2021-27499. 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

Extensions:

Electronic Data Collection System, Form TCR

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 an extension for these two current collections of information to the Office of Management and Budget for approval, and to consolidate both collections of information within OMB Control No. 3235-0672.

The Commission invites comment on updates to its Electronic Data Collection System database (the Database), which will support information provided by members of the public who would like to file an online tip, complaint or referral (TCR) to the Commission. The Database will be a web based e-filed dynamic report based on technology that pre-populates and establishes a series of questions based on the data that the individual enters. The individual will then complete specific information on the subject(s) and nature of the suspicious activity, using the data elements appropriate to the type of complaint or subject. The information collection is voluntary. The public interface to the Database will be available using the agency's website, www.sec.gov. The Commission estimates that it takes a complainant, on average, 30 minutes to submit a TCR through the Database. Based on the receipt of an average of approximately 28,000 annual TCRs for the past three fiscal years, the Commission estimates that the annual reporting burden is 14,000 hours.

The Commission further invites comment on updates to Form TCR, which is a hard copy form adopted by the Commission in 2011.^[1] Form TCR may be submitted by whistleblowers who wish to provide information to the Commission and its staff regarding potential violations of the federal securities laws. 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.

Written comments are invited on: (a) Whether this 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 imposed by 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 David Bottom, Director/Chief Information Officer, Securities and Exchange Commission, c/o John R. Pezzullo, 100 F St. NE, Washington DC 20549; or send an email to: [e-mail].

Dated: December 15, 2021.

J. Matthew DeLesDernier,

Assistant Secretary.

Footnotes

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).