[ by Howard Haykin ]

The NYSE and NYSE Mkt LLC (formerly the Amex), in conjunction with other interested members of the Intermarket Surveillance Group ("ISG"), have extended the effective date for firms to submit data elements for enhancing the Electronic Blue Sheets (EBS) to 5/1/13.  The calendar push back will allow broker-dealers additional time to implement the enhancements.

As currently required, Exchange member organizations (collectively referred to as “firms”) must add the following fields to the EBS format by 11/30/12.  That effective date is unchanged.  However, the requirements have been loosened, in that firms are not required to be populated with regard to EBS requests from Exchange and other interested ISG members until May 1, 2013. 

Of course, firms may voluntarily submit the values of these fields starting 11/30/12, and they will be accepted.

• Order Execution Time
• Large Trader Identification Number 1
• Large Trader Identification Number 2
• Large Trader Identification Number 3
• Large Trader Indentiofcation Qualifier
• Primary Party Identifier (referred to as Entering Firm Identifier in NYSE Info Memo 12-1)
• Contra Party Identifier (referred to as Executing Firm Identifier in NYSE Info Memo 12-1)

Currently, EBS requests are made under specific security symbols and option symbology.  As noted in NYSE Regulation Information Memo 12-1, firms will be required to submit EBS, when requested, using 3 additional formats:

1. account number and date;
2. account number, symbol and date; or
3. date range and Primary Party Identifier

For more details about the definition of the fields listed above, the changes to the Blue Sheet record layout and transaction types identifiers, Blue Sheet testing, and the Large Trader request from the SEC, please refer to FINRA’s Regulatory Notice 12-47.

Attachment A to IM 12-27 (see link below) outlines the updated EBS record layout, while Attachment B outlines the updated transaction type identifiers.

Additionally, please refer to www.finra.org\bluesheets\FAQ on the FINRA website for the most recent version of the Electronic Blue Sheet “FAQ”.

For further details, go to:   [NYSE IM 12-27, 11/26/12].