2012-12018. Program for Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Pursuant to Rule 17d-2; Notice of Filing and Order Approving and Declaring Effective an Amendment to the Plan for the Allocation of Regulatory Responsibilities Among the BATS Exchange,...

May 11, 2012.

Notice is hereby given that the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) has issued an Order, pursuant to Section 17(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”),^[1] approving and declaring effective an amendment to the plan for allocating regulatory responsibility filed on May 2, 2012, pursuant to Rule 17d-2 of the Act,^[2] by the BATS Exchange, Inc. (“BATS”), BOX Options Exchange, LLC (“BOX”) the Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated (“CBOE”), C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated (“C2”), the International Securities Exchange, LLC (“ISE”), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”), the New York Stock Exchange LLC (“NYSE”), NYSE Amex LLC (“Amex”), NYSE Arca, Inc. (“Arca”), The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (“NASDAQ”), NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc. (“BX”), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX, Inc. (“Phlx”) (collectively, “SRO participants”).

I. Introduction

Section 19(g)(1) of the Act,^[3] among other things, requires every self-regulatory organization (“SRO”) registered as either a national securities exchange or national securities association to examine for, and enforce compliance by, its members and persons associated with its members with the Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, and the SRO's own rules, unless the SRO is relieved of this responsibility pursuant to Section 17(d) ^[4] or Section 19(g)(2) ^[5] of the Act. Without this relief, the statutory obligation of each individual SRO could result in a pattern of multiple examinations of broker-dealers that maintain memberships in more than one SRO (“common members”). Such regulatory duplication would add unnecessary expenses for common members and their SROs.

Section 17(d)(1) of the Act ^[6] was intended, in part, to eliminate unnecessary multiple examinations and regulatory duplication.^[7] With respect to a common member, Section 17(d)(1) authorizes the Commission, by rule or order, to relieve an SRO of the responsibility to receive regulatory reports, to examine for and enforce compliance with applicable statutes, rules, and regulations, or to perform other specified regulatory functions.

To implement Section 17(d)(1), the Commission adopted two rules: Rule 17d-1 and Rule 17d-2 under the Act.^[8] Rule 17d-1 authorizes the Commission to name a single SRO as the designated examining authority (“DEA”) to examine common members for compliance with the financial responsibility requirements imposed by the Act, or by Commission or SRO rules.^[9] When an SRO has been named as a common member's DEA, all other SROs to which the common member belongs are relieved of the responsibility to examine the firm for compliance with the applicable financial responsibility rules. On its face, Rule 17d-1 deals only with an SRO's obligations to enforce member compliance with financial responsibility requirements. Rule 17d-1 does not relieve an SRO from its obligation to examine a common member for compliance with its own rules and provisions of the federal securities laws governing matters other than financial responsibility, including sales practices and trading activities and practices.

To address regulatory duplication in these and other areas, the Commission adopted Rule 17d-2 under the Act.^[10] Rule 17d-2 permits SROs to propose joint plans for the allocation of regulatory responsibilities with respect to their common members. Under paragraph (c) of Rule 17d-2, the Commission may declare such a plan effective if, after providing for notice and comment, it determines that the plan is necessary or appropriate in the public interest and for the protection of investors, to foster cooperation and coordination among the SROs, to remove impediments to, and foster the development of, a national market system and a national clearance and settlement system, and is in conformity with the factors set forth in Section 17(d) of the Act. Commission approval of a plan filed pursuant to Rule 17d-2 relieves an SRO of those regulatory responsibilities allocated by the plan to another SRO.

II. The Plan

On September 8, 1983, the Commission approved the SRO participants' plan for allocating regulatory responsibilities pursuant to Rule 17d-2.^[11] On May 23, 2000, the Commission approved an amendment to the plan that added the ISE as a participant.^[12] On November 8, 2002, the Commission approved another amendment that replaced the original plan in its entirety and, among other things, allocated regulatory responsibilities among all the participants in a more equitable manner.^[13] On February 5, 2004, the parties submitted an amendment to the plan, primarily to include the BSE, which was establishing a new options trading facility to be known as the Boston Options Exchange (“BOX”), as an SRO participant.^[14] On December 5, 2007, the parties submitted an amendment to the plan to, among other things, provide that the National Association of Securities Dealers (“NASD”) (n/k/a the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. or “FINRA”) and NYSE are Designated Options Examining Authorities under the plan.^[15] On June 5, 2008, the parties submitted an amendment to the plan primarily to remove the NYSE as a Designated Options Examining Authority, leaving FINRA as the sole Designated Options Examining Authority for all common members that are members of FINRA.^[16] On February 9, 2010, the parties submitted a proposed amendment to the plan to add BATS and C2 as SRO participants and to reflect the name changes of the American Stock Exchange LLC to the NYSE Amex LLC, the Boston Stock Exchange, Inc., to the NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc. and the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, Inc. to the NASDAQ OMX PHLX, Inc.^[17]

The plan reduces regulatory duplication for a large number of firms currently members of two or more of the SRO participants by allocating regulatory responsibility for certain options-related sales practice matters to one of the SRO participants. Generally, under the plan, the SRO participant responsible for conducting options-related sales practice examinations of a firm, and investigating options-related customer complaints and terminations for cause of associated persons of that firm, is known as the firm's “Designated Options Examining Authority” (“DOEA”). Pursuant to the plan, any other SRO of which the firm is a member is relieved of these responsibilities during the period in which the firm is assigned to another SRO acting as that firm's DOEA.

III. Proposed Amendment to the Plan

On May 2, 2012, the parties submitted a proposed amendment to the plan. The primary purpose of the amendment is to add BOX as an SRO participant. The text of the proposed amended 17d-2 plan is as follows (additions are italicized; deletions are [bracketed]):

* * * * *

Agreement by and Among BATS Exchange, Inc., BOX Options Exchange, LLC, the Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated, C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated, the International Securities Exchange, LLC, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., the New York Stock Exchange LLC, the NYSE Amex LLC, the NYSE Arca, Inc., The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc. and the NASDAQ OMX PHLX[, Inc.] LLC Pursuant to Rule 17d-2 Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

This agreement (“Agreement”), by and among BATS Exchange, Inc., BOX Options Exchange, LLC, the Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated, C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated, the International Securities Exchange, LLC, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”), The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (“NASDAQ”), NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc., the New York Stock Exchange LLC (“NYSE”), the NYSE Amex LLC, the NYSE Arca, Inc., and the NASDAQ OMX PHLX[, Inc.] LLC, hereinafter collectively referred to as the Participants, is made this [5th] 25th day of [February, 2010] April,2012, pursuant to the provisions of Rule 17d-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), which allows for plans among self-regulatory organizations to allocate regulatory responsibility. This Agreement shall be administered by a committee known as the Options Self-Regulatory Council (the “Council”).

This Agreement amends and restates the agreement entered into among the Participants on [June] February 5, [2008] 2010, entitled “Agreement by and among [the American Stock Exchange, LLC, the Boston Stock] BATS Exchange, Inc., the Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated, C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated, the International Securities Exchange, LLC, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., the New York Stock Exchange LLC, NYSE Amex LLC, the NYSE Arca, Inc., the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc. and the [Philadelphia Stock Exchange] NASDAQ OMX PHLX, Inc., Pursuant to Rule 17d-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.”

WHEREAS, the Participants are desirous of allocating regulatory responsibilities with respect to broker-dealers, and persons associated therewith, that are members ^[1] of more than one Participant (the “Common Members”) and conduct a public business for compliance with Common Rules (as hereinafter defined) relating to the conduct by broker-dealers of accounts for listed options, index warrants, currency index warrants and currency warrants (collectively, “Covered Securities”); and

Whereas, the Participants are desirous of executing a plan for this purpose pursuant to the provisions of Rule 17d-2 and filing such plan with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC” or the “Commission”) for its approval;

Now, therefore, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained hereafter, the Participants agree as follows:

I. As used herein the term Designated Options Examining Authority (“DOEA”) shall mean: (1) FINRA insofar as it shall perform Regulatory Responsibility (as hereinafter defined) for its broker-dealer members that also are members of another Participant or (2) the Designated Examination Authority (“DEA”) pursuant to SEC Rule 17d-1 under the Securities Exchange Act (“Rule 17d-1”) for a broker-dealer that is a member of a more than one Participant (but not a member of FINRA).

II. As used herein, the term “Regulatory Responsibility” shall mean the examination and enforcement responsibilities relating to compliance by Common Members with the rules of the applicable Participant that are substantially similar to the rules of the other Participants (the “Common Rules”), insofar as they apply to the conduct of accounts for Covered Securities. A list of the current Common Rules of each Participant applicable to the conduct of accounts for Covered Securities is attached hereto as Exhibit A. Each year within 30 days of the anniversary date of the commencement of operation of this Agreement, each Participant shall submit in writing to FINRA and each DEA performing as a DOEA for any members of such Participant any revisions to Exhibit A reflecting changes in the rules of the Participant, and confirm that all other rules of the Participant listed in Exhibit A continue to meet the definition of Common Rules as defined in this Agreement. Within 30 days from the date that FINRA and each DEA performing as a DOEA has received revisions and/or confirmation that no change has been made to Exhibit A from all Participants, FINRA and each DEA performing as a DOEA shall confirm in writing to each Participant whether the rules listed in any updated Exhibit A are Common Rules as defined in this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, it is explicitly understood that the term “Regulatory Responsibility” does not include, and each of the Participants shall (unless allocated pursuant to Rule 17d-2 otherwise than under this Agreement) retain full responsibility for, each of the following:

(a) Surveillance and enforcement with respect to trading activities or practices involving its own marketplace, including without limitation its rules relating to the rights and obligations of specialists and other market makers;

(b) Registration pursuant to its applicable rules of associated persons;

(c) Discharge of its duties and obligations as a DEA; and

(d) Evaluation of advertising, responsibility for which shall remain with the Participant to which a Common Member submits same for approval.

III. Apparent violations of another Participant's rules discovered by a DOEA, but which rules are not within the scope of the discovering DOEA's Regulatory Responsibility, shall be referred to the relevant Participant for such action as the Participant to which such matter has been referred deems appropriate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained herein shall preclude a DOEA in its discretion from requesting that another Participant conduct an enforcement proceeding on a matter for which the requesting DOEA has Regulatory Responsibility. If such other Participants agree, the Regulatory Responsibility in such case shall be deemed transferred to the accepting Participant and confirmed in writing by the Participants involved. Each Participant agrees, upon request, to make available promptly all relevant files, records and/or witnesses necessary to assist another Participant in an investigation or enforcement proceeding.

IV. The Council shall be composed of one representative designated by each of the Participants. Each Participant shall also designate one or more persons as its alternate representative(s). In the absence of the representative of a Participant, such alternate representative shall have the same powers, duties and responsibilities as the representative. Each Participant may, at any time, by notice to the then Chair of the Council, replace its representative and/or its alternate representative on such Council. A majority of the Council shall constitute a quorum and, unless specifically otherwise required, the affirmative vote of a majority of the Council members present (in person, by telephone or by written consent) shall be necessary to constitute action by the Council. The representative from FINRA shall serve as Chair of the Council. All notices and other communications for the Council shall be sent to it in care of the Chair or to each of the representatives.

V. The Council shall determine the times and locations of Council meetings, provided that the Chair, acting alone, may also call a meeting of the Council in the event the Chair determines that there is good cause to do so. To the extent reasonably possible, notice of any meeting shall be given at least ten-business days prior thereto. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, representatives shall always be given the option of participating in any meeting telephonically at their own expense rather than in person.

VI. FINRA shall have Regulatory Responsibility for all Common Members that are members of FINRA. For the purpose of fulfilling the Participants' Regulatory Responsibilities for Common Members that are not members of FINRA, the Participant that is the DEA shall serve as the DOEA. All Participants shall promptly notify the DOEAs no later than the next scheduled meeting of any change in membership of Common Members. A DOEA may request that a Common Member that is allocated to it be reallocated to another DOEA by giving thirty days written notice thereof. The DOEAs in their discretion may approve such request and reallocate such Common Member to another DOEA.

VII. Each DOEA shall conduct an examination of each Common Member. The Participants agree that, upon request, relevant information in their respective files relative to a Common Member will be made available to the applicable DOEA. At each meeting of the Council, each DOEA shall be prepared to report on the status of its examination program for the previous quarter and any period prior thereto that has not previously been reported to the Council.

VIII. Each DOEA will promptly furnish a copy of the Examination report, relating to Covered Securities, of any examination made pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement to each other Participant of which the Common Member examined is a member.

IX. Each DOEA's Regulatory Responsibility shall for each Common Member allocated to it include investigations into terminations “for cause” of associated persons relating to Covered Securities, unless such termination is related solely to another Participant's market. In the latter instance, that Participant to whose market the termination for cause relates shall discharge Regulatory Responsibility with respect to such termination for cause. In connection with a DOEA's examination, investigation and/or enforcement proceeding regarding a Covered Security-related termination for cause, the other Participants of which the Common Member is a member shall furnish, upon request, copies of all pertinent materials related thereto in their possession. As used in this Section, “for cause” shall include, without limitation, terminations characterized on Form U5 under the label “Permitted to Resign,” “Discharge” or “Other.”

X. Each DOEA shall discharge the Regulatory Responsibility for each Common Member allocated to it relative to a Covered Securities-related customer complaint ^[2] unless such complaint is uniquely related to another Participant's market. In the latter instance, the DOEA shall forward the matter to that Participant to whose market the matter relates, and the latter shall discharge Regulatory Responsibility with respect thereto. If a Participant receives a customer complaint for a Common Member related to a Covered Security for which the Participant is not the DOEA, the Participant shall promptly forward a copy of such complaint to the DOEA.

XI. Any written notice required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be deemed given if sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by a comparable means of electronic communication to each Participant entitled to receipt thereof, to the attention of the Participant's representative on the Council at the Participant's then principal office or by email at such address as the representative shall have filed in writing with the Chair.

XII. The Participants shall notify the Common Members of this Agreement by means of a uniform joint notice approved by the Council.

[XIII. This Agreement may be amended in writing duly approved by each Participant.]

XIII. This Agreement may be amended to add a new Participant provided that such Participant does not assume Regulatory Responsibility, solely by an amendment by FINRA and such new Participant. All other Participants expressly consent to allow FINRA to add new Participants to this Agreement as provided above. FINRA will promptly notify all Participants of any such amendments to add new Participants. All other amendments to this Agreement must be approved in writing by each Participant. All amendments, including adding a new Participant, must be filed with and approved by the SEC before they become effective.

XIV. Any of the Participants may manifest its intention to cancel its participation in this Agreement at any time by giving the Council written notice thereof at least 90 days prior to the effective date of such cancellation. Upon receipt of such notice the Council shall allocate, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, any Common Members for which the petitioning party was the DOEA. Until such time as the Council has completed the reallocation described above; the petitioning Participant shall retain all its rights, privileges, duties and obligations hereunder.

XV. The cancellation of its participation in this Agreement by any Participant shall not terminate this Agreement as to the remaining Participants. This Agreement will only terminate following notice to the Commission, in writing, by the then Participants that they intend to terminate the Agreement and the expiration of the applicable notice period. Such notice shall be given at least six months prior to the intended date of termination, provided that in the event a notice of cancellation is received from a Participant that, assuming the effectiveness thereof, would result in there being just one remaining member of the Council, notice to the Commission of termination of this Agreement shall be given promptly upon the receipt of such notice of cancellation, which termination shall be effective upon the effectiveness of the cancellation that triggered the notice of termination to the Commission.

XVI. No Participant nor the Council nor any of their respective directors, governors, officers, employees or representatives shall be liable to any other Participant in this Agreement for any liability, loss or damage resulting from or claimed to have resulted from any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions with respect to the provision of Regulatory Responsibility as provided hereby or for the failure to provide any such Responsibility, except with respect to such liability, loss or damages as shall have been suffered by one or more of the Participants and caused by the willful misconduct of one or more of the other participants or their respective directors, governors, officers, employees or representatives. No warranties, express or implied, are made by any or all of the Participants or the Council with respect to any Regulatory Responsibility to be performed by each of them hereunder.

XVII. Pursuant to Section 17(d)(1)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 17d-2 promulgated pursuant thereto, the Participants join in requesting the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon its approval of this Agreement or any part thereof, to relieve those Participants which are from time to time participants in this Agreement which are not the DOEA as to a Common Member of any and all Regulatory Responsibility with respect to the matters allocated to the DOEA.

EXHIBIT A

RULES ENFORCED UNDER 17d-2 AGREEMENT

Pursuant to Section II of the Agreement by and among BATS Exchange, Inc. (“BATS”), BOX Options Exchange, LLC (“BOX”), the Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated (“CBOE”), C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated (“C2”), the International Securities Exchange, LLC (“ISE”), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”), The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (“NASDAQ”), NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc. (“BX”), the New York Stock Exchange LLC (“NYSE”), the NYSE Amex LLC (“NYSE Amex”), the NYSE Arca, Inc. (“NYSE ARCA”), and the NASDAQ OMX PHLX[, Inc.] LLC (“PHLX”) pursuant to Rule 17d-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 dated [February 5, 2010] April 25, 2012 (the “Agreement”), a revised list of the current Common Rules of each Participant, as compared to those of FINRA, applicable to the conduct of accounts for Covered Securities is set forth in this Exhibit A.

Opening of Accounts
NYSE Amex	Rules 411, 921 and 1101
BATS	Rule 26.2
BOX	Rule 4020 1
CBOE	Rule 9.7
C2 **	CBOE Rule 9.7
ISE	Rule 608
FINRA	Rules 2360(b)(16) and 2352
NYSE	Rule 721 2
PHLX	Rule 1024(b) and (c) 3
NYSE ARCA	Options Rules 9.2(a) and 9.18(b) and Equities Rule 8.4
BX[/BOX]	Chapter XI, Section 9
NASDAQ	Chapter XI, Section 7
Supervision
NYSE Amex	Rules 411, 922 and 1104
BATS	Rule 26.3
BOX	Rule 4030
CBOE	Rule 9.8
C2	CBOE Rule 9.8
ISE	Rule 609
FINRA	Rules 2360(b)(20), 2360(b)(17)(B), 2360(b)(16)(E), 2355 and 2358
NYSE	N/A
PHLX	Rule 1025
NYSE ARCA	Options Rules 9.2(b) and 9.18(d)(2)(G) and Equities Rule 8.7
BX[/BOX]	Chapter XI, Section 10
NASDAQ	Chapter XI, Section 8
Suitability
AMEX	Rules 923 and 1102
BATS	Rule 26.4
BOX	Rule 4040
CBOE	Rule 9.9
C2	CBOE Rule 9.9
ISE	Rule 610
FINRA	Rule 2360(b)(19) and 2353
NYSE	Rule 723
PHLX	Rule 1026
NYSE ARCA	Options Rule 9.18(c) and Equities Rule 8.5
BX[/BOX]	Chapter XI, Section 11
NASDAQ	Chapter XI, Section 9
Discretionary Accounts
NYSE Amex	Rules 421, 924 and 1103
BATS	Rule 26.5 4
BOX	Rule 4050 4
CBOE	Rule 9.10
C2	CBOE Rule 9.10
ISE	Rule 611
FINRA	Rules 2360(b)(18) and 2354
NYSE	N/A
PHLX	Rule 1027
NYSE ARCA	Options Rule 9.18(e) and Equities Rule 8.6
BX[/BOX]	Chapter XI, Section 12
NASDAQ	Chapter XI, Section 10
Customer Communications (Advertising)
NYSE Amex	Rules 991 and 1106
BATS	Rule 26.16
BOX	Rule 4170
CBOE	Rule 9.21 5
C2	CBOE Rule 9.[21 4] 5
ISE	Rule 623 6
FINRA	Rules 2220 and 2357
NYSE	N/A
PHLX	N/A
NYSE ARCA	Options Rules 9.21(a) and 9.21(b)
BX[/BOX]	Chapter XI, Section 24
NASDAQ	Chapter XI, Section 22
Customer Complaints
NYSE Amex	Rules 932 and 1105
BATS	Rule 26.17
BOX	Rule 4190
CBOE	Rule 9.23
C2	CBOE Rule 9.23
ISE	Rule 625
FINRA	FINRA Rules 2360(b)(17)(A) and 2356 [and NASD Rule 3070(a) and (c)]
NYSE	Rules 732 & 351(a) and (d)
PHLX	Rule 1070
NYSE ARCA	Options Rule 9.18(I) and Equities Rule 8.8
BX[/BOX]	Chapter XI, Section 26
NASDAQ	Chapter XI, Section 24
Customer Statements
NYSE Amex	Rules 419 and 930
BATS	Rule 26.7
BOX	Rule 4070
CBOE	Rule 9.12
C2	CBOE Rule 9.12
ISE	Rules 613
FINRA	Rule 2360(b)(15)
NYSE	Rules 730
PHLX	Rule 1032
NYSE ARCA	Options Rule 9.18(j)
BX[/BOX]	Chapter XI, Sections 14
NASDAQ	Chapter XI, [Sections] Section 12
Confirmations
NYSE Amex	Rule 925
BATS	Rule 26.6
BOX	Rule 4060 7
CBOE	Rule 9.11
C2	CBOE Rule 9.11
ISE	Rule 612
FINRA	Rule 2360(b)(12)
NYSE	Rules 725 8
PHLX	Rule 1028
NYSE ARCA	Options Rule 9.18(f)
BX[/BOX]	Chapter XI, Section 13
NASDAQ	Chapter XI, Section 11
Allocation of Exercise Assignment Notices
NYSE Amex	Rule 981
BATS	Rule 23.2
BOX	Rule 9010
CBOE	Rule 11.2
C2	CBOE Rule 11.2
ISE	Rule1101
FINRA	Rule 2360(b)(23)(C)
NYSE	Rule 781
PHLX	Rule 1043
NYSE ARCA	Options Rule 6.25(a)
BX[/BOX]	Chapter VII, Section 2
NASDAQ	Chapter VIII, Section 2
Disclosure Documents
NYSE Amex	Rules 921 and 926
BATS	Rule 26.10
BOX	Rule 4100
CBOE	Rule 9.15
C2	CBOE Rule 9.15
ISE	Rule 616
FINRA	Rule 2360(b)(11)
NYSE	Rule 726(a) and (c)
PHLX	Rule 1024(b)(v), 1029
NYSE ARCA	Options Rule 9.18(g)
BX[/BOX]	Chapter XI, Section 17
NASDAQ	Chapter XI, Section 15
Branch Offices of Member Organizations
NYSE Amex	Rule 922(d) 9
BOX	Rule 4010(b)
CBOE	Rule 9.6
C2	CBOE Rule 9.6
ISE	Rule 607
FINRA	Rules 2360(b)(20)(B) and 2355
NYSE	N/A
PHLX	N/A
NYSE ARCA	Options Rule 9.18(m)
BX[/BOX]	Chapter XI, Section 8
NASDAQ	Chapter XI, Section 6
Prohibition Against Guarantees
NYSE Amex	Rule 390
BATS	Rule 26.13
BOX	Rule 4130
CBOE	Rule 9.18
C2	CBOE Rule 9.18
ISE	Rules 619
FINRA	Rule 2150(b)
NYSE	Rule 2150(b)
PHLX	Rule 777
NYSE ARCA	Options Rule 9.1(e)
BX[/BOX]	Chapter XI, Sections 20 and 21
NASDAQ	Chapter XI, Sections 18 and 19
Sharing in Accounts
NYSE Amex	Rule 390
BATS	Rule 26.14
BOX	Rule 4140
CBOE	Rule 9.18(b)
C2	CBOE Rule 9.18(b)
ISE	Rule 620 10
FINRA	Rule 2150(c)
NYSE	Rules 2150(c)
PHLX	N/A
NYSE ARCA	Options Rule 9.1(f)
BX[/BOX]	Chapter XI, Section 21
NASDAQ	Chapter XI, Section 19 11
Registration of Rop
NYSE Amex	Rule 920
BATS	17.2(g)(1), (2), (6) and (7)
BOX	Rule 2020(c)(1), (e)(1) and IM-2040-4 and IM-2040-5(b)
CBOE	Rule 9.2
C2	CBOE Rule 9.2
ISE	Rule 601
FINRA	NASD Rules 1022(f) & IM-1022-1
NYSE	N/A
PHLX	Rule 1024(a)(i)
NYSE ARCA	Options Rule 9.26
BX[/BOX]	Chapter XI, Section 2
NASDAQ	Chapter XI, Section 2
Certification of Registered Personnel
NYSE Amex	Rule 920
BATS	Rule 2.5 Interpretation .01(c) and 11.4(e)
BOX	IM-2040-3
CBOE	Rule 9.3
C2	CBOE Rule 9.3
ISE	Rule 602
FINRA	NASD Rule 1032(d)
NYSE	N/A
PHLX	Rule 1024
NYSE ARCA	Options Rule 9.27(a)
BX[/BOX]	Chapter XI, Section 3
NASDAQ	Chapter XI, Section 3
1 FINRA shall not have any Regulatory Responsibility regarding the requirement for designation of Senior Options Principal and Compliance Options Principal.
* Pursuant to C2 Chapters 9 and 11, the rules contained in CBOE Chapters IX and XI and referenced herein shall apply to C2.
2 FINRA shall not have any Regulatory Responsibility regarding opening short uncovered option accounts requirements.
3 FINRA shall not have any Regulatory Responsibility regarding foreign currency option requirements specified in any of the PHLX rules in this Exhibit A.
4 FINRA shall not have any Regulatory Responsibility to enforce this rule as to time and price discretion in institutional accounts. In addition FINRA shall not have any Regulatory Responsibility regarding BOX Rule 4050(a)(2).
5 FINRA shall not have any Regulatory Responsibility regarding CBOE's and C2's requirements to the extent that a customer would meet FINRA's definition of Institutional Investor and Institutional Sales Material but would not meet the requirements for such definitions in under CBOE's and C2's rule.
6 FINRA shall not have any Regulatory Responsibility regarding ISE's requirements to the extent that a customer would meet FINRA's definition of Institutional Investor and Institutional Sales Material but would not meet the requirements for such definitions in under such rule. In addition, FINRA shall not have any Regulatory Responsibility regarding ISE's requirements regarding approval of all market letters.
7 FINRA shall not have any Regulatory Responsibility regarding the requirement in confirmations to distinguish between BOX option transactions and other transactions in option contracts.
8 FINRA shall not have any Regulatory Responsibility regarding the requirement in confirmations to distinguish between NYSE option transactions and other transactions in option contracts.
9 FINRA shall only have Regulatory Responsibility for the first paragraph and shall not have any Regulatory Responsibility regarding the requirements for debt options.
10 FINRA shall not have any Regulatory Responsibility regarding ISE's requirements to the extent its rule does not contain an exception to permit sharing in the profits and losses of an account.
11 FINRA shall not have any Regulatory Responsibility regarding NASDAQ's requirements to the extent such rules do not contain an exception addressing immediate family.

* * * * *

IV. Solicitation of Comments

Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods:

Electronic Comments

• Use the Commission's Internet comment form (http://www.sec.gov/​rules/​other.shtml); or
• Send an email to [e-mail]. Please include File Number S7-966 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

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

All submissions should refer to File Number S7-966. 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/​other.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed plan that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed plan 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, on official business days between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the plan also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal offices of BATS, BOX, CBOE, C2, ISE, FINRA, NYSE, Amex, Arca, NASDAQ, BX and the Phlx. 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 S7-966 and should be submitted on or before June 8, 2012.

V. Discussion

The Commission continues to believe that the proposed plan is an achievement in cooperation among the SRO participants. The Plan, as amended, will reduce unnecessary regulatory duplication by allocating to the designated SRO the responsibility for certain options-related sales practice matters that would otherwise be performed by multiple SROs. The plan promotes efficiency by reducing costs to firms that are members of more than one of the SRO participants. In addition, because the SRO participants coordinate their regulatory functions in accordance with the plan, the plan promotes, and will continue to promote, investor protection.

Under paragraph (c) of Rule 17d-2, the Commission may, after appropriate notice and comment, declare a plan, or any part of a plan, effective. In this instance, the Commission believes that appropriate notice and comment can take place after the proposed amendment is effective. The primary purpose of the amendment is to add BOX as an SRO participant. By declaring it effective today, the amended Plan can become effective and be implemented without undue delay.^[18] The Commission notes that the prior version of this plan immediately prior to this proposed amendment was published for comment and the Commission did not receive any comments thereon.^[19] Furthermore, the Commission does not believe that the amendment to the plan raises any new regulatory issues that the Commission has not previously considered.

VI. Conclusion

This order gives effect to the amended plan submitted to the Commission that is contained in File No. S7-966.

It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 17(d) of the Act,^[20] that the amended plan dated April 25, 2012, by and between the BATS, BOX, CBOE, C2, ISE, FINRA, NYSE, Amex, Arca, NASDAQ, BX and the Phlx filed pursuant to Rule 17d-2 on May 2, 2012 is hereby approved and declared effective.

It is further ordered that those SRO participants that are not the DOEA as to a particular common member are relieved of those regulatory responsibilities allocated to the common member's DOEA under the amended plan to the extent of such allocation.

For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.^[21]

Kevin M. O'Neill,

Deputy Secretary.

Footnotes

1.  15 U.S.C. 78q(d).

2.  17 CFR 240.17d-2.

3.  15 U.S.C. 78s(g)(1).

4.  15 U.S.C. 78q(d).

5.  15 U.S.C. 78s(g)(2).

6.  15 U.S.C. 78q(d)(1).

7.  See Securities Act Amendments of 1975, Report of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs to Accompany S. 249, S. Rep. No. 94-75, 94th Cong., 1st Session 32 (1975).

8.  17 CFR 240.17d-1 and 17 CFR 240.17d-2, respectively.

9.  See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 12352 (April 20, 1976), 41 FR 18808 (May 7, 1976).

10.  See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 12935 (October 28, 1976), 41 FR 49091 (November 8, 1976).

11.  See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 20158 (September 8, 1983), 48 FR 41256 (September 14, 1983).

12.  See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 42816 (May 23, 2000), 65 FR 34759 (May 31, 2000).

13.  See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 46800 (November 8, 2002), 67 FR 69774 (November 19, 2002).

14.  See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 49197 (February 5, 2004), 69 FR 7046 (February 12, 2004).

15.  See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 55532 (March 26, 2007), 72 FR 15729 (April 2, 2007).

16.  See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 57987 (June 18, 2008), 73 FR 36156 (June 25, 2008).

17.  See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 61589 (February 25, 2010), 75 FR 9976 (March 4, 2010).

1.  In the case of BOX Options Exchange, LLC (“BOX”), NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc. (“BX”) and NASDAQ members are those persons who are options participants (as defined in the BOX , BX and NASDAQ Options Market Rules).

2.  For purposes of complaints, they can be reported pursuant to Form U4, Form U5 or RE-3 and any amendments thereto.

18.  On April 27, 2012, the Commission granted BOX's application for registration as a national securities exchange. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 66871 (April 27, 2012), 77 FR 26323 (May 3, 2012).

19.  See supra note 17 (citing to Securities Exchange Act Release No. 61589).

20.  15 U.S.C. 78q(d).

21.  17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(34).