Proposed Collection; Comment Request, 65223-65224 [2011-27092]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 203 / Thursday, October 20, 2011 / Notices sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Act to promote fair and orderly markets and ensure that exchange members have, as the principle purpose of their exchange memberships, the conduct of a public securities business. There are approximately 763 respondents that require an aggregate total of 22 hours to comply with this rule. Each of these approximately 763 respondents makes an estimated 20 annual responses, for an aggregate of 15,260 responses per year. Each response takes approximately 5 seconds to complete. Thus, the total compliance burden per year is 22 hours (15,260 × 5 seconds/60 seconds per minute/60 minutes per hour = 22 hours). The approximate cost per hour is $282, resulting in a total cost of compliance for the annual burden of $6,204 (22 hours @ $282). 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 will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the 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. The Commission may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid 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 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. Please direct your written comments to: Thomas Bayer, Director/Chief Information Officer, Securities and Exchange Commission, c/o Remi PavlikSimon, 6432 General Green Way, Alexandria, Virginia 22312 or send an email to: PRA_Mailbox@sec.gov. October 14, 2011. Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2011–27093 Filed 10–19–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:59 Oct 19, 2011 Jkt 226001 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. Reports of Evidence of: SEC File No. 270–514, OMB Control No. 3235–0572. Material Violations Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, 44 U.S.C. Sections 3501–3520, the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) is soliciting comments on the collection of information summarized below. The Commission plans to submit the existing collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget for extension. On February 6, 2003, the Commission published final rules, effective August 5, 2003, entitled ‘‘Standards of Professional Conduct for Attorneys Appearing and Practicing Before the Commission in the Representation of an Issuer’’ (17 CFR 205.1–205.7). The information collection embedded in the rules is necessary to implement the Standards of Professional Conduct for Attorneys prescribed by the rule and required by Section 307 of the SarbanesOxley Act of 2002 (15 U.S.C. 7245). The rules impose an ‘‘up-the-ladder’’ reporting requirement when attorneys appearing and practicing before the Commission become aware of evidence of a material violation by the issuer or any officer, director, employee, or agent of the issuer. An issuer may choose to establish a qualified legal compliance committee (‘‘QLCC’’) as an alternative procedure for reporting evidence of a material violation. In the rare cases in which a majority of a QLCC has concluded that an issuer did not act appropriately, the information may be communicated to the Commission. The collection of information is, therefore, an important component of the Commission’s program to discourage violations of the Federal securities laws and promote ethical behavior of attorneys appearing and practicing before the Commission. The respondents to this collection of information are attorneys who appear and practice before the Commission and, in certain cases, the issuer, and/or officers, directors and committees of the issuer. We believe that, in providing quality representation to issuers, PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 65223 attorneys report evidence of violations to others within the issuer, including the Chief Legal Officer, the Chief Executive Officer, and, where necessary, the directors. In addition, officers and directors investigate evidence of violations and report within the issuer the results of the investigation and the remedial steps they have taken or sanctions they have imposed. Except as discussed below, we therefore believe that the reporting requirements imposed by the rule are ‘‘usual and customary’’ activities that do not add to the burden that would be imposed by the collection of information. Certain aspects of the collection of information, however, may impose a burden. For an issuer to establish a QLCC, the QLCC must adopt written procedures for the confidential receipt, retention, and consideration of any report of evidence of a material violation. We estimate for purposes of the PRA that there are approximately 16,517 issuers that are subject to the rules.1 Of these, we estimate that approximately 3.8%, or 637, have established or will establish a QLCC.2 Establishing the written procedures required by the rule should not impose a significant burden. We assume that an issuer would incur a greater burden in the year that it first establishes the procedures than in subsequent years, in which the burden would be incurred in updating, reviewing, or modifying the procedures. For purposes of the PRA, we assume that an issuer would spend 6 hours every three-year period on the procedures. This would result in an average burden of 2 hours per year. Thus, we estimate for purposes of the PRA that the total annual burden imposed by the collection of information would be 1,274 hours. Assuming half of the burden hours will be incurred by outside counsel at a rate of $500 per hour would result in a cost of $318,500. The estimate of average burden hours is made solely for the purposes of the Paperwork Reduction Act, and is not 1 This estimate is based, in part, on the total number of operating companies that filed annual reports on Form 10–K, Form 20–F, or Form 40–F, during the 2011 fiscal year and an estimate of the average number of issuers that may have a registration statement filed under the Securities Act pending with the Commission at any time (14,000). In addition, we estimate that approximately 2,517 investment companies currently file periodic reports on Form N–SAR. 2 We base this estimate on the number of issuers who have reported in filings with the Commission that they have created QLCCs. Indications are that the 2005 estimate of the percentage of issuers that would establish QLCCs (10%) was high. Our adjusted estimate in the percentage of QLCCs (3.8%) results in a reduced burden estimate as compared to the previously-approved collection. E:\FR\FM\20OCN1.SGM 20OCN1 65224 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 203 / Thursday, October 20, 2011 / Notices derived from a comprehensive or even a representative survey or study. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Written comments are requested on: (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Commission’s estimate of the burden[s] of the 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. Please direct your written comments to Thomas Bayer, Director/Chief Information Officer, Securities and Exchange Commission, c/o Remi PavlikSimon, 6432 General Green Way, Alexandria, Virginia 22312; or send an e-mail to: PRA_Mailbox@sec.gov. Dated: October 13, 2011. Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2011–27092 Filed 10–19–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–65577; File No. SR–CME– 2011–10] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of Proposed Rule Change To Amend Its Rules Relating to Interest Rate Swaps Clearing sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES October 14, 2011. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’),1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on October 7, 2011, Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. (‘‘CME’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule change described in Items I and II below, which items have been prepared primarily by CME. The Commission is 1 15 2 17 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). CFR 240.19b–4. VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:59 Oct 19, 2011 Jkt 226001 publishing this Notice and Order to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons and to approve the proposed rule change on an accelerated basis. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The proposed rule changes amend current CME rules to expand its interest rate swaps offering to include interest rate swaps denominated in certain additional currencies and rate options and to clarify certain registration requirements for clearing interest rate swap products. CME is also at the same time amending its Manual of Operation for CME Cleared Interest Rate Swaps to reflect the new denominations and rate options. The text of the proposed rule change is available at the CME’s Web site at https://www.cmegroup.com, at the principal office of CME, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, CME included statements concerning the purpose 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. CME has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change CME currently offers clearing services for certain interest rate swap products. These proposed rule changes are intended to expand the listing of interest rate swaps denominated in certain additional currencies and rate options. CME expects to accept euro denominated interest rate swaps referencing Euribor for clearing on or around October 17, 2011. Great British Pound, Japanese Yen, Canadian Dollar and Swiss Franc denominated interest rate swaps and related interbank rates are expected to be accepted for clearing prior to the end of the year. Additionally, CME Rule 90005 is being amended to clarify certain registration requirements for clearing interest rate swap products. To accommodate the changes, CME has also included changes to its Manual of Operations for CME Cleared Interest Rate Swaps to reflect the new denominations and rate options. PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 CME notes that it has also submitted the proposed rule changes that are the subject of this filing to its primary regulator, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (‘‘CFTC’’). The text of the CME rule proposed amendments is attached to CME’s filing of proposed rule change as Exhibit 5, with additions underlined and deletions in brackets. CME believes the proposed rule changes are consistent with the requirements of the Exchange Act including Section 17A of the Exchange Act because they involve clearing of swaps and thus relate solely to the CME’s swaps clearing activities pursuant to its registration as a derivatives clearing organization under the Commodity Exchange Act (‘‘CEA’’) and do not significantly affect any securities clearing operations of the clearing agency or any related rights or obligations of the clearing agency or persons using such service. CME further notes that the policies of the CEA with respect to clearing are comparable to a number of the policies underlying the Exchange Act, such as promoting market transparency for over-thecounter derivatives markets, promoting the prompt and accurate clearance of transactions and protecting investors and the public interest. The proposed rule changes accomplish those objectives by offering investors clearing for an expanded range of interest rate swap products. B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition CME does not believe that the proposed rule change will have any impact, or impose any burden, on competition. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others CME has not solicited, and does not intend to solicit, comments regarding this proposed rule change. CME has not received any unsolicited written comments from interested parties. III. 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 • Electronic comments may be submitted by using the Commission’s Internet comment form (https:// www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml), or send E:\FR\FM\20OCN1.SGM 20OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 203 (Thursday, October 20, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 65223-65224]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-27092]


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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.
Reports of Evidence of:
    SEC File No. 270-514, OMB Control No. 3235-0572.

Material Violations

     Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction 
Act (PRA) of 1995, 44 U.S.C. Sections 3501-3520, the Securities and 
Exchange Commission (``Commission'') is soliciting comments on the 
collection of information summarized below. The Commission plans to 
submit the existing collection of information to the Office of 
Management and Budget for extension.
    On February 6, 2003, the Commission published final rules, 
effective August 5, 2003, entitled ``Standards of Professional Conduct 
for Attorneys Appearing and Practicing Before the Commission in the 
Representation of an Issuer'' (17 CFR 205.1-205.7). The information 
collection embedded in the rules is necessary to implement the 
Standards of Professional Conduct for Attorneys prescribed by the rule 
and required by Section 307 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (15 
U.S.C. 7245). The rules impose an ``up-the-ladder'' reporting 
requirement when attorneys appearing and practicing before the 
Commission become aware of evidence of a material violation by the 
issuer or any officer, director, employee, or agent of the issuer. An 
issuer may choose to establish a qualified legal compliance committee 
(``QLCC'') as an alternative procedure for reporting evidence of a 
material violation. In the rare cases in which a majority of a QLCC has 
concluded that an issuer did not act appropriately, the information may 
be communicated to the Commission. The collection of information is, 
therefore, an important component of the Commission's program to 
discourage violations of the Federal securities laws and promote 
ethical behavior of attorneys appearing and practicing before the 
Commission.
    The respondents to this collection of information are attorneys who 
appear and practice before the Commission and, in certain cases, the 
issuer, and/or officers, directors and committees of the issuer. We 
believe that, in providing quality representation to issuers, attorneys 
report evidence of violations to others within the issuer, including 
the Chief Legal Officer, the Chief Executive Officer, and, where 
necessary, the directors. In addition, officers and directors 
investigate evidence of violations and report within the issuer the 
results of the investigation and the remedial steps they have taken or 
sanctions they have imposed. Except as discussed below, we therefore 
believe that the reporting requirements imposed by the rule are ``usual 
and customary'' activities that do not add to the burden that would be 
imposed by the collection of information.
    Certain aspects of the collection of information, however, may 
impose a burden. For an issuer to establish a QLCC, the QLCC must adopt 
written procedures for the confidential receipt, retention, and 
consideration of any report of evidence of a material violation. We 
estimate for purposes of the PRA that there are approximately 16,517 
issuers that are subject to the rules.\1\ Of these, we estimate that 
approximately 3.8%, or 637, have established or will establish a 
QLCC.\2\ Establishing the written procedures required by the rule 
should not impose a significant burden. We assume that an issuer would 
incur a greater burden in the year that it first establishes the 
procedures than in subsequent years, in which the burden would be 
incurred in updating, reviewing, or modifying the procedures. For 
purposes of the PRA, we assume that an issuer would spend 6 hours every 
three-year period on the procedures. This would result in an average 
burden of 2 hours per year. Thus, we estimate for purposes of the PRA 
that the total annual burden imposed by the collection of information 
would be 1,274 hours. Assuming half of the burden hours will be 
incurred by outside counsel at a rate of $500 per hour would result in 
a cost of $318,500.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ This estimate is based, in part, on the total number of 
operating companies that filed annual reports on Form 10-K, Form 20-
F, or Form 40-F, during the 2011 fiscal year and an estimate of the 
average number of issuers that may have a registration statement 
filed under the Securities Act pending with the Commission at any 
time (14,000). In addition, we estimate that approximately 2,517 
investment companies currently file periodic reports on Form N-SAR.
    \2\ We base this estimate on the number of issuers who have 
reported in filings with the Commission that they have created 
QLCCs. Indications are that the 2005 estimate of the percentage of 
issuers that would establish QLCCs (10%) was high. Our adjusted 
estimate in the percentage of QLCCs (3.8%) results in a reduced 
burden estimate as compared to the previously-approved collection.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The estimate of average burden hours is made solely for the 
purposes of the Paperwork Reduction Act, and is not

[[Page 65224]]

derived from a comprehensive or even a representative survey or study. 
An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to 
respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently 
valid OMB control number.
    Written comments are requested on: (a) Whether the collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the Commission, including whether the information has practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the Commission's estimate of the burden[s] 
of the 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.
    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, Virginia 22312; or 
send an e-mail to: PRA_Mailbox@sec.gov.

    Dated: October 13, 2011.
Elizabeth M. Murphy,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2011-27092 Filed 10-19-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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