03-1712. Self-Regulatory Organizations; National Securities Clearing Corporation; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Making a Technical Correction to NSCC's Rules

January 15, 2003.

Pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”),^[1] notice is hereby given that on December 11, 2002, the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) the proposed rule change as described in items I, II, and III below, which items have been prepared primarily by NSCC. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.

I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change

The proposed rule change makes a technical correction to NSCC's rules.

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

In its filing with the Commission, NSCC 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. NSCC has prepared summaries, set forth in sections (A), (B), and (C) below, of the most significant aspects of such statements.^[2]

(A) Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

The purpose of the proposed rule change is to make a technical correction to SR-NSCC-2002-06, which the Commission approved on November 25, 2002.^[3]

On July 25, 2002, NSCC filed and on August 19, 2002, amended, SR-NSCC-2002-06. This filing clarified NSCC's rules and procedures with regard to the imposition of fines on participants and more specifically identified the actions or inactions of participants that would result in fines being imposed upon them.

Among other things, SR-NSCC-2002-06 modified NSCC rule 48, “Disciplinary Proceedings,” sections 1 and 2 by inserting the term “Settling Bank Only Member” at the beginning of each of those sections but did not repeat the term throughout the sections as it should have. In addition, in modifying rule 48 to include the term “Settling Bank Only Member,” rule 45, “Notices,” section 6 should have been similarly changed. This filing appropriately modifies rules 48 and 45.

As a technical change to NSCC's rules, the proposed rule change is concerned solely with the administration of NSCC; NSCC therefore believes that it is consistent with the provisions of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.

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

NSCC does not believe that the proposed rule change will impact or impose a burden on competition.

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

No written comments relating to the proposed rule change have been solicited or received. NSCC will notify the Commission of any written comments received by NSCC.

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

The foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to section 19(b)(3)(A)(i) of the Act ^[4] and rule 19b-4(f)(1) ^[5] thereunder because it constitutes a stated policy, practice, or interpretation with respect to the meaning, enforcement, or administration of an existing rule. At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission may summarily abrogate such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.

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. Persons making written submissions should file six copies thereof with the Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW., Washington, DC 20549-0609. Comments may also be submitted electronically at the following e-mail address: [e-mail]. All comment letters should refer to File No. SR-NSCC-2002-14. This file number should be included on the subject line if e-mail is used. To help us process and review comments more efficiently, comments should be sent in hardcopy or by e-mail but not by both methods. 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, 450 Fifth Street, NW., Washington, DC 20549. Copies of such filing will also be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the NSCC. All submissions should refer to the File No. SR-NSCC-2002-14 and should be submitted by February 18, 2003.

For the Commission by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority.^[6]

Margaret H. McFarland,

Deputy Secretary.

Footnotes

1.  15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).

2.  The Commission has modified parts of these statements.

3.  Securities Exchange Act Release No. 46903 (November 25, 2002), 67 FR 72012.

4.  15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(i).

5.  17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(1).

6.  17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).