
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 22 (Friday, February 1, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1252-1257]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-00725]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-84997; File No. 4-678]


Program for Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Pursuant to 
Rule 17d-2; Notice of Filing of Proposed Amended Plan for the 
Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Among the Financial Industry 
Regulatory Authority, Inc., Miami International Securities Exchange, 
LLC, MIAX PEARL, LLC, and MIAX EMERALD, LLC.

January 29, 2019.
    Pursuant to Section 17(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(``Act''),\1\ and Rule 17d-2 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that 
on December 20, 2018, Miami International Securities Exchange, LLC 
(``MIAX''), MIAX PEARL, LLC (``MIAX PEARL''), MIAX EMERALD, LLC (``MIAX 
EMERALD'') and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. 
(``FINRA'') (together, the ``Parties'') filed with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission (``Commission'' or ``SEC'') an amended plan for the 
allocation of regulatory responsibilities, dated December 19, 2018 
(``17d-2 Plan'' or the ``Plan''). The Commission is publishing this 
notice to solicit comments on the 17d-2 Plan from interested persons.
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78q(d).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.17d-2.
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I. Introduction

    Section 19(g)(1) of the Act,\3\ among other things, requires every 
self-regulatory organization (``SRO'') registered as either a national 
securities exchange or national securities association to examine for, 
and enforce compliance by, its members and persons associated with its 
members with the Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, and the 
SRO's own rules, unless the SRO is relieved of this responsibility 
pursuant to Section 17(d) or Section 19(g)(2) of the Act.\4\ Without 
this relief, the statutory obligation of each individual SRO could 
result in a pattern of multiple examinations of broker-dealers that 
maintain memberships in more than one SRO (``common members''). Such 
regulatory duplication would add unnecessary expenses for common 
members and their SROs.
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    \3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(g)(1).
    \4\ 15 U.S.C. 78q(d) and 15 U.S.C. 78s(g)(2), respectively.
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    Section 17(d)(1) of the Act \5\ was intended, in part, to eliminate 
unnecessary multiple examinations and regulatory duplication.\6\ With 
respect to a common member, Section 17(d)(1) authorizes the Commission, 
by rule or order, to relieve an SRO of the responsibility to receive 
regulatory reports, to examine for and enforce compliance with 
applicable statutes, rules, and regulations, or to perform other 
specified regulatory functions.
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    \5\ 15 U.S.C. 78q(d)(1).
    \6\ See Securities Act Amendments of 1975, Report of the Senate 
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs to Accompany S. 
249, S. Rep. No. 94-75, 94th Cong., 1st Session 32 (1975).
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    To implement Section 17(d)(1), the Commission adopted two rules: 
Rule 17d-1 and Rule 17d-2 under the Act.\7\ Rule 17d-1 authorizes the 
Commission to name a single SRO as the designated examining authority 
(``DEA'') to examine common members for compliance with the financial 
responsibility requirements imposed by the Act, or by Commission or SRO 
rules.\8\ When an SRO has been named as a common member's DEA, all 
other SROs to which the common member belongs are relieved of the 
responsibility to examine the firm for compliance with the applicable 
financial responsibility rules. On its face, Rule 17d-1 deals only with 
an SRO's obligations to enforce member compliance with financial 
responsibility requirements. Rule 17d-1 does not relieve an SRO from 
its obligation to examine a common member for compliance with its own 
rules and provisions of the federal securities laws governing matters 
other than financial responsibility, including sales practices and 
trading activities and practices.
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    \7\ 17 CFR 240.17d-1 and 17 CFR 240.17d-2, respectively.
    \8\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 12352 (April 20, 
1976), 41 FR 18808 (May 7, 1976).
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    To address regulatory duplication in these and other areas, the 
Commission adopted Rule 17d-2 under the Act.\9\ Rule 17d-2 permits SROs 
to propose joint plans for the allocation of regulatory 
responsibilities with respect to their common members. Under paragraph 
(c) of Rule 17d-2, the Commission may declare such a plan effective if, 
after providing for appropriate notice and comment, it determines that 
the plan is necessary or appropriate in the public interest and for the 
protection of investors; to foster cooperation and coordination among 
the SROs; to remove impediments to, and foster the development of, a 
national market system and a national clearance and settlement system; 
and is in conformity with the factors set forth in Section 17(d) of the 
Act. Commission

[[Page 1253]]

approval of a plan filed pursuant to Rule 17d-2 relieves an SRO of 
those regulatory responsibilities allocated by the plan to another SRO.
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    \9\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 12935 (October 28, 
1976), 41 FR 49091 (November 8, 1976).
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II. The Plan

    On November 19, 2014, the Commission declared effective the Plan 
entered into between FINRA and MIAX for allocating regulatory 
responsibility pursuant to Rule 17d-2.\10\ The Plan is intended to 
reduce regulatory duplication for firms that are common members of both 
MIAX and FINRA. The plan reduces regulatory duplication for firms that 
are members of MIAX and FINRA by allocating regulatory responsibility 
with respect to certain applicable laws, rules, and regulations. 
Included in the Plan is an exhibit that lists every MIAX rule for which 
FINRA bears responsibility under the Plan for overseeing and enforcing 
with respect to MIAX members that are also members of FINRA and the 
associated persons therewith. On January 12, 2017, the parties 
submitted a proposed amendment to the Plan to add MIAX PEARL as a 
Participant to the Plan.\11\ On June 28, 2018, the parties submitted a 
proposed amendment to the Plan to allocate surveillance, investigation, 
and enforcement responsibilities for Rule 14e-4 under the Act, as well 
as certain provisions of Regulation SHO.\12\
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    \10\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 73641 (November 19, 
2014), 79 FR 70230 (November 25, 2014).
    \11\ See Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 79779 (January 12, 
2017), 82 FR 6674 (January 19, 2017) (notice) and 79974 (February 6, 
2017), 82 FR 10417 (February 10, 2017) (order).
    \12\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 83696 (July 24, 
2018), 83 FR 35682 (July 27, 2018).
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III. Proposed Amendment to Plan

    On December 20, 2018, the parties submitted a proposed amendment to 
the Plan. The primary purpose of the amendment is to add MIAX EMERALD 
as a Participant to the Plan. The text of the proposed amended 17d-2 
plan is as follows (additions are italicized; deletions are 
[bracketed]):

Agreement Among Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., Miami 
International Securities Exchange, LLC [AND], MIAX Pearl, LLC and Miax 
Emerald, LLC, Pursuant To Rule 17d-2 Under The Securities Exchange Act 
of 1934

    This Agreement, by and among the Financial Industry Regulatory 
Authority, Inc. (``FINRA''), Miami International Securities Exchange, 
LLC (``MIAX'') [and], MIAX PEARL, LLC (``MIAX PEARL''), and MIAX 
Emerald, LLC (``MIAX Emerald'') is made this [27th]19th day of 
[June]December, 2018 (the ``Agreement''), pursuant to Section 17(d) of 
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ``Exchange Act'') and Rule 
17d-2 thereunder, which permits agreements between self-regulatory 
organizations to allocate regulatory responsibility to eliminate 
regulatory duplication. FINRA, MIAX [and], MIAX PEARL and MIAX Emerald 
may be referred to individually as a ``party'' and together as the 
``parties.''
    This Agreement amends and restates the agreement entered into 
between FINRA, MIAX and MIAX PEARL on [January 11, 2017]June 27, 2018, 
entitled ``Agreement between Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, 
Inc., Miami International Securities Exchange, LLC and MIAX PEARL, LLC 
Pursuant to Rule 17d-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,'' and 
any subsequent amendments thereafter.
    Whereas, the parties desire to reduce duplication in the 
examination of their Common Members (as defined herein) and in the 
filing and processing of certain registration and membership records; 
and
    Whereas, the parties desire to execute an agreement covering such 
subjects pursuant to the provisions of Rule 17d-2 under the Exchange 
Act and to file such agreement with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission (the ``SEC'' or ``Commission'') for its approval.
    Now, Therefore, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained 
hereinafter, the parties hereby agree as follows:
    1. Definitions. Unless otherwise defined in this Agreement or the 
context otherwise requires, the terms used in this Agreement shall have 
the same meaning as they have under the Exchange Act and the rules and 
regulations thereunder. As used in this Agreement, the following terms 
shall have the following meanings:
    (a) ``MIAX Rules,'' ``MIAX PEARL Rules'', ``MIAX Emerald Rules'' or 
``FINRA Rules'' shall mean: (i) The rules of MIAX [or], MIAX PEARL or 
MIAX Emerald, respectively, or (ii) the rules of FINRA, respectively, 
as the rules of an exchange or association are defined in Exchange Act 
Section 3(a)(27).
    (b) ``Common Rules'' shall mean MIAX Rules [and], MIAX PEARL Rules 
and MIAX Emerald Rules that are substantially similar to the applicable 
FINRA Rules and certain provisions of the Exchange Act and SEC rules 
set forth on Exhibit 1 in that examination for compliance with such 
provisions and rules would not require FINRA to develop one or more new 
examination standards, modules, procedures, or criteria in order to 
analyze the application of the provision or rule, or a Common Member's 
activity, conduct, or output in relation to such provision or rule. 
Common Rules shall not include any provisions regarding (i) notice, 
reporting or any other filings made directly to or from MIAX [or], MIAX 
PEARL or MIAX Emerald, (ii) incorporation by reference of MIAX [or], 
MIAX PEARL Rules or MIAX Emerald Rules that are not Common Rules, (iii) 
exercise of discretion in a manner that differs from FINRA's exercise 
of discretion including, but not limited to exercise of exemptive 
authority, by MIAX [or], MIAX PEARL or MIAX Emerald, (iv) prior written 
approval of MIAX [or], MIAX PEARL or MIAX Emerald and (v) payment of 
fees or fines to MIAX [or], MIAX PEARL or MIAX Emerald.
    (c) ``Common Members'' shall mean members of FINRA and at least one 
of MIAX [or], MIAX PEARL or MIAX Emerald.
    (d) ``Effective Date'' shall be the date this Agreement is approved 
by the Commission.
    (e) ``Enforcement Responsibilities'' shall mean the conduct of 
appropriate proceedings, in accordance with FINRA's Code of Procedure 
(the Rule 9000 Series) and other applicable FINRA procedural rules, to 
determine whether violations of Common Rules have occurred, and if such 
violations are deemed to have occurred, the imposition of appropriate 
sanctions as specified under FINRA's Code of Procedure and sanctions 
guidelines.
    (f) ``Regulatory Responsibilities'' shall mean the examination 
responsibilities and Enforcement Responsibilities relating to 
compliance by the Common Members with the Common Rules and the 
provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations 
thereunder, and other applicable laws, rules and regulations, each as 
set forth on Exhibit 1 attached hereto. The term ``Regulatory 
Responsibilities'' shall also include the surveillance, investigation 
and Enforcement Responsibilities relating to compliance by Common 
Members with Rule 14e-4 of the Securities Exchange Act (``Rule 14e-
4''), with a focus on the standardized call option provision of Rule 
14e-4(a)(1)(ii)(D).
    2. Regulatory and Enforcement Responsibilities. FINRA shall assume 
Regulatory Responsibilities and Enforcement Responsibilities for Common 
Members. Attached as Exhibit 1 to this Agreement and made part hereof, 
MIAX [and], MIAX PEARL and MIAX Emerald furnished FINRA with a current 
list of Common Rules and certified to FINRA that such rules that are 
MIAX Rules [and], MIAX PEARL

[[Page 1254]]

Rules and MIAX Emerald Rules are substantially similar to the 
corresponding FINRA Rules (the ``Certification''). FINRA hereby agrees 
that the rules listed in the Certification are Common Rules as defined 
in this Agreement. Each year following the Effective Date of this 
Agreement, or more frequently if required by changes in the rules of 
the parties, MIAX [and], MIAX PEARL and MIAX Emerald shall submit an 
updated list of Common Rules to FINRA for review which shall add MIAX 
Rules [or], MIAX PEARL Rules or MIAX Emerald Rules not included in the 
current list of Common Rules that qualify as Common Rules as defined in 
this Agreement; delete MIAX Rules [or], MIAX PEARL Rules or MIAX 
Emerald Rules included in the current list of Common Rules that no 
longer qualify as Common Rules as defined in this Agreement; and 
confirm that the remaining rules on the current list of Common Rules 
continue to be MIAX Rules [or], MIAX PEARL Rules or MIAX Emerald Rules 
that qualify as Common Rules as defined in this Agreement. Within 30 
days of receipt of such updated list, FINRA shall confirm in writing 
whether the rules listed in any updated list are Common Rules as 
defined in this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything herein to the 
contrary, it is explicitly understood that the term ``Regulatory 
Responsibilities'' does not include, and MIAX [and], MIAX PEARL and 
MIAX Emerald shall retain full responsibility for (unless otherwise 
addressed by separate agreement or rule) (collectively, the ``Retained 
Responsibilities'') the following:
    (a) Surveillance, examination, investigation and enforcement with 
respect to trading activities or practices involving MIAX's [and], MIAX 
PEARL's and MIAX Emerald's own marketplace;
    (b) registration pursuant to their applicable rules of associated 
persons (i.e., registration rules that are not Common Rules);
    (c) discharge of their duties and obligations as a Designated 
Examining Authority pursuant to Rule 17d-1 under the Exchange Act; and
    (d) any MIAX Rules [or], MIAX PEARL Rules or MIAX Emerald Rules 
that are not Common Rules as provided in paragraph 6.
    3. Common Members. Prior to the Effective Date, MIAX [and], MIAX 
PEARL and MIAX Emerald shall furnish FINRA with a current list of 
Common Members, which shall be updated no less frequently than once 
each quarter.
    4. No Charge. There shall be no charge to MIAX [and], MIAX PEARL 
and MIAX Emerald by FINRA for performing the Regulatory 
Responsibilities and Enforcement Responsibilities under this Agreement 
except as hereinafter provided. FINRA shall provide MIAX [and], MIAX 
PEARL and MIAX Emerald with ninety (90) days advance written notice in 
the event FINRA decides to impose any charges to MIAX [and], MIAX PEARL 
and MIAX Emerald for performing the Regulatory Responsibilities under 
this Agreement. If FINRA determines to impose a charge, MIAX [and], 
MIAX PEARL and MIAX Emerald shall have the right at the time of the 
imposition of such charge to terminate this Agreement; provided, 
however, that FINRA's Regulatory Responsibilities under this Agreement 
shall continue until the Commission approves the termination of this 
Agreement.
    5. Applicability of Certain Laws, Rules, Regulations or Orders. 
Notwithstanding any provision hereof, this Agreement shall be subject 
to any statute, or any rule or order of the SEC. To the extent such 
statute, rule or order is inconsistent with one or more provisions of 
this Agreement, the statute, rule or order shall supersede the 
provision(s) hereof to the extent necessary to be properly effectuated 
and the provision(s) hereof in that respect shall be null and void.
    6. Notification of Violations. In the event that FINRA becomes 
aware of apparent violations of any MIAX Rules [or], MIAX PEARL Rules 
or MIAX Emerald Rules, which are not listed as Common Rules, discovered 
pursuant to the performance of the Regulatory Responsibilities assumed 
hereunder, FINRA shall notify MIAX [and], MIAX PEARL and MIAX Emerald 
of those apparent violations for such response as MIAX [and], MIAX 
PEARL and MIAX Emerald deem appropriate. In the event that MIAX [or], 
MIAX PEARL or MIAX Emerald becomes aware of apparent violations of any 
Common Rules, discovered pursuant to the performance of the Retained 
Responsibilities, MIAX [and], MIAX PEARL and MIAX Emerald shall notify 
FINRA of those apparent violations and such matters shall be handled by 
FINRA as provided in this Agreement. Apparent violations of Common 
Rules shall be processed by, and enforcement proceedings in respect 
thereto shall be conducted by FINRA as provided hereinbefore; provided, 
however, that in the event a Common Member is the subject of an 
investigation relating to a transaction on MIAX [or], MIAX PEARL or 
MIAX Emerald, MIAX [and], MIAX PEARL and MIAX Emerald may in their 
discretion assume concurrent jurisdiction and responsibility. Each 
party agrees to make available promptly all files, records and 
witnesses necessary to assist the other in its investigation or 
proceedings.
    7. Continued Assistance.
    (a) FINRA shall make available to MIAX [and], MIAX PEARL and MIAX 
Emerald all information obtained by FINRA in the performance by it of 
the Regulatory Responsibilities hereunder with respect to the Common 
Members subject to this Agreement. In particular, and not in limitation 
of the foregoing, FINRA shall furnish MIAX [and], MIAX PEARL and MIAX 
Emerald any information it obtains about Common Members which reflects 
adversely on their financial condition. MIAX [and], MIAX PEARL and MIAX 
Emerald shall make available to FINRA any information coming to its 
attention that reflects adversely on the financial condition of Common 
Members or indicates possible violations of applicable laws, rules or 
regulations by such firms.
    (b) The parties agree that documents or information shared shall be 
held in confidence, and used only for the purposes of carrying out 
their respective regulatory obligations. No party shall assert 
regulatory or other privileges as against any other with respect to 
documents or information that is required to be shared pursuant to this 
Agreement.
    (c) The sharing of documents or information among the parties 
pursuant to this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver as against 
third parties of regulatory or other privileges relating to the 
discovery of documents or information.
    8. Statutory Disqualifications. When FINRA becomes aware of a 
statutory disqualification as defined in the Exchange Act with respect 
to a Common Member, FINRA shall determine pursuant to Sections 15A(g) 
and/or Section 6(c) of the Exchange Act the acceptability or continued 
applicability of the person to whom such disqualification applies and 
keep MIAX [and], MIAX PEARL and MIAX Emerald advised of its actions in 
this regard for such subsequent proceedings as MIAX [and], MIAX PEARL 
and MIAX Emerald may initiate.
    9. Customer Complaints. MIAX [and], MIAX PEARL and MIAX Emerald 
shall forward to FINRA copies of all customer complaints involving 
Common Members received by MIAX [and], MIAX PEARL and MIAX Emerald 
relating to FINRA's Regulatory Responsibilities under this Agreement. 
It shall be FINRA's responsibility to review and take appropriate 
action in respect to such complaints.

[[Page 1255]]

    10. Advertising. FINRA shall assume responsibility to review the 
advertising of Common Members subject to the Agreement, provided that 
such material is filed with FINRA in accordance with FINRA's filing 
procedures and is accompanied with any applicable filing fees set forth 
in FINRA Rules.
    11. No Restrictions on Regulatory Action. Nothing contained in this 
Agreement shall restrict or in any way encumber the right of any party 
to conduct its own independent or concurrent investigation, examination 
or enforcement proceeding of or against Common Members, as any party, 
in its sole discretion, shall deem appropriate or necessary.
    12. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by any party at 
any time upon the approval of the Commission after one (1) year's 
written notice to the other parties (or such shorter time as agreed by 
the parties), except as provided in paragraph 4.
    13. Arbitration. In the event of a dispute among the parties as to 
the operation of this Agreement, the parties hereby agree that any such 
dispute shall be settled by arbitration in Washington, DC in accordance 
with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect, 
or such other procedures as the parties may mutually agree upon. 
Judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in 
any court having jurisdiction. Each party acknowledges that the timely 
and complete performance of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement 
is critical to the business and operations of the other parties. In the 
event of a dispute among the parties, the parties shall continue to 
perform their respective obligations under this Agreement in good faith 
during the resolution of such dispute unless and until this Agreement 
is terminated in accordance with its provisions. Nothing in this 
Section 13 shall interfere with a party's right to terminate this 
Agreement as set forth herein.
    14. Separate Agreement. This Agreement is wholly separate from the 
following agreement: (1) The multiparty Agreement made pursuant to Rule 
17d-2 of the Exchange Act among BATS Exchange, Inc., BOX Options 
Exchange, LLC, Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated, C2 Options 
Exchange, Incorporated, the International Securities Exchange, LLC, 
FINRA, MIAX, NYSE MKT LLC, the NYSE Arca, Inc., The NASDAQ Stock Market 
LLC, NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc., NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC, ISE Gemini, LLC, EDGX 
Exchange, Inc., ISE Mercury, LLC and MIAX PEARL, LLC involving the 
allocation of regulatory responsibilities with respect to common 
members for compliance with common rules relating to the conduct by 
broker-dealers of accounts for listed options or index warrants entered 
as approved by the SEC on February 2, 2017, and as may be amended from 
time to time; and (2) the multiparty Agreement made pursuant to Rule 
17d-2 of the Exchange Act among NYSE MKT LLC, BATS Exchange, Inc., EDGX 
Exchange, Inc., BOX Options Exchange LLC, NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc., C2 
Options Exchange, Incorporated, Chicago Board Options Exchange, 
Incorporated, International Securities Exchange LLC, ISE Gemini, LLC, 
ISE Mercury, LLC, FINRA, NYSE Arca, Inc., The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, 
NASDAQ OMX PHLX, Inc., MIAX and MIAX PEARL, LLC involving the 
allocation of regulatory responsibilities with respect to SRO market 
surveillance of common members activities with regard to certain common 
rules relating to listed options approved by the SEC on February 2, 
2017, and as may be amended from time to time.
    15. Notification of Members. The parties shall notify Common 
Members of this Agreement after the Effective Date by means of a 
uniform joint notice.
    16. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended in writing provided 
that the changes are approved by each party. All such amendments must 
be filed with and approved by the Commission before they become 
effective.
    17. Limitation of Liability. None of the parties nor any of their 
respective directors, governors, officers or employees shall be liable 
to any other party to this Agreement for any liability, loss or damage 
resulting from or claimed to have resulted from any delays, 
inaccuracies, errors or omissions with respect to the provision of 
Regulatory Responsibilities as provided hereby or for the failure to 
provide any such responsibility, except with respect to such liability, 
loss or damages as shall have been suffered by any party and caused by 
the willful misconduct of another party or their respective directors, 
governors, officers or employees. No warranties, express or implied, 
are made by any party hereto with respect to any of the 
responsibilities to be performed by them hereunder.
    18. Relief from Responsibility. Pursuant to Sections 17(d)(1)(A) 
and 19(g) of the Exchange Act and Rule 17d-2 thereunder, FINRA, MIAX 
[and], MIAX PEARL and MIAX Emerald join in requesting the Commission, 
upon its approval of this Agreement or any part thereof, to relieve 
MIAX [and], MIAX PEARL and MIAX Emerald of any and all responsibilities 
with respect to matters allocated to FINRA pursuant to this Agreement; 
provided, however, that this Agreement shall not be effective until the 
Effective Date.
    19. Severability. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is 
invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such 
jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or 
unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the 
remaining terms and provisions of this Agreement or affecting the 
validity or enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of this 
Agreement in any other jurisdiction.
    20. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more 
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and such 
counterparts together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
    In witness whereof, each party has executed or caused this 
Agreement to be executed on its behalf by a duly authorized officer as 
of the date first written above.

MIAMI INTERNATIONAL SECURITIES EXCHANGE, LLC

By:--------------------------------------------------------------------

Name:
Title:

MIAX PEARL, LLC

By:--------------------------------------------------------------------

Name:
Title:

MIAX EMERALD, LLC

By:--------------------------------------------------------------------

Name:
Title:

FINANCIAL INDUSTRY REGULATORY AUTHORITY, INC.

By:--------------------------------------------------------------------

Name:
Title:

Exhibit 1

Miami International Securities Exchange, LLC [and], MIAX PEARL, LLC and 
MIAX Emerald, LLC Rules Certification for 17d-2 Agreement With FINRA

    Miami International Securities Exchange, LLC (``MIAX'') [and], 
MIAX PEARL, LLC (``MIAX PEARL'') and MIAX Emerald, LLC (``MIAX 
Emerald'') hereby certify that the requirements contained in the 
rules listed below are identical to, or substantially similar to, 
the comparable FINRA (NASD) Rule, Exchange Act provision or SEC rule 
identified (``Common Rules'').

[[Page 1256]]



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                                                                                           FINRA (NASD) rules,
              MIAX rules                   MIAX Pearl rules        MIAX Emerald rules     Exchange Act provision
                                                                                               or SEC rule
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Rule 301 Just and Equitable            Rule 301 Just and        Rule 301 Just and        FINRA Rule 2010
 Principles of Trade \1\.               Equitable Principles     Equitable Principles     Standards of
                                        of Trade \1\.            of Trade \1\.            Commercial Honor and
                                                                                          Principles of Trade.
Rule 303 Prevention of the Misuse of   Rule 303 Prevention of   Rule 303 Prevention of   Section 15(g) of the
 Material Nonpublic Information \1\ .  the Misuse of Material   the Misuse of Material   Exchange Act and FINRA
                                        Nonpublic Information    Nonpublic Information    Rule 3110(b)(1)
                                        \1\ .                   \1\ .                   Supervision.
Rule 315 Anti-Money Laundering         Rule 315 Anti-Money      Rule 315 Anti-Money      FINRA Rule 3310 Anti-
 Compliance Program .                  Laundering Compliance    Laundering Compliance    Money Laundering
                                        Program .               Program \1\ .           Compliance Program.
Rule 318(a) Manipulation.............  Rule 318(a)              Rule 318(a)              FINRA Rule 2020 Use of
                                        Manipulation.            Manipulation.            Manipulative,
                                                                                          Deceptive or other
                                                                                          Fraudulent Devices.
Rule 318(b) Manipulation.............  Rule 318(b)              Rule 318(b)              FINRA Rule 6140(d)
                                        Manipulation.            Manipulation.            Other Trading
                                                                                          Practices.
Rule 319 Forwarding of Proxy and       Rule 319 Forwarding of   Rule 319 Forwarding of   FINRA Rule 2251
 Other Issuer-Related Materials.        Proxy and Other Issuer-  Proxy and Other Issuer-  Processing and
                                        Related Materials.       Related Materials.       Forwarding of Proxy
                                                                                          and Other Issuer-
                                                                                          Related Materials.
Rule 320 Trading Ahead of Research     Rule 320 Trading Ahead   Rule 320 Trading Ahead   FINRA Rule 5280 Trading
 Reports.                               of Research Reports.     of Research Reports.     Ahead of Research
                                                                                          Reports.
Rule 800(a), (b) and (d) Maintenance,  Rule 800(a), (b) and     Rule 800(a), (b) and     FINRA Rule 4511 General
 Retention and Furnishing of Books,     (d) Maintenance,         (d) Maintenance,         Requirements* and
 Records and Other Information 1.      Retention and            Retention and            Section 17 of the
                                        Furnishing of Books,     Furnishing of Books,     Exchange Act and the
                                        Records and Other        Records and Other        rules thereunder .
                                        Information 1.          Information 1 .
Rule 1304 Continuing Education for     Rule 1304 Continuing     Rule 1304 Continuing     FINRA Rule 1250(a)(1)-
 Registered Persons .                  Education for            Education for            (4), (6) and (b)
                                        Registered Persons .    Registered Persons. .   Continuing Education
                                                                                          Requirements.
Rule 1321 Transfer of Accounts.......  Rule 1321 Transfer of    Rule 1321 Transfer of    FINRA Rule 11870
                                        Accounts.                Accounts.                Customer Account
                                                                                          Transfer Contracts.
Rule 1325 Telemarketing..............  Rule 1325 Telemarketing  Rule 1325 Telemarketing  FINRA Rule 3230
                                                                                          Telemarketing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ FINRA shall only have Regulatory Responsibilities regarding the rule and not the interpretations and
  policies.
# Common Rules shall not include any provisions regarding (i) notice, reporting or any other filings made
  directly to or from MIAX [or], MIAX PEARL or MIAX Emerald, (ii) incorporation by reference of MIAX [or], MIAX
  PEARL or MIAX Emerald Rules that are not Common Rules, (iii) exercise of discretion in a manner that differs
  from FINRA's exercise of discretion including, but not limited to exercise of exemptive authority by MIAX
  [or], MIAX PEARL or MIAX Emerald, (iv) prior written approval of MIAX [or], MIAX PEARL or MIAX Emerald and (v)
  payment of fees or fines to MIAX [or], MIAX PEARL or MIAX Emerald.

    In addition, the following provisions shall be part of this 17d-2 
Agreement:

SEA Rule 200 of Regulation SHO--Definition of ``Short Sale'' and 
Marking Requirements and
SEA Rule 201 of Regulation SHO--Circuit Breaker
SEA Rule 203 of Regulation SHO--Borrowing and Delivery Requirements
SEA Rule 204 of Regulation SHO--Close-Out Requirement
SEA Rule 14e-4--Prohibited Transactions in Connection with Partial 
Tender Offers [supcaret]

    [supcaret] FINRA shall perform surveillance, investigation, and 
Enforcement Responsibilities for SEA Rule 14e-4(a)(1)(ii)(D).

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

    Pursuant to Section 17(d)(1) of the Act \13\ and Rule 17d-2 
thereunder,\14\ after February 19, 2019, the Commission may, by written 
notice, declare the plan submitted by MIAX, MIAX PEARL, MIAX EMERALD, 
and FINRA, File No. 4-678, to be effective if the Commission finds that 
the plan is necessary or appropriate in the public interest and for the 
protection of investors, to foster cooperation and coordination among 
self-regulatory organizations, or to remove impediments to and foster 
the development of the national market system and a national system for 
the clearance and settlement of securities transactions and in 
conformity with the factors set forth in Section 17(d) of the Act.
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    \13\ 15 U.S.C. 78q(d)(1).
    \14\ 17 CFR 240.17d-2.
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IV. Solicitation of Comments

    In order to assist the Commission in determining whether to approve 
the proposed 17d-2 Plan and to relieve MIAX, MIAX PEARL, and MIAX 
EMERALD of the responsibilities which would be assigned to FINRA, 
interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and 
arguments concerning the foregoing. Comments may be submitted by any of 
the following methods:

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's internet comment form (http://www.sec.gov/rules/other.shtml); or
     Send an email to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include 
File Number 4-678 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

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

All submissions should refer to File Number 4-678. 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 website (http://www.sec.gov/rules/other.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 website viewing and printing in 
the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE,

[[Page 1257]]

Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between the hours of 
10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the plan also will be available for 
inspection and copying at the principal offices of MIAX, MIAX PEARL, 
MIAX EMERALD, and FINRA. All comments received will be posted without 
change. Persons submitting comments are cautioned that we do not redact 
or edit personal identifying information from comment submissions. You 
should submit only information that you wish to make available 
publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number 4-678 and should 
be submitted on or before February 19, 2019.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\15\
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    \15\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(34).
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Eduardo A. Aleman,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2019-00725 Filed 1-31-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P


