Proposed Rule Change Regarding Exemption from TRACE Trade Reporting Requirements

FINRA (f/k/a/ National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD")) is filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC" or "Commission") a proposed rule change to amend: (1) NASD Rule 6230(e) to exempt from reporting to the Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine ("TRACE") transactions in TRACE-eligible securities resulting from the exercise or settlement of an option or a similar instrument, or the termination or settlement of a credit default swap ("CDS"), other type of swap, or a similar instrument ("Derivative-Related Transaction"); and (2) NASD Rule 6210(c) to conform the definition of "reportable TRACE transaction" to exclude this class and any other class of exempted transactions from the defined term.