Self-Regulatory Organizations; The Depository Trust Company; Notice of Filing of Amended Proposed Rule Change Amending FAST and DRS Limited Participant Requirements for Transfer Agents, 10849-10852 [E8-3730]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 40 / Thursday, February 28, 2008 / Notices 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. to 3 p.m. Copies of such filing also will be available for inspection and copying at DTC’s principal office and on DTC’s Web site at (https://www.dtcc.com/legal/ rule_filings/dtc/2008.php). 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 No. DTC–2008–01 and should be submitted on or before March 20, 2008. For the Commission by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.9 Florance E. Harmon, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. E8–3708 Filed 2–27–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–57362; File No. SR–DTC– 2006–16] Self-Regulatory Organizations; The Depository Trust Company; Notice of Filing of Amended Proposed Rule Change Amending FAST and DRS Limited Participant Requirements for Transfer Agents rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES February 20, 2008. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’),1 notice is hereby given that on October 12, 2006, The Depository Trust Company (‘‘DTC’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) and on March 29, 2007, and May 3, 2007, amended proposed rule change No. SR–DTC–2006–16. On May 25, 2007, the Commission published notice of the proposed rule 9 17 1 15 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:23 Feb 27, 2008 Jkt 214001 change as amended by Amendment 1 and Amendment 2.2 The Commission received 29 comment letters to the proposed rule change as amended by Amendments 1 and 2.3 On December 31, 2007, DTC filed Amendment 3. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments from interested parties on the proposed rule change as amended by Amendments 1, 2, and 3 and as described in Items I, II, and III below, which items have been prepared primarily by the DTC.4 I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change DTC proposes to amend its rules to update, standardize, and restate the requirements for the Fast Automated Securities Transfer Program (‘‘FAST’’), to delineate the responsibilities of DTC and the transfer agents with respect to the securities held by transfer agents as part of the FAST program, and to restate the requirements for transfer agents participating in the Direct Registration System (‘‘DRS’’). II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, the DTC included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. DTC has prepared summaries, set forth in sections (A), (B), and (C) below, of the most significant aspects of these statements.5 (A) Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change Prior to the establishment of the FAST program, transfers of securities to or from DTC occurred by sending securities back and forth between DTC and transfer agents. In the case of securities being deposited with DTC, DTC sent the certificates to the transfer agent for registration into the name of DTC’s nominee, Cede & Co., and the transfer agent returned the reregistered 2 Securities Exchange Act Release No. 34–55816 (May 25, 2007), 71 FR 30648 (June 1, 2007)[File No. SR–DTC–16]. 3 The comment letters can be found at https:// www.sec.gov/comments/sr-dtc-2006-16/ dtc200616.shtml. 4 The exact text of the DTC’s proposed rule change can be found at https://www.dtc.org/impNtc/ mor/#2006. 5 The Commission has modified portions of the text of the summaries prepared by the DTC. PO 00000 Frm 00111 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 10849 certificates to DTC. In the case of securities being withdrawn from DTC, DTC sent the certificates registered in the name of Cede & Co. to the transfer agent for reregistration into the name designated by the withdrawing DTC participant, and the transfer agent returned the reregistered security to DTC for delivery to the withdrawing participant. This process exposed securities to risk of loss during transit between DTC and transfer agents and resulted in the expense of making physical deliveries of securities. Under the FAST program, transfer agents hold FAST-eligible securities registered in the name of Cede & Co. in the form of balance certificates. As additional securities are deposited or withdrawn from DTC, transfer agents adjust the denomination of the balance certificates as appropriate and electronically confirm theses changes with DTC. Such ‘‘FAST agents’’ are holding in custody those securities that would otherwise be held at DTC for the benefit of DTC’s participants. As such, the FAST program reduces the movement of certificates between DTC and the transfer agents and therefore reduces the costs and risks associated with the creation, movement, and storing of certificates to DTC, DTC participants, issuers, and transfer agents.6 The FAST program has grown substantially since first being introduced in 1975.7 Recent changes in the rules of the major securities exchanges are expected to further accelerate this growth.8 Those exchange rules require as a listing prerequisite that issues be eligible for processing through DRS. Since becoming a FAST agent is a criterion for a transfer agent’s eligibility for participation in DRS, DTC 6 For a description of DTC’s current rules relating to FAST, see Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 34–13342 (March 8, 1977) [File No. SR–DTC–76–3]; 34–14997 (July 26, 1978) [File No. SR–DTC–78–11]; 34–21401 (October 16, 1984) [File No. SR–DTC–84– 8]; 34–31941 (March 3, 1993) [SR–DTC–92–15]; and 34–46956 (December 6, 2002) [File No. SR–DTC– 2002–15]. 7 DTC introduced the FAST program in 1975 with 400 issues and 10 agents. Currently, there are over 930,000 issues and approximately 90 agents in FAST. 8 Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 54289 (August 8, 2006), 71 FR 47278 (August 16, 2006) [File No. SR–NYSE–2006–29]; 54290 (August 8, 2006), 71 FR 47262 (August 16, 2006) [File No. SR– Amex–2006–40]; 54288 (August 8, 2006), 71 FR 47276 (August 16, 2006) [File No. SR–NASDAQ– 2006–08]; 54410 (September 7, 2006), 71 FR 54316 (September 14, 2006) [File No. SR–NYSE Arca– 2006–31]; 55482 (March 15, 2007), 72 FR 13544 (March 22, 2007) [File No. SR–Phlx–2006–69]; 55481 (March 15, 2007), 72 FR 13544 (March 22, 2007) [File No. SR–CHX–2006–33]; and 55480 (March 15, 2007), 72 FR 13544 (March 22, 2007) [File No. SR–BSE–2006–46]. E:\FR\FM\28FEN1.SGM 28FEN1 10850 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 40 / Thursday, February 28, 2008 / Notices anticipates significant growth in the FAST program. DRS allows an investors to hold a security as the registered owner in electronic form on the books of the transfer agent rather than holding through the use of a certificate or holding indirectly through a financial intermediary (e.g., a broker-dealer) that holds the security in ‘‘street name’’. DRS also allows for the transfer of a DRS position from the books of the transfer agent to a DTC broker-dealer participant through the facilities of DTC using FAST.9 (1) Proposed Amendments to DTC’s FAST Requirements rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES Despite the FAST program’s robust past growth and expected future growth, the transfer agent eligibility requirements for FAST have not substantially changed since the implementation of FAST and do not: (i) Take into account the increased volume and value of securities processed by the transfer agents, (ii) reflect improved technology and currently available safeguards which would enhance the safekeeping of securities held by the transfer agents on behalf of DTC , and (iii) require the use of standardized audit reports to certify transfer agents’ processes and controls. In light of the FAST program’s growth, DTC reexamined the requirements of the FAST program with a view toward ensuring that DTC’s assets in the custody of transfer agents, which ultimately belong to DTC’s participants and their customers, are adequately protected. As more fully described below, DTC has identified aspects of the FAST program that need revising or additional requirements. The proposed revisions and additional requirements include: (i) Insurance requirements that take into account transaction volumes of securities processed by transfer agents, (ii) safekeeping requirements to clarify and to enhance security and fire protection standards and to take into consideration technological advances that allow for economical security improvements, and (iii) bookkeeping requirements to ensure 9 For a description of DTC’s rules relating to DRS, see Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 34–37931 (November 7, 1996) [File No. SR–DTC–96–15]; 34– 41862 (September 10, 1999) [File No. SR–DTC–99– 16]; 34–42366 (January 28, 2000) [File No. SR– DTC–00–01]; 34–42704 (April 19, 2000) [File No. SR–DTC–00–04]; 34–43586 (November 17, 2000) [File No. SR–DTC–00–09]; 34–44969 (August 14, 2001) [File No. SR–DTC–2001–07]; 34–45232 (January 3, 2002) [SR–DTC–2001–18]; 34–45430 (February 11, 2002) [File No. SR–DTC–2002–01]; and 34–48885 (December 5, 2003) [File No. SR– DTC–2002–17]; 34–52422 (September 14, 2005) [File No. SR–DTC–2005–11]. VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:23 Feb 27, 2008 Jkt 214001 compliance with applicable laws and regulations and use standardized audit reports addressing transfer agents’ processes and controls. DTC is therefore proposing to amend and to restate the minimum requirements for transfer agents participating in the FAST program in order to improve the safekeeping of securities transfer agents hold for DTC and to provide better defined requirements as more transfer agents participate in the immobilization and dematerialization of securities. DTC’s proposed minimum requirements are as follows: 1. Transfer agent must be registered with the Commission or their appropriate regulatory authority, except where the transfer agent’s participation in the FAST program is limited to acting solely for municipal issues (transfer agents must provide DTC with evidence of such) and follow all applicable rules under the Exchange Act, as well as all other applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations, applicable to transfer agents, including OFAC regulations. 2. The transfer agent must execute and fulfill the requirements of the appropriate form of ‘‘Balance Certificate Agreement’’10 with DTC.11 3. The transfer agent must sign and fulfill requirements of the ‘‘Operational Criteria for the FAST Transfer Agent Processing’’12 and must comply with all applicable provisions of DTC’s ‘‘Operational Arrangements’’ (‘‘OA’’),13 as amended from time to time.14 4. In order to provide for the operational proficiency and efficiency of the program, the transfer agent must complete DTC’s training on FAST functionality on being accepted as a FAST transfer agent. 10 DTC currently maintains three forms of the Balance Certificate Agreement: one for transfer agents, one for issuers acting as their own agent, and one for parties using a processing agent. DTC is consolidating these forms into a single form, as attached as Exhibit 2 to its initial filing. 11 DTC notes that these minimum requirements incorporate by reference the Balance Certificate Agreement between the transfer agent and DTC. 12 The Operational Criteria for the FAST Transfer Agent Processing is attached as Exhibit 2(b) to DTC’s initial filing. 13 For more information relating to DTC’s OA, see Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 34–45994 (May 29, 2002), 67 FR 39452 [File No. SR–DTC– 2002–02]; 34–24818 (August 19, 1987), 52 FR 31833 [File No. DTC–87–10]; 34–25948 (July 27, 1988), 53 FR 29294 [File No. DTC–88–13]; 34–30625 (April 23, 1992), 57 FR 18534 [File No. DTC–92–06]; 34– 35649 (April 26, 1995), 60 FR 21576 [File No. DTC– 94–19]; and 34–39894 (April 21, 1998), 63 FR 23310 [File No. DTC–97–23]. 14 DTC notes that these minimum requirements incorporate by reference the Operational Criteria for FAST Transfer Agent Processing and all applicable terms in DTC’s Operational Arrangements. PO 00000 Frm 00112 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 5. In order to protect against a risk of loss, the transfer agent must carry and provide evidence of a minimum of the following standard form Financial Institution Bond or a commercial crime policy providing similar coverage in proportion to transaction volume the agent processes, as follows: a. $10 million for a transfer agent with 25,000 or fewer transfer transactions per year as reported to the Commission; b. $25 million for a transfer agent with over 25,000 transfer transactions per year as reported to the Commission; and c. In addition, the transfer agent must carry and provide evidence of a minimum of $1 million in Errors and Omissions insurance. In the event that a transfer agent can demonstrate that its existing coverage and/or capitalization would provide similar protections to DTC as the requirements set forth herein, it may apply to DTC for a waiver. DTC shall have sole discretion as to whether or not to grant any such waiver. 6. In order to facilitate consistent protection against losses relating to securities in a transfer agent’s control, the transfer agent must notify DTC as soon as practicable of notice of any actual lapse in insurance coverage or change in business practices, such as increasing volumes or other business changes that would result in the transfer agent requiring additional insurance coverage as outlined above. Such notice shall be delivered to: DTC Inventory Management—1SL 55 Water Street New York, New York 10041 And with a copy to: DTC General Counsel’s Office 55 Water Street—22nd Floor New York, New York 10041. 7. The transfer agent must provide proof to DTC of any new or substitute policy with respect to any required insurance within five (5) days after the entry into force of such new or substitute policy. 8. The transfer agent must establish and maintain electronic communications with DTC to balance FAST positions on a daily schedule. 9. The transfer agent must provide on an annual basis to DTC within ten (10) business days of filing with the Commission, a copy of the Annual Study of Evaluation of Internal Accounting Control filed with the Commission pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 17Ad–13, attesting to the soundness of controls to safeguard securities assets and to the reliability and integrity of computer systems, including confidentiality of customer accounts or other non-public information. If a transfer agent obtains a SAS–70 audit report, the transfer agent shall provide DTC with a copy of the E:\FR\FM\28FEN1.SGM 28FEN1 rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 40 / Thursday, February 28, 2008 / Notices report within ten (10) business days of the transfer agent’s receipt of the report. If a SAS–70 audit report is not available, then the transfer agent must provide to DTC, on an annual basis within ten (10) business days of filing with the Commission an accountant’s report (pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 17Ad– 13, Annual Study of Evaluation of Internal Accounting Controls), a SSAE– 10 report from an external certified public accountant (or an equivalent report) attesting to the soundness of the transfer agent’s controls relating to FAST. 10. FAST agents must safeguard all the securities assets as stated under Exchange Act Rule 17Ad–12, with at a minimum the following additional DTC requirements: a. maintain a theft and fire central monitoring alarm system protecting the entire premises and b. maintain all certificates in a vault, safe, or other secure location, accessible only by authorized personnel. 11. Personnel with access to the safe and the codes for the centralized monitoring system must comply with Exchange Act Rule 17f–2, which includes but is not limited to rules for fingerprinting staff that physically handle certificates. 12. Unless prohibited by applicable law, the transfer agent when applying to be a FAST agent must provide DTC with a copy of the two most recent deficiency or compliance correspondences from the Commission as well as any followup correspondences. In addition, unless prohibited by applicable law, the transfer agent on an ongoing basis must provide DTC with notice of any alleged material deficiencies documented by the Commission that may affect the activities of the transfer agent as a FAST Agent within five (5) business days of the transfer agent being notified of such material deficiencies. 13. Unless prohibited by applicable law, during regular business hours and upon advance notice, DTC reserves the right to visit and inspect, to the extent such visits and inspections pertain to DTC’s position, the transfer agent’s facilities, books, and records. DTC, however, is not obligated to conduct such visits or inspections. 14. Existing FAST agents shall have a period of six (6) months from the date of the Commission’s approval of this rule filing to comply with these requirements, including the submission to DTC of a signed Balance Certificate Agreement, signed Operational Criteria, and all supporting documentation referenced herein. If an agent is not compliant with these requirements upon the expiration of such period, DTC VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:23 Feb 27, 2008 Jkt 214001 shall have the right, using its sole discretion, to terminate or to continue the agent’s FAST status. 15. An agent acting on behalf of a transfer agent or an issuer acting on its own behalf shall have the same rights and responsibilities under these requirements as if it were the transfer agent. (2) Proposed Amended and Restated Eligibility Requirements for DRS Limited Participants DTC is proposing the following restatement of the eligibility requirements for DRS Limited Participants15 and the DRS eligibility requirements for DRS issues to promote consistency with the FAST program requirements as well as to further ensure the soundness of the DRS system. In order to be eligible to be a DRS Limited Participant, a transfer agent must: 1. Participate in the FAST program and abide by DTC’s requirements governing participation in the FAST program, which requirements are proposed to be amended by this filing; 2. Execute a DTC Limited Participant Account agreement; 3. Deliver transaction advices directly to investors relating to DRS Withdrawalby-Transfer requests and provide DTC with a file containing the information required by DTC (which must include, among other things, the transaction advice delivery date) in a format and using functionality as specified by DTC from time to time; 4. Complete DTC’s training program on DRS and Profile Modification System (‘‘Profile’’) functionality; 5. Participate in the Profile surety or insurance program to initiate Profile transactions;16 6. Implement program changes related to DTC internal systems modifications within a reasonable time upon receiving notification from DTC of such modifications; 7. Implement program changes to support and expand DRS processing capabilities as agreed to by the DRS Ad Hoc Committee; and 8. Existing DRS Limited Participants shall have a period of six (6) months 15 DRS Limited Participants are transfer agents that participate in DRS through DTC. They are bound to certain provisions of the DTC rules. Securities Exchange Act Release No. 34–37931 (November 7, 1996) [File No. SR–DTC–96–15]. 16 In DRS, instructions to transfer shares are sent by a broker-dealer that is a DTC Participant or a by a transfer agent that is a DRS Limited Participant through Profile. Profile provides screen based indemnification against false instructions from the party submitting the instructions through DRS. The indemnity is supported by either a surety bond or an insurance policy. PO 00000 Frm 00113 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 10851 from the date of the Commission’s approval of this rule filing within which they must comply with these requirements. If an agent is not compliant with these requirements upon the expiration of such period, DTC shall have the right using its sole discretion to terminate or to continue the agent’s status as a DRS Limited Participant. (3) Eligibility Requirements for DRS Issues In order for an issue to be eligible as a DRS issue, the issue must: 1. Have a transfer agent accepted as a DTC DRS Limited Participant; 2. Be included in the FAST program (An issue may not be added to DRS if an ‘‘out of balance’’ position exists.) (4) DTC’s Proposed Standard of Care Obligations With Respect to FAST DTC is proposing to establish a clearer demarcation of responsibility and liability with respect to the FAST program. Historically, DTC believes the Commission has left to user-governed clearing agencies the question of how to allocate losses associated with, among other things, clearing agency functions.17 In conjunction with its approval of these standards, the Commission noted that while it had ‘‘called on registered clearing agencies to undertake, by rule, to deliver all fully-paid securities in their control to, or as directed by, the participant for whom the securities are held,’’ given that registered clearing agencies had demonstrated a high level of responsibility in safeguarding securities and funds, a standard of care based on a strict standard of liability was not required either with respect to failures of the clearing agency or a subcustodian. DTC notes that securities in the FAST program are held by a transfer agent and are not within the immediate custody and control of DTC. As such, after a transfer agent is accepted to the FAST program, DTC is proposing the addition of a clarifying provision to Rule 6 to state that DTC will not be liable for the acts or omissions of FAST Agents or other third parties, unless caused directly by DTC’s gross negligence, willful misconduct, or violation of federal securities laws for which there is a private right of action. 17 Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 34–20221 (September 23, 1983) and 34–22940 (February 24, 1986). In this regard, DTC adopted a uniform standard with respect to certain of its procedures, or Service Guides, such that DTC is not liable for any loss incurred by a participant other than one caused directly by gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of DTC. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 34–44719 (August 17, 2001) [File No. SR–DTC–2001–01]. E:\FR\FM\28FEN1.SGM 28FEN1 10852 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 40 / Thursday, February 28, 2008 / Notices In addition, DTC proposes that under no circumstance shall DTC be liable for selecting or accepting any third party as an agent of DTC, including a transfer agent participating in the FAST Program. DTC believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the requirements of Section 17A of the Act, as amended,18 and the rules and regulations thereunder because it improves standards relating to the eligibility of transfer agents and issues for its FAST and DRS programs. As such, it assures the safeguarding of securities and funds which are in the custody or control of DTC or for which it is responsible. (B) Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition DTC does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act (C) Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others DTC has neither solicited nor received written comments on the proposed rule change.19 III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action Within thirty-five 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 ninety 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 self-regulatory organization 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 rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES 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: 18 15 U.S.C. 78q–1. Commission received 29 comment letters to DTC’s proposed rule change as amended by Amendments 1 and 2. The comment letters can be found at https://www.sec.gov/comments/sr-dtc-200616/dtc200616.shtml. 19 The VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:23 Feb 27, 2008 Jkt 214001 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–DTC–2006–16 in the subject line. Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Nancy M. Morris, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–57368; File No. SR– NASDAQ–2008–011] Self-Regulatory Organizations; The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Relating to Equity Securities Using Alternative Settlement Processes in Nasdaq’s PORTAL System February 21, 2008. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 All submissions should refer to File (‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 Number SR–DTC–2006–16. This file notice is hereby given that on February number should be included on the 7, 2008, The NASDAQ Stock Market subject line if e-mail is used. To help the LLC (‘‘Nasdaq’’) filed with the Securities Commission process and review your and Exchange Commission comments more efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule post all comments on the Commission’s change as described in Items I, II, and III below, which Items have been Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/ prepared primarily by Nasdaq. Nasdaq rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the has filed the proposal pursuant to submission, all subsequent Section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act 3 and amendments, all written statements Rule 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder 4 so that the with respect to the proposed rule proposal was effective upon filing with change that are filed with the the Commission. The Commission is Commission, and all written publishing this notice to solicit communications relating to the comments on the proposed rule change proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than from interested persons. those that may be withheld from the I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s public in accordance with the Statement of the Terms of Substance of provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be the Proposed Rule Change available for inspection and copying in Nasdaq proposes to allow issuers of the Commission’s Public Reference PORTAL equity securities to select Section, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, settlement procedures that do not DC 20549 on official business days involve submission to The Depository between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3:30 Trust Company (‘‘DTC’’). p.m. Copies of such filings also will be available for inspection and copying at II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s the principal office of the DTC and on Statement of the Purpose of, and the DTC’s Web site, https:// Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule www.dtcc.com. All comments received Change will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal In its filing with the Commission, identifying information from Nasdaq included statements concerning submissions. You should submit only the purpose of and basis for the information that you wish to make proposed rule change and discussed any available publicly. All submissions comments it received on the proposed should refer to File Number SR–DTC– rule change. The text of these statements 2006–16 and should be submitted on or may be examined at the places specified before March 20, 2008. in Item IV below. Nasdaq has prepared For the Commission by the Division of summaries, set forth in Sections A, B, Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated and C below, of the most significant authority.20 aspects of such statements. Florence E. Harmon, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. E8–3730 Filed 2–27–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P 20 17 PO 00000 Fmt 4703 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii). 4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 2 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). Frm 00114 1 15 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\28FEN1.SGM 28FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 40 (Thursday, February 28, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10849-10852]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-3730]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-57362; File No. SR-DTC-2006-16]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; The Depository Trust Company; 
Notice of Filing of Amended Proposed Rule Change Amending FAST and DRS 
Limited Participant Requirements for Transfer Agents

February 20, 2008.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(``Act''),\1\ notice is hereby given that on October 12, 2006, The 
Depository Trust Company (``DTC'') filed with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission (``Commission'') and on March 29, 2007, and May 3, 
2007, amended proposed rule change No. SR-DTC-2006-16. On May 25, 2007, 
the Commission published notice of the proposed rule change as amended 
by Amendment 1 and Amendment 2.\2\ The Commission received 29 comment 
letters to the proposed rule change as amended by Amendments 1 and 
2.\3\ On December 31, 2007, DTC filed Amendment 3. The Commission is 
publishing this notice to solicit comments from interested parties on 
the proposed rule change as amended by Amendments 1, 2, and 3 and as 
described in Items I, II, and III below, which items have been prepared 
primarily by the DTC.\4\
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ Securities Exchange Act Release No. 34-55816 (May 25, 2007), 
71 FR 30648 (June 1, 2007)[File No. SR-DTC-16].
    \3\ The comment letters can be found at https://www.sec.gov/
comments/sr-dtc-2006-16/dtc200616.shtml.
    \4\ The exact text of the DTC's proposed rule change can be 
found at https://www.dtc.org/impNtc/mor/#2006.
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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    DTC proposes to amend its rules to update, standardize, and restate 
the requirements for the Fast Automated Securities Transfer Program 
(``FAST''), to delineate the responsibilities of DTC and the transfer 
agents with respect to the securities held by transfer agents as part 
of the FAST program, and to restate the requirements for transfer 
agents participating in the Direct Registration System (``DRS'').

II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and 
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

    In its filing with the Commission, the DTC included statements 
concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and 
discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The 
text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in 
Item IV below. DTC has prepared summaries, set forth in sections (A), 
(B), and (C) below, of the most significant aspects of these 
statements.\5\
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    \5\ The Commission has modified portions of the text of the 
summaries prepared by the DTC.
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(A) Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and 
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

    Prior to the establishment of the FAST program, transfers of 
securities to or from DTC occurred by sending securities back and forth 
between DTC and transfer agents. In the case of securities being 
deposited with DTC, DTC sent the certificates to the transfer agent for 
registration into the name of DTC's nominee, Cede & Co., and the 
transfer agent returned the reregistered certificates to DTC. In the 
case of securities being withdrawn from DTC, DTC sent the certificates 
registered in the name of Cede & Co. to the transfer agent for 
reregistration into the name designated by the withdrawing DTC 
participant, and the transfer agent returned the reregistered security 
to DTC for delivery to the withdrawing participant. This process 
exposed securities to risk of loss during transit between DTC and 
transfer agents and resulted in the expense of making physical 
deliveries of securities.
    Under the FAST program, transfer agents hold FAST-eligible 
securities registered in the name of Cede & Co. in the form of balance 
certificates. As additional securities are deposited or withdrawn from 
DTC, transfer agents adjust the denomination of the balance 
certificates as appropriate and electronically confirm theses changes 
with DTC. Such ``FAST agents'' are holding in custody those securities 
that would otherwise be held at DTC for the benefit of DTC's 
participants. As such, the FAST program reduces the movement of 
certificates between DTC and the transfer agents and therefore reduces 
the costs and risks associated with the creation, movement, and storing 
of certificates to DTC, DTC participants, issuers, and transfer 
agents.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ For a description of DTC's current rules relating to FAST, 
see Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 34-13342 (March 8, 1977) 
[File No. SR-DTC-76-3]; 34-14997 (July 26, 1978) [File No. SR-DTC-
78-11]; 34-21401 (October 16, 1984) [File No. SR-DTC-84-8]; 34-31941 
(March 3, 1993) [SR-DTC-92-15]; and 34-46956 (December 6, 2002) 
[File No. SR-DTC-2002-15].
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAST program has grown substantially since first being 
introduced in 1975.\7\ Recent changes in the rules of the major 
securities exchanges are expected to further accelerate this growth.\8\ 
Those exchange rules require as a listing prerequisite that issues be 
eligible for processing through DRS. Since becoming a FAST agent is a 
criterion for a transfer agent's eligibility for participation in DRS, 
DTC

[[Page 10850]]

anticipates significant growth in the FAST program.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ DTC introduced the FAST program in 1975 with 400 issues and 
10 agents. Currently, there are over 930,000 issues and 
approximately 90 agents in FAST.
    \8\ Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 54289 (August 8, 2006), 
71 FR 47278 (August 16, 2006) [File No. SR-NYSE-2006-29]; 54290 
(August 8, 2006), 71 FR 47262 (August 16, 2006) [File No. SR-Amex-
2006-40]; 54288 (August 8, 2006), 71 FR 47276 (August 16, 2006) 
[File No. SR-NASDAQ-2006-08]; 54410 (September 7, 2006), 71 FR 54316 
(September 14, 2006) [File No. SR-NYSE Arca-2006-31]; 55482 (March 
15, 2007), 72 FR 13544 (March 22, 2007) [File No. SR-Phlx-2006-69]; 
55481 (March 15, 2007), 72 FR 13544 (March 22, 2007) [File No. SR-
CHX-2006-33]; and 55480 (March 15, 2007), 72 FR 13544 (March 22, 
2007) [File No. SR-BSE-2006-46].
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DRS allows an investors to hold a security as the registered owner 
in electronic form on the books of the transfer agent rather than 
holding through the use of a certificate or holding indirectly through 
a financial intermediary (e.g., a broker-dealer) that holds the 
security in ``street name''. DRS also allows for the transfer of a DRS 
position from the books of the transfer agent to a DTC broker-dealer 
participant through the facilities of DTC using FAST.\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ For a description of DTC's rules relating to DRS, see 
Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 34-37931 (November 7, 1996) 
[File No. SR-DTC-96-15]; 34-41862 (September 10, 1999) [File No. SR-
DTC-99-16]; 34-42366 (January 28, 2000) [File No. SR-DTC-00-01]; 34-
42704 (April 19, 2000) [File No. SR-DTC-00-04]; 34-43586 (November 
17, 2000) [File No. SR-DTC-00-09]; 34-44969 (August 14, 2001) [File 
No. SR-DTC-2001-07]; 34-45232 (January 3, 2002) [SR-DTC-2001-18]; 
34-45430 (February 11, 2002) [File No. SR-DTC-2002-01]; and 34-48885 
(December 5, 2003) [File No. SR-DTC-2002-17]; 34-52422 (September 
14, 2005) [File No. SR-DTC-2005-11].
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(1) Proposed Amendments to DTC's FAST Requirements
    Despite the FAST program's robust past growth and expected future 
growth, the transfer agent eligibility requirements for FAST have not 
substantially changed since the implementation of FAST and do not: (i) 
Take into account the increased volume and value of securities 
processed by the transfer agents, (ii) reflect improved technology and 
currently available safeguards which would enhance the safekeeping of 
securities held by the transfer agents on behalf of DTC , and (iii) 
require the use of standardized audit reports to certify transfer 
agents' processes and controls.
    In light of the FAST program's growth, DTC reexamined the 
requirements of the FAST program with a view toward ensuring that DTC's 
assets in the custody of transfer agents, which ultimately belong to 
DTC's participants and their customers, are adequately protected. As 
more fully described below, DTC has identified aspects of the FAST 
program that need revising or additional requirements. The proposed 
revisions and additional requirements include: (i) Insurance 
requirements that take into account transaction volumes of securities 
processed by transfer agents, (ii) safekeeping requirements to clarify 
and to enhance security and fire protection standards and to take into 
consideration technological advances that allow for economical security 
improvements, and (iii) bookkeeping requirements to ensure compliance 
with applicable laws and regulations and use standardized audit reports 
addressing transfer agents' processes and controls.
    DTC is therefore proposing to amend and to restate the minimum 
requirements for transfer agents participating in the FAST program in 
order to improve the safekeeping of securities transfer agents hold for 
DTC and to provide better defined requirements as more transfer agents 
participate in the immobilization and dematerialization of securities. 
DTC's proposed minimum requirements are as follows:
    1. Transfer agent must be registered with the Commission or their 
appropriate regulatory authority, except where the transfer agent's 
participation in the FAST program is limited to acting solely for 
municipal issues (transfer agents must provide DTC with evidence of 
such) and follow all applicable rules under the Exchange Act, as well 
as all other applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations, 
applicable to transfer agents, including OFAC regulations.
    2. The transfer agent must execute and fulfill the requirements of 
the appropriate form of ``Balance Certificate Agreement''\10\ with 
DTC.\11\
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    \10\ DTC currently maintains three forms of the Balance 
Certificate Agreement: one for transfer agents, one for issuers 
acting as their own agent, and one for parties using a processing 
agent. DTC is consolidating these forms into a single form, as 
attached as Exhibit 2 to its initial filing.
    \11\ DTC notes that these minimum requirements incorporate by 
reference the Balance Certificate Agreement between the transfer 
agent and DTC.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    3. The transfer agent must sign and fulfill requirements of the 
``Operational Criteria for the FAST Transfer Agent Processing''\12\ and 
must comply with all applicable provisions of DTC's ``Operational 
Arrangements'' (``OA''),\13\ as amended from time to time.\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ The Operational Criteria for the FAST Transfer Agent 
Processing is attached as Exhibit 2(b) to DTC's initial filing.
    \13\ For more information relating to DTC's OA, see Securities 
Exchange Act Release Nos. 34-45994 (May 29, 2002), 67 FR 39452 [File 
No. SR-DTC-2002-02]; 34-24818 (August 19, 1987), 52 FR 31833 [File 
No. DTC-87-10]; 34-25948 (July 27, 1988), 53 FR 29294 [File No. DTC-
88-13]; 34-30625 (April 23, 1992), 57 FR 18534 [File No. DTC-92-06]; 
34-35649 (April 26, 1995), 60 FR 21576 [File No. DTC-94-19]; and 34-
39894 (April 21, 1998), 63 FR 23310 [File No. DTC-97-23].
    \14\ DTC notes that these minimum requirements incorporate by 
reference the Operational Criteria for FAST Transfer Agent 
Processing and all applicable terms in DTC's Operational 
Arrangements.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    4. In order to provide for the operational proficiency and 
efficiency of the program, the transfer agent must complete DTC's 
training on FAST functionality on being accepted as a FAST transfer 
agent.
    5. In order to protect against a risk of loss, the transfer agent 
must carry and provide evidence of a minimum of the following standard 
form Financial Institution Bond or a commercial crime policy providing 
similar coverage in proportion to transaction volume the agent 
processes, as follows:
    a. $10 million for a transfer agent with 25,000 or fewer transfer 
transactions per year as reported to the Commission;
    b. $25 million for a transfer agent with over 25,000 transfer 
transactions per year as reported to the Commission; and
    c. In addition, the transfer agent must carry and provide evidence 
of a minimum of $1 million in Errors and Omissions insurance.
    In the event that a transfer agent can demonstrate that its 
existing coverage and/or capitalization would provide similar 
protections to DTC as the requirements set forth herein, it may apply 
to DTC for a waiver. DTC shall have sole discretion as to whether or 
not to grant any such waiver.
    6. In order to facilitate consistent protection against losses 
relating to securities in a transfer agent's control, the transfer 
agent must notify DTC as soon as practicable of notice of any actual 
lapse in insurance coverage or change in business practices, such as 
increasing volumes or other business changes that would result in the 
transfer agent requiring additional insurance coverage as outlined 
above. Such notice shall be delivered to: DTC Inventory Management--1SL 
55 Water Street New York, New York 10041
    And with a copy to: DTC General Counsel's Office 55 Water Street--
22nd Floor New York, New York 10041.
    7. The transfer agent must provide proof to DTC of any new or 
substitute policy with respect to any required insurance within five 
(5) days after the entry into force of such new or substitute policy.
    8. The transfer agent must establish and maintain electronic 
communications with DTC to balance FAST positions on a daily schedule.
    9. The transfer agent must provide on an annual basis to DTC within 
ten (10) business days of filing with the Commission, a copy of the 
Annual Study of Evaluation of Internal Accounting Control filed with 
the Commission pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 17Ad-13, attesting to the 
soundness of controls to safeguard securities assets and to the 
reliability and integrity of computer systems, including 
confidentiality of customer accounts or other non-public information. 
If a transfer agent obtains a SAS-70 audit report, the transfer agent 
shall provide DTC with a copy of the

[[Page 10851]]

report within ten (10) business days of the transfer agent's receipt of 
the report. If a SAS-70 audit report is not available, then the 
transfer agent must provide to DTC, on an annual basis within ten (10) 
business days of filing with the Commission an accountant's report 
(pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 17Ad-13, Annual Study of Evaluation of 
Internal Accounting Controls), a SSAE-10 report from an external 
certified public accountant (or an equivalent report) attesting to the 
soundness of the transfer agent's controls relating to FAST.
    10. FAST agents must safeguard all the securities assets as stated 
under Exchange Act Rule 17Ad-12, with at a minimum the following 
additional DTC requirements:
    a. maintain a theft and fire central monitoring alarm system 
protecting the entire premises and
    b. maintain all certificates in a vault, safe, or other secure 
location, accessible only by authorized personnel.
    11. Personnel with access to the safe and the codes for the 
centralized monitoring system must comply with Exchange Act Rule 17f-2, 
which includes but is not limited to rules for fingerprinting staff 
that physically handle certificates.
    12. Unless prohibited by applicable law, the transfer agent when 
applying to be a FAST agent must provide DTC with a copy of the two 
most recent deficiency or compliance correspondences from the 
Commission as well as any follow-up correspondences. In addition, 
unless prohibited by applicable law, the transfer agent on an ongoing 
basis must provide DTC with notice of any alleged material deficiencies 
documented by the Commission that may affect the activities of the 
transfer agent as a FAST Agent within five (5) business days of the 
transfer agent being notified of such material deficiencies.
    13. Unless prohibited by applicable law, during regular business 
hours and upon advance notice, DTC reserves the right to visit and 
inspect, to the extent such visits and inspections pertain to DTC's 
position, the transfer agent's facilities, books, and records. DTC, 
however, is not obligated to conduct such visits or inspections.
    14. Existing FAST agents shall have a period of six (6) months from 
the date of the Commission's approval of this rule filing to comply 
with these requirements, including the submission to DTC of a signed 
Balance Certificate Agreement, signed Operational Criteria, and all 
supporting documentation referenced herein. If an agent is not 
compliant with these requirements upon the expiration of such period, 
DTC shall have the right, using its sole discretion, to terminate or to 
continue the agent's FAST status.
    15. An agent acting on behalf of a transfer agent or an issuer 
acting on its own behalf shall have the same rights and 
responsibilities under these requirements as if it were the transfer 
agent.
(2) Proposed Amended and Restated Eligibility Requirements for DRS 
Limited Participants
    DTC is proposing the following restatement of the eligibility 
requirements for DRS Limited Participants\15\ and the DRS eligibility 
requirements for DRS issues to promote consistency with the FAST 
program requirements as well as to further ensure the soundness of the 
DRS system.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ DRS Limited Participants are transfer agents that 
participate in DRS through DTC. They are bound to certain provisions 
of the DTC rules. Securities Exchange Act Release No. 34-37931 
(November 7, 1996) [File No. SR-DTC-96-15].
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In order to be eligible to be a DRS Limited Participant, a transfer 
agent must:
    1. Participate in the FAST program and abide by DTC's requirements 
governing participation in the FAST program, which requirements are 
proposed to be amended by this filing;
    2. Execute a DTC Limited Participant Account agreement;
    3. Deliver transaction advices directly to investors relating to 
DRS Withdrawal-by-Transfer requests and provide DTC with a file 
containing the information required by DTC (which must include, among 
other things, the transaction advice delivery date) in a format and 
using functionality as specified by DTC from time to time;
    4. Complete DTC's training program on DRS and Profile Modification 
System (``Profile'') functionality;
    5. Participate in the Profile surety or insurance program to 
initiate Profile transactions;\16\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ In DRS, instructions to transfer shares are sent by a 
broker-dealer that is a DTC Participant or a by a transfer agent 
that is a DRS Limited Participant through Profile. Profile provides 
screen based indemnification against false instructions from the 
party submitting the instructions through DRS. The indemnity is 
supported by either a surety bond or an insurance policy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    6. Implement program changes related to DTC internal systems 
modifications within a reasonable time upon receiving notification from 
DTC of such modifications;
    7. Implement program changes to support and expand DRS processing 
capabilities as agreed to by the DRS Ad Hoc Committee; and
    8. Existing DRS Limited Participants shall have a period of six (6) 
months from the date of the Commission's approval of this rule filing 
within which they must comply with these requirements. If an agent is 
not compliant with these requirements upon the expiration of such 
period, DTC shall have the right using its sole discretion to terminate 
or to continue the agent's status as a DRS Limited Participant.
(3) Eligibility Requirements for DRS Issues
    In order for an issue to be eligible as a DRS issue, the issue 
must:
    1. Have a transfer agent accepted as a DTC DRS Limited Participant;
    2. Be included in the FAST program (An issue may not be added to 
DRS if an ``out of balance'' position exists.)
(4) DTC's Proposed Standard of Care Obligations With Respect to FAST
    DTC is proposing to establish a clearer demarcation of 
responsibility and liability with respect to the FAST program. 
Historically, DTC believes the Commission has left to user-governed 
clearing agencies the question of how to allocate losses associated 
with, among other things, clearing agency functions.\17\ In conjunction 
with its approval of these standards, the Commission noted that while 
it had ``called on registered clearing agencies to undertake, by rule, 
to deliver all fully-paid securities in their control to, or as 
directed by, the participant for whom the securities are held,'' given 
that registered clearing agencies had demonstrated a high level of 
responsibility in safeguarding securities and funds, a standard of care 
based on a strict standard of liability was not required either with 
respect to failures of the clearing agency or a sub-custodian. DTC 
notes that securities in the FAST program are held by a transfer agent 
and are not within the immediate custody and control of DTC. As such, 
after a transfer agent is accepted to the FAST program, DTC is 
proposing the addition of a clarifying provision to Rule 6 to state 
that DTC will not be liable for the acts or omissions of FAST Agents or 
other third parties, unless caused directly by DTC's gross negligence, 
willful misconduct, or violation of federal securities laws for which 
there is a private right of action.

[[Page 10852]]

In addition, DTC proposes that under no circumstance shall DTC be 
liable for selecting or accepting any third party as an agent of DTC, 
including a transfer agent participating in the FAST Program.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 34-20221 (September 
23, 1983) and 34-22940 (February 24, 1986). In this regard, DTC 
adopted a uniform standard with respect to certain of its 
procedures, or Service Guides, such that DTC is not liable for any 
loss incurred by a participant other than one caused directly by 
gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of DTC. See 
Securities Exchange Act Release No. 34-44719 (August 17, 2001) [File 
No. SR-DTC-2001-01].
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DTC believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the 
requirements of Section 17A of the Act, as amended,\18\ and the rules 
and regulations thereunder because it improves standards relating to 
the eligibility of transfer agents and issues for its FAST and DRS 
programs. As such, it assures the safeguarding of securities and funds 
which are in the custody or control of DTC or for which it is 
responsible.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ 15 U.S.C. 78q-1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(B) Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition

    DTC does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any 
burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in 
furtherance of the purposes of the Act

(C) Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the 
Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others

    DTC has neither solicited nor received written comments on the 
proposed rule change.\19\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ The Commission received 29 comment letters to DTC's 
proposed rule change as amended by Amendments 1 and 2. The comment 
letters can be found at https://www.sec.gov/comments/sr-dtc-2006-16/
dtc200616.shtml.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for 
Commission Action

    Within thirty-five 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 ninety 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 self-regulatory organization 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 rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include 
File Number SR-DTC-2006-16 in the subject line.

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-DTC-2006-16. 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 Section, 100 F Street, 
NE., Washington, DC 20549 on official business days between the hours 
of 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Copies of such filings also will be available 
for inspection and copying at the principal office of the DTC and on 
the DTC's Web site, https://www.dtcc.com. 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-DTC-2006-16 and should be submitted on 
or before March 20, 2008.

    For the Commission by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\20\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Florence E. Harmon,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. E8-3730 Filed 2-27-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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