Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals

Federal Register: January 16, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 11)

Notices

Page 3116

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

DOCID:fr16ja09-141

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: Rules 17Ad-6 and 17Ad-7; OMB Control No. 3235-0291; SEC

File No. 270-151.

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 Rules 17Ad-6 and 17Ad-7 (17

CFR 240.17Ad-6 and -7) 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.

Rule 17Ad-6 under the Exchange Act requires every registered transfer agent to make and keep current records about a variety of information, such as: (1) Specific operational data regarding the time taken to perform transfer agent activities (to ensure compliance with the minimum performance standards in Rule 17Ad-2 (17 CFR 240.17Ad-2);

(2) written inquiries and requests by shareholders and broker-dealers and response time thereto; (3) resolutions, contracts or other supporting documents concerning the appointment or termination of the transfer agent; (4) stop orders or notices of adverse claims to the securities; and (5) all canceled registered securities certificates.

Rule 17Ad-7 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78b et seq.) requires each registered transfer agent to retain the records specified in Rule 17Ad-6 in an easily accessible place for a period of six months to six years, depending on the type of record or document. Rule 17Ad-7 also specifies the manner in which records may be maintained using electronic, microfilm, and microfiche storage methods.

These recordkeeping requirements are designed to ensure that all registered transfer agents are maintaining the records necessary for them to monitor and keep control over their own performance and for the

Commission to adequately examine registered transfer agents on an historical basis for compliance with applicable rules.

The Commission estimates that approximately 600 registered transfer agents will spend a total of 300,000 hours per year complying with

Rules 17Ad-6 and 17Ad-7 (500 hours per year per transfer agent).

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.

Dated: January 12, 2009.

Florence E. Harmon,

Deputy Secretary.

FR Doc. E9-880 Filed 1-15-09; 8:45 am

BILLING CODE 8011-01-P