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Cboe Exchange Proposes Codifying User Fee Exemption and Non-Display Usage Definition

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Summary

Cboe Exchange, Inc. filed a proposed rule change (SR-CBOE-2026-040) with the SEC on April 21, 2026, to amend its Fee Schedule by codifying a User Fee exemption for Controlled Distributors and amending the definition of 'Non-Display Usage.' The User Fee exemption would exempt Controlled Distributors from Display Usage fees when data products are used solely for permitted purposes including software development, quality assurance, testing, sales support for redistribution, or technical monitoring. The amended Non-Display Usage definition, effective April 1, 2026 in Cboe Global Markets North American Data Policies, now includes 'facilitating access to' market data and is designed to capture usage by Large Language Models and automated systems. Comments on the proposed rule change are due May 19, 2026.

Why this matters

Firms using Cboe Exchange market data in connection with Large Language Models, automated trading systems, or any 'black box' solutions should review whether their current licensing arrangements adequately cover non-display usage. The amended definition explicitly captures 'facilitating access to' market data — a broader scope than the prior definition. Controlled Distributors whose end users deploy data for software development, QA, or technical monitoring may now be able to claim the Display Usage fee exemption; they should verify their eligibility and ensure documentation supports the Permitted Purpose claimed.

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What changed

Cboe Exchange proposes to codify two concepts currently contained in Cboe Global Markets North American Data Policies into its Fee Schedule. First, the Exchange proposes to formalize a User Fee exemption whereby Controlled Distributors are exempt from Display Usage fees for Data Products where the sole purpose is one of several enumerated Permitted Purposes: software development, quality assurance, testing, sales support relating to redistribution, or technical monitoring of systems. Second, the Exchange proposes to adopt the amended definition of 'Non-Display Usage' which now explicitly includes 'facilitating access to' a Market Data product and is designed to capture usage by LLMs and automated systems that was not clearly covered under the prior definition.

Affected parties include Controlled Distributors of Cboe Exchange market data products, vendors and other data distributors, and any firms using exchange market data in connection with LLMs, automated trading strategies, or 'black box' solutions. Firms that facilitate transmission of Data Products into LLM environments may now require non-display licensing. The proposed codification provides transparency by placing these definitions directly in the Fee Schedule rather than only in the Cboe Global Markets North American Data Policies.

Archived snapshot

Apr 28, 2026

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Content

April 23, 2026. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Act”), (1) and Rule 19b-4 thereunder, (2) notice is hereby given that on April 21, 2026, Cboe Exchange, Inc. (the “Exchange” or “Cboe Options”) 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 Exchange, Inc. (the “Exchange” or “Cboe Options”) proposes to amend its Fee Schedule to codify a User fee exemption and
the amended definition of “Non-Display Usage” in its Fee Schedule. 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/options/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 codify (i) an existing User Fee exemption to the Market Data section of its Fee Schedule and (ii)
the amended definition of “Non-Display Usage” under the Market Data section of its Fee Schedule. (3) As discussed further below, both the User Fee exemption and the amended definition of Non-Display Usage are currently contained
in the Cboe Global Markets North American Data Policies, the Exchange now proposes to codify both concepts 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, Display Usage and Uncontrolled Distributor (5) 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. (6) 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. (7) 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.

Second, the Exchange also proposes to codify the amended definition of “Non-Display Usage” as any method of accessing, or
facilitating access to, a Market Data product that involves access or use by a machine or automated device for a purpose that
is not solely in support of display for a natural person or persons. (8) The Exchange previously applied the prior definition of Non-Display Usage that was in the Cboe Global Markets North American
Data Policies. This definition stated that Non-Display Usage meant any method of accessing a Market Data product that involved
access or use by a machine or automated device without access or use of a display by a natural person or persons. This definition
was also previously in the Exchange's affiliated equities exchanges fee schedules.

The proposed definition adopted in Cboe Global Markets North American Data Policies (effective April 1, 2026) now states that,
Non-Display Usage means any method of accessing, or facilitating access to, a Market Data product that involves access or
use by a machine or automated device for a purpose that is not solely in support of display for a natural person or persons.
As discussed further below, the proposed definition is intended to capture changes in the evolving landscape of technology
with firms more frequently leveraging Large Language Models (“LLMs”).

In conjunction with the proposed revision to the Non-Display Usage definition, the Exchange proposes to codify this amended,
up-to-date version to be within its Fee Schedule. The Exchange's affiliated options and equities exchanges are also codifying
and amending this definition (as applicable) in their respective fee schedules.

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. (9) Specifically, the Exchange also believes the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b)(4) of the Act, (10) 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) (11) 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 proposed 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 (12) and such exemptions for these purposes are generally accepted within the industry to not be fee liable. The Exchange believes
that codifying 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 proposed 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 only distribute Data Products where Display Usage fees are not applicable.

The Exchange believes that codifying the definitions of Display Usage Controlled Distributor, and Uncontrolled Distributor
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 codification of the amended definition of “Non-Display Usage” contained in Cboe Global Markets' North American
Data Policies is designed to (i) provide transparency by including this definition in the Fee Schedule directly (as opposed
to only having this within the Cboe Global Markets North American Data Policies) and (ii) provide for the equitable allocation
of reasonable dues, fees and other charges among its members and other recipients of Exchange Data through the proposed amendments
to the prior definition that was applied (and was previously in the Cboe Global Markets North American Data Policies).

Specifically, the amended definition of Non-Display Usage means any method of accessing, or facilitating access to, a Market
Data product that involves access or use by a machine or automated device for a purpose that is not solely in support of display
for a natural person or persons. As noted above, the prior definition that was used (and was contained in Cboe Global Markets'
North American Data Policies) stated that: Non-Display Usage means any method of accessing a Market 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 codification of the amended definition of “Non-Display Usage,” and other terms, (13) are intended to add transparency and clarity to the Exchange's Fee Schedule. The proposed amended definition 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, the prior definition in Cboe Global Markets North American Data Policies did not include “facilitating access
to” in the Non-Display Usage definition. This meant that if a firm directly ingested a Data Product for the purpose of feeding
the data directly into an automated trading strategy, it would be required to procure a license for Non-Display. However,
under the prior definition, 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 include this
in its amended 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. (14)

The Exchange notes that all 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 amended definition of “Non-Display Usage” that it proposes to include in its Fee Schedule
is equitable and non-discriminatory in that it applies uniformly to similarly situated market participants. Adding this definition
to the Fee Schedule only provides further clarity and transparency for market participants. As noted above, the Exchange's
affiliated equities exchanges already have a “Non-Display Usage” definition codified within their respective schedules. In
conjunction with this filing, the Exchange's affiliated equities exchanges are also proposing to amend the existing Non-Display
Usage definition within their fee schedules to align with the revised Cboe North America Market Data Policies and with the
Exchange's proposed definition. The Exchange's affiliated options exchanges are also proposing to adopt this updated definition
within their fee schedules as well.

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 (15) and paragraph (f) of Rule 19b-4 (16) 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-CBOE-2026-040 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-CBOE-2026-040. 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-CBOE-2026-040 and should be submitted on or before May 19, 2026.

For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority. 17

Sherry R. Haywood, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2026-08186 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-CBOE-2026-030). On April 13, 2026, the Exchange
withdrew that filing and submitted SR-CBOE-2026-031. On April 21, 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) Uncontrolled Distributors are defined as External Distributors that do not control the entitlements of and display of information
to its Users. See Cboe Global Markets North American Data Policies. The Exchange proposes to codify the definition of “Uncontrolled Distributors”
in the Definitions section of the Market Data Fees schedule in the Exchange's Fees Schedule for transparency and clarity.

(6) 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.

(7) See Cboe Options 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.

(8) The term “Non-Display Usage” is defined in Cboe Global Markets' North American Data Policies. See Cboe Global Markets North American Data Policies. The term is also defined in the fee schedules of the Exchange's affiliated
equities exchanges. See e.g., Cboe BYX Equities Fee Schedule. The Exchange now proposes to codify the definition of “Non-Display Usage” in the Definitions
section of Market Data Fees in the Exchange's Fees Schedule for transparency and clarity. The Exchange seeks to adopt the
definition of “Non-Display Usage” contained in Cboe Global Markets' North American Data Policies.

(9) 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).

(10) 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4).

(11) 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).

(12) See e.g., MIAX Exchange Group Market Data Policies, Section 10 and UTP Plan Administration Data Policies, Administrative Usage Policy—Internal
Use Only.

(13) Supra notes 4, 5 and 6.

(14) 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.”

(15) 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).

(16) 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f).

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

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Named provisions

Non-Display Usage Display Usage Controlled Distributor Uncontrolled Distributor User Fee exemption

Citations

15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1) authority for proposed rule change filing
15 U.S.C. 78f(b) statutory basis for exchange rules
17 CFR 240.19b-4 rule filing requirements

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Last updated

Classification

Agency
SEC
Comment period closes
May 19th, 2026 (21 days)
Instrument
Consultation
Branch
Executive
Legal weight
Non-binding
Stage
Consultation
Change scope
Substantive
Docket
SR-CBOE-2026-040

Who this affects

Applies to
Broker-dealers Financial advisers
Industry sector
5231 Securities & Investments
Activity scope
Market data licensing Fee schedule amendments Data product distribution
Geographic scope
United States US

Taxonomy

Primary area
Securities
Operational domain
Compliance
Topics
Financial Services Data Privacy

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