Self-Regulatory Organizations; National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.; Order Approving Proposed Rule Change as Modified by Amendment No. 1 Creating NASD Rule 1160 (Firm Contact Information) Regarding the Reporting and Annual Review of Designated Contact Information to NASD, 44203-44204 [E7-15311]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 151 / Tuesday, August 7, 2007 / Notices III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action Within 35 days of the date of publication of this notice in the Federal Register or within such longer period (i) as the Commission may designate up to 90 days of such date if it finds such longer period to be appropriate and publishes its reasons for so finding or (ii) as to which the NASD consents, the Commission will: (A) By order approve such proposed rule change, or (B) Institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule change should be disapproved. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an e-mail to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–NASD–2007–055 on the subject line. jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Nancy M. Morris, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NASD–2007–055. This file number should be included on the subject line if e-mail is used. To help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on the Commission’s Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for inspection and copying in the Commission’s Public Reference Room, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:56 Aug 06, 2007 Jkt 211001 44203 Copies of such filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of FINRA. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NASD–2007–055 and should be submitted on or before August 28, 2007. quarter, the contact information required by these rules. The proposed rule change was published for comment in the Federal Register on May 31, 2007.3 The Commission received two comment letters on the proposal.4 On July 27, 2007, NASD filed Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule change.5 This order approves the proposed rule change, as amended. For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority.15 Nancy M. Morris, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7–15290 Filed 8–6–07; 8:45 am] Currently, there are several NASD rules requiring firms to identify and report to NASD certain designated contact persons: Rule 1120 (Continuing Education Requirements); Rule 1150 (Executive Representative); IM–3011–2 (Review of Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Person Information); and Rule 3520 (Emergency Contact Information). These rules further require firms to review the contact information at the end of each calendar quarter, and if necessary, update such information within 17 business days after the end of each quarter. Members review this information and provide any updates online via the NASD Contact System (‘‘NCS’’).6 Based on recommendations made by its Small Firm Rules Impact Task Force,7 NASD has proposed to eliminate these quarterly review requirements in favor of a more comprehensive approach for verifying and updating all contact information required to be reported. Specifically, proposed new Rule 1160 would require members to provide the required contact information via NCS or such other means as NASD may specify. New Rule 1160 also would require members to update the contact information promptly, but in any event not later BILLING CODE 8010–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–56179; File No. SR–NASD– 2007–034] Self-Regulatory Organizations; National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.; Order Approving Proposed Rule Change as Modified by Amendment No. 1 Creating NASD Rule 1160 (Firm Contact Information) Regarding the Reporting and Annual Review of Designated Contact Information to NASD August 1, 2007. I. Introduction On May 11, 2007, the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (‘‘NASD’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 a proposed rule change seeking to adopt new NASD Rule 1160 (Firm Contact Information) regarding the reporting of designated contact information to NASD and the annual review of such information. The proposed rule change also proposed amendments to Rule 1120 (Continuing Education Requirements), Rule 1150 (Executive Representative), Interpretive Material (IM)–3011–2 (Review of Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Person Information), and Rule 3520 (Emergency Contact Information) to eliminate the requirement that members review and update, at the end of each calendar 15 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 1 15 PO 00000 Frm 00128 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 II. Description of the Proposal 3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 55810 (May 24, 2007), 72 FR 30404. 4 See letter to Nancy Morris, Secretary, Commission, from Lisa Roth, Members Advocacy Chairman, National Association of Independent Broker-Dealers (‘‘NAIBD’’), dated June 13, 2007; letter from Kenneth M. Cherrier, JD, Chief Compliance Officer, Fintegra Financial Solutions (‘‘Fintegra’’), dated June 21, 2007. 5 In Amendment No. 1, NASD responded to comments and made a technical correction to the proposed rule text. This is a technical amendment and is not subject to notice and comment. 6 NASD also currently requires each firm to report, via NCS, contact information for its Executive Officer and the Head of Compliance. NCS also includes several optional fields for other contact persons. 7 NASD established the Small Firm Rules Impact Task Force in September 2006 to examine how existing NASD rules affect smaller firms. In particular, the Task Force focuses on possible opportunities to amend or modernize certain conduct rules that may be particularly burdensome for small firms, where such changes are consistent with investor protection and market integrity. E:\FR\FM\07AUN1.SGM 07AUN1 44204 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 151 / Tuesday, August 7, 2007 / Notices than 30 days following any change in such information, as well as to review and, if necessary, update the information within 17 business days after the end of each calendar year. In addition, the rule would require members to comply with any NASD request for such information promptly, but in any event not later than 15 days following the request, or such longer period that may be agreed to by NASD staff. The proposed rule change would not relieve members from any separate requirements to update such information.8 The proposed rule change also would amend Rule 3520 to eliminate the requirement that only a firm’s Executive Representative, or his or her written designee, be permitted to review and update the firm’s emergency contact information The effective date of these proposed changes would be December 31, 2007. III. Comment Summary jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES Two comment letters were received on the proposed rule change.9 NASD responded to these comment letters in Amendment No. 1.10 Both commenters endorsed replacing the current quarterly verification requirement with an annual obligation. Fintegra praised the efficiencies that would result from that aspect of the proposal, while NAIBD noted that an annual verification requirement was more consistent with the infrequent changes in contact information generally experienced at most member firms. NAIBD, however, suggested that the requirement to update information when a change occurs remain a quarterly requirement, rather than the proposed 30-day requirement, stating that some firms’ electronic filing systems and reminders have been programmed to accommodate a systemic quarterly update. In response, NASD noted that, at least with respect to Rule 1120, IM–3011–2, and Rule 3520, firms currently are required to ‘‘promptly’’ update such information in the event of a change, in addition to being required to review, and if necessary, update the 8 For example, a firm must identify, among others, its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Compliance Officer on Form BD, and promptly update such information by submitting an amendment whenever the information becomes inaccurate or incomplete for any reason. See also Article IV, Section 1(c) of the NASD By-Laws, requiring each member to ensure that its membership application is kept current at all times by supplementary amendments, and to file any such amendment no later than 30 days after learning of the facts or circumstances giving rise to the amendment. 9 See note 4, supra. 10 See note 5, supra. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:56 Aug 06, 2007 Jkt 211001 designated contact information on a quarterly basis.11 In proposing new Rule 1160, NASD explained that it is seeking to clarify the requirement that firms both promptly update such information upon any change, as well as verify the accuracy of the required contact information on an annual basis. Further, NASD noted that it is seeking to clarify that any such updates must occur not later than 30 days following the change. Fintegra objected to proposed Rule 1160’s 17-business-day time frame for members to verify and update their required contact information after the end of each calendar year. Fintegra suggested that the time frame be shortened to 15 days to align it with the provision in proposed Rule 1160 that would require members to promptly comply with any NASD request for such contact information, but no later than 15 days following the request. The commenter stated that consistent time frames would simplify adherence to the proposed rule and that there appeared to be no justification for the differing compliance timelines. In response to this comment, NASD explained that the two time periods serve difference purposes, and that retaining the 17-business-day window for the annual verification will aid members’ compliance efforts. NASD stated that firms currently are required to update such information within 17 business days following each quarter,12 and therefore are already familiar with the proposed end of year schedule. In addition, NASD noted that the 17business-day window is consistent with the requirement that a member’s FOCUS report be submitted within 17 business days after the end of each calendar quarter. Currently, when members file FOCUS reports each quarter, NASD reminds them of the need to review and update their designated contact information on NCS. NASD represented that it intends to continue this practice, and will remind members of the need to verify the required contact information at the time they file their fourth quarter FOCUS report. NASD’s response thereto, the Commission finds that the proposed rule change is consistent with the provisions of section 15A of the Act,13 in general and with section 15A(b)(6) of the Act,14 in particular, which requires, among other things, that NASD rules must be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest.15 The Commission believes that the proposed rule change sets forth a reasonable approach for member firms to provide and keep current required contact information, which should reduce unnecessary burdens on firms by eliminating the requirement that firms review and update the contact information on a quarterly basis; instead, firms would be required to conduct such reviews on an annual basis as well as to promptly update the information following any change. The proposed rule change should also assure NASD’s ability to contact its members in the event of an emergency, as well as support members’ compliance with certain NASD rules, such as continuing education requirements and anti-money laundering obligations, and facilitate member voting through the Executive Representatives. V. Conclusion It is therefore ordered, pursuant to section 19(b)(2) of the Act,16 that the proposed rule change (SR–NASD–2007– 034), as amended, be, and hereby is, approved. For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority.17 Nancy M. Morris, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7–15311 Filed 8–6–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8010–01–P IV. Discussion After careful consideration of the proposal, the comment letters, and 11 See Rule 1120(a)(7) (Regulatory Element Contact Person), Rule 3011(d) (Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program), and Rule 3520(b) (Emergency Contact Information). See also Article IV, Section 3 of the NASD ByLaws, addressing procedures for members to change their Executive Representatives. 12 See Rule 1120(a)(7); Rule 1150; IM–3011–2; Rule 3520(b) (all requiring members to update the contact information required by the respective rules within 17 business days after the end of each calendar quarter). PO 00000 Frm 00129 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 13 15 U.S.C. 78o–3. U.S.C. 78o–3(b)(6). 15 In approving the proposed rule change, the Commission has considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). 16 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2). 17 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). 14 15 E:\FR\FM\07AUN1.SGM 07AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 151 (Tuesday, August 7, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44203-44204]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-15311]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-56179; File No. SR-NASD-2007-034]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; National Association of Securities 
Dealers, Inc.; Order Approving Proposed Rule Change as Modified by 
Amendment No. 1 Creating NASD Rule 1160 (Firm Contact Information) 
Regarding the Reporting and Annual Review of Designated Contact 
Information to NASD

August 1, 2007.

I. Introduction

    On May 11, 2007, the National Association of Securities Dealers, 
Inc. (``NASD'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(``Commission'') pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 (``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ a 
proposed rule change seeking to adopt new NASD Rule 1160 (Firm Contact 
Information) regarding the reporting of designated contact information 
to NASD and the annual review of such information. The proposed rule 
change also proposed amendments to Rule 1120 (Continuing Education 
Requirements), Rule 1150 (Executive Representative), Interpretive 
Material (IM)-3011-2 (Review of Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Person 
Information), and Rule 3520 (Emergency Contact Information) to 
eliminate the requirement that members review and update, at the end of 
each calendar quarter, the contact information required by these rules.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed rule change was published for comment in the Federal 
Register on May 31, 2007.\3\ The Commission received two comment 
letters on the proposal.\4\ On July 27, 2007, NASD filed Amendment No. 
1 to the proposed rule change.\5\ This order approves the proposed rule 
change, as amended.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 55810 (May 24, 
2007), 72 FR 30404.
    \4\ See letter to Nancy Morris, Secretary, Commission, from Lisa 
Roth, Members Advocacy Chairman, National Association of Independent 
Broker-Dealers (``NAIBD''), dated June 13, 2007; letter from Kenneth 
M. Cherrier, JD, Chief Compliance Officer, Fintegra Financial 
Solutions (``Fintegra''), dated June 21, 2007.
    \5\ In Amendment No. 1, NASD responded to comments and made a 
technical correction to the proposed rule text. This is a technical 
amendment and is not subject to notice and comment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

II. Description of the Proposal

    Currently, there are several NASD rules requiring firms to identify 
and report to NASD certain designated contact persons: Rule 1120 
(Continuing Education Requirements); Rule 1150 (Executive 
Representative); IM-3011-2 (Review of Anti-Money Laundering Compliance 
Person Information); and Rule 3520 (Emergency Contact Information). 
These rules further require firms to review the contact information at 
the end of each calendar quarter, and if necessary, update such 
information within 17 business days after the end of each quarter. 
Members review this information and provide any updates online via the 
NASD Contact System (``NCS'').\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ NASD also currently requires each firm to report, via NCS, 
contact information for its Executive Officer and the Head of 
Compliance. NCS also includes several optional fields for other 
contact persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Based on recommendations made by its Small Firm Rules Impact Task 
Force,\7\ NASD has proposed to eliminate these quarterly review 
requirements in favor of a more comprehensive approach for verifying 
and updating all contact information required to be reported. 
Specifically, proposed new Rule 1160 would require members to provide 
the required contact information via NCS or such other means as NASD 
may specify. New Rule 1160 also would require members to update the 
contact information promptly, but in any event not later

[[Page 44204]]

than 30 days following any change in such information, as well as to 
review and, if necessary, update the information within 17 business 
days after the end of each calendar year. In addition, the rule would 
require members to comply with any NASD request for such information 
promptly, but in any event not later than 15 days following the 
request, or such longer period that may be agreed to by NASD staff. The 
proposed rule change would not relieve members from any separate 
requirements to update such information.\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ NASD established the Small Firm Rules Impact Task Force in 
September 2006 to examine how existing NASD rules affect smaller 
firms. In particular, the Task Force focuses on possible 
opportunities to amend or modernize certain conduct rules that may 
be particularly burdensome for small firms, where such changes are 
consistent with investor protection and market integrity.
    \8\ For example, a firm must identify, among others, its Chief 
Executive Officer and Chief Compliance Officer on Form BD, and 
promptly update such information by submitting an amendment whenever 
the information becomes inaccurate or incomplete for any reason. See 
also Article IV, Section 1(c) of the NASD By-Laws, requiring each 
member to ensure that its membership application is kept current at 
all times by supplementary amendments, and to file any such 
amendment no later than 30 days after learning of the facts or 
circumstances giving rise to the amendment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed rule change also would amend Rule 3520 to eliminate 
the requirement that only a firm's Executive Representative, or his or 
her written designee, be permitted to review and update the firm's 
emergency contact information
    The effective date of these proposed changes would be December 31, 
2007.

III. Comment Summary

    Two comment letters were received on the proposed rule change.\9\ 
NASD responded to these comment letters in Amendment No. 1.\10\ Both 
commenters endorsed replacing the current quarterly verification 
requirement with an annual obligation. Fintegra praised the 
efficiencies that would result from that aspect of the proposal, while 
NAIBD noted that an annual verification requirement was more consistent 
with the infrequent changes in contact information generally 
experienced at most member firms.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ See note 4, supra.
    \10\ See note 5, supra.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NAIBD, however, suggested that the requirement to update 
information when a change occurs remain a quarterly requirement, rather 
than the proposed 30-day requirement, stating that some firms' 
electronic filing systems and reminders have been programmed to 
accommodate a systemic quarterly update. In response, NASD noted that, 
at least with respect to Rule 1120, IM-3011-2, and Rule 3520, firms 
currently are required to ``promptly'' update such information in the 
event of a change, in addition to being required to review, and if 
necessary, update the designated contact information on a quarterly 
basis.\11\ In proposing new Rule 1160, NASD explained that it is 
seeking to clarify the requirement that firms both promptly update such 
information upon any change, as well as verify the accuracy of the 
required contact information on an annual basis. Further, NASD noted 
that it is seeking to clarify that any such updates must occur not 
later than 30 days following the change.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ See Rule 1120(a)(7) (Regulatory Element Contact Person), 
Rule 3011(d) (Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program), and Rule 
3520(b) (Emergency Contact Information).
    See also Article IV, Section 3 of the NASD By-Laws, addressing 
procedures for members to change their Executive Representatives.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Fintegra objected to proposed Rule 1160's 17-business-day time 
frame for members to verify and update their required contact 
information after the end of each calendar year. Fintegra suggested 
that the time frame be shortened to 15 days to align it with the 
provision in proposed Rule 1160 that would require members to promptly 
comply with any NASD request for such contact information, but no later 
than 15 days following the request. The commenter stated that 
consistent time frames would simplify adherence to the proposed rule 
and that there appeared to be no justification for the differing 
compliance timelines.
    In response to this comment, NASD explained that the two time 
periods serve difference purposes, and that retaining the 17-business-
day window for the annual verification will aid members' compliance 
efforts. NASD stated that firms currently are required to update such 
information within 17 business days following each quarter,\12\ and 
therefore are already familiar with the proposed end of year schedule. 
In addition, NASD noted that the 17-business-day window is consistent 
with the requirement that a member's FOCUS report be submitted within 
17 business days after the end of each calendar quarter. Currently, 
when members file FOCUS reports each quarter, NASD reminds them of the 
need to review and update their designated contact information on NCS. 
NASD represented that it intends to continue this practice, and will 
remind members of the need to verify the required contact information 
at the time they file their fourth quarter FOCUS report.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ See Rule 1120(a)(7); Rule 1150; IM-3011-2; Rule 3520(b) 
(all requiring members to update the contact information required by 
the respective rules within 17 business days after the end of each 
calendar quarter).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

IV. Discussion

    After careful consideration of the proposal, the comment letters, 
and NASD's response thereto, the Commission finds that the proposed 
rule change is consistent with the provisions of section 15A of the 
Act,\13\ in general and with section 15A(b)(6) of the Act,\14\ in 
particular, which requires, among other things, that NASD rules must be 
designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to 
promote just and equitable principles of trade, and, in general, to 
protect investors and the public interest.\15\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ 15 U.S.C. 78o-3.
    \14\ 15 U.S.C. 78o-3(b)(6).
    \15\ In approving the proposed rule change, the Commission has 
considered the proposed rule's impact on efficiency, competition, 
and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission believes that the proposed rule change sets forth a 
reasonable approach for member firms to provide and keep current 
required contact information, which should reduce unnecessary burdens 
on firms by eliminating the requirement that firms review and update 
the contact information on a quarterly basis; instead, firms would be 
required to conduct such reviews on an annual basis as well as to 
promptly update the information following any change. The proposed rule 
change should also assure NASD's ability to contact its members in the 
event of an emergency, as well as support members' compliance with 
certain NASD rules, such as continuing education requirements and anti-
money laundering obligations, and facilitate member voting through the 
Executive Representatives.

V. Conclusion

    It is therefore ordered, pursuant to section 19(b)(2) of the 
Act,\16\ that the proposed rule change (SR-NASD-2007-034), as amended, 
be, and hereby is, approved.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).

    For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\17\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nancy M. Morris,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E7-15311 Filed 8-6-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8010-01-P
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