

[Federal Register: June 28, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 124)]
[Notices]               
[Page 35523-35532]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr28jn07-122]                         


[[Page 35523]]

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-55938; File No. SR-CBOE-2007-26]

 
Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, 
Incorporated; Notice of Filing of a Proposed Rule Change, and Amendment 
No. 3 Thereto, to List and Trade Credit Default Basket Options

June 21, 2007.
    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 April 5, 2007, the Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated 
(``Exchange'' or ``CBOE'') filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission (``Commission'') a proposed rule change to list and trade 
credit default basket options. On June 15, 2007, CBOE filed Amendment 
No. 1 to the proposed rule change. On June 19, 2007 CBOE withdrew 
Amendment No. 1 and filed Amendment No. 2 to the proposed rule change, 
and on June 21, 2007, CBOE withdrew Amendment No. 2 and filed Amendment 
No. 3.\3\ The proposed rule change is described in Items I, II, and III 
below, which Items have been prepared substantially by the Exchange. 
The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the 
proposed rule change, as amended, from interested persons.
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    \1\15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\Amendment No. 3 replaced the filing in its entirety.
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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange proposes to amend its rules to provide for the listing 
and trading of Credit Default Basket Options, which are cash-settled 
call options based on the occurrence of a Credit Event in one, some or 
all of the Basket Components, as specified by the Exchange at 
listing.\4\ The text of the proposed rule change is available at the 
Exchange's Web site (http://www.cboe.org/legal), the principal office 

of CBOE, and the Commission's Public Reference Room.
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    \4\This filing proposes new rules and amendments to existing 
Chapter XXIX, which was recently added to the Exchange's rulebook. 
See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 55871 (June 6, 2007), 72 FR 
32372 (June 12, 2007) (SR-CBOE-2006-84) (approving proposal to list 
and trade Credit Default Options and designating Credit Default 
Options as standardized options). This filing also assumes that 
proposed amendments, deletions, and additions to existing Chapter 
XXIX set forth in a separate rule filing are effective. See 
Securities Exchange Act Release No. 55919 (June 18, 2007) (SR-CBOE-
2007-62). In addition, the changes to existing Rules 5.3, 5.4, 6.1, 
and 29.19 and to the introduction to Chapter XXIX assume that 
unrelated changes proposed in two other separate rule filings are 
effective. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 53935 (June 2, 
2006), 71 FR 34174 (June 13, 2006) (SR-CBOE-2003-41) (notice of 
proposal to list and trade Options on Corporate Bonds); SR-CBOE-
2006-99 (proposal to adopt rules related to FLEX Hybrid Trading 
System).
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II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and 
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

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

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

1. Purpose
    The Commission recently approved the Exchange's proposal to list 
and trade Credit Default Options, which are cash-settled, binary call 
options that pay a fixed cash settlement amount based on the 
confirmation of a credit event in a Reference Entity (i.e., debt 
security issuer or guarantor).\5\ To provide investors with different 
and varied hedging and risk-shifting vehicles to manage investments in 
debt securities, the Exchange anticipates introducing additional types 
of Credit Options linked to debt securities. The purpose of the 
proposed rule change is to enable the Exchange to list and trade the 
second in a series of Credit Options the Exchange anticipates 
introducing: Credit Default Basket Options.
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    \5\See supra note 4.
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Structure of a Credit Default Basket

    Credit Default Basket Options are cash-settled call options based 
on a basket of at least two Reference Entities (``Basket Components''). 
After the Basket Components have been identified, the Exchange would 
specify a debt security as the Reference Obligation of each Basket 
Component (e.g., Corporation XYZ 8.375% July 2033 bond). The Exchange 
would also specify the Notional Face Value of the underlying Credit 
Default Basket (e.g., $100,000) and the weight allocated to each Basket 
Component (representing the fraction of the Basket Notional Face Value 
allocated to the particular Basket Component). Additionally, the 
Exchange would specify the recovery rate for each Basket Component and 
the applicable Credit Event(s) for each Basket Component. Further, 
Basket Components would remain fixed from the time of listing to the 
expiration date of the option, except that Basket Components could be 
replaced by Successor Basket Components following a Succession Event 
and would be removed from the Credit Default Basket after a Credit 
Event or Redemption Event is confirmed by the Exchange.
    The underlying Credit Default Basket could be reconstituted 
periodically and new option series on the reconstituted Credit Default 
Basket would be listed as new option classes. Existing options based on 
the original Credit Default Basket would continue to trade until 
expiration.

Cash Settlement Types: Multiple and Single Payout Credit Default Basket 
Options

    The Exchange proposes to list and trade two settlement types of 
Credit Default Basket Options. The first settlement type would be a 
Multiple Payout Credit Default Basket Option that would automatically 
pay out a cash settlement amount each time a Credit Event is confirmed 
in a Basket Component during the life of the option. A cash settlement 
amount would be paid only once in connection with a particular Basket 
Component that has a confirmed Credit Event, after which time that 
Basket Component would be removed from the Credit Default Basket. If a 
Credit Event is confirmed in every Basket Component prior to 
expiration, the Multiple Payout Credit Default Basket Option would 
cease to trade; or, if no Credit Event is confirmed in any Basket 
Component prior to expiration, the Multiple Payout Credit Default 
Basket Option would expire worthless. The second settlement type would 
be a Single Payout Credit Default Basket Option that would be 
automatically exercised and pay a single cash settlement amount as soon 
as the first Credit Event is confirmed in any one of the Basket 
Components. If no Credit Event is confirmed in any Basket Component 
prior to expiration, the Single Payout Credit Default Basket Option 
would expire worthless.
    Both settlement types of Credit Default Basket Options would have a 
cash settlement amount equal to one minus the Basket Component recovery 
rate as specified by the Exchange at listing multiplied by the Notional 
Face Value of the Basket Component. The Notional Face Value of the 
Basket

[[Page 35524]]

Component would represent the weight that a particular Basket Component 
would be given relative to the Credit Default Basket in which it is 
included. As discussed above, the Credit Default Basket would have a 
specified Notional Face Value (e.g., $100,000) and each Basket 
Component would have a specified recovery rate, as set at listing. For 
example, assume that a Credit Default Basket Option has a Notional Face 
Value of $100,000 and is comprised of ten Basket Components. Assume 
also that each Basket Component is equally weighted (or has the same 
Notional Face Value of Basket Component). This would equate to each 
Basket Component having a Notional Face Value of $10,000. If a Credit 
Event is confirmed for a Basket Component with a specified recovery 
rate of 40% (or 0.40), the cash settlement amount would be $6,000 (or 
$10,000 * (1-0.40)).
    The distinction between the two settlement types is that a Multiple 
Payout Credit Default Basket Option would automatically pay holders a 
cash settlement amount for each Basket Component that has a confirmed 
Credit Event during the life of the option. A cash settlement amount 
would be paid only once in connection with a particular Basket 
Component that has a confirmed Credit Event, after which time that 
Basket Component would be removed from the Credit Default Basket. In 
contrast, a Single Payout Credit Default Basket Option would 
automatically exercise and pay holders a single cash settlement amount 
for the first Basket Component that has a confirmed Credit Event, at 
which point the option would cease trading and expire.

Credit Events

    Circumstances giving rise to a ``Credit Event'' for Credit Default 
Basket Options would be defined identically to those giving rise to a 
Credit Event for Credit Default Options, as defined in Rule 29.1. For 
Credit Default Basket Options, a ``Credit Event'' would occur when a 
Reference Entity:
    (i) Has a Failure-to-Pay Default on a specific debt security 
obligation (the ``Reference Obligation'') or any other debt security 
obligations other than non-recourse indebtedness (the set of these 
obligations and the Reference Obligation are referred to as the 
``Relevant Obligations''). The term ``Failure-to-Pay Default'' would be 
defined in accordance with the terms of the Relevant Obligations, 
provided that the minimum failure to pay amount, individually or in the 
aggregate, shall be the greater of $750,000 or the amount specified in 
accordance with the terms of the Relevant Obligation(s); and/or
    (ii) Has any other Event of Default on the Relevant Obligations. 
Each such ``Event(s) of Default'' would be specified by the Exchange at 
the time the option class is initially listed in accordance with the 
procedures of proposed Rule 29.2A and, if so specified, would be 
defined in accordance with the terms of the Relevant Obligations; 
provided that the default amount relates to a principal amount of the 
Relevant Obligation(s), individually or in the aggregate, that is the 
greater of $7.5 million or the amount specified in accordance with the 
terms of the Relevant Obligation(s); and/or
    (iii) Has a change in the terms of the Relevant Obligations (a 
``Restructuring''). The terms of such a Restructuring would be 
specified by the Exchange in accordance with proposed Rule 29.2A and, 
if so specified, would be defined in accordance with the terms of the 
Relevant Obligations; provided that the restructuring relates to a 
principal amount of the Relevant Obligation(s), individually or in the 
aggregate, that is the greater of $7.5 million or the amount specified 
in the terms of the Relevant Obligation(s).
    Similar to Credit Default Options, the particular Credit Events 
applicable to a Credit Default Basket Option would be designated by the 
Exchange on a class-by-class basis. However, the applicable Credit 
Events for Basket Components of a given Credit Default Basket Option 
class may not be the same. The Exchange would select from among the 
Credit Event terms in the underlying instruments of the Relevant 
Obligations of the particular Reference Entity (i.e., Basket Component) 
for the given Credit Default Basket Option class.
    Again, similar to Credit Default Options, the Exchange would 
confirm a Credit Event for a Credit Default Basket Option through at 
least two sources, which may include announcements published via 
newswire services or information services companies, the names of which 
would be announced to the membership via Regulatory Circular, and/or 
information contained in any order, decree, notice of filing, however 
described, of or filed with the courts, the Commission, an exchange or 
association, the Options Clearing Corporation (``OCC''), or another 
regulatory agency or similar authority. Every determination of a Credit 
Event would be within the Exchange's sole discretion and would be 
conclusive and binding on all holders and sellers of Credit Default 
Basket Options and not subject to review.

Automatic Payout and Exercise

    Upon the confirmation of a Credit Event, a Credit Default Basket 
Option would either automatically pay out (for Multiple Payout Credit 
Default Basket Options) or be automatically exercised (for Single 
Payout Credit Default Basket Options). To trigger an automatic payout 
or automatic exercise, a Credit Event would need to have (i) Occurred 
between the option's listing date and 10:59 p.m. (CT) on the option's 
last trading day which, subject to certain exceptions, would generally 
be the third Friday of the expiration month; and (ii) been confirmed by 
the Exchange no later than the option's expiration date which, subject 
to certain exceptions, would generally be the fourth business day after 
the third Friday of the expiration month.
    If the Exchange confirms a Credit Event, the holder of a Multiple 
Payout Credit Default Basket Option would receive an automatic payout 
for each Basket Component that has a confirmed Credit Event during the 
life of the option. A cash settlement amount would be paid only once in 
connection with a particular Basket Component that has a confirmed 
Credit Event, after which time that Basket Component would be removed 
from the Credit Default Basket. (If a Credit Event were confirmed for 
every Basket Component during the life of the option, the Multiple 
Payout Credit Default Basket Option would cease trading and expire.) 
For a Single Payout Credit Default Basket Option, once the Exchange 
confirms a Credit Event, the option would be automatically exercised 
and pay holders a single cash settlement for the first Basket Component 
that has a confirmed Credit Event, at which point the option would 
cease trading and expire. For both types of Credit Default Basket 
Options, if no Credit Event is confirmed in any Basket Component prior 
to the expiration date, the cash settlement amount would be $0.

Description of Rules Proposed

    The proposed new rules and amendments for the listing and trading 
of Credit Default Basket Options are layered into existing Chapter XXIX 
and are premised on the assumption that certain amendments, deletions, 
and additions to existing Chapter XXIX are effective.\6\ Below, the 
Exchange specifies and describes the new rules and amendments currently 
being proposed for Credit Default Basket Options. Such new rules and 
amendments include, but are not

[[Page 35525]]

limited to, new definitions, new margin requirements, and new 
settlement procedures. The Exchange also notes where it is proposing 
amendments to rules in Chapter XXIX so that Chapter XXIX would 
generally apply to Credit Options (i.e., Credit Default Options and 
Credit Default Basket Options).\7\
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    \6\ See supra note 5.
    \7 \The Exchange is proposing changing all references to 
``Credit Default Options'' in the Title and Introduction to Chapter 
XXIX to ``Credit Options.''
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a. Definitions (Changes to Rule 29.1)
    The Exchange is proposing to supplement Rule 29.1 to include new 
definitions applicable to Credit Default Basket Options and to add and 
expand upon existing definitions. In particular, the Exchange is 
proposing new definitions for ``Credit Option,'' ``Credit Default 
Basket Option,'' ``Notional Face Value of Basket,'' and ``Notional Face 
Value of Basket Component.''
    The term ``Credit Option'' would be defined as an option that is 
subject to the rules in Chapter XXIX.
    The term ``Credit Default Basket Option'' would be defined to mean 
a call option based on a basket comprised of at least two Reference 
Entities (``Basket Component(s)''), which would settle in cash in one 
of two manners. A Multiple Payout Credit Default Basket Option would 
automatically pay a cash settlement amount each time a Credit Event is 
confirmed in a Basket Component during the life of the option. A cash 
settlement amount would be paid only once in connection with a 
particular Basket Component that has a confirmed Credit Event, after 
which time that Basket Component would be removed from the Credit 
Default Basket. If a Credit Event is confirmed in every Basket 
Component prior to expiration, the option would cease to trade. A 
Single Payout Credit Default Basket Option would be automatically 
exercised and pay a single cash settlement amount as soon as the first 
Credit Event is confirmed in any one of the Basket Components. If no 
Credit Event is confirmed in any Basket Component prior to expiration, 
the option would expire worthless.
    The term ``Notional Face Value of Basket'' would be defined as the 
total face value for the Credit Default Basket as specified by the 
Exchange at listing.
    The term ``Notional Face Value of Basket Component'' would be 
defined as the weight of the Basket Component multiplied by the 
Notional Face Value of Basket as specified by the Exchange at listing.
    The Exchange is also proposing to amend the existing definitions of 
``Cash Settlement Amount,'' ``Expiration Date,'' and ``Last Trading 
Date'' so that those terms would be applicable to Credit Default Basket 
Options. The term ``Cash Settlement Amount'' would be amended to 
include two sub-paragraphs so that the term would be defined separately 
for Credit Default Options and for Credit Default Basket Options. For 
Credit Default Options, the Exchange is proposing that the existing 
definition of ``Cash Settlement Amount'' would be codified as new 
subparagraph (a). For Credit Default Basket Options, the Exchange is 
proposing that a new definition of the term ``Cash Settlement Amount'' 
be codified as new subparagraph (b) and would be defined in terms of 
the amount paid for a Basket Component that has a confirmed Credit 
Event. That amount would be equal to one minus the Basket Component 
recovery rate specified by the Exchange at listing multiplied by the 
Notional Face Value of the Basket Component. The exercise settlement 
value would be equal to the cash settlement amount divided by the 
contract multiplier specified by the Exchange.
    For example, if the Notional Face Value of the Basket Component is 
$10,000 and the Exchange specifies a recovery rate of 40% (or 0.40) for 
the particular Basket Component in which a Credit Event is confirmed, 
the cash settlement amount would be $6,000 (or $10,000 * (1-0.40)). For 
holders of a long Single Payout Credit Default Basket Option, the cash 
settlement amount, based on this equation, would be paid a single time 
when the first Credit Event is confirmed during the life of the option. 
In either type of Credit Default Basket Options, if no Credit Event is 
confirmed in any Basket Component, the cash settlement value would be 
$0.
    The term ``Expiration Date'' would be amended to include two sub-
paragraphs so that the term would be defined separately for Credit 
Default Options and for Credit Default Basket Options.\8\ As for Credit 
Default Basket Options, the term ``Expiration Date'' would be defined 
as the fourth business day after the third Friday of the expiration 
month (or, if that day is not a business day, the fourth business day 
after the preceding business day); provided, however, if a Credit Event 
is confirmed by the Exchange to members and the Clearing Corporation 
before that day in (i) Every Basket Component for a Multiple Payout 
Credit Default Basket Option; or (ii) the first Credit Event in any one 
of the Basket Components for a Single Payout Credit Default Basket 
Option; or a Redemption Event, as provided for in Rule 29.4, has been 
confirmed in the last Basket Component prior to that day, the 
expiration date would be accelerated to the second business day 
immediately following the last confirmation date.
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    \8\ The Exchange also proposes to make a conforming amendment to 
the definition of ``Expiration Date'' for Credit Default Options by 
replacing the phrase ``the third Friday of the expiration month'' 
with the phrase ``that day.''
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    The term ``Last Trading Date'' would be amended to include two sub-
paragraphs so that the term would be defined separately for Credit 
Default Options and for Credit Default Basket Options.\9\ As for Credit 
Default Basket Options, the term ``Last Trading Date'' would be defined 
as the third Friday of the contract month (or if that day is not a 
business day, the preceding business day); provided, however, if a 
Credit Event has been confirmed by the Exchange to members and the OCC 
prior to that day in (i) Every Basket Component for a Multiple Payout 
Credit Default Basket Option; or (ii) the first Credit Event in any one 
of the Basket Components for a Single Payout Credit Default Basket 
Option; or a Redemption Event, as provided for in Rule 29.4, has been 
confirmed in the last Basket Component prior to that day, the series 
would cease trading at the time of the confirmation and the last 
trading day would be changed to the confirmation date.
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    \9\ The Exchange also proposes to amend the definition of ``Last 
Trading Day'' for Credit Default Options by including the phrase 
``of a Redemption Event, as provided for in Rule 29.4, has been 
confirmed prior to that day.'' The Exchange also proposes to change 
the word ``would'' to ``will.''
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    The Exchange proposes to amend the existing definition of ``Credit 
Event'' so that it would apply to ``Credit Default Basket Options.'' 
The change would include reference to Rules 29.2, Designation of Credit 
Default Option Contracts, and 29.2A, Designation and Terms of Credit 
Default Basket Option Contracts.
    The Exchange proposes to amend the existing definition of 
``Reference Entity'' so that it would apply to ``Credit Default Basket 
Options.'' The Exchange also proposes to replace the word 
``underlying'' with ``underlies.''
b. Initial and Maintenance Listing Criteria, Designation and Terms of 
Credit Default Basket Options, and Adjustment (Changes to Rule 5.3 and 
5.4, Proposed Rule 29.2A, and Rule 29.4)
    The Exchange proposes amending Rule 5.3.11, Criteria for Underlying 
Securities, so that it would apply to all Credit Options. Under the 
proposed criteria, the Exchange may list and trade a Credit Option that 
overlies a Reference Obligation of a Reference Entity,

[[Page 35526]]

provided that the Reference Entity satisfies the following: First, the 
Reference Entity or the Reference Entity's parent, if the Reference 
Entity is a wholly-owned subsidiary, must have at least one class of 
securities that is duly registered and is an ``NMS stock'' as defined 
in Rule 600 of Regulation NMS.\10\ Second, the registered equity 
securities issued by the Reference Entity must also satisfy the 
requirements for continued options trading on CBOE pursuant to existing 
Exchange Rule 5.4.\11\
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    \10\ This criterion is designed to ensure that there is adequate 
information publicly available regarding the issuer of a debt 
security that serves as a Reference Obligation underlying a Credit 
Option. The market for debt securities serving as Reference 
Obligations is largely an over-the-counter market and many debt 
securities, including those among the most actively traded, are not 
themselves registered under Section 12 of the Act, 15 U.S.C. 78l. 
The issuers of many unregistered debt securities, however, have 
equity securities that are duly registered and are ``NMS stocks'' as 
defined in Rule 600 of Regulation NMS, 17 CFR 242.600. These issuers 
are required to provide periodic reports to the public due to the 
equity registration, and the fact that their debt securities are 
unregistered does not diminish in practical terms the information 
provided by their periodic reports. Thus, the requirements enable a 
wide array of Credit Options to be listed while ensuring sufficient 
public disclosure of information about any debt securities that 
serve as Reference Obligations underlying the exchange-traded Credit 
Options.
    \11\ The provisions of existing Rule 5.4.01 require that an 
equity security underlying an option be itself widely held and 
actively traded. The requirement that the securities of an issuer of 
a debt security meet the criterion of Rule 5.4.01 provides an 
additional assurance that such issuer's securities enjoy widespread 
investor interest.
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    The Exchange also proposes amending Rule 5.4.15, Withdrawal of 
Approval of Underlying Securities, so that it would apply to all Credit 
Options. Rule 5.4.15 would similarly provide that Credit Options 
initially approved for options trading shall be deemed not to meet the 
Exchange's requirements for continued approval, and the Exchange would 
not open for trading any additional series of the class covering such 
options and may prohibit any opening purchases transactions in such 
series as provided in existing Rule 5.4, at any time the Exchange 
determines on the basis of information made publicly available that any 
of the listing requirements identified above are not satisfied.
    Proposed Rule 29.2A would be added to provide the terms by which 
the Exchange would designate each Credit Default Basket Option 
class.\12\ Under the proposed rule, the Exchange would designate each 
Credit Default Basket Option class by reference to: (i) The Notional 
Face Value of Basket (e.g., $100,000); (ii) the Basket Components; 
(iii) the weight of each Basket Component, which would represent the 
fraction of the Notional Face Value of the Basket allocated to each 
Basket Component; (iv) the recovery rate of each Basket Component; (v) 
the specified debt security that defines the Reference Obligation of 
each Basket Component (e.g., Corporation XYZ 8.375% July 2033 bond); 
and (vi) the applicable Credit Event(s). The applicable Credit Event(s) 
would include a Failure-to-Pay Default and may include any other 
Event(s) of Default or Restructuring that is specified by the 
Exchange.\13\
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    \12\ For ease of reference, the Exchange is proposing to place 
proposed Rule 29.2A immediately after Rule 29.2, Designation of 
Credit Default Option Contracts.
    \13\ The Exchange would specify the applicable Credit Event(s) 
in accordance with proposed amended Rule 29.1(c), new Rule 29.2A, 
and proposed amended Rule 29.4.
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    After a particular Credit Default Basket Option class has been 
approved for listing and trading on the Exchange, the Exchange would 
from time to time open for trading series of options on that class. 
Only Credit Default Basket Option contracts approved by the Exchange 
and currently open for trading on the Exchange would be eligible to be 
purchased or written on the Exchange. Prior to the opening of trading 
in a particular Credit Default Basket Options series in a given class, 
the Exchange would fix the expiration month and year. To the extent 
possible, CBOE intends to have Credit Default Basket Options recognized 
and treated like existing standardized options. Standardized systems 
for listing, trading, transmitting, clearing, and settling options, 
including systems used by OCC, would be employed in connection with 
Credit Default Basket Options. Credit Default Basket Options would also 
have a symbology based on the current system.
    A Credit Default Basket Option series would generally be listed up 
to 123 months ahead of its expiration date and could expire in the 
months of March, June, September, and December. The Exchange usually 
would open one to four series for each year up to 10.25 years from the 
current expiration. Additional series of options on the same Credit 
Default Basket Option class could be opened for trading on the Exchange 
when the Exchange deems it necessary to maintain an orderly market or 
to meet customer demand. The opening of a new series of Credit Default 
Basket Options on the Exchange would not affect any other series of 
options of the same class previously opened.
    The proposed amendment to Rule 29.4, Adjustments, which for 
purposes of Credit Options would replace existing Rule 5.7, 
Adjustments, contains information about adjustments to Credit Default 
Basket Options due to succession or redemption events in the Reference 
Entity.
    With respect to adjustments related to a succession, the proposed 
rule provides that a Basket Component may be replaced by one or more 
Basket Components (``Successor Basket Components'') that would consist 
of the Successor Reference Entity(ies). For purposes of the proposed 
rule, a ``Successor Reference Entity'' and a ``Succession Event'' would 
be defined in accordance with the terms of the Relevant Obligations of 
the Basket Component that is subject to adjustment for succession. For 
each Successor Basket Component, the Exchange would specify the 
Reference Obligation (e.g., XYZ 8.375% December 2033 bond), recovery 
rate, and basket weight of each Successor Basket Component(s).
    In respect of each Successor Basket Component, the newly specified 
weight(s) would equal the weight of the predecessor Basket Component 
replaced by the Successor Basket Component(s). For example, if two 
Successor Basket Components replaced one Basket Component, the Exchange 
would specify each of their recovery rates and the basket weight of 
each Successor Basket Component. The recovery rates of the Successor 
Basket Components could differ from the specified recovery rate of the 
predecessor Basket Component and the recovery rates of the two 
Successor Basket Components could differ from one another. However, the 
sum basket weights of the two Successor Basket Components (however 
apportioned by the Exchange) would equal the basket weight of the 
predecessor Basket Component.
    All other terms and conditions of each Credit Default Basket Option 
containing a Successor Basket Component would be the same as the 
original Credit Default Basket Option unless the Exchange determines, 
in its sole discretion, that a modification is necessary and 
appropriate for the protection of investors and the public interest, 
including but not limited to the maintenance of fair and orderly 
markets, consistency of interpretation and practice, and the efficiency 
of settlement procedures.
    With respect to adjustments related to a redemption, the proposed 
amendment provides that, once the Exchange has confirmed a Redemption 
Event in a Basket Component, that Basket Component will be removed from 
the Credit Default Basket. If a Credit Event has been confirmed to have 
occurred

[[Page 35527]]

prior to the effective date of a Redemption Event, the cash settlement 
amount shall be as provided in Rule 29.1(a). The Credit Event 
confirmation period would begin when the Credit Default Basket Option 
contract is listed and would extend to 3 p.m. (CT) on the fourth 
Exchange business day after the effective date of the Redemption Event.
    A ``Redemption Event'' would be defined in accordance with the 
terms of the Relevant Obligations and would include the redemption of 
the Reference Obligation and of all other Relevant Obligations. 
However, if the Reference Obligation is redeemed or matures but other 
Relevant Obligations remain, a new Reference Obligation would be 
specified from among the remaining Relevant Obligations and the 
substitution would not be deemed a Redemption Event.
    As with Credit Default Options, the Exchange would confirm 
adjustment events affecting Credit Default Basket Options based on at 
least two sources, which may include announcements published via 
newswire services or information services companies, the names of which 
would be announced to the membership via Regulatory Circular, and/or 
information submitted to or filed with the courts, the Commission, an 
exchange or association, the OCC, or another regulatory agency or 
similar authority. Rule 29.4 would provide that every such 
determination made pursuant to the rule would be within the Exchange's 
sole discretion and be conclusive and binding on all holders and 
sellers and not subject to review.
c. Determination of Credit Events, Automatic Payout and Exercise, and 
Settlement (Amendments to Rules 29.9-29.10)
    The Exchange proposes amending Rule 29.9, Determination of Credit 
Event, Automatic Exercise and Settlement, so that it would apply to 
Credit Default Basket Options. Specifically, the Exchange is proposing 
new text to Rule 29.9 that would provide that Credit Default Basket 
Options would be subject to automatic payouts and/or exercise upon the 
Exchange confirming that a Credit Event has occurred in a Basket 
Component between the listing date and the last trading date as 
follows: (i) Multiple Payout Credit Default Basket Options would be 
subject to automatic payouts each time a Credit Event is confirmed in a 
Basket Component; \14\ and (ii) Single Payout Credit Default Basket 
Options would be subject to automatic exercise as soon as a Credit 
Event is confirmed in any one of the Basket Components. As with Credit 
Default Options, the Credit Event confirmation period would begin when 
the Credit Default Basket Option is listed and would extend to 3 p.m. 
(CT) on the expiration date.
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    \14\ As provided in proposed Rule 29.1(h)(i), a cash settlement 
amount would be paid only once in connection with a particular 
Basket Component that has a confirmed Credit Event, after which time 
that Basket Component would be removed from the Credit Default 
Basket.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange would confirm a Credit Event based on at least two 
sources, which could include announcements published via newswire 
services or information services companies, the names of which would be 
announced to the membership via Regulatory Circular, or information 
submitted to or filed with the courts, the Commission, an exchange or 
association, the OCC, or another regulatory agency or similar 
authority. Every determination made pursuant to proposed Rule 29.9 
would be within the Exchange's sole discretion and be conclusive and 
binding on all holders and sellers and not subject to review.
    The proposed amendment to Rule 29.9 would also provide that, if the 
Exchange determines that a Credit Event in a Basket Component has 
occurred prior to 10:59 p.m. (CT) on the last trading day: (i) A 
Multiple Payout Credit Default Basket Option would automatically pay 
the cash settlement amount (i.e., one minus the Basket Component 
recovery rate specified by the Exchange at listing multiplied by the 
Notional Face Value of the Basket Component); however, if a Credit 
Event has been confirmed by the Exchange for each Basket Component 
prior to the last day of trading, the Multiple Payout Credit Default 
Basket Option would cease trading upon confirmation of the last Credit 
Event; and (ii) a Single Payout Credit Default Basket Option would 
automatically exercise and pay the cash settlement amount (i.e., one 
minus the Basket Component recovery rate specified by the Exchange at 
listing multiplied by the Notional Face Value of the Basket Component); 
however, if a Credit Event has been confirmed by the Exchange prior to 
the last day of trading, the Single Payout Credit Default Basket Option 
would cease trading upon confirmation of the Credit Event.
    Once a Credit Event is confirmed, the Exchange would provide the 
OCC with notice of the Credit Event and notice of the applicable cash 
settlement value, similar to the notification procedures that are in 
place for existing products trading on the Exchange. The rights and 
obligations of holders and sellers of Credit Default Basket Options 
dealt in on the Exchange shall be set forth in the by-laws and rules of 
OCC.
    The Exchange proposes amending Rule 29.10 so that it would apply to 
all Credit Options and would provide that the ``reporting authority'' 
as used in this rule refers to the Exchange or any other entity 
identified by the Exchange as the ``reporting authority'' in respect of 
a class of Credit Default Options for purposes of the by-laws and rules 
of the OCC and any affiliate of the Exchange or any such other entity. 
No reporting authority makes any warranty, express or implied, as to 
the results to be obtained by any person or entity from the use of any 
Credit Default Option. Any reporting authority hereby disclaims all 
warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or 
use with respect to any Credit Default Option. Any reporting authority 
shall have no liability for any damages, claims, losses (including any 
indirect or consequential losses), expenses, or delays, whether direct 
or indirect, foreseen or unforeseen, suffered by any person relating to 
any Credit Default Option, including without limitation as a result of 
any error, omission, or delay in confirming, or disseminating notice 
of, any Credit Event, any determination to adjust or not to adjust the 
terms of outstanding Credit Options, or any other determination with 
respect to Credit Default Options for which it has responsibility under 
the by-laws and rules of the OCC.
d. Position Limits, Reporting Requirements, Exercise Limits, and Other 
Restrictions (Amendments to Rules 29.5-29.8)
    The Exchange is proposing that the position limits for Credit 
Default Basket Option contracts be equal to 50,000 contracts on the 
same side of the market. The Exchange believes that position limits set 
at this level would inhibit market manipulation or would mitigate other 
possible disruptions in the market. However, over time and based on the 
Exchange's experience in trading Credit Default Basket Options, CBOE 
may seek to increase these limits. Any such increase would be reflected 
through a rule filing submitted pursuant to Section 19(b) of the 
Act.\15\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In determining compliance with the Exchange's position limit 
requirements, the proposed amendment to Rule 29.5 would provide that 
Credit Default Basket Options shall not be aggregated with option 
contracts on the same or similar underlying security. CBOE believes 
that the nature of Credit Default

[[Page 35528]]

Basket Options as well as the risk/return profile of these options 
provides significant differences to existing standardized options that 
render aggregation of such positions unnecessary. In addition, Credit 
Default Basket Options would not be subject to the hedge exemption to 
the standard position limits found in existing Rule 4.11.04.
    Instead, the following qualified hedge exemption strategies and 
positions would be exempt from the established position limits: (i) A 
Credit Default Basket Option position ``hedged'' or ``covered'' by an 
appropriate amount of cash to meet the cash settlement amount 
obligation (e.g., $100,000 for a Credit Default Basket Option with a 
Notional Face Value of Basket of $100,000); and (ii) a Credit Default 
Basket Option position ``hedged'' or ``covered'' by a sufficient amount 
of any of the Basket Component debt securities, instruments, or 
interests related to the Reference Entity that equals the sum of the 
cash settlement amounts for Basket Components for a Multiple Payout 
Credit Default Basket Option or equals the maximum Basket Component 
cash settlement amount for a Single Payout Credit Default Basket 
Option.
    The Exchange proposes amending Rule 29.5 so that it would apply to 
all Credit Options. Therefore, the existing Market-Maker and firm 
facilitation exemptions to position limits currently available to 
members under existing Rules 4.11.05 and 4.11.06, respectively, would 
also apply. Pursuant to Rule 4.11.05 (the Market-Maker exemption), the 
Exchange may grant a Marker-Maker an exemption from the standard 
position limit of 50,000 contracts for Credit Default Basket Options 
for the purpose of maintaining a fair and orderly market. With respect 
to Credit Default Basket Options, Rule 29.5 makes clear that a Market-
Maker's position would have to generally be within 20% of the 
applicable limit of 50,000 contracts before an exemption would be 
granted. Pursuant to Rule 4.11.06 (the firm facilitation exemption), 
the Exchange may grant a member organization an exemption from the 
standard position limit of 50,000 contracts for Credit Default Basket 
Options for the purpose of facilitating a customer order. With respect 
to Credit Default Basket Options, Rule 29.5 makes clear that a member 
organization's aggregate exemption position could not exceed three 
times the standard limit of 50,000 contracts and would be applied 
consistent with the procedures described in existing Rule 4.11.06.
    The Exchange proposes amending Rule 29.6, Reports Related to 
Position Limits and Liquidation of Positions, so that it would apply to 
all Credit Options. Therefore, the standard equity reporting 
requirements described in existing Rule 4.13, Reports Related to 
Position Limits, would be applicable to Credit Options. As such, in 
accordance with Rule 4.13(a), positions in Credit Options would be 
reported to the Exchange via the Large Option Positions Report when an 
account establishes an aggregate same side of the market position of 
200 or more Credit Options. In computing reportable Credit Options 
under existing Rule 4.13, Credit Options could not be aggregated with 
non-Credit Option contracts. In addition, Credit Options on a given 
class shall not be aggregated with any other class of Credit Options. 
Rule 4.13(b) imposes additional reporting requirements for positions in 
excess of 10,000 contracts. The reporting requirements in Rule 4.13(b) 
would also apply to Credit Options, except that the reporting 
requirement would be triggered for a Credit Option position on behalf 
of a member's account or for the account of a customer in excess of 
1,000 contracts on the same side of the market, instead of the normal 
10,000 contract trigger amount. The data to be reported would include, 
but would not be limited to, the Credit Option positions, whether such 
positions are hedged, and documentation as to how such contracts are 
hedged. The Exchange believes that the reporting requirements and the 
surveillance procedures for hedged positions would enable the Exchange 
to closely monitor sizable positions and corresponding hedges.
    The Exchange proposes amending Rule 29.7, so that it would apply to 
all Credit Options and, as a result, there would be no exercise limits 
for Credit Options.
    The Exchange proposes amending Rule 29.8, so that it would apply to 
all Credit Options. Rule 29.8 would provide that Credit Options shall 
also be subject to existing Rule 4.16, Other Restrictions on Options 
Transactions and Exercises, which provides the Exchange's Board with 
the power to impose restrictions on transactions or exercises in one or 
more series of options of any class dealt in on the Exchange as the 
Board in its judgment determines advisable in the interests of 
maintaining a fair and orderly market or otherwise deems advisable in 
the public interest or for the protection of investors.
    CBOE believes the proposed safeguards would serve sufficiently to 
help monitor open interest in Credit Option series and significantly 
reduce any risks.
e. Margin Requirements (Amendment to Rules 12.3 and 12.5)
    The Exchange is proposing to amend Rule 12.3(l), Margin 
Requirements, so that it would apply to all Credit Options. Rule 
12.3(l) would also be amended to include sub-paragraphs so that margin 
account and cash account requirements would be defined separately for 
Credit Default Options and for Credit Default Basket Options.
    In addition, the Exchange is also proposing to supplement Rule 
12.3(l), to include requirements applicable to the initial and 
maintenance margin required on any Credit Default Basket Options 
carried in a customer's account. The requirements would be as follows: 
The initial and maintenance margin required on any Credit Default 
Basket Option carried long in a customer's account would be 100% of the 
current market value; provided, however, for the account of a qualified 
customer, the margin would be 15% of the current market value.
    The initial and maintenance margin required on any Credit Default 
Basket Option carried short in a customer's account would be as 
follows: (i) For Multiple Payout Credit Default Basket Options, the sum 
of each Basket Component's cash settlement amount as defined in Rule 
29.1; provided, however, for the account of a qualified customer (as 
defined in Rule 12.3(l)(1)(i)), the margin would be the lesser of the 
current market value plus 15% of the sum of each Basket Component's 
cash settlement amount as defined in Rule 29.1 or of the sum of each 
Basket Component's cash settlement amount; or (ii) for Single Payout 
Credit Default Basket Options, the Basket Component cash settlement 
amount as defined in Rule 29.1 that is highest; provided, however, for 
the account of a qualified customer (as defined in Rule 12.3(l)(1)(i)), 
the margin would be the lesser of the current market value plus 15% of 
the Basket Component cash settlement defined in Rule 29.1 that is the 
highest or the Basket Component cash settlement amount that is the 
highest.
    The Exchange proposes amending Rule 12.5, Determination of Value 
for Margin Purposes, so that it would apply to all Credit Options. Rule 
12.5 would provide that Credit Options carried for the account of a 
qualified customer may be deemed to have market value for the purposes 
of the customer margin account provisions provided in existing Rule 
12.3(c). For purposes of these proposed provisions, the term 
``qualified customer'' would be defined as a person or entity that owns 
and

[[Page 35529]]

invests on a discretionary basis no less than $5,000,000 in 
investments.
    Under the proposal, a deposit of cash or marginable securities 
could satisfy Credit Default Basket Option margin requirements.
    The proposed margin provisions also would provide that a Credit 
Default Basket Option carried short in a customer's account be deemed a 
covered position, and eligible for the cash account, provided any one 
of the following either is held in the account at the time the option 
is written or is received into the account promptly thereafter: (i) For 
Multiple Payout Credit Default Basket Options, cash or cash equivalents 
equal to 100% of the sum of each Basket Component's cash settlement 
amount as defined in Rule 29.1; (ii) For Single Payout Credit Default 
Basket Options, cash or cash equivalents equal to 100% of the Basket 
Component cash settlement amount as defined in Rule 29.1 that is the 
highest; or (iii) an escrow agreement.
    Under the proposal, the escrow agreement must certify that the bank 
holds for the account of the customer as security for the agreement (i) 
Cash, (ii) cash equivalents, (iii) one or more qualified equity 
securities, or (iv) a combination thereof having an aggregate market 
value of not less than 100% of the sum of each Basket Component's cash 
settlement amount sum as defined in Rule 29.1 in the case of Multiple 
Payout Credit Default Basket Options or 100% of the Basket Component 
cash settlement amount as defined in Rule 29.1 that is the highest in 
the case of Single Payout Credit Default Basket Options, and that the 
bank will promptly pay the member organization the cash settlement 
amount in the event of a Credit Event as defined in Rule 29.1. In 
addition, in accordance with Rule 12.3(a)(3), an escrow agreement must 
be issued in a form acceptable to the Exchange. In this regard, the 
Exchange notes that it has traditionally recognized as acceptable the 
escrow agreement forms of the OCC and the New York Stock Exchange.
    The Exchange notes that, in accordance with Rule 12.10, Margin 
Required is Minimum, the Exchange would also have the ability to 
determine at any time to impose higher margin requirements than those 
described above in respect of any Credit Default Basket Option 
position(s) when it deems such higher margin requirements appropriate.
    In setting the proposed margin requirements, particularly those 
with respect to qualified customers, and the proposed position limit 
and reporting requirements described above, the Exchange has been 
cognizant of the sophistication and capitalization of the particular 
market participants and their need for substantial options transaction 
capacity to hedge their substantial investment portfolios, on the one 
hand, and the potential for untoward effects on the market and on firms 
that might be attributable to excessive Credit Default Basket Option 
positions, on the other. The Exchange has also been cognizant of the 
existence of the competitive OTC market, in which similar restrictions 
do not apply. For these reasons, the Exchange believes that the 
requirements set forth in the proposed rules strike a necessary and 
appropriate balance and adequately address concerns that a member or 
its customer may try to maintain an inordinately large unhedged 
position in Credit Default Basket Options.
    As part of its regulatory oversight of member organizations, the 
Exchange, in its capacity as a Designated Examining Authority 
(``DEA''), generally reviews member organizations' compliance with 
margin requirements applicable to customer accounts. In the future, the 
Exchange will include Credit Default Basket Option margin requirements 
as part of this review. Additionally, the Exchange, as a DEA, will 
review applicable member organizations' internal procedures for 
managing credit risk associated with extending margin to customers 
trading Credit Default Basket Options. The Exchange also notes that, 
pursuant to Rule 12.10, the Exchange may at any time impose higher 
margin requirements when it deems such higher margin requirements 
advisable.
f. Trading Mechanics for Credit Default Basket Options and Credit 
Options Generally Where Applicable (Amendments to Rules 29.11-29.15 and 
29.17-29.19)
    The Exchange proposes to trade all Credit Options, including Credit 
Default Basket Options, similar to the manner in which it trades equity 
options on its Hybrid Trading System (``Hybrid''). This is the same 
manner in which the Exchange proposed to trade Credit Default Options. 
As a result, the Exchange is proposing to globally amend the rules 
governing the trading mechanics for Credit Default Options to apply to 
Credit Options in general. Where applicable, the Exchange notes 
proposed amendments that are specific to Credit Default Basket Options.
     Days and Hours of Business (Amendment to Rules 29.11 and 
Rule 6.1): The Exchange proposes amending Rule 29.11 so that it would 
apply to all Credit Options. Rule 29.11 provides that, except under 
unusual conditions as may be determined by the Exchange, the hours 
during which Credit Options transactions may be made on the Exchange 
would be from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (CT). The Exchange notes that 
there is a cross-reference to Rule 29.11 in existing Rule 6.1, Days and 
Hours of Business. This reflects that Rule 29.11 supplements existing 
Rule 6.1. The Exchange similarly proposes to amend Rule 6.1 so that it 
would apply to all Credit Options.
     Trading Rotations (Amendment to Rule 29.12): The Exchange 
proposes amending Rule 29.12 so that it would apply to all Credit 
Options. Trading rotations would generally be conducted through use of 
the Hybrid Opening System (``HOSS''), which is described in existing 
Rule 6.2B. Normally, equity options open at a randomly selected time 
following the opening of the underlying security. Because Credit 
Options would not have a traditional underlying security, the opening 
rotation process would begin at a randomly selected time within a 
number of seconds after 8:30 a.m. (CT), unless unusual circumstances 
exist.
     Trading Halts and Suspension of Trading (Amendment to Rule 
29.13): The Exchange proposes amending Rule 29.13 so that it would 
apply to all Credit Options. The trading halt procedures contained in 
existing Rules 6.3 and 6.3B that are applicable to equity options would 
also be applicable to Credit Options. In addition, Rule 29.13 would 
provide that another factor that may be considered by Floor Officials 
in connection with the institution of trading halts under existing Rule 
6.3 in Credit Options is that current quotations for the Relevant 
Obligations or other securities of the Reference Entity are unavailable 
or have become unreliable.
     Premium Bids and Offers & Minimum Increments, Priority, 
and Allocation (Amendment to Rule 29.14): The Exchange proposes 
amending Rule 29.14 so that it would apply to Credit Default Basket 
Options and, where applicable, generally to all Credit Options. Bids 
and offers for Credit Default Basket Options would be expressed in 
terms of dollars per the contract multiplier unit (e.g., a bid of ``7'' 
would represent a bid of $7,000 for a Credit Option with a specified 
contract multiplier of 1,000). In addition, the minimum price variation 
(``MPV'') for bids and offers on both simple and complex orders for 
Credit Default Basket Options would be $0.05. All bids or offers made 
for Credit Option contracts shall be deemed to be for one contract 
unless a specific number of option contracts is expressed in the bid or 
offer. A bid or offer for more than one

[[Page 35530]]

option contract shall be deemed to be for the amount thereof or a 
smaller number of option contracts. The rules of priority and order 
allocation procedures set forth in Rule 6.45A, Priority and Allocation 
of Equity Option Trades on the CBOE Hybrid System, shall apply to 
Credit Options.
     Nullification and Adjustment of Credit Default Option 
Transactions (Amendment to Rule 29.15): The provisions in existing Rule 
6.25, which pertain to the nullification and adjustment of equity 
option transactions, would be generally applicable to Credit Options. 
The Exchange proposes amending Rule 29.15 so that it would apply to all 
Credit Options. Rule 29.15 provides that for Credit Options, there 
would be two categories of obvious errors. The first type of error 
pertains to an obvious pricing error, which occurs when the execution 
price of an electronic transaction is below or above the theoretical 
price range (i.e., $0-$100) for the series by an amount equal to at 
least 5% per contract. Trading Officials would adjust such transactions 
to a price within 5% of the theoretical price range (i.e., to--$5 or 
$105), unless both parties agree to a nullification. The second type of 
error pertains to electronic or open outcry transactions arising out of 
a verifiable disruption or malfunction in the use or operation of any 
Exchange automated quotation, dissemination, execution, or 
communication system. Trading Officials would nullify such 
transactions, unless both parties agree to an adjustment. All other 
provisions of existing Rule 6.25 related to procedures for review, and 
obvious error panel and appeals committee reviews, would apply 
unchanged.
     Market-Maker Appointments & Obligations (Amendment to Rule 
29.17): The Exchange proposes amending Rule 29.17 so that it would 
apply to all Credit Options. Rule 29.17 provides that the Market-Maker 
appointment process for Credit Option classes shall be the same as the 
appointments for other options, as set out in existing Rules 8.3, 
Appointment of Market-Makers; 8.4, Remote Market-Makers; 8.15A, Lead 
Market-Makers in Hybrid Classes; and 8.95, Allocation of Securities and 
Location of Trading Crowds and DPMs. This rule would further provide 
that an appointed Market-Maker may, but would not be obligated to, 
enter a response to a request for quotes in an appointed Credit Option 
class and need not provide continuous quotes or quote a minimum bid-
offer spread. When quoting, the Market-Maker's minimum value size would 
be at least one contract. With respect to an appointed DPM or LMM, as 
applicable, there would be additional obligations to enter opening 
quotes in accordance with existing Rule 6.2B, Hybrid Opening System 
(``HOSS''), in 100% of the series in the appointed class and to enter a 
quote in response to any open outcry request for quotes on any 
appointed Credit Option class. The Exchange also could establish 
permissible price differences for one or more series of classes of 
Credit Options as warranted by market conditions. These quoting 
mechanics would be similar to the mechanics that exist today for 
trading Flexible Exchange Options (``FLEX Options'') on the Exchange.
     Exchange Authority (Existing Rule 29.18): Existing rule 
29.18 provides that, for purposes of options that are subject to 
Chapter XXIX, references in the Exchange Rules to the appropriate 
committee shall be read to be to the Exchange.\16\ Under this rule, the 
Exchange may determine to assign these authorities with respect to 
options that are subject to Chapter XXIX, including Credit Default 
Basket Options, to committees and/or Exchange staff. Under this rule, 
the Exchange has the flexibility to delegate the authorities under the 
rules with respect to options that are subject to Chapter XXIX, 
including Credit Default Basket Options, to an appropriate committee or 
appropriate Exchange staff and does not have to make a rule change 
merely, for instance, to accommodate the reassignment of any such 
authority.
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    \16\ For example, references to determinations regarding the 
applicable opening parameter settings established by the 
``appropriate Procedure Committee'' in Exchange Rule 6.2B, Hybrid 
Opening System (``HOSS''), are read to be by the ``Exchange.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     FLEX Trading Rules (Amendment to Rule 29.19): In addition 
to Hybrid, the Exchange is proposing that all Credit Options also would 
be eligible for trading as FLEX Options. For proposes of existing 
Chapter XXIVA and proposed Chapter XXIVB, which chapters contain the 
Exchange's rules pertaining to FLEX Options, references to the term 
``FLEX Equity Options'' would include a Credit Option and references to 
the ``underlying security'' or ``underlying equity security'' in 
respect of a Credit Default Option would mean the Reference Obligation 
as defined in proposed Rule 29.1. For purposes of existing Rule 24A.4 
and Rule 24B.4, FLEX Equity Options that are Credit Options would be 
cash-settled and may have maximum terms equal in length to those 
provided for under Rules 29.2 and 29.2A, and the exercise by exception 
provisions of OCC Rule 805 would not apply.
    These trading mechanics are designed to create a modified trading 
environment that takes into account the relatively small number of 
transactions that are likely to occur in this sophisticated, large-size 
market, while at the same time providing the Credit Default Basket 
Options market with the price improvement and transparency benefits of 
competitive Exchange floor bidding, as compared to the OTC market. The 
Exchange believes that the resulting market environment would be fair, 
efficient, and creditworthy and, as such, would prove to be 
particularly suitable to the large sophisticated trades and investors 
that now resort to the OTC market to affect these types of options 
transactions.
g. Options Disclosure Document
    To accommodate the listing and trading of Credit Default Basket 
Options, it is expected that the OCC would amend its by-laws and rules 
to reflect the different structure of Credit Default Basket 
Options.\17\ In addition, the Exchange states that the OCC has sought 
to revise the Options Disclosure Document (``ODD'') to incorporate 
Credit Default Basket Options.\18\
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    \17\ See SR-OCC-2007-06 (proposal by OCC to amend and supplement 
its by-laws and rules to clear and settle ``credit default basket 
options'' proposed to be listed CBOE).
    \18\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 55921 (June 18, 
2007) (SR-ODD-2007-03) (approving accelerated delivery of supplement 
to the ODD reflecting certain changes to disclosure regarding credit 
default options).
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h. Systems Capacity
    CBOE represents that it believes the Exchange and the Options Price 
Reporting Authority have the necessary systems capacity to handle the 
additional traffic associated with the listing and trading of Credit 
Default Basket Options as proposed herein.
    i. Applicability of Rule 9b-1 under the Act
    The Exchange asks the Commission to clarify that Credit Default 
Basket Options are standardized options under Rule 9b-1 Under the 
Act.\19\ Subsection (a)(4) of Rule 9b-1\20\ defines ``standardized 
options'' as ``options contracts trading on a national securities 
exchange, an automated quotations system of a registered securities 
association, or a foreign securities exchange which relate to options 
classes the terms of which are limited to specific expiration dates and 
exercise prices, or such other securities as the Commission may, by 
order, designate.''

[[Page 35531]]

Credit Default Basket Options are like existing standardized options 
trading on CBOE in every respect except for the exercise price. Credit 
Default Basket Options (i) Trade on a national securities exchange, 
(ii) have a specific expiration date, (iii) have fixed terms, (iv) have 
a specific exercise style, and (v) would be issued and cleared by the 
OCC. All of these are attributes of ``standardized options'' as defined 
in Rule 9b-1. The one respect with which Credit Default Basket Options 
differ from existing standardized options is in the exercise price.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ 17 CFR 240.9b-1.
    \20\ CFR 240.9b-1(a)(4).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     ``Exercise price'' is not a defined term in Rule 9b-1. 
However, the significance of having a specific exercise price term in a 
standardized option is that traditionally it, in conjunction with the 
specific exercise style (e.g., American-, European-, or capped-style), 
symbolizes the formula for calculating the exercise settlement of the 
option that is publicly known and announced, objectively determined, 
and unalterable. For example, in the case of a physical delivery 
option, the exercise price (which is sometimes called the ``strike 
price'') is the price at which the option holder has the right either 
to purchase (in the case of a call) or to sell (in the case of a put) 
the underlying interest upon exercise.\21\ In the case of a cash-
settled option, the exercise price is the base used for determining the 
amount of cash, if any, that the option holder is entitled to receive 
upon exercise (referred to as the ``cash settlement amount'').\22\ 
Traditionally, the cash settlement amount is the amount by which the 
exercise settlement value of the underlying interest of a cash-settled 
call exceeds the exercise price, or the amount by which the exercise 
price of a cash-settled put exceeds the exercise settlement value of 
the underlying interest, multiplied by the multiplier for the option.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ See ODD at 6-7.
    \22\ See id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Whereas for traditional cash-settled options the cash settlement 
amount is determined by reference to the particular price of the 
underlying interest, the cash settlement amount for a Credit Default 
Basket Option would be an amount established by a fixed equation at the 
listing of the option. The equation would establish the cash settlement 
amount of a Credit Default Basket Option as one minus the Basket 
Recovery Rate specified by the Exchange at listing multiplied by the 
Notional Face Value of the Basket Component.
    The cash settlement amount would be automatically paid each time a 
Credit Event is confirmed for a Basket Component for a Multiple Payout 
Credit Default Basket Options. This amount would be paid only once in 
connection with a particular Basket Component, after which time that 
Basket Component would be removed from the Credit Default Basket. For 
Single Payout Credit Basket Options, the cash settlement amount would 
be paid a single time when the first Credit Event is confirmed. As with 
traditional cash-settled options, the calculation of the cash 
settlement amount of a Credit Default Basket Option would be 
established prior to the commencement of trading according to this 
formula, which would be publicly known and announced, objectively 
determined, and unalterable. Thus, as with a traditional cash-settled 
option, a party entering into a Credit Default Basket Option would know 
exactly the terms under which a Credit Default Basket Option would be 
automatically paid and/or automatically exercised and the option's cash 
settlement amount. In this regard, the Exchange believes that Credit 
Default Basket Options, by their proposed terms, would be standardized 
options within the meaning of Rule 9b-1.
    If the Commission cannot determine that Credit Default Basket 
Options are, by their proposed terms, standardized options, the 
Exchange requests that the Commission use its authority under Rule 9b-
1(a)(4) to otherwise designate options, such as Credit Default Basket 
Options, as standardized options. The Commission used this authority 
very recently in 2007 to designate ``Credit Default Options'' as 
standardized options.\23\ In making this designation the Commission 
found that Credit Default Options ``resemble standardized options in 
other significant respects. Credit default options have an underlying 
security and an expiration date. Like other standardized options, 
credit default options have standardized terms relating to exercise 
procedures, contract adjustments, time of issuance, effect of closing 
transactions, restrictions, and other matters pertaining to the rights 
and obligation of holders and writers. Further, credit default options 
are designed to provide market participants with the ability to hedge 
their exposure to an underlying security.'' Credit Default Basket 
Options are a grouping or collection of Credit Default Options. 
Therefore, the Exchange believes that Credit Default Basket Options 
share all of the same characteristics recently highlighted by the 
Commission warranting their designation as standardized for purposes of 
Rule 9b-1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ See supra note 4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

j. Surveillance Program
    The Exchange represents that it will have in place adequate 
surveillance procedures to monitor trading in Credit Default Basket 
Options prior to listing and trading such options, thereby helping to 
ensure the maintenance of a fair and orderly market for trading in 
Credit Default Basket Options.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with 
the Act and the rules and regulations under the Act applicable to 
national securities exchanges. Specifically, the Exchange believes the 
proposed rule change is consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) \24\ 
requirements that the rules of an exchange be designed to promote just 
and equitable principles of trade, to prevent fraudulent and 
manipulative acts, to remove impediments to and to perfect the 
mechanism for a free and open market and a national market system, and, 
in general, to protect investors and the public interest.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

    CBOE does not believe that the proposed rule change would impose 
any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in 
furtherance of the purposes of the Act.

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

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

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

    Within 35 days of the date of publication of this notice in the 
Federal Register or within such longer period (i) As the Commission may 
designate up to 90 days of such date if it finds such longer period to 
be appropriate and publishes its reasons for so finding or (ii) as to 
which the self-regulatory organization consents, the Commission will:
    (A) By order approve such proposed rule change, or
    (B) Institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule 
change should be disapproved.
    The Commission has determined that a 15-day comment period is 
appropriate in this case.

[[Page 35532]]

IV. Solicitation of Comments

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

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's Internet comment form (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml.
); or     Send an e-mail to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include 

File Number SR-CBOE-2007-26 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

     Send paper comments in triplicate to Nancy M. Morris, 
Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE., 
Washington, DC 20549-1090.

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-CBOE-2007-26. This file 
number should be included on the subject line if e-mail is used. To 
help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, 
please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on 
the Commission's Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml
). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all 

written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are 
filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to 
the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other 
than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the 
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for inspection and 
copying 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 such filing also will be available for 
inspection and copying at the principal office of CBOE. All comments 
received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit 
personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit 
only information that you wish to make available publicly. All 
submissions should refer to File Number SR-CBOE-2007-26 and should be 
submitted on or before July 13, 2007.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\25\
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    \25\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Florence E. Harmon,
Deputy Secretary.
 [FR Doc. E7-12485 Filed 6-27-07; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 8010-01-P
