Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Federal Register, Volume 77 Issue 167 (Tuesday, August 28, 2012)

Federal Register Volume 77, Number 167 (Tuesday, August 28, 2012)

Notices

Page 52075

From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office www.gpo.gov

FR Doc No: 2012-21112

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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-11; SEC File No. 270-261; OMB Control No. 3235-0274.

Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) (``PRA''), the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') is soliciting comments on the existing collection of information provided for in Rule 17Ad-11 (17 CFR 240.17Ad-11) 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 (``OMB'') for extension and approval.

Rule 17Ad-11 requires all registered transfer agents to report to issuers and the appropriate regulatory agency in the event that aged record differences exceed certain dollar value thresholds. An aged record difference occurs when an issuer's records do not agree with those of security holders as indicated, for instance, on certificates presented to the transfer agent for purchase, redemption or transfer. In addition, the rule requires transfer agents to report to the appropriate regulatory agency in the event of a failure to post certificate detail to the master security holder file within five business days of the time required by Rule 17Ad-10 (17 CFR 240.10). Also, transfer agents must maintain a copy of each report prepared under Rule 17Ad-11 for a period of three years following the date of the report. These recordkeeping requirements assist the Commission and other regulatory agencies with monitoring transfer agents and ensuring compliance with the rule.

Because the information required by Rule 17Ad-11 is already available to transfer agents, any collection burden for small transfer agents is minimal. Based on a review of the number of Rule 17Ad-11 reports the Commission, the Comptroller of the Currency, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation received since 2009, the Commission estimates that 10 respondents will file a total of approximately 12 reports annually. The Commission staff estimates that, on the average, each report requires approximately one-half hour to prepare. Therefore, the Commission staff estimates that the total annual hourly burden to the entire transfer agent industry is approximately six hours (30 minutes multiplied by 12 reports). Assuming an average hourly rate of a transfer agent staff employee of $25, the average total internal cost of the report is $12.50. The total annual internal cost of compliance for the approximate 10 respondents is approximately $150.00 (12 reports x $12.50).

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.

The Commission may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid OMB control number.

Please direct your written comments to: Thomas Bayer, Director/

Chief Information Officer, Securities and Exchange Commission, c/o Remi Pavlik-Simon, 6432 General Green Way, Alexandria, VA 22312 or send an email to: PRA_Mailbox@sec.gov.

Dated: August 22, 2012.

Kevin M. O'Neill,

Deputy Secretary.

FR Doc. 2012-21112 Filed 8-27-12; 8:45 am

BILLING CODE 8011-01-P