Proposed Collection; Comment Request

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Federal RegisterJun 15, 2004
69 Fed. Reg. 33432 (Jun. 15, 2004)

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 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 50 respondents.

An estimated 50 respondents will spend approximately 1,800 hours per year 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 $155,772.00 per year (1,800 burden hours multiplied by $86.54/hour).

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.

Direct your written comments to R. Corey Booth, Director/Chief Financial Officer, Office of Information Technology, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW., Washington, DC 20549.

Dated: June 7, 2004.

Jill M. Peterson,

Assistant Secretary.

[FR Doc. 04-13417 Filed 6-14-04; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 8010-01-P