Mar. 07, 2023
March 7, 2023 Subject: S7-30-22 As an individual investor, I am in support of this proposed rule change. All exchanges should be under the same set of rules and modes of operation, with no special treatment. These proposed rules begin to address the fact that technology has advanced far enough that there truly is no need for a broker to file a requested purchase or sale of a security, as that can be done in a free-market arena if one were to exist. It is clear that market manipulation is extremely profitable and fines are minuscule compared to the financial gains, with no risk of losing their broker-dealer license despite clear and longstanding violations. If the SEC lacks the teeth to regulate these broker-dealers, then establishment of a free market will obviate the need for such regulation. The technology already exists to track large scale trading of securities, and this proposed rule change begins to address this need to restore free markets and the prosperity of all investors. Standardized tick size and transparency for bids and offers (including the identity of the trading firm) will enhance the information available to all investors, and curtail the advantages of trading brokerages that currently control the market order flows, and thus profits.