04-6707. Self-Regulatory Organizations; The Depository Trust Company; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Relating to the Termination of the Global Corporate Action Hub as a DTC Service

March 18, 2004.

Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”),^[1] notice is hereby given that on March 15, 2004, The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III below, which items have been prepared primarily by DTC. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested parties.

I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change

The proposed rule change would allow DTC to terminate the Global Corporate Action Hub (“GCAH”) as a DTC service.

II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

In its filing with the Commission, DTC included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. DTC has prepared summaries, set forth in sections (A), (B), and (C) below, of the most significant aspects of these statements.^[2]

(A) Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

On April 18, 2002, the Commission issued an order approving DTC's implementation of GCAH.^[3] Since that time, however, DTC has not offered the service and has determined not to offer the service in the future. The purpose of the proposed rule change is to terminate GCAH as a DTC service offering. For purposes of efficiency and enhanced customer service, Global Asset Solutions LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation which offers services similar in nature to GCAH, will be offering the service under the name “Global Corporate Action Messaging Service.”

The proposed rule change is consistent with the requirements of Section 17A(b)(3)(F) of the Act ^[4] and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to DTC because it will allow for more efficient allocation of DTC's resources. The proposed rule change will be implemented consistently with the safeguarding of securities and funds in DTC's custody or control or for which it is responsible since DTC has never offered GCAH.

(B) Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition

DTC perceives no adverse impact on competition by reason of the proposed rule change.

(C) Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants or Others

Written comments from DTC participants or others have not been solicited or received on the proposed rule change.

III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action

The foregoing rule change will take effect upon filing pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act ^[5] and Rule 19b-4(f)(4)^[6] thereunder because the proposed rule effects a change in an existing service of DTC that (i) does not adversely affect the safeguarding of securities or funds in the custody or control of DTC or for which it is responsible and (ii) does not significantly affect the respective rights or obligations of DTC or persons using GCAH because DTC has never offered GCAH. At any time within sixty days of the filing of such rule change, the Commission may summarily abrogate such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.

IV. Solicitation of Comments

Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Persons making written submissions should file six copies thereof with the Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW., Washington, DC 20549-0609. Comments may also be submitted electronically at the following e-mail address: [e-mail]. All comment letters should refer to File No. SR-DTC-2004-02. This file number should be included on the subject line if e-mail is used. To help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, comments should be sent in either hardcopy or by e-mail but not by both methods. Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for inspection and copying in the Commission's Public Reference Section, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. Copies of such filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of DTC. Copies of the proposed rule change and all subsequent amendments are also available at www.dtc.org. All submissions should refer to File No. SR-DTC-2004-02 and should be submitted by April 15, 2004.

For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority.^[7]

Jill M. Peterson,

Assistant Secretary.

Footnotes

1.  15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).

2.  The Commission has modified the text of the summaries prepared by DTC.

3.  Securities Exchange Act Release No. 45780 (April 18, 2002), 67 FR 20562 (April 25, 2002) [File No. SR-DTC-2001-04] (order approving DTC's implementation of GCAH).

4.  15 U.S.C. 78q-1(b)(3)(F).

5.  15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).

6.  17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(4).

7.  17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).