Agency information collection activities; proposals, submissions, and approvals,

[Federal Register: May 22, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 98)]

[Notices]

[Page 28730]

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

[DOCID:fr22my07-113]

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Upon written request, copies available from: Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of Filings and Information Services, Washington, DC 20549.

Extension:

Rule 303, SEC File No. 270-450, OMB Control No. 3235-0505.

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Commission (``Commission'') is soliciting comments on the collection of information summarized below. The Commission plans to submit this existing collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget for extension and approval.

Regulation ATS (17 CFR 242.300 et seq.) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.) provides a regulatory structure that directly addresses issues related to alternative trading systems' role in the marketplace. Regulation ATS allows alternative trading systems to choose between two regulatory structures. Alternative trading systems have the choice between registering as broker-dealers and complying with Regulation ATS or registering as national securities exchanges. Regulation ATS provides the regulatory framework for those alternative trading systems that choose to be regulated as broker-dealers. Rule 303 of Regulation ATS describes the record preservation requirements for alternative trading systems that are not national securities exchanges.

Alternative trading systems that register as broker-dealers, comply with Regulation ATS, and meet certain volume thresholds are required to preserve all records made pursuant to Rule 302, which includes information relating to subscribers, trading summaries and order information. Such alternative trading systems are also required to preserve records of any notices communicated to subscribers, a copy of the system's standards for granting access to trading and any documents generated in the course of complying with the capacity, integrity and security requirements for automated systems under Rule 301(b)(6) of Regulation ATS. Rule 303 also describes how such records must be kept and how long they must be preserved.

The information contained in the records required to be preserved by the Rule will be used by examiners and other representatives of the Commission, state securities regulatory authorities, and the SROs to ensure that alternative trading systems are in compliance with Regulation ATS as well as other rules and regulations of the Commission and the SROs. Without the data required by the proposed Rule, the Commission would be severely limited in its ability to comply with its statutory obligations, provide for the protection of investors and promote the maintenance of fair and orderly markets.

Respondents consist of alternative trading systems that choose to register as broker-dealers and comply with the requirements of Regulation ATS. The Commission estimates that there are currently approximately 65 respondents.

An estimated 65 respondents will spend approximately 260 hours per year (65 respondents at 4 burden hours/respondent) to comply with the record preservation requirements of Rule 303. At an average cost per burden hour of $86.54, the resultant total related cost of compliance for these respondents is $22,500.00 per year (260 burden hours multiplied by $86.54/hour; a slight discrepancy is due to arithmetic rounding).

Written comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information 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 R. Corey Booth 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. Comments must be submitted within 60 days of this notice.

Dated: May 16, 2007. J. Lynn Taylor, Assistant Secretary.

[FR Doc. E7-9806 Filed 5-21-07; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 8010-01-P