Section 1. Reserved
(a) Except with the prior written approval of the Exchange in each instance, no member or member organization
shall effect, for any account in which such member or member organization has an interest or for the account
of any partner, officer, director or employee thereof or for the account of any customer, an opening
transaction (whether on the Exchange or on another participating exchange) in an option contract of any
class of options dealt in on the Exchange if the member or member organization has reason to believe that,
as a result of such transaction, the member or member organization or partner, officer, director or employee
thereof or customer would, acting alone or in concert with others, directly or indirectly control an
aggregate position: (a) of more than 25,000, 50,000, 75,000, 200,000 or 250,000 option contracts (whether
long or short), put or call option contracts on the same side of the market relating to the same underlying
security, which limit is determined in accordance with section (g)(1)(a) herein, in the case of options on a
stock or Exchange-Traded Fund Share, except with respect to put or call option contracts overlying:
- INVESCO QQQ TrustSM, Series 1 ("QQQ")® for which the position limit shall be 1,800,000 contracts on the same side
of the market;
- SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust ("SPY") for
which the position limit shall be 3,600,000 contracts on the same side of the market;
- iShares® Russell 2000® ETF ("IWM"), for which the position limit shall be 1,000,000 contracts;
- Diamonds Trust ("DIA"), for which the position limit shall be 300,000 contracts on the same
side of the market;
- iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF ("EEM"), for which the position
limit shall be 1,000,000 contracts on the same side of the market;
- iShares China Large-Cap ETF ("FXI"), for which the position limit shall be 1,000,000 contracts on the same side of the market;
- iShares MSCI EAFE ETF ("EFA"), for which the position limit shall be 1,000,000 contracts on the same side of the market;
- iShares MSCI Brazil Capped ETF ("EWZ"), for which the position limit shall be 500,000 contracts on the same side of the market;
- iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond Fund
ETF ("TLT"), for which the position limit shall be 500,000 contracts on the same side of the market;
- iShares MSCI Japan ETF ("EWJ"), for which the position limit shall be 500,000 contracts on
the same side of the market;
- iShares iBoxx High Yield Corporate Bond Fund (“HYG”), for which the position limit shall be 500,000 contracts on the same side of the market;
- Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (“XLF”), for which the position limit shall be 500,000 contracts on the same side of the market;
- iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (“LQD”), for which the position
limit shall be 500,000 contracts on the same side of the market;
- VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF (“GDX”), for which the position limit shall be 500,000
contracts on the same side of the market;
or (b) with respect to a stock or Exchange-Traded Fund Share option not dealt in on the
Exchange, exceeding the applicable position limit established by the exchange on which the option contract
is transacted, when the member or member organization is not a member of that other exchange, or such other
number of option contracts as may be fixed from time to time by the Exchange as the position limit for one
or more classes or series. Position limits for foreign currency options shall be determined in accordance
with section (j) herein.
(b) Reserved.
(c) It shall be the responsibility of each member and member organization accepting orders for opening
transactions (purchase or writing) in options contracts of any class of options dealt in on the Exchange to
inform their customers of the applicable position limits and not to accept any such orders from any customer
in any instance in which such member or member organization has reason to believe that such customer, acting
alone or in concert with others, has exceeded or is attempting to exceed such position limits.
(d) For the purpose of computing the aggregate position limits established by this Rule, long positions in
call option contracts are aggregated with short positions in put option contracts and short positions in
call option contracts are aggregated with long positions in put option contracts.
(e) The Exchange will not approve any opening purchase or writing transaction or the carrying of any position
that would exceed the limits established by this Rule except in highly unusual circumstances. An exemption
will be granted to a member or member organization only under the following circumstances:
(i) the exemption request must be submitted in
writing to an Options Exchange Official and set forth the facts justifying the exemption;
(ii) if the exemption is sought by a registered
options trader, the registered options trader must hold an assignment in the option;
(iii) the applicant's position must be near the
current position limit (generally within 10% of the current limit); and
(iv) the character of trading in the option has been
such as to support an exemption request; the applicant's participation in the market in the period prior to
the exemption request has been significant in terms of daily volume.
A position limit exemption requires the approval of
an Options Exchange Official. The exemption is effective at the time a decision is communicated; retroactive
exemptions will not be granted. The size and duration of an exemption will be determined on a case-by-case
basis. An exemption usually will be granted only until the nearest expiration.
(f) Lead Market Makers. The Exchange may establish higher position limits for Lead Market Makers'
transactions than those applicable with respect to other accounts. Whenever a Lead Market Maker reasonably
anticipates that he may exceed such position limits in the performance of his function of assisting in the
maintenance of a fair and orderly market, he must seek an exemption in writing in accordance with this Rule.
A position limit exemption requires the approval of an Options Exchange Official. The exemption is effective
at the time a decision is communicated; retroactive exemptions will not be granted. The size and duration of
an exemption will be determined on a case-by-case basis. An exemption usually will be granted only until the
nearest expiration.
(g) Equity Option Position Limits.
(i) The position limit shall be 250,000 contracts
for options:
(a) on an underlying stock or Exchange-Traded Fund
Share which had trading volume of at least 100,000,000 shares during the most recent six-month trading
period; or
(b) on an underlying stock or Exchange-Traded Fund
Share which had trading volume of at least 75,000,000 shares during the most recent six-month trading period
and has at least 300,000,000 shares currently outstanding;
(ii) The position limit shall be 200,000 contracts
for options:
(a) on an underlying stock or Exchange-Traded Fund
Share which had trading volume of at least 80,000,000 shares during the most recent six-month trading
period; or
(b) on an underlying stock or Exchange-Traded Fund
Share which had trading volume of at least 60,000,000 shares during the most recent six-month trading period
and has at least 240,000,000 shares currently outstanding;
(iii) The position limit shall be 75,000 contracts
for options:
(a) on an underlying stock or Exchange-Traded Fund
Share which had trading volume of at least 40,000,000 shares during the most recent six-month trading
period; or
(b) on an underlying stock or Exchange-Traded Fund
Share which had trading volume of at least 30,000,000 shares during the most recent six-month trading period
and has at least 120,000,000 shares currently outstanding.
(iv) The position limit shall be 50,000 contracts
for options:
(a) on an underlying stock or Exchange-Traded Fund
Share which had trading volume of at least 20,000,000 shares during the most recent six-month trading
period; or
(b) on an underlying stock or Exchange-Traded Fund
Share which had trading volume of at least 15,000,000 shares during the most recent six-month trading period
and has at least 40,000,000 shares currently outstanding.
(v) The position limit shall be 25,000 contracts for
all other options.
(h) The Exchange will review the volume and outstanding share information of all underlying stocks and
Exchange-Traded Fund Shares every six months to determine which limit shall apply. A higher limit will be
effective on the date set by the Exchange, while any change to a lower limit will take effect after the last
expiration then trading, unless the requirement for the same or a higher limit is met at the time of an
intervening six-month review. However, if, subsequent to a six-month review, an increase in volume and/or
outstanding shares would make a stock or Exchange-Traded Fund Share eligible for a higher position limit
prior to the next review, the Exchange in its discretion may immediately increase such position limit.
(i) Except with the prior written approval of the Exchange in each instance, no member or member organization
shall effect for any account in which such member or member organization has an interest or for the account
of any partner, officer, director or employee thereof or for the account of any customer, a purchase or sale
transaction (whether on the Exchange or on or through the facilities of, or otherwise subject to the rules
of, another national securities exchange or national securities association) in a stock index warrant if the
member or member organization has reason to believe that as a result of such transaction the member or
member organization or partner, officer, director or employee thereof or customer would, acting alone or in
concert with others, directly or indirectly, control an aggregate position in a stock index warrant issue,
or in all warrants issued on the same stock index, on the same side of the market, in excess of the position
limits specified in sections (c) and (d).
(j) Foreign Currency Option Position Limits
(i) The position limit shall be 300,000 contracts
for options on the following foreign currency: the Mexican peso, the Brazilian real, the Chinese yuan, the
Danish krone, the Norwegian krone, the Russian ruble, the South African rand, the South Korean won, the
Swedish krona,
(ii) The position limit shall be 600,000 contracts
for options on the following foreign currency: the British pound, the Swiss franc, the Canadian dollar, the
Australian dollar, the Japanese yen, and the New Zealand dollar
(iii) The position limit shall be 1,200,000
contracts for options on the following foreign currency: the Euro.
(iv) However, if a foreign currency option (FCO or
WCO) and a PHLX FOREX Option™ are listed on the same underlying currency (e.g. a Euro foreign currency
option and a Euro PHLX FOREX Option), then the position for each such option on the same underlying currency
will be aggregated for purposes of determining compliance with the position limit established in this rule.
(k) Control exists, under General 1, Section 1, Options 1, Section 1, and Options 9, Section 15, when it is
determined that an individual or entity (1) makes investment decisions for an account or accounts, or (2)
materially influences directly or indirectly the actions of any person who makes investment decisions.
(a) In addition, control will be presumed in the
following circumstances:
(1) among all parties to a joint account who have
authority to act on behalf of the account;
(2) among all general partners to a partnership
account;
(3) when an individual or entity (1) holds an
ownership interest of 10 percent or more in an entity (ownership interest of less than 10 percent will not
preclude aggregation), or (2) shares in 10 percent or more of profits and/or losses of an account;
(4) when accounts have common directors or
management;
(5) where a person or entity has the authority to
execute transactions in an account;
(b) Control, presumed by one or more of the above
findings or circumstances, can be rebutted by proving the factor does not exist or by showing other factors
which negate the presumption of control. The rebuttal proof must be submitted by affidavit and/or such other
documentary evidence as may be appropriate in the circumstances. The Exchange will also consider the
following factors in determining if aggregation of accounts is required:
(1) similar patterns of trading activity among
separate entities;
(2) the sharing of kindred business purposes and
interests;
(3) whether there is common supervision of the
entities which extends beyond assuring adherence to each entity's investment objectives and/or restrictions;
(4) the degree of contact and communication between
directors and/or managers of separate accounts.
(c) Initial determinations under this Interpretation
shall be made by Regulatory staff of the Exchange. A member or customer directly affected by such a
determination may ask the Exchange to reconsider but may not request any other review or appeal, except in
the context of a disciplinary proceeding.
(l) Equity Option Hedge Exemptions. The following qualified hedge transactions and positions described in
paragraphs 1-5 below shall be exempt from established position limits as prescribed under sections (g) and
(d)(i) above. Hedge transactions and positions established pursuant to paragraphs (6) and (7) below are
subject to a position limit equal to five (5) times the standard limit established under sections (g) and
(d)(i).
(1) Where each option contract is "hedged" or
"covered" by 100 shares of the underlying security or securities convertible into such underlying security,
or, in the case of an adjusted option contract the same number of shares represented by the adjusted
contract; (i) long call and short stock; (ii) short call and long stock; (iii) long put and long stock; (iv)
short put and short stock.
(2) A long call position accompanied by a short put
position, where the long call expires with the short put, and the strike price of the long call and short
put is equal, and where each long call and short put position is hedged with 100 shares (or other adjusted
number of shares) of the underlying security or securities convertible into such stock ("reverse
conversion").
(3) A short call position accompanied by a long put
position where the short call expires with the long put, and the strike price of the short call and long put
is equal and where each short call and long put position is hedged with 100 shares (or other adjusted number
of shares) of the underlying security or securities convertible into such stock ("conversion").
(4) A short call position accompanied by a long put
position, where the short call expires with the long put, and the strike price of the short call equals or
exceeds the long put, and where each short call and long put position is hedged with 100 shares of the
underlying security (or other adjusted number of shares). Neither side of the short call, long put position
can be in-the-money at the time of the position is established ("collar").
(5) A long call position accompanied by a short put
position where the long call expires with the short put and the strike price of the long call equals or
exceeds the short put and where each long call and short put position is hedged with 100 shares of the
underlying security (or other adjusted number of shares). Neither side of the long call, short put position
can be in-the- money at the time the position is established ("reverse collar").
(6) A long call position accompanied by a short put
position with the same strike price and a short call position accompanied by a long put position with a
different strike price ("box spread").
(7) A listed option position hedged on a one-for-one
basis with an over-the-counter ("OTC") option position on the same underlying security. The strike price of
the listed option position and corresponding OTC option position must be within one strike of each other and
no more than one expiration month apart.
(8) For those strategies described under (2), (3),
and (4) above, one component of the option strategy may be an OTC option contract guaranteed or endorsed by
the firm maintaining the proprietary position or carrying the customer account.
(9) An OTC option contract is defined as an option
contract that is not listed on a National Securities Exchange or cleared at The Options Clearing
Corporation.
(m) Firm Facilitation Exemption. A member organization may be exempt from established position limits for
equity option positions (including Exchange- Traded Fund Share option positions) held in its proprietary
account where such position will facilitate an order for a customer of that member organization, provided
that such position satisfies the following:
(i) Maximum limit: the facilitating position may
exceed the applicable position limit by two times that limit, in addition to the allowable amount. For
example, where the position limit is 25,000 contracts, a firm facilitation exemption is available for an
additional 50,000 contracts. This exemption is in addition to any other exemptions available under Exchange
Rules.
(ii) Approval Procedure: prior approval from an
Options Exchange Official and the submission of a complete Firm Facilitation Form, which must be kept
current, are required. Approval may be granted on the basis of verbal representations, in which case the
member organization shall submit to the Regulatory staff of the Exchange a completed form respecting such
approval within two business days or the time specified when approval is granted. A member organization may
request an exemption based on interest expressed by its customer, prior to obtaining an order. This
exemption is not available where either the customer or facilitation order are all or none or fill or kill
orders.
(a) The facilitation firm shall promptly provide the
Exchange with information or documents requested concerning the exempted and hedging positions. A copy of
all applicable order tickets must be provided to the Regulatory staff of the Exchange on the day of
execution.
(b) The facilitation firm shall establish and
liquidate its own as well as its customer's option, stock and Exchange-Traded Fund Share positions in an
orderly fashion, and not in a manner calculated to cause unreasonable price fluctuations or unwarranted
price changes nor with a view toward taking advantage of any differential in price between a group of
securities and an overlying stock index option. The facilitation firm shall notify the Exchange of any
material change in the exempted option position or hedge. The facilitation firm shall not increase the
exempt option position once it is liquidated, unless prior approval is again received pursuant to this Rule.
(iii) Facilitation Procedure: compliance with the
facilitation procedures of Options 8, Section 30(b) is required, such that the terms of the order are
disclosed and the market quoted, with bidding/offering by the facilitation firm providing an opportunity for
the trading crowd to participate. is required, such that the terms of the order are disclosed and the market
quoted, with bidding/offering by the facilitation firm providing an opportunity for the trading crowd to
participate.
(iv) Hedge: to remain qualified, the facilitation
firm must hedge all exempt option positions within five business days after the execution of the order and
furnish the Exchange's Regulatory staff with documentation reflecting the resulting hedged positions.
(v) Violations of these requirements, absent
reasonable justification or excuse, shall result, in addition to any disciplinary action, in withdrawal of
the exemption and may form the basis for subsequent denial of an application for an exemption hereunder.
(n) Delta-Based Equity Hedge Exemption. The Delta-Based Equity Hedge Exemption is in addition to the standard
limit and other exemptions available under Exchange Rules, interpretations and policies.
(i) An equity option position of a member or
non-member affiliate of a member that is delta neutral shall be exempt from established position limits as
prescribed in this General 1, Section 1, Options 1, Section 1, subject to the following:
(a) The term "delta neutral" refers to an equity
option position that is hedged, in accordance with a permitted pricing model, by a position in the
underlying security or one or more instruments relating to the underlying security, for the purpose of
offsetting the risk that the value of the option position will change with incremental changes in the price
of the security underlying the option position.
(1) In the case of an equity option position for
which the underlying security is an ETF that is based on the same index as an index option, the equity
option position and any position in the underlying ETF may be combined with such an index option position
and/or correlated instruments as defined in subparagraph (A) of Supplementary .04(A), in accordance with
Options 4A, Section 6 - Delta-Based Index Hedge Exemption, for calculation of the delta-based equity hedge
exemption.
(b) An equity option position that is not delta
neutral shall be subject to position limits in accordance with this Rule (subject to the availability of
other position limit exemptions). Only the option contract equivalent of the net delta of such position
shall be subject to the appropriate position limit.
(1) The term "options contract equivalent of the net
delta" means the net delta divided by the number of shares that equate to one option contract on a delta
basis.
(2) The term "net delta" means, at any time, the
number of shares and/or units of trade (either long or short) required to offset the risk that the value of
an equity option position will change with incremental changes in the price of the security underlying the
option position, as determined in accordance with a permitted pricing model.
(c) A "permitted pricing model" means -
(1) A pricing model maintained and operated by The
Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC Model");
(2) A pricing model maintained and used by a member
subject to consolidated supervision by the Commission pursuant to Appendix E of Commission rule 15c3-1, or
by an affiliate that is part of such member's consolidated supervised holding company group, in accordance
with its internal risk management control system and consistent with the requirements of Appendices E or G,
as applicable, to SEC Rule 15c3-1 and SEC Rule 15c3-4 under the Act, as amended from time to time, in
connection with the calculation of risk-based deductions from capital or capital allowances for market risk
thereunder, provided that the member or affiliate of a member relying on this exemption in connection with
the use of such model is an entity that is part of such member's consolidated supervised holding company
group;
(3) A pricing model maintained and used by a
financial holding company or a company treated as a financial holding company under the Bank Holding Company
Act of 1956, or by an affiliate that is part of either such company's consolidated supervised holding
company group, in accordance with its internal risk management control system and consistent with:
(i) the requirements of the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System, as amended from time to time, in connection with the calculation of risk-based
adjustments to capital for market risk under capital requirements of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System, provided that the member or affiliate of a member relying on this exemption in connection
with the use of such model is an entity that is part of such company's consolidated supervised holding
company group; or
(ii) the standards published by the Basel Committee
on Banking Supervision, as amended from time to time and as implemented by such company's principal
regulator, in connection with the calculation of risk based deductions or adjustments to or allowances for
the market risk capital requirements of such principal regulator applicable to such company - where
"principal regulator" means a member of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision that is the home country
consolidated supervisor of such company - provided that the member or affiliate of a member relying on this
exemption in connection with the use of such model is an entity that is part of such company's consolidated
supervised holding company group;
(4) A pricing model maintained and used by an OTC
derivatives dealer registered with the SEC pursuant to SEC Rule 15c3-1(a)(5) in accordance with its internal
risk management control system and consistent with the requirements of Appendix F to SEC Rule 15c3-1 and SEC
Rule 15c3-4 under the Act, as amended from time to time, in connection with the calculation of risk-based
deductions from capital for market risk thereunder, provided that only such OTC derivatives dealer and no
other affiliated entity (including a member) may rely on this subparagraph (c)(4); or
(5) A pricing model used by a national bank under
the National Bank Act maintained and used in accordance with its internal risk management control system and
consistent with the requirements of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, as amended from time to
time, in connection with the calculation of risk-based adjustments to capital for market risk under capital
requirements of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, provided that only such national bank and no
other affiliated entity (including a member) may rely on this subparagraph (c)(5).
(d) Effect on Aggregation of Accounts
(1) Members and non-member affiliates who rely on
this exemption must ensure that the permitted pricing model is applied to all positions in or relating to
the security underlying the relevant option position that are owned or controlled by such member or
non-member affiliate.
(2) Notwithstanding subparagraph (d)(1), the net
delta of an option position held by an entity entitled to rely on this exemption, or by a separate and
distinct trading unit of such entity, may be calculated without regard to positions in or relating to the
security underlying the option position held by an affiliated entity or by another trading unit within the
same entity, provided that:
(i) the entity demonstrates to the Exchange's
satisfaction that no control relationship, as defined in section (k) to this Rule; and
(ii) the entity has provided the Exchange written
notice in advance that it intends to be considered separate and distinct from any affiliate or, as
applicable, which trading units within the entity are to be considered separate and distinct from each other
for purposes of this exemption.
(3) Notwithstanding subparagraph (d)(1) or (d)(2), a
member or non-member affiliate who relies on this exemption shall designate, by prior written notice to the
Exchange, each trading unit or entity whose option positions are required under Exchange Rules to be
aggregated with the option positions of such member or non-member affiliate that is relying on this
exemption for purposes of compliance with Exchange position limits or exercise limits. In any such case:
(i) the permitted pricing model shall be applied,
for purposes of calculating such member's or affiliate's net delta, only to the positions in or relating to
the security underlying any relevant option position owned and controlled by those entities and trading
units who are relying on this exemption; and
(ii) the net delta of the positions owned or
controlled by the entities and trading units who are relying on this exemption shall be aggregated with the
non-exempt option positions of all other entities and trading units whose options positions are required
under Exchange Rules to be aggregated with the option positions of such member or affiliate.
(e) Obligations of Members and Affiliates
(1) A member that relies on this exemption for a
proprietary equity options position:
(i) must provide a written certification to the
Exchange that it is using a permitted pricing model pursuant to subparagraph (c) in this Rule; and
(ii) by such reliance authorizes any other person
carrying for such member an account including, or with whom such member has entered into, a position in or
relating to a security underlying the relevant option position to provide to the Exchange or the Clearing
Corporation such information regarding such account or position as the Exchange or Clearing Corporation may
request as part of the Exchange's confirmation or verification of the accuracy of any net delta calculation
under this exemption.
(2) The equity option positions of a non-member
relying on this exemption must be carried by a member with which it is affiliated.
(3) A member carrying an account that includes an
equity option position for a nonmember affiliate that intends to rely on this exemption must obtain from
such nonmember:
(i) a written certification to the Exchange that it
is using a permitted pricing model pursuant to subparagraph (c) in this Rule; and
(ii) a written statement confirming that such
non-member affiliate:
(a) is relying on this exemption;
(b) will use only a permitted pricing model for
purposes of calculating the net delta of its option positions for purposes of this exemption;
(c) will promptly notify the member if it ceases to
rely on this exemption;
(d) authorizes the member to provide to the Exchange
or the Clearing Corporation such information regarding positions of the non-member affiliate as the Exchange
or Clearing Corporation may request as part of the Exchange's confirmation or verification of the accuracy
of any net delta calculation under this exemption; and
(e) if the non-member affiliate is using the OCC
Model, has duly executed and delivered to the Exchange such documents as the Exchange may require to be
executed and delivered to the Exchange as a condition to reliance on this exemption.
(f) Reporting.
(g) Each member (other than an Exchange market-maker
using the OCC model) that holds or carries an account that relies on this exemption shall report, in
accordance with Options 6E, Section 2, all equity option positions (including those that are delta neutral)
that are reportable thereunder. Each such member on its own behalf or on behalf of a designated aggregation
unit pursuant to section (n)(1)(d) herein shall also report, in accordance with Options 6E, Section 2, for
each such account that holds an equity option position subject to this exemption in excess of the levels
specified in this Rule, the net delta and the options contract equivalent of the net delta of such position.
(h) Records.
Each member relying on this exemption shall:
(i) retain, and undertake reasonable efforts to
ensure that any non-member affiliate of the member relying on this exemption retains, a list of the options,
securities and other instruments underlying each option position net delta calculation reported to the
Exchange hereunder, and
(ii) produce such information to the Exchange upon
request.
(o) Exemptions Granted by Other Options Exchanges. A member may rely upon any available exemptions from
applicable position limits granted from time to time by another options exchange for any options contract
traded on the Exchange provided that such member:
(1) provides the Exchange with a copy of any written
exemption issued by another options exchange or a written description of any exemption issued by another
options exchange other than in writing containing sufficient detail for Exchange Regulatory staff to verify
the validity of that exemption with the issuing options exchange, and
(2) fulfills all conditions precedent for such
exemption and complies at all times with the requirements of such exemption with respect to the member's
trading on the Exchange.
Adopted Feb. 3, 2020 (20-03); amended Mar. 5, 2020 (20-08), operative April 4, 2020; amended Mar. 5, 2020 (20-08), operative April 4, 2020; amended Jun. 17, 2020 (SR-Phlx-2020-30); amended November 19, 2021 (SR-Phlx-2021-70); amended Dec. 23, 2022 (SR-Phlx-2022-50); amended Nov. 4, 2024 (SR-Phlx-2024-53); amended Nov. 21, 2024 (SR-Phlx-2024-64); amended Apr. 10, 2025 (SR-Phlx-2025-18); amended Aug. 6, 2025 (SR-Phlx-2025-34); amended Aug. 7, 2025 (SR-Phlx-2025-36); amended Jan. 7, 2026 (SR-Phlx-2026-02).
Adopted Feb. 3, 2020 (20-03).
(a) Except as set forth in subparagraph (c) herein, no member or member organization shall exercise, for any
account in which such member or member organization has an interest or for the account of any partner,
officer, director or employee thereof or for the account of any customer, a long position in any option
contract of a class of options dealt in on the Exchange (or, respecting an option not dealt in on the
Exchange, another exchange if the member or member organization is not a member of that exchange) if as a
result thereof such member or member organization, or partner, officer, director or employee thereof or
customer, acting alone or in concert with others, directly or indirectly, has or will have exercised within
any five (5) consecutive business days aggregate long positions in that class (put or call) as set forth as
the position limit in Options 9, Section 13, in the case of options on a stock or on an Exchange-Traded Fund
Share, on a foreign currency, or stock index warrants; without regard to the exchange on which the options
were purchased. Whether option or warrant positions should be aggregated under this Rule shall be determined
in the manner described in the Supplementary Material to Options 9, Section 13. Index option position and
exercise limits are governed by Options 4A, Sections 6 and 10.
(b) It shall be the responsibility of each member and member organization accepting orders for the purchase
(in opening transactions) of option contracts of a class of options dealt in on the Exchange to inform their
customers of the applicable exercise limits and not to accept any exercise of an option contract from any
customer in any instance in which such member or member organization has reason to believe that such
customer, acting alone or in concert with others, has exceeded or is attempting to exceed such exercise
limits.
(c) For a member or a member organization that has been granted an exemption to position limits pursuant to
Options 9, Section 13(l)(Equity Option Hedge Exemptions) or Options 9, Section 13(n)(Delta-Based Equity
Hedge Exemption), the number of contracts which can be exercised over a five (5) business day period shall
equal the member's or member organization's exempted position.
(d) The Exchange may establish different limits from time to time either across the board for all underlying
securities or underlying foreign currencies covered by options traded in the Exchange or in respect to
particular classes.
Adopted Feb. 3, 2020 (20-03).
Adopted Feb. 3, 2020 (20-03).
Whenever the Exchange shall determine that a person or group of persons acting in concert holds or controls, or is obligated in respect of, an aggregate position (whether long or short) in all option contracts of one or more classes or series dealt in on the Exchange in excess of the applicable position limit established pursuant to Options 9, Section 13, it may direct all members and member organizations carrying a position in option contracts of such classes or series for such person or persons to liquidate such position as expeditiously as possible consistent with the maintenance of an orderly market. Whenever such a direction is issued by the Exchange, no member organization receiving notice thereof shall accept any order to purchase, sell or exercise any option contract for the account of the person or persons named in such directive, unless in each instance express approval therefore is given by the Exchange, or until such directive is rescinded.
Adopted Feb. 3, 2020 (20-03).
Whenever the Exchange shall determine in light of current conditions in the Exchange options market or in the
markets for underlying stocks, Exchange-Traded Fund Shares or foreign currencies, as the case may be, that
there are outstanding an excessive number of uncovered short positions in option contracts of a given class
dealt in on the Exchange or that an excessively high percentage of outstanding short positions in option
contracts of a given class dealt in on the Exchange are uncovered, the Exchange may prohibit any further
opening writing transactions (whether on the Exchange or on another Participating Exchange) in option
contracts of that class unless the resulting short position will be covered, and it may prohibit the
uncovering of any existing covered short position in option contracts of one or more series of options of
that class, as it deems appropriate in the interests of maintaining a fair and orderly market in such option
contracts or in the underlying stocks or Exchange-Traded Fund Shares (in the case of options on stocks or
Exchange-Traded Fund Shares), or otherwise deems advisable in the public interest or for the protection of
investors. The Exchange may exempt transactions of Lead Market Makers from restrictions imposed under this
Rule and it shall rescind such restrictions upon its determination that they are no longer appropriate.
Adopted Feb. 3, 2020 (20-03).
(a) Phlx may impose such restrictions on transactions or exercises in one or more series of options of any
class traded on Phlx as the Exchange's Regulation Department in its judgment deems advisable in the
interests of maintaining a fair and orderly market in options contracts or in underlying securities, or
otherwise deems advisable in the public interest or for the protection of investors.
i. During the effectiveness of such restrictions, no
member or member organization shall, for any account in which it has an interest or for the account of any
customer, engage in any transaction or exercise in contravention of such restrictions.
ii. Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the ten
(10) business days prior to the expiration date of a given series of options, other than index options,
which shall include such expiration date for an option contract that expires on a business day, no
restriction on exercise under this Section may be in effect with respect to that series of options. With
respect to index options, restrictions on exercise may be in effect until the opening of business on the
business day of their expiration or, in the case of an option contract expiring on a day that is not a
business day, on the last business day before the expiration date.
iii. Exercises of American-style, cash-settled index
options shall be prohibited during any time when trading in such options is delayed, halted, or suspended,
subject to the following exceptions:
(1) The exercise of an American-style, cash-settled
index option may be processed and given effect in accordance with and subject to the Rules of The Options
Clearing Corporation while trading in the option is delayed, halted, or suspended if it can be documented,
in a form prescribed by Phlx Regulation, that the decision to exercise the option was made during allowable
time frames prior to the delay, halt, or suspension;
(2) Exercises of expiring American-style,
cash-settled index options shall not be prohibited on the business day of expiration, or in the case of an
option contract expiring on a day that is not a business day, the last business day prior to their
expiration;
(3) Exercises of American-style, cash-settled index
options shall not be prohibited during a trading halt that occurs at or after 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. In the
event of such a trading halt, exercises may occur through 4:20 p.m. Eastern time. In addition, if trading
resumes following such a trading halt pursuant to the procedures described in Options 3, Section 9 and
Options 4A, Section 18, exercises may occur during the resumption of trading and for five (5) minutes after
the close of the resumption of trading. The provisions of this subparagraph (a)(iii)(3) are subject to the
authority of the Board to impose restrictions on transactions and exercises pursuant to paragraph (a) of
this Rule; and
(4) Phlx may determine to permit the exercise of
American-style, cash-settled index options while trading in such options is delayed, halted, or suspended.
(b) Whenever the issuer of a security underlying a call option traded on Phlx is engaged or proposes to
engage in a public underwritten distribution ("public distribution") of such underlying security or
securities exchangeable for or convertible into such underlying security, the underwriters may request that
Phlx impose restrictions upon all opening writing transactions in such options at a "discount" where the
resulting short position will be uncovered ("uncovered opening writing transactions").
i. In addition to a request, the following
conditions are necessary for the imposition of restrictions:
(1) less than a majority of the securities to be
publicly distributed in such distribution are being sold by existing security holders;
(2) the underwriters agree to notify Phlx Regulation
upon the termination of their stabilization activities; and
(3) the underwriters initiate stabilization
activities in such underlying security on a national securities exchange when the price of such security is
either at a "minus" or "zero minus" tick.
ii. Upon receipt of such a request and determination
that the conditions listed above are met, Phlx Regulation shall impose the requested restrictions as
promptly as possible but no earlier than fifteen (15) minutes after members or member organizations shall
have been notified and shall terminate such restrictions upon request of the underwriters or when Phlx
Regulation otherwise discovers that stabilizing transactions by the underwriters has been terminated.
iii. For purposes of paragraph (b) of this Rule, an
uncovered opening writing transaction in a call option will be deemed to be effected at a "discount" when
the premium in such transaction is either:
(1) in the case of a distribution of the underlying
security not involving the issuance of rights and in the case of a distribution of securities exchangeable
for or convertible into the underlying security, less than the amount by which the underwriters'
stabilization bid for the underlying security exceeds the exercise price of such option; or
(2) in the case of a distribution being offered
pursuant to rights, less than the amount by which the underwriters' stabilization bid in the underlying
security at the subscription price exceeds the exercise price of such option.
Adopted Feb. 3, 2020 (20-03).
Adopted Feb. 3, 2020 (20-03).
Adopted Feb. 3, 2020 (20-03); amended Feb. 18, 2020 (20-06), operative Mar. 19, 2020; amended Jan. 22, 2021 (SR-Phlx-2021-04).
Adopted Feb. 3, 2020 (20-03).
Adopted Feb. 3, 2020 (20-03).
A member, member organization or director of a member organization that is a corporation who or which has
been determined in an Exchange disciplinary proceeding to have violated any provision of the rules of The
Options Clearing Corporation with respect to the reporting, clearance or settlement of any Exchange options
transaction, shall be subject to the same penalty or penalties as may be imposed for violation of an
Exchange Rule.
Adopted Feb. 3, 2020 (20-03).
It shall be considered conduct inconsistent with just and equitable principles of trade for any member, member organization, or person associated with or employed by a member or member organization to split an order into multiple smaller orders for any purpose other than seeking the best execution of the entire order.
Adopted Dec. 11, 2025 (SR-Phlx-2025-72), operative Jan. 10, 2026.