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Cboe BZX Exchange IPO Auction Rule Changes

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Summary

The SEC approved Cboe BZX Exchange rule changes to Exchange Rule 11.23(d)(2)(B), creating separate frameworks for corporate securities and ETP IPO Securities regarding Quote-Only Period extensions. The changes expand circumstances under which the Exchange may extend the Quote-Only Period for ETP IPO Auctions.

What changed

The SEC approved SR-CboeBZX-2025-149, amending BZX Exchange Rule 11.23(d)(2)(B) to distinguish between BZX-listed corporate securities and exchange-traded product (ETP) IPO Securities for purposes of extending the Quote-Only Period during IPO auctions. The rule change also expands the circumstances under which the Exchange may extend the Quote-Only Period for IPO Auctions in ETP IPO Securities, and modifies the definition of Indicative Price under Rule 11.23(a)(10). Amendment No. 1, filed March 30, 2026, superseded the original proposal.

Compliance officers at broker-dealers and market participants should review updated Exchange Rule 11.23 to understand the new distinctions between corporate securities and ETP IPO procedures. The rule is effective upon approval. No public comments were received on the original filing; comments on Amendment No. 1 are being solicited concurrently with approval.

What to do next

  1. Review amended Exchange Rule 11.23(d)(2)(B) to understand new ETP IPO auction procedures
  2. Update IPO auction compliance procedures to reflect distinctions between corporate securities and ETP securities
  3. Monitor for any further SEC guidance on IPO auction Quote-Only Period extensions

Archived snapshot

Apr 3, 2026

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Content

March 31, 2026.

I. Introduction

On December 17, 2025, Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (the “Exchange” or “BZX”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(“Commission”), pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act” or “Exchange Act”) (1) and Rule 19b-4 thereunder, (2) a proposed rule change to amend Exchange Rule 11.23(d)(2)(B) (Extending the Quote-Only Period for Initial Public Offering
(“IPO”) Auctions), to (1) delineate between BZX-listed corporate securities and exchange-traded product (“ETP”) IPO Securities;
and (2) expand the circumstances under which the Exchange may extend the Quote-Only Period for IPO Auctions in an ETP IPO
Security. The proposed rule change was published for comment in the

  Federal 

  Register

  on December 31, 2025. [(3)]() On January 29, 2026, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act, [(4)]() the Commission designated a longer period within which to approve the proposed rule change, disapprove the proposed rule change,
  or institute proceedings to determine whether to disapprove the proposed rule change. [(5)]() On March 30, 2026, the Exchange filed Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule change, which amended and replaced the proposed
  rule change as originally filed and superseded such filing in its entirety. [(6)]() The Commission has received no comment letters on the proposed rule change. The Commission is publishing this Notice and Order
  to solicit comment on Amendment No. 1 in Sections II and III below, which sections are being published substantively the same
  as filed by the Exchange, and to approve the proposed rule change, as modified and superseded by Amendment No. 1, on an accelerated
  basis.

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

Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (“BZX” or the “Exchange”) is filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission” or “SEC”)
a proposed rule change to amend the definition of Indicative Price under Exchange Rule 11.23(a)(10) and to amend Exchange
Rule 11.23(d)(2)(B) (Extending the Quote-Only Period for Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) Auctions) to: (1) delineate between
BZX-listed corporate securities and exchange-traded product (“ETP”) IPO Securities; and (2) expand the circumstances under
which the Exchange may extend the Quote-Only Period for IPO Auctions in an ETP IPO Security. The text of the proposed rule
change is provided in Exhibit 5.

The text of the proposed rule change is also available on the Exchange's website (https://www.cboe.com/us/equities/regulation/rule_filings/bzx/) and at the principal office of the Exchange.

III. 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 V 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

This Amendment No. 1 to SR-CboeBZX-2025-149 amends and replaces in its entirety the proposal as originally submitted on December
17, 2025. The Exchange submits this Amendment No. 1 in order to clarify certain points and add additional details to the proposal.

The Exchange proposes to amend the definition of the term Indicative Price (7) under Rule 11.23(a)(10) and to amend Rule 11.23(d)(2)(B) (Extending the Quote-Only Period (8) for IPO Auctions (9)) to: (1) delineate between BZX-listed corporate securities and ETP IPO Securities (10) in proposed Rules 11.23(d)(2)(B) and (C), respectively; and (2) expand the circumstances under which the Exchange may extend
the Quote-Only Period for IPO Auctions in ETP IPO Securities. The Exchange also proposes to update rule numbering and lettering
to accommodate these changes, and to update cross-references throughout Rule 11.23 as necessary.

Background

Exchange Rule 11.23(d) governs IPO and halt auctions on the Exchange. Under Rule 11.23(d)(1)(A), the Quote-Only Period for
IPO Auctions commences at 8:00 a.m. ET (11) and terminates at the conclusion of the IPO Auction, which generally occurs shortly after 9:30 a.m. ET (12) There are no IPO Auction-specific order types. All Eligible Auction Orders associated with an IPO Auction are queued until
the end of the Quote-Only Period, at which time they become eligible for execution in the IPO Auction. Orders must be received
prior to the end of the Quote-Only Period to participate in the IPO Auction.

Exchange Rule 11.23(d)(2)(B) currently provides five circumstances under which the Exchange may extend the Quote-Only Period
for IPO Auctions. These circumstances apply to both BZX-listed corporate securities and ETP IPO Securities:

(i) there are unmatched market orders on the Auction Book (13) associated with the auction;

(ii) the underwriter requests an extension;

(iii) the Indicative Price (14) moves the greater of 10% or fifty (50) cents in the fifteen (15) seconds prior to the auction;

(iv) in the event of a technical or systems issue at the Exchange that may impair the ability of Users to participate in the
IPO Auction or of the Exchange to complete the IPO Auction;

(v) a Derivative Security fails to meet the Exchange's listing qualification requirements as set forth in Rule 14.11; or

(vi) there is a security that is the subject of an initial pricing on the Exchange of a security that has not been listed
on a national securities exchange immediately prior to the initial pricing.

The duration of each Quote-Only Period extension depends on the triggering circumstance. Provisions (ii), (iv), (v), and (vi)
are manual extensions without fixed durations. Provisions (i) and (iii) are automatic extensions: provision (i) extends the
Quote-Only

  Period for as long as unmatched market orders remain on the Auction Book, while provision (iii) extends the Quote-Only Period
  for five minutes.
Proposal

First, the Exchange proposes to modify the definition of “Indicative Price” under Rule 11.23(a)(10) to provide that for an
IPO Auction (whether for an ETP IPO Security or a BZX-listed corporate security), the Indicative Price shall mean the price
at which the most shares from the Auction Book only would match. Currently, the definition provides generally that the Indicative
Price means the price at which the most shares from the Auction Book and the Continuous Book (15) would match, with no carve-out for IPO Auctions. Because no Continuous Book exists prior to the commencement of trading in
an IPO Security, the proposed amendment adds an IPO-specific carve-out to reflect this reality. The Exchange believes this
change adds clarity and precision to the rulebook by ensuring the definition accurately reflects how the Indicative Price
is determined in the context of an IPO Auction.

The Exchange also proposes to separately delineate the circumstances under which it may extend the Quote-Only Period for IPO
Auctions applicable to BZX-listed corporate securities and ETP IPO Securities under proposed Rules 11.23(d)(2)(B) and (C),
respectively. The Exchange also proposes to adopt an additional extension provision applicable to ETP IPO Securities.

The Exchange proposes to modify the circumstances under which the Exchange may extend the Quote-Only Period applicable to
BZX-listed corporate securities by eliminating existing Rule 11.23(d)(2)(B)(v) as the provision is not applicable to BZX-listed
corporate securities. The Exchange also proposes to make a ministerial change to Rule 11.23(d)(2)(B)(iii) to remove the extraneous
word “where”.

The Exchange proposes to adopt Rule 11.23(d)(2)(C), which would govern extensions of the Quote-Only Period for IPO Auctions
in ETP IPO Securities. The Exchange also proposes to use the term “ETP IPO Security” throughout proposed Rule 11.23(d)(2)(C)
rather than “Derivative Security.” (16) Because an ETP IPO Security is a subset of Derivative Securities that are eligible to participate in the IPO Auction, this
change is ministerial but adds precision and clarity to the Exchange's rulebook.

Proposed Rule 11.23(d)(2)(C)(i) is identical to existing Rule 11.23(d)(2)(B)(i). The Exchange does not propose to include
existing Rule 11.23(d)(2)(B)(ii) that allows the Quote-Only Period to be extended upon underwriter request in proposed Rule
11.23(d)(2)(C). ETP IPO Securities do not have underwriters, making this provision inapplicable.

Proposed Rules 11.23(d)(2)(C)(ii), (iii), (iv), and (v) are substantively identical to Rules 11.23(d)(2)(B)(iii), (iv), (v),
and (vi), respectively, except that the proposed rules refer specifically to an ETP IPO Security rather than a Derivative
Security.

The Exchange proposes to adopt Rule 11.23(d)(2)(C)(vi), which would establish a new circumstance under which the Exchange
may extend the Quote-Only Period for IPO Auctions in ETP IPO Securities. (17) Specifically, the proposed rule would permit the Exchange to extend the Quote-Only Period if the ETP IPO Security does not
pass the below described “price validation test.”

Indicative Price and Expected Price Mechanism

Starting at 8:00 a.m. with the commencement of the Quote-Only Period, the System will determine and display the live Indicative
Price of the ETP IPO Security in the IPO Auction (the “ETP IPO Auction”) to the lead market maker (“LMM”) (18) through a tool accessible via the Exchange's web portal (19) through which the LMM may approve an Indicative Price, or update a prior approval, as often as necessary prior to 9:45 a.m.
ET. The most recently approved Indicative Price at the time of each application of the price validation test shall be the
“Expected Price.” The distinction between these terms is important: the Indicative Price is a live price that changes continuously
during the Quote-Only Period as market participants enter and cancel orders, while the Expected Price is an Indicative Price
that the LMM has locked in (i.e., approved) at a specific point in time prior to 9:45 a.m. ET.

If there is no LMM or the LMM does not provide an Expected Price, the ETP IPO Security shall be deemed to have failed the
price validation test and the Quote-Only Period will extend as provided below.

Price Band Selection

At any time prior to 9:45 a.m. ET, the LMM for the ETP IPO Security may select price bands for the purpose of applying the
price validation test to the ETP IPO Security. (20) The LMM may also update its price band selection at any time prior to 9:45 a.m. ET, including between iterations of the price
validation test. The price bands are determined based on the Expected Price and are designed to limit how far an Indicative
Price can move to pass the price validation test. The LMM may select an upper price band (i.e., the maximum amount above the Expected Price by which the live Indicative Price may move) and a lower price band (i.e., the maximum amount below the Expected Price by which the live Indicative Price may move). (21) If the LMM does not select price bands, the Exchange will automatically apply default upper and lower price bands of $0.10
each. (22)

The price bands available for selection shall be in such increments and at such price points as may be established from time
to time by the Exchange. The available price bands shall include $0, which would require the Indicative Price to equal the
Expected Price, but shall not exceed $0.50. The Exchange reserves the right to establish larger increment steps (such as $0.05)
or to make available price bands at certain price points but not others (for example, increment steps of $0.01 up to $0.10
and increment steps of $0.05 thereafter). However, the Exchange will not (in the absence of the submission of a proposed rule
change) allow price bands wider than $0.50. The Exchange will notify Members and the public of changes in available price
bands or increments through a notice that is widely disseminated at least one

  week in advance of the change. In selecting available price bands and increments, the Exchange will consider input from LMMs
  and other market participants and the results of past usage of price bands to adopt price bands and increments that promote
  efficiency in the initiation of trading and protect investors and the public interest.

Initially, available price bands will range from $0 to $0.50 in increments of $0.01. Thus, the LMM may select price bands
of $0 (i.e., no deviation from the Expected Price would be permitted), $0.01, $0.02, or any other $0.01 increment up to $0.50. The LMM
may select different price bands above and below the Expected Price.

Price Validation Test Criteria

Beginning at 9:30 a.m. ET, if an Expected Price has been provided by the LMM, the ETP IPO Security will automatically be subjected
to the price validation test, which will be reapplied automatically in five-second increments following each failure. An ETP
IPO Security does not pass the price validation test if the Indicative Price differs from the Expected Price by an amount
in excess of the price bands. For example, assume that an Indicative Price for the ETP IPO Auction is $32.00 per share, and
the LMM approves that Indicative Price, thereby establishing an Expected Price of $32.00 per share. If the LMM selects an
upper price band of $0.10 and a lower price band of $0.05, the Indicative Price calculated by the System for the ETP IPO Auction
could not be higher than $32.10 nor lower than $31.95. If the LMM does not select price bands, the Exchange will apply the
default price bands of $0.10 for each band as described above, and the Indicative Price could not be higher than $32.10 nor
lower than $31.90. An ETP IPO Security passes the price validation test if the Indicative Price is within the price bands
established using the Expected Price.

If an ETP IPO Security does not pass the price validation test, the Quote-Only Period will be automatically extended by the
system in five-second increments, but in no circumstance will the Quote-Only Period be extended past 9:45 a.m. ET under proposed
Rule 11.23(d)(2)(C)(vi). The LMM may select different price bands or approve a new Indicative Price, after which the price
validation test will be reapplied pursuant to proposed Rule 11.23(d)(2)(C)(vi). For example, an LMM might initially select
upper and lower bands of $0, such that the ETP IPO Auction would not occur unless the Indicative Price exactly equaled the
Expected Price. If the ETP IPO Security has not passed the price validation test by 9:45 a.m. ET, the price validation test
will no longer apply and the Quote-Only Period will terminate, provided that no other conditions under Rule 11.23(d)(2)(C)
are present. (23)

The Exchange recognizes that granting the LMM authority to set price bands could be viewed as conferring a potential advantage
on the LMM. The Exchange believes, however, that this advantage is not unfair. The price validation test is designed primarily
to benefit the contra-side (i.e., the end client whose order will be executed at the auction price). By setting price bands, the LMM is effectively ensuring
that the auction occurs at a price consistent with prevailing market conditions, which benefits all market participants. Furthermore,
if the LMM sets narrow bands and no other market participant can match them, the LMM would be the one to fill any resulting
order, but this outcome reflects the LMM's commitment to providing liquidity, not an artificial informational edge. Any market
maker may respond to unmatched orders, and the LMM's authority to set price bands does not preclude other market makers from
participating. The distinction between the LMM and other market makers in this context is one of commercial responsibility:
while the LMM has a commercial obligation to respond to unmatched orders, it does not bear a regulatory obligation to do so.
The Exchange therefore believes the LMM's role in the price validation process is appropriately calibrated to promote a fair
and orderly auction without conferring an undue advantage.

The Exchange also believes that ending the price validation test at 9:45 a.m. ET with no exceptions is appropriate. Before
9:45 a.m. ET, the LMM would be expected to step in and respond to any unmatched orders in the ETP IPO Auction, and any residual
volatility in the ETP IPO Security would have been mitigated through the proposed validation checks conducted during the Quote-Only
Period. Accordingly, the continued application of the price validation test beyond 9:45 a.m. ET is unnecessary to achieve
the investor protection goals underlying the test. (24)

In addition, the LMM may step in and begin providing markets in an ETP IPO Security on its first day of trading after the
Quote-Only Period has concluded, which could further promote price stability. The Exchange may also determine at any point
during the Quote-Only Period to postpone and reschedule the ETP IPO Auction. (25)

The Exchange notes that the LMM's involvement in timing the commencement of trading in an IPO Auction for an ETP IPO Security
is consistent with an underwriter's involvement in the existing IPO Auction process for BZX-listed corporate securities. Similar
to an underwriter in a corporate IPO, the LMM, with market knowledge of the order book and an understanding of the security,
is well positioned to provide an Expected Price and applicable price bands that facilitate the price validation check.

Accordingly, the Exchange believes it is in the best interest of the market to give LMMs input into the timing of the ETP
IPO Auction to help facilitate the fair and orderly launch of trading in an ETP IPO Security. The Exchange believes that additional
time for price formation in the ETP IPO Auction will benefit investors by increasing the likelihood that the ETP IPO Auction
occurs at a price that generally aligns with the LMM's and ETP issuer's expectations. Furthermore, delaying an ETP IPO Auction
is not unprecedented, as Nasdaq currently begins its ETP IPO auction process at 9:40 a.m. ET. (26)

Finally, to accommodate the addition of new Rule 11.23(d)(2)(C), the Exchange proposes to re-letter existing Rules 11.23(d)(2)(C)
through (F) as (D) through (G), respectively, and to update all cross-references to Rule 11.23 throughout the rulebook accordingly.
In connection with this re-lettering, the Exchange also proposes to amend Rule 11.23(e)(2)(B) to correct a cross-reference
from existing Rule

  11.23(d)(1)(C) to re-lettered Rule 11.23(d)(2)(D). [(27)]()
2. Statutory Basis

The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable
to the Exchange and, in particular, the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act. (28) Specifically, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) (29) requirements that the rules of an exchange be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote
just and equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in regulating, clearing,
settling, processing information with respect to, and facilitating transactions in securities, to remove impediments to and
perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the
public interest. Additionally, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) (30) requirement that the rules of an exchange not be designed to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, brokers,
or dealers.

The Exchange believes that its proposal to require a price validation test for all ETPs utilizing the ETP IPO Auction process
would promote more efficient price discovery and remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market
and a national market system and, in general, protect investors because the ETP IPO Auction price would be based on market
interest and the matching of buy and sell orders in an auction that would be open to all market participants. Today, an ETP
IPO Security opens for trading during the ETP IPO Auction at an initial price that is based on market interest at that time.
The proposed price validation test enhances this process by providing additional safeguards for the opening price of the ETP
based on additional market information, thereby strengthening investor protection and promoting the public interest. By applying
this requirement uniformly to all ETP IPO Auctions, the Exchange seeks to provide consistent price integrity protections across
all ETP IPO Auctions conducted through this mechanism. (31)

The Exchange believes that the proposed price validation test will benefit investors by providing additional time for price
formation in the ETP IPO Auction for ETP IPO Securities and by increasing the likelihood that the ETP IPO Auction occurs at
a price that generally aligns with the LMM's and ETP issuer's expectations. In particular, the Exchange believes that the
change will facilitate the commencement of orderly trading in ETPs on their first day of trading by providing the LMM with
flexibility throughout the initial launch process to allow the development of price stability prior to opening. The Exchange
believes that the LMM's involvement in timing the commencement of trading in the ETP is consistent with the Act as this will
promote the fair and orderly launch of trading in the ETP. The Exchange believes that the LMM, with its market knowledge of
the book and an understanding of the ETP IPO Security, would be well positioned to provide an Expected Price and price bands.
However, if the LMM does not provide price bands, the Exchange will apply default price bands. Accordingly, the Exchange believes
it is in the best interest of the market to give LMMs the opportunity to provide input into the price validation test to help
facilitate the fair and orderly launch of trading in the ETP.

The proposed language allowing the LMM to select price bands and approve the Expected Price is designed to allow flexibility
to promote efficient price discovery while protecting against unexpected volatility. The Exchange believes that limiting price
bands to a maximum of $0.50 is reasonable and appropriate to balance the need for price stability with the need to allow the
market to discover the appropriate opening price. The Exchange will notify Members and the public of any changes to available
price bands or increments at least one week in advance of the change, ensuring transparency and allowing market participants
to adjust their strategies accordingly.

Furthermore, the Exchange believes that requiring the ETP IPO Auction to occur by 9:45 a.m. ET at the latest, under proposed
Rule 11.23(d)(2)(C)(vi), is reasonable and appropriate because by that time, the LMM would be expected to step in and respond
to any unmatched orders, and any excess volatility in the ETP would be mitigated through the proposed validation checks. As
described above, the ETP IPO Auction may be delayed past 9:45 a.m. ET if the criteria in proposed Rules 11.23(d)(2)(C)(i)
through (v) are met. This timing is also consistent with market practice, as Nasdaq currently begins its ETP IPO auction process
at 9:40 a.m. ET for ETPs.

The Exchange believes that requiring this functionality for all ETPs participating in the ETP IPO Auction process promotes
just and equitable principles of trade and does not unfairly discriminate between issuers. The price validation test is designed
to enhance the integrity of the price discovery process by increasing the likelihood that the ETP IPO Auction occurs at a
price that generally aligns with the LMM's expectations. This requirement applies uniformly to all ETP issuers utilizing the
ETP IPO Auction, thereby promoting consistency and investor protection across all ETP IPO Auctions conducted through this
mechanism.

Finally, the Exchange believes that the proposed amendments to delineate between BZX-listed corporate securities and ETP IPO
Securities promote clarity and transparency in the Exchange's rules. The proposed changes recognize the unique characteristics
of ETPs, including the absence of an underwriter, and tailor the Quote-Only Period extension provisions accordingly. This
promotes just and equitable principles of trade by ensuring that the rules applicable to each security type are appropriate
for that security's characteristics. Additionally, the proposed re-lettering of existing Rule 11.23(d)(2)(C) through (F) to
(D) through (G), the corresponding updates to cross-references throughout Rule 11.23, and the correction of a cross-reference
error in Rule 11.23(e)(2)(B) enhance the organizational structure and usability of the rulebook, further promoting clarity
and reducing the potential for confusion.

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

The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or
appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The Exchange does not believe the proposed

  rule change will impose any burden on intramarket competition. The price validation test applies uniformly to all ETP issuers
  and their LMMs utilizing the ETP IPO Auction process, providing consistent treatment and eliminating any potential competitive
  advantage or disadvantage based on the price discovery mechanism used. The price validation test is designed to enhance the
  integrity of the ETP IPO Auction process by increasing the likelihood that the auction occurs at a price that generally aligns
  with the LMM's and ETP issuer's expectations, thereby benefiting all market participants equally. The proposed rule change
  does not advantage or disadvantage any particular category of market participant. All market participants may participate
  in the ETP IPO Auction on equal terms, with the same price validation protections applied consistently across all ETP IPO
  Auctions, and will continue to have the ability to enter orders during the Quote-Only Period with the added benefit of enhanced
  price integrity protections.

The Exchange further believes that the proposed price validation test appropriately leverages the LMM's market knowledge and
role in the opening process. The LMM's involvement in selecting price bands and approving the Indicative Price (i.e., providing the Expected Price) is designed to promote fair and orderly trading in the ETP IPO Security on its first day of
trading, which benefits all market participants by reducing unexpected volatility and enhancing price discovery.

The Exchange does not believe the proposed rule change will impose any burden on intermarket competition. The proposed rule
change is designed to enhance the competitiveness of the Exchange's ETP listing and trading services by providing a price
discovery tool on launch day. This functionality is similar to processes offered by another exchange and is designed to attract
ETP listings to the Exchange by offering issuers enhanced safeguards during the critical first moments of trading. To the
extent the proposed functionality makes the Exchange a more attractive venue for ETP listings or trading, this reflects legitimate
competition among exchanges to offer superior services and functionality. Market participants on other exchanges are welcome
to become Members and trade on BZX if they determine that the proposed rule change has made BZX more attractive. Similarly,
other exchanges remain free to propose similar or alternative functionality for their own ETP listings.

The Exchange notes that Nasdaq currently offers similar functionality for ETP IPO Auctions, beginning its ETP IPO auction
process at 9:40 a.m. ET. The Exchange's proposal and Nasdaq's functionality are generally similar in that both allow the LMM
(on BZX) or Designated Liquidity Provider (“DLP” on Nasdaq) to set price bands around the opening auction price, and both
allow for extension of the Quote-Only Period prior to an ETP IPO Auction to permit additional price formation. Further, both
functionalities provide that the LMM or DLP, as applicable, may select upper and lower price bands for purposes of the price
validation test, with a maximum price band of $0.50. Further, the LMM or DLP must approve an Indicative Price before the validation
test is applied, and if the security does not pass the price validation test, the LMM or DLP may—but is not required to—select
different price bands before the process recommences. Both exchanges will notify members and the public of any changes to
available price bands or increments at least one week in advance. Both functionalities also require that the ETP IPO Auction
occur by 9:45 a.m. ET at the latest under the price validation test. Finally, both functionalities delineate between corporate
IPO securities and ETP IPO Securities, recognizing the unique characteristics of ETPs, including the absence of an underwriter.

The Exchange's proposal differs from the Nasdaq functionality in several additional respects. For example, the Exchange specifies
default price bands of $0.10 if the LMM does not select price bands, whereas Nasdaq's functionality does not specify default
bands and leaves the matter to DLP discretion. The Exchange also integrates the ETP IPO Auction provisions into its existing
Rule 11.23 governing auctions, using its existing Quote-Only Period terminology and structure, whereas Nasdaq created a new
halt category under Rule 4120(a)(15) and introduced new terminology including a “Display Only Period” followed by a “Pre-Launch
Period.” The Exchange believes these differences reflect variations in existing rule structures, terminology, and organizational
approaches between the exchanges.

Accordingly, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change will promote competition among exchanges while protecting investors
through enhanced price discovery mechanisms.

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

Others

The Exchange neither solicited nor received written comments on the proposed rule change.

IV. Discussion and Commission Findings

After careful review, the Commission finds that the proposed rule change, as modified and superseded by Amendment No. 1 (“Amended
Proposal”), is consistent with the requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to a national
securities exchange. (32) In particular, the Commission finds that the Amended Proposal is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act, (33) which requires, among other things, that the Exchange's rules be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and
practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free
and open market and a national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest, and are not designed
to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers.

The Exchange states that its proposal to permit the Quote-Only Period to be extended and to require a price validation test
for all ETPs utilizing the ETP IPO Auction process would promote more efficient price discovery and remove impediments to
and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system and, in general, protect investors because
the ETP IPO Auction price for an ETP IPO Security would be based on market interest and the matching of buy and sell orders
in an auction that would be open to all market participants. (34) The Exchange further states that application of the proposed price validation test would protect investors and the public
interest because it would enhance its current opening process for initiating trading in ETP IPO Securities by providing additional
safeguards for the opening price of the ETP based on additional market information. (35) Further, the Exchange states that the proposed price validation test will benefit investors by (1) providing additional time
for price formation in

  the ETP IPO Auction for ETP IPO Securities and (2) increasing the likelihood that the ETP IPO Auction will occur at a price
  that generally aligns with the LMM's and ETP issuer's expectations. [(36)]() Specifically, the Exchange states that the proposal will facilitate the commencement of orderly trading in ETPs on their first
  day of trading by providing the LMM with flexibility throughout the initial launch process to allow the development of price
  stability prior to opening, which will benefit investors and the public interest. [(37)]() The Exchange believes that the LMM, with its market knowledge of the book and an understanding of the ETP IPO Security, would
  be well positioned to provide an Expected Price and price bands, which would allow flexibility to promote efficient price
  discovery while protecting against unexpected volatility. [(38)]() The Exchange further believes it is in the best interest of the market to give LMMs the opportunity to provide input into
  the price validation test and involvement in timing the commencement of trading in the ETP because it will promote the fair
  and orderly launch of trading in the ETP and and is therefore consistent with the Act. [(39)]() Further, the Exchange states that the price validation test will be applied uniformly to all ETP issuers utilizing the ETP
  IPO Auction, which will promote consistency and investor protection across all ETP IPO Auctions conducted through this mechanism. [(40)]() Finally, the Exchange states that its proposal to delineate between BZX-listed corporate securities and ETP IPO Securities
  will promote clarity and transparency in the Exchange's rules and is designed to recognize the unique characteristics of ETPs,
  including the absence of an underwriter, and to tailor the Quote-Only Period extension provisions to ensure that the rules
  applicable to each security type are appropriate for that security's characteristics. [(41)]()

The Exchange's proposal to provide an additional basis to extend the Quote-Only Period and apply a price validation test could
benefit investors by enhancing the price discovery process for ETPs on their initial day of trading, and the role of the LMM
could provide an additional safeguard against unexpected volatility in the pricing of the ETP. In addition, the Amended Proposal
does not raise unique regulatory concerns because the proposed process to allow additional time for price formation, including
the use of a price validation test, in an ETP IPO Security is similar to the previously approved functionality utilized for
price formation in an ETP IPO Security on another options exchange. (42)

For the foregoing reasons, the Commission finds that the proposed rule change, as modified by Amendment No. 1, is consistent
with Section 6(b)(5) of the Act (43) and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to a national securities exchange.

V. Solicitation of Comments on Amendment No. 1 to the Proposed Rule Change

Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning whether Amendment No. 1 is consistent
with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods:

Electronic Comments

• Use the Commission's internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or

• Send an email to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include file number SR-CboeBZX-2025-149 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

  • 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-CboeBZX-2025-149 on the subject line. 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 (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the filing 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-CboeBZX-2025-149 on the subject line, and should be submitted on or before April 24, 2026.

VI. Accelerated Approval of Proposed Rule Change, as Modified and Superseded by Amendment No. 1

The Commission finds good cause to approve the Amended Proposal prior to the 30th day after the date of publication of Amendment
No. 1 in the
Federal Register
. Amendment No. 1 does not change the original purpose of the proposal, which was, and remains under Amendment No. 1, to permit
the Exchange to amend Rule 11.23(d)(2)(B) to differentiate between BZX-listed corporate securities and ETP IPO Securities
and to expand the circumstances under which the Exchange may extend the Quote-Only Period for IPO Auctions in an ETP IPO Security.
In addition, the original proposal has been subject to public comment and no comments have been received.

Amendment No. 1 sets forth additional support for and detail regarding the original filing, and clarifies certain rule text
provisions. (44) Among other things, Amendment No. 1 amended the definition of the term “Indicative Price” under Rule 11.23(a)(10) to explain
the meaning of the term in the context of an IPO; removed the discretion of an issuer to opt in/out of the application of
the price validation test; and generally clarified certain points and added detail to the original proposal. The Commission
believes that Amendment No. 1 provides additional clarity and support, as explained above, and does not materially change
the Exchange's original proposal. The Commission also believes that Amendment No. 1 raises no novel regulatory issues that
have not previously been subject to comment. Accordingly, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act, (45) the Commission finds good cause to approve the Amended Proposal on an accelerated basis prior to the 30th day after publication
of notice of the filing of Amendment No. 1 in the
Federal Register
.

VII. Conclusion

It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act, (46) that the proposed rule change (SR-CboeBZX-2025-149), as modified and superseded by Amendment No. 1, be, and hereby is, approved
on an accelerated basis.

For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority. (47)

Sherry R. Haywood, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2026-06474 Filed 4-2-26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011-01-P

Footnotes

(1) 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).

(2) 17 CFR 240.19b-4.

(3) See Securities and Exchange Act Release No. 104501 (Dec. 23, 2025), 90 FR 61492.

(4) 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).

(5) See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 104737, 91 FR 4980 (Feb. 3, 2026). The Commission designated March 31, 2026, as the date
by which the Commission shall approve or disapprove, or institute proceedings to determine whether to disapprove, the proposed
rule change.

(6) In Amendment No. 1, the Exchange added clarifying or corrective changes that, among other things: (1) provided a definition
the term “Indicative Price” in the context an IPO Auction, (2) removed the optionality for an issuer to opt in/out of the
price validation test and instead requires application of the price validation test and (3) clarified the certain aspects
of the original proposal. Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule change is available on the Commission's website at: https://www.sec.gov/comments/sr-cboebzx-2025-149/srcboebzx2025149-736847-2291835.pdf.

(7) The term “Indicative Price” means the price at which the most shares from the Auction Book and the Continuous Book would
match. In the event of a volume based tie at multiple price levels, the Indicative Price will be the price which results in
the minimum total imbalance. In the event of a volume based tie and a tie in minimum total imbalance at multiple price levels,
the Indicative Price will be the price closest to the Volume Based Tie Breaker.

(8) The term “Quote-Only Period” shall mean a designated period of time prior to a Halt Auction, a Volatility Closing Auction,
or an IPO Auction during which Users may submit orders to the Exchange for participation in the auction. See Exchange Rule 11.23(a)(17).

(9) See Exchange Rule 11.22(l)(2)(B).

(10) The term “ETP IPO Security” means a Derivative Security that is eligible to participate in an IPO Auction pursuant to Rule
11.23(d). See Exchange Rule 11.23(a)(24). See also Exchange Rule 1.5(dd) defining “Derivative Security”.

(11) All times referenced herein are Eastern Time.

(12) See Exchange Rule 11.23(b)(1)(A).

(13) See Exchange Rule 11.23(a)(1).

(14) As discussed further below, the Exchange proposes to amend the definition of Indicative Price. As proposed, the term “Indicative
Price” shall mean the price at which the most shares from the Auction Book and the Continuous Book would match; provided,
however, that for an IPO Auction, the Indicative Price shall mean the price at which the most shares from the Auction Book
only would match, as no Continuous Book exists prior to commencement of trading in an IPO Security.

(15) See Exchange Rule 11.23(a)(7).

(16) The term “Derivative Security” means a security that meets the definition of “new derivative securities product” in Rule
19b-4(e) under the Exchange Act. See Exchange Rule 1.5(dd).

(17) The Exchange is not proposing to apply this additional extension provision to BZX-listed corporate securities because underwriters
are involved in corporate IPOs and may request that the Exchange extend the Quote-Only Period under existing Rule 11.23(d)(2)(B)(ii).
ETP IPO Securities, by contrast, do not have an underwriter. The proposed provision is designed to provide a protection analogous
to that offered by an underwriter in a corporate security IPO; namely, ensuring that the ETP IPO Auction occurs at a price
in line with the issuer's expectations.

(18) Exchange Rules do not require an LMM in an ETP IPO Security.

(19) The Indicative Price is made available to the LMM pursuant to proposed Rule 11.23(d)(2)(C)(vi). The Exchange notes that the
Indicative Price is available to subscribers of certain BZX data feeds as provided in Rule 11.22.

(20) As discussed above, the LMM may approve new Indicative Prices (i.e., provide a new Expected Price) as often as necessary prior to 9:45 a.m.

(21) The upper price band and lower price band may be set at different distances from the Expected Price.

(22) The Exchange will automatically apply the upper and lower price bands of $0.10 if the LMM has not selected price bands by
9:30 a.m. However, the LMM can select or change the price bands at any time prior to 9:45 a.m.

(23) The Quote-Only Period may extend past 9:45 a.m. ET if there are unmatched market orders on the Auction Book associated with
the auction, the Indicative Price moves the greater of 10% or fifty (50) cents in the fifteen (15) seconds prior to the auction,
in the event of a technical or systems issue at the Exchange that may impair the ability of Users to participate in the ETP
IPO Auction or of the Exchange to complete the ETP IPO Auction, the ETP IPO Security fails to meet the Exchange's listing
qualification requirements as set forth in Rule 14.11, or there is an ETP IPO Security that is the subject of an initial pricing
on the Exchange that has not been listed on a national securities exchange immediately prior to the initial pricing.

(24) The Exchange notes that, under both existing Rule 11.23(d)(2)(B)(vi) and proposed Rule 11.23(d)(2)(C)(v), the Exchange retains
authority to extend the Quote-Only Period beyond 9:45 a.m. ET in the event of an unforeseen circumstance requiring the IPO
to be rescheduled.

(25) The Exchange's authority to postpone and reschedule the IPO Auction is set forth in existing Rule 11.23(d)(1)(B)(vi).

(26) See Securities Exchange Act No. 103085 (May 20, 2025) 90 FR 22424 (May 27, 2025) (SR-Nasdaq-2025-011) (Notice of Filing of Amendment
No. 1, and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of a Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment No. 1, To Introduce Functionality
To Initiate a Trading Halt for Exchange-Traded Products on Launch Day).

(27) There is currently no Rule 11.23(d)(1)(C), and the existing Rule should have referenced existing Rule 11.23(d)(2)(C).

(28) 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).

(29) 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).

(30) Id.

(31) The Exchange is not proposing to apply this additional extension provision to BZX-listed corporate securities because underwriters
are involved in corporate IPOs and may request that the Exchange extend the Quote-Only Period under existing Rule 11.23(d)(2)(B)(ii).
ETP IPO Securities, by contrast, do not have an underwriter. The proposed provision is designed to provide a protection analogous
to that offered by an underwriter in a corporate security IPO; namely, ensuring that the ETP IPO Auction occurs at a price
in line with the issuer's expectations.

(32) In approving this proposed rule change, the Commission has considered the proposed rule's impact on efficiency, competition,
and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).

(33) 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).

(34) See Amendment No. 1, supra note 6 at 35.

(35) See id. at 36.

(36) See id.

(37) See id. at 36.

(38) See id. at 37.

(39) See id. at 36-37.

(40) See id. at 37-38.

(41) See id. at 38.

(42) See Securities and Exchange Act Release No. 103085 (May 20, 2025), 90 FR 22424 (May 27, 2025) (SR-Nasdaq-2025-011) (Notice of
Filing of Amendment No. 1, and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of a Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment No.
1, to Introduce Functionality to Initiate a Trading Halt for Exchange-Traded Products on Launch Day).

(43) 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).

(44) See supra note 6.

(45) 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).

(46) 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).

(47) 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).

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Named provisions

Exchange Rule 11.23(d)(2)(B) - Extending the Quote-Only Period for IPO Auctions Exchange Rule 11.23(a)(10) - Indicative Price Definition

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Last updated

Classification

Agency
SEC
Published
March 31st, 2026
Instrument
Rule
Legal weight
Binding
Stage
Final
Change scope
Substantive
Document ID
Release No. 34-102496
Docket
SR-CboeBZX-2025-149
Supersedes
SR-CboeBZX-2025-149 (Original Filing December 17, 2025)

Who this affects

Applies to
Broker-dealers Investors Public companies
Industry sector
5231 Securities & Investments
Activity scope
IPO Auctions Exchange-Traded Product Listings Quote-Only Period Extensions
Geographic scope
United States US

Taxonomy

Primary area
Securities
Operational domain
Compliance
Compliance frameworks
Dodd-Frank
Topics
Exchange Operations Capital Markets

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