2012-21257. 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 17f-1(c) and Form X-17F-1A; OMB Control No. 3235-0037; SEC File No. 270-29.

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 existing collection of information provided for in the following rule, Rule 17f-1(c) and Form X-17F-1A (17 CFR 249.100) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.) (“Exchange Act”). The Commission plans to submit this existing collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) for extension and approval.

Rule 17f-1(c) (17 CFR 240.17f-1(c)) requires approximately 26,000 entities in the securities industry to report lost, stolen, missing, or counterfeit securities to a central database. Form X-17F-1A (17 CFR 249.100) facilitates the accurate reporting and precise and immediate data entry into the central database. Reporting to the central database fulfills a statutory requirement that reporting institutions report and inquire about missing, lost, counterfeit, or stolen securities. Reporting to the central database also allows reporting institutions to gain access to the database that stores information for the Lost and Stolen Securities Program.

We estimate that 26,000 reporting institutions will report that securities are either missing, lost, counterfeit, or stolen annually and that each reporting institution will submit this report 50 times each year. The staff estimates that the average amount of time necessary to comply with Rule 17f-1(c) and Form X-17F-1A is five minutes. The total burden is 108,333 hours annually for respondents (26,000 times 50 times 5 divided by 60).

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 estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information on respondents; 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: August 23, 2012.

Kevin M. O'Neill,

Deputy Secretary.