[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 186 (Wednesday, September 25, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50504-50521]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-20711]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-87015; File No. SR-CBOE-2019-060]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe Exchange, Inc.; Notice of 
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule To Amend Its 
Rules Related to the Electronic Processing of Complex Orders and To 
Move Them to the Shell Rulebook That Will Become Effective Upon the 
Migration of the Exchange's Trading Platform to the Same System Used by 
the Cboe Affiliated Exchanges

September 19, 2019.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that 
on September 6, 2019, Cboe Exchange, Inc. (``Exchange'' or ``Cboe 
Options'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, 
and III below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The 
Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the 
proposed rule change from interested persons.
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    Cboe Exchange, Inc. (the ``Exchange'' or ``Cboe Options'') proposes 
to amend its Rule related to the electronic processing of complex 
orders and move it from the currently effective Rulebook (``current 
Rulebook'') to the shell structure for the Exchange's Rulebook that 
will become effective upon the migration of the Exchange's trading 
platform to the same system used by the Cboe Affiliated Exchanges (as 
defined below) (``shell Rulebook''). The text of the proposed rule 
change is provided in Exhibit 5.
    The text of the proposed rule change is also available on the 
Exchange's website (http://www.cboe.com/AboutCBOE/CBOELegalRegulatoryHome.aspx), at the Exchange's Office of the 
Secretary, and at the Commission's Public Reference Room.

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

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

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

1. Purpose
    In 2016, the Exchange's parent company, Cboe Global Markets, Inc. 
(formerly named CBOE Holdings, Inc.) (``Cboe Global''), which is also 
the parent company of Cboe C2 Exchange, Inc. (``C2''), acquired Cboe 
EDGA Exchange, Inc. (``EDGA''), Cboe EDGX Exchange, Inc. (``EDGX'' or 
``EDGX Options''), Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (``BZX'' or ``BZX 
Options''), and Cboe BYX Exchange, Inc. (``BYX'' and, together with 
Cboe Options, C2, EDGX, EDGA, and BZX, the ``Cboe Affiliated 
Exchanges''). The Cboe Affiliated Exchanges are working to align 
certain system functionality, retaining only intended differences 
between the Cboe Affiliated Exchanges, in the context of a technology 
migration. Cboe Options intends to migrate its trading platform to the 
same system used by the Cboe Affiliated Exchanges, which the Exchange 
expects to complete on October 7, 2019. Cboe Options believes offering 
similar functionality to the extent practicable will reduce potential 
confusion for market participants.
    In connection with this technology migration, the Exchange has a 
shell Rulebook that resides alongside its current Rulebook, which shell 
Rulebook will contain the Rules that will be in place upon completion 
of the Cboe Options technology migration. The proposed rule change 
first moves and amends it rules regarding the electronic processing of 
complex orders from the current Rulebook to the shell Rulebook. 
Specifically, proposed Rule 5.33 modifies the Exchange's current 
complex order functionality (as set forth in current Rule 6.53C) to 
substantially conform to the complex order functionality that is used 
by C2 and EDGX Options. Electronic trading of complex orders will be 
subject to all other Rules applicable to trading of orders, unless 
otherwise provided in proposed Rule 5.33. This is true today, and the 
proposed rule change merely states this in the Rules.
    The proposed rule change amends and moves the following definitions 
related to the electronic processing of complex orders from the current 
Rulebook to proposed Rule 5.33(a) in the shell Rulebook. The proposed 
rule change also adds certain definitions.\3\ In addition to the 
substantive changes described below, the proposed rule change makes 
additional nonsubstantive changes to these Rules, including to make the 
rule text plain English, simplify the rule provisions, update cross-
references and paragraph numbering and lettering, reorganize certain 
provisions, and eliminate redundant provisions.
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    \3\ The proposed rule change adds a definition of ``Legging'' to 
proposed Rule 5.33(a), which is just a cross-reference to proposed 
paragraph (g), which is described further below.

[[Page 50505]]



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Current rule (current   Proposed rule (shell       Proposed substantive
           Rule provision                   rulebook)               rulebook)                  changes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Definition of complex order........  Rule 6.53C(a)(1)......  Rule 5.33(a) (which     The proposed rule change
                                                              refers to Rule 1.1,     moves the provision that
                                                              which has already       for purposes of applying
                                                              been moved to the       ratios to complex orders
                                                              shell Rulebook).        comprised of legs for both
                                                                                      mini-options and standard
                                                                                      options, ten mini-option
                                                                                      contracts represent one
                                                                                      standard option contract
                                                                                      from the definition of
                                                                                      complex order for
                                                                                      electronic purposes to the
                                                                                      general definition of
                                                                                      complex order, as the same
                                                                                      application applies to all
                                                                                      complex orders, whether
                                                                                      traded electronically or
                                                                                      in open outcry.
Definition of stock-option order...  Rule 6.53C(a)(2)......  Rule 5.33(b)(5).......  The proposed rule change
                                                                                      states that stock-option
                                                                                      orders trade in the same
                                                                                      manner as all other
                                                                                      complex orders, except as
                                                                                      specified in Rule 5.33.
                                                                                      This is true today, and
                                                                                      the proposed rule change
                                                                                      merely makes this explicit
                                                                                      in the Rules.
Definition of Complex Order Auction  Rule 6.53C(d)(i)(1)...  Rule 5.33(a)..........  Proposed Rule 5.33 no
 (``COA'').                                                                           longer refers to a COA as
                                                                                      a request for responses
                                                                                      (``RFR''). This is merely
                                                                                      a change in terminology.
Definition of Complex Order Book     N/A...................  Rule 5.33(a)..........  The current Rulebook does
 (``COB'') (the Exchange's                                                            not contain a definition
 electronic book of complex orders                                                    of COB. However, the
 maintained by the System, which                                                      proposed definition is
 single book is used during both                                                      consistent with current
 the Regular Trading Hours                                                            COB functionality, except
 (``RTH'') and global trading hours                                                   that currently there is a
 (``GTH'') trading sessions).                                                         separate COB for each
                                                                                      trading session. Following
                                                                                      the migration, there will
                                                                                      no longer be a need for a
                                                                                      separate COB.\4\
Definition of complex strategy: The  N/A...................  Rule 5.33(a)..........  The Exchange is thus
 term ``complex strategy'' means a                                                    proposing two methods to
 particular combination of                                                            create a new complex
 components and their ratios to one                                                   strategy, one of which is
 another. New complex strategies                                                      a message that a Trading
 can be created as a result of the                                                    Permit Holder can send to
 receipt of a complex instrument                                                      create the strategy and
 creation request or complex order                                                    the other is a message a
 for a complex strategy that is not                                                   Trading Permit Holder can
 currently in the System. The                                                         send that will generate
 Exchange may limit the number of                                                     the strategy and that is
 new complex strategies that may be                                                   also an order in that same
 in the System at a particular time.                                                  strategy. These methods
                                                                                      will be equally available
                                                                                      to all Trading Permit
                                                                                      Holders, but the Exchange
                                                                                      anticipates that Trading
                                                                                      Permit Holders and other
                                                                                      liquidity providers who
                                                                                      anticipate providing
                                                                                      larger amounts of trading
                                                                                      activity in complex
                                                                                      strategies are the most
                                                                                      likely to send in a
                                                                                      complex instrument
                                                                                      creation request (i.e., to
                                                                                      prepare for their trading
                                                                                      in the complex strategy
                                                                                      throughout the day),
                                                                                      whereas other participants
                                                                                      are more likely to simply
                                                                                      send a complex order that
                                                                                      simultaneously creates a
                                                                                      new strategy.\5\
Definition of Regular trading: The   N/A...................  Rule 5.33(a)..........  This is an additional term
 term ``regular trading'' means                                                       used in other portions of
 trading of complex orders that                                                       proposed Rule 5.33.\6\
 occurs during a trading session
 other than (a) at the opening of
 the COB or re-opening of the COB
 for trading following a halt
 (described in proposed paragraph
 or (b) during the COA process
 (described in proposed paragraph
 (d)).
Definition of Synthetic Best Bid or  Rule 1.1..............  Rule 5.33(a)..........  SBBO is currently referred
 Offer (``SBBO'').                                                                    to in the current Rulebook
                                                                                      as ``Exchange Spread
                                                                                      Market.''
Definition of Synthetic National     Rule 1.1..............  Rule 5.33(a)..........  SNBBO is currently referred
 Best Bid or Offer (``SNBBO'').                                                       to in the current Rulebook
                                                                                      as ``National Spread
                                                                                      Market.''
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    The definitions in the table above are substantively the same as 
the corresponding definitions in C2 Rule 6.13(a) and EDGX Options Rule 
21.20(a), and merely add terminology to the Rule rather than impact the 
trading of complex orders on the Exchange.\7\
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    \4\ See definition of Book and Simple Book in Rule 1.1 of the 
shell Rulebook (which has a similar definition).
    \5\ This proposed definition is the same as the corresponding 
definition in C2 Rule 6.13(a) and EDGX Options Rule 21.20(a).
    \6\ Id.
    \7\ The Exchange notes C2 Rule 6.13(a) and EDGX Options Rule 
21.20(a) include additional defined terms that are not in proposed 
Rule 5.33(a), because the Exchange defines those terms in other 
Rules (e.g., the Exchange defines BBO (the best bid or offer 
disseminated by the Exchange) in Rule 1.1 in the shell Rulebook, 
while EDGX Options defines that term in Rule 21.20(a)).
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    Proposed Rule 5.33(b) states that complex orders are available in 
all classes listed for trading on the Exchange. Current Rule 
6.53C(c)(i) provides the Exchange with flexibility to determine which 
classes are eligible for complex orders. The Exchange currently makes 
complex order functionality available in all classes, and no longer 
needs this flexibility, so is eliminating it from the Rules. Complex 
orders may be market or limit orders (this is consistent with current 
functionality, and current Rule 6.53C in various places references 
handling of both complex orders with prices (i.e., limit orders) and 
complex market orders).\8\
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    \8\ See also C2 Rule 6.13(b) (which does not restrict the 
classes in which complex orders are available) and EDGX Options Rule 
21.20(b).
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    Proposed Rule 5.33(b)(1) states the Exchange determines which 
Times-in-Force of Day, good-til-cancelled (``GTC''), good-til-date 
(``GTD''), immediate-or-cancel (``IOC''), or at the open (``OPG'') \9\ 
are available for complex orders (including for eligibility to enter 
the COB and initiate a COA). Current Rule 6.53C(b) permits complex 
orders to be entered as FOK,\10\ IOC, and GTC, and current Rule 
6.53C(c)(iii) permits complex orders to be designated

[[Page 50506]]

as day (the Exchange does not currently offer a GTD Time-in-Force, but 
will following the technology migration). The Exchange proposes to 
retain this flexibility to modify Times-in-Force (and Capacities, as 
noted below) available on the Exchange in order to address any changes 
in market conditions and remain competitive.\11\
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    \9\ See Rule 5.6(d) of the shell Rulebook for definitions of 
these Times-in-Force; see also C2 Rule 6.13(b) and EDGX Options Rule 
21.20(b).
    \10\ An order designated as FOK must execute in its entirety as 
soon as the System receives it and, if not so executed, is cancelled 
(and thus not rest in the Book for potential execution). See Rule 
5.6(d) in the shell Rulebook. As discussed below, the Exchange will 
permit complex orders to be designated as AON, but they may only 
execute following a COA (if not executed, they will route to PAR for 
manual handling or be cancelled, subject to the User's 
instructions). Because AON complex orders will not be permitted to 
rest in the Book, the Exchange believes offering a FOK designation 
for complex orders is unnecessary. Additionally, a User could 
designate an AON complex order as IOC, which would have the same 
effect as an FOK (and it would be handled like all AONs, as further 
described below).
    \11\ See also C2 Rule 6.13(b)(1) and EDGX Options Rule 
21.20(b)(1).
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    Proposed Rule 5.33(b)(2) states the Exchange will determine which 
Capacities (i.e., non-broker-dealer customers, broker-dealers that are 
not market-makers on an options exchange, or market-makers on an 
options exchange) are eligible for COA or for entry into the COB. This 
is consistent with the Exchange's current authority under Rule 
6.53C(c)(i) (with respect to eligibility for COB entry) and (d)(i)(2) 
(with respect to eligibility for COA). Complex orders with Capacities 
not eligible for COA or entry into to the COB will route to PAR for 
manual handling or are cancelled, subject to a User's instructions.\12\ 
The proposed rule change moves the provision that permits the Exchange 
to determine that a complex order with Capacity M or N to enter the COB 
in certain circumstances in a class in which the Exchange determined 
complex orders with those Capacities are not eligible for entry into 
the COB from current Rule 6.53C(c)(i) to proposed Rule 5.33(b)(2)(A).
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    \12\ See current Rule 6.53C(c)(i) and (d)(vi). Proposed Rule 
5.33 identifies the various circumstances in which a PAR-eligible 
complex order may route to PAR. See also C2 Rule 6.13(b) and EDGX 
Options Rule 21.20(b).
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    Proposed Rule 5.33(b)(3) states that Users may designate complex 
orders as Attributable or Non-Attributable. This relates only to 
information that User wants, or does not want, included when a complex 
order is displayed, and has no impact on how complex orders are 
processed or execute. As they do for simple orders, certain Users want 
the ability to track their orders, such as which of the resting orders 
in the COB or which COA'd order is theirs. The Attributable designation 
means this information will appear in market data feeds and auction 
messages, permitting these Users to track their own orders. This is 
consistent with current Rule 6.53 and current functionality. Current 
Rule 6.53 permits the Exchange to determine which order types 
(including Attributable and Non-Attributable) in that rule are 
available on a system-by-system basis (which includes COB and COA). 
Pursuant to that rule, the Exchange current permits complex orders to 
be designated as Attributable or Non-Attributable.\13\
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    \13\ See also C2 Rule 6.13(b) and EDGX Options Rule 21.20(b).
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    Proposed Rule 5.33(b)(4) states that Users may not submit complex 
orders through bulk ports.\14\ In connection with the technology 
migration, the Exchange is replacing its current quoting functionality 
with bulk message \15\ functionality, which bulk messages may be 
submitted through bulk ports. The Exchange does not currently offer 
complex quoting functionality (and Market-Makers are not required to 
quote on the COB), so this proposed rule change is consistent with 
current functionality.\16\
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    \14\ See Rule 5.5(c)(3) in the shell Rulebook for a definition 
of bulk ports.
    \15\ See Rule 1.1 in the shell Rulebook for a definition of bulk 
messages.
    \16\ See also C2 Rule 6.13(b) and EDGX Options Rule 21.20(b).
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    Proposed Rule 5.33(b)(5) lists additional order instructions that 
will be available for complex orders:
     All Sessions: The proposed definition of an ``All 
Sessions'' complex order corresponds to the definition of an ``All 
Sessions'' simple order in Rule 5.6(c) in the shell Rulebook. The 
Exchange makes complex orders available for trading during GTH, and a 
User may apply this instruction to an order in an All Sessions class if 
the User wants the complex order to be available for execution during 
the GTH trading session.\17\ A User may not designate an All Sessions 
order as Direct to PAR, because PAR is not available during the Global 
Trading Hours trading session (which is an electronic-only trading 
session).\18\
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    \17\ Id.
    \18\ Id.
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     AON: An AON (all-or-none) complex order is a complex order 
that is to be executed in its entirety or not at all. The Exchange 
currently makes AON complex orders available.\19\ An AON complex order 
may only execute following a COA, and is not eligible to rest in the 
COB. The Exchange currently does not permit AON complex order to rest 
in the COB, so the proposed rule change is consistent with current 
functionality.\20\
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    \19\ See current Rule 6.53C(b).
    \20\ See Cboe Options Regulatory Circular RG17-042 (March 24, 
2017), available at https://www.cboe.com/publish/RegCir/RG17-042.pdf. See also EDGX Options Rule 21.20(b). Other options 
exchanges require AON complex orders to be IOC, and thus similarly 
do not permit AON complex orders to rest in a complex order book. It 
is not clear from their rules whether such orders may enter a 
complex order auction on those exchanges. See, e.g., Nasdaq ISE, LLC 
(``ISE'') Options 3, Section 14(b)(2).
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     Book Only: The proposed definition of a ``Book Only'' 
complex order corresponds to the definition of a ``Book Only'' simple 
order in Rule 5.6(c) in the shell Rulebook. Because complex orders are 
not routable, all complex orders submitted to the Exchange today for 
electronic processing are the equivalent of Book Only.\21\ A User may 
not designate a Book Only complex order as Direct to PAR, as the 
purpose of a Book Only complex order is to rest in the COB if it does 
not execute upon entry.
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    \21\ See also C2 Rule 6.13(b) and EDGX Options Rule 21.20(b).
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     COA-Eligible and Do-Not-COA Orders: The Exchange proposes 
to allow all types of orders to initiate a COA but proposes to have 
certain types of orders default to initiating a COA upon arrival with 
the ability to opt-out of initiating a COA and other types of orders 
default to not initiating a COA upon arrival with the ability to opt-in 
to initiating a COA.\22\ Current Rule 6.53C(d)(ii)(B) permits TPHs to 
request that an order not initiate a COA, so the proposed rule change 
is consistent with current functionality.
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    \22\ Current Rule 6.53C(d)(i)(2) permits the Exchange to 
determine which order types may initiate a COA, so the proposed rule 
change is consistent with this Rule. Current Rule 6.53C(d)(i)(2) 
also permits the Exchange to impose size eligibility requirements on 
COA-eligible orders. The Exchange does not currently impose any size 
requirement for an order to be eligible to COA, and the Exchange no 
longer believes it needs this flexibility, so the proposed rule 
change deletes it from the Rules.
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    [cir] A ``COA-eligible'' complex order is a buy (sell) complex 
order with User instructions to (or which default to) initiate a COA 
that is priced (i) equal to or lower (higher) than the SBO (SBB) 
provided that if any of the bids or offers on the Simple Book that 
comprise the SBO (SBB) is represented by a Priority Customer order, the 
complex order must be priced at least one minimum increment lower 
(higher) than the SBO (SBB) and (ii) lower (higher) than the price of 
sell (buy) complex orders resting at the top of the COB. Current Rule 
6.53C(d)(ii)(A) indicates a COA will initiate if the COA-eligible order 
is marketable against the SBBO, so the proposed marketability 
requirement in the definition of a COA-eligible is consistent with 
current COA rules as well as the proposed rule provisions regarding the 
priority of complex orders with respect to orders in the Simple 
Book.\23\
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    \23\ See proposed Rule 5.33(f)(2).
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    [cir] A ``do-not-COA'' complex order is a complex order with User 
instructions not to (or which default not to) initiate a COA or that 
does not satisfy the COA-eligibility requirements in the preceding 
bulleted paragraph. The Exchange believes that this will continue to 
give

[[Page 50507]]

market participants extra flexibility to control the handling and 
execution of their complex orders by the System by giving them the 
additional ability to determine whether they wish to have their complex 
order initiate a COA.
    [cir] Upon receipt of an IOC complex order, the System does not 
initiate a COA unless a User marked the order to initiate a COA, in 
which case the System cancels any unexecuted portion at the end of the 
COA. Upon receipt of a complex order with any Time-in-Force other than 
IOC (except OPG \24\), the System initiates a COA unless a User marked 
the order to not initiate a COA. The Exchange further believes this is 
consistent with the terms of an IOC order, which is intended to execute 
immediately upon entry or be cancelled, whereas COA is a process that 
includes a short delay in order to broadcast and provide participants 
time to respond).
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    \24\ An OPG order is cancelled if it does not execute during the 
opening process. See Rule 5.6(d) of the shell Rulebook.
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    [cir] A Post Only complex order with any Time-in-Force does not 
initiate a COA, and if a User marks a Post Only complex order to 
initiate a COA, the System cancels the order. This is consistent with 
the purposes of a Post Only complex order, which is to add liquidity to 
the COB, and an auction order is treated as a ``taker.''
    [cir] An incoming AON complex order initiates a COA, and if a User 
marks an AON complex order to not initiate a COA, or an AON complex 
order does not satisfy the COA eligibility criteria described above, 
the System cancels the AON order. The Exchange believes that, like AON 
simple orders, AON complex orders that would rest on the COB would have 
last priority, and would have even fewer execution opportunities 
because they would not be able to execute at the same price as resting 
interest until after both simple and complex order interest executed. 
Therefore, an AON complex order resting on the COB would have minimal 
execution opportunities given its size contingency. The Exchange 
believes there would be little value, in terms of executing 
opportunities, in permitting AON complex orders to rest in the COB. As 
discussed above, the Exchange does not currently permit AON complex 
orders to rest in the COB.\25\
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    \25\ See also EDGX Options Rule 21.20(b).
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     Complex Only Orders: A ``Complex Only'' order is a Day or 
IOC complex order a Market-Maker may designate to execute only against 
complex orders in the COB and may not Leg into the Simple Book. Unless 
designated as Complex Only, and for all other Times-in-Force and 
Capacities, a complex order may execute against complex orders in the 
COB and may Leg into the Simple Book. The Exchange believes the 
proposed functionality is analogous to other types of functionality the 
Exchange currently provides Trading Permit Holders, including Market-
Makers, such as the ability to direct the Exchange to not to route 
their orders away from the Exchange (Book Only). Similar to such 
analogous features, the Exchange believes that Market-Makers may 
utilize Complex Only Order functionality as part of their strategies to 
maintain additional control over their executions, in connection with 
their attempt to provide and not remove liquidity, or in connection 
with applicable fees for executions.\26\
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    \26\ See also C2 Rule 6.13(b) and EDGX Options Rule 21.20(b).
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     MTP Modifiers: Users may apply the following MTP Modifiers 
to complex orders: MTP Cancel Newest, MTP Cancel Oldest, and MTP Cancel 
Both. If a complex order would execute against a complex order in the 
COB with an MTP Modifier and the same Unique Identifier, the System 
handles the complex orders with these MTP Modifiers as described in 
Rule 5.6(c) of the shell Rulebook. If a complex order with an MTP 
Modifier would Leg into the Simple Book and execute against any leg on 
the Simple Book with an MTP Modifier and the same Unique Identifier, 
the System cancels the complex order. This will allow a User to avoid 
trading complex orders against its own complex orders or orders of 
affiliates, providing Users with an additional way to maintain control 
over their complex order executions.\27\
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    \27\ Id.
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     Post Only: The proposed definition of a ``Post Only'' 
complex order corresponds to the definition of a ``Post Only'' simple 
order in Rule 5.6(c) in the shell Rulebook. The proposed rule change 
provides Users with the ability to exercise more control over the 
circumstances in which their complex orders are executed and be 
encouraged to add liquidity in the complex order market. Any additional 
liquidity will subsequently benefit all participants who trade complex 
orders on the Exchange.\28\ A User may not designate a Post Only 
complex order as Direct to PAR, as the purpose of a Post Only complex 
order is to rest in the COB to provide liquidity.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \28\ Id.
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     RTH Only: The proposed definition of an ``RTH Only'' 
complex order corresponds to the definition of an ``RTH Only'' simple 
order in Rule 5.6(c) in the shell Rulebook. This provides a User with 
the ability to ensure a complex order will only execute during the RTH 
trading session if the User does not want a complex order to be 
available for execution during the GTH trading session.\29\
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    \29\ Id.
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     QCC with Stock Order: The proposed rule change adds this 
definition to proposed Rule 5.33(b).\30\ A User may not designate a QCC 
with Stock Order as Direct to PAR, because the purpose of a QCC with 
Stock Order is to execute immediately upon entry without exposure.
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    \30\ See also EDGX Options Rule 21.20(b). The current definition 
of QCC with Stock Orders is in Rule 6.53 of the current Rulebook. 
The Exchange previously deleted Rule 6.53 from the current Rulebook 
(to be effective on October 7, 2019) in a separate filing, with the 
intention of including the definition of QCC with Stock Orders in 
the proposed rule, so that all types of complex orders (which QCC 
with Stock is) are included within the same rule in the shell 
Rulebook. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 86173 (June 20, 
2019), 84 FR 30267 (June 26, 2019) (SR-CBOE-2019-027).
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    Proposed Rule 5.33(b) is substantively the same as the 
corresponding provisions in C2 Rule 6.13(b) and EDGX Options Rule 
21.20(b), except those rules do not include references to PAR, as those 
exchanges only offer electronic trading.\31\
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    \31\ The Exchange notes that C2 Rule 6.13(b) also makes Complex 
Reserve Orders available. The Exchange currently offers complex 
reserves orders, but does not intend to make those available 
following the technology migration due to lack of demand on the 
Exchange. The Exchange currently has authority pursuant to Rule 6.53 
and 6.53C to determine which order types are available for complex 
order trading, and therefore no longer making complex reserve orders 
available is consistent with that authority.
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    Proposed Rule 5.33(c) describes the process used to open the COB at 
the beginning of each trading session and after a trading halt. The 
proposed COB opening process is substantively the same as the COB 
Opening Process used on C2 and EDGX Options.\32\ The System will accept 
complex orders for inclusion in the COB Opening Process at the times 
set forth in Rules 5.7 and 5.31(b) of the shell Rulebook, except the 
Queuing Period for complex orders ends when the complex strategy opens. 
Complex orders entered during the Queuing Period are not eligible for 
execution until the initiation of the COB Opening Process. This is 
similar to current functionality, which permits orders to be entered at 
2:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
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    \32\ See C2 Rule 6.13(c) and EDGX options Rule 21.20(c).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Beginning at (1) 2:00 a.m. Eastern Time for All Sessions classes 
for the GTH trading session and (2) 8:30 a.m. for RTH Only classes and 
9:15 a.m. for All Sessions classes for the RTH trading

[[Page 50508]]

session, and updated every five seconds thereafter until the initiation 
of the COB Opening Process, the Exchange disseminates indicative prices 
and order imbalance information based on complex orders queued in the 
System for the COB Opening Process. This is new functionality that will 
provide Users with information regarding the expected COB opening, 
which the Exchange believes may contribute additional transparency and 
price discovery to the COB Opening Process.\33\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \33\ See also C2 Rule 6.13(c)(1) and EDGX Options Rule 
21.20(c)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The System initiates the COB Opening Process for a complex strategy 
after a number of seconds (which number the Exchange determines) after 
all legs of the strategy in the Simple Book are open for trading. This 
is consistent with the current COB Opening Process, as set forth in 
current Interpretation and Policy .11(a). All complex orders the System 
receives prior to opening a complex strategy pursuant to the COB 
Opening Process, including any delay applied by the Exchange, are 
eligible to be matched in the COB Opening Process and not during the 
Opening Process described in Rule 5.31 in the shell Rulebook.\34\ The 
Exchange similarly applies a delay period during the regular Opening 
Process, as set forth in current Rule 6.2 (which the Exchange has 
proposed to amend and move to Rule 5.31 in the shell Rulebook).\35\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \34\ See current Rule 6.53C, Interpretation and Policy .11(a).
    \35\ See also C2 Rule 6.13(c)(2) and EDGX Options Rule 
21.20(c)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If there are matching complex orders in a complex strategy, the 
System determines the COB opening price, which is the price at which 
the most complex orders can trade. If there are multiple prices that 
would result in the same number of complex orders executed, the System 
chooses the price that would result in the smallest remaining imbalance 
as the COB opening price. If there are multiple prices that would 
result in the same number of complex orders executed and the same 
``smallest'' imbalance, the System chooses the price closest to the 
midpoint of the (i) SNBBO or (ii) if there is no SNBBO available, the 
highest and lowest potential opening prices as the COB opening price. 
If the midpoint price would result in an invalid increment, the System 
rounds the COB opening price up to the nearest permissible increment. 
If the COB opening price equals the SBBO, the System adjust the COB 
opening price to a price that is better than the corresponding bid or 
offer in the Simple Book by at least one minimum increment. If the COB 
opening price would require printing at the same price as a Priority 
Customer on any leg in the Simple Book, the System adjusts the COB 
opening price to a price that is better than the corresponding bid or 
offer in the marketplace by at least one minimum increment.\36\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \36\ See also C2 Rule 6.13(c)(2)(A) and EDGX Options Rule 
21.20(c)(2)(A).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    After the System determines a COB opening price, the Exchange 
executes matching complex orders in price priority (i.e., orders better 
than the COB opening price are executed first and thereafter orders at 
the COB opening price are executed), and then pursuant to the 
allocation algorithm applicable to the class pursuant as set forth in 
proposed subparagraph (d)(5)(A)(ii) below. Therefore, all complex 
interest in a class will execute in accordance with the same allocation 
algorithm, which provides simplicity and consistency regarding the 
execution of complex orders to Users. The System enters any remaining 
complex orders (or unexecuted portions) into the COB, subject to a 
User's instructions.\37\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \37\ See also C2 Rule 6.13(c)(2)(B) and EDGX Options Rule 
21.20(c)(2)(B).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If there are no matching complex orders in a complex strategy, the 
System opens the complex strategy without a trade. If after an 
Exchange-established period of time that may not exceed 30 seconds, the 
System cannot match orders because (i) the System cannot determine a 
COB opening price (i.e., all queued orders are market orders) or (ii) 
the COB opening price is outside the SNBBO, the System opens the 
complex strategy without a trade. In both cases, the System enters any 
orders in the complex strategy in the COB (in time priority), subject 
to a User's instructions, except it Legs any complex orders it can into 
the Simple Book. The proposed rule change provides additional detail 
regarding how the COB will open if there are no matching trades. 
Additionally, the Exchange believes the proposed configurable time 
period is important because the opening price protections are 
relatively restrictive (i.e., based on the SNBBO), and the configurable 
time period provides the Exchange with the ability to periodically 
review the process and modify it as necessary to ensure there is 
sufficient opportunity to have Opening Process executions without also 
waiting too long to transition to regular trading.\38\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \38\ See also C2 Rule 6.13(c)(2)(C) and EDGX Options Rule 
21.20(c)(2)(C).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Currently on the Exchange, the System opens the COB in a similar 
manner, however it first attempts to match complex orders against 
orders in the Simple Book, then matches complex orders against each 
other. As proposed, complex orders will not leg into the book upon the 
COB open (unless there are no matching complex orders and a complex 
strategy opens without a trade); however, the COB opening price must 
improve the SBBO by at least one minimum increment if there is a 
Priority Customer order on any leg, thus providing protection to 
Priority Customers in the leg markets. The proposed matching process 
for complex orders on the COB is similar to the process in current 
Interpretation and Policy .11(a)(ii). Additionally, the Exchange 
currently restricts valid opening trade prices to be within the SBBO 
rather than the SNBBO as the proposed opening process does. The 
Exchange believes using the SNBBO is an enhancement to the COB opening 
process, as it reflects the then-current prices throughout the entire 
market, rather than just on the Exchange, and thus the Exchange 
believes it is a better measure to use for purposes of determining the 
reasonability of the prices of orders.
    Proposed Rule 5.33(c) is substantively the same as the 
corresponding provisions in C2 Rule 6.13(c) and EDGX Options Rule 
21.20(c), except the times at which opening auction messages begin to 
disseminate pursuant to the proposed rule are different than the times 
in the C2 and EDGX Options Rules, as the Exchange's GTH trading session 
begins at 3:00 a.m. Eastern Time, while the GTH trading session on 
those Cboe Affiliated Exchanges begins at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. 
Additionally, because C2 does not have a Priority Customer overlay, C2 
Rule 6.13(c) does not include references to Priority Customers as 
proposed Rule 5.33(c) does. The proposed rule change also provides that 
the allocation algorithm applied to complex orders during the COB 
opening process may vary by class (which is consistent with current 
Rule 6.53C, Interpretation and Policy .011(a)), as C2 does, while EDGX 
Options will always apply price-time. Additionally, the proposed rule 
change references an applicable minimum increment, while the C2 Rule 
and EDGX Options Rule each reference $0.01. Pursuant to Rule 5.4(b) in 
the shell Rulebook, the Exchange may determine the minimum increment 
for complex orders eligible for electronic processing, which must be at 
least $0.01. As set forth in C2 Rule 6.13(f) and EDGX Options Rule 
21.20(f),

[[Page 50509]]

the minimum increment for complex orders in all classes is $0.01.
    Proposed Rule 5.33(d) describes the COA process for COA-eligible 
orders. Orders in all classes will be eligible to participate in 
COA.\39\ Upon receipt of a COA-eligible order, the System initiates the 
COA process by sending a COA auction message to all subscribers to the 
Exchange's data feeds that deliver COA auction messages.\40\ A COA 
auction message identifies the COA auction ID, instrument ID (i.e., 
complex strategy), quantity, and side of the market of the COA-eligible 
order.\41\ The Exchange may also determine to include in COA auction 
messages the price, which will be the limit order price or the SBBO (if 
initiated by a market complex order), or the drill-through price if the 
order is subject to the drill-through protection in Rule 5.34(b) of the 
shell Rulebook.\42\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \39\ Current Rule 6.53C(d)(i)(2) provides that the Exchange may 
make COA available on a class-by-class basis. The Exchange makes COA 
available in any class in which it makes complex order functionality 
available, so the Exchange no longer believes it needs separate 
flexibility for COA. See also C2 Rule 6.13(d)(1) and EDGX Options 
Rule 21.20(d)(1).
    \40\ See current Rule 6.53C(d)(ii)(A). The Exchange notes this 
current provision imposes additional eligibility requirements based 
on the number of legs in the complex order. As discussed below, the 
proposed rule change replaces those protective measures with certain 
Legging restrictions.
    \41\ Current Rule 6.53C(d)(ii) states the current COA 
notification messages (referred to as RFR messages in the current 
Rulebook) include the component series (i.e., complex strategy), 
size, side of the market, and contingencies. The proposed rule 
change adds that the notification messages will include the Auction 
ID, and potentially the Capacity and price (including detail 
regarding what the auction price will be), but will not include any 
contingencies. This is the same information that may be included in 
the COA notification messages under C2 Rule 6.13(d)(1) and EDGX 
Options Rule 21.20(d)(1) (the EDGX Options rule refers to origin 
code rather than Capacity), except the Exchange will not include 
Capacity on COA notification messages (which it currently does not 
include pursuant to current Rule 6.53C(d)(ii)(A).
    \42\ Rule 5.34(b) in the shell Rulebook will be substantially 
similar to Rule 6.13(b)(v)(B) in the current Rulebook.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Currently, only one COA in a complex strategy may occur at the same 
time (while this is not codified in current rules, it is consistent 
with current functionality). Pursuant to proposed Rule 5.33(d)(2), the 
System may initiate a COA in a complex strategy even though another COA 
in that complex strategy is ongoing. This concurrent COA functionality 
is substantively the same as corresponding functionality in C2 Rule 
6.13(d)(2) and EDGX Options Rule 21.20(d)(2). The Exchange believes it 
will increase price improvement and execution opportunities for complex 
orders following the technology migration. The Exchange notes at the 
outset that based on how Exchange Systems operate (and computer 
processes generally), it is impossible for COAs to occur 
``simultaneously'', meaning that they would commence and conclude at 
exactly the same time. Thus, although it is possible as proposed for 
one or more COAs to overlap, each COA will be started in a sequence and 
with a time that will determine its processing. Thus, even if there are 
two COAs that commence and conclude at nearly the same time, each COA 
will have a distinct conclusion at which time the COA will be 
allocated.
    If there are multiple COAs ongoing for a specific complex strategy, 
each COA concludes sequentially based on the time each COA commenced, 
unless terminated early as described below. At the time each COA 
concludes, the System allocates the COA-eligible order pursuant to 
proposed paragraph (d)(3) below and takes into account all COA 
Responses for that COA, orders in the Simple Book, and unrelated 
complex orders on the COB at the time the COA concludes. If there are 
multiple COAs ongoing for a specific complex strategy that are each 
terminated early as described below, the System processes the COAs 
sequentially based on the order in which they commenced. If a COA 
Response is not fully executed at the end of the identified COA to 
which the COA Response was submitted, the System cancels or rejects it 
at the conclusion of the specified COA.
    In turn, when the first COA concludes, orders on the Simple Book 
and unrelated complex orders that then exist will be considered for 
participation in the COA. If unrelated orders are fully executed in 
such COA, then there will be no unrelated orders for consideration when 
the subsequent COA is processed (unless new unrelated order interest 
has arrived). If instead there is remaining unrelated order interest 
after the first COA has been allocated, then such unrelated order 
interest will be considered for allocation when the subsequent COA is 
processed. As another example, each COA Response is required to 
specifically identify the COA for which it is targeted and if not fully 
executed will be cancelled at the conclusion of the COA. Thus, COA 
Responses will only be considered in the specified COA.
    Proposed Rule 5.33(d)(3) defines the Response Time Interval as the 
period of time during which Users may submit responses to the COA 
auction message (``COA Responses''). The Exchange determines the 
duration of the Response Time Interval, which may not exceed 500 
milliseconds. This is similar to current Rule 6.53C(d)(iii)(2), except 
the proposed rule change reduces the maximum time period from three 
seconds to 500 milliseconds. The Exchange believes that 500 
milliseconds is a reasonable amount of time within which participants 
can respond to a COA auction message. The current timer on the Exchange 
is 100 milliseconds, and therefore the Exchange believes a maximum 
response time of 500 milliseconds is sufficient to respond to 
auctions.\43\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \43\ See also C2 Rule 6.13(d)(3) and EDGX Options Rule 
21.20(d)(3).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    However, the Response Time Interval terminates prior to the end of 
that time duration:
    (1) When the System receives a non-COA-eligible order on the same 
side as the COA-eligible order that initiated the COA but with a price 
better than the COA price, in which case the System terminates the COA 
and processes the COA-eligible order as described below and posts the 
new order to the COB;
    (2) when the System receives an order in a leg of the complex order 
that would improve the SBBO on the same side as the COA-eligible order 
that initiated the COA to a price equal to or better than the COA 
price, in which case the System terminates the COA and processes the 
COA-eligible order as described below, posts the new order to the COB, 
and updates the SBBO; or
    (3) if the System receives a Priority Customer order that would 
join or improve the SBBO on the same side as the COA in progress to a 
price equal to or better than the COA price, in which case the System 
terminates the COA and processes the COA-eligible order as described 
below, posts the new order to the Simple Book, and updates the SBBO.
    Current Rule 6.53C(d)(viii)(3) describes how the System currently 
handles incoming COA-eligible orders on the same side of the original 
COA order at a better price. The proposed rule change deletes that 
provision, as it is being replaced by the functionality above (which 
order terminates a COA in that circumstance rather than joins the COA, 
but still provides execution opportunities for the new incoming order 
by placing it on the COB). The proposed rule change deletes the 
remainder of current Rule 6.53C(d)(viii), which describes current 
circumstances that cause a COA to end early, as those will no long 
apply following the technology migration. The proposed rule change 
deletes current Rule 6.53C(d)(viii)(1) and (2) regarding incoming COA-
eligible orders received during the Response Time Interval, as those 
orders may initiate a separate COA under the proposed rule change

[[Page 50510]]

that permits concurrent COAs. The proposed rule change deletes current 
6.53C(d)(viii)(4) and (5) relating to incoming do-not-COA orders and 
changes in the leg markets that would terminate an ongoing COA, as 
under the proposed rules, those new orders would not terminate a COA 
but would be eligible to execute against the COA-eligible order at the 
end of the COA) (see proposed subparagraph (d)(5), which states 
execution will occur against orders in the Simple Book and COB at the 
time the COA concludes). Ultimately, these incoming orders are eligible 
for execution against a COA-eligible order under current and proposed 
rules. The proposed rule change merely changes the potential execution 
time to the end of the full response interval time from an abbreviated 
response interval time.\44\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \44\ See also C2 Rule 6.13(d)(3) (which does not include a 
provision that corresponds to proposed subparagraph (d)(3)(C) 
because it relates to prioritizing Priority Customer orders, which 
have no allocation priority on C2); and EDGX Rule 21.20(d)(3).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed Rule 5.33(d)(4) describes COA Responses that may be 
submitted during the Response Time Interval for a specific COA. The 
Exchange determines on a class-by-class basis whether all Users or 
Market-Makers with an appointment in the class and TPHs acting as agent 
for orders resting at the top of the COB in the relevant complex 
strategy may submit COA Responses.\45\ The System accepts a COA 
Response(s) with a permissible Capacity in the applicable minimum 
increment during the Response Time Interval.\46\ A COA Response must 
specify the price, size, side of the market (i.e., a response to a buy 
COA as a sell or a response to a sell COA as a buy) and COA auction ID 
for the COA to which the User is submitting the COA Response. While 
this is not included in current Rule 6.53C, it is consistent with 
System entry requirements for COA Responses. The System aggregates the 
size of COA Responses and complex orders on the COB submitted at the 
same price for an EFID, and caps the size of the aggregated COA 
Responses and complex orders at the size of the COA-eligible order. 
This provision is similar to current Rule 6.53(d)(v), which caps order 
and response sizes for allocation purposes to prevent Trading Permit 
Holders from taking advantage of a pro-rata allocation by submitting 
responses larger than the COA-eligible order to obtain a larger 
allocation from that order.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \45\ See current Rule 6.53C(d)(iii).
    \46\ See current Rule 6.53C(d)(iii)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    During the Response Time Interval, COA Responses are not firm, and 
Users can modify or withdraw them at any time prior to the end of the 
Response Time Interval, although the System applies a new timestamp to 
any modified COA Response (unless the modification was to decrease its 
size), which will result in loss of priority. The Exchange does not 
display COA Responses. At the end of the Response Time Interval, COA 
Responses are firm (i.e., guaranteed at their price and size). A COA 
Response may only execute against the COA-eligible order for the COA to 
which a User submitted the COA Response. The System cancels or rejects 
any unexecuted COA Responses (or unexecuted portions) at the conclusion 
of the COA. This is substantively the same as current Rule 
6.53C(d)(vii).
    Proposed Rule 5.33(d)(4) is substantively the same as C2 Rule 
6.13(d)(4) and EDGX Options Rule 5.33(d)(4), except, as noted above, 
the proposed rule change provides flexibility regarding Capacities that 
may submit COA Responses, which C2 and EDGX Options do not, and the 
proposed rule change accounts for classes potentially having different 
minimum increments.
    Proposed Rule 5.33(d)(5) describes how COA-eligible orders are 
processed at the end of the Response Time Interval. At the end of the 
Response Time Interval, the System executes a COA-eligible order (in 
whole or in part) against contra-side interest in price priority. If 
there is contra-side interest at the same price, the System allocates 
the contra side interest as follows:
    (1) Priority Customer orders resting on the Simple Book for the 
individual leg components of the complex order through Legging (subject 
to proposed paragraph (g), as described below) in time priority;
    (2) COA Responses and unrelated orders on the COB pursuant to the 
allocation algorithm applicable to the class, or another allocation 
algorithm from Rule 5.32 in the shell Rulebook determined by the 
Exchange on a class-by-class basis; and
    (3) remaining orders in the Simple Book for the individual leg 
components of the complex order through Legging (subject to proposed 
paragraph (g), as described below), which the System allocates in 
accordance with the base allocation algorithm applicable to the class 
pursuant to Rule 5.32(b).
    This allocation is similar to the current allocation priority on 
the Exchange following a COA, as set forth in current Rule 6.53C(d)(iv) 
and (v), except the proposed rule change prioritizes Priority Customer 
orders on the Simple Book first (rather than all interest on the Simple 
Book), and non-Priority Customer orders on the Simple Book may execute 
after any complex order interest at the same price. Additionally, the 
Exchange may determine on a class-by-class basis whether to apply the 
Priority Customer overlay to complex interest. This will provide 
consistency for executions of complex interest in all settings, as 
executions of complex orders in the COB occur pursuant to the 
allocation algorithm applicable the class, or another algorithm as 
determined by the Exchange on a class-by-class basis.\47\ The proposed 
priority is consistent with general customer priority principles, as it 
protects Priority Customer orders on the Simple Book. It is also the 
same as the priority order in EDGX Options Rule 21.20(d)(5), although 
the Exchange notes that EDGX Options applies different allocation 
algorithms to complex interest and simple interest.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \47\ See current Rule 6.53C(c)(i)(2); see also proposed Rule 
5.34(e).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the conclusion of a COA of an AON 
complex order, the AON complex order may only execute against COA 
Responses and unrelated orders on the COB pursuant to the allocation 
algorithm applicable to the class pursuant to proposed paragraph 
(d)(5)(A)(ii) if there is sufficient size to satisfy the AON complex 
order (and may not execute against orders in the Simple Book). If there 
is insufficient size to satisfy the AON complex order, the System 
routes the order to PAR for manual handling or cancels the order, 
subject to a User's instructions.\48\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \48\ See EDGX Options Rule 21.20(d)(5)(A), which handles AON 
complex orders in the same manner (except EDGX Options does not have 
the option to route an unexecuted AON complex order to PAR, as EDGX 
Options is an electronic only exchange).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As provided above, following a COA, a complex order will be 
allocated first in price priority and then at each price level against 
Priority Customer orders in the Simple Book, COA responses and complex 
orders in the COB, and then remaining individual orders in the Simple 
Book. The Simple Book and the COB are separate, and orders on each do 
not interact unless a complex order Legs into the Simple Book. As a 
result, the System is not able to calculate the aggregate size of COA 
responses and complex orders on the COB and the size of simple orders 
in the legs that comprise the complex strategy at each potential 
execution price (as executions may occur at multiple prices) prior to 
execution of an order following a COA. Following a COA, the System 
first looks to determine whether there are Priority Customer orders 
resting in the Simple

[[Page 50511]]

Book at the final auction price (and in the applicable ratio). If there 
are, the System executes the complex order against those simple orders. 
Following that execution, the System then looks back at the COA 
responses and complex orders resting in the COB to determine whether 
there is interest against which the order can execute. If there is, the 
System executes the remaining portion of the complex order against that 
complex contra-side interest. Finally, if there is any size left, the 
System looks back at the Simple Book to determine whether any orders in 
the legs are able to trade against any remaining contracts in the 
complex order. If there is, the System executes the remaining portion 
of the complex order again against orders in the Simple Book.
    Because of this process, prior to execution against any Priority 
Customer orders, the System would not know whether there is sufficient 
aggregate interest in both the Simple book and COB to satisfy the 
entire size of the AON. Additionally, it is possible for a complex 
order to execute at multiple price levels. This process would have to 
occur at each price level. Therefore, if the Exchange were to permit 
Legging of AON complex orders into the Simple Book, it would be 
possible for a partial execution to occur, which is inconsistent with 
the AON instruction. The Exchange notes there would be significant 
technical complexities associated with reprogramming priority within 
the System to permit AON complex orders to Leg into the Simple Book and 
provide AON orders with priority consistent with these standard 
priority principles. Only permitting an AON complex order to execute 
against COA responses and complex orders in the COB ensures the size 
contingency of the AON complex order can be satisfied.\49\ To ensure 
protection of orders on the Simple Book given this restriction on 
Legging, an AON complex order may only execute following a COA if it 
improves the then-current (i.e., existing at the conclusion of the COA) 
SBBO.\50\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \49\ The Exchange does not currently restrict AON orders from 
legging into its simple book, because the current priority is 
different than it will be as proposed. However, other options 
exchanges restrict AON orders from legging into the simple book 
during the complex order opening process, from the complex order 
book, and following a complex order price improvement auction 
(similar to COA). See, e.g., EDGX Options Rule 21.20(d)(5) and 
(f)(2)(A)(ii); and Nasdaq Phlx LLC (``Phlx'') Rule 
1098(d)(ii)(C)(2), (e)(vi)(A), (e)(viii)(C)(3), and (f)(iii)(A). 
Phlx also only permits non-broker-dealer customers to submit AON 
complex orders. See Phlx Rule 1098(b)(v).
    \50\ See proposed Rule 5.34(f)(2)(A)(ii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed Rule 5.33(d)(5)(B) states the System enters any COA-
eligible order (or unexecuted portion) that does not execute at the end 
of the COA that is eligible to rest into the COB, and applies a 
timestamp based on the time it enters the COB.\51\ The System routes to 
PAR for manual handling or cancels any COA-eligible order (or 
unexecuted portion) that does not execute at the end of the COA if not 
eligible for entry into the COB, subject to the User's instructions. 
Once in the COB, the order may execute pursuant to proposed paragraph 
(e) following evaluation pursuant to proposed paragraph (i), both as 
described below, and remain on the COB until they execute or are 
cancelled or rejected.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \51\ See current Rule 6.53C(d)(vi).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed Rule 5.33(d)(5) is substantively the same as EDGX Options 
Rule 21.20(d)(5), except the proposed rule change permits the Exchange 
to apply allocations algorithms on a class-by-class basis to the 
execution of complex orders following a COA, which is consistent with 
current Exchange authority. Additionally, the proposed rule change 
provides that complex orders may route to PAR for manual handling in 
certain circumstances, while those orders would be cancelled on EDGX 
Options, as it is an electronic only exchange.
    Proposed Rule 5.33(e) describes how the System will handle Do-Not-
COA orders (i.e., orders that do not initiate a COA upon entry to the 
System) and orders resting in the COB. Upon receipt of a do-not-COA 
order, or if the System determines an order resting on the COB is 
eligible for execution following evaluation as described below, the 
System executes it (in whole or in part) against contra-side interest 
in price priority. If there is contra side interest at the same price, 
the System allocates the contra-side interest as follows:
    (1) Priority Customer orders resting on the Simple Book for the 
individual leg components of the complex order through Legging (as 
described below) in time priority;
    (2) unrelated complex orders resting on the COB, which the System 
allocates pursuant to the allocation algorithm set forth in proposed 
subparagraph (d)(5)(A)(ii) (as described above); and
    (3) remaining orders in the Simple Book for the individual leg 
components of the complex order through Legging (as described below), 
which the System allocations in accordance with the base allocation 
algorithm applicable to the class pursuant to Rule 5.32(b) in the shell 
Rulebook.
    The System enters any do-not-COA order (or unexecuted portion) that 
cannot execute against the individual leg markets or complex orders and 
is eligible to rest into the COB, and applies a timestamp based on the 
time it enters the COB. The System routes to PAR for manual handling or 
cancels any do-not-COA order (or unexecuted portion) that would execute 
at a price outside of the SBBO or equal to the SBBO when there is a 
Priority Customer order at the SBBO and is not eligible for entry into 
the COB, subject to the User's instructions. Complex orders resting on 
the COB may execute pursuant to proposed paragraph (e) following 
evaluation pursuant to proposed paragraph (i), both as described below, 
and remain on the COB until they execute or are cancelled or rejected.
    The proposed rule change is similar to current Rule 6.53C(c)(i), 
except as discussed above, the Exchange will prioritize Priority 
Customer orders on the Simple Book, and then execute any non-Priority 
Customer orders on the Simple Book after complex interest has executed. 
The proposed priority is consistent with general customer priority 
principles, as it protects Priority Customer orders on the Simple 
Book.\52\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \52\ See also EDGX Options Rule 21.20(e).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed Rule 5.33(f)(1)(A) states the minimum increment for bids 
and offers on a complex order, and the increments at which components 
of a complex order may be executed, is set forth in Rule 5.4(b) in the 
shell Rulebook.\53\ This is consistent with current Rule 6.53C(c)(i). 
Proposed Rule 5.33(f)(1)(B) states that Users may express bids and 
offers for a stock-option order (including a QCC with Stock Order, as 
discussed below) in any decimal price the Exchange determines. The 
option leg(s) of a stock-option order may be executed in the minimum 
increment applicable to the class pursuant to proposed subparagraph 
(A), as discussed above, and the stock leg of a stock-option order may 
be executed in any decimal price permitted in the equity market.\54\ 
Smaller minimum increments are appropriate for stock-option orders as 
the stock component can trade at finer decimal increments permitted by 
the equity market. Furthermore, the

[[Page 50512]]

Exchange notes that even with the flexibility provided in the proposed 
rule, the individual options and stock legs must trade at increments 
allowed by the Commission in the options and equities markets.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \53\ Rule 5.4(b) in the shell Rulebook that the minimum 
increment for bids and offers on complex orders with any ratio equal 
to or greater than one-three and less than or equal to three-to-one 
is $0.01 or greater, which may be determined by the Exchange on a 
class-by-class basis, and the legs may be executed in $0.01 
increments. Pursuant to the definition of complex orders in Rule 1.1 
of the shell Rulebook, only complex orders with these ratios are 
eligible for electronic trading.
    \54\ This is consistent with the flexibility in current Rule 
6.53C(c)(ii). Other options exchanges have the same minimum 
increment requirements for stock-option orders. See EDGX Options 
Rule 21.20(f)(1)(B); and Nasdaq ISE, LLC (``ISE'') Options 3, 
Section 14(c)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed Rule 5.33(f)(2)(A) provides that the System does not 
execute a complex order pursuant to Rule 5.33 at a net price (1) that 
would cause any component of the complex strategy to be executed at a 
price of zero, (2) worse than the SBBO or equal to the SBBO when there 
is a Priority Customer order at the SBBO, except AON complex orders may 
only execute at prices better than the SBBO (as discussed above), (3) 
that would cause any component of the complex strategy to be executed 
at a price worse than the individual component price on the Simple 
Book, (4) worse than the price that would be available if the complex 
order Legged into the Simple Book, or (5) that would cause any 
component of the complex strategy to be executed at a price ahead of a 
Priority Customer order on the Simple Book without improving the BBO on 
at least one component by at least one applicable minimum increment.
    The option component of a stock-option order executes in accordance 
with same priority principles as any other option order. Pursuant to 
proposed Rule 5.33(f)(2)(B), for a stock-option order with one option 
leg, the option leg may not trade at a price worse than the individual 
component price on the Simple Book or at the same price as a Priority 
Customer Order on the Simple Book. For a stock-option order with more 
than one option leg, the option legs must trade at prices consistent 
with priority applicable to a complex order with all option legs as set 
forth above.\55\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \55\ See current Rule 6.53C, Interpretation and Policy .06(b); 
see also EDGX Options Rule 21.20(f).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A stock-option order may only execute if the stock leg is 
executable at the price(s) necessary to achieve the desired net 
price.\56\ To facilitate the execution of the stock leg and option 
leg(s) of an executable stock-option order at valid increments pursuant 
to proposed subparagraph (f)(1)(B), as described above, the legs may 
trade outside of their expected notional trade value by a specified 
amount (which the Exchange determines). In a small subset of cases, 
generally as a result of unusual leg ratios, in calculating the total 
notional value a stock leg may result in a price outside of the NBBO, 
thus cannot execute pursuant to proposed Rule 5.33(f)(2)(B).\57\ In 
order to allow for the strategy to execute, the proposed rule change 
would offer functionality that allows the legs of the stock option 
order to trade outside of their expected notional value by a specified 
amount determined by the Exchange.\58\ Therefore, the System could 
ensure that options legs and stock leg were priced in line with the 
other provisions of proposed Rule 5.33(f)(2), as described above. 
Although this would result in a negligible difference (i.e. residual 
amount) between the expected notional value of the trade and the actual 
trade value, Users generally prefer not to forgo an execution for their 
stock-option strategies when the residual amount is miniscule compared 
to the total value of the trade. The value allowance would work, for 
example, as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \56\ See current Rule 6.53C, Interpretation and Policy .06(a).
    \57\ Pursuant to proposed Rule 5.33(f)(2)(B), the System will 
only execute the stock leg of a stock-option order up to a buffer 
amount outside of the stock leg NBBO and that the execution price of 
the buy (sell) stock leg of a QCC with Stock Order may be any price 
(including outside the NBBO for the stock leg). While the QCT 
exemption permits a stock leg to execute outside of the NBBO, the 
Exchange still offers price protections to prevent execution too far 
away from the NBBO, which it understands is consistent with market 
participants' desire. The Exchange intends to set this buffer to 
zero, so the Exchange will not permit execution of the stock leg of 
a stock-option order outside of the NBBO (other than a QCC with 
stock order, which will execute immediately without exposure and 
thus is unlikely to trade too far outside of the NBBO). Current 
rules of other exchanges (such as Cboe Options) prevent execution of 
the stock component from being too far away from the NBBO, as do the 
rules of stock exchanges.
    \58\ The Exchange announces determinations to market 
participants pursuant to Rule 1.5 in the shell Rulebook.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Assume the Exchange has determined a trade value allowance 
of $0.50 from the expected trade value.
     Assume also that:

(Equity) NBBO: 10.00 x 11.00
(Option) NBBO: 1.00 x 1.05, BBO: 1.00 x 1.05
SNBBO: 7.70 x 8.32 (i.e., bid = (47 x 10.00/100) + (3 x 1.00) = 7.70, 
and offer = (47 x 11.00/100) + (3 x 1.05) = 8.32)

     A User enters a stock-option order to Buy 47 shares of XYZ 
stock and Buy 3 June 10 XYZ calls with a net price of 8.30 and a 
quantity of 3.
     The order matches with corresponding contra order on the 
COB.
     The expected trade value based on the order's limit price, 
quantity and a contract multiplier of 100 is $2,490.00 (i.e., 8.30 x 3 
x 100).
     The calculated options match price is 1.00 based on market 
prices and the stock match price is 11.2766 (rounded four decimals), 
therefore, outside of the NBBO.
     The trade value allowance then calculates the stock match 
price that results in a total notional trade value of $2489.9934:

Options leg notional = $1.05 x 100 x 3 x 3 = $945
Stock leg notional = $10.9574 x 47 x 3 = $1,544.9934
Notional trade value = $2,489.9934, which is within the $0.50 trade 
value allowance.

    The Exchange notes that a valid trade price within the NBBO for the 
stock leg with the smallest residual between the difference in actual 
trade value and expected notional trade value is $10.9574. Therefore, 
in this example, the corresponding options leg match price would be 
$1.05 because it is the options match price that could be paired with a 
valid stock trade price that would also allow for the smallest residual 
between the difference in actual trade value and expected notional 
trade value. If, for example, the next allowable options increment \59\ 
within the BBO ($1.04) was used, the stock leg notional trade value 
matched to meet the notional value closest to the expected trade value 
would be $11.0213, and therefore still outside of the NBBO.\60\ The 
Exchange also notes that $1.05 is consistent with the BBO in this 
example.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \59\ See proposed Rule 5.33(f)(1)(B), which states that the 
option leg(s) of a stock-option order may be executed in $0.01 
increments.
    \60\ The notional trade value would be: ($1.04 x 100 x 3 x 3) + 
($11.0213 x 47 x 3) = $2,490.0033.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under the proposed rule, the System will not apply the trade value 
allowance to orders with a ``C'' capacity code (for the account of a 
Priority Customer). This limitation is intended to function as an 
additional protection for customers who may not have the same levels of 
trading sophistication or technological and informational advantages as 
that of Professionals or broker-dealers. Therefore, customers may not 
have measures in place to assume any level of risk that may be 
associated with trading outside of the expected trade value (which risk 
the Exchange believes is de minimis given that the Exchange will impose 
a reasonable cap, as described below, on the amount by which the actual 
trade value may differ from the expected trade level). As a result, the 
Exchange believes that not applying the trade value allowance to 
customer orders will further protect customers from assuming this 
potential risk for which they may not have calculated.
    Overall, this proposed functionality is a helpful feature which 
will allow Users to receive an expeditious execution, and trade the 
stock and options components of a stock-option strategy in a moving

[[Page 50513]]

market without introducing legging risk. Without this functionality 
members would be forced to resubmit their orders and potentially 
receive a much worse price or miss an execution. The Exchange will 
announce to all market participants the determined trade value 
allowance amount pursuant to Rule 1.5. The Exchange would determine an 
allowance amount that would reasonably account for the average 
differences in notional trade values as well as the cost benefit to 
market participants between the differences in actual trade value 
versus expected notional trade value and the imposition of resubmitting 
their orders and potentially receiving a much worse price or missing an 
execution.\61\ The Exchange notes that, if, however, a User determines 
that the trade value allowance is more attractive or favorable on 
another venue, Users are free to execute on other such venues. The 
proposed Exchange determination of a value allowance outside of the 
expected notional value is currently in place on other exchanges.\62\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \61\ The Exchange expects this value to be initially set at 
$0.50 as represented in the example above.
    \62\ See ISE Options 3, Section 14, Supplementary Material .03; 
and Nasdaq MRX, LLC (``MRX'') Options 3, Section 14, Supplementary 
Material .03.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If a stock-option order can execute, the System executes the buy 
(sell) stock leg of a stock-option order pursuant to proposed Rule 
5.33(f)(2)(B) up to a buffer amount above (below) the NBO (NBB), which 
amount the Exchange determines.\63\ The Exchange believes that Users 
may be willing to trade a stock-option order with the stock leg at a 
price outside of the NBBO (which is permissible pursuant to the QCT 
exemption) of the stock leg in order to achieve the desired net price. 
However, the buffer may prevent execution with a stock price ``too 
far'' away from the market price, which may be inconsistent with then-
current market conditions.\64\ This may ultimately prevent execution at 
potentially erroneous prices. This is similar to the Exchange's current 
fat finger protection (which will not permit a complex order to be more 
than a specified amount outside of the SNBBO, which will include the 
NBBO of the stock leg,\65\ except it also applies a buffer to the 
individual stock leg as opposed to the net price.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \63\ See proposed Rule 5.33(f)(2)(B).
    \64\ As noted above, the Exchange expects the buffer amount to 
be initially set at zero. The Exchange may change the buffer amount 
in the future by announcing it pursuant to Rule 1.5 of the shell 
Rulebook.
    \65\ See current Rule 6.12(a)(4) in the current Rulebook. 
Additionally, stock exchanges provide similar protections for 
execution prices of stock orders. See, e.g., NASDAQ Stock Market 
Rule 4757(c) (which prevents stock limit orders from being accepted 
at prices outside of pre-set standard limits, which is based on the 
NBBO).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed Rule 5.33(f)(3) states the System executes complex orders 
without consideration of any prices for the complex strategy that might 
be available on other exchanges trading the same complex strategy; \66\ 
provided, however, that such complex order price may be subject to the 
drill-through price protection in current Rule 6.53C, Interpretation 
and Policy .08 Proposed Rule 5.33(f) is the same as EDGX Rule 21.20(f), 
except the proposed rule change, as noted above, incorporates the fact 
that the Exchange has (and will continue to have) flexibility to 
determine the minimum increment for complex orders on a class-by-class 
basis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \66\ See current Rule 6.53C(c)(i).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed Rule 5.33(g) adopts restrictions on the ability of complex 
orders to Leg into the Simple Book. Specifically, a complex order may 
Leg into the Simple Book pursuant to proposed subparagraphs (d)(5)(A) 
and (e), subject to the restrictions in proposed paragraph (g), if it 
can execute in full or in a permissible ratio \67\ and if it has no 
more than a maximum number of legs (which the Exchange determines on a 
class-by-class basis and may be two, three or four) \68\ (``Legging''), 
subject to the following restrictions:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \67\ See current Rule 6.53C(c)(i)(1) and (d)(v)(1).
    \68\ See current Rule 6.53C(a)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) All two leg COA-eligible Customer complex orders may Leg into 
the Simple Book without restriction.
    (2) Complex orders for any other Capacity with two option legs that 
are both buy or both sell and that are both calls or both puts may not 
Leg into the Simple Book. These orders may execute against other 
complex orders on the COB.
    (3) All complex orders with three or four option legs that are all 
buy or all sell (regardless of whether the option legs are calls or 
puts) may not Leg into the Simple Book. These orders may execute 
against other complex orders on the COB.
    (4) Post Only complex orders and AON complex orders may not Leg 
into the Simple Book.
    (5) Stock-option orders may not Leg into the Simple Book and may 
only execute against other stock-option orders.\69\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \69\ See current Rule 6.53C, Interpretation and Policy .06. 
Current Rule 6.53C, Interpretation and Policy .06(d) provides the 
Exchange with authority to determine on a class-by-class basis to 
permit unexecuted option legs of stock-option market orders to leg 
following a COA. The Exchange does not permit this legging in any 
class and does not intend to following the technology migration, and 
therefore the proposed rule change deletes that provision.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (6) If the Exchange determines to list SPX or VIX on a group basis 
pursuant to Rule 4.14, a complex order consisting of legs in different 
groups of series in the class may not Leg into the Simple Book. A 
complex order consisting of legs in the same group may Leg, subject to 
the other restrictions in proposed paragraph (g).\70\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \70\ See current Rule 6.53C, Interpretation and Policy .02.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed paragraph (g) is the same as EDGX Options Rule 21.20(g) 
(except that Rule does not reference the ability to list classes on a 
group basis, as EDGX Options does not have a Rule that permits that 
type of listing). These restrictions serve the same purpose as the 
protection included in current 6.53C(d)(ii), which is to ensure that 
Market-Makers providing liquidity do not trade above their established 
risk tolerance levels. Currently, liquidity providers (typically Market 
Makers, though such functionality is not currently limited to 
registered Market Makers) in the Simple Book are protected by way of 
the Quote Risk Monitor (``QRM'') by limiting the number of contracts 
they execute as described above. QRM allows Market-Makers and other 
liquidity providers to provide liquidity across potentially hundreds of 
options series without executing the full cumulative size of all such 
quotes before being given adequate opportunity to adjust the price and/
or size of their quotes.
    All of a participant's quotes in each option class are considered 
firm until such time as QRM's threshold has been equaled or exceeded 
and the participant's quotes are removed by QRM in all series of that 
option class. Thus the Legging of complex orders presents higher risk 
to Market-Makers and other liquidity providers as compared to simple 
orders being entered in multiple series of an options class in the 
simple market, as it can result in such participants exceeding their 
established risk thresholds by a greater number of contracts. Although 
Market-Makers and other liquidity providers can limit their risk 
through the use of QRM, the participant's quotes are not removed until 
after a trade is executed. As a result, because of the way complex 
orders leg into the regular market as a single transaction, Market-
Makers and other liquidity providers may end up trading more than the 
cumulative risk thresholds they have established, and are therefore 
exposed to greater risk. The Exchange believes that Market Makers and 
other liquidity providers may be compelled to change their quoting and 
trading behavior to

[[Page 50514]]

account for this additional risk by widening their quotes and reducing 
the size associated with their quotes, which would diminish the 
Exchange's quality of markets and the quality of the markets in 
general.
    Proposed Rule 5.33(h) contains additional provisions regarding the 
handling of complex orders: \71\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \71\ See also C2 Rule 6.13(h) and EDGX Options Rule 21.20(h).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     A complex market order or a limit order with a price that 
locks or crosses the then-current opposite side SBBO and does not 
execute because the SBBO is the best price but not available for 
execution (because it does not satisfy the complex order ratio or the 
complex order cannot Leg into the Simple Book) enters the COB with a 
book and display price that (a) is one minimum increment away from the 
then-current opposite side SBBO if it includes a Priority Customer 
order on any leg or (b) locks the then-current opposite side SBBO if it 
does not include a Priority Customer order on any leg. If the SBBO 
changes, the System continuously reprices the complex order's book and 
display price based on the new SBBO (up to the limit price, if it is a 
limit order), subject to the drill-through price protection in current 
Rule 6.13(b)(v) (to be moved to Rule 5.34(b) of the shell Rulebook), 
until: (A) The complex order has been executed in its entirety; or (B) 
the complex order (or unexecuted portion) of the complex order is 
cancelled or rejected. This provision is the same as EDGX Options Rule 
21.20(h)(1), except that, as noted above, the Exchange may apply a 
different minimum increment for complex orders in a class other than 
$0.01 (on EDGX Options, each class will have a minimum increment of 
$0.01 for complex orders). The purpose of using the calculated SBBO is 
to enable the System to determine a valid trading price range for 
complex strategies and to protect orders resting on the Simple Book by 
ensuring that they are executed when entitled. Additionally, this 
process ensures the System will not execute any component of a complex 
order at a price that would trade through an order on the Simple Book. 
The Exchange believes that this is reasonable because it prevents the 
components of a complex order from trading at a price that is inferior 
to a price at which the individual components may be traded on the 
Exchange or ahead of the leg markets.
     The System cancels or rejects an incoming Post Only 
complex order if it locks or crosses a resting complex order in the COB 
or the then-current opposite side SBBO. The System cancels a resting 
Post Only complex limit order after evaluation pursuant to proposed 
paragraph (i), as discussed below, if the System determines the resting 
Post Only complex limit order locks or crosses the updated SBBO. For 
example, assume there are no orders for a specific strategy resting on 
the COB, the SNBBO is $3.00 by $3.15, and the SBBO is $2.95 by $3.15. 
Assume next that Complex Order 1 enters the COB to sell 10 contracts of 
that strategy at $3.14 and such order is posted to the COB. If Complex 
Order 2 then enters the COB to buy 10 contracts of that strategy at 
$3.14, but Complex Order 2 also contains the Post Only instruction, 
Complex Order 2 is rejected since it locks the resting contra order. 
Similarly, assume there are no orders for a specific strategy resting 
on the COB, the SNBBO is $3.00 by $3.15, and the SBBO is $2.95 by 
$3.20. If a two-leg Complex Order with the Post Only instruction enters 
the COB to buy 10 contracts of that strategy at $3.20, that Complex 
Order is rejected since it cannot leg in to the Simple Book and it 
locks the contra side SBBO. This proposed functionality is consistent 
with the purpose of the Post Only instruction and ensures a Post Only 
complex order will not remove liquidity from the Book. This is also 
consistent with the functionality and purpose of the Post Only order 
instruction on simple orders, and the same as C2 Rule 6.13(h)(3) and 
EDGX Options Rule 21.20(h)(2).
     If there is a zero NBO for any leg, the System replaces 
the zero with a price equal to one minimum increment above NBB to 
calculate the SNBBO, and complex orders with any buy legs do not Leg 
into the Simple Book. If there is a zero NBB, the System replaces the 
zero with a price equal to one minimum increment, and complex orders 
with any sell legs do not Leg into the Simple Book. If there is a zero 
NBB and zero NBO, the System replaces the zero NBB with a price equal 
to one minimum increment and replaces the zero NBO with a price equal 
to two minimum increments, and complex orders do not Leg into the 
Simple Book. The SBBO and SNBBO may not be calculated if the NBB or NBO 
is zero (as noted above, if the best bid or offer on the Exchange is 
not available, the System uses the NBB or NBO when calculating the 
SBBO). As discussed above, permissible execution prices are based on 
the SBBO. If the SBBO is not available, the System cannot determine 
permissible posting or execution pricing for a complex order (which are 
based on the SBBO), which could reduce execution opportunities for 
complex orders. If the System were to use the zero bid or offer when 
calculating the SBBO, it may also result in executions at erroneous 
prices (since there is no market indication for the price at which the 
leg should execute). For example, if a complex order has a buy leg in a 
series with no offer, there is no order in the leg markets against 
which this leg component could execute. This is the same as C2 Rule 
6.13(h)(3) and EDGX Options Rule 21.20(h)(3) (except the proposed rule 
change incorporates the fact that the Exchange may apply a different 
minimum increment to a class for complex orders). This is also 
consistent with the proposed rule change that states complex order 
executions are not permitted if the price of a leg would be zero. 
Additionally, this is similar to the proposed rule change described 
above to improve the posting price of a complex order by one minimum 
increment if it would otherwise lock the SBBO. The proposed rule change 
is a reasonable process to ensure complex orders receive execution 
opportunities, even if there is no interest in the leg markets.\72\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \72\ Current Rule 6.13(b)(vi) states if a market order is 
received when the national best bid in a series is zero, if the 
Exchange best offer is less than or equal to $0.50, the Cboe Options 
system enters the market order into the book as a limit order with a 
price equal to the minimum trading increment for the series. Similar 
to the proposed rule change, this is an example of an exchange 
modifying an order price to provide execution opportunities for the 
order when there is a lack of contra-side interest when the order is 
received by the exchange.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed Rule 5.33(i) states the System evaluates an incoming 
complex order upon receipt after the open of trading to determine 
whether it is a COA-eligible order or a do-not-COA order and thus 
whether it should be processed pursuant to proposed paragraph (d) or 
(e), respectively, routed to PAR for manual handling, or cancelled. The 
System also re-evaluates a complex order resting on the COB (including 
an order (or unexecuted portion) that did not execute pursuant to 
proposed paragraph (d) or (e) upon initial receipt) (1) at time the COB 
opens, (2) following a halt, and (3) during the trading day when the 
leg market price or quantity changes to determine whether the complex 
order can execute (pursuant to proposed paragraph (e)), should be 
repriced (pursuant to proposed paragraph (h)), should remain resting on 
the COB, or should be cancelled. Proposed paragraph (i) is the same as 
C2 Rule 6.13(i) and EDGX Options Rule 21.20(i). This evaluation process 
ensures that the System is monitoring and assessing the COB for 
incoming complex orders, and changes in market conditions or events

[[Page 50515]]

that cause complex orders to reprice or execute, and conditions or 
events that result in the cancellation of complex orders on the COB. 
This ensures the integrity of the Exchange's System in handling complex 
orders and results in a fair and orderly market for complex orders on 
the Exchange.
    Proposed Rule 5.33(j) states the System routes to PAR for manual 
handling or cancels or rejects a complex market order it receives when 
the underlying security is subject to a limit up-limit down state, as 
defined in the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan. If during a COA of a market 
order, the underlying security enters a Limit State or Straddle State, 
the System terminates the COA without trading and cancels or rejects 
all COA Responses. The Exchange only executes the stock leg of a stock-
option order at a price permissible under the Limit Up-Limit Down Plan. 
If the stock-option order cannot execute, if a limit order, the System 
calculates the SBBO or SNBBO with a price for the stock leg that would 
be permissible under that Plan and posts it to the COB at that price 
(if eligible to rest), or if a market order, routes the stock-option 
order to PAR for manual handling, subject to a User's instructions. 
This is consistent with handling of simple market orders during a limit 
up-limit down state, and is substantively the same as C2 Rule 6.13(j) 
(except C2 does not offer stock-option orders) and EDGX Options Rule 
21.20(j), except the C2 and EDGX Options do not provide for markets 
orders to route to PAR for manual handling, as those are electronic 
only exchanges.\73\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \73\ See current Rule 6.53C(d)(ix) and Interpretation and Policy 
.06(f).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed Rule 5.33(k) describes the impact of trading halts on the 
trading of complex orders. If a trading halt exists for the underlying 
security or a component of a complex strategy, trading in the complex 
strategy will be suspended, and the System queues a User's complex 
orders unless the User instructed the Exchange to cancel its complex 
orders upon a trading halt. The COB remains available for Users to 
enter and manage complex orders. Incoming complex orders that could 
otherwise execute or initiate a COA in the absence of a halt are placed 
on the COB or cancelled, subject to a User's instructions.\74\ Incoming 
complex orders with a time in force of IOC will be cancelled or 
rejected.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \74\ This provision incorporates the fact that the Exchange has 
a trading floor. Therefore, if a User designates an order (by adding 
the Default or Direct to PAR Order Instruction, as described above) 
that is not eligible to rest on the COB as eligible to route to the 
PAR workstation for manual handling, if a User submits such a 
complex order during a halt, it would route to PAR, rather than be 
cancelled in accordance with the User's instructions. If the User 
had instead designated this order as Electronic Only, the order 
would be cancelled if submitted during a halt in accordance with the 
User's instructions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If, during a COA, any component(s) and/or the underlying security 
of a COA-eligible order is halted, the COA ends early without trading 
and all COA Responses are cancelled or rejected. The System enters 
remaining complex orders on the COB or cancelled, subject to a User's 
instructions. When trading in the halted component(s) and/or underlying 
security of the complex order resumes, the System will re-open the COB 
pursuant to proposed paragraph (c) (as described above). The System 
queues any complex orders designated for a re-opening following a halt 
until the halt has ended, at which time they are eligible for execution 
in the COB opening process. This proposed rule change regarding the 
handling of complex orders during a trading halt is substantively the 
same as C2 Rule 6.13(k) and EDGX Options Rule 21.20(k).
    Proposed Rule 5.33(l) contains provisions regarding the handling 
execution of stock-option orders.\75\ The proposed rule change moves 
provisions from current Rule Interpretation and Policy .06 to proposed 
Rule 5.33(l) as follows \76\:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \75\ See also EDGX Options Rule 21.20(l) (which is the same as 
the proposed rule change). The Exchange notes C2 does not offer 
stock-option order functionality.
    \76\ Certain provisions from current Rule 6.53C, Interpretation 
and Policy .06 are included in other parts of proposed Rule 5.33, 
such as permissible minimum increments and execution prices, as 
described above.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Current rule  (current   Proposed rule  (shell      Proposed substantive
           Rule provision                   rulebook)               rulebook)                  changes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A User may only submit a stock-      Rule 6.53C,             Rule 5.33,              The proposed rule change
 option order (including a QCC        Interpretation and      Interpretation and      applies the same provision
 Stock Order) if it complies with     Policy .06(a) and       Policy .03.             to all stock-option
 the Qualified Contingent Trade       (g)(1)(C).                                      orders, including QCC with
 Exemption (``QCT Exemption'') from                                                   Stock Orders, as all stock-
 Rule 611(a) of Regulation NMS. A                                                     option orders must comply
 User submitting a stock-option                                                       with the QCT Exemption.
 order represents that it complies                                                    The proposed rule change
 with the QCT Exemption. To submit                                                    deletes the requirement in
 a stock-option order to the                                                          current Rule 6.53C,
 Exchange for execution, a User                                                       Interpretation and Policy
 must enter into a brokerage                                                          .06(a) that a TPH identify
 agreement with one or more broker-                                                   a designated give up on a
 dealers that are not affiliated                                                      stock-option order.\77\
 with the Exchange, which broker-                                                     TPHs must identify a give-
 dealers the Exchange has                                                             up on all orders submitted
 identified as having connectivity                                                    to the Exchange, which
 to electronically communicate the                                                    would include all stock-
 stock components of stock-option                                                     option orders, so the
 orders to stock trading venues.                                                      Exchange believes it is
                                                                                      redundant to state this in
                                                                                      the stock-option order
                                                                                      rules. \78\
When a User submits to the System a  Rule 6.53C,             Rule 5.33(l)(1).......  The proposed rule change
 stock-option order, it must          Interpretation and                              applies the same provision
 designate a specific broker-dealer   Policy .06(a) and                               to all stock-option
 with which it has entered into a     (g)(1)(C).                                      orders, including QCC with
 brokerage agreement pursuant to                                                      Stock Orders.
 proposed Interpretation and Policy
 .03 (the ``designated broker-
 dealer'') to which the Exchange
 will electronically communicate
 the stock component of the stock-
 option order on behalf of the User.
A stock-option order may execute     Rule 6.53C,             Rule 5.33(l)(2).......  None.
 against other stock-option orders    Interpretation and
 (or COA responses, if applicable),   Policy .06,
 but may not execute against orders   introductory
 in the Simple Book. A stock-option   paragraph and (a).
 order may only execute if the
 price complies with proposed
 subparagraph (f)(2)(B) (as
 described above).

[[Page 50516]]

 
If a stock-option order can execute  Rule 6.53C,             Rule 5.33(l)(2)(A)....  The proposed rule change
 upon entry or following a COA, or    Interpretation and                              prevents potential
 if it can execute following          Policy .06(b) and                               execution of the stock
 evaluation while resting in the      (g)(2) \79\.                                    component of a qualified
 COB pursuant to paragraph (i), the                                                   contingent transaction
 System executes the option                                                           (``QCT'') where the stock
 component (which may consist of                                                      component by waiting to
 one or more option legs) of a                                                        communicate the stock
 stock-option order against the                                                       component for execution
 option component of other stock-                                                     until after the option
 option orders resting in the COB                                                     component executes. This
 or COA responses pursuant to the                                                     proposed execution process
 allocation algorithm applicable to                                                   is the same process the
 the class pursuant to proposed                                                       Exchange currently uses to
 subparagraph (d)(5)(A)(ii) above,                                                    execute QCC with Stock
 as applicable, but does not                                                          Orders, which are a type
 immediately send the User a trade                                                    of stock-option order (and
 execution report, and then                                                           thus the Exchange merely
 automatically communicates the                                                       expands this process to
 stock component to the designated                                                    all stock-option orders,
 broker-dealer for execution at a                                                     as all stock-option orders
 stock trading venue.                                                                 must satisfy the same QCT
                                                                                      Exemption). \80\
If the System receives an execution  Rule 6.53C,             Rule 5.33(l)(2)(B)....  This proposed execution
 report for the stock component       Interpretation and                              process is the same
 from the designated broker-dealer,   Policy .06(g)(3).                               process the Exchange
 the Exchange sends the User the                                                      currently uses to execute
 trade execution report for the                                                       QCC with Stock Orders,
 stock-option order, including                                                        which are a type of stock-
 execution information for the                                                        option order (and thus the
 stock and option components. If                                                      Exchange merely expands
 the System receives a report from                                                    this process to all stock-
 the designated broker-dealer that                                                    option orders, as all
 the stock component cannot                                                           stock-option orders must
 execute, the Exchange nullifies                                                      satisfy the same QCT
 the option component trade and                                                       Exemption). Currently,
 notifies the User of the reason                                                      whenever a stock trading
 for the nullification.                                                               venue nullifies the stock
                                                                                      leg of a QCT or whenever
                                                                                      the stock leg cannot
                                                                                      execute, the Exchange will
                                                                                      nullify the option leg
                                                                                      upon request of one of the
                                                                                      parties to the transaction
                                                                                      or on an Exchange
                                                                                      Official's own motion in
                                                                                      accordance with the
                                                                                      Rules.\81\ To qualify as a
                                                                                      QCT, the execution of one
                                                                                      component is contingent
                                                                                      upon the execution of all
                                                                                      other components at or
                                                                                      near the same time.\82\
                                                                                      Given this requirement, if
                                                                                      the stock component does
                                                                                      not execute at or near the
                                                                                      same time as the option
                                                                                      component, it is
                                                                                      reasonable to expect a
                                                                                      User that submitted a
                                                                                      stock-option order to
                                                                                      request such
                                                                                      nullification.\83\ If the
                                                                                      stock component does not
                                                                                      execute, rather than
                                                                                      require the User that
                                                                                      submitted the stock-option
                                                                                      order to contact the
                                                                                      Exchange to request the
                                                                                      nullification of the
                                                                                      option component execution
                                                                                      pursuant to current Rule
                                                                                      6.25, Interpretation and
                                                                                      Policy .04(c), the
                                                                                      proposed rule eliminates
                                                                                      this requirement for the
                                                                                      submitting User to make
                                                                                      such a request. Instead,
                                                                                      the proposed rule change
                                                                                      provides that the Exchange
                                                                                      will automatically nullify
                                                                                      the option transaction if
                                                                                      the stock component does
                                                                                      not execute. The Exchange
                                                                                      believes such
                                                                                      nullification without a
                                                                                      request from the User is
                                                                                      consistent with the
                                                                                      definition of a QCT order.
                                                                                      The proposed rule change
                                                                                      merely automates an
                                                                                      otherwise manual process
                                                                                      for Users. \84\
If a stock-option order cannot       Rule 6.53C,             Rule 5.33(l)(2).......  None.
 execute, it rests in the COB (if     Interpretation and
 eligible to rest) or routes to PAR   Policy .06(b).
 for manual handling, subject to a
 User's instructions.
Handling of QCC with Stock Orders..  Rule 6.53C,             Rule 5.33(l)(3).......  The Exchange notes that
                                      Interpretation and                              pursuant to current Rule
                                      Policy .06(g).                                  6.53 regarding QCC orders,
                                                                                      a QCC order may have more
                                                                                      than one option leg (i.e.,
                                                                                      be comprised of a complex
                                                                                      order). Because a QCC with
                                                                                      Stock Order is defined as
                                                                                      a QCC order submitted with
                                                                                      a stock component, current
                                                                                      Rule 6.53 (which includes
                                                                                      the definition of a QCC
                                                                                      with Stock Order) permits
                                                                                      a QCC with Stock Order to
                                                                                      be a Complex QCC with
                                                                                      Stock Order. The proposed
                                                                                      rule change merely
                                                                                      explicitly states such an
                                                                                      order is permitted.
Regulation SHO marking requirement.  Rule 6.53C,             Rule 5.33(l)(4)(A)....  None.
                                      Interpretation and
                                      Policy .06(e).
The Exchange will only execute the   N/A...................  Rule 5.33(l)(4)(B)....  While not explicitly stated
 stock leg of a stock-option order                                                    in the current Rules, the
 at a price permissible under                                                         Exchange will not execute
 Regulation SHO. If a stock-option                                                    the stock leg of a stock-
 order cannot execute, for a limit                                                    option order at a price
 order, the System calculates the                                                     not permissible under
 SBBO or SNBBO with a price for the                                                   Regulation SHO (current
 stock leg that would be                                                              Rule 6.53C, Interpretation
 permissible under Regulation SHO,                                                    and Policy .06(a) states a
 and posts the stock-option order                                                     stock-option order will
 on the COB at that price (if                                                         not execute unless the
 eligible to rest), or if a market                                                    stock leg is executable at
 order, the System routes it to PAR                                                   a price necessary to
 for manual handling, subject to a                                                    achieve the desired net
 User's instructions.                                                                 price). \85\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 50517]]

    The Exchange believes the proposed provisions described above 
regarding complex order handling and executions provide a framework 
that is substantially the same as the framework in place on the 
Exchange today, as described above. The Exchange believes it will 
continue to enable the efficient trading of complex orders in a manner 
that is substantially similar to functionality available on Cboe 
Affiliated Exchanges. As described above, complex order executions are 
designed to work in concert with a priority of allocation that 
continues to respect the priority of allocations on the Simple Book 
while protecting orders Priority Customer orders in the Simple Book.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \77\ See Rule 6.21 in the current Rulebook (which rule the 
Exchange intends to move without any substantive changes to Rule 
5.10 of the shell Rulebook in a separate rule filing).
    \78\ See also ISE Options 3, Sections 12(e) and 14.
    \79\ See also ISE Options 3, Section 14, Supplementary Material 
.02 (which states a ``trade'' of a stock-option order or stock-
complex order will be automatically cancelled if market conditions 
prevent the execution of the stock or option leg(s) at the prices 
necessary to achieve the agreed upon net price); and Miami 
International Securities Exchange, LLC (``MIAX'') Rule 518, 
Interpretation and Policy .01(b) (pursuant to which the stock 
components will attempt execution prior to the option components, 
but ultimately require both the stock and option components to 
execute).
    \80\ See current Rule 6.53C, Interpretation and Policy .06(g).
    \81\ See current Rule 6.25, Interpretation and Policy .04(c).
    \82\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 54389 (August 31, 
2006), 71 FR 52829, 52831 (September 7, 2006) (Order Granting an 
Exemption for Qualified Contingent Trades from Rule 611(a) of 
Regulation NMS Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) (``QCT 
Exemption Order''), which requires the execution of one component of 
the QCT to be contingent upon the execution of all other components 
at or near the same time to qualify for the exemption. In its 
Exemption Request, the Securities Industry Association stated that 
for contingent trades, the execution of one order is contingent upon 
the execution of the other order. SIA further stated that, by 
breaking up one or more components of a contingent trade and 
requiring that such components be separately executed, one or more 
parties may trade ``out of hedge.'' See Letter to Nancy M. Morris, 
Secretary, Commission, from Andrew Madoff, SIA Trading Committee, 
SIA, dated June 21, 2006 (``SIA Exemption Request''), at 3.
    \83\ See QCT Exemption Order at 52831. In the SIA Exemption 
Request, the SIA indicated parties to a contingent transaction are 
focused on the spread or ratio between the transaction prices for 
each of the component instruments, rather than on the absolute price 
of any single component instrument. The SIA also noted the economics 
of a contingent trade are based on the relationship between the 
prices of the security and related derivative or security. See SIA 
Exemption Request at 2.
    \84\ The Exchange believes this automatic nullification will 
reduce any compliance risk for the User associated with execution of 
a stock-option order and lack of execution of a stock order at or 
near the same time. In the SIA Exemption Request, the SIA stated 
that parties to a contingent trade will not execute one side of the 
trade without the other component or components being executed in 
full (or in ratio) and at the specified spread or ratio. See SIA 
Exemption Request at 2. While a broker-dealer could re-submit the 
stock component to a stock trading venue or execution after it 
initially fails to execute, there is a compliance risk that the time 
at which the stock component executes is not close enough to the 
time at which the option component executed. The Exchange conducts 
surveillance to ensure a User executes the stock component of a QCT, 
which will also apply to QCC with Stock Orders, if the option 
component executed. As a result, if the stock component does not 
execute when initially submitted to a stock trading venue by the 
designated broker-dealer, a User may be subject to compliance risk 
if it does not execute the stock component within a reasonable time 
period of the execution of the option component. The proposed rule 
change reduces this compliance risk for Users.
    \85\ Specifically, Rule 201 of Regulation SHO provides that when 
the short sale price test is triggered for an NMS stock, a trading 
center (such as the Exchange) must comply with Rule 201. Other 
options exchanges have similar marking requirements. See also MIAX 
Rule 518, Interpretation and Policy .01(b) (which requires execution 
price in accordance with Regulation SHO).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed Interpretation and Policy .01 states Market-Makers are not 
required to quote on the COB. Complex strategies are not subject to any 
quoting requirements applicable to Market-Makers in the simple market 
for individual options series or classes. The Exchange does not take 
into account Market-Makers' volume executed in complex strategies when 
deterring whether Market-Makers meet their quoting obligations in the 
simple market for individual options. This codifies current Exchange 
practice and is the same as C2 Rule 6.13, Interpretation and Policy .01 
and EDGX Rule 21.20, Interpretation and Policy .01.
    The proposed rule change deletes current Rule 6.53C, Interpretation 
and Policy .01 regarding how the Exchange will announce determinations 
it may make pursuant to Rule 6.53C. Rule 1.5 in the shell Rulebook 
describes how the Exchange will announce determinations it may make 
pursuant to the Rules, and thus current Interpretation and Policy .01 
is no longer necessary.
    The proposed rule change deletes current Rule 6.53C, Interpretation 
and Policy .03 regarding the N-second timer for complex order 
transactions. The Exchange no longer has N-second timer functionality 
for simple or complex order transactions, making this provision 
obsolete.
    The proposed rule change deletes current Rule 6.53C, 
Interpretations and Policies .04 and .06(b)(2), which describes how 
orders (including stock-option orders) resting on the COB may initiate 
a COA under certain conditions. This ``re-COA'' functionality will not 
be available on the Exchange following the technology migration. This 
is consistent with the Exchange's current authority to determine 
whether to apply re-COA functionality to a class. However, as described 
above, the System continuously evaluates orders resting on the COB for 
execution opportunities against incoming complex orders or orders in 
the leg markets.\86\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \86\ Neither C2 nor EDGX Options permits complex orders to re-
COA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed rule change moves the provision in current Rule 6.53C, 
Interpretation and Policy .05 that states a pattern or practice of 
submitting orders that cause a COA to conclude early will be deemed 
conduct inconsistent with just and equitable principles of trade and a 
violation of Rule 8.1 in the shell Rulebook (which will be equivalent 
to Rule 4.1 in the current Rulebook) to proposed Rule 5.33, 
Interpretation and Policy .02. The proposed rule change deletes the 
provision in Rule 6.53C, Interpretation and Policy .05 that 
redistributing the RFR message provided by the Exchange to persons not 
eligible to respond to such messages is prohibited, except in classes 
in which the Exchange allows all TPHs to respond to such messages. The 
Exchange believes redistribution of auction messages adds transparency 
to the market. The Exchange notes that Trading Permit Holders will 
continue to be prohibited from engaging in acts or practices 
inconsistent with just and equitable principles of trade.
    The proposed rule change moves Rule 6.53B from the current Rulebook 
to Rule 5.41 in the shell Rulebook.\87\ The proposed rule is virtually 
identical to the current rule, except the proposed rule change makes 
certain nonsubstantive changes, including to make the rule text more 
plain English, update cross-references, conform terminology to that 
used throughout the shell Rulebook, and add paragraph lettering and 
numbering. The Exchange notes it deletes the provision in current Rule 
6.53B(a) that states S&P 500 variance trades may only trade 
electronically. The proposed rule change moves this Rule to Rule 5.41 
in the shell Rulebook, which is in Chapter 5, Section C of the shell 
Rulebook, which section relates only to electronic trading. Because the 
proposed rule is in a section only about electronic trading, the 
Exchange believes including a provision that states these trades may 
only trade electronically would be redundant, and therefore does not 
include that provision.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \87\ The Exchange notes it does not currently allow S&P 500 
variance trades; however, it may determine to make them available 
for trading in the future, in which case it would announce such 
determination pursuant to Rule 1.5 in the shell Rulebook.

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

[[Page 50518]]

    The proposed rule change amends Rule 5.83 in the shell Rulebook to 
describe the complex orders types that the Exchange may make available 
for PAR routing for manual handling (and open outcry trading):
     Order types: limit and market orders.\88\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \88\ The Exchange current permits market and limit complex 
orders to be routed to PAR for manual handling.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Order instructions: AON, Attributable, Complex Only, MTP 
Modifier, Multi-Class Spread, Non-Attributable, Not Held, RTH Only, SPX 
Combo, and stock-option order.\89\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \89\ Rule 5.83(a) in the shell Rulebook currently lists Multi-
Class Spreads and SPX Combos as available for PAR routing. Because 
those are multi-legged orders, the proposed rule change moves them 
to Rule 5.83(b), and adds subheadings to each of paragraph (a) and 
(b). These order instructions (other than Complex Only, which the 
Exchange does not currently offer) are current eligible to route to 
PAR.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Times-in-Force: Day and GTC.
    Making these order types available for PAR routing is consistent 
with current Exchange authority under Rules 6.12A and 6.53 (which Rules 
identify which orders are eligible for PAR, and permit the Exchange to 
make order types available on a system-by-system basis, respectively). 
Currently, Rule 6.12A indicates attributable orders and market-maker 
trade prevention orders (similar to orders with an MTP Modifier) may 
not route to PAR. While attribution is only relevant with respect to 
electronic orders (as it involves a User's unique identifier to be 
displayed if resting on the Book), the Exchange believes a User may 
still want an order to be routed for manual handling if it cannot 
execute, as the Attributable designation has no impact on execution. A 
User may still designate an Attributable order as Electronic Only if 
the User does not want an Attributable order routed to PAR for manual 
handling (and thus be handled as it is today). Similarly, while the 
purpose of designating an MTP Modifier is to prevent certain electronic 
executions (and cannot be enforced in open outcry), the Exchange 
believes a User may still want an order with an MTP Modifier to be 
routed to PAR for manual handling if it cannot be processed 
electronically. The risk a User is intending to avoid with an MTP 
Modifier is generally not present on the trading floor. Again, a User 
may designate an order with an MTP Modifier as Electronic Only if the 
User does not want that order to be routed to PAR for manual handling 
(and thus be handled as it is today). The proposed rule changes 
provides Users with additional flexibility and control over the 
handling and executions of their orders, while also providing 
opportunities for orders to be handled in the same manner as they are 
today. Additionally, the Exchange believes listing these in the Rules 
will provide investors with additional transparency regarding which 
order types are eligible to route to PAR for manual handling.\90\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \90\ See Rules 6.12A(c) and 6.53 (in the current Rulebook) 
(which provide that certain order types in Rule 6.53 are eligible 
for routing to PAR, and that the Exchange may determine which order 
types in Rule 6.53 are available on a class and system (including 
PAR) basis); see also Rule 5.83 in the shell Rulebook.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with 
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ``Act'') and the rules and 
regulations thereunder applicable to the Exchange and, in particular, 
the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act.\91\ Specifically, the 
Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the 
Section 6(b)(5) \92\ requirements that the rules of an exchange be 
designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to 
promote just and equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation 
and coordination with persons engaged in regulating, clearing, 
settling, processing information with respect to, and facilitating 
transactions in securities, 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. Additionally, 
the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the 
Section 6(b)(5) \93\ requirement that the rules of an exchange not be 
designed to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, 
brokers, or dealers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \91\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \92\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
    \93\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In particular, as described above, the general framework for the 
electronic processing of complex orders on the Exchange will remain the 
same following the technology migration. The Exchange believes that the 
general provisions regarding the trading of complex orders will 
continue to provide a clear framework for trading of complex orders, 
which will be in a manner consistent with that of C2 and EDGX Options, 
as described above. This consistency should promote a fair and orderly 
national options market system.
    The proposed execution and priority rules will allow complex orders 
to interact with interest in the Simple Book and, conversely, interest 
on the Simple Book to interact with complex orders in an efficient and 
orderly manner. The proposed priority of execution of complex orders is 
consistent with general principles of customer priority and protects 
the leg markets, as it will ensure that executions of complex orders 
improve the SBBO if there is a Priority Customer representing any leg 
on the Simple Book. As discussed above, the proposed priority order is 
the same as that on EDGX Options.
    The Exchange proposes that complex orders may be submitted as limit 
orders and market orders, and orders with a Time-in-Force of Day, GTC, 
GTD, IOC, or OPG, and with Order Instructions of All Sessions, AON, 
Book Only, Complex Only, MTP Modifiers, Post Only, RTH Only, QCC with 
Stock Order, or stock-option order. In particular, the Exchange 
believes that limit orders, GTD, IOC, DAY, GTC, and OPG orders all 
provide valuable limitations on execution price and time that help to 
protect Exchange participants and investors in both the Simple Book and 
the COB. As noted above, the Exchange currently makes most of these 
order types (including having similar criteria for being COA-eligible 
and providing an option to designate a complex order as do-not-COA) 
available for complex orders. Currently, complex orders may be 
submitted in the GTH and RTH trading sessions, and making the All 
Sessions and RTH Only instructions available will continue to permit 
Users to have the flexibility to submit complex orders into both 
trading sessions, in their discretion. The proposed rule change also 
clarifies that Attributable/Non-Attributable instructions are available 
for complex orders; however, these instructions merely apply to 
information that is displayed for the orders but do not impact how they 
execute. Because complex orders do not route (and the Exchange does not 
currently offer a Post Only instruction, which the Exchange proposes to 
make available for complex orders, as discussed below), all complex 
orders are currently the equivalent of Book Only, which is therefore 
consistent with current Exchange complex order functionality.
    In particular, the Exchange notes that while the Complex Only Order 
(as further discussed below) may reduce execution opportunities for the 
entering Market-Maker, C2 and EDGX options each offer this 
functionality in connection with complex order functionality. The 
Exchange believes this is a reasonable limitation a Market-Maker may 
wish to include on its order in order to participate on the COB. In 
addition, the Exchange believes that offering participants the ability 
to utilize

[[Page 50519]]

MTP Modifiers for complex orders in a similar way to the way they are 
used on the Simple Book provides such participants with the ability to 
protect themselves from inadvertently automatic matching against their 
own interest.
    The Post Only Order instruction on complex orders is designed to 
encourage market participants to add liquidity in the complex order 
market, which will benefit investors. By giving market participants the 
flexibility to manage their execution costs and the circumstances in 
which their complex orders are executed, the Exchange believes the 
proposed rule change would remove impediments to perfect the mechanism 
of a free and open market and a national market system and protect 
investors. The Exchange also believes that the proposed rule change 
will contribute to the protection of investors and the public interest 
by assuring compliance with rules related to locked and crossed 
markets.
    Additionally, the Exchange notes that Post Only functionality is 
not new or unique functionality and is already available in a similar 
capacity. While the Post Only complex order type is not currently 
available in the market, the Exchange recently proposed to have a Post 
Only simple order type,\94\ which functions in the same manner as the 
proposed Post Only complex order type. The purpose of a Post Only 
complex order is the same as the purpose of a Post Only simple order, 
and the Post Only Order instruction on complex orders ensures the 
submitter receives the benefit of a reduced fee when intending to add 
liquidity.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \94\ See Rule 5.6(c) in the shell Rulebook.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed rule change benefits investors by providing 
transparency regarding how the System will handle and execute AON 
orders, which handling and execution are consistent with the size 
contingency of AON orders. The proposed rule change to require AON 
complex orders to COA and not permit them to rest in the COB or Leg 
into the Simple Book will protect investors, because it will provide 
AON complex orders with opportunities for execution and continue to 
protect orders on the Simple Book. As the Exchange noted above, there 
would be significant technical complexities associated with 
reprogramming priority within the System to permit AON complex orders 
to Leg into the Simple Book and provide AON orders with priority 
consistent with the standard priority principles described above. The 
Exchange notes that, in addition to EDGX Options, other options 
exchange do not permit AON complex orders to rest in the COB \95\ or to 
leg into the simple book.\96\ In addition, as described above, the 
proposed rule change protects resting Leg market interest because AON 
complex orders may not execute unless they improve the SBBO at the 
conclusion of a COA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \95\ See, e.g., ISE Options 3, Section 14(b)(3) (which requires 
AON complex orders to be submitted as IOC orders). While not 
specified in current Rules, this proposed change is consistent with 
current Exchange functionality (pursuant to the Exchange's authority 
in current Rule 6.53 to determine which order types are eligible for 
COB entry (an Exchange system)).
    \96\ See, e.g., Phlx Rule 1098(e)(vi)(A).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange believes the proposed complex orders types (in 
addition to those currently available on the Exchange) will provide 
investors with additional functionality that will provide them with 
more flexibility and control over the management of their complex 
orders and the manner and circumstances in which their complex orders 
may be executed, modified, or cancelled. As a result, this may provide 
for the protection of investors and contribute to market efficiency. 
This may encourage market participants to bring additional liquidity to 
the market, which benefits all investors. Additionally, this will 
provide Users with greater harmonization between the order handling 
instructions available among the Cboe Affiliated Exchanges.
    The proposed rule change also benefits investors by adding 
transparency regarding which orders are eligible for electronic 
processing, and which orders are eligible for manual handling. The 
Exchange currently has authority pursuant to Rules 6.12A and 6.53 in 
the current Rulebook to determine which orders are eligible for 
electronic processing and PAR routing, and the proposed rule change is 
consistent with that authority.
    If a complex order is not priced equal to, or better than, the SBBO 
or is not priced to improve other complex orders resting at the top of 
the COB, the Exchange does not believe that it is reasonable to 
anticipate that it would generate a meaningful number of COA Responses 
such that there would be price improvement of the complex order's limit 
price. Promoting the orderly initiation of COAs is essential to 
maintaining a fair and orderly market for complex orders; otherwise, 
the initiation of COAs that are unlikely to result in price improvement 
could affect the orderliness of the marketplace in general. The 
Exchange believes that this removes impediments to and perfects the 
mechanisms of a free and open market and a national market system by 
promoting the orderly initiation of COAs, and by limiting the 
likelihood of unnecessary COAs that are not expected to result in price 
improvement. The proposed circumstances in which an order may be 
eligible to COA are substantively the same as those in which an order 
may be eligible to COA on C2 and EDGX, as noted above.
    The Exchange believes the proposed maximum 500 millisecond Response 
Time Interval promotes just and equitable principles of trade and 
removes impediments to a free and open market because it allows 
sufficient time for Trading Permit Holders participating in a COA to 
submit COA Responses and would encourage competition among 
participants, thereby enhancing the potential for price improvement for 
complex orders in the COA to the benefit of investors and public 
interest. The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is not 
unfairly discriminatory because it establishes a Response Time Interval 
applicable to all Exchange participants participating in a COA, which 
is the same maximum Response Time Interval on EDGX and C2, as noted 
above.
    The proposed events that will conclude a COA early are reasonable 
and promote a fair and orderly market and national market system, 
because they will ensure that executions at the conclusion of a COA 
occur at permissible prices (and not outside the prices of complex 
order resting at the top of the COB or the SBBO, or at the SBBO if 
there is a Priority Customer order resting in any leg on the Simple 
Book). The proposed rule change will also benefit investors by 
continuing to provide clarity regarding what will cause a COA to 
conclude. These events would create circumstances under which a COA 
would not have been permitted to start, or that would cause the auction 
price no longer be consistent with the permissible prices at which 
executions at the conclusion of a COA may occur. Thus the Exchange 
believes it is appropriate to conclude a COA if those circumstances 
occur. The Exchange will no longer conclude a COA early due to the 
receipt of an opposite side order. The Exchange believes this promotes 
just and equitable principles of trade, because these orders may have 
the opportunity to trade against the COA'd order following the 
conclusion of the COA, which execution must still be at or better than 
the SBBO (or better than the SBBO if there is a Priority Customer order 
on any leg) and at or better than the best-priced complex orders on the 
COB. The Exchange believes this will protect investors, because it will

[[Page 50520]]

provide more time for price improvement, and the unrelated order will 
have the opportunity to trade against the COA'd order in the same 
manner as all other contra-side interest.
    The Exchange again notes that it has not proposed to limit the 
frequency of COAs for a complex strategy and could have multiple COAs 
occurring concurrently with respect to a particular complex strategy. 
The Exchange represents that it has systems capacity to process 
multiple overlapping COAs consistent with the proposal, including 
systems necessary to conduct surveillance of activity occurring in such 
auctions. Further, C2 and EDGX may both currently have multiple complex 
auctions in the same strategy run concurrently, as noted above. The 
Exchange does not anticipate overlapping auctions necessarily to be a 
common occurrence, however, after considerable review, believes that 
such behavior is more fair and reasonable with respect to Trading 
Permit Holders who submit orders to the COB because the alternative 
presents other issues to such Trading Permit Holders. Specifically, if 
the Exchange does not permit overlapping COAs, then a Trading Permit 
Holder who wishes to submit a COA-eligible order but has its order 
rejected because another COA is already underway in the complex 
strategy must either wait for such COA to conclude and re-submit the 
order to the Exchange (possibly constantly resubmitting the complex 
order to ensure it is received by the Exchange before another COA 
commences) or must send the order to another options exchange that 
accepts complex orders.
    The proposed Legging restrictions protects investors and the public 
interest by ensuring that Market-Makers and other liquidity providers 
do not trade above their established risk tolerance levels, which is 
consistent with the purpose of current restrictions in place on the 
Exchange, as discussed above. The proposed Legging restrictions, as 
noted above, are the same as those offered on EDGX Options (while 
several are unique to the Exchange and exist today). Despite the 
enhanced execution opportunities provided by Legging, the Exchange 
believes it is reasonable and consistent with the Act to permit Market-
Makers to submit orders designated as Complex Only Orders that will not 
leg into the Simple Book. This is analogous to other types of 
functionality offered by the Exchange that provides Trading Permit 
Holders the ability to direct the Exchange not to route their orders or 
remove liquidity from the Exchange. Similar to such analogous features, 
the Exchange believes that Market-Makers may utilize Complex Only Order 
functionality as part of their strategy to maintain additional control 
over their executions, in connection with their attempt to provide and 
not remove liquidity, or in connection with applicable fees for 
executions.
    Evaluation of the executability of complex orders is central to the 
removal of impediments to, and the perfection of, the mechanisms of a 
free and open market and a national market system and, in general, the 
protection of investors and the public interest. The proposed 
evaluation process will ensure that the System will capture and act 
upon complex orders that are due for execution. The regular and event-
driven evaluation process removes potential impediments to the 
mechanisms of the free and open market and the national market system 
by ensuring that complex orders are given the best possible chance at 
execution at the best price, evaluating the availability of complex 
orders to be handled in a number of ways as described in this proposal. 
Any potential impediments to the order handling and execution process 
respecting complex orders are substantially removed due to their 
continual and event-driven evaluation for subsequent action to be taken 
by the System. This protects investors and the public interest by 
ensuring that complex orders in the System are continually monitored 
and evaluated for potential action(s) to be taken on behalf of 
investors that submit their complex orders to the Exchange.
    The proposed rule change to permit the Exchange to set an allowable 
value outside of the expected notional trade value for the legs of a 
stock-option order removes impediments to and perfects the mechanism of 
a free and open market and a national market system because it provides 
Users with functionality that allows stock-option strategies to trade 
outside of their specified net prices when the executable stock match 
price results in a small difference between the expected notional value 
of the trade and the actual trade value. Users generally prefer not to 
forgo an execution for their stock-option strategies when this occurs, 
as the residual amount is miniscule compared to the value of the trade. 
As a result of the proposed rule, Users will be able to receive an 
expeditious execution, and trade the stock and options components of a 
stock-option strategy in a moving market without introducing legging 
risk, instead of resubmitting their orders and potentially receiving a 
much worse price or missing an execution. The proposed Exchange 
determination of a value allowance outside of the expected notional 
value is the same as that on EDGX Options, as noted above, and similar 
to that of another options exchange.\97\ The Exchange believes having 
the trade value allowance in a dollar amount is more straightforward 
and less confusing for investors than the calculation of a percentage. 
The Exchange also believes that determining the amount of the trade 
value allowance will simplify the implementation of this functionality 
and mitigate any potential investor confusion by setting just one 
Exchange-determined notional variance. Because the difference between 
the expected notional value of the trade and the actual trade value is 
inconsequential, especially as compared to the overall benefit to 
investors of an expeditious execution, the Exchange does not believe 
the proposed difference will have any significant impact on the 
Exchange's participants and, instead, may benefit participants overall. 
As stated, the Exchange would determine an allowance amount that would 
reasonably account for the average differences in notional trade values 
as well as the cost benefit to market participants between the 
differences in actual trade value versus expected notional trade value 
and the imposition of resubmitting their orders and potentially 
receiving a much worse price or missing an execution.
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    \97\ See also ISE Rule Options 3, Section 14, Supplementary 
Material .03.
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    Based on the foregoing, the Exchange does not believe that the 
proposed complex order functionality raises any new or novel concepts 
under the Act, and is substantively the same as functionality available 
today on the Exchange or on C2 and/or EDGX Options, and instead is 
consistent with the goals of the Act to remove impediments to and to 
perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market 
system, and to protect investors and the public interest. The proposed 
rule change is generally intended to align system functionality 
currently offered by the Exchange with functionality available on other 
Cboe Affiliated Exchanges in order to provide a consistent technology 
offering. A consistent technology offering, in turn, will simplify the 
technology implementation, changes, and maintenance by Users of the 
Exchange that are also participants on Cboe Affiliated Exchanges. The 
proposed rule change will provide Users with additional flexibility and 
increased functionality on the Exchange's System.

[[Page 50521]]

    When the Exchange migrates to the same technology as that of the 
other Cboe Affiliated Exchanges, Users of the Exchange will have access 
to similar functionality on all Cboe Affiliated Exchanges. As such, the 
proposed rule change would foster cooperation and coordination with 
persons engaged in facilitating transactions in securities and would 
remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open 
market and a national market system.

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 reiterates that 
the proposed rule change is being proposed in the context of the 
technology integration of the Cboe Affiliated Exchanges. Thus, the 
Exchange believes this proposed rule change is necessary to permit fair 
competition among national securities exchanges. In addition, the 
Exchange believes the proposed rule change will benefit Exchange 
participants in that it will provide a consistent technology offering 
for Users by the Cboe Affiliated Exchanges.
    The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will 
impose any burden on intramarket competition that is not necessary or 
appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The general 
framework and primary features of the Exchange's complex order 
functionality is not changing, and will continue to protect orders, 
including Priority Customer orders, resting in the Book. Therefore, the 
electronic processing of complex orders will occur in a substantially 
similar manner as it does today. The System's electronic processing of 
complex orders of all Users will apply in the same manner. Use of 
complex order functionality and the various complex order instructions 
will continue to be voluntary and within the discretion of Users.
    The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will 
impose any burden on intermarket competition that is not necessary or 
appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. As discussed 
above, the basis for the majority of the proposed rule changes in this 
filing are based on C2 Rule 6.13 and EDGX Options Rule 21.20, and thus 
have previously been filed with the Commission.

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

    The Exchange neither solicited nor received comments on the 
proposed rule change.

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

    Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not:
    A. Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public 
interest;
    B. impose any significant burden on competition; and
    C. become operative for 30 days from the date on which it was 
filed, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate, it has 
become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \98\ and 
Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \99\ thereunder. At any time within 60 days of the 
filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may 
temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission 
that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, 
for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the 
purposes of the Act. If the Commission takes such action, the 
Commission will institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed 
rule change should be approved or disapproved.
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    \98\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \99\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
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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-CBOE-2019-060 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-CBOE-2019-060. 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/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 website viewing and printing in 
the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 
20549, on official business days between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 
3:00 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for inspection 
and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. 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 SR-CBOE-2019-060 and should be submitted on 
or before October 16, 2019.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\100\
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    \100\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Jill M. Peterson,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2019-20711 Filed 9-24-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P


