Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals

Federal Register: December 23, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 245)

Notices

Page 68288-68289

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

DOCID:fr23de09-94

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Upon Written Request, Copies Available From: Securities and Exchange

Commission, Office of Investor Education and Advocacy, Washington, DC 20549-0213.

Extension:

Regulation R, Rule 701; SEC File No. 270-562; OMB Control No. 3235-0624.

Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction

Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Securities and Exchange

Commission (``Commission'') is soliciting comments on the existing collection of information provided for in Regulation R, Rule 701 (17

CFR 247.701) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.) (``Exchange Act''). The Commission plans to submit this existing collection of information to the Office of Management and

Budget for extension and approval.

Regulation R, Rule 701 requires a broker or dealer (as part of a written agreement between the bank and the broker or dealer) to notify the bank if the broker or dealer makes certain determinations regarding the financial status of the customer, a bank employee's statutory disqualification status, and compliance with suitability or sophistication standards.

The Commission estimates that brokers or dealers would, on average, notify 1,000 banks approximately two times annually about a determination regarding a customer's high net worth or institutional status or suitability or sophistication standing as well as a bank employee's statutory disqualification status. Based on these estimates, the Commission anticipates that Regulation R, Rule 701 would result in brokers or dealers making approximately 2,000 notices to banks per year. The Commission further estimates (based on the level of difficulty and complexity of the applicable activities) that a broker or dealer would spend approximately 15 minutes per notice to a bank.

Therefore, the estimated total annual reporting and recordkeeping burden for the

Page 68289

requirements in Regulation R, Rule 701 are 500 \1\ hours for brokers or dealers.

\1\ (2000 notices x 15 minutes) = 30,000 minutes/60 minutes = 500 hours.

Written comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Commission's estimates of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Consideration will be given to comments and suggestions submitted in writing within 60 days of this publication.

Comments should be directed to Charles Boucher, Director/Chief

Information Officer, Securities and Exchange Commission, c/o Shirley

Martinson, 6432 General Green Way, Alexandria, VA 22312 or send an e- mail to: PRA_Mailbox@sec.gov.

December 16, 2010.

Florence E. Harmon,

Deputy Secretary.

FR Doc. E9-30431 Filed 12-22-09; 8:45 am

BILLING CODE 8011-01-P