E8-21636. Agency Information Collection Activities: Announcement of Board Approval Under Delegated Authority and Submission to OMB

SUMMARY:

Background

Notice is hereby given of the final approval of proposed information collections by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board) under OMB delegated authority, as per 5 CFR 1320.16 (OMB Regulations on Controlling Paperwork Burdens on the Public). Board-approved collections of information are incorporated into the official OMB inventory of currently approved collections of information. Copies of the Paperwork Reduction Act Submission, supporting statements and approved collection of information instrument(s) are placed into OMB's public docket files. The Federal Reserve may not conduct or sponsor, and the respondent is not required to respond to, an information collection that has been extended, revised, or implemented on or after October 1, 1995, unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Federal Reserve Board Clearance Officer—Michelle Shore—Division of Research and Statistics, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Washington, DC 20551 (202-452-3829).

OMB Desk Officer—Kimberly P. Nelson—Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, New Executive Office Building, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503.

Final approval under OMB delegated authority of the extension for three years, with revision, of the following reports:

1. Report title: International Applications and Prior Notifications Under Subpart B of Regulation K.

Agency form number: FR K-2.

OMB control number: 7100-0284.

Frequency: On occasion.

Reporters: Foreign banks.

Annual reporting hours: 630 hours.

Estimated average hours per response: 35 hours.

Number of respondents: 18.

General description of report: This information collection is mandatory (12 U.S.C. 3105, 3107, and 3108). The applying or notifying organization has the opportunity to request confidentiality for information that it believes will qualify for a Freedom of Information Act exemption.

Abstract: Foreign banks are required to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve to establish a branch, agency, or representative office; to acquire ownership or control of a commercial lending company in the United States; or to change the status of any existing office in the United States. The Federal Reserve uses the information, in part, to fulfill its statutory obligation to supervise foreign banking organizations with offices in the United States.

Current actions: On July 1, 2008, the Federal Reserve published a notice in the Federal Register (73 FR 37455) requesting public comment for 60 days on the extension, with revision, of the applications and notifications. The comment period for this notice expired on September 2, 2008. The Federal Reserve did not receive any comments. The revisions will be implemented as proposed.

2. Report title: Application for a Foreign Organization to Acquire a Bank Holding Company.

Agency form number: FR Y-3F.

OMB control number: 7100-0119.

Frequency: On occasion

Reporters: Any company organized under the laws of a foreign country seeking to acquire a U.S. subsidiary bank or bank holding company

Annual reporting hours: 580 hours

Estimated average hours per response: Initial application, 90 hours; subsequent application, 70 hours.

Number of respondents: Initial application, 1; subsequent application, 7.

General description of report: This information collection is required to obtain or retain a benefit under sections 3(a), 3(c), and 5(a) through 5(c) of the Bank Holding Company Act (12 U.S.C. 1842(a) and (c) and 1844(a) through (c)). The information provided in the application is not confidential unless the applicant specifically requests confidentiality and the Federal Reserve approves the request.

Abstract: Under the Bank Holding Company Act submission of this application is required for any company organized under the laws of a foreign country seeking to acquire a U.S. subsidiary bank or bank holding company. Applicants must provide financial and managerial information, discuss the competitive effects of the proposed transaction, and discuss how the proposed transaction would enhance the convenience and needs of the community to be served. The Federal Reserve uses the information, in part, to fulfill its supervisory responsibilities with respect to foreign banking organizations in the United States.

Current actions: On July 1, 2008, the Federal Reserve published a notice in the Federal Register (73 FR 37455) requesting public comment for 60 days on the extension, with revision, of the application. The comment period for this notice expired on September 2, 2008. The Federal Reserve did not receive any comments. The revisions will be implemented as proposed.

3. Report title: Domestic Finance Company Report of Consolidated Assets and Liabilities.

Agency form number: FR 2248.

OMB control number: 7100-0005.

Frequency: Monthly, quarterly, and semi-annually.

Reporters: Domestic finance companies and mortgage companies.

Annual reporting hours: 317 hours.

Estimated average hours per response: Monthly, 18 minutes; quarterly, 27 minutes; semi-annually, 10 minutes.

Number of respondents: 70.

General description of report: This information collection is voluntary (12 U.S.C. 225(a)). Individual respondent data are confidential under section (b)(4) of the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552).

Abstract: The monthly FR 2248 collects balance sheet data on major categories of consumer and business credit receivables, major short-term liabilities, and securitized assets. For quarter-end months (March, June, September, and December), additional asset and liability items are collected to provide a full balance sheet. If the need arises, a special addendum may be used, no more than semi-annually, for timely information on questions of immediate concern to the Federal Reserve.

Current actions: On July 1, 2008, the Federal Reserve published a notice in the Federal Register (73 FR 37455) requesting public comment for 60 days on the extension, with revision, of this information collection. The comment period for this notice expired on September 2, 2008. The Federal Reserve did not receive any comments. The revisions will be implemented as proposed.

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, September 11, 2008.

Robert deV. Frierson,

Deputy Secretary of the Board.