SEC Proposes Rescission of Regulation NMS Rules 611 and 610(e)

The Securities and Exchange Commission today proposed amendments to rescind Rules 611 and 610(e) of Regulation NMS. “After two decades of Rule 611, it is high time that the Commission review its unintended consequences that have hindered — rather than enhanced — the long-term growth of our markets,” said SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins. “This proposal is intended to simplify market structure and reduce costs for market participants while allowing competition, innovation, and other market forces to shape the continuing evolution of our equity markets. I look forward to reviewing public comments as we take a careful, deliberative approach to avoid repeating the same mistakes that brought us here.” The Commission’s proposed amendments would: Rescind Rule 611 of Regulation NMS, which contains the trade-through prohibition for national market system stocks.