2012-23601. Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Upon Written Request, Copies Available From: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of Investor Education and Advocacy, Washington, DC 20549-0213

Extension:

Rule 17Ad-17, OMB Control No. 3235-0469, SEC File No. 270-412.

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 17Ad-17 (17 CFR 240.17Ad-17) requires approximately 477 registered transfer agents to conduct searches using third party database vendors to attempt to locate lost security holders under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq). These recordkeeping requirements assist the Commission and other regulatory agencies with monitoring transfer agents and ensuring compliance with the rule. We estimate that the average number of hours necessary for each transfer agent to comply with Rule 17Ad-17 is five hours annually. The total burden is approximately 2,385 hours annually for all transfer agents. The cost of compliance for each individual transfer agent depends on the number of lost accounts for which it is responsible. Based on information received from transfer agents, we estimate that the annual cost industry-wide is $238,500.

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.

The Commission may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.

Please direct your written comments to: Thomas Bayer, Director/Chief Information Officer, Securities and Exchange Commission, c/o Remi Pavlik-Simon, 6432 General Green Way, Alexandria, Virginia 22312 or send an email to: [e-mail].

Dated: September 20, 2012.

Kevin M. O'Neill,

Deputy Secretary.