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Home > > Nasdaq General 2
General 2 Organization and Administration
Section 1. Reserved

 

Adopted Dec. 6, 2019 (SR-NASDAQ-2019-098).

Section 2. Fees, Dues and Other Charges

(a) The Board of Directors shall have the power (i) to establish, assess and levy such fees, dues and other charges (including, without limitation, any extraordinary assessments) upon Participants and any other persons using the facilities or services of the Exchange, and upon applicants for and persons being admitted, registered, qualified and/or initiated to any such status, in each case as the Board of Directors may from time to time establish by resolution or in the Rules of the Exchange (which shall be deemed to include any schedule of fees, dues, other charges and penalties as may be in effect from time to time), (ii) to establish rebates, credits and discounts with respect to any of the foregoing, (iii) to establish programs whereby the Exchange shares or permits any person to participate in any identified source of revenues (less any expenses or other charges as the Exchange shall determine) of the Exchange, (iv) to provide for the direct reimbursement to the Exchange of any cost, expense or category thereof, and (v) except insofar as otherwise specified or provided for in the By-Laws, to establish and assess penalties for failure to pay any fees, dues or charges owed to the Exchange, including, without limitation, termination of membership (which membership may be reissued) and forfeiture of all rights as a member. The Board of Directors may authorize any committee thereof or the Chair of the Board of Directors to exercise any powers of the Board of Directors with respect to the assessment of fees, dues, other charges and penalties authorized in accordance with this Rule.

(b) Without limiting the generality of the provisions of the By-Laws, the Board of Directors may, from time to time, fix and impose charges upon Participants, measured by their respective net commissions on transactions effected on the Exchange. Such charges shall be payable at such times and shall be collected in such manner as may be determined by the Board of Directors.

(c) The obligation of Participants to abide by the provisions of these By-Laws and the Rules of the Exchange shall include, without limitation, the obligation to pay all applicable fees, dues and other charges imposed thereon by these By-Laws or the Rules of the Exchange.

(d) The Board of Directors or their designee may suspend or terminate, after due notice, any permit or rights of any Participant or employee thereof using facilities or services of the Exchange, or enjoying any of the privileges therein, who shall not pay dues, fees, other charges, other monies due and owed the Exchange, fines and/or other monetary sanctions in accordance with the Rules of the Exchange.

Adopted Dec. 6, 2019 (SR-NASDAQ-2019-098).

Section 3. Reserved

 

Adopted Dec. 6, 2019 (SR-NASDAQ-2019-098).

Section 4. Limitation on Affiliation between the Exchange and Members

(a) No member or person associated with a member shall be the beneficial owner of greater than twenty percent (20%) of the then-outstanding voting securities of The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.

(b) For purposes of this rule, any calculation of the number of shares of common stock outstanding at any particular time shall be made in accordance with the last sentence of SEC Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i)(D). The term "beneficial owner" shall have the meaning set forth in the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.

Adopted Dec. 6, 2019 (SR-NASDAQ-2019-098).

Section 5. Regulation of the Exchange and Its Members

(a) Nasdaq and FINRA are parties to the Regulatory Contract pursuant to which FINRA has agreed to perform certain functions described in these Rules on behalf of Nasdaq. Nasdaq Rules that refer to Nasdaq Regulation, Nasdaq Regulation staff, Nasdaq staff, and Nasdaq departments should be understood as also referring to FINRA staff and FINRA departments acting on behalf of Nasdaq pursuant to the Regulatory Contract.

(b) Notwithstanding the fact that Nasdaq has entered into the Regulatory Contract with FINRA to perform some of Nasdaq's functions, Nasdaq shall retain ultimate legal responsibility for, and control of, such functions.

(c) In addition, Nasdaq has incorporated by reference certain FINRA rules. Nasdaq members shall comply with these rules and interpretations as if such rules and interpretations were part of Nasdaq's rules.

Adopted Dec. 6, 2019 (SR-NASDAQ-2019-098); amended August 7, 2020 (SR-NASDAQ-2020-045).

Section 6. Applicability

(a) The General Equity and Options Rules and Equity Rules shall apply to all members and persons associated with a member. Persons associated with a member shall have the same duties and obligations as a member under these Rules.

(b) A member or person associated with a member, who has been expelled, canceled or revoked from membership or from registration or who has been barred from being associated with all members, shall cease to have any privileges of membership or registration. A member or person associated with a member who has been suspended from membership or registration shall also cease to have any privileges of membership or registration other than those under the Code of Procedure as set forth in the Rule 9000 Series. In neither case shall such a member or person associated with a member be entitled to recover any admission fees, dues, assessments or other charges paid to Nasdaq.

(c) A member or person associated with a member who has been suspended from membership or from registration shall be considered as a non-member during the period of suspension for purposes of applying the provisions of these Rules which govern dealings between members and non-members. However, such member or person associated with a member shall have all of the obligations imposed by the rules of Nasdaq.

Adopted Dec. 6, 2019 (SR-NASDAQ-2019-098).

Section 7. Regulatory Independence

In furtherance of the independence of Nasdaq's regulatory functions from its commercial operations, Nasdaq shall ensure that, unless it obtains prior Commission approval, the regulatory functions subject to the Regulatory Contract as in effect at the time when Nasdaq begins to operate as a national securities exchange shall at all times continue to be performed by FINRA or an affiliate thereof or by another independent self-regulatory organization.

Adopted Dec. 6, 2019 (SR-NASDAQ-2019-098); amended August 7, 2020 (SR-NASDAQ-2020-045).

Section 8. Reserved

 

Adopted Dec. 6, 2019 (SR-NASDAQ-2019-098).

Section 9. Reliance on Current Membership List

The Nasdaq Secretary shall keep a currently accurate and complete membership roll, containing the name and address of each Nasdaq member, and the name and address of the executive representative of each Nasdaq member. In any case where a membership has been terminated, such fact shall be recorded together with the date on which the membership ceased. The membership roll of Nasdaq shall at all times be available to all members of Nasdaq, to all governmental authorities, and to the general public; provided, however, that the names and addresses of executive representatives shall not be available to members or the general public. For the purpose of complying with pertinent Rules, a member shall be entitled to rely on such membership roll.

Adopted Dec. 6, 2019 (SR-NASDAQ-2019-098).

Section 10. Executive Representative

Each Nasdaq member shall appoint and certify to the Secretary of Nasdaq one "executive representative" who shall represent, vote, and act for the Nasdaq member in all the affairs of Nasdaq; provided, however, that other representatives of a Nasdaq member may also serve on the Nasdaq Board or committees of Nasdaq or otherwise take part in the affairs of Nasdaq. If a Nasdaq member is also a member of FINRA, the Nasdaq executive representative shall be the same person appointed to serve as the FINRA executive representative. A Nasdaq member may change its executive representative or appoint a substitute for its executive representative upon giving notice thereof to the Nasdaq Secretary via electronic process or such other process as Nasdaq may prescribe. An executive representative of a Nasdaq member or a substitute shall be a member of senior management and registered principal of the Nasdaq member. Each executive representative shall maintain an Internet electronic mail account for communication with Nasdaq and shall update firm contact information as prescribed by Nasdaq. Each member shall review and, if necessary, update its executive representative designation and contact information in the manner prescribed by General 2, Section 11.

Adopted Dec. 6, 2019 (SR-NASDAQ-2019-098).

Section 11. Contact Information Requirements

(a) Each member shall report to Nasdaq all contact information required by Nasdaq via the FINRA Contact System.

(b) Each member shall update its required contact information promptly, but in any event not later than 30 days following any change in such information. In addition, each member shall review and, if necessary, update its required contact information, via such means as Nasdaq may specify, within 17 business days after the end of each calendar year.

(c) Each member shall comply with any Nasdaq request for such information promptly, but in any event not later than 15 days following the request, or such longer period that may be agreed to by Nasdaq staff.

Adopted Dec. 6, 2019 (SR-NASDAQ-2019-098).

Section 12. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery

With respect to Nasdaq's business continuity and disaster recovery plans, including its backup systems, Nasdaq shall:

(a) Establish standards for the designation of those Members and Options Participants that Nasdaq reasonably determines are, taken as a whole, the minimum necessary for the maintenance of fair and orderly markets in the event of the activation of such plans. Such standards may include volume-based and/or market share-based criteria, and may be adjusted from time to time by Nasdaq. Nasdaq will provide public notice of the standards;

(b) Designate Members and Options Participants pursuant to the standards established in paragraph (a) of this Rule and require participation by such designated Members and Options Participants in scheduled functional and performance testing of the operation of such plans, in the manner and frequency specified by Nasdaq, provided that such frequency shall not be less than once every 12 months. Nasdaq will provide at least six months prior notice to Members and Options Participants that are designated for mandatory testing, and participation of such Members and Options Participants is a condition of membership.

Adopted Dec. 6, 2019 (SR-NASDAQ-2019-098).

Section 13. Fingerprint-Based Background Checks of Employees and Independent Contractors

(a) In order to enhance the physical security of the facilities, systems, data, and information of Nasdaq and its affiliates (collectively, the "Nasdaq Entities"), it shall be the policy of the Nasdaq Entities to conduct a fingerprint-based criminal records check of (i) all prospective and current employees of the Nasdaq Entities, (ii) all prospective and current independent contractors who have or are anticipated to have access to facilities of the Nasdaq Entities for ten business days or longer, and (iii) all prospective and current temporary employees who have or are anticipated to have access to facilities of the Nasdaq Entities for ten business days or longer. The Nasdaq Entities shall apply this policy in all circumstances where permitted by applicable law.

(b) The Nasdaq Entities shall submit fingerprint cards obtained pursuant to the foregoing policy to the Attorney General of the United States or his or her designee for identification and processing. The Nasdaq Entities shall at all times maintain the security of fingerprint cards and information received from the Attorney General or his or her designee.

(c) The Nasdaq Entities shall evaluate information received from the Attorney General or his or her designee in accordance with the terms of a written fingerprint policy and provisions of applicable law. A felony or serious misdemeanor conviction will be a factor in considering whether to hire a prospective employee, take adverse employment action with respect to a current employee, or deny prospective or current independent contractors or temporary employees access to facilities of the Nasdaq Entities.

(d) A prospective employee who refuses to submit to fingerprinting shall be denied employment by the Nasdaq Entities, and a prospective independent contractor or temporary employee who refuses to submit to fingerprinting shall be denied access to facilities of the Nasdaq Entities. A current employee, independent contractor, or temporary employee who refuses to submit to fingerprinting will be terminated following notice and being given three opportunities to submit.

Adopted Dec. 6, 2019 (SR-NASDAQ-2019-098).

Section 14. Restrictions on Affiliation

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b):

(1) Nasdaq or any entity with which it is affiliated shall not, directly or indirectly, acquire or maintain an ownership interest in, or engage in a business venture with, a Nasdaq member or an affiliate of a Nasdaq member in the absence of an effective filing under Section 19(b) of the Act; and

(2) a Nasdaq member shall not be or become an affiliate of Nasdaq, or an affiliate of an entity affiliated with Nasdaq, in the absence of an effective filing under Section 19(b) of the Act.

The term "affiliate" shall have the meaning specified in Rule 12b-2 under the Act; provided, however, that for purposes of this Rule, one entity shall not be deemed to be an affiliate of another entity solely by reason of having a common director. The term "business venture" means an arrangement under which (A) Nasdaq or an entity with which it is affiliated, and (B) a Nasdaq member or an affiliate of a Nasdaq member, engage in joint activities with an expectation of shared profit and a risk of shared loss from common entrepreneurial efforts.

(b) Nothing in this Rule shall prohibit, or require a filing under Section 19(b) of the Act, for:

(1) a Nasdaq member or an affiliate of a Nasdaq member acquiring or holding an equity interest in The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. that is permitted by the ownership limitations contained in General 2, Section 4, or

(2) Nasdaq or an entity affiliated with Nasdaq acquiring or maintaining an ownership interest in, or engaging in a business venture with, an affiliate of a Nasdaq member if:

(A) there are information barriers between the member and Nasdaq and its facilities, such that the member

(i) will not be provided an informational advantage concerning the operation of Nasdaq and its facilities, and will not be provided changes or improvements to the trading system that are not available to the industry generally or other Nasdaq members;

(ii) will not have any knowledge in advance of other Nasdaq members of proposed changes, modifications, or improvements to the operations or trading systems of Nasdaq and its facilities, including advance knowledge of Nasdaq filings pursuant to Section 19(b) of the Act;

(iii) will be notified of any proposed changes, modifications, or improvements to the operations or trading systems of Nasdaq and its facilities in the same manner as other Nasdaq members are notified; and

(iv) will not share employees, office space, or databases with Nasdaq or its facilities, The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., or any entity that is controlled by The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.; and

(B) Nasdaq's Regulatory Oversight Committee certifies, on an annual basis, to the Director of the Division of Trading & Markets that Nasdaq has taken all reasonable steps to implement the requirements of this rule and is in compliance therewith.

(c) Nasdaq, Inc., which is the holding company owning the Exchange and Nasdaq Execution Services, LLC, shall establish and maintain procedures and internal controls reasonably designed to ensure that Nasdaq Execution Services, LLC does not develop or implement changes to its system on the basis of non-public information regarding planned changes to Exchange systems, obtained as a result of its affiliation with the Exchange, until such information is available generally to similarly situated members of the Exchange in connection with the provision of inbound routing to the Exchange.

Adopted Dec. 6, 2019 (SR-NASDAQ-2019-098).

Section 15. Business Continuity Plans

(a) Nasdaq Members shall comply with FINRA Rule 4370 as if such Rule were part of Nasdaq's Rules. Nasdaq and FINRA are parties to the Regulatory Contract Pursuant to which FINRA has agreed to perform certain functions on behalf of Nasdaq. Therefore, Nasdaq members are complying with this Rule by complying with FINRA Rule 4370 as written, including, for example, filing requirements and notifications. In addition, functions performed by FINRA, FINRA departments, and FINRA staff under this Rule are being performed by FINRA on behalf of Nasdaq.

(b) For purposes of this rule references to Rule 4517 shall be construed as references to General 2, Section 16.

Adopted Dec. 6, 2019 (SR-NASDAQ-2019-098); amended August 7, 2020 (SR-NASDAQ-2020-045).

Section 16. Emergency Contact Information

(a) Each member shall report to Nasdaq, via such electronic or other means as Nasdaq may specify, prescribed emergency contact information for the member. The emergency contact information for the member includes designation of two emergency contact persons. Each emergency contact person shall be a member of senior management and a registered principal of the member.

(b) Each member must promptly update its emergency contact information, via such electronic or other means as Nasdaq may specify, in the event of any material change. With respect to designated emergency contact persons, each member must identify, review, and, if necessary, update such designations in the manner prescribed by General 2, Section 11.

Adopted Dec. 6, 2019 (SR-NASDAQ-2019-098).

Section 17. Reserved

 

Adopted Jan. 29, 2020 (SR-NASDAQ-2020-006).

Section 18. Reserved

 

Adopted Jan. 29, 2020 (SR-NASDAQ-2020-006).

Section 19. Reserved

 

Adopted Jan. 29, 2020 (SR-NASDAQ-2020-006).

Section 20. Reserved

 

Adopted Jan. 29, 2020 (SR-NASDAQ-2020-006).

Section 21. Reserved

 

Adopted Jan. 29, 2020 (SR-NASDAQ-2020-006).

Section 22. Sponsored Participants

(a) The Exchange shall be available for entry and execution of orders by Sponsored Participants with authorized access. Sponsored Access shall mean an arrangement whereby a member permits its customers to enter orders into the System that bypass the member's trading system and are routed directly to the Exchange, including routing through a service bureau or other third party technology provider.

(b) Sponsored Participants. A Sponsored Participant may obtain authorized access to the Nasdaq Market Center only if such access is authorized in advance by one or more Exchange members as follows:

(i) Sponsored Participants must enter into and maintain customer agreements with one or more Sponsoring Members establishing proper relationship(s) and account(s) through which the Sponsored Participant may trade on the Nasdaq Market Center ("Customer Agreement"). Such Customer Agreement(s) must incorporate the Sponsorship Provisions set forth in paragraph (ii) below.

(ii) For a Sponsored Participant to obtain and maintain authorized access to the Nasdaq Market Center, a Sponsored Participant and its Sponsoring Member must agree in writing to the following Sponsorship Provisions:

(A) The authorized access must comply with Rule 15c3-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

(B) Sponsoring Member acknowledges and agrees that

(1) All orders entered by the Sponsored Participants and any person acting on behalf of or in the name of such Sponsored Participant and any executions occurring as a result of such orders are binding in all respects on the Sponsoring Member and

(2) Sponsoring Member is responsible for any and all actions taken by such Sponsored Participant and any person acting on behalf of or in the name of such Sponsored Participant.

(C) Sponsoring Member shall comply with the Exchange's Limited Liability Company Agreement, By-Laws, Rules and procedures with regard to the Nasdaq Market Center and Sponsored Participant shall comply with the Exchange's Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, Rules and procedures with regard to the Nasdaq Market Center, as if Sponsored Participant were an Exchange Member.

(D) Sponsored Participant shall maintain, keep current and provide to the Sponsoring Member a list of individuals authorized to obtain access to the Nasdaq Market Center on behalf of the Sponsored Participant.

(E) Sponsored Participant shall familiarize its authorized individuals with all of the Sponsored Participant's obligations under this Rule and will assure that they receive appropriate training prior to any use or access to the Nasdaq Market Center.

(F) Sponsored Participant may not permit anyone other than authorized individuals to use or obtain access to the Nasdaq Market Center.

(G) Sponsored Participant shall take reasonable security precautions to prevent unauthorized use or access to the Nasdaq Market Center, including unauthorized entry of information into the Nasdaq Market Center, or the information and data made available therein. Sponsored Participant understands and agrees that Sponsored Participant is responsible for any and all orders, trades and other messages and instructions entered, transmitted or received under identifiers, passwords and security codes of authorized individuals, and for the trading and other consequences thereof.

(H) Sponsored Participant acknowledges its responsibility to establish adequate procedures and controls that permit it to effectively monitor its employees', agents' and customers' use and access to the Nasdaq Market Center for compliance with the terms of this agreement.

(I) Sponsored Participant shall pay when due all amounts, if any, payable to Sponsoring Member, the Exchange, or any other third parties that arise from the Sponsored Participant's access to and use of the Nasdaq Market Center. Such amounts include, but are not limited to applicable exchange and regulatory fees.

Adopted Jan. 29, 2020 (SR-NASDAQ-2020-006); amended Nov. 23, 2020 (SR-NASDAQ-2020-079).

Section 23. Reserved

Amended Nov. 18, 2022 (SR-NASDAQ-2022-066).

Section 24. Reserved

Amended Nov. 18, 2022 (SR-NASDAQ-2022-066).

 
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