# Self-Regulatory Organizations; National Stock Exchange; Order Approving Proposed Rule Change Relating to Non-Member Give-Ups
On August 31, 2004, the National Stock Exchange <sup>SM</sup> (“NSX <sup>SM</sup> ”) submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”), pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) [^1] and Rule 19b-4 thereunder, [^2] a proposed rule change relating to non-member give-ups. On December 3, 2004, the NSX <sup>SM</sup> filed Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule change. The Commission published the proposed rule change, as amended for comment in the *Federal Register* on December 29, 2004. [^3] The Commission did not receive any comments on the proposed rule change.
[^1] 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
[^2] 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
[^3] Securities Exchange Act Release No. 50898 (December 21, 2004), 69 FR 78028.
After careful consideration, the Commission finds that the proposed rule change is consistent with the requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder that are applicable to a national securities exchange. [^4] In particular, the Commission finds that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act, [^5] which requires, among other things, that the rules of the NSX <sup>SM</sup> be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. The Commission believes that permitting NSX <sup>SM</sup> members to give-up non-NSX <sup>SM</sup> members' clearing numbers for purposes of clearing and settling trades should add transparency to trading on the NSX <sup>SM</sup> and should eliminate unnecessary steps in clearing and settling these trades. The proposed rule requires that the NSX <sup>SM</sup> member clearing firm accept financial responsibility for all transactions with non-members. It further requires non-members to enter into a contract consenting to the disciplinary jurisdiction of the NSX <sup>SM</sup> . This requirement should provide an adequate level of control by the NSX <sup>SM</sup> over non-members engaging in transactions on the NSX <sup>SM</sup> .
[^4] In approving the proposed rule change, the Commission notes that it has considered the proposed rule's impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. *See* 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
[^5] 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
*It is therefore ordered,* pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act, [^6] that the proposed rule change (SR-NSX-20004-07) be, and it hereby is, approved.
[^6] 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority. [^7]
[^7] 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
Margaret H. McFarland,
Deputy Secretary.