 508, or failure to obtain Exchange 
approval of a transfer, permits the Exchange to recover the 
allocated securities and reallocate them pursuant to Rule 506.
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Updating Rule 510
    The Exchange proposes to entitle Rule 510 ``Good Standing for 
Specialist, SQT, and RSQT'' and to add relevant good standing language.
    First, Rule 510 currently applies only to SQTs and RSQTs. The 
Exchange proposes to change the language of Rule 510 to indicate that 
this rule will also be applicable to specialists. Thus, the Exchange 
proposes to entitle Rule 510 as ``Good Standing for Specialist, SQT, 
and RSQT.'' The good standing requirement, which is discussed below, is 
a continuous requirement rather than a periodic evaluation requirement 
as in current Rules 510 and 511.\22\ The requirements to remain in good 
standing are discussed in the new language in Rule 510(a). These 
obligations will be continuous and not periodic. The Exchange will 
provide written notice to a specialist (including Remote Specialist), 
SQT, or RSQT of a contemplated action regarding good standing pursuant 
to Rule 510, as noted below. A specialist (including Remote 
Specialist), SQT, or RSQT may request and the Exchange may hold an 
informal meeting to discuss the alleged failure to remain in good 
standing and to explore possible appropriate remedies. Written notice 
of the date and time of the meeting will be given to the specialist 
(including Remote Specialist), SQT, or RSQT and no verbatim record will 
be kept. If the Exchange believes there are no mitigating circumstances 
that would demonstrate substantial improvement of or reasonable 
justification for the failure to meet the good standing requirements of 
this Rule 510, the Exchange may take appropriate action pursuant to 
subsection (b) of this Rule 510. This process is described in further 
detail below. Exchange staff will evaluate good standing which entails 
continuous compliance with, among other things, Exchange options rules 
and procedures as well as market making requirements (market making 
requirements are found in Rule 1014).
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    \22\ Proposed Rule 510, which applies to specialists (including 
Remote Specialists), SQTs, and RSQTs, discusses that good standing 
on the Exchange means continuous compliance with, among other 
things, Exchange options rules and procedures as well as market 
making requirements (market making requirements are found in Rule 
1014). In light of the proposed continuous and extensive good 
standing requirements per Rule 510 as well as other rule 
requirements, the old evaluations applicable to SQTs, RSQTs, and 
specialists are not needed.
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    Second, Rule 510 currently is written in terms of doing performance 
evaluations for SQTs and RSQTs. Currently, Rule 507 has a very detailed 
process for applying for and approving SQTs and RSQTs, and for 
assigning options to SQTs and RSQTs. In addition, today Rule 501 
defines the application and approval process for specialists.\23\ To 
more closely align the Exchange with another options exchange, namely 
BX Options, the Exchange is adopting language similar to BX Options 
Rule at Chapter VII, Section 4 (the ``BX Options rule'').\24\ Similar 
to Phlx, BX Options has market makers (``BX Options Market Makers'', 
which are also known as lead market makers (``LMMs'')). All BX Options 
Market Makers are designated as specialists on BX for all purposes 
under the Act or rules thereunder.\25\ The Exchange is adopting the BX 
Options rule and proposing, in lieu of the current formulaic language 
in Rule 510, to insert new language indicating how a member of the 
Exchange can remain in good standing on the Exchange. The Exchange 
believes that this new proposal will obligate market participants that 
conduct market making activities with continuous requirements to remain 
in good standing as compared to periodic requirements. The continuous 
requirements will serve to accentuate the good standing of members who 
have remained in compliance. The Exchange believes that it is important 
for market structure for these participants to have continuous

[[Page 2421]]

requirements to remain in good standing rather than only periodic 
evaluations.
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    \23\ Rules 506, 508, and 513 discuss other aspects of the 
process.
    \24\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 67256 (June 26, 
2012), 77 FR 39277 (July 2, 2012) (order approving establishment of 
BX Options and marketplace rules) (SR-BX-2012-030).
    \25\ See BX Options Chapter VII, Section 2.
    For obligations of BX Options Market Makers, see BX Options 
Chapter VII, Section 5, entitled ``Obligations of Market Makers.'' 
This section indicates that BX Options Markets Maker obligations 
include, but are not limited to: Maintain a course of dealings 
reasonably calculated to contribute to the maintenance of a fair and 
orderly market in transactions where acting in a market making 
capacity; not make bids or offers or enter into transactions that 
are inconsistent with such course of dealings; maintain a two-sided 
market, during trading hours, in those options in which the Market 
Maker is registered to trade, in a manner that enhances the depth, 
liquidity and competitiveness of the market; compete with other 
Market Makers in all options in which the Market Maker is registered 
to trade; update quotations in response to changed market conditions 
in all options in which the Market Maker is registered to trade; and 
maintain active markets in all options in which the Market Maker is 
registered.
    The BX Options Market Maker obligations are similar in nature to 
those of Phlx specialists, which can be found in Phlx Rule 1014, 
entitled ``Obligations and Restrictions Applicable to Specialists 
and Registered Options Traders,'' and include: Maintain a fair and 
orderly market; not enter into transactions or make bids or offers 
that are inconsistent with such a course of dealings; quote a two-
sided market; and maintain a two-sided market.
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    The proposed new language is similar, in all material respects,\26\ 
to BX Options rule at Chapter VII, Section 4. Specifically, the 
Exchange proposes to adopt new language in Rule 510(a) to state that to 
remain in good standing as a specialist (including Remote Specialist), 
SQT, or RSQT, the specialist, SQT, or RSQT must:
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    \26\ As with virtually all rules text copied from another 
exchange, changes are made to the proposed rule text to better fit 
the structure of the existing rules of the Exchange.
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    (i) Continue to meet the requirements established in SEC Rule 15c3-
1(a)(6)(i),\27\ and the requirements set forth in the Series 500 Rules 
in the Rules of the Exchange;
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    \27\ SEC Rule 15c-3, 240 CFR 15c3-1, is the net capital 
requirement for brokers or dealers.
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    (ii) continue to satisfy the specialist, SQT or RSQT qualification 
and market making requirements specified by the Exchange, as amended 
from time to time;
    (iii) comply with the Rules of the Exchange and the Options Rules 
\28\ as well as the rules of The Options Clearing Corporation (``OCC'') 
and the rules of the Federal Reserve Board [sic] ``FRB''); and
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    \28\ As discussed, while the vast majority of options-related 
rules are found in Rule 1000 and higher (with option index rules in 
Rule 1000A and higher), some of the older options-related rules are 
found in rules below 1000, such as, for example, the Series 500 
Rules.
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    (iv) pay on a timely basis such member, transaction and other fees 
as the Exchange shall prescribe.\29\
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    \29\ Member assessments are generally reflected in the Phlx 
Pricing Schedule.
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    These proposed requirements to remain in good standing on the 
Exchange are not periodic, as are the evaluation and performance 
concepts in current Rules 510 and 511, but rather are continuous in 
nature.
    Third, the Exchange notes that with the proposed new good standing 
requirements, specialist and other market maker (e.g., RSQT) 
obligations, such as market making, will continue to apply.\30\ For 
specialists (and RSQTs functioning as Remote Specialists) the Rule 1014 
market making obligations are applicable throughout the trading day. 
Thus, a specialist (or Remote Specialist) shall continue to be 
responsible to quote two-sided markets in the lesser of 99% of the 
series or 100% of the series minus one call-put pair in each option in 
which such specialist is assigned. To satisfy this requirement with 
respect to quoting a series, the specialist must quote such series 90% 
of the trading day (as a percentage of the total number of minutes in 
such trading day) or such higher percentage as the Exchange may 
announce in advance. These obligations will apply collectively to all 
appointed issues of the specialist, rather than on an issue-by-issue 
basis. Compliance with this obligation will be determined on a monthly 
basis. However, determining compliance with the continuous quoting 
requirement on a monthly basis does not relieve the specialist 
(including the Remote Specialist) of the obligation to provide 
continuous two-sided quotes on a daily basis, nor will it prohibit the 
Exchange from taking disciplinary action against the specialist 
(including the Remote Specialist) for failing to meet the continuous 
quoting obligation each trading day.\31\
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    \30\ Other obligations include, for example: Order exposure, 
order handling, and best execution.
    \31\ See Rule 1014(b)(ii)(D)(2).
     For the market making obligations of SQTs and RSQTs (including 
Directed SQT or DRSQTs [sic], and Directed RSQTs or DRSQTs), which 
remain unchanged, see Rule 1014(b)(ii)(D)(1). This rule states that, 
like for specialists, compliance for SQTs and RSQTs will be 
determined on a monthly basis. However, determining compliance with 
the continuous quoting requirement on a monthly basis does not 
relieve an SQT, RSQT, DSQT, or DRSQT of the obligation to provide 
continuous two-sided quotes on a daily basis, nor will it prohibit 
the Exchange from taking disciplinary action against an SQT, RSQT, 
DSQT, or DRSQT for failing to meet the continuous quoting obligation 
each trading day. Rule 1014(b)(ii)(D)(1).
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    Fourth, the proposed new language in Rule 510(b) states that the 
good standing of a specialist (including Remote Specialist), SQT, or 
RSQT may be suspended, terminated or otherwise withdrawn, as provided 
in the Exchange's rules, if any of these conditions for approval cease 
to be maintained or the specialist, SQT, or RSQT violates any of its 
agreements with the Exchange or any of the provisions of the Rules of 
the Exchange or of the Options Rules. The Exchange is proposing to add 
an Informal Meeting process and appeal rights, which do not exist in 
Rule 510 for specialists at this time.
    The Informal Meeting process proposed in Rule 510 is based on the 
Informal Meeting process in current Rules 510 (for SQTs and RSQTs) and 
511 (for specialists), which is in respect of performance evaluations. 
The Informal Meeting process proposed in Rule 510 is, however, in 
respect of good standing. Specifically, the Exchange proposes to amend 
Rule 510 to adopt the following language in Rule 510(b)(i): The 
Exchange will provide written notice to a specialist (including Remote 
Specialist), SQT, or RSQT of a contemplated action regarding good 
standing pursuant to this Rule 510. A specialist (including Remote 
Specialist), SQT, or RSQT may request and the Exchange may hold an 
informal meeting to discuss the alleged failure to remain in good 
standing and to explore possible appropriate remedies. Written notice 
of the date and time of the meeting will be given to the specialist 
(including Remote Specialist), SQT, or RSQT and no verbatim record will 
be kept. If the Exchange believes there are no mitigating circumstances 
that would demonstrate substantial improvement of or reasonable 
justification for the failure to meet the good standing requirements of 
this Rule 510, the Exchange may take appropriate action pursuant to 
subsection (b) of this Rule 510. Nothing in this Informal Meeting 
process limits the Exchange from enforcing the rules of the Exchange, 
which may include a disciplinary action pursuant to such rules. The 
Regulatory staff may, for example, initiate a disciplinary action 
pursuant to Rule 960.3 against a member for failure to meet continuous 
quoting obligations in Rule 1014.\32\ The proposed appeal rights in 
Rule 510(c) are taken from current Rule 511, but expanded to cover 
specialists (including Remote Specialists), SQTs, and RSQTs.\33\ 
Specifically, the Exchange proposes to amend Rule 510 to adopt the 
following language in Rule 510(c): An appeal by a specialist (including 
Remote Specialist), SQT, or RSQT to the Board of Directors from a 
decision of the Exchange may be requested by a member or member 
organization interested therein by filing with the Secretary of the 
Exchange written notice of appeal within ten (10) days after the 
decision has been rendered. Any appeal from a decision pursuant to Rule 
510 may be heard by the Board or a Board Panel composed of three (3) 
members not materially involved in the Exchange decision appealed 
from.\34\ If a Board

[[Page 2422]]

Panel is appointed by the Board, three persons shall be selected to 
serve on the Board Panel and in making such selections the Board shall, 
to the extent practicable, choose individuals whose background, 
experience and training qualify them to consider and make 
determinations regarding the subject matter to be presented to the 
Board Panel. The Board Panel shall consist of two members of the 
Exchange, or general partners or officers of member organizations and 
one other person who would qualify as a public member as defined in 
Article I of the By-Laws, whom the Board considers to be qualified. The 
person requesting review shall be permitted to submit a written 
statement to and/or appear before the Board or Board Panel. The 
Secretary of the Exchange shall certify the record of the proceeding, 
if any, and the written decision, and shall submit these documents to 
the Board or Board Panel. The Board's or Board Panel's review of the 
action shall be based solely on the record, the written decision and 
any statement submitted by the person requesting the review. The Board 
or Board Panel shall prepare and deliver to such person a written 
decision and reasons therefore. If the Board or Board Panel affirms the 
action, the action shall become effective ten (10) days from the date 
of the Board Panel's decision. There shall be no appeal to the Board 
from any decision of the Board Panel.\35\
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    \32\ Specifically, the Exchange may pursue disciplinary process 
against a member that commits an egregious market making violation 
evidenced by a pattern of repeated failure to make a two-sided 
market in assigned options.
    \33\ The SQT and RSQT appeal rights to the Board currently in 
Rule 510 are limited to apply only in respect of performance 
evaluations. The Exchange believes that the appeal rights afforded 
SQTs and RSQTs in proposed Rule 510, which will be to the Board or a 
Board Panel, are appropriate in that they are expanded to cover any 
decision of the Exchange regarding Rule 510; and, an informal 
meeting process is also afforded prior to appeal. The Board or a 
Board Panel would serve as a secondary appeal to a group of 
individuals that were not involved in the primary decision making. 
The Exchange is seeking to afford its members due process when 
seeking an appeal.
    \34\ Rule 511(f) now states, in relevant part, that any appeal 
from a decision pursuant to Rule 511 regarding evaluation or review 
shall be heard by a special committee of the Board of Directors 
composed of three (3) Directors, of whom at least one (1) shall be 
an Independent. The Exchange believes that, as discussed, the old 
independence requirement is no longer needed when Rule 510 is 
restructured. Commensurate with other proposed changes discussed 
herein, Rule 510 appeals can be heard by the Board or a Board Panel.
    \35\ The appeal process in proposed Rule 507(e) is amended to 
reflect an appeal to the Board or a Board Panel.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The memorialization of appeal rights in proposed Rule 510(c) is 
done to ensure that if the good standing of a specialist, SQT, or RSQT 
is suspended, terminated or otherwise withdrawn then they have a clear 
way to initiate and prosecute an appeal regarding such decision. The 
proposed due process methodology is similar to other rules of the 
Exchange. By proposing new language in Rule 510(a) and (b) regarding 
specialists, SQTs, and RSQTs regarding good standing, which is similar 
to that of BX Options, the continuous good standing rules of the 
Exchange and BX Options will be more aligned and easier to apply. 
Proposed Rule 510 describes an Informal Meeting process and appeal 
rights applicable to specialists (including Remote Specialists), SQTs, 
and RSQTs. The Exchange is replacing the current periodic evaluation or 
performance requirements in Rule 510 (e.g., monthly for SQTs and 
RSQTs), as also in Rule 511 (e.g., annually for specialists) as 
discussed, with the proposed Rule 510 continuous requirements for 
specialists (including Remote Specialists), SQTs, and RSQTs to meet 
Exchange, Commission, OCC and FRB rules and requirements to remain in 
good standing. Compliance with good standing requirements is monitored 
across the Exchange.\36\
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    \36\ Thus, in Rule 510 the Exchange is proposing an Informal 
Meeting process and appeal rights applicable to specialists 
(including Remote Specialists), SQTs, and RSQTs. And, the Exchange 
is replacing the current periodic evaluation or performance 
requirements in Rule 510 (e.g., monthly for SQTs and RSQTs), as also 
in Rule 511 (e.g., annually for specialists) as discussed, with the 
proposed Rule 510 continuous requirements for specialists (including 
Remote Specialists), SQTs, and RSQTs to meet Exchange, Commission, 
OCC and FRB rules and requirements to remain in good standing. 
Compliance with good standing requirements is monitored across the 
Exchange. Thus, for example, units that monitor the application, 
allocation, and fees requirements and processes include membership, 
listing, and finance groups. And the surveillance group will 
continue to use its current processes to monitor compliance with 
Exchange rules and where appropriate will pursue disciplinary action 
against members for rule violations(s) (e.g., failure to make two-
sided market(s) per Phlx Rule 1014). Moreover, while proposed Rule 
510 is being changed the market making and other obligations for 
specialists, SQTs, and RSQTs continue as discussed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Deleting Rule 511
    The Exchange has concluded that, with the placement of the good 
standing concepts into proposed Rule 510 in such a way that they 
include specialist (and Remote Specialist), Rule 511 is no longer 
needed. In Rule 510, as discussed, in lieu of the current language, the 
Exchange is proposing to adopt new language indicating how a member of 
the Exchange can remain in good standing.
    The proposed new language in Rule 510 is, in all material respects, 
similar to the BX Options rule at Chapter VII, Section 4. Because of 
this proposed new language in Rule 510, which addresses specialists (as 
also Remote Specialists, RSQTs, and SQTs), the Exchange proposes to 
delete Rule 511 in its entirety. The Exchange believes that, within the 
effort to update and consolidate the Series 500 Rules as discussed, it 
is reasonable and proper to delete Rule 511. This rule was established 
decades ago for the purpose of dealing with the extensive on-floor open 
outcry specialist system, with multiple competing specialist units. 
Since the implementation of Rule 511, the open outcry options floor has 
evolved into a robust and competitive principally electronic system, 
and the remaining hybrid options floor does not have numerous competing 
specialists as was the case when Rule 511 was instituted.
    The Exchange believes that under the circumstances, and because 
specialists are proposed to be covered in Rule 510 in terms of good 
standing, and continue to be covered in the Series 500 Rules and other 
rules of the Exchange,\37\ deletion of Rule 511 is proper.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \37\ See, e.g., Rule 501 (Specialist Appointment); Rule 506 
(Allocation Application, Allocation, Reallocation, and Transfer); 
Rule 508 (Transfer Application); and Rule 513 (Voluntary Resignation 
of Options Privileges). See also, e.g., Rule 1022 (Securities 
Accounts and Orders of Specialists and Registered Options Traders; 
and Rule 1020 (Registration and Functions of Options Specialists), 
which discusses on-floor options specialists and electronic Remote 
Specialists.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As discussed, the Exchange is deleting the performance evaluation 
structure of Rule 511 and is proposing to relocate the concept within 
Rule 510 with the proposed good standing requirement and appeal rights 
applicable to specialists, SQTs, and RSQTs. The Exchange believes that 
the proposed good standing approach, which is applicable to 
specialists, SQTs, and RSQTs, enhances the current rule because unlike 
the periodic nature of the performance evaluation structure the 
proposed good standing approach would have continuous requirements that 
must be maintained in order to remain in good standing on the Exchange 
(e.g., compliance with the equity and options rules of the Exchange, 
OCC, and FRB).
    As discussed, options trading on the Exchange has developed into a 
robust hybrid system that is currently largely electronic and off-
floor. The Exchange continues to have an open outcry trading floor, 
however, rather than a proliferation of competitive specialists on the 
options floor as was the case when Rule 511 was instituted: There is 
currently one specialist unit on the options floor and therefore Rule 
511 is not needed. In the past, when so many specialists conducted 
business on the options floor, Rule 511 served a purpose. Today, Rule 
511, with its specialist evaluation process and allocation process 
constructed for multiple competitive specialists on the floor, is no 
longer needed with one specialist unit on the floor.\38\ As such, in 
light of the current realities of the options floor Rule 511 is 
obsolete, particularly in light of numerous rules

[[Page 2423]]

in the Phlx rulebook that apply to specialists.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \38\ The Exchange believes that even if additional floor 
specialists begin to conduct business on the options floor, Rule 511 
was designed for a very different competitive floor environment and 
is not needed, particularly in light of proposed Rule 510 and the 
numerous other Exchange rules applicable to options specialists.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The many rules that continue to apply to specialists discuss topics 
such as application, approval, allocation, re-allocation, market 
making, and obligations of specialists. For example, Rule 501 as 
proposed discusses the specialist allocation process and specialist 
approval process. To be an approved specialist unit and retain the 
privilege of such status, for example, a specialist unit must maintain 
the approved clearing arrangements and capital structure stated on 
their application and changes regarding certain requirements must be 
submitted and approved by the Exchange. In addition, each unit must 
consist of at least one head specialist and one assistant specialist 
that must be associated with the specialist unit; the Exchange, in its 
discretion, may require a unit to obtain additional staff depending 
upon the number of assigned options classes and associated order flow. 
Rule 506 discusses allocation application, reallocation of a previously 
allocated options, and transfer of allocated options.\39\ Rule 506 also 
discusses that, in addition to a minimum allocation period of one year, 
the Exchange may establish an ``alternate specialist period'' period of 
less than one year to act as a specialist in an options class. Rule 508 
as proposed discusses the Exchange approval process if there is 
agreement between or among specialist units to transfer one or more 
options classes already allocated to a specified specialist unit. Rule 
513, which is not proposed to be amended with this filing, discusses 
the process if an option specialist unit voluntarily resigns from 
allocation in a particular option and there is a future allocation 
regarding such option.\40\ In addition, Rule 1014 discusses the 
obligations and restrictions applicable to specialists and registered 
options traders during each trading day; these obligations and 
restrictions include, as discussed above, very specific market making 
requirements. Finally, Rule 1022 discusses securities accounts and 
orders of specialists and registered options traders and proper 
identification of accounts, reporting of options, and orders of 
underlyings.\41\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \39\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 77121 (February 11, 
2016), 81 FR 8308 (February 18, 2016) (SR-Phlx-2016-22) (notice of 
filing and immediate effectiveness to delete Rule 505 and update 
Rule 506).
    \40\ One rule in the Series 500 Rules does not specifically deal 
with specialists. This is Rule 507, which was discussed above. This 
rule deals with the application and approval process for SQTs, 
RSQTs, or RSQTOs, and the assignment of options.
    \41\ The Exchange has previously discussed that the allocation 
and evaluation process in Rule 511 proposed to be deleted made sense 
when the rule was established with multiple competitive specialists 
on the floor, but is no longer needed in light of the current 
composition of the floor.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange believes that the changes to the noted rules in the 
Series 500 Rules will make remaining Rules 501, 507, 508, and 510 
easier to apply, clearer and better.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that its proposal is consistent with Section 
6(b) of the Act,\42\ in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 
6(b)(5) of the Act,\43\ in particular, in that it is designed to 
promote just and equitable principles of trade, to remove impediments 
to, and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and, in 
general, to protect investors and the public interest by proposing to 
make changes to five rules in the Series 500 Rules as discussed. The 
proposed rule change is designed to promote just and equitable 
principles of trade by updating and modernizing the Series 500 Rules 
and making them clearer and easier to use while continuing to protect 
investors and the public interest.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \42\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \43\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In particular, the Exchange is proposing to change Rule 501 to 
delete reference to a back-up specialist. With the development of 
liquidity-enhancing electronic market makers on the Exchange such as 
RSQTs, which make markets in the same options issues as specialists, 
and the diminution of the role that the specialist plays in managing 
the order book on the Exchange, both a back-up specialist and 
substitute specialist are no longer needed. The Exchange believes that 
this proposal amendment is consistent with the Act because the advent 
of streaming quote traders on the Exchange served to perfect the 
mechanism of a free and open market because of the liquidity that such 
participants brought to Phlx. These participants are obligated to 
continuously quote in the market and have filled a role which was 
previously reliant on a back-up specialist and a substitute specialist.
    Obsolete language in Rule 501 in respect of back-up specialists, 
which includes Commentary .01 to Rule 501, is proposed to be deleted 
from Rule 501. Similarly, the Exchange is proposing to change Rule 508 
to delete the cross reference to Rule 511 and references to ``lease.'' 
As discussed, with the change in Rule 510 to the good standing standard 
that applies to specialists as well as SQTs and RSQTs, Rule 511 is 
proposed to be deleted and therefore the reference is no longer needed. 
Moreover, leasing is no longer permitted on the Exchange, and for this 
reason the Exchange is proposing to delete this obsolete term from Rule 
508. The Exchange believes it is consistent with the Act to delete 
obsolete references which serve to confuse members within the Rulebook.
    The Exchange is proposing to amend Rule 507(a) to permit the 
Exchange, instead of the Board to defer approval of qualifying 
applications for SQT or RSQT status pending any action required to 
address the issue of concern to the Exchange. The applicant would have 
a right of appeal to the Board or a Board Panel of any action of 
Exchange staff pursuant to Rule 507(e). The Exchange believes that the 
application process should be handled by staff initially with appellate 
rights to the Board or a Board Panel. Currently Rule 507 states that 
the Board has the ability to perform functions such as deferring or 
limiting approval of SQTs or RSQTs. The Exchange believes that this 
amendment is consistent with the Act because it will change [sic] will 
promote just and equitable principles of trade by serving the 
administration and application of Rule 507 and permitting a right of 
appeal as provided in Rule 507(e).
    With respect to Rule 507(e), the Exchange proposes to expand the 
appeal to either the Board or a Board Panel. Currently, Rule 507(e) 
states that an appeal shall be heard by a special committee of the 
Directors composed of three Directors, of whom at least one (1) shall 
be an Independent. The Exchange proposes to state that the appeal may 
be heard by a panel appointed by the Board composed of three (3) 
members not materially involved in the Exchange decision appealed from. 
If a panel is appointed by the Board, three persons shall be selected 
to serve on the panel and in making such selections the Board shall, to 
the extent practicable, choose individuals whose background, experience 
and training qualify them to consider and make determinations regarding 
the subject matter to be presented to the panel. The panel shall 
consist of two members of the Exchange, or general partners or officers 
of member organizations and one other person who would qualify as a 
public member as defined in Article I of the By-Laws, whom the Board 
considers to be qualified. The Exchange believes that this amendment is 
consistent with the Act because the Board or a Board Panel

[[Page 2424]]

would allow a path of impartial appeal for the applicant.
    Also, currently Rule 507(b) states that when making a decision 
concerning an application for assignment in an option the Exchange 
shall consider the applicant's prior performance as a specialist, SQT 
or RSQT based on evaluations conducted pursuant to Exchange Rule 510. 
The Exchange proposes to update Rule 510 so that in lieu of the current 
formulaic language in the rule, there is new language that accentuates 
the good standing of members. In light of this, the Exchange proposes 
to update the 507(b) reference to state that the Exchange can consider 
the applicant's prior performance as a specialist, SQT or RSQT based on 
``good standing pursuant to Rule 510.'' The Exchange believes that this 
amendment is consistent with the Act because it will consider a more 
holistic approach in evaluating members that engage in market making 
activities. The Exchange believes that this approach is broader and 
will take new factors into account which would serve to promote just 
and equitable principles of trade in evaluating market participants 
that engage in market making activities by considering their 
obligations and past performance.
    The Exchange is proposing to update Rule 510 to give it a new 
title, ``Good Standing for Specialist, SQT, and RSQT,'' to add relevant 
good standing language, and appeal rights. The Exchange proposes to 
amend the language of Rule 510 to indicate that, with the deletion of 
Rule 511, Rule 510 will also be applicable to specialists. The Exchange 
proposes to change the language of Rule 510 to more closely align the 
Exchange with BX Options by adopting language from the BX Options rule 
at Chapter VII, Section 4. BX Options Market Makers are held to good 
standing standards per the BX Options rule. Specialists on Phlx are 
another type of market maker. The Exchange believes that these 
amendments are consistent with the Act because these changes serve to 
add clarity and transparency to the rule text.
    The Exchange is adopting language from BX Options at Chapter VII, 
Section 4. Specifically, the Exchange proposes new language in Rule 
510(a) to state that to remain in good standing on the Exchange as a 
specialist (including Remote Specialist), SQT, or RSQT, the specialist, 
SQT, or RSQT must meet specific requirements set forth in the rule.\44\ 
As discussed, the proposed new good standing language in Rule 510 will 
be, in all material respects, similar to BX Options rules at Chapter 
VII, Section 4. This makes particular sense because all BX Options 
Market Makers are designated as specialists on BX for all purposes 
under the Act or rules thereunder and, like Phlx specialists, have 
market making obligations.\45\ The Exchange believes that the good 
standing rule text is consistent with the Act because as described 
above the Exchange believes that this approach is broader and will take 
new factors into account which would serve to promote just and 
equitable principles of trade in evaluating market participants that 
engage in market making activities by considering their obligations and 
past performance.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \44\ The specific good standing requirements are: (i) Continue 
to meet the requirements established in SEC Rule 15c3-1(a)(6)(i), 
and the requirements set forth in the Series 500 Rules in the Rules 
of the Exchange; (ii) continue to satisfy the specialist, SQT or 
RSQT qualification requirements specified by the Exchange, as 
amended from time to time; (iii) comply with the Rules of the 
Exchange and the Options Rules as well as the rules of the Options 
Clearing Corporation and the rules of the Federal Reserve Board; and 
(iv) pay on a timely basis such member, transaction and other fees 
as the Exchange shall prescribe. Proposed Rule 510(a).
    \45\ See, e.g., supra note 24 [sic] and accompanying discussion.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange is proposing to add an Informal Meeting process and 
appeal rights, which do not exist in Rule 510 for specialists; as 
discussed, the appeal rights now in Rule 510 are regarding SQTs and 
RSQTs only in respect of performance evaluations. These proposed appeal 
rights for a specialist (including Remote Specialist), SQT, or RSQT, 
which are set forth in Rule 510(c) for, are adopted from Rule 511. The 
memorialization in Rule 510 of Informal Meeting process and appeal 
rights is done to affirm that if the good standing of a specialist, 
SQT, or RSQT is suspended, terminated or otherwise withdrawn then they 
have a clear way to meet with the Exchange to discuss the issue and 
initiate and prosecute an appeal regarding such decision. The 
Exchange's proposal to expand the role of the Board to permit an appeal 
to be heard by a Board Panel appointed by the Board composed of three 
(3) members not materially involved in the Exchange decision appealed 
from is consistent with the Act because the Board or a Board Panel 
would allow a path of impartial appeal for the applicant.\46\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \46\ If a Board Panel is appointed by the Board, three persons 
shall be selected to serve on the Board Panel and in making such 
selections the Board shall, to the extent practicable, choose 
individuals whose background, experience and training qualify them 
to consider and make determinations regarding the subject matter to 
be presented to the Board Panel. The Board panel shall consist of 
two members of the Exchange, or general partners or officers of 
member organizations and one other person that would qualify as a 
public member as defined in Article I of the By-Laws, whom the Board 
considers to be qualified.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange has concluded that, with the placement of the good 
standing concepts into proposed Rule 510 in such a way that they 
include a specialist (and Remote Specialist), Rule 511 is no longer 
needed and is therefore proposed to be deleted in its entirety (with 
transfer of specialist appeal rights from Rule 511 to Rule 510).
    The Exchange is proposing to delete Rule 511. This rule was 
established decades ago for the purpose of dealing with the extensive 
on-floor open outcry specialist system, with multiple competing 
specialist units. Since the implementation of Rule 511, the open outcry 
options floor has evolved into a robust and competitive system that is 
principally electronic, and the remaining hybrid options floor does not 
have numerous competing specialists as was the case when Rule 511 was 
instituted. The Exchange believes that because of the extensive changes 
on the option floor (from having numerous competitive specialist units 
on the old options floor to having a specialist unit on the current 
options floor), and because specialists are proposed to be covered in 
Rule 510 in terms of good standing and continue to be covered in the 
Series 500 Rules and other rules of the Exchange, it is consistent with 
the Act and promotes just and equitable principles of trade to delete 
Rule 511.
    Furthermore, numerous rules in the Phlx Rulebook continue to apply 
to specialists (as well as to other registered options traders). For 
example, Rule 501 as proposed discusses the specialist allocation 
process and specialist approval process. Rule 506 discusses allocation 
application, reallocation of previously allocated options, and transfer 
of allocated options. Rule 508 as proposed discusses the Exchange 
approval process if there is agreement between or among specialist 
units to transfer one or more options classes already allocated to a 
specified specialist unit. Rule 513, which is not proposed to be 
amended with this filing, discusses the process if an option specialist 
unit voluntarily resigns from allocation in a particular option and 
there is a future allocation regarding that option. Rule 1014 discusses 
the obligations and restrictions, including specific market making 
requirements, that are applicable to specialists each trading day. 
Finally, Rule 1022 discusses proper identification of accounts, 
reporting of options, and orders of underlyings in respect of 
securities accounts and orders of specialists and ROTs.

[[Page 2425]]

    The Exchange believes that the changes to the noted rules in the 
Series 500 Rules will make remaining Rules 501, 507, 508, and 510 
easier to apply, clearer and more transparent. Such proposed changes 
are in consistent with the Act, the public interest, and continue to 
serve to protect investors.

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

    The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will 
result in any burden on competition that is not necessary or 
appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act, as amended. 
While the Exchange does not believe that the proposed change is a 
burden on competition, or is competitive in nature, the Exchange 
believes that clearer, updated, modernized, and better-conforming rules 
that do not refer to obsolete concepts are always beneficial to market 
participants, are in the public interest, and serve to protect 
investors.

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

    No written comments were either solicited or received.

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

    Within 45 days of the date of publication of this notice in the 
Federal Register or within such longer period (i) as the Commission may 
designate up to 90 days of such date if it finds such longer period to 
be appropriate and publishes its reasons for so finding or (ii) as to 
which the Exchange consents, the Commission shall: (a) By order approve 
or disapprove such proposed rule change, or (b) institute proceedings 
to determine whether the proposed rule change should be disapproved.

IV. Solicitation of Comments

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

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's Internet comment form (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an email to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include 
File Number SR-Phlx-2016-105 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

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

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-Phlx-2016-105. This file 
number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To help 
the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, 
please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on 
the Commission's Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all 
written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are 
filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to 
the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other 
than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the 
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site viewing and 
printing in the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE., 
Washington, DC 20549 on official business days between the hours of 
10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of such filing also will be available 
for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All 
comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does 
not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should 
submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All 
submissions should refer to File Number SR-Phlx-2016-105, and should be 
submitted on or before January 30, 2017.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\47\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \47\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Eduardo A. Aleman,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2017-00100 Filed 1-6-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P