2014-23704. Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Amending Exchange Rule 6.1A To Codify the Terms Complex BBO and Complex NBBO and To Amend Rule 6.62(y) To Revise the ...

September 30, 2014.

Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) ^[1] of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Act”) ^[2] and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,^[3] notice is hereby given that, on September 17, 2014, NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “Exchange” or “NYSE Arca”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) the proposed rule change as described in Items I and II below, which Items have been prepared by the self-regulatory organization. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.

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

The Exchange proposes to amend Exchange Rule 6.1A to codify the terms Complex BBO and Complex NBBO and to amend Rule 6.62(y) to revise the definition of a PNP Plus order. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's Web site at www.nyse.com,, at the principal office of the Exchange, and at the Commission's Public Reference Room.

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

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

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

1. Purpose

The Exchange proposes to amend Rule 6.1A to adopt definitions for the terms Complex BBO and Complex NBBO. Additionally, the Exchange proposes to amend Rule 6.62(y) by revising the definition of PNP Plus orders, to specify that the order type is available solely for Electronic Complex Orders,^[4] and to describe the processing of an Electronic Complex Order designated as PNP Plus.

Complex BBO and Complex NBBO

The term BBO is defined in Exchange Rule 6.1A(a)(2) as the best bid or offer on OX,^[5] and the term NBBO is defined in Exchange Rule 6.1A(a)(11) as the national best bid or offer. In both cases the best bid and offer represents the best price available in an individual option series as disseminated by either the Exchange (in the case of the BBO) or the Options Price Reporting Authority (“OPRA”) (in the case of the NBBO). Unlike bids and offers for each individual option series, derived bids and offers for Complex Orders are not disseminated by either the Exchange or OPRA.

Even though there is not a published bid or offer for every complex order strategy, there are situations where it is necessary to derive a (theoretical) bid or offer for a particular strategy.^[6] In order to derive the best bid or best offer for a given complex order strategy the Exchange takes the best bid and best offer in the individual leg markets comprising the complex order strategy, that when aggregated create either a derived Complex BBO or derived Complex NBBO for that same strategy. The Exchange uses the best quotes available on the Exchange in each component series (as shown in OX) to create the Complex BBO and the best quotes available nationally in each component series (as disseminated by OPRA) to establish the Complex NBBO. When deriving the Complex BBO or Complex NBBO the Exchange only factors in the best prices available in the individual leg markets and does not take into consideration prices of individual Complex Orders that may be resting on the Exchange or in another exchange's complex order book (spread book, contingency book).

The Exchange proposes to add definitions of the terms Complex BBO and Complex NBBO in Rule 6.1A. The term “Complex BBO” would be defined in Rule 6.1A(a)(2)(ii) as the BBO for a given complex order strategy as derived from the best bid on OX and best offer on OX for each individual component series of a Complex Order. The term “Complex NBBO” would be defined in Rule 6.1A(a)(11)(ii) as the NBBO for a given complex order strategy as derived from the national best bid and national best offer for each individual component series of a Complex Order.

An example of how the Complex BBO and Complex NBBO is derived for a given strategy is shown below;

Jan 20 calls BBO 2.00 × 2.20 NBBO 2.05−2.20

Jan 25 calls BBO 1.00 × 1.20 NBBO 1.05−1.20

To derive the bid side of the Complex BBO for the Jan 20/25 call spread using the markets available on the Exchange, the Exchange takes the best bid in the Jan 20 calls coupled with the best offer in the Jan 25 calls. The result is an .80 bid (2.00−1.20 = .80). To derive the offer side of the Complex BBO for the same call spread the Exchange take the best offer in the Jan 20 calls coupled with the best bid in the Jan 25 calls. The result is an offer of 1.20 (2.20-1.00 = 1.20). In this example, the resulting Complex BBO is .80−1.20.

To derive the bid side of the Complex NBBO for the Jan 20/25 call spread using the markets as disseminated by OPRA, the Exchange takes the national best bid in the Jan 20 calls coupled with the national best offer in the Jan 25 calls. This results in an .85 bid (2.05−1.20 = .85). To derive the offer side of the Complex NBBO for the same call spread the Exchange take the national best offer in the Jan 20 calls coupled with the national best bid in the Jan 25 calls. This results in an offer of 1.15 (2.20−1.05=1.15). In this example, the resulting Complex NBBO is .85−1.15.

PNP Plus

As defined in Rule 6.62(y), an order designated as PNP Plus is a limit order that is automatically re-priced by the Exchange to a price that is one minimum price variation (“MPV”) higher (lower) than the NBBO bid (offer) if it were to lock or cross the NBBO. The re-priced order is then posted in the Consolidated Book. PNP Plus orders continue to be re-priced and re-posted in the Consolidated Book with each change in the NBBO until such time as the NBBO has moved to a price where the original limit price of the PNP Plus order no longer locks or crosses the NBBO, at which time the PNP Plus order will revert to the original limit price of such order. Orders designated as PNP Plus are ranked in the Consolidated Book pursuant to Rule 6.76 and assigned a new price time priority as of the time of each reposting. Because an order designated as PNP Plus would be posted at a price that is higher (lower) that [sic] the best contra-side market, by designating an order as PNP Plus, a market participant could guarantee that if its order were to be executed, it would be executed at a price that is better than the disseminated contra-side market. Accordingly, PNP Plus provides OTP Holders with additional processing capability to control the circumstances under which their orders are executed. The Exchange notes that the PNP Plus order type is currently not operable for single-leg orders, nor does the Exchange intend to introduce such functionality in the near future. OTP Holders are able to and do use the PNP Plus designation when submitting Electronic Complex Orders. Accordingly, the Exchange is proposing to amend the definition of the PNP Plus order type to make it applicable solely to Electronic Complex Orders.

In addition, the revised rule would explain that the net debit/credit price ^[7] of an Electronic Complex Order designated as PNP Plus is re-priced based on the Complex BBO for the same complex order strategy. An Electronic Complex Order designated as PNP Plus would follow existing PNP Plus processing in that the order will be automatically re-priced by the Exchange to a price that is one MPV lower (higher) than the displayed contra-side market for buy orders (sell orders) if it were to lock or cross that market. However, because the leg prices of an Electronic Complex Order are bound by the best bid or offer on the Exchange and not the national best bid or offer ^[8] as is the case with single-leg orders, when re-pricing an Electronic Complex Order designated as PNP Plus, the order would be re-priced one MPV lower (higher) than the Complex BBO if it were to lock or cross the Complex BBO.

Accordingly, as amended, Rule 6.62(y) would state that an Electronic Complex Order designated as PNP Plus is automatically re-priced by the Exchange to an MPV higher (for sell orders) than the Complex BBO bid for that same Complex Order strategy or at an MPV lower (for buy orders) than the Complex BBO offer for that same Complex Order strategy for any unexecuted portion of the Electronic Complex Order designated as PNP Plus that would otherwise lock or cross the Complex BBO. The Exchange notes that because bids and offers for Electronic Complex Orders are priced on a net debit/credit basis and may be expressed in any decimal price, and the legs(s) of an Electronic Complex Order may be executed in one cent increments regardless of the MPV otherwise applicable to the individual legs of the order,^[9] the MPV applicable to an Electronic Complex Order designated as PNP Plus will always be $0.01 cent. The re-priced order would then be posted in the Consolidated Book pursuant to Rule 6.91(a)(1).

Finally, the Exchange proposes to change the existing cross reference in Rule 6.62(y) from Rule 6.76 to 6.91(a)(1). This is a non-substantive change as both rules call for orders to be ranked according to price/time priority. The Exchange believes Rule 6.91(a)(1) is the more appropriate rule to reference because it is specific to Electronic Complex Orders. For the purposes of ranking in the Consolidated Book, Electronic Complex Orders designated as PNP Plus shall initially be ranked based on their original time of entry and assigned a new price/time priority as of the time of each re-posting. From there, with the exception of the use of the Complex BBO rather than the NBBO, all other PNP Plus functionality remains unchanged.

2. Statutory Basis

The Exchange believes that its proposal is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Act”),^[10] which requires the rules of an exchange to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change would remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system because it would provide transparency in Exchange rules that the PNP Plus is a designation applicable to Electronic Complex Orders. The Exchange further believes that revising the PNP Plus definition to describe how an Electronic Complex Order designated as PNP Plus is re-price [sic] based off the Complex BBO and not the NBBO would align the rule with existing functionality and rules governing Electronic Complex Orders.

The Exchange also believes that [sic] proposed rule change would perfect the mechanism of a free and open market because by revising the PNP Plus order type to make the designation available solely for Electronic Complex Orders, and not for single leg orders, the rule would clearly describe the applicability of the PNP Plus order type and eliminate any suggestion of an order type for which there is no demonstrated demand and is not supported by Exchange systems.

The Exchange also believes that defining the terms Complex BBO and Complex NBBO will help to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, in general because it would provide all market participants with additional clarity in how the Exchange calculates the Complex BBO and Complex NBBO in connection with the processing of Complex Orders.

In addition, the Exchange believes that the proposal would remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market by ensuring that members, regulators and the public can more easily navigate the Exchange's rulebook and better understand the orders types available for trading on the Exchange.

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

The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change would impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The proposed change is not designed to address any competitive issue but rather revise an existing a [sic] rule, that can be seen as inaccurate or incomplete, by accurately describing functionality applicable to the PNP Plus order type and describing the processing of an Electronic Complex Order designated as PNP Plus, thereby reducing confusion and making the Exchange's rules easier to understand and navigate. Also, adopting Complex BBO and Complex NBBO as defined terms is intended to add clarity into Exchange rules regarding the methodology of how a Complex BBO and a Complex NBBO is derived and therefore does not raise any competitive concerns.

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

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

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

The Exchange has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act ^[11] and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.^[12] Because the proposed rule change does not: (i) Significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative prior to 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate, if consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest, the proposed rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.^[13]

At any time within 60 days of the filing of such 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 shall institute proceedings under Section 19(b)(2)(B) ^[14] of the Act to determine whether the proposed rule change should be approved or disapproved.

IV. Solicitation of Comments

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

Electronic Comments

• Use the Commission's Internet comment form (http://www.sec.gov/​rules/​sro.shtml); or
• Send an email to [e-mail]. Please include File Number SR-NYSEArca-2014-108 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-NYSEArca-2014-108 . This file number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on the Commission's Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/​rules/​sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site viewing and printing in the Commission's Public Reference 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 NYSE's principal office and on its Internet Web site at www.nyse.com. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR-NYSEArca-2014-108 and should be submitted on or before October 27, 2014.

For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.^[15]

Kevin M. O'Neill,

Deputy Secretary.

Footnotes

1.  15 U.S.C.78s(b)(1).

2.  15 U.S.C. 78a.

3.  17 CFR 240.19b-4.

4.  See Rule 6.91.

5.  OX is the Exchange's electronic order delivery, execution and reporting system for options through which orders and quotes are consolidated for execution and/or display. See Rule 6.1A(a)(13).

6.  For example, the Complex Matching Engine utilizes a Complex NBBO when establishing the acceptable price range applicable to the opening auction process for Electronic Complex Orders. See Rule 6.91(a)(2)(i)(B).

7.  Bids and offers for Electronic Complex Orders are entered based on the net debit/credit of prices of the individual component series comprising the complex order strategy.

8.  See Rule 6.91(a)(2).

9.  See Rule 6.91 Commentary .01.

10.  15 U.S.C. 78f(b).

11.  15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).

12.  17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).

13.  17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). As required under Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii), the Exchange provided the Commission with written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change, along with a brief description and the text of the proposed rule change, at least five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission.

14.  15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(B).

15.  17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).