02-12767. 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 15c2-5, SEC File No. 270-195, OMB Control No. 3235-0198

Rule 15Ba2-5, SEC File No. 270-91, OMB Control No. 3235-0088

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 USC 3501 et seq.) the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) is soliciting comments on the collections of information summarized below. The Commission plans to submit these existing collections of information to the Office of Management and Budget for extension and approval.

Rule 15c2-5 (17 CFR 240.15c2-5) prohibits a broker-dealer from arranging or extending a loan to customers, not subject to Regulation T (12 CFR 220), in connection with the offer or sale of securities unless, before entering the transaction, the broker-dealer: (1) Delivers to the customer a written statement containing specific information concerning the terms, obligations, risks and charges of the loan; (2) obtains from the customer sufficient financial information to determine that the entire transaction is suitable for the customer; and (3) retains on file and makes available to the customer a written statement setting forth the broker-dealer's basis for determining that the transaction was suitable. The collection of information required by the rule is necessary to execute the Commission's mandate under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) to prevent fraudulent, manipulative, and deceptive acts and practices by broker-dealers.

There are approximately 50 respondents that require an aggregate total of 600 hours to comply with the rule. Each of these approximately 50 registered broker-dealers makes an estimated 6 annual responses, for an aggregate total of 300 responses per year. Each response takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Thus, the total compliance burden per year is 600 burden hours. The approximate cost per hour is $ 24.00 (based on an annual salary of $ 32,050 for clerical labor plus an additional 35% to account for overhead costs, totaling $43,268), resulting in a total compliance cost of $14,400 (600 hours @ $24.00 per hour).

On July 7, 1975, effective July 16, 1975 (see 41 FR 28948, July 14, 1975), the Commission adopted Rule 15Ba2-5 (17 CFR 240.15Ba2-5) under the Exchange Act to permit a duly-appointed fiduciary to assume immediate responsibility for the operation of a municipal securities dealer's business. Without the rule, the fiduciary would not be able to assume operation until it registered as a municipal securities dealer. Under the rule, the registration of a municipal securities dealer is deemed to be the registration of any executor, administrator, guardian, conservator, assignee for the benefit of creditors, receiver, trustee in insolvency or bankruptcy, or other fiduciary, appointed or qualified by order, judgment, or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction to continue the business of such municipal securities dealer, provided that such fiduciary files with the Commission, within 30 days after entering upon the performance of his duties, a statement setting forth as to such fiduciary substantially the same information required by Form MSD or Form BD. The statement is necessary to ensure that the Commission and the public have adequate information about the fiduciary.

There is approximately 1 respondent per year that requires an aggregate total of 4 hours to comply with this rule. This respondent makes an estimated 1 annual response. Each response takes approximately 4 hours to complete. Thus, the total compliance burden per year is 4 burden hours. The approximate cost per hour is $20, resulting in a total cost of compliance for the respondent of approximately $80 (i.e., 4 hours x $20).

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 will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of 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 Michael E. Bartell, Associate Executive Director, Office of Information Technology, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 5th Street, NW Washington, DC 20549.

Dated: May 15, 2002.

Margaret H. McFarland,

Deputy Secretary.