Notice2025-05205

Self-Regulatory Organizations; MIAX Emerald, LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend the Exchange's Fee Schedule To Update the Exchange's Email Domain and Delete the Reference to Mini-Options

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Published
March 27, 2025

Issuing agencies

Securities and Exchange Commission

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 58 (Thursday, March 27, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 58 (Thursday, March 27, 2025)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13933-13936]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-05205]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-102710; File No. SR-EMERALD-2025-08]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; MIAX Emerald, LLC; Notice of 
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend the 
Exchange's Fee Schedule To Update the Exchange's Email Domain and 
Delete the Reference to Mini-Options

March 21, 2025.
    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 March 14, 2025, MIAX Emerald, LLC (``MIAX Emerald'' or ``Exchange'') 
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') the 
proposed rule change as described in Items I and II 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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[[Page 13934]]

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

    The Exchange proposes to amend the MIAX Emerald Options Exchange 
Fee Schedule (the ``Fee Schedule'') to (1) update the Exchange's email 
domain and (2) delete the reference to mini-options.
    The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's 
website at <a href="https://www.miaxglobal.com/markets/us-options/miax-options/rule-filings">https://www.miaxglobal.com/markets/us-options/miax-options/rule-filings</a>, at the Exchange's principal office, 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
    The Exchange proposes to amend the Fee Schedule to (1) update the 
Exchange's email domain; and (2) delete the reference to mini-options.
Proposal To Amend the Exchange's Email Domain in the Definition of 
``Affiliate''
    The Exchange proposes to amend the Exchange's email domain in the 
definition of ``Affiliate'' in the definitions section of the Fee 
Schedule.
    Currently, the definition of ``Affiliate'' provides, in relevant 
part, that ``. . . A MIAX Emerald Market Maker appoints an EEM and an 
EEM appoints a MIAX Emerald Market Maker, for the purposes of the Fee 
Schedule, by each completing and sending an executed Volume Aggregation 
Request Form by email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1f727a727d7a6d6c77766f5f72767e67706f6b7670716c317c7072"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="83eee6eee1e6f1f0ebeaf3c3eeeae2fbecf3f7eaecedf0ade0ecee">[email&#160;protected]</span></a> no later than 2 
business days prior to the first business day of the month in which the 
designation is to become effective . . .'' The Exchange started using 
the new domain (@miaxglobal.com), instead of the old domain 
(@miaxoptions.com), and all firms are required to include the new 
domain (@miaxglobal.com) as of June 1, 2023.\3\ The Exchange now 
proposes to replace the old email domain (<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e68b838b848394958e8f96a68b8f879e8996928f898895c885898b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2f424a424d4a5d5c47465f6f42464e57405f5b4640415c014c4042">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>) 
with the new email domain (<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#abc6cec6c9ced9d8c3c2dbebc6c2cad3ccc7c4c9cac785c8c4c6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bed3dbd3dcdbcccdd6d7cefed3d7dfc6d9d2d1dcdfd290ddd1d3">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>) in the definition 
of ``Affiliate'' in the Fee Schedule. Accordingly, with the proposed 
change, the definition of ``Affiliate'' will read as follows:
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    \3\ See ``MIAX Exchange Group--Options and Equities Markets--
Final Reminder: New email domain,'' available at <a href="https://www.miaxglobal.com/alert/2023/06/01/miax-exchange-group-options-and-equities-markets-final-reminder-new-email-1">https://www.miaxglobal.com/alert/2023/06/01/miax-exchange-group-options-and-equities-markets-final-reminder-new-email-1</a>.

    ``Affiliate'' means (i) an affiliate of a Member of at least 75% 
common ownership between the firms as reflected on each firm's Form 
BD, Schedule A, or (ii) the Appointed Market Maker of an Appointed 
EEM (or, conversely, the Appointed EEM of an Appointed Market 
Maker). An ``Appointed Market Maker'' is a MIAX Emerald Market Maker 
(who does not otherwise have a corporate affiliation based upon 
common ownership with an EEM) that has been appointed by an EEM and 
an ``Appointed EEM'' is an EEM (who does not otherwise have a 
corporate affiliation based upon common ownership with a MIAX 
Emerald Market Maker) that has been appointed by a MIAX Emerald 
Market Maker, pursuant to the following process. A MIAX Emerald 
Market Maker appoints an EEM and an EEM appoints a MIAX Emerald 
Market Maker, for the purposes of the Fee Schedule, by each 
completing and sending an executed Volume Aggregation Request Form 
by email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ea878f87888f989982839aaa87838b928d8685888b86c4898587"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8ce1e9e1eee9feffe4e5fccce1e5edf4ebe0e3eeede0a2efe3e1">[email&#160;protected]</span></a> no later than 2 business days 
prior to the first business day of the month in which the 
designation is to become effective. Transmittal of a validly 
completed and executed form to the Exchange along with the 
Exchange's acknowledgement of the effective designation to each of 
the Market Maker and EEM will be viewed as acceptance of the 
appointment. The Exchange will only recognize one designation per 
Member. A Member may make a designation not more than once every 12 
months (from the date of its most recent designation), which 
designation shall remain in effect unless or until the Exchange 
receives written notice submitted 2 business days prior to the first 
business day of the month from either Member indicating that the 
appointment has been terminated. Designations will become operative 
on the first business day of the effective month and may not be 
terminated prior to the end of the month. Execution data and reports 
will be provided to both parties.
Proposal To Delete the Reference to Mini-Options
    The Exchange proposes to delete the outdated reference to mini-
options in the Fee Schedule. On December 20, 2018, the Securities and 
Exchange Commission (``Commission'') approved the Exchange's Form 1 
application to register as a national securities exchange under Section 
6 of the Exchange Act.\4\ At that time, the Exchange established rule 
text for mini-options. Mini-options never gained significant market 
acceptance and have not achieved the expected level of traction or 
success in its target market. Accordingly, all mini-options were 
delisted several years ago and the Exchange does not have plans to re-
list them in the foreseeable future. As the Exchange no longer offers 
mini-option contracts, the Exchange proposes to delete the reference to 
mini-options to provide greater clarity to Members \5\ and the public 
regarding the Exchange's offerings and Fee Schedule. The Exchange also 
notes that other exchanges filed similar proposals to delete references 
to mini-options.\6\ In the event that the Exchange desires to list 
mini-options in the future, the Exchange will file a rule change with 
the Commission to adopt rules to list mini-options and corresponding 
fees and rebates for transactions in mini-options, if applicable.
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    \4\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 84891 (December 20, 
2018), 83 FR 67421 (December 28, 2018) (File No. 10-233) (In the 
Matter of the Application of MIAX EMERALD, LLC for Registration as a 
National Securities Exchange; Findings, Opinion, and Order of the 
Commission) (establishing rules for mini-options).
    \5\ The term ``Member'' means an individual or organization 
approved to exercise the trading rights associated with a Trading 
Permit. Members are deemed ``members'' under the Exchange Act. See 
Exchange Rule 100.
    \6\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 88374 (March 12, 
2020), 85 FR 15522 (March 18, 2020) (SR-Phlx-2020-08) (Notice of 
Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend 
Certain Phlx Rules To Remove References to Mini Options); see also 
Securities Exchange Act Release No. 88458 (March 23, 2020), 85 FR 
17372 (March 27, 2020) (SR-MRX-2020-07) (Notice of Filing and 
Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Related to the 
Removal of Obsolete Listing Rules); see also Securities Exchange Act 
Release No. 88456 (March 23, 2020), 85 FR 17126 (March 26, 2020) 
(SR-ISE-2020-11) (Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of 
Proposed Rule Change Related to the Removal of Obsolete Listing 
Rules).
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    Specifically, the Exchange proposes to delete the phrase 
``including Mini Options,'' in the first sentence of in Section 2)b) of 
the Fee Schedule.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that the proposed changes are consistent with 
Section 6(b) of the Act \7\ in general, and further the objectives of 
Section 6(b)(1) of the Act,\8\ in particular, in that they are designed 
to enforce compliance by the Exchange's Members and persons associated 
with its Members, with the provisions of the rules of the Exchange. In 
particular, the Exchange believes that the proposed changes will 
provide greater clarity to Members and the public regarding the 
Exchange's Fee Schedule by updating the Exchange's new email domain and 
removing the

[[Page 13935]]

outdated reference to mini-options that are no longer offered by the 
Exchange. The proposed changes will also make it easier for Members and 
non-Members to interpret the Exchange's Fee Schedule.
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    \7\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \8\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(1).
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    The Exchange believes that the proposed changes also further the 
objectives of Section 6(b)(5) of the Act. In particular, they are 
designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, 
promote just and equitable principles of trade, foster cooperation and 
coordination with persons engaged in regulating, clearing, settling, 
processing information with respect to, and facilitating transactions 
in securities, remove impediments to and perfect the mechanisms of a 
free and open market and a national market system and, in general, 
protect investors and the public interest. The Exchange believes the 
proposed changes promote just and equitable principles of trade and 
remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open 
market and a national market system because the proposed changes will 
provide greater clarity to Members and the public regarding the 
Exchange's Fee Schedule by updating the reference to the Exchange's new 
email domain and removing the outdated reference to mini-options that 
are no longer offered by the Exchange. The purpose of deleting the 
reference to mini-options is to remove obsolete language in the Fee 
Schedule. Mini-options are no longer offered by the Exchange since 
mini-options failed to gain significant market acceptance and did not 
achieve the expected level of traction or success in its target market. 
Removing the reference to mini-options would render the Exchange's Fee 
Schedule more accurate and reduce potential investor confusion. The 
Exchange does not propose to amend any fees to be assessed to Members 
or non-Members. It is in the public interest for the Exchange's Fee 
Schedule to be accurate and consistent so as to eliminate the potential 
for confusion.

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

    The Exchange does not believe that the proposed changes will impose 
any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in furtherance 
of the purposes of the Act. Specifically, the Exchange believes the 
proposed changes will not impose any burden on intra-market competition 
as there is no functional change to the Exchange's System \9\ or the 
Exchange's fees and because the Exchange's Fee Schedule applies to all 
market participants equally. The proposal will have no impact on 
competition as it is not designed to address any competitive issue but 
rather is designed to remedy minor issues and provide added clarity to 
the Fee Schedule, including removing the outdated reference to mini-
options that are no longer offered by the Exchange. Mini-options failed 
to gain significant market acceptance and have not achieved the 
expected level of traction or success in its target market; 
accordingly, the Exchange delisted all mini-options several years ago 
and does not have plans to re-list them in the foreseeable future.\10\ 
The proposed changes would apply uniformly to all market participants. 
The proposed changes do not favor certain categories of market 
participants in a manner that would impose an undue burden on 
competition.
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    \9\ The term ``System'' means the automated trading system used 
by the Exchange for the trading of securities. See Exchange Rule 
100.
    \10\ The Exchange notes that other exchanges filed similar 
proposals to delete references to mini-options. See supra note 6.
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    In addition, the Exchange does not believe the proposal will impose 
any burden on inter-market competition as the proposal does not address 
any competitive issues and is intended to protect investors by 
providing further transparency regarding the Exchange's email domain 
and offerings. Removing the outdated reference to mini-options that are 
no longer offered by the Exchange is to provide more clarity within the 
Fee Schedule by deleting outdated language in the Fee Schedule. Mini-
options failed to gain significant market acceptance and have not 
achieved the expected level of traction or success in its target 
market, so the Exchange delisted all mini-options several years ago and 
does not have plans to re-list them in the foreseeable future. The 
Exchange does not believe that the proposal will harm another 
exchange's ability to compete. Accordingly, the Exchange does not 
believe the proposal imposes any burden on competition that is not 
necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.

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

    No written comments were either solicited or received.

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) of the Act \11\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \12\ thereunder. 
Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not: (i) significantly 
affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose 
any significant burden on competition; or (iii) become operative for 30 
days after 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 \13\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \14\ thereunder.
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    \11\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \12\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \13\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \14\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6) 
requires a self-regulatory organization to give the Commission 
written notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change, along 
with a brief description and 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. 
The Exchange has satisfied this requirement.
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    A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \15\ normally 
does not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the 
filing. However, pursuant to Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii),\16\ the Commission 
may designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the 
protection of investors and the public interest. The Exchange has asked 
the Commission to waive the 30-day operative delay so that the proposed 
rule change may become operative immediately upon filing. The Exchange 
states that the proposed changes are designed solely to add more 
clarity to the Fee Schedule, and that competing exchanges have 
similarly filed rule proposals to remove references to mini-options as 
they no longer trade mini-options either. For these reasons, and 
because the proposed rule change does not raise any novel legal or 
regulatory issues, the Commission believes that waiving the 30-day 
operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the 
public interest. Therefore, the Commission hereby waives the 30-day 
operative delay and designates the proposed rule change to be operative 
upon filing.\17\
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    \15\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \16\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
    \17\ For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay, 
the Commission has also considered the proposed rule's impact on 
efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 
78c(f).
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    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

[[Page 13936]]

Commission takes such action, the Commission shall institute 
proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule 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

    <bullet> Use the Commission's internet comment form (<a href="https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml">https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml</a>); or
    <bullet> Send an email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8dfff8e1e8a0eee2e0e0e8e3f9fecdfee8eea3eae2fb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4133342d246c222e2c2c242f3532013224226f262e37">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>. Please include 
file number SR-EMERALD-2025-08 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

    <bullet> 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-EMERALD-2025-08. 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 (<a href="https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml">https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml</a>). 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 
a.m. and 3 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for 
inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. Do not 
include personal identifiable information in submissions; you should 
submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. We 
may redact in part or withhold entirely from publication submitted 
material that is obscene or subject to copyright protection. All 
submissions should refer to file number SR-EMERALD-2025-08 and should 
be submitted on or before April 17, 2025.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\18\
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    \18\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12) and (59).
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J. Matthew DeLesDernier,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2025-05205 Filed 3-26-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P


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