03-25972. Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Upon Written Request, Copies Available From: Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of Filings and Information Services, Washington, DC 20549.

Extension:

Rule 17f-2(a) SEC File No. 270-34 OMB Control No. 3235-0034.

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”) is soliciting comments on the collection of information summarized below. The Commission plans to submit this existing collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget for extension and approval.

Rule 17f-2(a) Fingerprinting Requirements for Securities Professionals. Rule 17f-2(a) requires that securities professionals be fingerprinted. This requirement serves to identify security risk personnel, to allow an employer to make fully informed employment decisions, and to deter possible wrongdoers from seeking employment in the securities industry. Partners, directors, officers, and employees of exchanges, brokers, dealers, transfer agents, and clearing agencies are included.

It is estimated that approximately 10,000 respondents will submit fingerprint cards. It is also estimated that each respondent will submit 55 fingerprint cards. The staff estimates that the average number of hours necessary to comply with the Rule 17f-2(a) is one-half hour. The total burden is 275,000 hours for respondents, based upon past submissions. The average cost per hour is approximately $50. Therefore, the total cost of compliance for respondents is $13,750,000.

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 shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimates of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be 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 Kenneth A. Fogash, Acting Associate Executive Director, Office of Information Technology, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 5th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20549.

Dated: October 6, 2003.

Margaret H. McFarland,

Deputy Secretary.