Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals

Federal Register: March 18, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 52)

Notices

Page 13146

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

DOCID:fr18mr10-103

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:

Rule 17Ad-10; SEC File No. 270-265; OMB Control No. 3235-0273.

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 Rule 17Ad-10, (17 CFR 240.17Ad-10), under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.). The Commission plans to submit this existing collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget for extension and approval.

Rule 17Ad-10 requires registered transfer agents to create and maintain minimum information on securityholders' ownership of an issue of securities for which it performs transfer agent functions, including the purchase, transfer and redemptions of securities. In addition, the rule also requires transfer agents that maintain securityholder records to retain a record of all certificate detail that has been deleted from those records for a minimum of six years from the date of deletion and to maintain and keep current an accurate record of the number of shares or principle dollar amount of debt securities that the issuer has authorized to be outstanding (a ``control book''). These recordkeeping requirements assist in the creation and maintenance of accurate securityholder records, the ability to research errors, and ensure the transfer agent is aware of the number of securities that are properly authorized by the issuer, thereby avoiding over issuance.

There are approximately 565 registered transfer agents. The staff estimates that the average number of hours necessary for each transfer agent to comply with Rule 17Ad-10 is approximately 20 hours per year, totaling 11,300 hours industry-wide. The average cost per hour is approximately $50 per hour, with the industry-wide cost estimated at approximately $565,000. However, the information required by Rule 17Ad- 10 generally already is maintained by registered transfer agents. The amount of time devoted to compliance with Rule 17Ad-10 varies according to differences in business activity.

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.

Please direct your written comments to: Charles Boucher, Director/

Chief Information Officer, Securities and Exchange Commission, Shirley

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

Dated: March 11, 2010.

Florence E. Harmon,

Deputy Secretary.

FR Doc. 2010-5947 Filed 3-17-10; 8:45 am

BILLING CODE 8011-01-P