[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 136 (Thursday, July 16, 1998)] [Notices] [Page 38436] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-18904] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Proposed Collection; Comment Request Existing collection in use without an OMB Number: Rule 8c-1; SEC File No. 270-455; OMB Control No. 3235--new Upon Written Request, Copies Available From: Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of Filings and Information Services, Washington, DC 20549. 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 Approval. Rule 8c-1 generally prohibits a broker-dealer from using its customers' securities as collateral to finance its own trading, speculating, or underwriting transactions. More specifically, the rule states three main principles: first, that a broker-dealer is prohibited from commingling the securities of different customers as collateral for a loan without the consent of each customer; second, that a broker- dealer cannot commingle customers' securities with its own securities under the same pledge; and third, that a broker-dealer can only pledge its customers' securities to the extent that customers are in debt to the broker-dealer. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 2690 (November 15, 1940); Securities Exchange Act Release No. 9428 (December 29, 1971). Pursuant to Rule 8c-1, respondents must collect information necessary to prevent the rehypothecation of customer accounts in contravention of the rule, issue and retain copies of notices to the pledgee of hypothecation of customer accounts in accordance with the rule, and collect written consents from customers in accordance with the rule. The information is necessary to ensure compliance with the rule, and to advise customers of the rule's protections. There are approximately 258 respondents per year (i.e., broker- dealers that carry or clear customer accounts that also have bank loans) that require an aggregate total of 5,805 hours to comply with the rule. Each of these approximately 258 registered broker-dealers makes an estimated 45 annual responses, for an aggregate total of 11,610 responses per year. Each response takes approximately 0.5 hours to complete. Thus, the total compliance burden per year is 5,805 burden hours. The approximate cost per hour is $20, resulting in a total cost of compliance for the respondents of $116,100 (5,805 hours @ $20 per hour). Written comments are invited on: (a) Whether the 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 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. Direct your written comments to Michael E. Bartell, Associate Executive Director, Office of Information Technology, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 5th Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20549. Dated: July 9, 1998. Margaret H. McFarland, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 98-18904 Filed 7-15-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8010-01-M