Commission Guidance and Amendment to the Rules Relating to Organization and Program Management Concerning Proposed Rule Changes Filed by Self-Regulatory Organizations

The Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission") is providing guidance regarding a rule under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act") concerning filings with respect to proposed rule changes of self-regulatory organizations ("SROs") that the Commission expects will streamline the process by which SROs file proposed rule changes with the Commission and result in a broader range of rule changes qualifying for immediate effectiveness. Further, the Commission is amending its rules to delegate authority to the Director of the Division of Trading and Markets. These actions are intended to facilitate more expeditious handling of proposed rule changes submitted by SROs pursuant to Exchange Act section 19(b).