2018-23211. Proposed Collection; 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 17Ad-11, SEC File No. 270-261, OMB Control No. 3235-0274

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (“PRA”) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) is soliciting comments on the existing collection of information provided for in Rule 17Ad-11 (17 CFR 240.17Ad-11), under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.). The Commission plans to submit this existing collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) for extension and approval.

Rule 17Ad-11 requires every registered recordkeeping transfer agent to report to issuers and its appropriate regulatory agency in the event that the aggregate market value of an aged record difference exceeds certain thresholds. A record difference occurs when an issuer's records do not agree with those of securityholders as indicated, for instance, on certificates presented to the transfer agent for purchase, redemption or transfer. An aged record difference is a record difference that has existed for more than 30 calendar days. In addition, the rule requires every recordkeeping transfer agent to report to its appropriate regulatory agency in the event of a failure to post certificate detail to the master securityholder file within five business days of the time required by Rule 17Ad-10 (17 CFR 240.17Ad-10). Also, a transfer agent must maintain a copy of any report required under Rule 17Ad-11 for a period of not less than three years following the date of the report, the first year in an easily accessible place.

Because the information required by Rule 17Ad-11 is already available to transfer agents, any collection burden for small transfer agents is minimal. Based on a review of the number of Rule 17Ad-11 reports the Commission, the Comptroller of the Currency, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation received since 2012, the Commission staff estimates that 8 respondents will file a total of approximately 10 reports annually. The Commission staff estimates that, on average, each report can be completed in 30 minutes. Therefore, the total annual hourly burden to the entire transfer agent industry is approximately five hours (30 minutes × 10 reports). Assuming an average hourly rate of $25 for a transfer agent staff employee, the average total internal cost of the report is $12.50. The total annual internal cost of compliance for the approximate 8 respondents is approximately $125.00 (10 reports × $12.50).

The retention period for the recordkeeping requirement under Rule 17Ad-11 is three years following the date of a report prepared pursuant to the rule. The recordkeeping requirement under Rule 17Ad-11 is mandatory to assist the Commission and other regulatory agencies with monitoring transfer agents and ensuring compliance with the rule. This rule does not involve the collection of confidential information.

Written comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Commission's estimates of the burden of the proposed 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.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information under the PRA unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Please direct your written comments to: Charles Riddle, Acting Director/Chief Information Officer, Securities and Exchange Commission, c/o Candace Kenner, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549, or send an email to: [e-mail].

Dated: October 19, 2018.

Eduardo A. Aleman,

Assistant Secretary.