Appeal to the Commission and Commission Review
201.400 — Interlocutory review.
(a) Availability. The Commission may, at any time, on its own motion, direct that any matter be submitted to it for review. Petitions by parties for interlocutory review are disfavored, and the Commission ordinarily will grant a petition to review a hearing officer ruling prior to its consideration of an initial decision only in extraordinary circumstances. The Commission may decline to consider a ruling certified by a hearing officer pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section or the petition of a party who has been denied certification if it determines that interlocutory review is not warranted or appropriate under the circumstances. This section is the exclusive remedy for review of a hearing officer's ruling prior to Commission consideration of the entire proceeding and is the sole mechanism for appeal of actions delegated pursuant to §§ 200.30-9 and 200.30-10 of this chapter.
(b) Expedited consideration. Interlocutory review of a hearing officer's ruling shall be expedited in every way, consistent with the Commission's other responsibilities.
(c) Certification process. A ruling submitted to the Commission for interlocutory review must be certified in writing by the hearing officer and shall specify the material relevant to the ruling involved. The hearing officer shall not certify a ruling unless:
(1) His or her ruling would compel testimony of Commission members, officers or employees or the production of documentary evidence in their custody; or
(2) Upon application by a party, within five days of the hearing officer's ruling, the hearing officer is of the opinion that:
(i) The ruling involves a controlling question of law as to which there is substantial ground for difference of opinion; and
(ii) An immediate review of the order may materially advance the completion of the proceeding.
(d) Proceedings not stayed. The filing of an application for review or the grant of review shall not stay proceedings before the hearing officer unless he or she, or the Commission, shall so order. The Commission will not consider the motion for a stay unless the motion shall have first been made to the hearing officer.
[60 FR 32796, June 23, 1995, as amended at 69 FR 13178, Mar. 19, 2004]
201.401 — Consideration of stays.
(a) Procedure. A request for a stay shall be made by written motion, filed pursuant to § 201.154, and served on all parties pursuant to § 201.150. The motion shall state the reasons for the relief requested and the facts relied upon, and, if the facts are subject to dispute, the motion shall be supported by affidavits or other sworn statements or copies thereof. Portions of the record relevant to the relief sought, if available to the movant, shall be filed with the motion. The Commission may issue a stay based on such motion or on its own motion.
(b) Scope of relief. The Commission may grant a stay in whole or in part, and may condition relief under this section upon such terms, or upon the implementation of such procedures, as it deems appropriate.
(c) Stay of a Commission order. A motion for a stay of a Commission order may be made by any person aggrieved thereby who would be entitled to review in a federal court of appeals. A motion seeking to stay the effectiveness of a Commission order pending judicial review may be made to the Commission at any time during which the Commission retains jurisdiction over the proceeding.
(d) Stay of an action by a self-regulatory organization — (1) Availability. A motion for a stay of an action by a self-regulatory organization for which the Commission is the appropriate regulatory agency, for which action review may be sought pursuant to § 201.420, may be made by any person aggrieved thereby at the time an application for review is filed in accordance with § 201.420 or thereafter.
(2) Summary entry. A stay may be entered summarily, without notice and opportunity for hearing.
(3) Expedited consideration. Where the action complained of has already taken effect and the motion for stay is filed within 10 days of the effectiveness of the action, or where the action complained of, will, by its terms, take effect within five days of the filing of the motion for stay, the consideration of and decision on the motion for a stay shall be expedited in every way, consistent with the Commission's other responsibilities. Where consideration will be expedited, persons opposing the motion for a stay may file a statement in opposition within two days of service of the motion unless the Commission, by written order, shall specify a different period.
(e) Lifting of stay of action by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board — (1) Availability. Any person aggrieved by a stay of action by the Board entered in accordance with 15 U.S.C. 7215(e) for which review has been sought pursuant to § 201.440 or which the Commission has taken up on its motion pursuant to § 201.441 may make a motion to lift the stay. The Commission may, at any time, on its own motion determine whether to lift the automatic stay.
(2) Summary action. The Commission may lift a stay summarily, without notice and opportunity for hearing.
(3) Expedited consideration. The Commission may expedite consideration of a motion to lift a stay of Board action, consistent with the Commission's other responsibilities. Where consideration is expedited, persons opposing the lifting of the stay may file a statement in opposition within two days of service of the motion requesting lifting of the stay unless the Commission, by written order, shall specify a different period.
(f) Lifting of stay of action by a security-based swap execution
facility. (1) Availability. Any person aggrieved
by a stay of action by a security-based swap execution facility
entered in accordance with § 201.442(c) may make a motion to lift
the stay. The Commission may, at any time, on its own motion
determine whether to lift the automatic stay.
(2) Summary action. The Commission may lift a stay summarily,
without notice and opportunity for hearing.
(3) Expedited consideration. The Commission may expedite
consideration of a motion to lift a stay of action by a
security-based swap execution facility, consistent with the
Commission's other responsibilities. Where consideration is
expedited, persons opposing the lifting of the stay may file a
statement in opposition within two days of service of the motion
requesting lifting of the stay unless the Commission, by written
order, shall specify a different period.
[60 FR 32796, June 23, 1995, as amended at 69 FR 13178, Mar. 19, 2004; 88
FR 87156, Dec. 15, 2023]
201.410 — Appeal of initial decisions by hearing officers.
(a) Petition for review; when available. In any proceeding in which an initial decision is made by a hearing officer, any party, and any other person who would have been entitled to judicial review of the decision entered therein if the Commission itself had made the decision, may file a petition for review of the decision with the Commission.
(b) Procedure. The petition for review of an initial decision shall be filed with the Commission within such time after service of the initial decision as prescribed by the hearing officer pursuant to § 201.360(b) unless a party has filed a motion to correct an initial decision with the hearing officer. If such correction has been sought, a party shall have 21 days from the date of the hearing officer's order resolving the motion to correct to file a petition for review. The petition shall set forth a statement of the issues presented for review under § 201.411(b). In the event a petition for review is filed, any other party to the proceeding may file a cross-petition for review within the original time allowed for seeking review or within ten days from the date that the petition for review was filed, whichever is later.
(c) Length limitation. Except with leave of the Commission, the petition for review shall not exceed three pages in length. Incorporation of pleadings or filings by reference into the petition is not permitted. Motions to file petitions in excess of those limitations are disfavored.
(d) Financial disclosure statement requirement. Any person who files a petition for review of an initial decision that asserts that person's inability to pay either disgorgement, interest or a penalty shall file with the opening brief a sworn financial disclosure statement containing the information specified in § 201.630(b).
(e) [Reserved]
(f) Prerequisite to judicial review. Pursuant to Section 704 of the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 704, a petition to the Commission for review of an initial decision is a prerequisite to the seeking of judicial review of a final order entered pursuant to such decision.
[60 FR 32796, June 23, 1995, as amended at 69 FR 13179, Mar. 19, 2004; 81 FR 50211, July 29, 2016]
201.411 — Commission consideration of initial decisions by hearing officers.
(a) Scope of review. The Commission may affirm, reverse, modify, set aside or remand for further proceedings, in whole or in part, an initial decision by a hearing officer and may make any findings or conclusions that in its judgment are proper and on the basis of the record.
(b) Standards for granting review pursuant to a petition for review — (1) Mandatory review. After a petition for review has been filed, the Commission shall review any initial decision that:
(i) Denies any request for action pursuant to Section 8(a) or Section 8(c) of the Securities Act of 1933, 15 U.S.C. 77h(a), (c), or the first sentence of Section 12(d) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. 78l(d);
(ii) Suspends trading in a security pursuant to Section 12(k) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. 78l(k); or
(iii) Is in a case of adjudication (as defined in 5 U.S.C. 551) not required to be determined on the record after notice and opportunity for hearing (except to the extent there is involved a matter described in 5 U.S.C. 554(a) (1) through (6)).
(2) Discretionary review. The Commission may decline to review any other decision. In determining whether to grant review, the Commission shall consider whether the petition for review makes a reasonable showing that:
(i) A prejudicial error was committed in the conduct of the proceeding; or
(ii) The decision embodies:
(A) A finding or conclusion of material fact that is clearly erroneous; or
(B) A conclusion of law that is erroneous; or
(C) An exercise of discretion or decision of law or policy that is important and that the Commission should review.
(c) Commission review other than pursuant to a petition for review. The Commission may, on its own initiative, order review of any initial decision, or any portion of any initial decision, within 21 days after the end of the period established for filing a petition for review pursuant to § 201.410(b). A party who does not intend to file a petition for review, and who desires the Commission's determination whether to order review on its own initiative to be made in a shorter time, may make a motion for an expedited decision, accompanied by a written statement that the party waives its right to file a petition for review. The vote of one member of the Commission, conveyed to the Secretary, shall be sufficient to bring a matter before the Commission for review.
(d) Limitations on matters reviewed. Review by the Commission of an initial decision shall be limited to the issues specified in an opening brief that complies with § 201.450(b), or the issues, if any, specified in the briefing schedule order issued pursuant to § 201.450(a). Any exception to an initial decision not supported in an opening brief that complies with § 201.450(b) may, at the discretion of the Commission, be deemed to have been waived by the petitioner. On notice to all parties, however, the Commission may, at any time prior to issuance of its decision, raise and determine any other matters that it deems material, with opportunity for oral or written argument thereon by the parties.
(e) Summary affirmance. (1) At any time within 21 days after the filing of a petition for review pursuant to § 201.410(b), any party may file a motion in accordance with § 201.154 asking that the Commission summarily affirm an initial decision. Any party may file an opposition and reply to such motion in accordance with § 201.154. Pending determination of the motion for summary affirmance, the Commission, in its discretion, may delay issuance of a briefing schedule order pursuant to § 201.450.
(2) Upon consideration of the motion and any opposition or upon its own initiative, the Commission may summarily affirm an initial decision. The Commission may grant summary affirmance if it finds that no issue raised in the initial decision warrants consideration by the Commission of further oral or written argument. The Commission will decline to grant summary affirmance upon a reasonable showing that a prejudicial error was committed in the conduct of the proceeding or that the decision embodies an exercise of discretion or decision of law or policy that is important and that the Commission should review.
(f) Failure to obtain a majority. In the event a majority of participating Commissioners do not agree to a disposition on the merits, the initial decision shall be of no effect, and an order will be issued in accordance with this result.
[60 FR 32796, June 23, 1995, as amended at 69 FR 13179, Mar. 19, 2004; 70 FR 72570, Dec. 5, 2005; 81 FR 50211, July 29, 2016]
201.420 — Appeal of determinations by self-regulatory organizations.
(a) Application for review; when available. An application for review by the Commission may be filed by any person who is aggrieved by a determination of a self-regulatory organization with respect to any:
(1) Final disciplinary sanction;
(2) Denial or conditioning of membership or participation;
(3) Prohibition or limitation in respect to access to services offered by that self-regulatory organization or a member thereof; or
(4) Bar from association as to which a notice is required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Section 19(d)(1) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. 78s(d)(1).
(b) Procedure. As required by section 19(d)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C. 78s(d)(1), an applicant must file an application for review with the Commission within 30 days after the notice of the determination is filed with the Commission and received by the aggrieved person applying for review. The Commission will not extend this 30-day period, absent a showing of extraordinary circumstances. This section is the exclusive remedy for seeking an extension of the 30-day period.
(c) Application. The application shall be filed with the Commission pursuant to § 201.151. The applicant shall serve the application on the self-regulatory organization. The application shall identify the determination complained of and set forth in summary form a brief statement of the alleged errors in the determination and supporting reasons therefor. The application shall state an address where the applicant can be served. The application should not exceed two pages in length. If the applicant will be represented by a representative, the application shall be accompanied by the notice of appearance required by § 201.102(d). Any exception to a determination not supported in an opening brief that complies with § 201.450(b) may, at the discretion of the Commission, be deemed to have been waived by the applicant.
(d) Determination not stayed. Filing an application for review with the Commission pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section shall not operate as a stay of the complained of determination made by the self-regulatory organization unless the Commission otherwise orders either pursuant to a motion filed in accordance with § 201.401 or on its own motion.
(e) Certification of the record; service of the
index. Fourteen days after receipt of an
application for review or a Commission order for
review, the self-regulatory organization shall
certify and file electronically in the form and
manner to be specified by the Office of the
Secretary in the materials posted on the
Commission's website one unredacted copy of the
record upon which the action complained of was
taken.
(1) The self-regulatory organization also shall file
electronically with the Commission one copy of an
index to such record, and shall serve upon each
party one copy of the index. If such index
contains any sensitive personal information, as
defined in paragraph (e)(2) of this section, the
self-regulatory organization also shall file
electronically with the Commission one redacted
copy of such index, subject to the requirements of
paragraph (e)(2) of this section.
(2) Sensitive personal information. Sensitive
personal information is defined as a Social
Security number, taxpayer identification number,
financial account number, credit card or debit
card number, passport number, driver's license
number, state-issued identification number, home
address (other than city and state), telephone
number, date of birth (other than year), names and
initials of minor children, as well as any
unnecessary health information identifiable by
individual, such as an individual's medical
records. Sensitive personal information shall not
be included in, and must be redacted or omitted
from, all filings subject to:
(i) Exceptions. The following information may be
included and is not required to be redacted from
filings:
(A) The last four digits of a financial account number,
credit card or debit card number, passport number,
driver's license number, and state-issued
identification number;
(B) Home addresses and telephone numbers of parties and
persons filing documents with the Commission;
(C) Business telephone numbers; and
(D) Copies of unredacted filings by regulated entities
or registrants that are available on the
Commission's public website.
(f) Certification. Any filing made pursuant to
this section, other than the record upon which the
action complained of was taken, must include a
certification that any information described in
paragraph (e)(2) of this section has been omitted
or redacted from the filing.
[60 FR 32796, June 23, 1995, as amended at 69 FR 13179, Mar. 19, 2004; 81
FR 50211, July 29, 2016; 85 FR 86464, Dec. 30,
2020]
201.421 — Commission consideration of determinations by self-regulatory organizations.
(a) Commission review other than pursuant to a petition for review. The Commission may, on its own initiative, order review of any determination by a self-regulatory organization that could be subject to an application for review pursuant to § 201.420(a) within 40 days after notice thereof was filed with the Commission pursuant to Section 19(d)(1) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. 78s(d)(1).
(b) Supplemental briefing. The Commission may at any time prior to issuance of its decision raise or consider any matter that it deems material, whether or not raised by the parties. Notice to the parties and an opportunity for supplemental briefing with respect to issues not briefed by the parties shall be given where the Commission believes that such briefing would significantly aid the decisional process.
201.430 — Appeal of actions made pursuant to delegated authority.
(a) Scope of rule. Any person aggrieved by an action made by authority delegated in §§ 200.30-1 through 200.30-8 or §§ 200.30-11 through 200.30-18 of this chapter may seek review of the action pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) Procedure — (1) Notice of intention to petition for review. A party to an action made pursuant to delegated authority, or a person aggrieved by such action, may seek Commission review of the action by filing a written notice of intention to petition for review within five days after actual notice of the action to that party or aggrieved person, or 15 days after publication of the notice of action in the Federal Register, or five days after service of notice of the action on that party or aggrieved person pursuant to § 201.141(b), whichever is the earliest.
(2) Petition for review. Within five days after the filing of a notice of intention to petition for review pursuant to paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the person seeking review shall file a petition for review containing a clear and concise statement of the issues to be reviewed and the reasons why review is appropriate. The petition shall include exceptions to any findings of fact or conclusions of law made, together with supporting reasons for such exceptions based on appropriate citations to such record as may exist. These reasons may be stated in summary form.
(c) Prerequisite to judicial review. Pursuant to Section 704 of the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 704, a petition to the Commission for review of an action made by authority delegated in §§ 200.30-1 through 200.30-18 of this chapter is a prerequisite to the seeking of judicial review of a final order entered pursuant to such an action. Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 7214(h)(2), any decision by the Commission pursuant to 200.30-11 shall not be reviewable under 15 U.S.C. 78y and shall not be deemed 'final agency action' for purposes of 5 U.S.C. 704.
[60 FR 32796, June 23, 1995; 60 FR 46500, Sept. 7, 1995, as amended at 69 FR 13179, Mar. 19, 2004; 70 FR 72570, Dec. 5, 2005; 75 FR 47449, Aug. 6, 2010]
201.431 — Commission consideration of actions made pursuant to delegated authority.
(a) Scope of review. The Commission may affirm, reverse, modify, set aside or remand for further proceedings, in whole or in part, any action made pursuant to authority delegated in §§ 200.30-1 through 200.30-18 of this chapter.
(b) Standards for granting review pursuant to a petition for review — (1) Mandatory review. After a petition for review has been filed, the Commission shall review any action that it would be required to review pursuant to § 201.411(b)(1) if the action was made as the initial decision of a hearing officer.
(2) Discretionary review. The Commission may decline to review any other action. In determining whether to grant review, the Commission shall consider the factors set forth in § 201.411(b)(2).
(c) Commission review other than pursuant to a petition for review. The Commission may, on its own initiative, order review of any action made pursuant to delegated authority at any time, provided, however, that where there are one or more parties to the matter, such review shall not be ordered more than ten days after the action. The vote of one member of the Commission, conveyed to the Secretary, shall be sufficient to bring a matter before the Commission for review.
(d) Required items in an order for review. In an order granting a petition for review or directing review on the Commission's own initiative, the Commission shall set forth the time within which any party or other person may file a statement in support of or in opposition to the action made by delegated authority and shall state whether a stay shall be granted, if none is in effect, or shall be continued, if in effect pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section.
(e) Automatic stay of delegated action. An action made pursuant to delegated authority shall have immediate effect and be deemed the action of the Commission. Upon filing with the Commission of a notice of intention to petition for review, or upon notice to the Secretary of the vote of a Commissioner that a matter be reviewed, an action made pursuant to delegated authority shall be stayed until the Commission orders otherwise, provided, however, there shall be no automatic stay of an action:
(1) To grant a stay of action by the Commission or a self-regulatory organization as authorized by 17 CFR 200.30-14(g) (5)-(6); or
(2) To commence a subpoena enforcement proceeding as authorized by 17 CFR 200.30-4(a)(10).
(f) Effectiveness of stay or of Commission decision to modify or reverse a delegated action. As against any person who shall have acted in reliance upon any action at a delegated level, any stay or any modification or reversal by the Commission of such action shall be effective only from the time such person receives actual notice of such stay, modification or reversal.
[60 FR 32796, June 23, 1995; 60 FR 46500, Sept. 7, 1995]
201.440 — Appeal of determinations by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
(a) Application for review; when available. Any person who is aggrieved by a determination of the Board with respect to any final disciplinary sanction, including disapproval of a completed application for registration of a public accounting firm, may file an application for review.
(b) Procedure. An aggrieved person may file an application for review with the Commission pursuant to § 201.151 within 30 days after the notice filed by the Board of its determination with the Commission pursuant to 17 CFR 240.19d-4 is received by the aggrieved person applying for review. The applicant shall serve the application on the Board at the same time. The application shall identify the determination complained of, set forth in summary form a brief statement of alleged errors in the determination and supporting reasons therefor, and state an address where the applicant can be served. The application should not exceed two pages in length. The notice of appearance required by § 201.102(d) shall accompany the application. Any exception to a determination not supported in an opening brief that complies with § 201.450(b) may, at the discretion of the Commission, be deemed to have been waived by the applicant.
(c) Stay of determination. Filing an application for review with the Commission pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section operates as a stay of the Board's determination unless the Commission otherwise orders either pursuant to a motion filed in accordance with § 201.401(e) or upon its own motion.
(d) Certification of the record; service of the index. Within fourteen
days after receipt of an application for review,
the Board shall certify and file electronically in
the form and manner to be specified by the Office
of the Secretary in the materials posted on the
Commission's website one unredacted copy of the
record upon which it took the complained-of
action.
(1) The Board shall file electronically with the
Commission one copy of an index of such record,
and shall serve one copy of the index on each
party. If such index contains any sensitive
personal information, as defined in paragraph
(d)(2) of this section, the Board also shall file
electronically with the Commission one redacted
copy of such index, subject to the requirements of
paragraphs (d)(2) of this section.
(2) Sensitive personal information. Sensitive
personal information is defined as a Social
Security number, taxpayer identification number,
financial account number, credit card or debit
card number, passport number, driver's license
number, state-issued identification number, home
address (other than city and state), telephone
number, date of birth (other than year), names and
initials of minor children, as well as any
unnecessary health information identifiable by
individual, such as an individual's medical
records. Sensitive personal information shall not
be included in, and must be redacted or omitted
from, all filings subject to:
(i) Exceptions. The following information may be
included and is not required to be redacted from
filings:
(A) The last four digits of a financial account number,
credit card or debit card number, passport number,
driver's license number, and state-issued
identification number;
(B) Home addresses and telephone numbers of parties and
persons filing documents with the Commission;
(C) Business telephone numbers; and
(D) Copies of unredacted filings by regulated entities
or registrants that are available on the
Commission's public website.
(e) Certification. Any filing made pursuant to
this section, other than the record upon which the
action complained of was taken, must include a
certification that any information described in
paragraph (d)(2) of this section has been omitted
or redacted from the filing.
[69 FR 13179, Mar. 19, 2004; as amended at 81 FR 50211, July 29, 2016; 85
FR 86464, Dec. 30, 2020]
201.441 — Commission consideration of Board determinations.
(a) Commission review other than pursuant to an application for review. The Commission may, on its own initiative, order review of any final disciplinary sanction, including disapproval of a completed application for registration of a public accounting firm, imposed by the Board that could be subject to an application for review pursuant to § 201.440(a) within 40 days after the Board filed notice thereof pursuant to § 240.19d-4 of this chapter.
(b) Supplemental briefing. The Commission may at any time prior to the issuance of its decision raise or consider any matter that it deems material, whether or not raised by the parties. The Commission will give notice to the parties and an opportunity for supplemental briefing with respect to issues not briefed by the parties where the Commission believes that such briefing could significantly aid the decisional process.
[69 FR 13179, Mar. 19, 2004]
201.442 — Appeal of determination by security-based swap execution facility.
(a) Application for review; when available. An application for
review by the Commission may be filed by any person who is aggrieved
by a determination of a security-based swap execution facility with
respect to any:
(1) Final disciplinary action, as defined in § 240.835(b)(1) of this
chapter;
(2) Final action with respect to a denial or conditioning of membership,
as defined in § 240.835(b)(2) of this chapter; or
(3) Final action with respect to a denial or limitation of access to any
service offered by the security-based swap execution facility, as
defined in § 240.835(b)(2) of this chapter.
(b) Procedure. An aggrieved person may file an application for
review with the Commission pursuant to § 201.151 within 30 days
after the notice filed with the Commission pursuant to § 242.835 of
this chapter by the security-based swap execution facility of the
determination is received by the aggrieved person. The Commission
will not extend this 30-day period, absent a showing of
extraordinary circumstances. This section is the exclusive remedy
for seeking an extension of the 30-day period. The aggrieved person
shall serve the application on the security-based swap execution
facility at the same time. The application shall identify the
determination complained of, set forth in summary form a statement
of alleged errors in the action and supporting reasons therefor, and
state an address where the applicant can be served. The application
should not exceed two pages in length. If the applicant will be
represented by a representative, the application shall be
accompanied by the notice of appearance required by § 201.102(d).
Any exception to an action not supported in an opening brief that
complies with § 201.450(b) may, at the discretion of the Commission,
be deemed to have been waived by the applicant.
(c) Stay of determination. Filing an application for review with
the Commission pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section operates as
a stay of the security-based swap execution facility's
determination, unless the Commission otherwise orders either
pursuant to a motion filed in accordance with § 201.401(f) or upon
its own motion.
(d) Certification of the record; service of the index. Within 14
days after receipt of an application for review, the security-based
swap execution facility shall certify and file electronically in the
form and manner specified by the Office of the Secretary one
unredacted copy of the record upon which it took the complained-of
action.
(1) The security-based swap execution facility shall file electronically
with the Commission one copy of an index of such record in the form
and manner specified by the Commission and shall serve one copy of
the index on each party. If such index contains any sensitive
personal information, as defined in paragraph (d)(2) of this
section, the security-based swap execution facility also shall file
electronically with the Commission one redacted copy of such index,
subject to the requirements of paragraph (d)(2) of this section.
(2) Sensitive personal information includes a Social Security
number, taxpayer identification number, financial account number,
credit card or debit card number, passport number, driver's license
number, State-issued identification number, home address (other than
city and State), telephone number, date of birth (other than year),
names and initials of minor children, as well as any unnecessary
health information identifiable by individual, such as an
individual's medical records. Sensitive personal information shall
not be included in, and must be redacted or omitted from, all
filings.
(i) Exceptions. The following information may be included and is
not required to be redacted from filings:
(A) The last four digits of a financial account number, credit card or
debit card number, passport number, driver's license number, and
State-issued identification number;
(B) Home addresses and telephone numbers of parties and persons filing
documents with the Commission; and
(C) Business telephone numbers.
(ii) [Reserved]
(e) Certification. Any filing made pursuant to this section, other
than the record upon which the action complained of was taken, must
include a certification that any information described in paragraph
(d)(2) of this section has been omitted or redacted from the
filing.
[88 FR 87156, Dec. 15, 2023]
201.443 — Commission consideration of security-based swap execution facility determinations.
(a) Commission review other than pursuant to an application for
review. The Commission may, on its own initiative, order
review of any determination by a security-based swap execution
facility that could be subject to an application for review pursuant
to § 201.442(a) within 40 days after the security-based swap
execution facility provided notice to the Commission thereof.
(b) Supplemental briefing. The Commission may at any time before
issuing its decision raise or consider any matter that it deems
material, whether or not raised by the parties. The Commission will
give notice to the parties and an opportunity for supplemental
briefing with respect to issues not briefed by the parties where the
Commission believes that such briefing could significantly aid the
decisional process.
[88 FR 87156, Dec. 15, 2023]
201.450 — Briefs filed with the Commission.
(a) Briefing schedule order. Other than review ordered pursuant to § 201.431, if review of a determination is mandated by statute, rule, or judicial order or the Commission determines to grant review as a matter of discretion, the Commission shall issue a briefing schedule order directing the party or parties to file opening briefs and specifying particular issues, if any, as to which briefing should be limited or directed. Unless otherwise provided, opening briefs shall be filed within 30 days of the date of the briefing schedule order. Opposition briefs shall be filed within 30 days after the date opening briefs are due. Reply briefs shall be filed within 14 days after the date opposition briefs are due. No briefs in addition to those specified in the briefing schedule order may be filed except with leave of the Commission. The briefing schedule order shall be issued:
(1) At the time the Commission orders review on its own initiative pursuant to §§ 201.411 or 201.421, or orders interlocutory review on its own motion pursuant to § 201.400(a); or
(2) Within 21 days, or such longer time as provided by the Commission, after:
(i) The last day permitted for filing a petition for review pursuant to § 201.410(b) or a brief in opposition to a petition for review pursuant to § 201.410(d);
(ii) Receipt by the Commission of an index to the record of a determination of a self-regulatory organization filed pursuant to § 201.420(d);
(iii) Receipt by the Commission of an index to the record of a determination by the Board filed pursuant to § 201.440(d);
(iv) Receipt by the Commission of an index to the record of a
determination by a security-based swap execution facility filed
pursuant to § 201.442(d).
(v) Receipt by the Commission of the mandate of a court of appeals with respect
to a judicial remand; or
(vi) Certification of a ruling for interlocutory review pursuant to §
201.400(c).
(b) Contents of briefs. Briefs shall be confined to the particular matters at issue. Each exception to the findings or conclusions being reviewed shall be stated succinctly. Exceptions shall be supported by citation to the relevant portions of the record, including references to the specific pages relied upon, and by concise argument including citation of such statutes, decisions and other authorities as may be relevant. If the exception relates to the admission or exclusion of evidence, the substance of the evidence admitted or excluded shall be set forth in the brief, or by citation to the record. Reply briefs shall be confined to matters in opposition briefs of other parties; except as otherwise determined by the Commission in its discretion, any argument raised for the first time in a reply brief shall be deemed to have been waived.
(c) Length limitation. Except with leave of the Commission, opening and opposition briefs shall not exceed 14,000 words and reply briefs shall not exceed 7,000 words, exclusive of pages containing the table of contents, table of authorities, and any addendum that consists solely of copies of applicable cases, pertinent legislative provisions or rules, and exhibits. Incorporation of pleadings or filings by reference into briefs submitted to the Commission is not permitted. Motions to file briefs in excess of these limitations are disfavored.
(d) Certificate of compliance. An opening or opposition brief that does not exceed 30 pages in length, exclusive of pages containing the table of contents, table of authorities, and any addendum that consists solely of copies of applicable cases, pertinent legislative provisions, or rules and exhibits, is presumptively considered to contain no more than 14,000 words. A reply brief that does not exceed 15 pages in length, exclusive of pages containing the table of contents, table of authorities, and any addendum that consists solely of copies of applicable cases, pertinent legislative provisions, or rules and exhibits is presumptively considered to contain no more than 7,000 words. Any brief that exceeds these page limits must include a certificate by the party's representative, or an unrepresented party, stating that the brief complies with the requirements set forth in paragraph (c) of this section and stating the number of words in the brief. The person preparing the certificate may rely on the word count of the word-processing system used to prepare the brief.
[60 FR 32796, June 23, 1995, as amended at 68 FR 35789, June 17, 2003; 69
FR 13180, Mar. 19, 2004; 81 FR 50211, July 29, 2016; 88 FR
87156, Dec. 15, 2023]
201.451 — Oral argument before the Commission.
(a) Availability. The Commission, on its own motion or the motion of a party or any other aggrieved person entitled to Commission review, may order oral argument with respect to any matter. Motions for oral argument with respect to whether to affirm all or part of an initial decision by a hearing officer shall be granted unless exceptional circumstances make oral argument impractical or inadvisable. The Commission will consider appeals, motions and other matters properly before it on the basis of the papers filed by the parties without oral argument unless the Commission determines that the presentation of facts and legal arguments in the briefs and record and the decisional process would be significantly aided by oral argument.
(b) Procedure. Requests for oral argument shall be made by separate motion accompanying the initial brief on the merits. The Commission shall issue an order as to whether oral argument is to be heard, and if so, the time and place therefor. If oral argument is granted, the time fixed for oral argument shall be changed only by written order of the Commission, for good cause shown. The order shall state at whose request the change is made and the reasons for any such changes. No visual aids may be used at oral argument unless copies have been provided to the Commission and all parties at least five business days before the argument is to be held.
(c) Time allowed. Unless the Commission orders otherwise, not more than one half-hour per side will be allowed for oral argument. The Commission may, in its discretion, determine that several persons have a common interest, and that the interests represented will be considered a single side for purposes of allotting time for oral argument. Time will be divided equally among persons on a single side, provided, however, that by mutual agreement they may reallocate their time among themselves. A request for additional time must be made by motion filed reasonably in advance of the date fixed for argument.
(d) Participation of Commissioners. A member of the Commission who was not present at the oral argument may participate in the decision of the proceeding, provided that the member has reviewed the transcript of such argument prior to such participation. The decision shall state whether the required review was made.
[60 FR 32796, June 23, 1995, as amended at 69 FR 13180, Mar. 19, 2004]
201.452 — Additional evidence.
Upon its own motion or the motion of a party, the Commission may allow the submission of additional evidence. A party may file a motion for leave to adduce additional evidence at any time prior to issuance of a decision by the Commission. Such motion shall show with particularity that such additional evidence is material and that there were reasonable grounds for failure to adduce such evidence previously. The Commission may accept or hear additional evidence, may remand the proceeding to a self-regulatory organization, or may remand or refer the proceeding to a hearing officer for the taking of additional evidence, as appropriate.
201.460 — Record before the Commission.
The Commission shall determine each matter on the basis of the record.
(a) Contents of the record. (1) In proceedings for final decision before the Commission other than those reviewing a determination by a self-regulatory organization, the record shall consist of:
(i) All items part of the record below in accordance with § 201.350;
(ii) Any petitions for review, cross-petitions or oppositions; and
(iii) All briefs, motions, submissions and other papers filed on appeal or review.
(2) In a proceeding for final decision before the Commission reviewing a determination by a self-regulatory organization, the record shall consist of:
(i) The record certified pursuant to § 201.420(d) by the self-regulatory organization;
(ii) Any application for review; and
(iii) Any submissions, moving papers, and briefs filed on appeal or review.
(3) In a proceeding for final decision before the Commission reviewing a determination of the Board, the record shall consist of:
(i) The record certified pursuant to § 201.440(d) by the Board;
(ii) Any application for review; and
(iii) Any submissions, moving papers, and briefs filed on appeal or review.
(4) In a proceeding for final decision before the Commission reviewing a
determination of a security-based swap execution facility, the
record shall consist of:
(i) The record certified pursuant to § 201.442(d) by the security-based
swap execution facility;
(ii) Any application for review; and
(iii) Any submissions, moving papers, and briefs filed on appeal or
review.
(b) Transmittal of record to Commission. Within 14 days after the last date set for filing briefs or such later date as the Commission directs, the Secretary shall transmit the record to the Commission.
(c) Review of documents not admitted. Any document offered in evidence but excluded by the hearing officer or the Commission and any document marked for identification but not offered as an exhibit shall not be considered a part of the record before the Commission on appeal but shall be transmitted to the Commission by the Secretary if so requested by the Commission. In the event that the Commission does not request the document, the Secretary shall retain the document not admitted into the record until the later of:
(1) The date upon which the Commission's order becomes final, or
(2) The conclusion of any judicial review of that order.
[60 FR 32796, June 23, 1995, as amended at 69 FR 13180, Mar. 19, 2004; 88
FR 87156, Dec. 15, 2023]
201.470 — Reconsideration.
(a) Scope of rule. A party or any person aggrieved by a determination in a proceeding may file a motion for reconsideration of a final order issued by the Commission.
(b) Procedure. A motion for reconsideration shall be filed within 10 days after service of the order complained of, or within such time as the Commission may prescribe upon motion for extension of time filed by the person seeking reconsideration, if the motion is made within the foregoing 10-day period. The motion for reconsideration shall briefly and specifically state the matters of record alleged to have been erroneously decided, the grounds relied upon, and the relief sought. A motion for reconsideration shall conform to the requirements, including the limitation on the numbers of words, provided in § 201.154. No response to a motion for reconsideration shall be filed unless requested by the Commission. Any response so requested shall comply with § 201.154.
[60 FR 32796, June 23, 1995, as amended at 69 FR 13180, Mar. 19, 2004; 70 FR 72570, Dec. 5, 2005]
201.490 — Receipt of petitions for judicial review pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 2112(a)(1).
The Commission officer and office designated pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 2112(a)(1) to receive copies of petitions for review of Commission orders from the persons instituting review in a court of appeals, are the Secretary and the Office of the Secretary at the Commission's Headquarters. Ten copies of each petition shall be submitted. Each copy shall state on its face that it is being submitted to the Commission pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 2112 by the person or persons who filed the petition in the court of appeals.