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

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

[Notices]

[Page 28731-28732]

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

[DOCID:fr22my07-115]

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 302, SEC File No. 270-453, OMB Control No. 3235-0510.

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 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 302 of Regulation ATS describes the recordkeeping requirements for alternative trading systems that are not national securities exchanges. Under Rule 302, alternative trading systems are required to make a record of subscribers to the alternative trading system, daily summaries of trading in the alternative trading system, and time-sequenced records of order information in the alternative trading system.

The information required to be collected under the Rule should increase the abilities 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. If the information is not collected or is collected less frequently, 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 2,340 hours per year (65 respondents at 36 burden hours/respondent) to comply with the recordkeeping requirements of Rule 302. At an average cost per burden hour of $86.54, the resultant total related cost of compliance for these respondents is $202,504.00 per year (2,340 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

[[Page 28732]]

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. E7-9809 Filed 5-21-07; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 8010-01-P