Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Upon written request, copies available from: Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of Filings and Information Services, Washington, DC 20549.

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

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 collections of information summarized below. The Commission plans to submit a request for approval of the previously approved collection of information discussed below.

Regulation Analyst Certification (Regulation AC)

Regulation Analyst Certification requires that any research report disseminated by broker, dealer, or person associated with a broker or dealer include certifications by the research analyst that the views expressed in the research report accurately reflect the analyst's personal views, and whether the analyst received compensation in connection with his or her specific recommendations or views. A research analyst would also be required to provide certifications and disclosures in connection with public appearances. Although research analysts are often viewed by investors as experts and as important sources of information about the securities and companies they cover, many factors can create pressure on their independence and objectivity. By requiring these certifications and disclosures, Regulation AC should promote the integrity of research reports and investor confidence in the recommendations contained in those reports. Commission estimates that Regulation AC would result in a total annual time burden of approximately 11,296 hours (10,950 hours to comply with research report requirements + 346 hours to comply with public appearance requirements).

The collections of information under Regulation AC are necessary for covered persons to obtain certain benefits or to comply with certain requirements. The collections of information are necessary to provide investors with information with which to determine the value of the research available to them. The Commission may review this information during periodic examinations or with respect to investigations. Covered persons must also promptly provide copies of statements that the analyst is unable to provide the certifications in connection with public appearances to its examining authority, designated pursuant to Section 17(d) of the Exchange Act and Rule 17d-2 thereunder. Further, broker-dealers must keep and maintain these records pursuant to Rule 17a-4(b)(4).

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the agency displays a valid OMB control number.

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 will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information 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.

Please direct your written comments to R. Corey Booth, Director/Chief Information Officer, Office of Information Technology, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549.