[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 250 (Thursday, December 29, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Page 82005]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-33513]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


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:
    Regulation AC; OMB Control No. 3235-0575; SEC File No. 270-517.

    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: 
Regulation Analyst Certification (AC) (17 CFR 242.500-505), under the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.). The Commission 
plans to submit this existing collection of information to the Office 
of Management and Budget (``OMB'') for extension and approval.
    Regulation AC requires that research reports published, circulated, 
or provided by a broker or dealer or covered person contain a statement 
attesting that the views expressed in each research report accurately 
reflect the analyst's personal views and whether or not the research 
analyst received or will receive any compensation in connection with 
the views or recommendations expressed in the research report. 
Regulation AC also requires broker-dealers to, on a quarterly basis, 
make, keep, and maintain records of research analyst statements 
regarding whether the views expressed in public appearances accurately 
reflected the analyst's personal views, and whether any part of the 
analyst's compensation is related to the specific recommendations or 
views expressed in the public appearance. Regulation AC also requires 
that research prepared by foreign persons be presented to U.S. persons 
pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 15a-6 and that broker-dealers 
notify associated persons if they would be covered by the regulation. 
Regulation AC excludes the news media from its coverage.
    The Commission estimates that Regulation AC imposes an aggregate 
annual time burden of approximately 26,230 hours on 5,186 respondents, 
or approximately 5 hours per respondent. The Commission estimates that 
the total annual internal cost of the 26,230 hours is approximately 
$10,615,404.00, or approximately $2,047.00 per respondent, annually.
    Written comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed 
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of 
the functions of the Commission, including whether the information 
shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Commission'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 OMB 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 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: [email protected].

    Dated: December 23, 2011.
Kevin M. O'Neill,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2011-33513 Filed 12-28-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P