Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request, 11567-11568 [2021-03883]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 36 / Thursday, February 25, 2021 / Notices Dated: February 23, 2021. Vanessa A. Countryman, Secretary. information collection by selecting ‘‘Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments’’ or by using the search function. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to (i) www.reginfo.gov/public/do/ PRAMain and (ii) David Bottom, Director/Chief Information Officer, Securities and Exchange Commission, c/o Cynthia Roscoe, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549, or by sending an email to: PRA_Mailbox@sec.gov. [FR Doc. 2021–04049 Filed 2–23–21; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [SEC File No. 270–118, OMB Control No. 3235–0095] Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request Upon Written Request Copies Available From: Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of FOIA Services, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549–2736 Extension: Rule 236 Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget this request for extension of the previously approved collection of information discussed below. Rule 236 (17 CFR 230.236) under the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77a et seq.) (‘‘Securities Act’’) provides an exemption from registration under the Securities Act for the offering of shares of stock or similar securities to provide funds to be distributed to security holders in lieu of fractional shares, scrip certificates or order forms, in connection with a stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, conversion, merger or similar transaction. Issuers wishing to rely upon the exemption are required to furnish specified information to the Commission at least 10 days prior to the offering. The information is needed to provide notice that the issuer is relying on the exemption. Public companies are the likely respondents. All information provided to the Commission is available to the public for review upon request. Approximately 10 respondents file the information required by Rule 236 at an estimated 1.5 hours per response for a total annual reporting burden of 15 hours (1.5 hours per response × 10 responses). 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 control number. The public may view background documentation for this information collection at the following website: www.reginfo.gov. Find this particular VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:04 Feb 24, 2021 Jkt 253001 11567 Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) (‘‘PRA’’), the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) is soliciting comments on the collection of information summarized below. The Commission plans to submit an extension for this current collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget for approval. In Release No. 34–64545,1 the Commission adopted rules (‘‘Rules’’) and forms to implement Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 entitled ‘‘Securities Whistleblower Incentives and Protection,’’ which was created by Section 922 of the DoddFrank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (‘‘Dodd-Frank Act’’).2 The Rules describe the whistleblower program that the Commission has established pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act which requires the Commission to pay an award, subject to certain limitations and conditions, to whistleblowers who voluntarily provide the Commission with original information about a violation of the federal securities laws that leads to the successful enforcement of a covered judicial or administrative action, or of a related action. The Rules define certain terms critical to the operation of the whistleblower program, outline the procedures for applying for awards and the Commission’s procedures for making decisions on claims, and generally explain the scope of the whistleblower program to the public and to potential whistleblowers. Form TCR is a form submitted by whistleblowers who wish to provide information to the Commission and its staff regarding potential violations of the securities laws. Form TCR is required for submission of information under the Rules. The Commission estimates that it takes a whistleblower, on average, one and one-half hours to complete Form TCR. Based on the receipt of an average of approximately 560 annual Form TCR submissions for the past three fiscal years, the Commission estimates that the annual reporting burden of Form TCR is 840 hours. Form WB–APP is a form that is submitted by whistleblowers filing a claim for a whistleblower award. Form WB–APP is required for application for an award under the Rules. On December 4, 2020, the Commission approved an updated version of the WB–APP in conjunction with its newly amended rules. The updated WB–APP removes the requirement for the filer to submit their Social Security Number and modified the order of the questions on the form. No substantive changes were made to the WB–APP. The Commission estimates that it takes a whistleblower, on average, two hours to complete Form WB–APP. The completion time depends largely on the complexity of the alleged violation and the amount of information the whistleblower possesses in support of his or her application for an award. Based on the receipt of an average of approximately 215 3 annual Form WB– APP submissions for the past six fiscal years, the Commission estimates that the annual reporting burden of Form WB–APP is 430 hours. Estimated annual reporting burden = 1,270 hours. 1 Implementation of the Whistleblower Provisions of Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Release No. 34–64545; File No. S7–33–10 (adopted May 25, 2011). 2 Public Law 111–203, 922(a), 124 Stat 1841 (2010). 3 This figure does not include Form WB–APP submissions which were facially deficient, subsequently withdrawn, or submitted by individuals who have been barred by the Commission from participation in the whistleblower program. Dated: February 22, 2021. J. Matthew DeLesDernier, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2021–03884 Filed 2–24–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [SEC File No. 270–625, OMB Control No. 3235–0686] Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request Upon Written Request Copies Available From: Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of FOIA Services, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549–2736 Extension: Form TCR and Form WB–APP— Implementing the Whistleblower Provisions of Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\25FEN1.SGM 25FEN1 11568 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 36 / Thursday, February 25, 2021 / Notices The public may view background documentation for this information collection at the following website: www.reginfo.gov. Find this particular information collection by selecting ‘‘Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments’’ or by using the search function. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to (i) www.reginfo.gov/public/do/ PRAMain and (ii) David Bottom, Director/Chief Information Officer, Securities and Exchange Commission, c/o Cynthia Roscoe, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549, or by sending an email to: PRA_Mailbox@sec.gov. Dated: February 22, 2021. J. Matthew DeLesDernier, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2021–03883 Filed 2–24–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–91166; File No. SR–ICEEU– 2021–005] Self-Regulatory Organizations; ICE Clear Europe Limited; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Relating to Amendments to Part BB of the ICE Clear Europe Delivery Procedures February 19, 2021. 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 February 12, 2021, ICE Clear Europe Limited (‘‘ICE Clear Europe’’ or the ‘‘Clearing House’’) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the proposed rule changes described in Items I, II and III below, which Items have been prepared by ICE Clear Europe. ICE Clear Europe filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 3 and Rule 19b–4(f)(4)(ii) 4 thereunder, such that the proposed rule change was immediately effective upon filing with the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b–4. 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). 4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(4)(ii). 17:04 Feb 24, 2021 II. Clearing Agency’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, ICE Clear Europe 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. ICE Clear Europe has prepared summaries, set forth in sections (A), (B), and (C) below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. (A) Clearing Agency’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change (a) Purpose ICE Clear Europe is proposing to amend Part BB of its Delivery Procedures to clarify the delivery specifications relating to Containerised White Sugar contracts. The proposed amendments would provide that such contracts relate to specified sugar of any origin of the crop or production current on the first day of the delivery period (instead of referencing the crop at the time of delivery). The change would facilitate identification of sugar eligible for delivery under the contract. (b) Statutory Basis ICE Clear Europe believes that the proposed amendments to Part BB of the Delivery Procedures are consistent with the requirements of Section 17A of the Act 6 and the regulations thereunder applicable to it. In particular, Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act 7 requires, among other things, that the rules of a clearing agency be designed to promote the prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of securities transactions and, to the extent applicable, derivative agreements, contracts, and transactions, the safeguarding of securities and funds in the custody or control of the clearing 5 Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings specified in the ICE Clear Europe Clearing Rules (the ‘‘Rules’’). 6 15 U.S.C. 78q–1. 7 15 U.S.C. 78q–1(b)(3)(F). 1 15 VerDate Sep<11>2014 I. Clearing Agency’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The principal purpose of the proposed amendments is for ICE Clear Europe to make certain amendments to Part BB of its Delivery Procedures to clarify the delivery specifications relating to Containerised White Sugar futures contracts in order to facilitate identification of sugar eligible for delivery under the contract.5 Jkt 253001 PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 agency or for which it is responsible, and the protection of investors and the public interest. The proposed changes to the Delivery Procedures are designed to strengthen ICE Clear Europe’s arrangements and delivery procedures relating to Containerised White Sugar contracts. The amendments would clarify that Containerised White Sugar contracts relate to specified sugar of any origin of the crop or production current on the first day of the delivery period (rather than at the time of delivery). The amendments do not otherwise change the terms and conditions of the contracts, and the contracts will continue to be cleared by ICE Clear Europe in the same manner as they are currently. In ICE Clear Europe’s view, the amendments are thus consistent with the prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of cleared contracts and the protection of investors and the public interest. (ICE Clear Europe would not expect the amendments to affect the safeguarding of securities and funds in ICE Clear Europe’s custody or control or for which it is responsible). Accordingly, the amendments satisfy the requirements of Section 17A(b)(3)(F).8 In addition, Rule 17Ad–22(e)(10) 9 requires that each covered clearing agency ‘‘establish and maintain transparent written standards that state its obligations with respect to the delivery of physical instruments, and establish and maintain operational practices that identify, monitor and manage the risks associated with such physical deliveries.’’ As discussed above, the amendments would clarify the delivery specifications for Containerised White Sugar contracts to facilitate identification of sugar eligible for delivery under the contracts. The amendments would not otherwise change the manner in which the contracts are cleared or in which delivery is made, as supported by ICE Clear Europe’s existing financial resources, risk management, systems and operational arrangements. The amendments thus clarify the role and responsibilities of the Clearing House and Clearing Members with respect to physical delivery. As a result, ICE Clear Europe believes the amendments are consistent with the requirements of Rule 17Ad–22(e)(10).10 (B) Clearing Agency’s Statement on Burden on Competition ICE Clear Europe does not believe the proposed amendments would have any 8 15 U.S.C. 78q–1(b)(3)(F). CFR 240.17Ad–22(e)(10). 10 17 CFR 240.17Ad–22(e)(10). 9 17 E:\FR\FM\25FEN1.SGM 25FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 36 (Thursday, February 25, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11567-11568]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-03883]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[SEC File No. 270-625, OMB Control No. 3235-0686]


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Upon Written Request Copies Available From: Securities and Exchange 
Commission, Office of FOIA Services, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 
20549-2736

Extension:
    Form TCR and Form WB-APP--Implementing the Whistleblower 
Provisions of Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

    Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) (``PRA''), the Securities and 
Exchange Commission (``Commission'') is soliciting comments on the 
collection of information summarized below. The Commission plans to 
submit an extension for this current collection of information to the 
Office of Management and Budget for approval.
    In Release No. 34-64545,\1\ the Commission adopted rules 
(``Rules'') and forms to implement Section 21F of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 entitled ``Securities Whistleblower Incentives and 
Protection,'' which was created by Section 922 of the Dodd-Frank Wall 
Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (``Dodd-Frank Act'').\2\ The 
Rules describe the whistleblower program that the Commission has 
established pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act which requires the 
Commission to pay an award, subject to certain limitations and 
conditions, to whistleblowers who voluntarily provide the Commission 
with original information about a violation of the federal securities 
laws that leads to the successful enforcement of a covered judicial or 
administrative action, or of a related action. The Rules define certain 
terms critical to the operation of the whistleblower program, outline 
the procedures for applying for awards and the Commission's procedures 
for making decisions on claims, and generally explain the scope of the 
whistleblower program to the public and to potential whistleblowers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Implementation of the Whistleblower Provisions of Section 
21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Release No. 34-64545; 
File No. S7-33-10 (adopted May 25, 2011).
    \2\ Public Law 111-203, 922(a), 124 Stat 1841 (2010).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Form TCR is a form submitted by whistleblowers who wish to provide 
information to the Commission and its staff regarding potential 
violations of the securities laws. Form TCR is required for submission 
of information under the Rules. The Commission estimates that it takes 
a whistleblower, on average, one and one-half hours to complete Form 
TCR. Based on the receipt of an average of approximately 560 annual 
Form TCR submissions for the past three fiscal years, the Commission 
estimates that the annual reporting burden of Form TCR is 840 hours.
    Form WB-APP is a form that is submitted by whistleblowers filing a 
claim for a whistleblower award. Form WB-APP is required for 
application for an award under the Rules. On December 4, 2020, the 
Commission approved an updated version of the WB-APP in conjunction 
with its newly amended rules. The updated WB-APP removes the 
requirement for the filer to submit their Social Security Number and 
modified the order of the questions on the form. No substantive changes 
were made to the WB-APP. The Commission estimates that it takes a 
whistleblower, on average, two hours to complete Form WB-APP. The 
completion time depends largely on the complexity of the alleged 
violation and the amount of information the whistleblower possesses in 
support of his or her application for an award. Based on the receipt of 
an average of approximately 215 \3\ annual Form WB-APP submissions for 
the past six fiscal years, the Commission estimates that the annual 
reporting burden of Form WB-APP is 430 hours.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ This figure does not include Form WB-APP submissions which 
were facially deficient, subsequently withdrawn, or submitted by 
individuals who have been barred by the Commission from 
participation in the whistleblower program.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Estimated annual reporting burden = 1,270 hours.

[[Page 11568]]

    The public may view background documentation for this information 
collection at the following website: www.reginfo.gov. Find this 
particular information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day 
Review--Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function. 
Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information 
collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice 
to (i) www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain and (ii) David Bottom, 
Director/Chief Information Officer, Securities and Exchange Commission, 
c/o Cynthia Roscoe, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549, or by 
sending an email to: [email protected].

    Dated: February 22, 2021.
J. Matthew DeLesDernier,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2021-03883 Filed 2-24-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
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