The new CT Plan approved by the SEC may cause the Company’s equities exchanges, BZX, BYX, EDGX, and EDGA, to require additional resources to comply with or challenge such new consolidated data plan and it may have a material impact on our business, financial condition and operating results if, for example, there is a negative impact on the applicable market data fees that we receive that are generated from such new plan.
Market Data Infrastructure Final Rule
On December 9, 2020, the SEC issued a Market Data Infrastructure Final Rule (“Final Rule”), which makes significant additions to the content available on the Securities Information Processors (“SIPs”) and replaces the exclusive processors with a competing consolidator model. The Final Rule is limited to market data disseminated by the equities SIPs and does not apply to proprietary market data, or the dissemination of options market data through OPRA.
On February 5, 2021, the Company filed a Petition for Review (the “2/5 PFR”) with the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit challenging the Final Order. Additionally, on February 5, 2021, the Company filed a motion for stay of the Final Rule with the SEC, which the SEC denied on March 24, 2021.
On March 24, 2021, the SEC filed a Motion to Dismiss (“MTD”) with the D.C. Circuit: (1) arguing that the PFR is not ripe because the Final Rule had not been published in the Federal Register (“FR”), (2) suggesting (if there is ambiguity) that the D.C. Circuit clarify whether publication in the FR opens the filing window, and (3) suggesting that the D.C. Circuit could hold the case in abeyance pending filing of a PFR after publication in the FR.
On April 9, 2021, the Final Rule was published in the FR. On April 13, 2021, the Company filed another PFR (the “4/13 PFR””) as a protective measure in the event the D.C. Circuit determined that the time to file a PFR does not commence until publication of the Final Rule in the FR.
On June 15, 2021, the D.C. Circuit entered an order granting the SEC’s MTD respecting the 2/5 PFR. This order does not affect the 4/13 PFR, which was filed after publication of the Final Rule in the FR on April 9, 2021. On July 9, 2021, the D.C. Circuit entered a briefing schedule, which concluded in January 2022. Oral argument occurred on March 18, 2022. The Company is currently awaiting a decision by the D.C. Circuit.
The implementation of the Final Rule could cause Cboe’s equities exchanges, BZX, BYX, EDGX, and EDGA, to require additional resources to comply with or to challenge the new rules and they may have a material impact on our business, financial condition and operating results if, for example, there are lower SIP plan revenues or we must reduce the fees we charge for market data. The Company intends to litigate the matter vigorously.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Other than the risk factor listed below, there have been no material updates during the period covered by this Form 10-Q to the Risk Factors as set forth in Item 1A. of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. These risks and uncertainties, however, are not the only risks and uncertainties that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also significantly impact us. Any of these risks and uncertainties may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.
Risks Relating to Our Business Following Consummation of Pending ErisX Acquisition
Digital asset custodial solutions and related technology, including ErisX’s systems and custodial arrangements, are subject to risks related to a loss of funds due to theft of digital assets, employee or vendor sabotage, security and cybersecurity risks, system failures and other operational issues which could cause damage to our and ErisX’s reputation and brand.
The secure storage and transmission of digital assets and data over networks is a critical element of ErisX’s operations. Threats to ErisX’s storage and transmission of digital assets and data may come from external factors such as governments, organized crime, hackers and other third parties such as outsourced or infrastructure-support providers and application developers, or may originate internally from an employee or service provider to whom ErisX has granted access to its systems.
Digital asset transactions may be irrevocable, and stolen or incorrectly transferred digital assets may be irretrievable. Once a transaction has been verified and recorded in a block that is added to the blockchain, an incorrect transfer of a digital asset generally will not be reversible, and ErisX may not be capable of seeking compensation for any such transfer or theft. It is possible that, through computer or human error, or through theft or criminal action, the digital asset could be