Source: https://regulations.justia.com/regulations/fedreg/2011/12/22/2011-32753.html
Timestamp: 2020-07-12 19:42:17
Document Index: 621831779

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 17', '§ 17', '§ 17', '§ 17', '§ 17', '§ 17']

Program for Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Pursuant to Rule 17d-2; Notice of Filing and Order Approving and Declaring Effective an Amendment to the Plan for the Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Among BATS Exchange, Inc., BATS Y-Exchange, Inc., Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated, Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc., EDGA Exchange, Inc., EDGX Exchange, Inc., Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc., NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, National Stock Exchange, Inc., New York Stock Exchange LLC, NYSE Amex LLC, and NYSE Arca, Inc. Relating to the Surveillance, Investigation, and Enforcement of Insider Trading Rules, 79714-79723 [2011-32753] :: Securities And Exchange Commission :: Agencies And Commissions :: Regulation Tracker :: Justia
Justia Regulation Tracker Agencies And Commissions Securities And Exchange Commission Program for Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Pursuant to Rule 17d-2; Notice of Filing and Order Approving and Declaring Effective an Amendment to the Plan for the Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Among BATS Exchange, Inc., BATS Y-Exchange, Inc., Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated, Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc., EDGA Exchange, Inc., EDGX Exchange, Inc., Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc., NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, National Stock Exchange, Inc., New York Stock Exchange LLC, NYSE Amex LLC, and NYSE Arca, Inc. Relating to the Surveillance, Investigation, and Enforcement of Insider Trading Rules, 79714-79723 [2011-32753]
Program for Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Pursuant to Rule 17d-2; Notice of Filing and Order Approving and Declaring Effective an Amendment to the Plan for the Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Among BATS Exchange, Inc., BATS Y-Exchange, Inc., Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated, Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc., EDGA Exchange, Inc., EDGX Exchange, Inc., Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc., NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, National Stock Exchange, Inc., New York Stock Exchange LLC, NYSE Amex LLC, and NYSE Arca, Inc. Relating to the Surveillance, Investigation, and Enforcement of Insider Trading Rules, 79714-79723 [2011-32753]
Download as PDF 79714 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 246 / Thursday, December 22, 2011 / Notices Ongoing Review of Partner Countries’ Policy Performance The Board also reviewed the policy performance of countries that are implementing compacts. These countries do not need to be reselected each year in order to continue implementation. Once MCC makes a commitment to a country through a compact agreement, MCC does not consider the country for reselection on an annual basis during the term of its compact. The Board emphasized the need for all partner countries to continue to improve their environment. If it is determined that a country has demonstrated a significant policy reversal, MCC can hold it accountable by applying MCC’s Suspension and Termination Policy. Selection To Initiate the Compact Process The Board also authorized MCC to invite Benin and El Salvador to submit a proposal for a second compact, as described in section 609 of the Act (22 U.S.C. 7708). Submission of a proposal is not a guarantee that MCC will finalize a compact with an eligible country. Any MCA assistance provided under section 605 of the Act (22 U.S.C. 7704) will be contingent on the successful negotiation of a mutually agreeable compact between the eligible country and MCC, approval of the compact by the Board, and the availability of funds. [FR Doc. 2011–32733 Filed 12–21–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9211–03–P PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY CORPORATION Premium Changes Based On Recharacterization of Contributions Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. ACTION: Policy statement. AGENCY: This policy statement addresses PBGC’s policy on accepting and responding to amended premium filings based on recharacterization of contributions. Recharacterization of contributions refers to a situation in which contributions originally designated as being for the plan year in which they were made are retroactively redesignated as being for the preceding plan year. This makes plan assets for the current year higher, and the plan’s variable-rate premium lower, than originally reported. Such recharacterization seeks not to correct a factual error but to change a valid designation and is not an appropriate jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:17 Dec 21, 2011 Jkt 226001 basis for an amended premium filing or premium refund. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine B. Klion (klion.catherine@pbgc.gov), Manager, or Deborah C. Murphy (murphy.deborah@pbgc.gov), Attorney, Regulatory and Policy Division, Legislative and Regulatory Department, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, 1200 K Street NW., Washington DC 20005–4026; (202) 326–4024. (TTY and TDD users may call the Federal relay service toll free at 1–(800) 877–8339 and ask to be connected to (202) 326–4024.) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) administers the pension insurance program under title IV of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Under sections 4006 and 4007 of ERISA, plans covered by title IV must pay premiums to PBGC. For single-employer plans, premiums include an amount (the variable-rate premium, or VRP) based on unfunded vested benefits (the excess, if any, of the value of vested benefits over the value of plan assets). A contribution made to a pension plan during the first eight-and-a-half months of a plan year may be characterized as being either for the current year (the plan year in which it is made) or for the prior year (the preceding plan year). The characterization affects when the contribution is first reflected in plan assets. If a contribution is characterized as being for the prior year, it is treated as a receivable (which increases plan assets) as of the beginning of the current year and thus reduces any VRP for the current year. If a contribution is characterized as being for the current year, it does not increase plan assets as of the beginning of the current year and thus does not affect VRP for the current year. The year for which a contribution is made is designated on Schedule SB (formerly Schedule B) (actuarial information) to the annual report for the plan on IRS/DOL/PBGC Form 5500. PBGC has received a number of amended premium filings, showing increased assets and decreased VRP, supported by amended Schedules SB (or B) that reflect recharacterization of contributions, and submitted with a view to obtaining premium refunds. PBGC has in practice accepted such amended filings and granted the refunds. Upon further consideration of the matter, however, PBGC has concluded that in general, such amendments should be rejected and the associated premium refunds denied. PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Permitting the amendment of premium filings gives filers a way to correct mistakes in the data reported in the filings. Where the correction of erroneous data results in a lower premium, it is appropriate to refund the amount of the overpayment. However, recharacterization of a contribution does not correct a mistake; rather, it seeks to undo a valid designation of the year for which the contribution was made. Thus, it is not an appropriate basis for amending the relevant premium filing and claiming a refund.1 PBGC’s consideration of amended premium filings takes into account the facts and circumstances of each case. In general, however, as explained above, PBGC’s policy will be to reject amended filings and deny refunds based on recharacterization of contributions. For questions about premium filings, contact Robert Callahan (callahan.robert@pbgc.gov) or Bill O’Neill (oneill.bill@pbgc.gov), Financial Operations Department; (202) 346–4067. Issued in Washington, DC, this 16th day of December, 2011. Joshua Gotbaum, Director, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. [FR Doc. 2011–32804 Filed 12–21–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7709–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–65991; File No. 4–566] Program for Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Pursuant to Rule 17d– 2; Notice of Filing and Order Approving and Declaring Effective an Amendment to the Plan for the Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Among BATS Exchange, Inc., BATS Y-Exchange, Inc., Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated, Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc., EDGA Exchange, Inc., EDGX Exchange, Inc., Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc., NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, National Stock Exchange, Inc., New York Stock Exchange LLC, NYSE Amex LLC, and NYSE Arca, Inc. Relating to the Surveillance, Investigation, and Enforcement of Insider Trading Rules December 16, 2011. Notice is hereby given that the Securities and Exchange Commission 1 The same principles would apply to an amended filing made with a view to obtaining a credit against the next year’s premium. E:\FR\FM\22DEN1.SGM 22DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 246 / Thursday, December 22, 2011 / Notices (‘‘Commission’’) has issued an Order, pursuant to Section 17(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’),1 approving and declaring effective an amendment to the plan for allocating regulatory responsibility (‘‘Plan’’) filed pursuant to Rule 17d–2 of the Act,2 by and among BATS Exchange, Inc. (‘‘BATS’’), BATS YExchange, Inc. (‘‘BYX’’), Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated (‘‘CBOE’’), Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc. (‘‘CHX’’), EDGA Exchange, Inc. (‘‘EDGA’’), EDGX Exchange, Inc. (‘‘EDGX’’), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (‘‘FINRA’’), NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc., (‘‘NASDAQ OMX BX’’), NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC, (‘‘NASDAQ OMX PHLX’’), The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (‘‘Nasdaq’’), National Stock Exchange, Inc. (‘‘NSX’’), New York Stock Exchange LLC (‘‘NYSE’’), NYSE Amex LLC (‘‘NYSE Amex’’), and NYSE Arca, Inc. (‘‘NYSE Arca’’) (each a ‘‘Participating Organization’’ and collectively, ‘‘Participating Organizations’’ or ‘‘parties’’). I. Introduction Section 19(g)(1) of the Act,3 among other things, requires every selfregulatory organization (‘‘SRO’’) registered as either a national securities exchange or national securities association to examine for, and enforce compliance by, its members and persons associated with its members with the Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, and the SRO’s own rules, unless the SRO is relieved of this responsibility pursuant to Section 17(d) 4 or Section 19(g)(2) 5 of the Act. Without this relief, the statutory obligation of each individual SRO could result in a pattern of multiple examinations of broker-dealers that maintain memberships in more than one SRO (‘‘common members’’). Such regulatory duplication would add unnecessary expenses for common members and their SROs. Section 17(d)(1) of the Act 6 was intended, in part, to eliminate unnecessary multiple examinations and regulatory duplication.7 With respect to a common member, Section 17(d)(1) authorizes the Commission, by rule or order, to relieve an SRO of the jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 1 15 U.S.C. 78q(d). CFR 240.17d–2. 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(g)(1). 4 15 U.S.C. 78q(d). 5 15 U.S.C. 78s(g)(2). 6 15 U.S.C. 78q(d)(1). 7 See Securities Act Amendments of 1975, Report of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs to Accompany S. 249, S. Rep. No. 94– 75, 94th Cong., 1st Session 32 (1975). 2 17 VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:17 Dec 21, 2011 Jkt 226001 responsibility to receive regulatory reports, to examine for and enforce compliance with applicable statutes, rules, and regulations, or to perform other specified regulatory functions. To implement Section 17(d)(1), the Commission adopted two rules: Rule 17d–1 and Rule 17d–2 under the Act.8 Rule 17d–1 authorizes the Commission to name a single SRO as the designated examining authority (‘‘DEA’’) to examine common members for compliance with the financial responsibility requirements imposed by the Act, or by Commission or SRO rules.9 When an SRO has been named as a common member’s DEA, all other SROs to which the common member belongs are relieved of the responsibility to examine the firm for compliance with the applicable financial responsibility rules. On its face, Rule 17d–1 deals only with an SRO’s obligations to enforce member compliance with financial responsibility requirements. Rule 17d–1 does not relieve an SRO from its obligation to examine a common member for compliance with its own rules and provisions of the federal securities laws governing matters other than financial responsibility, including sales practices and trading activities and practices. To address regulatory duplication in these and other areas, the Commission adopted Rule 17d–2 under the Act.10 Rule 17d–2 permits SROs to propose joint plans for the allocation of regulatory responsibilities with respect to their common members. Under paragraph (c) of Rule 17d–2, the Commission may declare such a plan effective if, after providing for notice and comment, it determines that the plan is necessary or appropriate in the public interest and for the protection of investors, to foster cooperation and coordination among the SROs, to remove impediments to, and foster the development of, a national market system and a national clearance and settlement system, and is in conformity with the factors set forth in Section 17(d) of the Act. Commission approval of a plan filed pursuant to Rule 17d–2 relieves an SRO of those regulatory responsibilities allocated by the plan to another SRO. II. The Plan On September 12, 2008, the Commission declared effective the 8 17 CFR 240.17d–1 and 17 CFR 240.17d–2, respectively. 9 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 12352 (April 20, 1976), 41 FR 18808 (May 7, 1976). 10 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 12935 (October 28, 1976), 41 FR 49091 (November 8, 1976). PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 79715 Participating Organizations’ Plan for allocating regulatory responsibilities pursuant to Rule 17d–2.11 The Plan is designed to eliminate regulatory duplication by allocating regulatory responsibility over Common FINRA Members 12 (collectively ‘‘Common Members’’) for the surveillance, investigation, and enforcement of common insider trading rules (‘‘Common Rules’’).13 The Plan assigns regulatory responsibility over Common FINRA Members to FINRA for surveillance, investigation, and enforcement of insider trading by broker-dealers, and their associated persons, with respect to Listed Stocks (as defined in the Plan), irrespective of the marketplace(s) maintained by the Participating Organizations on which the relevant trading may occur. III. Proposed Amendment to the Plan On November 3, 2011, the Participating Organizations submitted an amendment to the Plan. The proposed amendment was submitted to reflect the addition of BATS as a Listing Market (as defined in the Plan) and to expand the coverage of Listed Stocks to include an equity security that is listed on BATS.14 Other similar conforming amendments were made to reflect this addition. The Participating Organizations also amended the Plan to update the contact information and SRO rules that are covered by the Agreement. In addition, the Participating Organizations entered into a regulatory services agreement that addresses investigation and enforcement in situations involving Insider Trading by non-Common FINRA Members. The text of the proposed amended 17d–2 plan is as follows (except for paragraph headings, which are italicized, additions are italicized; deletions are [bracketed]): * * * * * 11 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 58536 (September 12, 2008), 73 FR 54646 (September 22, 2008). See also Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 58806 (October 17, 2008), 73 FR 63216 (October 23, 2008); 61919 (April 15, 2010), 75 FR 21051 (April 22, 2010); 63103 (October 14, 2010), 75 FR 64755 (October 20, 2010); and 63750 (January 21, 2011), 76 FR 4948 (January 27, 2011). 12 Common FINRA Members include members of FINRA and at least one of the Participating Organizations. 13 Common rules are defined as: (i) Federal securities laws and rules promulgated by the Commission pertaining to insider trading, and (ii) the rules of the Participating Organizations that are related to insider trading. See Exhibit A to the Plan. 14 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 65225 (August 30, 2011), 76 FR 55148 (September 6, 2011) (Order approving proposed rule change to adopt rules for the qualification, listing and delisting of companies on BATS). E:\FR\FM\22DEN1.SGM 22DEN1 79716 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 246 / Thursday, December 22, 2011 / Notices jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Agreement for the Allocation of Regulatory Responsibility of Surveillance, Investigation and Enforcement for Insider Trading pursuant to § 17(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C. 78q(d), and Rule 17d–2 Thereunder This agreement (the ‘‘Agreement’’) by and among BATS Exchange, Inc. (‘‘BATS’’), BATS Y-Exchange, Inc. (‘‘BYX’’), Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc. (‘‘CBOE’’) *, Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc. (‘‘CHX’’), EDGA Exchange, Inc. (‘‘EDGA’’), EDGX Exchange, Inc. (‘‘EDGX’’), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (‘‘FINRA’’), NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc. (‘‘NASDAQ OMX BX’’), NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC (‘‘NASDAQ OMX PHLX’’), The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (‘‘NASDAQ’’), National Stock Exchange, Inc. (‘‘NSX’’), New York Stock Exchange LLC (‘‘NYSE’’), NYSE Amex LLC (‘‘NYSE Amex’’), and NYSE Arca, Inc. (‘‘NYSE Arca’’) (each a ‘‘Participating Organization’’ and together, the ‘‘Participating Organizations’’), is made pursuant to § 17(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Act’’), 15 U.S.C. 78q(d), and Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘SEC’’) Rule 17d–2, which allow for plans to allocate regulatory responsibility among selfregulatory organizations (‘‘SROs’’). Upon approval by the SEC, this Agreement shall amend and restate the agreement among the Participating Organizations approved by the SEC on [October 14, 2010] January 21, 2011. Whereas, the Participating Organizations desire to: (a) Foster cooperation and coordination among the SROs; (b) remove impediments to, and foster the development of, a national market system; (c) strive to protect the interest of investors; and (d) eliminate duplication in their regulatory surveillance, investigation and enforcement of insider trading; Whereas, the Participating Organizations are interested in allocating to FINRA regulatory responsibility for Common FINRA Members (as defined below) for surveillance, investigation and enforcement of Insider Trading (as defined below) in Listed Stocks (as defined below) irrespective of the marketplace(s) maintained by the Participating Organizations on which the relevant trading may occur in violation of Common Insider Trading Rules (as defined below); * CBOE’s allocation of certain regulatory responsibilities to FINRA under this Agreement is limited to the activities of the CBOE Stock Exchange, LLC, a facility of CBOE. VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:17 Dec 21, 2011 Jkt 226001 Whereas, the Participating Organizations will request regulatory allocation of these regulatory responsibilities by executing and filing with the SEC a plan for the above stated purposes (this Agreement, also known herein as the ‘‘Plan’’) pursuant to the provisions of § 17(d) of the Act, and SEC Rule 17d–2 thereunder, as described below; and Whereas, the Participating Organizations will also enter into a Regulatory Services Agreement (the ‘‘Insider Trading RSA’’), of even date herewith, to provide for the investigation and enforcement of suspected Insider Trading against broker-dealers, and their associated persons, that are not Common FINRA Members in the case of Insider Trading in Listed Stocks. Now, therefore, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained hereafter, and other valuable consideration to be mutually exchanged, the Participating Organizations hereby agree as follows: 1. Definitions. Unless otherwise defined in this Agreement, or the context otherwise requires, the terms used in this Agreement will have the same meaning they have under the Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder. As used in this Agreement, the following terms will have the following meanings: a. ‘‘Rule’’ of an ‘‘exchange’’ or an ‘‘association’’ shall have the meaning defined in Section 3(a)(27) of the Act. b. ‘‘Common FINRA Members’’ shall mean members of FINRA and at least one of the Participating Organizations. c. ‘‘Common Insider Trading Rules’’ shall mean (i) the federal securities laws and rules thereunder promulgated by the SEC pertaining to insider trading, and (ii) the rules of the Participating Organizations that are related to insider trading, as provided on Exhibit A to this Agreement. d. ‘‘Effective Date’’ shall have the meaning set forth in paragraph 28. e. ‘‘Insider Trading’’ shall mean any conduct or action taken by a natural person or entity related in any way to the trading of securities by an insider or a related party based on or on the basis of material non-public information obtained during the performance of the insider’s duties at the corporation, or otherwise misappropriated, that could be deemed a violation of the Common Insider Trading Rules. f. ‘‘Intellectual Property’’ will mean any: (1) Processes, methodologies, procedures, or technology, whether or not patentable; (2) trademarks, copyrights, literary works or other works of authorship, service marks and PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 trade secrets; or (3) software, systems, machine-readable texts and files and related documentation. g. ‘‘Plan’’ shall mean this Agreement, which is submitted as a Plan for the allocation of regulatory responsibilities of surveillance for insider trading pursuant to § 17(d) of the Act, 15 U.S.C. 78q(d), and SEC Rule 17d–2. h. ‘‘Listed Stock(s)’’ shall mean NYSE Listed Stock(s), NASDAQ Listed Stock(s), NYSE Amex Listed Stock(s), NYSE Arca Listed Stock(s), BATS Listed Stock(s) or CHX Solely Listed Stock(s). i. ‘‘NYSE Listed Stock’’ shall mean an equity security that is listed on the NYSE. j. ‘‘NASDAQ Listed Stock’’ shall mean an equity security that is listed on NASDAQ. k. ‘‘NYSE Amex Listed Stock’’ shall mean an equity security that is listed on NYSE Amex. l. ‘‘NYSE Arca Listed Stock’’ shall mean an equity security that is listed on NYSE Arca. m. ‘‘BATS Listed Stock’’ shall mean an equity security that is listed on BATS. n. ‘‘CHX Solely Listed Stock’’ shall mean an equity security that is listed only on the CHX. [n]o. ‘‘Listing Market’’ shall mean NYSE Amex, NASDAQ, NYSE, [or] NYSE Arca or BATS, but not CHX. 2. Assumption of Regulatory Responsibilities. On the Effective Date of the Plan, FINRA will assume regulatory responsibilities for surveillance, investigation and enforcement of Insider Trading by broker-dealers, and their associated persons, for Common FINRA Members with respect to Listed Stocks, irrespective of the marketplace(s) maintained by the Participant Organizations on which the relevant trading may occur in violation of the Common Insider Trading Rules (‘‘Regulatory Responsibilities’’). 3. Certification of Insider Trading Rules. a. Initial Certification. By signing this Agreement, the Participating Organizations, other than FINRA, hereby certify to FINRA that their respective lists of Common Insider Trading Rules contained in Exhibit A hereto are correct, and FINRA hereby confirms that such rules are Common Insider Trading Rules as defined in this Agreement. b. Yearly Certification. Each year following the commencement of operation of this Agreement, or more frequently if required by changes in the rules of the Participating Organizations, each Participating Organization shall submit a certified and updated list of Common Insider Trading Rules to E:\FR\FM\22DEN1.SGM 22DEN1 jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 246 / Thursday, December 22, 2011 / Notices FINRA for review, which shall (i) add Participating Organization rules not included in the then-current list of Common Insider Trading Rules that qualify as Common Insider Trading Rules as defined in this Agreement; (ii) delete Participating Organization rules included in the current list of Common Insider Trading Rules that no longer qualify as Common Insider Trading Rules as defined in this Agreement; and (iii) confirm that the remaining rules on the current list of Common Insider Trading Rules continue to be Participating Organization rules that qualify as Common Insider Trading Rules as defined in this Agreement. FINRA shall review each Participating Organization’s annual certification and confirm whether FINRA agrees with the submitted certified and updated list of Common Insider Trading Rules by each of the Participating Organizations. 4. No Retention of Regulatory Responsibility. The Participating Organizations do not contemplate the retention of any responsibilities with respect to the regulatory activities being assumed by FINRA under the terms of this Agreement. 5. Dually Listed Stocks. Stocks that are listed on more than one Participating Organization shall be designated as an NYSE Listed Stock, a NASDAQ Listed Stock, an NYSE Arca Listed Stock or an NYSE Amex Listed Stock based on the applicable transaction reporting plan for the equity security as set forth in paragraph 1.b. of Exhibit B. 6. Fees. FINRA shall charge Participating Organizations for performing the Regulatory Responsibilities, as set forth in the Schedule of Fees, attached as Exhibit B. 7. Applicability of Certain Laws, Rules, Regulations or Orders. Notwithstanding any provision hereof, this Agreement shall be subject to any statute, or any rule or order of the SEC. To the extent such statute, rule, or order is inconsistent with one or more provisions of this Agreement, the statute, rule, or order shall supersede the provision(s) hereof to the extent necessary to be properly effectuated and the provision(s) hereof in that respect shall be null and void. 8. Exchange Committee; Reports. a. Exchange Committee. The Participating Organizations shall form a committee (the ‘‘Exchange Committee’’), which shall act on behalf of all of Participating Organizations in receiving copies of the reports described below and in reviewing issues that arise under this Agreement. Each Participating Organization shall appoint a representative to the Exchange VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:17 Dec 21, 2011 Jkt 226001 Committee. The Exchange Committee representatives shall report to their respective executive management bodies regarding status or issues under this Agreement. The Participating Organizations agree that the Exchange Committee will meet regularly up to four (4) times a year, with no more than one meeting per calendar quarter. At these meetings, the Exchange Committee will discuss the conduct of the Regulatory Responsibilities and identify issues or concerns with respect to this Agreement, including matters related to the calculation of the cost formula and accuracy of fees charged and provision of information related to the same. The SEC shall be permitted to attend the meetings as an observer. b. Reports. FINRA shall provide the reports set forth in Exhibit C hereto and any additional reports related to this Agreement reasonably requested by a majority vote of all representatives to the Exchange Committee at each Exchange Committee meeting, or more often as the Participating Organizations deem appropriate, but no more often than once every quarterly billing period. 9. Customer Complaints. If a Participating Organization receives a copy of a customer complaint relating to Insider Trading or other activity or conduct that is within FINRA’s Regulatory Responsibilities as set forth in this Agreement, the Participating Organization shall promptly forward to FINRA, as applicable, a copy of such customer complaint. 10. Parties to Make Personnel Available as Witnesses. Each Participating Organization shall make its personnel available to FINRA to serve as testimonial or non-testimonial witnesses as necessary to assist FINRA in fulfilling the Regulatory Responsibilities allocated under this Agreement. FINRA shall provide reasonable advance notice when practicable and shall work with a Participating Organization to accommodate reasonable scheduling conflicts within the context and demands as the entity with ultimate regulatory responsibility. The Participating Organization shall pay all reasonable travel and other expenses incurred by its employees to the extent that FINRA requires such employees to serve as witnesses, and provide information or other assistance pursuant to this Agreement. 11. Market Data; Sharing of WorkPapers, Data and Related Information. a. Market Data. FINRA shall obtain raw market data necessary to the performance of regulation under this Agreement from (a) the Consolidated Tape Association (‘‘CTA’’) as the PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 79717 exclusive securities information processor (‘‘SIP’’) for all NYSE Listed Stocks, NYSE Amex Listed Stocks, NYSE Arca Listed Stocks, BATS Listed Stocks and CHX Solely Listed Stocks and (b) the NASDAQ Unlisted Trading Privileges Plan as the exclusive SIP for all NASDAQ Listed Stocks. b. Sharing. A Participating Organization shall make available to FINRA information necessary to assist FINRA in fulfilling the Regulatory Responsibilities assumed under the terms of this Agreement. Such information shall include any information collected by a Participating Organization in the course of performing its regulatory obligations under the Act, including information relating to an on-going disciplinary investigation or action against a member, the amount of a fine imposed on a member, financial information, or information regarding proprietary trading systems gained in the course of examining a member (‘‘Regulatory Information’’). This Regulatory Information shall be used by FINRA solely for the purposes of fulfilling its Regulatory Responsibilities. c. No Waiver of Privilege. The sharing of documents or information between the parties pursuant to this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver as against third parties of regulatory or other privileges relating to the discovery of documents or information. d. Intellectual Property. (i) Existing Intellectual Property. FINRA is and will remain the owner of all right, title and interest in and to the proprietary Intellectual Property it employs in the provision of regulation hereunder (including the SONAR and Stock Watch systems), and any derivative works thereof. To the extent certain elements of FINRA’s systems, or portions thereof, may be licensed or leased from third parties, all such third party elements shall remain the property of such third parties, as applicable. Likewise, any other Participating Organization is and will remain the owner of all right, title and interest in and to its own existing proprietary Intellectual Property. (ii) Enhancements to Existing Intellectual Property or New Developments. In the event FINRA (a) makes any changes, modifications or enhancements to its Intellectual Property for any reason, or (b) creates any newly developed Intellectual Property for any reason, including as a result of requested enhancements or new development by the Exchange Committee (collectively, the ‘‘New IP’’), the Participating Organizations acknowledge and agree that FINRA shall E:\FR\FM\22DEN1.SGM 22DEN1 jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 79718 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 246 / Thursday, December 22, 2011 / Notices be deemed the owner of the New IP created by it (and any derivative works thereof), and shall retain all right, title and interest therein and thereto, and each other Participating Organization hereby irrevocably assigns, transfers and conveys to FINRA without further consideration all of its right, title and interest in or to all such New IP (and any derivative works thereof). (iii) Fees for New IP. FINRA will not charge the Participating Organizations any fees for any New IP created and used by FINRA; provided, however, that FINRA will be permitted to charge fees for software maintenance work performed on systems used in the discharge of its duties hereunder. 12. Special or Cause Examinations. Nothing in this Agreement shall restrict or in any way encumber the right of a party to conduct special or cause examinations of Common FINRA Members as any party, in its sole discretion, shall deem appropriate or necessary. 13. Dispute Resolution Under this Agreement. a. Negotiation. The parties to this Agreement will attempt to resolve any disputes through good faith negotiation and discussion, escalating such discussion up through the appropriate management levels until reaching the executive management level. In the event a dispute cannot be settled through these means, the parties shall refer the dispute to binding arbitration. b. Binding Arbitration. All claims, disputes, controversies, and other matters in question between the parties to this Agreement arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach thereof that cannot be resolved by the parties will be resolved through binding arbitration. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, a dispute submitted to binding arbitration pursuant to this paragraph shall be resolved using the following procedures: (i) The arbitration shall be conducted in the city of New York in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof; and (ii) There shall be three arbitrators, and the chairperson of the arbitration panel shall be an attorney. 14. Limitation of Liability. As between the Participating Organizations, no Participating Organization, including its respective directors, governors, officers, employees and agents, will be liable to any other Participating Organization, or its directors, governors, officers, employees and agents, for any liability, loss or damage resulting from any VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:17 Dec 21, 2011 Jkt 226001 delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions with respect to its performing or failing to perform regulatory responsibilities, obligations, or functions, except (a) as otherwise provided for under the Act, (b) in instances of a Participating Organization’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or reckless disregard with respect to another Participating Organization, (c) in instances of a breach of confidentiality obligations owed to another Participating Organization, or (d) in the case of any Participating Organization paying fees hereunder, for any payments due. The Participating Organizations understand and agree that the Regulatory Responsibilities are being performed on a good faith and best effort basis and no warranties, express or implied, are made by any Participating Organization to any other Participating Organization with respect to any of the responsibilities to be performed hereunder. This paragraph is not intended to create liability of any Participating Organization to any third party. 15. SEC Approval. a. The parties agree to file promptly this Agreement with the SEC for its review and approval. FINRA shall file this Agreement on behalf, and with the explicit consent, of all Participating Organizations. b. If approved by the SEC, the Participating Organizations will notify their members of the general terms of this Agreement and of its impact on their members. 16. Subsequent Parties; Limited Relationship. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the Participating Organizations hereto and their respective legal representatives, successors, and assigns. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended or shall: (a) Confer on any person other than the Participating Organizations hereto, or their respective legal representatives, successors, and assigns, any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, (b) constitute the Participating Organizations hereto partners or participants in a joint venture, or (c) appoint one Participating Organization the agent of the other. 17. Assignment. No Participating Organization may assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of all the other Participating Organizations, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed; provided, however, that any Participating Organization may assign this Agreement to a corporation controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Participating PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Organization without the prior written consent of any other party. 18. Severability. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction. 19. Termination. a. Any Participating Organization may cancel its participation in this Agreement at any time, provided that it has given 180 days written notice to the other Participating Organizations (or in the case of a change of control in ownership of a Participating Organization, such other notice time period as that Participating Organization may choose), and provided that such termination has been approved by the SEC. The cancellation of its participation in this Agreement by any Participating Organization shall not terminate this Agreement as to the remaining Participating Organizations. b. The Regulatory Responsibilities assumed under this Agreement by FINRA may be terminated by FINRA against any Participating Organization as follows. The Participating Organization will have thirty (30) days from receipt to satisfy the invoice. If the Participating Organization fails to satisfy the invoice within thirty (30) days of receipt (‘‘Default’’), FINRA will notify the Participating Organization of the Default. The Participating Organization will have thirty (30) days from receipt of the Default notice to satisfy the invoice. c. FINRA will have the right to terminate the Regulatory Responsibilities assumed under this Agreement if a Participating Organization has Defaulted in its obligation to pay the invoice on more than three (3) occasions in any rolling twenty-four (24) month period. 20. Intermarket Surveillance Group (‘‘ISG’’). In order to participate in this Agreement, all Participating Organizations to this Agreement must be members of the ISG. 21. General. The Participating Organizations agree to perform all acts and execute all supplementary instruments or documents that may be reasonably necessary or desirable to carry out the provisions of this Agreement. 22. Liaison and Notices. All questions regarding the implementation of this Agreement shall be directed to the E:\FR\FM\22DEN1.SGM 22DEN1 jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 246 / Thursday, December 22, 2011 / Notices persons identified below, as applicable. All notices and other communications required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given upon (i) actual receipt by the notified party or (ii) constructive receipt (as of the date marked on the return receipt) if sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, to the following addresses: * * * * * 23. Confidentiality. The parties agree that documents or information shared shall be held in confidence, and used only for the purposes of carrying out their respective regulatory obligations under this Agreement. No party shall assert regulatory or other privileges as against the other with respect to Regulatory Information that is required to be shared pursuant to this Agreement, as defined by paragraph 11, above. 24. Regulatory Responsibility. Pursuant to Section 17(d)(1)(A) of the Act, and Rule 17d–2 thereunder, the Participating Organizations jointly and severally request the SEC, upon its approval of this Agreement, to relieve the Participating Organizations, jointly and severally, of any and all responsibilities with respect to the matters allocated to FINRA pursuant to this Agreement for purposes of §§ 17(d) and 19(g) of the Act. 25. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been made in the State of New York, and shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the law of the State of New York, without reference to principles of conflicts of laws thereof. Each of the parties hereby consents to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York in connection with any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement. 26. Survival of Provisions. Provisions intended by their terms or context to survive and continue notwithstanding delivery of the regulatory services by FINRA, the payment of the Fees by the Participating Organizations, and any expiration of this Agreement shall survive and continue. 27. Amendment. a. This Agreement may be amended to add a new Participating Organization, provided that such Participating Organization does not assume regulatory responsibility, solely by an amendment executed by FINRA and such new Participating Organization. All other Participating Organizations expressly consent to allow FINRA to add new Participating Organizations to this Agreement as provided above. FINRA will promptly notify all VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:17 Dec 21, 2011 Jkt 226001 Participating Organizations of any such amendments to add a new Participating Organization. b. All other amendments must be approved by each Participating Organization. All amendments, including adding a new Participating Organization, must be filed with and approved by the SEC before they become effective. 28. Effective Date. The Effective Date of this Agreement will be the date the SEC declares this Agreement to be effective pursuant to authority conferred by § 17(d) of the Act, and SEC Rule 17d– 2 thereunder. 29. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, including facsimile, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one single agreement between the parties. * * * * * Exhibit A: Common Insider Trading Rules 1. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Section 10(b), and rules and regulations promulgated there under in connection with insider trading, including SEC Rule 10b–5 (as it pertains to insider trading), which states that: Rule 10b–5—Employment of Manipulative and Deceptive Devices It shall be unlawful for any person, directly or indirectly, by the use of any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce, or of the mails or of any facility of any national securities exchange, a. To employ any device, scheme, or artifice to defraud, b. To make any untrue statement of a material fact or to omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or c. To engage in any act, practice, or course of business which operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon any person, in connection with the purchase or sale of any security. 2. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Section 17(a), and rules and regulations promulgated there under in connection with insider trading, including SEC Rule 17a–3 (as it pertains to insider trading). 3. The following SRO Rules as they pertain to violations of insider trading: FINRA Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade) FINRA Rule 2020 (Use of Manipulative, Deceptive or Other Fraudulent Devices) PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 79719 FINRA NASD Rule 3010 (Supervision) FINRA NASD Rule 3110(a) and (c) (Books and Records; Financial Condition) [NYSE Rule 401(a) (Business Conduct)] [NYSE Rule 476(a) (Disciplinary Proceedings Involving Charges Against Members, Member Organizations, Allied Members, Approved Persons, Employees, or Others)] [NYSE Rule 440 (Books and Records)] NYSE Rule 342 (Offices—Approval, Supervision and Control) NYSE Rule 440 (Books and Records) NYSE Rule 476(a) (Disciplinary Proceedings Involving Charges Against Members, Member Organizations, Principal Executives, Approved Persons, Employees, or Others) NYSE Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade) NYSE Rule 2020 (Use of Manipulative, Deceptive or Other Fraudulent Devices) NYSE Amex Equities Rule 342 (Offices—Approval, Supervision and Control) NYSE Amex Equities Rule 440 (Books and Records) NYSE Amex Equities Rule 476(a) (Disciplinary Proceedings Involving Charges Against Members, Member Organizations, Principal Executives, Approved Persons, Employees, or Others) NYSE Amex Equities Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade) NYSE Amex Equities Rule 2020 (Use of Manipulative, Deceptive or Other Fraudulent Devices) [NYSE Amex Cons. Art. II Sec. 3 Confidential Information] [NYSE Amex Cons. Art. V Sec. 4 Suspension or Expulsion (b), (h), (i), (j) and (r)] [NYSE Amex Cons. Art. XI Sec. 4 Controlled Corporations and Associations—Responsibility for Corporate Subsidiary; Duty to Produce Books] [NYSE Amex Rule 3 General Prohibitions and Duty to Report (d), (h) (j) and (l)] [NYSE Amex Rule 3 AEMI General Prohibitions and Duty to Report (d) and (h)] [NYSE Amex Rule 16 Business Conduct] [NYSE Amex Rule 320 Offices— Approval, Supervision and Control] [NYSE Amex Rule 324 Books and Records] NASDAQ OMX Rule 2110 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade) E:\FR\FM\22DEN1.SGM 22DEN1 jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 79720 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 246 / Thursday, December 22, 2011 / Notices NASDAQ OMX Rule 2120 (Use of Manipulative, Deceptive or Other Fraudulent Devices) NASDAQ OMX Rule 3010 (Supervision) NASDAQ OMX Rule 3110 (a) and (c) (Books and Records; Financial Condition) CHX Article 8, Rule 3 (Fraudulent Acts) CHX Article 9, Rule 2 (Just & Equitable Trade Principles) CHX Article 11, Rule 2 (Maintenance of Books and Records) CHX Article 6, Rule 5 (Supervision of Registered Persons and Branch and Resident Offices) CBOE Rule 4.1 (Practices inconsistent with just and equitable principles) CBOE Rule 4.2 (adherence to law) CBOE Rule 4.7 (Manipulation) CBOE Rule 4.18 (Prevention of the misuse of material non public information) NASDAQ OMX PHLX Rule 707 (Conduct Inconsistent with Just and Equitable Principles of Trade) NASDAQ OMX PHLX Rule 748 (Supervision) NASDAQ OMX PHLX Rule 760 (Maintenance, Retention and Furnishing of Books, Records and Other Information) NASDAQ OMX PHLX Rule 761 (Supervisory Procedures Relating to ITSFEA and to Prevention of Misuse or Material Nonpublic Information) NASDAQ OMX PHLX Rule 782 (Manipulative Operations) NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.24 (ETP Books and Records) NYSE Arca Equities Rule 6.3 (Prevention of the Misuse of Material, Nonpublic Information) NYSE Arca Equities Rule 6.2(b) (Prohibited Acts (J&E)) NYSE Arca Equities Rule 6.1 (Adherence to Law) NYSE Arca Equities Rule 6.18 (Supervision) NYSE Arca Equities Rule 9.1(c) (Office Supervision) NYSE Arca Equities Rule 9.2(b) (Account Supervision) NYSE Arca Equities Rule 9.2(c) (Customer Records) NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade) NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2020 (Use of Manipulative, Deceptive or Other Fraudulent Devices) [NYSE Arca Rule 9.17 Books and Records] NSX Rule 3.1 (Business Conduct of ETP Holders) NSX Rule 3.2 (Violations Prohibited) NSX Rule 3.3 (Use of Fraudulent Devices) NSX Rule 4.1 (Requirements) NSX Rule 5.1 (Written Procedures) VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:17 Dec 21, 2011 Jkt 226001 NSX Rule 5.3 (Records) NSX Rule 5.5 (Chinese Wall Procedures) NASDAQ OMX BX Rule 2110 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade) NASDAQ OMX BX Rule 2120 (Use of Manipulative, Deceptive or Other Fraudulent Devices) NASDAQ OMX BX Rule 3010 (Supervision) NASDAQ OMX BX Rule 3110 (a) and (c) (Books and Records; Financial Condition) BATS Rule 3.1 (Business Conduct of Members) BATS Rule 3.2 (Violations Prohibited) BATS Rule 3.3 (Use of Fraudulent Devices) BATS Rule 4.1 (Requirements) BATS Rule 5.1 (Written Procedures) BATS Rule 5.3 (Records) BATS Rule 5.5 (Prevention of the Misuse of Material, Non-Public Information) BATS Rule 12.4 (Manipulative Transactions) BYX Rule 3.1 (Business Conduct of ETP Holders) BYX Rule 3.2 (Violations Prohibited) BYX Rule 3.3 (Use of Fraudulent Devices) BYX Rule 4.1 (Requirements) BYX Rule 5.1 (Written Procedures) BYX Rule 5.3 (Records) BYX Rule 5.5 (Prevention of the Misuse of Material, Non-Public Information) BYX Rule 12.4 (Manipulative Transactions) EDGA 3.1 (Business Conduct of Members) EDGA 3.2 (Violations Prohibited) EDGA 3.3 (Use of Fraudulent Devices) EDGA 4.1 (Requirements) EDGA 5.1 (Written Procedures) EDGA 5.3 (Records) EDGA 5.5 (Prevention of M[m]isuse of M[m]aterial, N[n]onpublic I[i]nformation) EDGA 12.4 (Manipulative Transactions) EDGX 3.1 (Business Conduct of Members) EDGX 3.2 (Violations Prohibited) EDGX 3.3 (Use of Fraudulent Devices) EDGX 4.1 (Requirements) EDGX 5.1 (Written Procedures) EDGX 5.3 (Records) EDGX 5.5 (Prevention of M[m]isuse of M[m]aterial, N[n]onpublic I[i]nformation) EDGX 12.4 (Manipulative Transactions) Exhibit B: Fee Schedule 1. Fees. FINRA shall charge each Participating Organization a Quarterly Fee in arrears for the performance of FINRA’s Regulatory Responsibilities under the Plan (each, a ‘‘Quarterly Fee,’’ and together, the ‘‘Fees’’). a. Quarterly Fees. PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 (1) Quarterly Fees for each Participating Organization will be charged by FINRA according to the Participating Organization’s ‘‘Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades’’ occurring over three-month billing periods. The ‘‘Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades’’ shall equal a Participating Organization’s number of reported Listed Stock trades during the relevant period (the ‘‘Numerator’’), divided by the total number of all Listed Stock trades for the same period (the ‘‘Denominator’’). For purposes of clarification, ADF and Trade Reporting Facility (‘‘TRF’’) activity will be included in the Denominator. Additionally, with regard to TRFs, TRF trade volume will be charged to FINRA. Consequently, for purposes of calculating the Quarterly Fees, the volume for each Participant Organization’s TRF will be calculated separately (that is, TRF volume will be broken out from the Participating Organization’s overall Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades) and the fees for such will be billed to FINRA in accordance with paragraph 1a.(2), rather than to the applicable Participating Organization. (2) The Quarterly Fees shall be determined by FINRA in the following manner for each Participating Organization: (a) Less than 1.0%: If the Participating Organization’s Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades for the relevant threemonth billing period is less than 1.0%, the Quarterly Fee shall be $6,250, per quarter (‘‘Static Fee’’); (b) Less than 2.0% but No Less than 1.0%: If the Participating Organization’s Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades for the relevant three-month billing period is less than 2.0% but no less than 1.0%, the Quarterly Fee shall be $18,750, per quarter (‘‘Static Fee’’); (c) 2.0% or Greater: If the Participating Organization’s Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades for the relevant three-month billing period is 2.0% or greater, the Quarterly Fee shall be the amount equal to the Participating Organization’s Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades multiplied by FINRA’s total charge (‘‘Total Charge’’) for its performance of Regulatory Responsibilities for the relevant threemonth billing period. (3) Increases in Static Fees. FINRA will re-evaluate the Quarterly Fees on an annual basis during the annual budget process outlined in paragraph 1.c. below. During each annual reevaluation, FINRA will have the discretion to increase the Static Fees by a percentage no greater than the percentage increase in the Final Budget E:\FR\FM\22DEN1.SGM 22DEN1 jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 246 / Thursday, December 22, 2011 / Notices over the preceding year’s Final Budget. Any changes to the Static Fees shall not require an amendment to this Agreement, but rather shall be memorialized through the budget process. (4) Increases in Total Charges. Any change in the Total Charges (whether a Final Budget increase or any mid year change) shall not require an amendment to this Agreement, but rather shall be memorialized through the budget process. b. Source of Data. For purposes of calculation of the Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades for each Participating Organization, FINRA shall use (a) the Consolidated Tape Association (‘‘CTA’’) as the exclusive securities information processor (‘‘SIP’’) for all NYSE Listed Stocks, NYSE Amex Listed Stocks, NYSE Arca Listed Stocks, BATS Listed Stocks and CHX Solely Listed Stocks, and (b) the Unlisted Trading Privileges Plan as the exclusive SIP for NASDAQ Listed Stocks. c. Annual Budget Forecast. FINRA will notify the Participating Organizations of the forecasted costs of its insider trading program for the following calendar year by close of business on October 15 of the thencurrent year (the ‘‘Forecasted Budget’’). FINRA shall use best efforts to provide as accurate a forecast as possible. FINRA shall then provide a final submission of the costs following approval of such costs by its Board of Governors (the ‘‘Final Budget’’). Subject to paragraph 1d. below, in the event of a difference between the Forecasted Budget and the Final Budget, the Final Budget will govern. d. Increases in Fees over Five Percent. (1) In the event that any proposed increase to Fees by FINRA for a given calendar year (which increase may arise either during the annual budgetary forecasting process or through any midyear increase) will result in a cumulative increase in such calendar year’s Fees of more than five percent (5%) above the preceding calendar year’s Final Budget (a ‘‘Major Increase’’), then senior management of any Participating Organization (a) that is a Listing Market or (b) for which the Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades is then currently twenty percent (20%) or greater, shall have the right to call a meeting with the senior management of FINRA in order to discuss any disagreement over such proposed Major Increase. By way of example, if FINRA provides a Final Budget for 2011 that represents an 4% increase above the Final Budget for 2010, the terms of this paragraph 1.d.(1) shall not apply; if, however, in April of 2011, FINRA VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:17 Dec 21, 2011 Jkt 226001 notifies the Exchange Committee of an increase in Fees that represents an additional 3% increase above the Final Budget for 2010, then the increase shall be deemed a Major Increase, and the terms of this paragraph 1.d.(1) shall become applicable (i.e., 4% and 3% represents a cumulative increase of 7% above the 2010 Final Budget). (2) In the event that senior management members of the involved parties are unable to reach an agreement regarding the proposed Major Increase, then the matter shall be referred back to the Exchange Committee for final resolution. Prior to the matter being referred back to the Exchange Committee, nothing shall prohibit the parties from conferring with the SEC. Resolution shall be reached through a vote of no fewer than all Participating Organizations seated on the Exchange Committee, and a simple majority shall be required in order to reject the proposed Major Increase. e. Time Tracking. FINRA shall track the time spent by staff on insider trading responsibilities under this Agreement; however, time tracking will not be used to allocate costs. 2. Invoicing and Payment. FINRA shall invoice each Participating Organization for the Quarterly Fee associated with the regulatory activities performed pursuant to this Agreement during the previous three-month billing period within forty five (45) days of the end of such previous 3-month billing period. A Participating Organization shall have thirty (30) days from date of invoice to make payment to FINRA on such invoice. The invoice will reflect the Participating Organization’s Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades for that billing period. 3. Disputed Invoices; Interest. In the event that a Participating Organization disputes an invoice or a portion of an invoice, the Participating Organization shall notify FINRA in writing of the disputed item(s) within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the invoice. In its notification to FINRA of the disputed invoice, the Participating Organization shall identify the disputed item(s) and provide a brief explanation of why the Participating Organization disputes the charges. FINRA may charge a Participating Organization interest on any undisputed invoice or the undisputed portions of a disputed invoice that a Participating Organization fails to pay within thirty (30) days of its receipt of such invoice. Such interest shall be assessed monthly. Interest will mean one and one half percent per month, or the maximum allowable under applicable law, whichever is less. PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 79721 4. Taxes. In the event any governmental authority deems the regulatory activities allocated to FINRA to be taxable activities similar to the provision of services in a commercial context, the other Participating Organizations agree that they shall bear full responsibility, on a joint and several basis, for the payment of any such taxes levied on FINRA, or, if such taxes are paid by FINRA directly to the governmental authority, the other Participating Organizations agree that they shall reimburse FINRA for the amount of any such taxes paid. 5. Audit Right; Record Keeping. a. Audit Right. (i) Once every rolling twelve (12) month period, FINRA shall permit no more than one audit (to be performed by one or more Participating Organizations) of the Fees charged by FINRA to the Participating Organizations hereunder and a detailed cost analysis supporting such Fees (the ‘‘Audit’’). The Participating Organization or Organizations that conduct this Audit will select a nationally-recognized independent auditing firm (or may use its regular independent auditor, providing it is a nationally-recognized auditing firm) (‘‘Auditing Firm’’) to act on its, or their behalf, and will provide reasonable notice to other Participating Organizations of the Audit. FINRA will permit the Auditing Firm reasonable access during FINRA’s normal business hours, with reasonable advance notice, to such financial records and supporting documentation as are necessary to permit review of the accuracy of the calculation of the Fees charged to the Participating Organizations. The Participating Organization, or Organizations, as applicable, other than FINRA, shall be responsible for the costs of performing any such audit. (ii) If, through an Audit, the Exchange Committee determines that FINRA has inaccurately calculated the Fees for any Participating Organization, the Exchange Committee will promptly notify FINRA in writing of the amount of such difference in the Fees, and, if applicable, FINRA shall issue a reimbursement of the overage amount to the relevant Participating Organization(s), less any amount owed by the Participating Organization under any outstanding, undisputed invoice(s). If such an Audit reveals that any Participating Organization paid less than what was required pursuant to the Agreement, then that Participating Organization shall promptly pay FINRA the difference between what the Participating Organization owed pursuant to the Agreement and what that Participating Organization E:\FR\FM\22DEN1.SGM 22DEN1 jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 79722 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 246 / Thursday, December 22, 2011 / Notices originally paid FINRA. If FINRA disputes the results of an Audit regarding the accuracy of the Fees, it will submit the dispute for resolution pursuant to the dispute resolution procedures in paragraph 13 of the Agreement. (iii) In the event that through the review of any supporting documentation provided during the Audit, any one or more Participating Organizations desire to discuss with FINRA the supporting documentation and any questions arising therefrom with regard to the manner in which regulation was conducted, the Participating Organization(s) shall call a meeting with FINRA. FINRA shall in turn notify the Exchange Committee of this meeting in advance, and all Participating Organizations shall be welcome to attend (the ‘‘Fee Analysis Meeting’’). The parties to this Agreement acknowledge and agree that while FINRA commits to discuss the supporting documentation at the Fee Analysis Meeting, FINRA shall not be subject, by virtue of the above Audit rights or any discussions during the Fee Analysis Meeting or otherwise, to any limitation whatsoever, other than the Increase in Fee provisions set forth in paragraph 1.d. of this Exhibit, on its discretion as to the manner and means by which it conducts its regulatory efforts in its role as the SRO primarily liable for regulatory decisions under this Agreement. To that end, no disagreement among the Participating Organizations as to the manner or means by which FINRA conducts its regulatory efforts hereunder shall be subject to the dispute resolution procedures hereunder, and no Participating Organization shall have the right to compel FINRA to alter the manner or means by which it conducts its regulatory efforts. Further, a Participating Organization shall not have the right to compel a rebate or reassessment of fees for services rendered, on the basis that the Participating Organization would have conducted regulatory efforts in a different manner than FINRA in its professional judgment chose to conduct its regulatory efforts. b. Record Keeping. In anticipation of any audit that may be performed by the Exchange Committee under paragraph 5.a. above, FINRA shall keep accurate financial records and documentation relating to the Fees charged by it under this Agreement. Committee, which information covers activity occurring under this Agreement: 1. Alert Summary Statistics: Total number of surveillance system alerts generated by quarter along with associated number of reviews and investigations. In addition, this paragraph shall also reflect the number of reviews and investigations originated from a source other than an alert. A separate table would be presented for NYSE Listed Stock, NYSE Amex Listed Stock, NYSE Arca Listed Stock, NASDAQ Listed Stock, BATS Listed Stock and CHX Solely Listed Stock trading activity. Exhibit C: Reports 9–12 months FINRA shall provide the following information in reports to the Exchange 12+ months VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:17 Dec 21, 2011 Jkt 226001 2008 Surveillance alerts Surveillance Alerts Investigations Total 4. Disposition of Closed Matters: Would reflect the disposition of those matters that were completed or closed during the quarterly period being reported. A separate table would be presented for NYSE Listed Stock, NYSE Amex Listed Stock, NYSE Arca Listed Stock, NASDAQ Listed Stock, BATS Listed Stock and CHX Solely Listed Stock trading activity. Example: Surveillance YTD Investigations Investigations YTD No Further Review 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter Letter of Caution/Admonition/Fine 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Referred to Legal/Enforcement 2008 Total 2. Aging of Open Matters: Would reflect the aging for all currently open matters for the quarterly period being reported. A separate table would be presented for NYSE Listed Stock, NYSE Amex Listed Stock, NYSE Arca Listed Stock, NASDAQ Listed Stock, BATS Listed Stock and CHX Solely Listed Stock trading activity. Example: Surveillance alerts Investigations 0–6 months 6–9 months 9–12 months 12+ months Total 3. Timeliness of Completed Matters: Would reflect the total age of those matters that were completed or closed during the quarterly period being reported. FINRA will provide total referrals to the SEC. Example: Surveillance Alerts Investigations 0–6 months 6–9 months PO 00000 Frm 00077 Referred to SEC/SRO Merged Other Total 5. Pending Reviews. In addition to the above reports, the Chief Regulatory Officer (CRO) (or his or her designee) of any Participating Organization that is also a Listing Market (including CHX) may inquire about pending reviews involving stocks listed on that Participating Organization’s market. FINRA will respond to such inquiries from a CRO; provided, however, that (a) the CRO must hold any information provided by FINRA in confidence and (b) FINRA will not be compelled to provide information in contradiction of any mandate, directive or order from the SEC, US Attorney’s Office, the Office of any State Attorney General or court of competent jurisdiction. * * * * * IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing. 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 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\22DEN1.SGM 22DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 246 / Thursday, December 22, 2011 / Notices • Send an email to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File Number 4–566 on the subject line. jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number 4–566. 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 plan that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed plan 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 a.m. and 3 p.m. Copies of the plan also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal offices of BATS, BYX, CBOE, CHX, EDGA, EDGX, FINRA, NASDAQ OMX BX, NASDAQ OMX Phlx, NASDAQ, NSX, NYSE, NYSE Amex, and NYSE Arca. 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 4–566 and should be submitted on or before January 12, 2012. V. Discussion The Commission finds that the Plan, as proposed to be amended, is consistent with the factors set forth in Section 17(d) of the Act 15 and Rule 17d–2 16 thereunder in that it is necessary or appropriate in the public interest and for the protection of investors, fosters cooperation and coordination among SROs, and removes impediments to and fosters the development of the national market system. The Commission continues to believe that the Plan, as amended, should reduce unnecessary regulatory duplication by allocating regulatory responsibility for the surveillance, investigation, and enforcement of Common Rules to FINRA. Accordingly, the proposed amendment to the Plan promotes efficiency by consolidating these regulatory functions in a single SRO. Under paragraph (c) of Rule 17d– 2, the Commission may, after appropriate notice and comment, declare a plan, or any part of a plan, effective. In this instance, the Commission believes that appropriate notice and comment can take place after the proposed amendment is effective. The purpose of the amendment is to amend the Plan to reflect that BATS has adopted rules for the qualification, listing, and delisting of companies on BATS. Accordingly, the amendment expands the coverage of Listed Stocks to include an equity security that is listed on BATS. The Commission believes that the amended Plan should become effective without undue delay in order to reflect the expanded coverage to BATS-listed securities. In addition, the Commission notes that the prior version of this Plan was published for comment, and the Commission did not receive any comments thereon.17 Finally, the Commission does not believe that the amendment to the Plan raises any new regulatory issues that the Commission has not previously considered. VI. Conclusion This order gives effect to the amended Plan submitted to the Commission that is contained in File No. 4–566. It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 17(d) of the Act,18 that the Plan, as amended, is hereby approved and declared effective. It is further ordered that the Participating Organizations are relieved of those regulatory responsibilities allocated to FINRA under the amended Plan to the extent of such allocation. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.19 Kevin M. O’Neill, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2011–32753 Filed 12–21–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P supra note 11. U.S.C. 78q(d). 19 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(34) SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–65968; File No. SR–ISE– 2011–83] Self-Regulatory Organizations; International Securities Exchange, LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Extend the Penny Pilot Program December 15, 2011. 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 2, 2011, International Securities Exchange, LLC (the ‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘ISE’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The ISE proposes to amend its rules relating to a pilot program to quote and to trade certain options in pennies (‘‘Penny Pilot Program’’). The text of the proposed rule change is as follows, with deletions in [brackets] and additions are underlined: Rule 710. Minimum Trading Increments (a) The Board may establish minimum trading increments for options traded on the Exchange. Such changes by the Board will be designated as a stated policy, practice, or interpretation with respect to the administration of this Rule 710 within the meaning of subparagraph (3)(A) of Section 19(b) of the Exchange Act and will be filed with the SEC as a rule change for effectiveness upon filing. Until such time as the Board makes a change in the increments, the following principles shall apply: (1) If the options contract is trading at less than $3.00 per option, $.05; and (2) If the options contract is trading at $3.00 per option or higher, $.10. (b) Minimum trading increments for dealings in options contracts other than those specified in paragraph (a) may be fixed by the Exchange from time to time for options contracts of a particular series. (c) Notwithstanding the above, the Exchange may trade in the minimum variation of the primary market in the underlying security. Supplementary Material to Rule 710 .01 Notwithstanding any other provision of this Rule 710, the Exchange will operate 17 See 18 15 15 15 U.S.C. 78q(d). 16 17 CFR 240.17d–2 VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:17 Dec 21, 2011 Jkt 226001 PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 4703 1 15 2 17 Sfmt 4703 79723 E:\FR\FM\22DEN1.SGM U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. 22DEN1
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 246 (Thursday, December 22, 2011)]
[Pages 79714-79723]
[FR Doc No: 2011-32753]
[Release No. 34-65991; File No. 4-566]
Rule 17d-2; Notice of Filing and Order Approving and Declaring
Effective an Amendment to the Plan for the Allocation of Regulatory
Responsibilities Among BATS Exchange, Inc., BATS Y-Exchange, Inc.,
Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated, Chicago Stock Exchange,
Inc., EDGA Exchange, Inc., EDGX Exchange, Inc., Financial Industry
Regulatory Authority, Inc., NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc., NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC,
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, National Stock Exchange, Inc., New York
Stock Exchange LLC, NYSE Amex LLC, and NYSE Arca, Inc. Relating to the
Surveillance, Investigation, and Enforcement of Insider Trading Rules
[[Page 79715]]
(``Commission'') has issued an Order, pursuant to Section 17(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (``Act''),\1\ approving and declaring
effective an amendment to the plan for allocating regulatory
responsibility (``Plan'') filed pursuant to Rule 17d-2 of the Act,\2\
by and among BATS Exchange, Inc. (``BATS''), BATS Y-Exchange, Inc.
(``BYX''), Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated (``CBOE''),
Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc. (``CHX''), EDGA Exchange, Inc. (``EDGA''),
EDGX Exchange, Inc. (``EDGX''), the Financial Industry Regulatory
Authority, Inc. (``FINRA''), NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc., (``NASDAQ OMX BX''),
NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC, (``NASDAQ OMX PHLX''), The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
(``Nasdaq''), National Stock Exchange, Inc. (``NSX''), New York Stock
Exchange LLC (``NYSE''), NYSE Amex LLC (``NYSE Amex''), and NYSE Arca,
Inc. (``NYSE Arca'') (each a ``Participating Organization'' and
collectively, ``Participating Organizations'' or ``parties'').
\2\ 17 CFR 240.17d-2.
Section 19(g)(1) of the Act,\3\ among other things, requires every
securities exchange or national securities association to examine for,
and enforce compliance by, its members and persons associated with its
members with the Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, and the
pursuant to Section 17(d) \4\ or Section 19(g)(2) \5\ of the Act.
Without this relief, the statutory obligation of each individual SRO
could result in a pattern of multiple examinations of broker-dealers
that maintain memberships in more than one SRO (``common members'').
Such regulatory duplication would add unnecessary expenses for common
members and their SROs.
\3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(g)(1).
\4\ 15 U.S.C. 78q(d).
\5\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(g)(2).
Section 17(d)(1) of the Act \6\ was intended, in part, to eliminate
unnecessary multiple examinations and regulatory duplication.\7\ With
respect to a common member, Section 17(d)(1) authorizes the Commission,
by rule or order, to relieve an SRO of the responsibility to receive
regulatory reports, to examine for and enforce compliance with
applicable statutes, rules, and regulations, or to perform other
specified regulatory functions.
\6\ 15 U.S.C. 78q(d)(1).
\7\ See Securities Act Amendments of 1975, Report of the Senate
Rule 17d-1 and Rule 17d-2 under the Act.\8\ Rule 17d-1 authorizes the
Commission to name a single SRO as the designated examining authority
(``DEA'') to examine common members for compliance with the financial
responsibility requirements imposed by the Act, or by Commission or SRO
rules.\9\ When an SRO has been named as a common member's DEA, all
other SROs to which the common member belongs are relieved of the
responsibility to examine the firm for compliance with the applicable
financial responsibility rules. On its face, Rule 17d-1 deals only with
an SRO's obligations to enforce member compliance with financial
responsibility requirements. Rule 17d-1 does not relieve an SRO from
its obligation to examine a common member for compliance with its own
rules and provisions of the federal securities laws governing matters
other than financial responsibility, including sales practices and
trading activities and practices.
\8\ 17 CFR 240.17d-1 and 17 CFR 240.17d-2, respectively.
\9\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 12352 (April 20,
1976), 41 FR 18808 (May 7, 1976).
To address regulatory duplication in these and other areas, the
Commission adopted Rule 17d-2 under the Act.\10\ Rule 17d-2 permits
responsibilities with respect to their common members. Under paragraph
(c) of Rule 17d-2, the Commission may declare such a plan effective if,
after providing for notice and comment, it determines that the plan is
necessary or appropriate in the public interest and for the protection
of investors, to foster cooperation and coordination among the SROs, to
remove impediments to, and foster the development of, a national market
system and a national clearance and settlement system, and is in
conformity with the factors set forth in Section 17(d) of the Act.
Commission approval of a plan filed pursuant to Rule 17d-2 relieves an
SRO of those regulatory responsibilities allocated by the plan to
another SRO.
\10\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 12935 (October 28,
1976), 41 FR 49091 (November 8, 1976).
On September 12, 2008, the Commission declared effective the
Participating Organizations' Plan for allocating regulatory
responsibilities pursuant to Rule 17d-2.\11\ The Plan is designed to
eliminate regulatory duplication by allocating regulatory
responsibility over Common FINRA Members \12\ (collectively ``Common
Members'') for the surveillance, investigation, and enforcement of
common insider trading rules (``Common Rules'').\13\ The Plan assigns
regulatory responsibility over Common FINRA Members to FINRA for
surveillance, investigation, and enforcement of insider trading by
broker-dealers, and their associated persons, with respect to Listed
Stocks (as defined in the Plan), irrespective of the marketplace(s)
maintained by the Participating Organizations on which the relevant
trading may occur.
\11\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 58536 (September
12, 2008), 73 FR 54646 (September 22, 2008). See also Securities
Exchange Act Release Nos. 58806 (October 17, 2008), 73 FR 63216
(October 23, 2008); 61919 (April 15, 2010), 75 FR 21051 (April 22,
2010); 63103 (October 14, 2010), 75 FR 64755 (October 20, 2010); and
63750 (January 21, 2011), 76 FR 4948 (January 27, 2011).
\12\ Common FINRA Members include members of FINRA and at least
one of the Participating Organizations.
\13\ Common rules are defined as: (i) Federal securities laws
and rules promulgated by the Commission pertaining to insider
trading, and (ii) the rules of the Participating Organizations that
are related to insider trading. See Exhibit A to the Plan.
III. Proposed Amendment to the Plan
On November 3, 2011, the Participating Organizations submitted an
amendment to the Plan. The proposed amendment was submitted to reflect
the addition of BATS as a Listing Market (as defined in the Plan) and
to expand the coverage of Listed Stocks to include an equity security
that is listed on BATS.\14\ Other similar conforming amendments were
made to reflect this addition. The Participating Organizations also
amended the Plan to update the contact information and SRO rules that
are covered by the Agreement. In addition, the Participating
Organizations entered into a regulatory services agreement that
addresses investigation and enforcement in situations involving Insider
Trading by non-Common FINRA Members. The text of the proposed amended
17d-2 plan is as follows (except for paragraph headings, which are
italicized, additions are italicized; deletions are [bracketed]):
\14\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 65225 (August 30,
2011), 76 FR 55148 (September 6, 2011) (Order approving proposed
rule change to adopt rules for the qualification, listing and
delisting of companies on BATS).
[[Page 79716]]
Agreement for the Allocation of Regulatory Responsibility of
Surveillance, Investigation and Enforcement for Insider Trading
pursuant to Sec.  17(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15
U.S.C. 78q(d), and Rule 17d-2 Thereunder
This agreement (the ``Agreement'') by and among BATS Exchange, Inc.
(``BATS''), BATS Y-Exchange, Inc. (``BYX''), Chicago Board Options
Exchange, Inc. (``CBOE'') \*\, Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc. (``CHX''),
EDGA Exchange, Inc. (``EDGA''), EDGX Exchange, Inc. (``EDGX''),
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (``FINRA''), NASDAQ OMX
BX, Inc. (``NASDAQ OMX BX''), NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC (``NASDAQ OMX
PHLX''), The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (``NASDAQ''), National Stock
Exchange, Inc. (``NSX''), New York Stock Exchange LLC (``NYSE''), NYSE
Amex LLC (``NYSE Amex''), and NYSE Arca, Inc. (``NYSE Arca'') (each a
``Participating Organization'' and together, the ``Participating
Organizations''), is made pursuant to Sec.  17(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the ``Act''), 15 U.S.C. 78q(d), and Securities
and Exchange Commission (``SEC'') Rule 17d-2, which allow for plans to
allocate regulatory responsibility among self-regulatory organizations
(``SROs''). Upon approval by the SEC, this Agreement shall amend and
restate the agreement among the Participating Organizations approved by
the SEC on [October 14, 2010] January 21, 2011.
\*\ CBOE's allocation of certain regulatory responsibilities to
FINRA under this Agreement is limited to the activities of the CBOE
Stock Exchange, LLC, a facility of CBOE.
Whereas, the Participating Organizations desire to: (a) Foster
cooperation and coordination among the SROs; (b) remove impediments to,
and foster the development of, a national market system; (c) strive to
protect the interest of investors; and (d) eliminate duplication in
their regulatory surveillance, investigation and enforcement of insider
Whereas, the Participating Organizations are interested in
allocating to FINRA regulatory responsibility for Common FINRA Members
(as defined below) for surveillance, investigation and enforcement of
Insider Trading (as defined below) in Listed Stocks (as defined below)
irrespective of the marketplace(s) maintained by the Participating
Organizations on which the relevant trading may occur in violation of
Common Insider Trading Rules (as defined below);
Whereas, the Participating Organizations will request regulatory
allocation of these regulatory responsibilities by executing and filing
with the SEC a plan for the above stated purposes (this Agreement, also
known herein as the ``Plan'') pursuant to the provisions of Sec.  17(d)
of the Act, and SEC Rule 17d-2 thereunder, as described below; and
Whereas, the Participating Organizations will also enter into a
Regulatory Services Agreement (the ``Insider Trading RSA''), of even
date herewith, to provide for the investigation and enforcement of
suspected Insider Trading against broker-dealers, and their associated
persons, that are not Common FINRA Members in the case of Insider
Trading in Listed Stocks.
Now, therefore, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained
hereafter, and other valuable consideration to be mutually exchanged,
the Participating Organizations hereby agree as follows:
1. Definitions. Unless otherwise defined in this Agreement, or the
context otherwise requires, the terms used in this Agreement will have
the same meaning they have under the Act, and the rules and regulations
thereunder. As used in this Agreement, the following terms will have
a. ``Rule'' of an ``exchange'' or an ``association'' shall have the
meaning defined in Section 3(a)(27) of the Act.
b. ``Common FINRA Members'' shall mean members of FINRA and at
least one of the Participating Organizations.
c. ``Common Insider Trading Rules'' shall mean (i) the federal
securities laws and rules thereunder promulgated by the SEC pertaining
to insider trading, and (ii) the rules of the Participating
Organizations that are related to insider trading, as provided on
Exhibit A to this Agreement.
d. ``Effective Date'' shall have the meaning set forth in paragraph
e. ``Insider Trading'' shall mean any conduct or action taken by a
natural person or entity related in any way to the trading of
securities by an insider or a related party based on or on the basis of
material non-public information obtained during the performance of the
insider's duties at the corporation, or otherwise misappropriated, that
could be deemed a violation of the Common Insider Trading Rules.
f. ``Intellectual Property'' will mean any: (1) Processes,
methodologies, procedures, or technology, whether or not patentable;
(2) trademarks, copyrights, literary works or other works of
authorship, service marks and trade secrets; or (3) software, systems,
machine-readable texts and files and related documentation.
g. ``Plan'' shall mean this Agreement, which is submitted as a Plan
for the allocation of regulatory responsibilities of surveillance for
insider trading pursuant to Sec.  17(d) of the Act, 15 U.S.C. 78q(d),
and SEC Rule 17d-2.
h. ``Listed Stock(s)'' shall mean NYSE Listed Stock(s), NASDAQ
Listed Stock(s), NYSE Amex Listed Stock(s), NYSE Arca Listed Stock(s),
BATS Listed Stock(s) or CHX Solely Listed Stock(s).
i. ``NYSE Listed Stock'' shall mean an equity security that is
listed on the NYSE.
j. ``NASDAQ Listed Stock'' shall mean an equity security that is
listed on NASDAQ.
k. ``NYSE Amex Listed Stock'' shall mean an equity security that is
listed on NYSE Amex.
l. ``NYSE Arca Listed Stock'' shall mean an equity security that is
listed on NYSE Arca.
m.  ``BATS Listed Stock'' shall mean an equity security that is
listed on BATS.
n. ``CHX Solely Listed Stock'' shall mean an equity security that
is listed only on the CHX.
[n]o. ``Listing Market'' shall mean NYSE Amex, NASDAQ, NYSE, [or]
NYSE Arca or BATS, but not CHX.
2. Assumption of Regulatory Responsibilities. On the Effective Date
of the Plan, FINRA will assume regulatory responsibilities for
surveillance, investigation and enforcement of Insider Trading by
broker-dealers, and their associated persons, for Common FINRA Members
with respect to Listed Stocks, irrespective of the marketplace(s)
maintained by the Participant Organizations on which the relevant
trading may occur in violation of the Common Insider Trading Rules
(``Regulatory Responsibilities'').
3. Certification of Insider Trading Rules.
a. Initial Certification. By signing this Agreement, the
Participating Organizations, other than FINRA, hereby certify to FINRA
that their respective lists of Common Insider Trading Rules contained
in Exhibit A hereto are correct, and FINRA hereby confirms that such
rules are Common Insider Trading Rules as defined in this Agreement.
b. Yearly Certification. Each year following the commencement of
operation of this Agreement, or more frequently if required by changes
in the rules of the Participating Organizations, each Participating
Organization shall submit a certified and updated list of Common
Insider Trading Rules to
[[Page 79717]]
FINRA for review, which shall (i) add Participating Organization rules
not included in the then-current list of Common Insider Trading Rules
that qualify as Common Insider Trading Rules as defined in this
Agreement; (ii) delete Participating Organization rules included in the
current list of Common Insider Trading Rules that no longer qualify as
Common Insider Trading Rules as defined in this Agreement; and (iii)
confirm that the remaining rules on the current list of Common Insider
Trading Rules continue to be Participating Organization rules that
qualify as Common Insider Trading Rules as defined in this Agreement.
FINRA shall review each Participating Organization's annual
certification and confirm whether FINRA agrees with the submitted
certified and updated list of Common Insider Trading Rules by each of
the Participating Organizations.
4. No Retention of Regulatory Responsibility. The Participating
Organizations do not contemplate the retention of any responsibilities
with respect to the regulatory activities being assumed by FINRA under
5. Dually Listed Stocks. Stocks that are listed on more than one
Participating Organization shall be designated as an NYSE Listed Stock,
a NASDAQ Listed Stock, an NYSE Arca Listed Stock or an NYSE Amex Listed
Stock based on the applicable transaction reporting plan for the equity
security as set forth in paragraph 1.b. of Exhibit B.
6. Fees. FINRA shall charge Participating Organizations for
performing the Regulatory Responsibilities, as set forth in the
Schedule of Fees, attached as Exhibit B.
7. Applicability of Certain Laws, Rules, Regulations or Orders.
Notwithstanding any provision hereof, this Agreement shall be subject
to any statute, or any rule or order of the SEC. To the extent such
statute, rule, or order is inconsistent with one or more provisions of
this Agreement, the statute, rule, or order shall supersede the
provision(s) hereof to the extent necessary to be properly effectuated
and the provision(s) hereof in that respect shall be null and void.
8. Exchange Committee; Reports.
a. Exchange Committee. The Participating Organizations shall form a
committee (the ``Exchange Committee''), which shall act on behalf of
all of Participating Organizations in receiving copies of the reports
described below and in reviewing issues that arise under this
Agreement. Each Participating Organization shall appoint a
representative to the Exchange Committee. The Exchange Committee
representatives shall report to their respective executive management
bodies regarding status or issues under this Agreement. The
Participating Organizations agree that the Exchange Committee will meet
regularly up to four (4) times a year, with no more than one meeting
per calendar quarter. At these meetings, the Exchange Committee will
discuss the conduct of the Regulatory Responsibilities and identify
issues or concerns with respect to this Agreement, including matters
related to the calculation of the cost formula and accuracy of fees
charged and provision of information related to the same. The SEC shall
be permitted to attend the meetings as an observer.
b. Reports. FINRA shall provide the reports set forth in Exhibit C
hereto and any additional reports related to this Agreement reasonably
requested by a majority vote of all representatives to the Exchange
Committee at each Exchange Committee meeting, or more often as the
Participating Organizations deem appropriate, but no more often than
once every quarterly billing period.
9. Customer Complaints. If a Participating Organization receives a
copy of a customer complaint relating to Insider Trading or other
activity or conduct that is within FINRA's Regulatory Responsibilities
as set forth in this Agreement, the Participating Organization shall
promptly forward to FINRA, as applicable, a copy of such customer
10. Parties to Make Personnel Available as Witnesses. Each
Participating Organization shall make its personnel available to FINRA
to serve as testimonial or non-testimonial witnesses as necessary to
assist FINRA in fulfilling the Regulatory Responsibilities allocated
under this Agreement. FINRA shall provide reasonable advance notice
when practicable and shall work with a Participating Organization to
accommodate reasonable scheduling conflicts within the context and
demands as the entity with ultimate regulatory responsibility. The
Participating Organization shall pay all reasonable travel and other
expenses incurred by its employees to the extent that FINRA requires
such employees to serve as witnesses, and provide information or other
assistance pursuant to this Agreement.
11. Market Data; Sharing of Work-Papers, Data and Related
a. Market Data. FINRA shall obtain raw market data necessary to the
performance of regulation under this Agreement from (a) the
Consolidated Tape Association (``CTA'') as the exclusive securities
information processor (``SIP'') for all NYSE Listed Stocks, NYSE Amex
Listed Stocks, NYSE Arca Listed Stocks, BATS Listed Stocks and CHX
Solely Listed Stocks and (b) the NASDAQ Unlisted Trading Privileges
Plan as the exclusive SIP for all NASDAQ Listed Stocks.
b. Sharing. A Participating Organization shall make available to
FINRA information necessary to assist FINRA in fulfilling the
Regulatory Responsibilities assumed under the terms of this Agreement.
Such information shall include any information collected by a
Participating Organization in the course of performing its regulatory
obligations under the Act, including information relating to an on-
going disciplinary investigation or action against a member, the amount
of a fine imposed on a member, financial information, or information
regarding proprietary trading systems gained in the course of examining
a member (``Regulatory Information''). This Regulatory Information
shall be used by FINRA solely for the purposes of fulfilling its
Regulatory Responsibilities.
c. No Waiver of Privilege. The sharing of documents or information
between the parties pursuant to this Agreement shall not be deemed a
waiver as against third parties of regulatory or other privileges
relating to the discovery of documents or information.
d. Intellectual Property.
(i) Existing Intellectual Property. FINRA is and will remain the
owner of all right, title and interest in and to the proprietary
Intellectual Property it employs in the provision of regulation
hereunder (including the SONAR and Stock Watch systems), and any
derivative works thereof. To the extent certain elements of FINRA's
systems, or portions thereof, may be licensed or leased from third
parties, all such third party elements shall remain the property of
such third parties, as applicable. Likewise, any other Participating
Organization is and will remain the owner of all right, title and
interest in and to its own existing proprietary Intellectual Property.
(ii) Enhancements to Existing Intellectual Property or New
Developments. In the event FINRA (a) makes any changes, modifications
or enhancements to its Intellectual Property for any reason, or (b)
creates any newly developed Intellectual Property for any reason,
including as a result of requested enhancements or new development by
the Exchange Committee (collectively, the ``New IP''), the
Participating Organizations acknowledge and agree that FINRA shall
[[Page 79718]]
be deemed the owner of the New IP created by it (and any derivative
works thereof), and shall retain all right, title and interest therein
and thereto, and each other Participating Organization hereby
irrevocably assigns, transfers and conveys to FINRA without further
consideration all of its right, title and interest in or to all such
New IP (and any derivative works thereof).
(iii) Fees for New IP. FINRA will not charge the Participating
Organizations any fees for any New IP created and used by FINRA;
provided, however, that FINRA will be permitted to charge fees for
software maintenance work performed on systems used in the discharge of
its duties hereunder.
12. Special or Cause Examinations. Nothing in this Agreement shall
restrict or in any way encumber the right of a party to conduct special
or cause examinations of Common FINRA Members as any party, in its sole
discretion, shall deem appropriate or necessary.
13. Dispute Resolution Under this Agreement.
a. Negotiation. The parties to this Agreement will attempt to
resolve any disputes through good faith negotiation and discussion,
escalating such discussion up through the appropriate management levels
until reaching the executive management level. In the event a dispute
cannot be settled through these means, the parties shall refer the
dispute to binding arbitration.
b. Binding Arbitration. All claims, disputes, controversies, and
other matters in question between the parties to this Agreement arising
out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach thereof that cannot
be resolved by the parties will be resolved through binding
arbitration. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, a dispute
submitted to binding arbitration pursuant to this paragraph shall be
resolved using the following procedures:
(i) The arbitration shall be conducted in the city of New York in
accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American
Arbitration Association and judgment upon the award rendered by the
arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof; and
(ii) There shall be three arbitrators, and the chairperson of the
arbitration panel shall be an attorney.
14. Limitation of Liability. As between the Participating
Organizations, no Participating Organization, including its respective
directors, governors, officers, employees and agents, will be liable to
any other Participating Organization, or its directors, governors,
officers, employees and agents, for any liability, loss or damage
resulting from any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions with
respect to its performing or failing to perform regulatory
responsibilities, obligations, or functions, except (a) as otherwise
provided for under the Act, (b) in instances of a Participating
Organization's gross negligence, willful misconduct or reckless
disregard with respect to another Participating Organization, (c) in
instances of a breach of confidentiality obligations owed to another
Participating Organization, or (d) in the case of any Participating
Organization paying fees hereunder, for any payments due. The
Participating Organizations understand and agree that the Regulatory
Responsibilities are being performed on a good faith and best effort
basis and no warranties, express or implied, are made by any
Participating Organization to any other Participating Organization with
respect to any of the responsibilities to be performed hereunder. This
paragraph is not intended to create liability of any Participating
Organization to any third party.
15. SEC Approval.
a. The parties agree to file promptly this Agreement with the SEC
for its review and approval. FINRA shall file this Agreement on behalf,
and with the explicit consent, of all Participating Organizations.
b. If approved by the SEC, the Participating Organizations will
notify their members of the general terms of this Agreement and of its
impact on their members.
16. Subsequent Parties; Limited Relationship. This Agreement shall
inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the Participating
Organizations hereto and their respective legal representatives,
successors, and assigns. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or
implied, is intended or shall: (a) Confer on any person other than the
Participating Organizations hereto, or their respective legal
representatives, successors, and assigns, any rights, remedies,
obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, (b)
constitute the Participating Organizations hereto partners or
participants in a joint venture, or (c) appoint one Participating
Organization the agent of the other.
17. Assignment. No Participating Organization may assign this
Agreement without the prior written consent of all the other
Participating Organizations, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld, conditioned or delayed; provided, however, that any
Participating Organization may assign this Agreement to a corporation
controlling, controlled by or under common control with the
Participating Organization without the prior written consent of any
18. Severability. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is
invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such
jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or
unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the
remaining terms and provisions of this Agreement or affecting the
validity or enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of this
Agreement in any other jurisdiction.
a. Any Participating Organization may cancel its participation in
this Agreement at any time, provided that it has given 180 days written
notice to the other Participating Organizations (or in the case of a
change of control in ownership of a Participating Organization, such
other notice time period as that Participating Organization may
choose), and provided that such termination has been approved by the
SEC. The cancellation of its participation in this Agreement by any
Participating Organization shall not terminate this Agreement as to the
remaining Participating Organizations.
b. The Regulatory Responsibilities assumed under this Agreement by
FINRA may be terminated by FINRA against any Participating Organization
as follows. The Participating Organization will have thirty (30) days
from receipt to satisfy the invoice. If the Participating Organization
fails to satisfy the invoice within thirty (30) days of receipt
(``Default''), FINRA will notify the Participating Organization of the
Default. The Participating Organization will have thirty (30) days from
receipt of the Default notice to satisfy the invoice.
c. FINRA will have the right to terminate the Regulatory
Responsibilities assumed under this Agreement if a Participating
Organization has Defaulted in its obligation to pay the invoice on more
than three (3) occasions in any rolling twenty-four (24) month period.
20. Intermarket Surveillance Group (``ISG''). In order to
participate in this Agreement, all Participating Organizations to this
Agreement must be members of the ISG.
21. General. The Participating Organizations agree to perform all
acts and execute all supplementary instruments or documents that may be
reasonably necessary or desirable to carry out the provisions of this
22. Liaison and Notices. All questions regarding the implementation
of this Agreement shall be directed to the
[[Page 79719]]
persons identified below, as applicable. All notices and other
communications required or permitted to be given under this Agreement
shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given upon
(i) actual receipt by the notified party or (ii) constructive receipt
(as of the date marked on the return receipt) if sent by certified or
registered mail, return receipt requested, to the following addresses:
23. Confidentiality. The parties agree that documents or
information shared shall be held in confidence, and used only for the
purposes of carrying out their respective regulatory obligations under
this Agreement. No party shall assert regulatory or other privileges as
against the other with respect to Regulatory Information that is
required to be shared pursuant to this Agreement, as defined by
paragraph 11, above.
24. Regulatory Responsibility. Pursuant to Section 17(d)(1)(A) of
the Act, and Rule 17d-2 thereunder, the Participating Organizations
jointly and severally request the SEC, upon its approval of this
Agreement, to relieve the Participating Organizations, jointly and
severally, of any and all responsibilities with respect to the matters
allocated to FINRA pursuant to this Agreement for purposes of
Sec. Sec.  17(d) and 19(g) of the Act.
25. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been made
in the State of New York, and shall be construed and enforced in
accordance with the law of the State of New York, without reference to
principles of conflicts of laws thereof. Each of the parties hereby
consents to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of
New York in connection with any action or proceeding relating to this
26. Survival of Provisions. Provisions intended by their terms or
context to survive and continue notwithstanding delivery of the
regulatory services by FINRA, the payment of the Fees by the
Participating Organizations, and any expiration of this Agreement shall
survive and continue.
a. This Agreement may be amended to add a new Participating
Organization, provided that such Participating Organization does not
assume regulatory responsibility, solely by an amendment executed by
FINRA and such new Participating Organization. All other Participating
Organizations expressly consent to allow FINRA to add new Participating
Organizations to this Agreement as provided above. FINRA will promptly
notify all Participating Organizations of any such amendments to add a
new Participating Organization.
b. All other amendments must be approved by each Participating
Organization. All amendments, including adding a new Participating
Organization, must be filed with and approved by the SEC before they
28. Effective Date. The Effective Date of this Agreement will be
the date the SEC declares this Agreement to be effective pursuant to
authority conferred by Sec.  17(d) of the Act, and SEC Rule 17d-2
29. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, including facsimile, each of which will be deemed an
original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one single
Exhibit A: Common Insider Trading Rules
1. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Section 10(b), and rules and
regulations promulgated there under in connection with insider trading,
including SEC Rule 10b-5 (as it pertains to insider trading), which
Rule 10b-5--Employment of Manipulative and Deceptive Devices
It shall be unlawful for any person, directly or indirectly, by the
use of any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce, or of the
mails or of any facility of any national securities exchange,
b. To make any untrue statement of a material fact or to omit to
c. To engage in any act, practice, or course of business which
2. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Section 17(a), and rules and
including SEC Rule 17a-3 (as it pertains to insider trading).
3. The following SRO Rules as they pertain to violations of insider
FINRA Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade)
FINRA Rule 2020 (Use of Manipulative, Deceptive or Other Fraudulent
FINRA NASD Rule 3010 (Supervision)
FINRA NASD Rule 3110(a) and (c) (Books and Records; Financial
[NYSE Rule 401(a) (Business Conduct)]
[NYSE Rule 476(a) (Disciplinary Proceedings Involving Charges Against
Members, Member Organizations, Allied Members, Approved Persons,
Employees, or Others)]
[NYSE Rule 440 (Books and Records)]
NYSE Rule 342 (Offices--Approval, Supervision and Control)
NYSE Rule 440 (Books and Records)
NYSE Rule 476(a) (Disciplinary Proceedings Involving Charges Against
Members, Member Organizations, Principal Executives, Approved Persons,
Employees, or Others)
NYSE Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade)
NYSE Rule 2020 (Use of Manipulative, Deceptive or Other Fraudulent
NYSE Amex Equities Rule 342 (Offices--Approval, Supervision and
NYSE Amex Equities Rule 440 (Books and Records)
NYSE Amex Equities Rule 476(a) (Disciplinary Proceedings Involving
Charges Against Members, Member Organizations, Principal Executives,
Approved Persons, Employees, or Others)
NYSE Amex Equities Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and
Principles of Trade)
NYSE Amex Equities Rule 2020 (Use of Manipulative, Deceptive or Other
Fraudulent Devices)
[NYSE Amex Cons. Art. II Sec. 3 Confidential Information]
[NYSE Amex Cons. Art. V Sec. 4 Suspension or Expulsion (b), (h), (i),
(j) and (r)]
[NYSE Amex Cons. Art. XI Sec. 4 Controlled Corporations and
Associations--Responsibility for Corporate Subsidiary; Duty to Produce
[NYSE Amex Rule 3 General Prohibitions and Duty to Report (d), (h) (j)
and (l)]
[NYSE Amex Rule 3 AEMI General Prohibitions and Duty to Report (d) and
[NYSE Amex Rule 16 Business Conduct]
[NYSE Amex Rule 320 Offices--Approval, Supervision and Control]
[NYSE Amex Rule 324 Books and Records]
NASDAQ OMX Rule 2110 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of
[[Page 79720]]
NASDAQ OMX Rule 2120 (Use of Manipulative, Deceptive or Other
NASDAQ OMX Rule 3010 (Supervision)
NASDAQ OMX Rule 3110 (a) and (c) (Books and Records; Financial
CHX Article 8, Rule 3 (Fraudulent Acts)
CHX Article 9, Rule 2 (Just & Equitable Trade Principles)
CHX Article 11, Rule 2 (Maintenance of Books and Records)
CHX Article 6, Rule 5 (Supervision of Registered Persons and Branch and
Resident Offices)
CBOE Rule 4.1 (Practices inconsistent with just and equitable
CBOE Rule 4.2 (adherence to law)
CBOE Rule 4.7 (Manipulation)
CBOE Rule 4.18 (Prevention of the misuse of material non public
NASDAQ OMX PHLX Rule 707 (Conduct Inconsistent with Just and Equitable
NASDAQ OMX PHLX Rule 748 (Supervision)
NASDAQ OMX PHLX Rule 760 (Maintenance, Retention and Furnishing of
Books, Records and Other Information)
NASDAQ OMX PHLX Rule 761 (Supervisory Procedures Relating to ITSFEA and
to Prevention of Misuse or Material Nonpublic Information)
NASDAQ OMX PHLX Rule 782 (Manipulative Operations)
NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2.24 (ETP Books and Records)
NYSE Arca Equities Rule 6.3 (Prevention of the Misuse of Material,
Nonpublic Information)
NYSE Arca Equities Rule 6.2(b) (Prohibited Acts (J&E))
NYSE Arca Equities Rule 6.1 (Adherence to Law)
NYSE Arca Equities Rule 6.18 (Supervision)
NYSE Arca Equities Rule 9.1(c) (Office Supervision)
NYSE Arca Equities Rule 9.2(b) (Account Supervision)
NYSE Arca Equities Rule 9.2(c) (Customer Records)
NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and
NYSE Arca Equities Rule 2020 (Use of Manipulative, Deceptive or Other
[NYSE Arca Rule 9.17 Books and Records]
NSX Rule 3.1 (Business Conduct of ETP Holders)
NSX Rule 3.2 (Violations Prohibited)
NSX Rule 3.3 (Use of Fraudulent Devices)
NSX Rule 4.1 (Requirements)
NSX Rule 5.1 (Written Procedures)
NSX Rule 5.3 (Records)
NSX Rule 5.5 (Chinese Wall Procedures)
NASDAQ OMX BX Rule 2110 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles
of Trade)
NASDAQ OMX BX Rule 2120 (Use of Manipulative, Deceptive or Other
NASDAQ OMX BX Rule 3010 (Supervision)
NASDAQ OMX BX Rule 3110 (a) and (c) (Books and Records; Financial
BATS Rule 3.1 (Business Conduct of Members)
BATS Rule 3.2 (Violations Prohibited)
BATS Rule 3.3 (Use of Fraudulent Devices)
BATS Rule 4.1 (Requirements)
BATS Rule 5.1 (Written Procedures)
BATS Rule 5.3 (Records)
BATS Rule 5.5 (Prevention of the Misuse of Material, Non-Public
BATS Rule 12.4 (Manipulative Transactions)
BYX Rule 3.1 (Business Conduct of ETP Holders)
BYX Rule 3.2 (Violations Prohibited)
BYX Rule 3.3 (Use of Fraudulent Devices)
BYX Rule 4.1 (Requirements)
BYX Rule 5.1 (Written Procedures)
BYX Rule 5.3 (Records)
BYX Rule 5.5 (Prevention of the Misuse of Material, Non-Public
BYX Rule 12.4 (Manipulative Transactions)
EDGA 3.1 (Business Conduct of Members)
EDGA 3.2 (Violations Prohibited)
EDGA 3.3 (Use of Fraudulent Devices)
EDGA 4.1 (Requirements)
EDGA 5.1 (Written Procedures)
EDGA 5.3 (Records)
EDGA 5.5 (Prevention of M[m]isuse of M[m]aterial, N[n]onpublic
I[i]nformation)
EDGA 12.4 (Manipulative Transactions)
EDGX 3.1 (Business Conduct of Members)
EDGX 3.2 (Violations Prohibited)
EDGX 3.3 (Use of Fraudulent Devices)
EDGX 4.1 (Requirements)
EDGX 5.1 (Written Procedures)
EDGX 5.3 (Records)
EDGX 5.5 (Prevention of M[m]isuse of M[m]aterial, N[n]onpublic
EDGX 12.4 (Manipulative Transactions)
Exhibit B: Fee Schedule
1. Fees. FINRA shall charge each Participating Organization a
Quarterly Fee in arrears for the performance of FINRA's Regulatory
Responsibilities under the Plan (each, a ``Quarterly Fee,'' and
together, the ``Fees'').
a. Quarterly Fees.
(1) Quarterly Fees for each Participating Organization will be
charged by FINRA according to the Participating Organization's
``Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades'' occurring over three-month
billing periods. The ``Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades'' shall
equal a Participating Organization's number of reported Listed Stock
trades during the relevant period (the ``Numerator''), divided by the
total number of all Listed Stock trades for the same period (the
``Denominator''). For purposes of clarification, ADF and Trade
Reporting Facility (``TRF'') activity will be included in the
Denominator. Additionally, with regard to TRFs, TRF trade volume will
be charged to FINRA. Consequently, for purposes of calculating the
Quarterly Fees, the volume for each Participant Organization's TRF will
be calculated separately (that is, TRF volume will be broken out from
the Participating Organization's overall Percentage of Publicly
Reported Trades) and the fees for such will be billed to FINRA in
accordance with paragraph 1a.(2), rather than to the applicable
Participating Organization.
(2) The Quarterly Fees shall be determined by FINRA in the
following manner for each Participating Organization:
(a) Less than 1.0%: If the Participating Organization's Percentage
of Publicly Reported Trades for the relevant three-month billing period
is less than 1.0%, the Quarterly Fee shall be $6,250, per quarter
(``Static Fee'');
(b) Less than 2.0% but No Less than 1.0%: If the Participating
Organization's Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades for the relevant
three-month billing period is less than 2.0% but no less than 1.0%, the
Quarterly Fee shall be $18,750, per quarter (``Static Fee'');
(c) 2.0% or Greater: If the Participating Organization's Percentage
is 2.0% or greater, the Quarterly Fee shall be the amount equal to the
Participating Organization's Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades
multiplied by FINRA's total charge (``Total Charge'') for its
performance of Regulatory Responsibilities for the relevant three-month
(3) Increases in Static Fees. FINRA will re-evaluate the Quarterly
Fees on an annual basis during the annual budget process outlined in
paragraph 1.c. below. During each annual re-evaluation, FINRA will have
the discretion to increase the Static Fees by a percentage no greater
than the percentage increase in the Final Budget
[[Page 79721]]
over the preceding year's Final Budget. Any changes to the Static Fees
shall not require an amendment to this Agreement, but rather shall be
memorialized through the budget process.
(4) Increases in Total Charges. Any change in the Total Charges
(whether a Final Budget increase or any mid year change) shall not
require an amendment to this Agreement, but rather shall be
b. Source of Data. For purposes of calculation of the Percentage of
Publicly Reported Trades for each Participating Organization, FINRA
shall use (a) the Consolidated Tape Association (``CTA'') as the
exclusive securities information processor (``SIP'') for all NYSE
Listed Stocks, NYSE Amex Listed Stocks, NYSE Arca Listed Stocks, BATS
Listed Stocks and CHX Solely Listed Stocks, and (b) the Unlisted
Trading Privileges Plan as the exclusive SIP for NASDAQ Listed Stocks.
c. Annual Budget Forecast. FINRA will notify the Participating
Organizations of the forecasted costs of its insider trading program
for the following calendar year by close of business on October 15 of
the then-current year (the ``Forecasted Budget''). FINRA shall use best
efforts to provide as accurate a forecast as possible. FINRA shall then
provide a final submission of the costs following approval of such
costs by its Board of Governors (the ``Final Budget''). Subject to
paragraph 1d. below, in the event of a difference between the
Forecasted Budget and the Final Budget, the Final Budget will govern.
d. Increases in Fees over Five Percent.
(1) In the event that any proposed increase to Fees by FINRA for a
given calendar year (which increase may arise either during the annual
budgetary forecasting process or through any mid-year increase) will
result in a cumulative increase in such calendar year's Fees of more
than five percent (5%) above the preceding calendar year's Final Budget
(a ``Major Increase''), then senior management of any Participating
Organization (a) that is a Listing Market or (b) for which the
Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades is then currently twenty percent
(20%) or greater, shall have the right to call a meeting with the
senior management of FINRA in order to discuss any disagreement over
such proposed Major Increase. By way of example, if FINRA provides a
Final Budget for 2011 that represents an 4% increase above the Final
Budget for 2010, the terms of this paragraph 1.d.(1) shall not apply;
if, however, in April of 2011, FINRA notifies the Exchange Committee of
an increase in Fees that represents an additional 3% increase above the
Final Budget for 2010, then the increase shall be deemed a Major
Increase, and the terms of this paragraph 1.d.(1) shall become
applicable (i.e., 4% and 3% represents a cumulative increase of 7%
above the 2010 Final Budget).
(2) In the event that senior management members of the involved
parties are unable to reach an agreement regarding the proposed Major
Increase, then the matter shall be referred back to the Exchange
Committee for final resolution. Prior to the matter being referred back
to the Exchange Committee, nothing shall prohibit the parties from
conferring with the SEC. Resolution shall be reached through a vote of
no fewer than all Participating Organizations seated on the Exchange
Committee, and a simple majority shall be required in order to reject
the proposed Major Increase.
e. Time Tracking. FINRA shall track the time spent by staff on
insider trading responsibilities under this Agreement; however, time
tracking will not be used to allocate costs.
2. Invoicing and Payment. FINRA shall invoice each Participating
Organization for the Quarterly Fee associated with the regulatory
activities performed pursuant to this Agreement during the previous
three-month billing period within forty five (45) days of the end of
such previous 3-month billing period. A Participating Organization
shall have thirty (30) days from date of invoice to make payment to
FINRA on such invoice. The invoice will reflect the Participating
Organization's Percentage of Publicly Reported Trades for that billing
3. Disputed Invoices; Interest. In the event that a Participating
Organization disputes an invoice or a portion of an invoice, the
Participating Organization shall notify FINRA in writing of the
disputed item(s) within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the invoice. In
its notification to FINRA of the disputed invoice, the Participating
Organization shall identify the disputed item(s) and provide a brief
explanation of why the Participating Organization disputes the charges.
FINRA may charge a Participating Organization interest on any
undisputed invoice or the undisputed portions of a disputed invoice
that a Participating Organization fails to pay within thirty (30) days
of its receipt of such invoice. Such interest shall be assessed
monthly. Interest will mean one and one half percent per month, or the
maximum allowable under applicable law, whichever is less.
4. Taxes. In the event any governmental authority deems the
regulatory activities allocated to FINRA to be taxable activities
similar to the provision of services in a commercial context, the other
Participating Organizations agree that they shall bear full
responsibility, on a joint and several basis, for the payment of any
such taxes levied on FINRA, or, if such taxes are paid by FINRA
directly to the governmental authority, the other Participating
Organizations agree that they shall reimburse FINRA for the amount of
any such taxes paid.
5. Audit Right; Record Keeping.
a. Audit Right.
(i) Once every rolling twelve (12) month period, FINRA shall permit
no more than one audit (to be performed by one or more Participating
Organizations) of the Fees charged by FINRA to the Participating
Organizations hereunder and a detailed cost analysis supporting such
Fees (the ``Audit''). The Participating Organization or Organizations
that conduct this Audit will select a nationally-recognized independent
auditing firm (or may use its regular independent auditor, providing it
is a nationally-recognized auditing firm) (``Auditing Firm'') to act on
its, or their behalf, and will provide reasonable notice to other
Participating Organizations of the Audit. FINRA will permit the
Auditing Firm reasonable access during FINRA's normal business hours,
with reasonable advance notice, to such financial records and
supporting documentation as are necessary to permit review of the
accuracy of the calculation of the Fees charged to the Participating
Organizations. The Participating Organization, or Organizations, as
applicable, other than FINRA, shall be responsible for the costs of
performing any such audit.
(ii) If, through an Audit, the Exchange Committee determines that
FINRA has inaccurately calculated the Fees for any Participating
Organization, the Exchange Committee will promptly notify FINRA in
writing of the amount of such difference in the Fees, and, if
applicable, FINRA shall issue a reimbursement of the overage amount to
the relevant Participating Organization(s), less any amount owed by the
Participating Organization under any outstanding, undisputed
invoice(s). If such an Audit reveals that any Participating
Organization paid less than what was required pursuant to the
Agreement, then that Participating Organization shall promptly pay
FINRA the difference between what the Participating Organization owed
pursuant to the Agreement and what that Participating Organization
[[Page 79722]]
originally paid FINRA. If FINRA disputes the results of an Audit
regarding the accuracy of the Fees, it will submit the dispute for
resolution pursuant to the dispute resolution procedures in paragraph
13 of the Agreement.
(iii) In the event that through the review of any supporting
documentation provided during the Audit, any one or more Participating
Organizations desire to discuss with FINRA the supporting documentation
and any questions arising therefrom with regard to the manner in which
regulation was conducted, the Participating Organization(s) shall call
a meeting with FINRA. FINRA shall in turn notify the Exchange Committee
of this meeting in advance, and all Participating Organizations shall
be welcome to attend (the ``Fee Analysis Meeting''). The parties to
this Agreement acknowledge and agree that while FINRA commits to
discuss the supporting documentation at the Fee Analysis Meeting, FINRA
shall not be subject, by virtue of the above Audit rights or any
discussions during the Fee Analysis Meeting or otherwise, to any
limitation whatsoever, other than the Increase in Fee provisions set
forth in paragraph 1.d. of this Exhibit, on its discretion as to the
manner and means by which it conducts its regulatory efforts in its
role as the SRO primarily liable for regulatory decisions under this
Agreement. To that end, no disagreement among the Participating
Organizations as to the manner or means by which FINRA conducts its
regulatory efforts hereunder shall be subject to the dispute resolution
procedures hereunder, and no Participating Organization shall have the
right to compel FINRA to alter the manner or means by which it conducts
its regulatory efforts. Further, a Participating Organization shall not
have the right to compel a rebate or reassessment of fees for services
rendered, on the basis that the Participating Organization would have
conducted regulatory efforts in a different manner than FINRA in its
professional judgment chose to conduct its regulatory efforts.
b. Record Keeping. In anticipation of any audit that may be
performed by the Exchange Committee under paragraph 5.a. above, FINRA
shall keep accurate financial records and documentation relating to the
Fees charged by it under this Agreement.
Exhibit C: Reports
FINRA shall provide the following information in reports to the
Exchange Committee, which information covers activity occurring under
1. Alert Summary Statistics: Total number of surveillance system
alerts generated by quarter along with associated number of reviews and
investigations. In addition, this paragraph shall also reflect the
number of reviews and investigations originated from a source other
than an alert. A separate table would be presented for NYSE Listed
Stock, NYSE Amex Listed Stock, NYSE Arca Listed Stock, NASDAQ Listed
Stock, BATS Listed Stock and CHX Solely Listed Stock trading activity.
2008                        alerts     Investigations
2. Aging of Open Matters: Would reflect the aging for all currently
open matters for the quarterly period being reported. A separate table
would be presented for NYSE Listed Stock, NYSE Amex Listed Stock, NYSE
Arca Listed Stock, NASDAQ Listed Stock, BATS Listed Stock and CHX
Solely Listed Stock trading activity.
alerts     Investigations
3. Timeliness of Completed Matters: Would reflect the total age of
those matters that were completed or closed during the quarterly period
being reported. FINRA will provide total referrals to the SEC.
4. Disposition of Closed Matters: Would reflect the disposition of
being reported. A separate table would be presented for NYSE Listed
Surveillance  Investigations
YTD            YTD
Letter of Caution/Admonition/Fine
Referred to Legal/Enforcement
Referred to SEC/SRO
5. Pending Reviews. In addition to the above reports, the Chief
Regulatory Officer (CRO) (or his or her designee) of any Participating
Organization that is also a Listing Market (including CHX) may inquire
about pending reviews involving stocks listed on that Participating
Organization's market. FINRA will respond to such inquiries from a CRO;
provided, however, that (a) the CRO must hold any information provided
by FINRA in confidence and (b) FINRA will not be compelled to provide
information in contradiction of any mandate, directive or order from
the SEC, US Attorney's Office, the Office of any State Attorney General
or court of competent jurisdiction.
arguments concerning the foregoing. Comments may be submitted by any of
[[Page 79723]]
File Number 4-566 on the subject line.
All submissions should refer to File Number 4-566. This file number
should be included on the subject line if email is used. To help the
statements with respect to the proposed plan that are filed with the
plan between the Commission and any person, other than those that may
p.m. Copies of the plan also will be available for inspection and
copying at the principal offices of BATS, BYX, CBOE, CHX, EDGA, EDGX,
FINRA, NASDAQ OMX BX, NASDAQ OMX Phlx, NASDAQ, NSX, NYSE, NYSE Amex,
and NYSE Arca. All comments received will be posted without change; the
available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number 4-566
and should be submitted on or before January 12, 2012.
The Commission finds that the Plan, as proposed to be amended, is
consistent with the factors set forth in Section 17(d) of the Act \15\
and Rule 17d-2 \16\ thereunder in that it is necessary or appropriate
fosters the development of the national market system. The Commission
continues to believe that the Plan, as amended, should reduce
unnecessary regulatory duplication by allocating regulatory
responsibility for the surveillance, investigation, and enforcement of
Common Rules to FINRA. Accordingly, the proposed amendment to the Plan
promotes efficiency by consolidating these regulatory functions in a
single SRO. Under paragraph (c) of Rule 17d-2, the Commission may,
after appropriate notice and comment, declare a plan, or any part of a
plan, effective. In this instance, the Commission believes that
appropriate notice and comment can take place after the proposed
amendment is effective. The purpose of the amendment is to amend the
Plan to reflect that BATS has adopted rules for the qualification,
listing, and delisting of companies on BATS. Accordingly, the amendment
expands the coverage of Listed Stocks to include an equity security
that is listed on BATS. The Commission believes that the amended Plan
should become effective without undue delay in order to reflect the
expanded coverage to BATS-listed securities.
\16\ 17 CFR 240.17d-2
In addition, the Commission notes that the prior version of this
Plan was published for comment, and the Commission did not receive any
comments thereon.\17\ Finally, the Commission does not believe that the
amendment to the Plan raises any new regulatory issues that the
Commission has not previously considered.
\17\ See supra note 11.
This order gives effect to the amended Plan submitted to the
Commission that is contained in File No. 4-566.
It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 17(d) of the Act,\18\
that the Plan, as amend