FINRA filed with the SEC a proposed rule change to amend FINRA Rule 7730(c)(1)(A) to adopt as permanent the limited waiver fee pilot program. The limited waiver fee pilot program provides a one month waiver of the Professional Real-Time Data Display Fee, permitting professionals to access real-time Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine ("TRACE") transaction data on a trial basis. See: Text of the Proposed Rule Change; FINRA Filing Announcement.

The FINRA-proposed rule change to incorporate NASD Rule 3010(e) ("Supervision – Qualifications Investigated") regarding background investigations into new FINRA Rule 3110(e) ("Responsibility of Member to Investigate Applicants for Registration") was published in the Federal Register. The new rule change to FINRA's rulebook would streamline and clarify rule language, and add a provision to require members to adopt written procedures that are "reasonably designed" to verify the accuracy and completeness of the information contained in an applicant's Form U4 (Uniform Application for Securities

FINRA filed with the SEC a proposed rule change to postpone the implementation date of the requirement that ATSs use unique market participant identifiers until February 2, 2015. See: Text of Proposed Rule Change; FINRA Filing Announcement.

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange Group ("CME Group") issued a Market Regulation Advisory Notice. Starting October 19, 2014, the CME will begin to permit Basis Trade at Index Close ("BTIC") block trades at a block trade minimum threshold of 50 contracts in USD Denominated Ibovespa futures. The Notice specifies the conditions and requirements that apply to block trades executed on the CME. The CME stated that the BTIC block trades will be subject to requirements that will be set forth in CME Rule 35406.A.

The SEC approved FINRA-proposed amendments to Rule 9231 to expand the pool of persons eligible to serve as panelists on a hearing panel or extended hearing panel. The rule change establishes a category of persons eligible to serve as panelists that includes persons serving currently, or who served previously, on a committee appointed or approved by the FINRA Board. The rule change also conforms amendments to Rule 9232 that could provide FINRA with a larger pool of individuals with experience and expertise to serve as panelists. See: 79 FR 59534. Related news: FINRA Proposes Rule Change