Cboe BZX Proposes Codifying User Fee Exemption and Amending Non-Display Usage Definition
Summary
Cboe BZX Exchange filed a proposed rule change with the SEC on April 13, 2026 (SR-CboeBZX-2026-032), seeking to codify a Display Usage fee exemption for Controlled Distributors whose Users access data solely for Permitted Purposes (software development, QA testing, sales support, or technical monitoring). The Exchange also proposes to amend its Non-Display Usage definition to include the facilitation of access to Data Products and to capture usage of data for training or operating large language models. The SEC is soliciting public comments through May 19, 2026, and may temporarily suspend the rule change within 60 days of filing if necessary to protect investors.
“The Exchange now seeks to amend this definition to (i) include the facilitation of access and (ii) add that the purpose must not be solely in support of display for a natural person.”
Firms ingesting Cboe BZX market data for LLM training, black-box algorithmic solutions, or automated trading strategy support should assess whether their current data agreements provide adequate Non-Display licensing coverage — the proposed definition change is specifically designed to close the prior gap where such uses might not have triggered licensing requirements. Controlled Distributors with existing Display Usage exemptions should confirm that formal codification in the Fee Schedule does not alter the scope of their Permitted Purpose coverage.
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What changed
Cboe BZX Exchange proposes two amendments to its Market Data Fees Schedule. First, the Exchange seeks to codify a User Fee exemption for Controlled Distributors whose Users access Data Products solely for Permitted Purposes (software development, QA testing, sales support for redistribution, or technical monitoring) — language currently found only in the Cboe Global Markets North American Data Policies. Second, the Exchange proposes to revise the definition of Non-Display Usage to include facilitating access to Data Products and to add that the purpose must not be solely in support of display for a natural person, expressly to capture firms using data for large language model training and operation.\n\nAffected market participants — particularly Controlled Distributors redistributing exchange data and firms ingesting Data Products for AI/algorithmic trading use cases — should review whether these changes affect their licensing obligations. The revised Non-Display definition could require firms that previously escaped licensing requirements to obtain appropriate licenses for LLM-related data use. Comments are due to the SEC by May 19, 2026.
Archived snapshot
Apr 28, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Content
April 23, 2026. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”), (1) and Rule 19b-4 thereunder, (2) notice is hereby given that on April 13, 2026, Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (the “Exchange” or “BZX”) filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III below, which Items
have been prepared by the Exchange. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change
from interested persons.
I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change
Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (the “Exchange” or “BZX”) proposes to amend its Fees Schedule to codify a User Fee exemption and amend
the definition of Non-Display Usage. The text of the proposed rule change is provided in Exhibit 5.
The text of the proposed rule change is also available on the Commission's website (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml), the Exchange's website (https://www.cboe.com/us/equities/regulation/rule_filings/bzx/), and at the principal office of the Exchange.
II. 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 IV 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
The Exchange proposes to (i) codify a User Fee exemption to the Market Data section of its fee schedule and (ii) amend the
definition of Non-Display Usage. (3) As discussed further below, the User Fee exemption is currently outlined in the Cboe Global Markets North American Data Policies,
the Exchange now proposes to codify this in its Fee Schedule.
First, the Exchange proposes to codify that Controlled Distributors, are exempt from Display Usage fees (4) for the market data products listed on the Exchange's fee schedule (each, a “Data Product”) where the sole purpose of receiving
the data is for software development, quality assurance, testing, sales support relating to redistribution, or for technical
monitoring of systems using a Product and not in support of other commercial/business functions (collectively, the “Permitted
Purposes). In connection with codifying the Display Usage exemption, the Exchange also proposes to codify the definitions
of Controlled Distributor and Display Usage within its Fee Schedule for clarity; both definitions currently exist within the
Cboe North American Data Policies. The Exchange has previously applied the User Fee exemption, and while there is no substantive
change to how the Exchange applies this, it proposes to formally codify this practice to be within its Fee Schedule.
By way of background, Controlled Distributors both (i) provide data to a User and (ii) control the entitlements of and display
of information to such User. (5) Meaning, Controlled Distributors entitle individual Users to view the data on a pre-existing Display application. Controlled
Distributors are charged with tracking the Users which it enables and, is assessed the appropriate corresponding Professional
and/or Non-Professional user fees, as applicable. (6) The Exchange now proposes to specify in its Fee Schedule that when a Data Product is used for a Permitted Purpose, Users shall
not be charged a Display Usage fee.
The second change the Exchange seeks to make, is to amend the definition of Non-Display Usage. The existing definition covers
any method of access of a Data Product that involves access or use by a machine or automated device without access or use
of a display by a natural person or persons. The Exchange now seeks to amend this definition to (i) include the facilitation
of access and (ii) add that the purpose must not be solely in support of display for a natural person.
2. Statutory Basis
The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Act”) and the
rules and regulations thereunder applicable to the Exchange and, in particular, the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act. (7) Specifically, the Exchange also believes the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b)(4) of the Act, (8) which requires that Exchange rules provide for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and other charges among
its Members and
other persons using its facilities. Additionally, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Section
6(b)(5) (9) requirement that the rules of an exchange not be designed to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, brokers,
or dealers.
User Fee Exemption
In particular, the exemption is designed to provide for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees and other charges
among its members and other recipients of Exchange data. For example, Display Usage of Data Products solely for the enumerated
Permitted Purposes does not directly generate revenue. As such, the Exchange believes it equitable to not charge for such
usage. Other exchanges and market data offerings have also taken a similar approach when charging for these uses (10) and such exemptions for these purposes are generally accepted within the industry to not be fee liable. The Exchange believes
that proposing to codify this exemption is reasonable as no fees will be assessed where there are Permitted Purposes.
The Exchange notes that all of the Data Products are distributed and purchased on a voluntary basis, in that neither the Exchange
nor market data distributors are required by any rule or regulation to make these data products available. Distributors (including
vendors) and Users can therefore discontinue use at any time and for any reason, including due to an assessment of the reasonableness
of fees charged. Further, the Exchange is not required to make any proprietary data products available or to offer any specific
pricing alternatives to any customers.
Additionally, the Exchange believes the exemption is equitable and non-discriminatory in that it applies uniformly to similarly
situated market participants (i.e., all Controlled Distributors whose Users use a Data Product solely for a Permitted Purpose). Further, the Exchange notes that
it is equitable and not unfairly discriminatory for this to only apply to Display Usage fees of Controlled Distributors, as
Uncontrolled Distributors (11) only distribute Data Products where Display Usage fees are not applicable.
The Exchange believes that (in addition to codifying the User Fee exemption) codifying the definitions of Display Usage and
Controlled Distributors in its Fee Schedule provides further clarity for market participants. With all relevant terms for
the Display Usage exemption defined within the Fee Schedule, market participants will be better able to ascertain if this
exemption is applicable to them and the specific terms of this exemption.
Non-Display Usage Definition
In particular, the proposed definition change is designed to provide for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees
and other charges among its members and other recipients of Exchange data. The change is intended to capture changes in the
evolving landscape of technology with firms more frequently leveraging Large Language Models (“LLMs”). Firms that facilitate
the transmission of Data Products into “black box” solutions (which include LLMs), may now need to obtain non-display licensing
for usage of the Data Product.
For example, under the prior definition, a firm that directly ingested a Data Product for the purpose of feeding the data
directly into an automated trading strategy would be required to procure a license for Non-Display. However, a firm that ingested
a Data Product for training or operating a LLM or that facilitated transmission of a Data Product may not explicitly fall
under the definition of Non-Display Usage, despite the firm ingesting the data for a non-display purpose. In order to facilitate
more equitable outcomes between firms, the Exchange proposes to insert this definition to ensure that Non-Display Usage better
covers the intended audience.
The intent of this revised definition is not to introduce a new or novel concept, it is instead intended to provide further
clarity on firms that should be covered under this license with new uses of Data Products in mind. The Exchange notes that
this update better aligns itself with industry standards as well. (12)
The Exchange notes that all of the Data Products are distributed and purchased on a voluntary basis, in that neither the Exchange
nor market data distributors are required by any rule or regulation to make these data products available. Distributors (including
vendors) and Users can therefore discontinue use at any time and for any reason, including due to an assessment of the reasonableness
of fees charged. Further, the Exchange is not required to make any proprietary data products available or to offer any specific
pricing alternatives to any customers.
Additionally, the Exchange believes the revised definition is equitable and non-discriminatory in that it applies uniformly
to similarly situated market participants.
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 proposed rule changes are grounded in the Exchange's efforts to compete more effectively (e.g., by updating its definition of Non-Display to conform with changes in the industry). As a result, the Exchange believes this
proposed rule change permits fair competition among national securities exchanges. Further, the Exchange believes that these
changes will not cause any unnecessary or inappropriate burden on intramarket competition, as the exemption applies uniformly
to all Controlled Distributors, and in turn, the ultimate end Users are not utilizing the applicable Data Product(s) for commercial
or business purposes. Further, the proposed change to codify the User Fee exemption is not designed to address any competitive
issues. Indeed, this proposal does not create an unnecessary or inappropriate inter-market burden on competition because it
merely clarifies the Exchange's internal process (as stated in the Cboe Global Markets North American Data Policies) on applying
the User Fee exemption.
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 comments on the proposed rule change.
III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action
The foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)
of the Act (13) and paragraph (f) of Rule 19b-4 (14) thereunder. At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily
suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest,
for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission takes such action,
the Commission will institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule change should be approved or disapproved.
IV. Solicitation of Comments
Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the
proposed rule change 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-2026-032 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-2026-032. 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-2026-032 and should be submitted on or before May 19, 2026.
For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority. (15)
Sherry R. Haywood, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2026-08184 Filed 4-27-26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
Footnotes
(1) 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
(2) 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
(3) The Exchange initially submitted the proposed rule change on April 1, 2026 (SR-CboeBZX-2026-021). On April 13, 2026, the
Exchange withdrew that filing and submitted this filing.
(4) Display Usage means the access to and/or use of a Market Data product by User via a graphical user interface, application
or other medium which displays data. See Cboe Global Markets North American Data Policies. The Exchange proposes to codify the definition of “Displayed Usage” in the
Definitions section of the Market Data Fees schedule in the Exchange's Fees Schedule for transparency and clarity. Display
Usage fees refer to Processional and Non-Professional User fees, as well as Enterprise or Digital Media fees, that are assessed
for the Exchange Market Data products set forth in the Exchange's fee schedule, as applicable.
(5) See Cboe Global Markets North American Data Policies. The Exchange proposes to codify the definition of an “Controlled Distributor”
in the Definitions section of the Market Data Fees schedule in the Exchange's Fees Schedule for transparency and clarity.
(6) See BZX Equities Fee Schedule. As noted above, Display Usage fees are assessed at different rates depending on (i) if the User
is a Professional user or a Non-Professional and (ii) for the specific Data Product as set for the Exchange's Market Data.
(7) 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
(8) 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4).
(9) 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
(10) See e.g., MIAX Exchange Group Market Data Policies, Section 10 and UTP Plan Administration Data Policies, Administrative Usage Policy—Internal
Use Only.
(11) Uncontrolled Distributors are defined as Distributors that do not control the entitlements of and display of information
to its Users. See BZX Equities Fee Schedule.
(12) See e.g., NASDAQ Data—Artificial Intelligence Policy (Market Data—DataAIPolicy-NASDAQ.pdf—All Documents), stating that “Any use of
or access to Nasdaq Information including for training of AI models must strictly adhere to the terms of the license governing
access to such Nasdaq Information, including maintaining appropriate licenses with redistributors and service facilitators.
This includes any use that would subject the data to the following environments outside the license.”
(13) 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
(14) 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f).
(15) 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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