
[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 66 (Monday, April 7, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19146-19154]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-07634]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-71837; File No. SR-NYSE-2014-12]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; New York Stock Exchange LLC; 
Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change Amending Rule 98 To Adopt a 
Principles-Based Approach To Prohibit the Misuse of Material Nonpublic 
Information and Make Conforming Changes to Other Exchange Rules

April 1, 2014.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) \1\ of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 (the ``Act'')\2\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\3\ notice is hereby 
given that, on March 18, 2014, New York Stock Exchange LLC (``NYSE'' or 
the ``Exchange'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(the ``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, 
II, and III below, which Items have been prepared by the self-
regulatory organization. The

[[Page 19147]]

Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the 
proposed rule change from interested persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 15 U.S.C. 78a.
    \3\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 98 to adopt a principles-based 
approach to prohibit the misuse of material nonpublic information and 
make conforming changes to other Exchange Rules. The text of the 
proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's Web site at 
www.nyse.com, at the principal office of the Exchange, and at the 
Commission's Public Reference Room.

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

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

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

1. Purpose
    The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 98 to adopt a principles-based 
approach to prohibit the misuse of material nonpublic information by a 
member organization that operates a DMM unit and make conforming 
changes to other Exchange rules. The proposed rule changes would 
provide more flexibility for how a member organization may organize its 
DMM unit. The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change adopts an 
approach more similar to the rules governing equity market makers on 
NYSE Arca Equities, Inc. (``NYSE Arca''), the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC 
(``Nasdaq''), and the BATS Exchange, Inc. (``BATS''),\4\ while 
maintaining certain specified protections that reflect the unique role 
of DMMs at the Exchange.\5\ The proposed changes will provide member 
organizations operating DMM units with the ability to integrate DMM 
unit trading with other trading units, while maintaining narrowly 
tailored restrictions to address that DMMs while on the Trading Floor 
may have access to certain Floor-based non-public information. The 
proposed rule change will also enable DMM units to maintain procedures 
and controls to prevent the misuse of material, non-public information 
that are effective and appropriate for that member organization.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 60604 (Sept. 2, 
2009), 76 FR 46272 (Sept. 8, 2009) (SR-NYSEArca-2009-78) (Order 
approving elimination of NYSE Arca rule that required market makers 
to establish and maintain specifically prescribed information 
barriers, including discussion of NYSE Arca and Nasdaq rules). See 
also Securities Exchange Act Release No. 61574 (Feb. 23, 2010), 75 
FR 9455 (Mar. 2, 2010) (SR-BATS-2010-003) (Order approving 
amendments to BATS Exchange, Inc. (``BATS'') Rule 5.5 to move to a 
principles-based approach to protecting against the misuse of 
material, non-public information, and noting that the proposed 
change is consistent with the approaches of NYSE Arca and Nasdaq).
    \5\ This proposed rule change is not intended to address the 
rules governing options market makers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As discussed in more detail below, the Exchange proposes to 
redefine the structure of a DMM unit by deleting the definitions of 
``aggregation unit'' and cross reference to Rule 200 of Regulation SHO 
(``Regulation SHO'') \6\ and ``integrated proprietary aggregation 
unit'' and redefining the term ``DMM unit.'' The Exchange believes that 
these proposed revisions will enable member organizations to integrate 
DMM units with other trading operations within the member organization, 
including, if applicable, a customer-facing operation, subject to 
Exchange and federal rules that prohibit the misuse of material 
nonpublic information. In addition, in order to streamline the rule, 
the Exchange proposes several non-substantive clarifying and conforming 
changes to the provisions of Rule 98 that govern these areas. The 
Exchange also proposes to eliminate duplicative provisions in the rule 
regarding back-office operations provided by an approved person or 
member organization. Finally, the Exchange proposes to delete rules 
relating to the DMM that are obsolete.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ 17 CFR Part 242.200.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

A. Background

    Rule 98, which was last amended in 2008,\7\ incorporates various 
organizational structures for operating a DMM unit. Rule 98(c) provides 
for the operation of a ``DMM unit,'' which can be either a stand-alone 
member organization or an ``aggregation unit'' \8\ within a member 
organization. As a general matter, unless otherwise specified in Rule 
98, a DMM unit must maintain the confidentiality of both DMM 
confidential information and non-public orders.\9\ A DMM unit therefore 
must not permit either other aggregation units of the member 
organization or its approved person(s) to have access to DMM 
confidential information or non-public order information.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 58329 (Aug. 6, 
2008), 73 FR 48260 (Aug. 18, 2008) (SR-NYSE-2008-45).
    \8\ An ``aggregation unit'' is defined in Rule 98(b)(11) as any 
trading or market-making department, division, or desk that meets 
the requirements of the definition of ``independent trading unit'' 
pursuant to Rule 200 of Regulation SHO.
    \9\ See Rule 98(c)(2)(A).
    \10\ See Rule 98(c)(2)(A)(i) and (ii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Rule 98 defines the terms ``non-public order information'' and 
``DMM confidential information'' separately. In the case of ``non-
public order information,'' the Exchange seeks to protect price-
sensitive non-DMM trading information that is not publicly available or 
that is shared with the DMM with an expectation of privacy. Thus, this 
definition captures any information relating to order flow at the 
Exchange, including verbal indications of interest made with an 
expectation of privacy, electronic order interest, e-quotes, reserve 
interest, or information about imbalances at the Exchange, that is not 
publicly-available on a real-time basis via an Exchange-provided 
datafeed, such as NYSE OpenBook[supreg],\11\ or otherwise publicly 
available.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ NYSE OpenBook[supreg] provides aggregated limit-order 
volume that has been entered on the Exchange at price points for all 
NYSE-traded securities.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ``DMM confidential information'' refers to principal or proprietary 
trading activity of a DMM unit at the Exchange in the securities 
allocated to it pursuant to Rule 103B, including the unit's positions 
in those securities, decisions relating to trading or quoting in those 
securities, and any algorithm or computer system that is responsible 
for such trading activity and that interfaces with Exchange systems.
    Rule 98(d) permits a member organization to operate the DMM 
business within a larger aggregation unit referred to as a ``integrated 
proprietary aggregation unit,'' which may only engage in proprietary 
trading activity, including electronic market making. Rules 98(d) and 
(f)(2) set forth the types of information barriers required within such 
a unit to separate the DMM trading at the Exchange from the trading by 
the unit's ``upstairs'' desk's trading in assigned securities in away 
markets or trading in related products.\12\ In

[[Page 19148]]

particular, the rule requires the DMM unit to protect both non-public 
order information and DMM confidential information. When providing risk 
management to the DMM unit, the integrated proprietary aggregation unit 
may see traded positions of the DMM unit that have been printed to the 
Consolidated Tape, but cannot see where the DMM unit is quoting.\13\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ ``Related products'' are defined as any derivative 
instruments that are related to a security allocated to a DMM unit, 
including options, warrants, hybrid securities, single-stock 
futures, security-based swap agreement, a forward contract, or any 
other instrument that is exercisable into or whose price is based 
upon or derived from a security listed on the Exchange. See Rule 
98(b)(15). The Exchange proposes to make non-substantive edits to 
this definition to conform to other changes made to Rule 98, and, as 
discussed below, renumber the rule accordingly.
    \13\ See Rule 98(f)(1)(v) and (98(f)(2)(A).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    When a DMM unit operates within an integrated proprietary 
aggregation unit or engages in off-Floor trading of products related to 
securities assigned to the DMM unit, Rule 98 specifically prohibits an 
individual DMM who moves off of the Floor of the Exchange from making 
DMM confidential information available to off-Floor personnel or 
systems of the integrated proprietary aggregation unit.\14\ Senior 
managers of the approved person or parent member organization may 
provide general oversight to the DMM unit, provided that if the senior 
manager receives any DMM confidential information or non-public order 
information, he or she must not use such information to directly or 
indirectly influence trading based on that confidential 
information.\15\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ See Rule 98(d)(2)(B)(iv) and 98(f)(1)(A)(iii).
    \15\ See Rule 98(c)(2)(E).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Rule 98 further provides that individuals or systems, including 
computer algorithms, that are either responsible for trading in related 
products within the DMM unit or engaging in risk management on behalf 
of the DMM unit, are restricted from having access to DMM confidential 
information.\16\ As noted above, the limited exceptions permit the 
persons or systems responsible for managing the risk of the DMM unit to 
have electronic access to the DMM unit's trades at the Exchange in 
securities allocated to the DMM unit, provided that such trades have 
been printed to the Consolidated Tape, and to electronically direct the 
trading of the DMM unit, subject to the DMM rules.\17\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ See Rule 98(f)(1)(A)(i), 98(f)(2)(A), and 98(f)(3)(C)(2).
    \17\ See Rule 98(f)(1)(A)(v), 98(f)(2)(a)(i), and 
98(f)(3)(c)(iii) and (iv).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition to specifying trading restrictions, Rule 98(e) provides 
that a DMM unit can share non-trading related services with a parent 
member organization or approved persons. However, to share non-trading 
related services, a DMM unit must obtain approval from NYSE Regulation 
and show that it has policies and procedures to maintain the 
confidentiality of DMM confidential information and non-public order 
information.
    Because not all firms were immediately approved under ``new'' Rule 
98, which was last amended in 2008, the Exchange kept the pre-2008 
version of Rule 98 in its rulebook as ``Rule 98 Former.'' Because Rule 
98 Former was referenced in a number of other Exchange rules, certain 
Exchange rules have double references depending on whether the DMM is 
approved under Rule 98 Former or the current rule.\18\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ See Rules 98A Former, 99 Former, 104T(a) (Former), 105(a) 
Former, 105(b) Former, 105(d) Former, 105 Guidelines section (m) 
Former, and 113 Former.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    All DMM firms are now approved to operate under Rule 98, and are no 
longer subject to ``Rule 98 Former.''

B. Proposed Amendments to Rule 98

    The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 98 to adopt a more principles-
based approach that would permit a member organization operating a DMM 
unit to maintain and enforce its own policies and procedures to, among 
other things, prohibit the misuse of material nonpublic information and 
eliminate requirements that specify how a member organization must 
organize its DMM unit within the firm. While the proposed changes would 
provide the ability for member organizations to integrate their DMM 
units, the Exchange does not believe that the amendments will reduce in 
any way the protections against the misuse of material nonpublic 
information. Rather, the Exchange believes that by adding a principles-
based approach that generally prohibits the misuse of material non-
public information, the amended rule will provide for broader 
protections than the current rule, which protects only certain defined 
non-public information.
    To achieve the goal of enabling greater integration of DMM units 
within a member organization, the Exchange proposes to revise the 
definitions set forth in Rule 98(b) to eliminate the various structures 
and instead use a single term to refer to DMM operations. As proposed, 
the term ``DMM unit'' would be amended to mean a trading unit within a 
member organization that is approved pursuant to Rule 103 to act as a 
DMM unit. Accordingly, the Exchange proposes to eliminate the 
requirement that a DMM unit be an ``aggregation unit'', which is 
currently defined to mean any trading or market-making department, 
division or desk that meets the requirements of the definition of 
``independent trading unit'' pursuant to Rule 200 of Regulation 
SHO.\19\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ The Exchange proposes to delete rule provisions that 
reference the terms ``aggregation unit'' and ``integrated 
proprietary aggregation unit.'' See, e.g., Rule 98(c)(2)(B).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange proposes to decouple the Rule 98 definition from 
Regulation SHO in part because the two rules seek to achieve different 
purposes. Rule 200(f) of Regulation SHO sets forth the requirements for 
qualifying as an ``independent trading unit'' for the purpose of order 
marking requirements under Rule 200. In practice, broker dealers use 
information barriers to meet the requirements of an independent trading 
unit under Regulation SHO. By contrast, Rule 98 does not concern the 
netting of position information. While member organizations operating 
DMM units would be required to comply with Regulation SHO, the Exchange 
does not believe that it needs to prescribe in its rules how a firm 
must structure its DMM operations for purposes of complying with 
Regulation SHO.
    For similar reasons, the Exchange does not believe it needs to 
maintain a definition unique to the Exchange and DMMs of an 
``integrated proprietary aggregation unit.'' This definition 
contemplates a DMM unit being part of an aggregation unit that engages 
in only proprietary trading activity. While a member organization may 
choose to structure in this manner, the Exchange does not believe it 
needs to be required. Rather, the Exchange believes that Rule 98 should 
provide flexibility for a member organization to structure its 
business, including any DMM operations, in a manner that a member 
organization believes is appropriate for its business purposes, subject 
to requirements to protect against the misuse of material, non-public 
information, as discussed below.
    The Exchange proposes additional changes to Rule 98(b) to delete 
definitions that are no longer necessary in the revised rule. 
Specifically, the Exchange proposes to delete the definitions for ``DMM 
API,'' ``DMM account,'' ``customer-facing department,'' and ``non-
trading related services.'' The terms DMM API and DMM account were 
based on Rule 104 before it was amended in 2008. Accordingly, the 
Exchange believes that these definitions are now obsolete. In addition, 
because the proposed rule changes are intended to provide principles-
based instruction on how to operate a DMM unit, the rule no longer 
needs to define terms that support the

[[Page 19149]]

current, more prescriptive rule text. The Exchange proposes to delete 
the definitions of ``DMM'' and ``approved person'' as duplicative of 
the definitions set forth in Rules 2(i) and 2(c). The Exchange proposes 
to make non-substantive edits to the definition of ``related 
products.'' The Exchange also proposes to make conforming amendments to 
Rule 2(j).
    With these proposed definition changes, the Exchange believes that 
a member organization operating a DMM unit would be better positioned 
to integrate its DMM operations. For example, if a member organization 
engages in market-making operations on multiple exchanges, it may be 
optimal for a firm to house its DMM operations together with the other 
market-making operations, even if such operations are customer-facing. 
Another variation could be if a firm chooses to include all of its 
equity trading, including customer-facing operations, within a single 
independent trading unit. The Exchange believes that providing member 
organizations with the ability to integrate DMM operations could 
promote liquidity at the Exchange because the DMM operations would be 
part of a larger unit with greater sources of liquidity.\20\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ The Exchange notes that under Regulation SHO, determination 
of a seller's net position is based on the seller's position in the 
security in all proprietary accounts. See Securities Exchange Act 
Release No. 50103 (July 28, 2004), 69 FR 48008, 48010, n.22 (Aug. 6, 
2004); see also Securities Exchange Act Release Not 48709 (Oct. 29, 
2003), 68 FR 62972, 62991 and 62994 (Nov. 6, 2003); Letter from 
Richard R. Lindsey, Director, Division of Market Regulation, to 
Roger D. Blanc, Wilkie Farr & Gallagher, SEC No-Action Letter, 1998 
SEC No-Act. LEXIS 1038, p. 5 (Nov. 23, 1998); Securities Exchange 
Act Release No. 30772 (June 3, 1992), 57 FR 24415, 24419 n.47 (June 
9, 1992); Securities Exchange Act Release No. 27938 (Apr. 23, 1990), 
55 FR 17949, 17950 (Apr. 30, 1990).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange notes that notwithstanding how a member organization 
chooses to structure its operations, that firm would need to meet the 
requirements of Section 15(g) of the Act,\21\ which requires every 
registered broker or dealer to ``establish, maintain, and enforce 
written policies and procedures reasonably designed, taking into 
consideration the nature of such broker's or dealer's business, to 
prevent the misuse . . . of material, nonpublic information by such 
broker or dealer or any person associated with such broker or dealer.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ 15 U.S.C. 78o(g).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Accordingly, the Exchange proposes to revise current Rule 98(c)(2) 
and replace it with new text based on NYSE Arca Equities Rule 6.3 
(Prevention of the Misuse of Material Nonpublic Information) and BATS 
Rule 5.5 (Prevention of the Misuse of Material, Non-Public Information) 
that specifies that a member organization seeking approval to operate a 
DMM unit pursuant to Rule 98 must maintain and enforce written policies 
and procedures reasonably designed, taking into consideration the 
nature of such member organization's business, (i) to prevent the 
misuse of material, non-public information by such member organizations 
or persons associated with such member organization and (ii) to ensure 
compliance with applicable federal laws and regulations and with 
Exchange rules.\22\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ The Exchange also proposes to revise Rule 98(c)(1) to 
replace the term ``NYSE Regulation, Inc.'' with the term 
``Exchange.'' Pursuant to Rule 0, the term ``Exchange'' may also 
mean FINRA staff working on behalf of the Exchange and NYSE 
Regulation, Inc. pursuant to a regulatory services agreement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Similar to NYSE Arca Equities Rule 6.3, the Exchange further 
proposes to add rule text that provides examples of conduct that would 
constitute the misuse of material, non-public information, including, 
but not limited to: (A) Trading in any securities issued by a 
corporation, or in any related products, while in possession of 
material-non-public information concerning the issuer; (B) trading in a 
security or related product, while in possession of material non-public 
information concerning imminent transactions in the security or related 
product; or (C) disclosing to another person or entity any material, 
non-public information involving a corporation whose shares are 
publicly traded or an imminent transaction in an underlying security or 
related product for the purpose of facilitating the possible misuse of 
such material, non-public information.\23\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ Because Rule 98 defines the term ``related product,'' the 
Exchange proposes to use the term ``related product'' instead of 
``related security,'' which is the term used in NYSE Arca Equities 
Rule 6.3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange believes that with the proposed change to Rule 
98(c)(2), member organizations will be able to utilize a flexible, 
principles-based approach to modify their policies and procedures as 
appropriate to reflect changes to their business model, business 
activities, or to the securities market itself. Moreover, while 
specified information barriers may no longer be required, a member 
organization's business model or business activities may dictate that 
an information barrier or functional separation be part of the 
appropriate set of policies and procedures that would be reasonably 
designed to achieve compliance with applicable securities laws and 
regulations, and with applicable Exchange rules.
    More specifically, the Exchange notes that providing member 
organizations with the ability to integrate DMM unit operations with 
other equity trading operations, which may include customer-facing 
trading desks, would enable member organizations to better manage risk 
and adopt uniform trading models across multiple markets. Currently, 
because DMM units need to be walled off from other market-making desks, 
the DMM units cannot leverage quoting models that may have been 
developed for the other market-making desks. And because of the Rule 
98-mandated separation, member organizations are restricted in their 
ability to manage risk across the DMM unit and other market-making 
units. As a result, the costs associated with developing separate 
quoting models and risk strategies for a stand-alone DMM unit become 
prohibitive as compared to a member organization's investment in 
operating an integrated market-making unit that may include both 
internalized customer flow and registered market-making on other 
exchanges. The Exchange believes that if DMM units could be integrated 
with other market-making units, it could not only enable member 
organizations to enhance their overall risk management, but could also 
potentially lead to flow that would otherwise be internalized being 
directed instead to the Exchange.
    Consistent with the proposal to adopt a principles-based approach 
to protect against the misuse of material non-public information 
generally, the Exchange proposes to restructure the defined terms in 
current Rule 98 that relate to non-public information. First, the 
Exchange proposes to re-define the definition of ``non-public 
information'' as ``Floor-based non-public information.'' The Exchange 
proposes this redefinition to distinguish this type of non-public 
information, which is non-DMM information to which a DMM while on the 
Trading Floor may have access due to the unique role of DMMs on the 
Trading Floor, from any other non-public information that is covered by 
proposed Rule 98(c)(2). As discussed in more detail below, the Exchange 
proposes to maintain restrictions in proposed Rule 98(c)(3) tailored to 
the Floor-based activities of DMM units and proposes to use the term 
``Floor-based non-public order information'' to distinguish which 
information those provisions are intended to protect.\24\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \24\ The Exchange proposes non-substantive changes to this 
definition that better reflect how Exchange systems currently 
operate. Specifically, the Exchange believes that concept of trading 
in ``slow mode'' is duplicative of the remaining rule text, which 
covers any order information that is made available to DMMs but that 
is not available to other market participants.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 19150]]

    Second, the Exchange proposes to delete the definition of DMM 
confidential information as duplicative of proposed new Rule 98(c)(2), 
which protects against the misuse of material non-public information. 
As noted above, the term ``DMM confidential information'' includes 
position, trading, and quoting information of the DMM unit. This 
information is non-public to persons or entities that are not part of 
the member organization, but critical information for a member 
organization to operate and manage its own risks. The Exchange believes 
that the policy concerns relating to specifying separate protections 
for this information are no longer applicable. Specifically, unlike 
specialists, DMMs are not agents for orders on the Exchange's book and 
do not have any negative obligations. Instead, DMMs are required to act 
as market makers in assigned securities, subject to affirmative 
obligations to maintain a fair and orderly market.\25\ While the DMM 
continues to have the ability to, and does, trade manually from the 
Floor, the vast majority of the DMM's quotes are entered by means of 
algorithms initiated off-Floor. Moreover, DMM interest manually entered 
intraday during a slow state or to participate in a verbal transaction 
with a Floor broker still yields to public orders.\26\ In addition, to 
the extent a DMM on the Floor may have access to Floor-based non-public 
order information, proposed Rule 98(c)(3) would continue to specify 
protections against the misuse of that information by the member 
organization.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \25\ See Rule 104.
    \26\ See Rule 72(c)(xi).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange believes that the proposed principles-based approach 
to protect against the misuse of material non-public order information 
specified in proposed Rule 98(c)(2) would ensure that a member 
organization would be required to protect against the misuse of any 
material non-public information that currently falls within the 
definition of DMM confidential information. As noted above, this 
includes refraining from trading while in possession of material non-
public information concerning imminent transactions in the security or 
related product. The Exchange believes that moving to a principles-
based approach rather than prescribing how and when to protect the 
DMM's own quoting and trading information would provide member 
organizations operating DMM units with appropriate tools to better 
manage risk across a firm, including integrating DMM unit positions and 
quoting information with other quotes and positions by the firm, or as 
applicable, by the respective independent trading unit. Specifically, 
the Exchange believes that it is appropriate for risk management 
purposes for a member organization operating a DMM unit to be able to 
consider both DMM unit outstanding quotes as well as traded positions 
for purposes of calculating net positions consistent with Rule 200 of 
Regulation SHO, calculating intra-day net capital positions, and 
managing risk both generally as well as in compliance with Rule 15c3-5 
under the Act (the ``Market Access Rule'').\27\ The Exchange notes that 
any risk management operations would need to operate consistent with 
the requirement to protect against the misuse of material non-public 
information.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \27\ 17 CFR Part 240.15c3-5.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange notes that if DMM units are integrated with other 
market-making operations, they would be subject to existing rules that 
prohibit member organizations from disadvantaging their customers or 
other market participants by improperly capitalizing on a member 
organization's access to the receipt of material, non-public 
information. As such, a member organization that integrates its DMM 
unit operations together with customer-facing operations would need to 
protect customer information consistent with existing obligations to 
protect customer information that already apply to equity market makers 
registered on other exchanges. For example, NYSE Rule 5320, which is 
substantially similar to FINRA Rule 5320 and NYSE Arca Equities Rule 
5320 (generally referred to as the ``Manning Rule.''), generally 
prohibits a member organization from trading for its own account ahead 
of customer orders. Rule 5320(a) further provides that if a member 
organization trades at a price for its own account ahead of the 
customer order, it must execute the customer order up to the size and 
at the same or better price at which it traded for its own account. The 
Manning Rule sets forth certain exceptions to this requirement, 
including the Large Orders and Institutional Account Exceptions 
(Supplementary Material .01 to Rule 5320) and the No-Knowledge 
Exception (Supplementary Material .02 to Rule 5320). A member 
organization operating both a DMM unit, which engages in trading for 
its own account, and customer-facing operations would need to comply 
with the Manning Rule or meet one of the specified exceptions.\28\ In 
addition, a member organization operating a DMM unit would also need to 
maintain policies and procedures to assure that it does not engage in 
any frontrunning of customer order information in violation of 
Exchange, FINRA, or federal rules. The Exchange notes that these are 
existing obligations that already govern equity market-making 
operations on other exchanges and therefore integrating DMM operations 
with such desks would not present any novel issues.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \28\ The Exchange notes that FINRA already monitors member 
organizations for compliance with Rule 5320.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed Rule 98(c)(3)-(7) would set forth the remaining specific 
restrictions for member organizations operating a DMM unit. In 
recognition of the unique role of DMMs, including limited Floor-based 
access to certain non-public order information,\29\ the Exchange 
proposes to maintain certain prescriptions on how a DMM unit must 
operate. To effect this new structure, the Exchange proposes to delete 
subsections (d) and (f) of Rule 98 and move the sections of those rules 
that the Exchange proposes to retain to an amended subsection (c)(3)-
(7) of the Rule, which include the relevant restrictions on trading 
within the unit. As proposed, the rule will no longer prescribe the 
type of trading in which a DMM unit may engage. Rather, the proposed 
rule will only specify the types of trading activities that would be 
restricted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \29\ See Rule 104(j)(ii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed Rules 98(c)(3)(A)-(D) would set forth the restrictions 
specific to DMM units that address their unique role at the Exchange. 
Proposed Rule 98(c)(3)(A) would provide generally that a member 
organization shall protect against the misuse of Floor-based non-public 
order information. The rule would further specify who may have access 
to such Floor-based non-public order information (as permitted pursuant 
to Rule 104), which, as proposed, would be the Floor-based employees of 
the DMM unit and individuals responsible for the direct supervision of 
the DMM unit's Floor-based operations. The Exchange believes that the 
proposed rule change specifies in a more straight-forward manner who 
may have access to have non-public order information, and replaces the 
multiple references in the current Rule 98 to the same concept.\30\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \30\ See, e.g., Rules 98(c)(2)(A)(i)-(ii), (d)(2)(B)(i)-(iii), 
(f)(1)(A)(i), (f)(3)(C)(ii). The current rule is structured as to 
who may not have access. The Exchange believes it is clearer to 
specify who may have access to such information.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 19151]]

    Proposed Rule 98(c)(3)(B) would specify the restrictions applicable 
to employees of the DMM unit while on the Trading Floor. First, while 
on the Trading Floor of the Exchange, employees of the DMM unit, except 
as provided for in Rule 36.30, may trade only DMM securities and only 
on or through the systems and facilities of the Exchange, as permitted 
by Exchange Rules.\31\ Second, while on the Trading Floor, Floor-based 
employees may not communicate with individuals or systems responsible 
for making trading decisions for related products or for away-market 
trading in DMM securities.\32\ Finally, because a DMM unit may be part 
of a larger trading unit that includes customer-facing operations, the 
Exchange proposes to add a new restriction that while on the Trading 
Floor, employees of the DMM unit shall not have access to customer 
information or the DMM unit's position in related products.\33\ The 
Exchange believes that these proposed restrictions will ensure that 
while on the Floor, employees of a DMM unit will not be quoting or 
trading based on material non-public information related to customer 
information or trading in related products.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \31\ Compare proposed Rule 98(c)(3)(A) with Rule 
98(f)(1)(A)(ii). The Exchange also proposes to replace the term 
``Floor'' with the term ``Trading Floor'' to reflect the use of that 
term in Rules 6A and 36.
    \32\ Compare proposed Rule 98(c)(3)(B) with Rule 
98(d)(2)(B)(iii).
    \33\ Compare proposed Rule 98(c)(3)(B)(iii) with Rule 
98(f)(1)(A)(ii). In addition, the Exchange believes that proposed 
Rule 98(c)(3)(B)(iii) replaces the concerns expressed in current 
Rule 98(c)(2)(C) that the DMM unit not have access to material non-
public information that is in possession of other aggregation unit. 
The Exchange does not believe it needs to maintain Rule 98(c)(2)(C) 
because it restates the general concept of how aggregation units 
under Regulation SHO are structured, and as noted above, Rule 98 no 
longer follows the aggregation unit model.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As with the current rule, the Exchange proposes to maintain 
restrictions on what happens if a non-Floor based individual becomes 
aware of Floor-based non-public order information. The Exchange 
proposes to consolidate the current rule concerning wall-crossing 
provisions into proposed Rule 98(c)(3)(C), which would provide that 
when a Floor-based employee of a DMM unit moves to a location off of 
the Trading Floor of the Exchange or if any person that provides risk 
management oversight or supervision of the Floor-based operations of 
the DMM unit is aware of Floor-based non-public order information, he 
or she shall not (1) make such information available to customers, (2) 
make such information available to individuals or systems responsible 
for making trading decisions in DMM securities in away markets or 
related products, or (2) use any such information in connection with 
making trading decisions in DMM securities in away markets or related 
products.
    The Exchange believes that consolidating the wall-crossing 
provisions into a single provision achieves the same purpose as the 
current rule, which states the same concept in multiple places.\34\ The 
proposed rule is augmented by adding that Floor-based non-public order 
information cannot be made available to customers. The proposed rule 
would cover any individual, whether it is an individual that leaves the 
Floor or a manager providing oversight of Floor operations, to neither 
use nor make available any non-public order information that the 
individual becomes aware of. The Exchange believes that replacing the 
concept of ``access to'' information with ``aware of'' information 
provides a clearer standard for member organizations and is generally 
more consistent with federal rules.\35\ Specifically, because the 
provision is intended to ensure that information is not used 
inappropriately, inappropriate use of such information could only occur 
if someone is aware of that information.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \34\ See Rules 98(c)(2)(E)(i), 98(d)(2)(B)(iv), and 
(f)(1)(A)(3).
    \35\ See 17 CFR 240.10b5-1(b) (specifying that a purchase or 
sale of securities constitutes trading on the basis of material 
nonpublic information when the person making the purchase or sale 
was aware of the material nonpublic information when the person made 
the purchase or sale).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For example, a DMM unit could be part of a larger trading unit that 
engages in customer-facing market making activities on multiple 
exchanges. With the proposed changes to Rule 98 generally, a manager 
within that unit would be able to monitor risk across the unit, 
including positions from trading as a DMM at the Exchange, without 
breaching any prohibitions against the misuse of material nonpublic 
information. Assume that a Floor-based DMM needs to take on a larger 
risk profile in a security because of a proposed Floor broker 
transaction and needs to discuss this proposed transaction with the 
off-Floor manager. Once this topic is discussed with the off-Floor 
manager, that manager is now aware of Floor-based non-public order 
information, and therefore must protect against the misuse of this 
information. This type of wall-crossing procedure is consistent with 
current practices within member organizations.
    As with the current rule, but with new rule numbering, the Exchange 
proposes to maintain that the DMM unit may make available to a Floor 
broker associated with or affiliated with an approved person or member 
organization any information that the DMM would be permitted to provide 
under Exchange rules to an unaffiliated Floor broker.\36\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \36\ Compare proposed Rule 98(c)(3)(D) with Rule 
98(c)(2)(A)(ii). The Exchange proposes to replace the term ``DMM'' 
with ``DMM unit'' to be clear that the proposed rule covers any 
staff of the DMM unit located on the Trading Floor.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To ensure that all trading activity by a DMM unit in DMM securities 
at the Exchange is available for review, the Exchange proposes to add a 
provision that any interest entered by the DMM unit in DMM securities 
at the Exchange must be entered through systems that identify such 
interest as DMM interest.\37\ As proposed, because the Exchange's 
trading systems continue to evolve, the Exchange believes it is 
unnecessary to specify which system(s) a DMM unit must use. However, 
this rule would require the DMM unit to use a system that would enable 
such interest to be identified as DMM trading interest.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \37\ See proposed Rule 98(c)(4).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange notes that the Rule 104 obligations that relate to 
whether a DMM is long or short, i.e., Rules 104(g)(i)(A)(III) and (h), 
are applicable to the DMM unit's position in DMM securities together 
with any position of a Regulation SHO independent trading unit of which 
the DMM unit may be included. For example, if a DMM unit is combined 
with market-making desks that are trading on away markets, it would be 
the position of that entire unit in DMM securities, and not just the 
DMM's Exchange-traded positions, that would be relevant for those 
rules. To ensure that the Exchange can monitor for compliance with 
these rules, the Exchange proposes to add to Rule 98 that the member 
organization must provide the Exchange with real-time unit position 
information for any trading in DMM securities by the DMM unit and any 
independent trading unit of which it is a part.\38\ For example, if a 
DMM unit is part of an independent trading unit that engages in trading 
on other markets in DMM securities, the real-time position update would 
need to incorporate any away-market transactions in DMM securities by 
that independent trading unit.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \38\ See proposed Rule 98(c)(5). The Exchange proposes to delete 
Rule 98(d)(4) and subparagraphs from the rule both because the 
Exchange does not believe it needs to separately identify DMM audit 
trail requirements and because Rule 132B no longer exists.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Currently, Rule 98 permits an integrated proprietary aggregation 
unit to engage in options market making

[[Page 19152]]

(electronic only), provided that the DMM unit is walled off from the 
options market making trading desk. Similar to NYSE Arca Equities, the 
Exchange proposes to eliminate prescriptive rules regarding how to 
structure DMM operations together with other market-making operations, 
and instead believes that the principles-based approach set forth in 
proposed Rule 98(c)(2) should protect against the misuse of material 
nonpublic information.\39\ The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 98 to 
specify restrictions that are unique to the Exchange by virtue of the 
close physical proximity of the NYSE MKT LLC options trading floor. As 
proposed, the DMM unit may not operate as a specialist or market maker 
on the Exchange or the NYSE MKT LLC (``NYSE MKT'') equities or options 
trading floors in related products, unless specifically permitted in 
Exchange rules.\40\ The Exchange notes that a member organization that 
operates a DMM unit may be a specialist or market maker on NYSE MKT 
provided that it maintains appropriate information barriers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \39\ See footnote 4.
    \40\ See proposed Rule 98(c)(6). The Exchange notes that 
currently, the only time that a DMM unit may engage in market making 
in a related products under Exchange rules is on the NYSE MKT 
exchange, pursuant to NYSE MKT Rule 504(b)(5)--Equities. The NYSE 
does not have a similar exception.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange also proposes to maintain the existing requirement 
that the member organization maintain information barriers between the 
DMM unit and any investment banking or research departments.\41\ The 
amended rule would also continue to provide that no DMM or DMM unit may 
be directly supervised or controlled by an individual associated with 
an approved person or the member organization who is assigned to any 
investment banking or research departments.\42\ The only difference 
between the proposed rule text and the current rule is that the 
Exchange proposes to delete that a DMM unit may not be supervised or 
controlled by an individual assigned to a customer-facing department. 
As noted above, the Exchange believes that member organizations should 
not be restricted in their ability to combine DMM operations with 
customer-facing operations, subject to the restrictions enumerated in 
amended Rule 98 and the proposed Exchange and federal requirements that 
prohibit the misuse of material nonpublic information, discussed above.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \41\ Compare proposed Rule 98(c)(7) with 98(c)(2)(A)(i) and 
(c)(2)((C). Investment banking activities include activities such as 
underwriting, tender offers, mergers, acquisitions, 
recapitalizations, etc. See Rule 98(f)(1).
    \42\ Compare proposed Rule 98(c)(7) with Rule 98(c)(2)(E)(ii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange also proposes to provide in proposed Rule 98(d) that 
the DMM rules will apply only to the DMM unit's quoting or trading in 
their DMM securities for their own accounts at the Exchange.\43\ The 
Exchange has added that this restriction is only applicable to DMM unit 
trading for their own account to be clear that the DMM rule 
restrictions are not applicable to any customer orders routed to the 
Exchange by that member organization as agent.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \43\ Compare proposed Rule 98(d) with Rules 98(c)(3) and (d)(3). 
As defined in proposed Rule 98(b)(3) (formerly, Rule 98(b)(5)), the 
DMM rules mean any rules that govern DMM conduct or trading. These 
would include, for example, Rules 36.30, 103, 103A, 103B, and 104.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange believes that by restructuring the rule to focus on 
protecting against the misuse of material non-public information, Rule 
98 no longer needs to specify how a member organization or an approved 
person provides back-office support operations, such as clearing, stock 
loan, and compliance, for the DMM unit. Rather, the Exchange believes 
that how a member organization or approved person provides back-office 
operations to the DMM unit should not differ from how such services are 
provided to other trading units within that member organization or 
approved person. In addition, as proposed, amended Rule 98(c)(2) would 
require the member organization to protect against the misuse of 
material non-public information, which would govern all aspects of a 
member organization's operations. Accordingly, the Exchange proposes to 
delete in its entirety Rule 98(e).
    The Exchange notes that if a person in the member organization or 
an approved person is providing non-trading related services to the DMM 
unit, and as a result of such relationship, becomes aware of Floor-
based non-public order information, such person would be subject to the 
wall-crossing provisions of proposed Rule 98(c)(3)(C), which is 
applicable to any person who is aware of such information. Because 
these protections for Floor-based non-public order information are 
retained in the proposed revisions to Rule 98, and are applicable to 
approved persons pursuant to proposed amended Rule 98(a)(1), the 
Exchange believes that Rule 98(e), which concerns the sharing of non-
trading related services, is redundant of existing regulatory 
requirements governing the operations of a broker-dealer. The Exchange 
proposes conforming amendments to Rule 36.30.
    Because of the proposed restructuring of the rule, Rule 98(g) will 
be renumbered as Rule 98(e), Rule 98(h) will be renumbered as Rule 
98(f), and Rule 98(j) will be renumbered as Rule 98(g). The Exchange is 
proposing conforming changes to these sections, including updating 
cross-references and changing the reference from the Division of Market 
Surveillance and NYSE Regulation to the Exchange.\44\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \44\ Pursuant to Rule 0, the reference to the Exchange in this 
rule may also mean FINRA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

C. Other Proposed Amendments

    As noted above, all DMM firms for which Rule 98 is applicable are 
now under the auspices of Rule 98. Accordingly, Rule 98 Former no 
longer has any application for any DMM units. The Exchange therefore 
proposes to delete Rule 98 Former and any rule that either references 
Rule 98 Former, i.e., Rules 98A Former, 99 Former, and 104T(a)(Former) 
and supplementary material .13 (Former), or references a rule that is 
being proposed for deletion, e.g., Rule 900. The Exchange also proposes 
to amend Rule 98(a) and 105 to delete references to Rule 98 Former.
    In addition, the Exchange proposes to amend Rule 105 to delete Rule 
105(b)-(d) and the Guidelines for DMM's Registered Security Option and 
Single Stock Futures Transactions Pursuant to Rule 105 (``Rule 105 
Guidelines'') and make conforming amendments to Rule 36.30.\45\ Rule 
105 currently sets forth hedging guidelines to permit the DMM to trade 
listed options or single-stock futures that overlay DMM securities from 
the Trading Floor. Under Rule 98(f)(1), a DMM unit can obtain an 
exemption from the Rule 105 Guidelines to trade options or futures, 
provided that such trading is conducted by a walled-off, off-Floor 
trading desk.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \45\ The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 105(a) to clarify that 
the restriction on pool dealing applies to the DMM unit for 
securities registered to that unit.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under proposed revisions to Rule 98, a DMM unit would no longer 
need to apply for an exemption from Rule 105 trading restrictions 
because, as discussed above, while on the Trading Floor, Floor-based 
employees may trade only DMM securities, i.e., no related products, and 
only on or through the systems and facilities of the Exchange. Because 
there would not be any Floor-based trading in listed options or single-
stock futures, the Rule 105 Guidelines specifying how such Floor-based 
trading may occur are now moot. Accordingly, the Exchange proposes to 
delete these rules. To conform other Exchange rules

[[Page 19153]]

to this proposal, the Exchange also proposes to delete section (b) from 
each of Rules 1300 (streetTRACKS Gold Shares), 1300A (Currency Trust 
Shares), and 1300B (Commodity Trust Shares). Each of these subsections 
cross-reference Rule 105 Guidelines subsection (m) and would similarly 
be mooted by proposed Rule 98(c)(2)(B)(i). The Exchange proposes 
further conforming amendments to Rules 900(b) and (d).
    In addition, because DMM units no longer have customer 
relationships, the Exchange proposes to delete in its entirety the DMM 
Booth Wire Policy, which is set forth in Rule 123B, as obsolete.
    The Exchange notes that all member organizations currently 
operating DMM units already have in place written policies and 
procedures to comply with Rule 98, and such policies and procedures 
have been approved by NYSE Regulation.\46\ In addition, FINRA has an 
exam program that reviews member organizations operating DMM units for 
compliance with such procedures. Because the proposed Rule 98 
amendments would continue to require Exchange approval of any policies 
and procedures to protect against the misuse of material nonpublic 
information, if a member organization chooses to modify how it operates 
its DMM operations consistent with amended Rule 98, such revised 
policies and procedures would be subject to Exchange review before they 
could be implemented. In addition, once implemented, FINRA would 
continue to monitor a member organization's compliance with those 
policies and procedures consistent with the current exam-based 
regulatory program associated with Rule 98.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \46\ FINRA currently approves Rule 98 procedures on behalf of 
NYSE Regulation, Inc. pursuant to a regulatory services agreement. 
See supra footnote 22.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, FINRA already has in place surveillances designed to 
monitor for manipulative activity and the Exchange believes that 
because DMM market-making activity is not materially different from 
market-making on other exchanges, these existing programs are 
reasonably designed to address any concerns that may be raised by a DMM 
unit being integrated with existing market-making operations.
2. Statutory Basis
    The basis under the Act for this proposed rule change is the 
requirement under Section 6(b)(5) \47\ that an Exchange have rules that 
are designed to promote the just and equitable principles of trade, to 
remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open 
market and a national market system and, in general, to protect 
investors and the public interest. The Exchange believes that the 
proposed rule change would remove impediments to and perfect the 
mechanism of a free and open market by adopting a principles-based 
approach to permit a member organization operating a DMM unit to 
maintain and enforce policies and procedures to, among other things, 
prohibit the misuse of material non-public information and eliminating 
restrictions on how a member organization structures its DMM unit 
operations. The proposed amendments maintain the existing Rule 98 
restrictions that are specific to the unique role of the DMM and also 
maintain the information barrier requirements between the DMM unit and 
any investment banking or research departments. Member organizations 
operating DMM units will continue to be subject to federal and Exchange 
requirements for protecting material non-public order information \48\ 
and protecting customer orders that are the consistent with the 
existing rules governing broker dealers that operate as equity market 
makers on other registered exchanges.\49\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \47\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
    \48\ See 15 U.S.C. 78o(g) and proposed Rule 98(c)(2).
    \49\ See Rule 5320.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Accordingly, while certain prescriptive elements of Rule 98 are 
being deleted, the Exchange notes that the rule will still require that 
member organizations maintain and enforce policies and procedures 
reasonably designed to ensure compliance with applicable federal 
securities laws and regulations and with Exchange rules. The Exchange 
notes that such written policies and procedures will continue to be 
subject to oversight by the Exchange and therefore the elimination of 
prescribed restrictions should not reduce the effectiveness of the 
Exchange rules to protect against the misuse of material non-public 
information. Rather, member organizations will be able to utilize a 
flexible, principles-based approach to modify their policies and 
procedures as appropriate to reflect changes to their business model, 
business activities, or to the securities market itself. Moreover, 
while specified information barriers may no longer be required, a 
member organization's business model or business activities may dictate 
that an information barrier or functional separation be part of the 
appropriate set of policies and procedures that would be reasonably 
designed to achieve compliance with applicable securities laws and 
regulations, and with applicable Exchange rules. The Exchange therefore 
believes that the proposed rule change will maintain the existing 
protection of investors and the public interest that is currently set 
forth in Rule 98, while at the same time removing impediments to and 
perfecting a free and open market by moving to a principles-based 
approach to protect against the misuse of material non-public 
information.
    The Exchange similarly believes that deleting the definition of 
``DMM confidential information'' removes impediments to and perfects 
the mechanism of a free and open market as it will enable a member 
organization to share quoting and position information as may be 
necessary to meet order marking requirements under Regulation SHO or to 
comply with the Market Access Rule. The Exchange further believes that 
the proposed adoption of a principles-based approach to protect against 
the misuse of material non-public information, including specifically 
requiring refraining from trading based on material non-public 
information regarding imminent transactions in a security or related 
product, will protect investors and the public interest because it will 
assure the protection against the misuse of material non-public 
information and delete prescribed rules that may no longer meet this 
goal.
    The Exchange also believes that amending Rule 98 to apply wall-
crossing procedures to any individual who is aware of non-public order 
information both broadens the protection of the rule to any individual, 
while at the same time narrowly tailors the rule to when such 
protections should apply, i.e., when an individual is aware of non-
public order information and therefore could be in a position to make a 
purchase or sale of securities on the basis of such material nonpublic 
information. The Exchange believes that such clarifying changes remove 
impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market by 
assuring that the protections are applied when necessary.
    In addition, the Exchange believes that deleting Rule 98 Former and 
all references thereto in Exchange rules removes impediments to and 
perfects the mechanism of a free and open market because Rule 98 Former 
no longer governs any member organizations or approved persons that 
operate a DMM unit, nor would it be applicable to any new DMM units, 
and therefore deleting the rule reduces any potential confusion of 
which version of

[[Page 19154]]

Rule 98 is applicable. For similar reasons, because DMMs would not be 
permitted to trade in related products while on the Trading Floor, the 
Exchange believes that the Rule 105 Guidelines are now moot, and 
deleting such rule reduces any potential confusion of which rules 
govern DMM unit trading in related products. Finally, the Exchange 
believes that deleting the Booth Wire Policy reduces confusion as such 
policy is now moot given that DMMs do not have public customers.

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

    The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will 
impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate 
in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The Exchange operates the 
only-Floor-based equities market with DMMs. As such, any changes to 
Rule 98 would not impact any other markets. However, the Exchange 
believes Rule 98 currently imposes a burden on competition for the 
Exchange because it requires member organizations that operate a DMM 
unit to operate in a manner that the Exchange believes is more 
restrictive than necessary for the protection of investors or the 
public interest. The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is 
pro-competitive because it adopts a principles-based approach that 
prohibit the misuse of material non-public information that is 
consistent with the rules of NYSE Arca, BATS, and Nasdaq governing 
equity market makers and should provide greater flexibility for how a 
member organization could structure its operations.

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

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

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

    Within 45 days of the date of publication of this notice in the 
Federal Register or 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 or disapprove the proposed rule change, or
    (B) Institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule 
change should be disapproved.

IV. Solicitation of Comments

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

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's Internet comment form (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml ); or
     Send an email to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include 
File Number SR-NYSE-2014-12 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

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

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-NYSE-2014-12. This file 
number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To help 
the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, 
please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on 
the Commission's Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml 
). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written 
statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with 
the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed 
rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those 
that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions 
of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site viewing and printing in 
the Commission's Public Reference Section, 100 F Street NE., 
Washington, DC 20549-1090. Copies of the filing will also be available 
for inspection and copying at the NYSE's principal office and on its 
Internet Web site at www.nyse.com. 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-NYSE-2014-12 and should be submitted on or before April 
28, 2014.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \50\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\50\
Kevin M. O'Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2014-07634 Filed 4-4-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P


