

[Federal Register: November 9, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 217)]
[Proposed Rules]               
[Page 63513-63523]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09no07-23]                         

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

17 CFR Parts 232 and 270

[Release Nos. 33-8859; 34-56732; IC-28042 File No. S7-25-07]
RIN 3235-AJ81

 
Rulemaking for EDGAR System; Mandatory Electronic Submission of 
Applications for Orders Under the Investment Company Act and Filings 
Made Pursuant to Regulation E

AGENCY: Securities and Exchange Commission.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: We propose several amendments to rules regarding our 
Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) system. 
Specifically, we propose to amend our rules to make mandatory the 
electronic submission on EDGAR of applications for orders under any 
section of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (``Investment Company

[[Page 63514]]

Act'') and Regulation E filings of small business investment companies 
and business development companies. We also propose to amend the 
electronic filing rules to make the temporary hardship exemption 
unavailable for submission of applications under the Investment Company 
Act. Finally, we propose amendments to Rule 0-2 under the Investment 
Company Act that would eliminate the requirement that certain documents 
accompanying an application be notarized and the requirement that 
applicants submit a draft notice as an exhibit to an application.

DATES: Comments should be submitted on or before December 14, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods:

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's Internet comment form (http://www.sec.gov/rules/proposed.
); or     Send an e-mail to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include 

File Number S7-25-07 on the subject line; or
     Use the Federal eRulemaking Portal (http://www.regulations.gov
). Follow the instructions for submitting comments.


Paper Comments

     Send paper comments in triplicate to Nancy M. Morris, 
Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE., 
Washington, DC 20549-1090.

All submissions should refer to File Number S7-25-07. This file number 
should be included on the subject line if e-mail is used. To help us 
process and review your comments more efficiently, please use only one 
method. The Commission will post all comments on the Commission's 
Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/rules/proposed.shtml). Comments 

are also available for public inspection and copying in the 
Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 
20549, on official business days between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 
p.m. All comments received will be posted without change; we do not 
edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should 
submit only information that you wish to make available publicly.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about the 
proposed rules, please contact one of the following members of our 
staff in the Division of Investment Management, at the Securities and 
Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549-0506: In 
the Office of Legal and Disclosure, Ruth Armfield Sanders, Senior 
Special Counsel (EDGAR), at (202) 551-6989; in the Office of Investment 
Company Regulation, Nadya Roytblat, Assistant Director, at (202) 551-
6821; or, in the Office of Insurance Products, Keith Carpenter, Senior 
Special Counsel, at (202) 551-6766; for technical questions relating to 
the EDGAR system, in the Office of Information Technology, Richard D. 
Heroux, EDGAR Program Manager, at (202) 551-8168.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Securities and Exchange Commission 
(``Commission'') is proposing for comment amendments to Rules 101 and 
201 of Regulation S-T \1\ relating to electronic filing on the EDGAR 
system and to Rule 0-2 under the Investment Company Act.\2\
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    \1\ 17 CFR 232.101 and 232.201.
    \2\ 17 CFR 270.0-2.
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I. Background

    Recently, we initiated a series of amendments to keep EDGAR current 
technologically and to make it more useful to the investing public and 
Commission staff. In April 2000, we adopted rule and form amendments in 
connection with the modernization of EDGAR.\3\ In the modernization 
proposing release, we noted that, as the use of electronic databases 
grows, it becomes increasingly important for members of the public to 
have electronic access to our filings. We also stated that we were 
contemplating future rulemaking to bring more of our filings into the 
EDGAR system on a mandatory basis. In May 2002, we adopted rules 
requiring foreign private issuers and foreign governments to file most 
of their documents electronically.\4\ In May 2003, we adopted rules 
requiring electronic filing of beneficial ownership reports filed by 
officers, directors and principal security holders under Section 16(a) 
\5\ of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (``Exchange Act'').\6\ In 
July 2005, we adopted rules requiring certain open-end management 
investment companies and insurance company separate accounts to 
identify in their EDGAR submissions information relating to their 
series and classes (or contracts, in the case of separate accounts) and 
mandating that fidelity bonds filed under Section 17(g) \7\ and sales 
literature filed with us under Section 24(b) \8\ be made by electronic 
submission on the EDGAR system.\9\ In December 2006, we adopted 
amendments to the rules and forms under Section 7A of the Exchange Act 
requiring that the forms filed with respect to transfer agent 
registration, annual reporting, and withdrawal from registration be 
filed with the Commission electronically on EDGAR.\10\
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    \3\ See Rulemaking for EDGAR System, Release No. 33-7855 (Apr. 
27, 2000) [65 FR 24788] (the modernization adopting release). See 
also Release No. 33-7803 (Mar. 3, 2000) [65 FR 11507] (the 
modernization proposing release).
    \4\ See Mandated EDGAR Filing for Foreign Issuers, Release No. 
33-8099 (May 14, 2002) [67 FR 36678].
    \5\ 15 U.S.C. 78p(a).
    \6\ See Mandated EDGAR Filing and Web Site Posting for Forms 3, 
4 and 5, Release No. 33-8230 (May 7, 2003) [68 FR 25788] (the EDGAR 
Section 16 release).
    \7\ 15 U.S.C. 80a-17(g).
    \8\ 15 U.S.C. 80a-24(b).
    \9\ See Rulemaking for EDGAR System, Release No. 33-8590 (July 
18, 2005) [70 FR 43558 (July 27, 2005)].
    \10\ See Electronic Filing of Transfer Agent Forms, Release No. 
34-54864 (Dec. 4, 2006) [71 FR 74698 (Dec. 12, 2006)].
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    Today, we propose to require that applicants submit electronically 
on the EDGAR system their applications for orders under any section of 
the Investment Company Act (``applications''). We make this proposal to 
facilitate the efficient submission of applications by applicants, to 
enable the public to access them more quickly and search them more 
easily, and to improve the Commission's ability to track and process 
such applications. We also propose to make revisions to Rule 0-2 and 
related amendments to Regulation S-T, our electronic filing rules. In 
addition, we are proposing to add Regulation E filings to the list of 
those that must be filed electronically through EDGAR.

II. Proposed Mandatory Electronic Submission of Investment Company 
Applications

    The rules under Regulation S-T currently provide that submissions 
for exemptive relief under any section of the Investment Company Act 
shall not be made in electronic format.\11\ The only applications under 
the Investment Company Act that are currently mandatory EDGAR 
submissions are applications for deregistration filed by investment 
companies.\12\ Applicants for orders under the Investment Company Act 
can include registered investment companies, affiliated persons of 
registered investment companies, and issuers seeking to avoid 
investment

[[Page 63515]]

company status, among other entities.\13\ These applications are 
submitted in paper and currently are available only from the 
Commission's public reference room or electronically from private 
services. Private services usually charge fees for electronic copies of 
applications; also, there is a delay of about thirty days between the 
submission of applications to the Commission and their electronic 
availability from the private sources.
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    \11\ Current Rule 101(a)(1)(iv) and (c)(11) of Regulation S-T 
[17 CFR 232.101(a)(1)(iv) and (c)(11)].
    \12\ These include applications and amendments submitted on Form 
N-8F [17 CFR 274.218] (EDGAR submission types N-8F and N-8F/A) and 
those submitted pursuant to Investment Company Act Rule 0-2 [17 CFR 
270.0-2] (EDGAR submission types 40-8F-2 and 40-8F-2/A). See Release 
No. IC-23786 (Apr. 15, 1999) [76 19469 (Apr. 21, 1999)].
    \13\ There are several sections of the Investment Company Act 
pursuant to which entities may make applications for relief. For 
example, Section 6(c) [15 U.S.C. 80a-6(c)] provides the Commission 
with authority to exempt persons, securities or transactions from 
any provision of the Investment Company Act, or the regulations 
thereunder, if and to the extent that such exemption is in the 
public interest and consistent with the protection of investors and 
the purposes fairly intended by the policy and provisions of the 
Investment Company Act.
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    We propose to amend certain provisions of Regulation S-T and 
Investment Company Act Rule 0-2 \14\ to require electronic filing on 
EDGAR for the submission of applications pursuant to Rule 0-2 under the 
Investment Company Act. We propose to amend Rule 101(a)(1)(iv) of 
Regulation S-T to include within its mandatory electronic provisions 
any application for an order under any section of the Investment 
Company Act.\15\
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    \14\ Rule 0-2 is the Investment Company Act rule under which 
applications are submitted.
    \15\ See proposed amendment to Rule 101(a)(1)(iv) under 
Regulation S-T. Paragraph (11) of Rule 101(c) currently provides 
that filings under Section 6(c) of the Investment Company Act, i.e., 
applications for orders, be submitted in paper format only. We also 
propose to remove and reserve this paragraph.
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    Regulation S-T requires the electronic filing of any amendments and 
related correspondence and supplemental information pertaining to a 
document that is the subject of mandated EDGAR submission.\16\ These 
requirements would also apply to persons who submit applications.\17\
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    \16\ Regulation S-T Rule 101(a)(1) [17 CFR 232.101(a)(1)].
    \17\ See proposed amendments to paragraphs (a)(2) and (3) of 
Rule 101 of Regulation S-T. Related correspondence and supplemental 
information are not automatically disseminated publicly through the 
EDGAR system but are immediately available to the Commission staff.
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    We make this proposal, in light of the primary goals of the EDGAR 
system, to facilitate the rapid dissemination of financial and business 
information in connection with filings, including filings by investment 
companies. Requiring these applications to be submitted electronically 
would benefit members of the investing public and the financial 
community by making information contained in these filings readily 
available to them and more easily searchable.\18\ In this age of 
information, we believe that filings and applications made with the 
Commission are more valuable to investors if they are available in 
electronic form and that adding applications to the EDGAR database 
would provide a more complete picture for the investing public. We 
believe that the proposals would benefit the public by making the EDGAR 
page of our Web site a more comprehensive resource for most information 
on file with us related to the operation of investment companies.
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    \18\ From time to time, an applicant may wish to submit an 
application for exemption under both the Investment Company Act and 
under the Investment Advisers Act [15 U.S.C. 80b-1 et seq.]. We are 
not proposing to require that Investment Advisers Act submissions be 
made on EDGAR. Under our proposal, any document that is intended as 
an application for an order under both the Investment Company Act 
and the Investment Advisers Act would need to be submitted 
separately under each Act.
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    As with other entities that make submissions on EDGAR, applicants 
would be subject to the provisions of Regulation S-T \19\ and the EDGAR 
Filer Manual. Regulation S-T includes detailed rules concerning 
mandatory and permissive electronic EDGAR submissions; it also makes 
clear that requests for confidential treatment must be made in paper 
format.\20\ The regulation also covers such matters as providing for 
the override of formatting requirements applicable to paper 
submissions.\21\ The EDGAR Filer Manual contains detailed technical 
specifications concerning EDGAR submissions. The Manual also provides 
technical guidance concerning how to commence submissions on EDGAR by 
submitting Form ID to obtain a CIK \22\ and confidential access codes 
and how to maintain and update company data, e.g., how to change 
company names and contact information.\23\
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    \19\ For a comprehensive discussion of Regulation S-T and 
electronic filing, see ``Electronic Filing and the EDGAR System: A 
Regulatory Overview,'' available on the Commission's Web site.
    \20\ See Rule 101 of Regulation S-T [17 CFR 232.101].
    \21\ The paper formatting requirements continue to be applicable 
to paper submissions made pursuant to temporary and continuing 
hardship exemptions under Rules 201 and 202 of Regulation S-T [17 
CFR 232.201 and 202].
    \22\ A filer's CIK (or ``central index key'') is a ten-digit 
number uniquely identifying that filer.
    \23\ We remind filers that, in the case of name changes, the 
changes must be made via the EDGAR filing Web site in advance; the 
new name would be reflected in the next EDGAR submission. The name 
on past submissions would not change. The CIK and file number(s) of 
the company would provide a link to filings under the old name.
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    One technical specification that the EDGAR Filer Manual includes is 
the electronic ``submission type'' for each submission made on EDGAR. 
We expect that the EDGAR electronic submission types for applications 
would be designed to facilitate and expedite the review of these 
applications.
    Currently, the applications submitted in paper typically reference 
the provisions of the Investment Company Act and of the rules and 
regulations under which the application is made.\24\ Based on this 
information, our filer support staff assign a paper ``submission type'' 
for our internal recordkeeping of the paper application on the EDGAR 
system. We also disseminate this paper submission type, which indicates 
that the paper application has been filed with us. The current paper 
submission types for applications are the following: 40-APP, 40-6B, and 
40-6C. We usually record paper applications under submission types 40-
APP or 40-6C, except for those submitted by employees' securities 
companies, for which we use submission type 40-6B.
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    \24\ See paragraph (e) of Investment Company Act Rule 0-2 [17 
CFR 270.0-2].
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    Consistent with our proposal, we expect that the EDGAR Filer Manual 
and the EDGARLink software would provide for three EDGAR electronic 
submission types for applications: 40-APP, 40-OIP, and 40-6B. 
Submission type 40-APP would be used for submissions typically 
processed by the Division's Office of Investment Company Regulation; a 
new submission type 40-OIP would be used for submissions typically 
processed by the Division's Office of Insurance Products. We also would 
plan to use submission type 40-6B for employees' securities company 
applications (also processed by the Office of Investment Company 
Regulation), since we have historically kept records for these 
applicants separately. We would discontinue use of the paper submission 
type 40-6C; applications formerly recorded under this submission type 
would be submitted as either 40-APP or 40-OIP, as appropriate.
    We anticipate that the EDGAR Filer Manual would provide guidance 
for applicants in choosing the correct submission type. Most 
applications would be submitted under EDGAR submission type 40-APP, the 
submission type designated for the Office of Investment Company 
Regulation. But, the following categories of applications would be 
transmitted under EDGAR submission type 40-OIP, the submission type for 
the Office of Insurance Products:

    (1) Applications with regard to mixed and shared funding filed 
under Section 6(c) of the Investment Company Act, for exemptions 
from the provisions of Sections 9(a), 13(a),

[[Page 63516]]

15(a) and 15(b) of the Investment Company Act,\25\ and Rules 6e-
2(b)(15) and 6e-3(T)(b)(15); \26\
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    \25\ 15 U.S.C. 80a-9(a), 80a-13(a), 80a-15(a), 80a-15(b).
    \26\ 17 CFR 270.6e-2(b)(15), 270.6e-3(T)(b)(15).
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    (2) Applications relating to the recapture of bonus credits 
filed under Section 6(c) of the Investment Company Act for 
exemptions from the provisions of Sections 2(a)(32) and 27(i)(2)(A) 
of the Investment Company Act \27\ and Rule 22c-1 \28\;
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    \27\ 15 U.S.C. 80a-2(a)(32), 80a-27(i)(2)(A).
    \28\ 17 CFR 270.22c-1.
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    (3) Applications relating to the substitution of securities held 
by a variable insurance separate account filed under Section 26(c) 
of the Investment Company Act; \29\ and
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    \29\ 15 U.S.C. 80a-26(c).
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    (4) Applications for approval of the terms of an exchange offer 
involving variable insurance contracts filed under Section 11(a) of 
the Investment Company Act.\30\
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    \30\ 15 U.S.C. 80a-11(a).

    We believe that these three submission types would facilitate and 
expedite the review of submissions. Our internal system will be able to 
quickly route the application to the appropriate office. If applicants 
have any questions as to the appropriate EDGAR submission type, we 
would encourage them to verify in advance the correct submission type 
so that the application can be routed automatically to the appropriate 
Office. We would provide contact information in the EDGAR Filer Manual 
and on the Commission's Web site so that, in case of doubt, applicants 
may contact the staff.
    We request comment on whether these EDGAR submission types would be 
sufficient or whether other or additional submission types would be 
helpful to applicants or the public in connection with the submission 
of applications.
    For applications with multiple co-applicants, the applicants would 
be able to submit the application with all co-applicants included in 
one submission. The applicants would choose one applicant to list first 
as the ``primary'' co-applicant. Then, they would include in the EDGAR 
template the information for all other co-applicants, i.e., the CIK of 
each co-applicant and, for amendments, file number of each co-
applicant. Applicants could be dropped from or added to an application 
with each amendment submission.\31\
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    \31\ As is the case currently with paper applications, for each 
application, an applicant would receive a unique file number which 
would begin with the prefix ``812,'' or ``813'' in the case of 
applications made by employees' securities companies. As also is 
currently the case with paper filings, each co-applicant's file 
number would be composed of the primary applicant's file number with 
an appended two-digit suffix unique to that co-applicant. Each 
applicant or co-applicant would include this file number, in 
addition to its CIK, in the EDGAR template of all amendments to the 
application, which would also be required electronic submissions.
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    We expect that the internal EDGAR system would be enhanced to allow 
for the upload and public dissemination via the EDGAR system of notices 
and orders in connection with specific applications.
    We request comment on the impact of our making the submission of 
requests for orders under the Investment Company Act mandatory 
electronic submissions. Should we implement this rule? We request 
comment on whether it would be burdensome for us to require applicants 
to submit applications electronically. To which applications should the 
rule apply? We ask commenters to address the issue of what the 
transition period should be for investment companies and other 
applicants to prepare for the mandatory electronic submission of these 
applications.
    We ask commenters to provide detailed information on any 
difficulties and considerations unique to these proposed requirements. 
In the event commenters believe that any aspect of the proposed 
requirements would be burdensome, we ask for specific details and 
alternative approaches.

III. Proposed Amendments to Rule 0-2 and to Temporary Hardship 
Exemption of Regulation S-T

    Rule 0-2 currently requires that every application for an order for 
which a form is not specifically prescribed and which is executed by a 
corporation, partnership or other company and filed with the Commission 
contain a statement of the applicable provisions of the articles of 
incorporation, bylaws or similar documents, relating to the right of 
the person signing and filing such application to take such action on 
behalf of the applicant, and a statement that all such requirements 
have been complied with and that the person signing and filing the 
application is fully authorized to do so. If such authorization is 
dependent on resolutions of stockholders, directors, or other bodies, 
such resolutions must be attached as an exhibit to or quoted in the 
application. Any amendment to the application must contain a similar 
statement as to the applicability of the original statement of 
authorization. When any application or amendment is signed by an agent 
or attorney, Rule 0-2 requires that the power of attorney evidencing 
his authority to sign shall state the basis for the agent's authority 
and shall be filed with the Commission. Every application subject to 
Rule 0-2 must be verified by the person executing the application by 
providing a notarized signature in substantially the form specified in 
the rule. Each application subject to Rule 0-2 must state the reasons 
why the applicant is deemed to be entitled to the action requested, the 
name and address of each applicant, and the name and address of any 
person to whom any questions regarding the application should be 
directed. Rule 0-2 requires that a proposed notice of the proceeding 
initiated by the filing of the application accompany each application 
as an exhibit and, if necessary, be modified to reflect any amendment 
to the application.
    We are proposing three amendments to Rule 0-2 governing the form of 
applications under the Investment Company Act. First, we propose to 
eliminate the requirement to have verifications of applications and 
statements of facts made in connection with applications notarized.\32\ 
We believe that this requirement is unnecessary in the context of an 
electronic filing.\33\ Second, we propose to eliminate the requirement 
that applicants include draft notices as exhibits to applications.\34\ 
The staff has found these exhibits to be of limited value because the 
staff prefers to draft its own notices of applications. Finally, we 
also propose to amend Rule 0-2 to remove the last sentence of paragraph 
(b),\35\ which was added in the initial EDGAR rulemaking and would be 
inconsistent with mandatory electronic submission of applications on 
EDGAR.\36\ We request comment on these proposed amendments. Is there

[[Page 63517]]

any reason we should retain the notary and draft notice requirements?
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    \32\ See Rule 0-2(d).
    \33\ Regulation S-T requires that each signatory to an 
electronic filing manually sign a signature page or other document 
authenticating, acknowledging or otherwise adopting his or her 
signature that appears in typed form in the electronic filing. This 
document must be executed before or at the time the electronic 
filing is made, must be retained by the filer for a period of five 
years, and must be made available to the Commission upon request. 
See Rule 302(b) of Regulation S-T [17 CFR 232.302(b)]. We believe 
that this requirement provides sufficient assurance of the 
legitimacy of signatures contained in the electronic filings so that 
notarization is unnecessary.
    \34\ See Rule 0-2(g).
    \35\ The last sentence of Rule 0-2(b) currently reads as 
follows: ``Every application for an order under any provision of the 
Act and every amendment to such application shall be submitted to 
the Commission in paper only, whether or not the applicant is 
otherwise required to file in electronic format, unless instructions 
for electronic filing are included on the form, if any, prescribed 
for such application.''
    \36\ See Rulemaking for EDGAR System--Investment Companies and 
Institutional Investment Managers, Release No. 33-6978 (Feb. 23, 
1993) [58 FR 14848 (Mar. 18, 1993)].
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    We are also proposing an amendment to Rule 201 of Regulation S-T. 
Rules 201 and 202 \37\ of Regulation S-T address hardship exemptions 
from EDGAR filing requirements, and Rule 13(b) of Regulation S-T \38\ 
addresses the related issue of filing date adjustments.
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    \37\ 17 CFR 232.202.
    \38\ 17 CFR 232.13(b).
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    A filer may obtain a temporary hardship exemption under Rule 201 if 
it experiences unanticipated technical difficulties that prevent the 
timely preparation and submission of an electronic filing by filing a 
properly legended paper copy \39\ of the filing under cover of Form 
TH.\40\ This process is self-executing. A filer who files in paper 
under the temporary hardship exemption must submit an electronic format 
copy of the filed paper document within six business days of the filing 
of the paper format document.\41\
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    \39\ See 17 CFR 232.201(a).
    \40\ 17 CFR 239.65, 249.447, 269.10,and 274.404.
    \41\ See 17 CFR 232.201(b).
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    A filer may apply for a continuing hardship exemption under Rule 
202 if it cannot file all or part of a filing without undue burden or 
expense.\42\ In contrast to the self-executing temporary hardship 
exemption process, a filer can obtain a continuing hardship exemption 
only by submitting a written application, upon which the Commission, or 
Commission staff pursuant to delegated authority, must then act.
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    \42\ See 17 CFR 232.202(a).
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    We are proposing to make the temporary hardship exemption 
unavailable for submission of applications under the Investment Company 
Act.\43\ We are proposing to amend Rule 201(a) of Regulation S-T to 
make temporary hardship exemptions unavailable for these submissions, 
since there is generally no submission exigency or submission deadline 
associated with these submissions. An applicant would continue to have 
the ability to apply for a continuing hardship exemption under Rule 202 
if it cannot submit all or part of an application without undue burden 
or expense. Also, while we would expect the circumstances and exercise 
to be rare, the staff could use its delegated authority to grant a 
filing date adjustment pursuant to Rule 13(b) of Regulation S-T [17 CFR 
232.13(b)]. While we would not expect an applicant to need a filing 
date adjustment in the context of an application, it would be available 
in the unlikely event it were needed. We ask for comment on making the 
temporary hardship exemption unavailable for submission of applications 
for orders under the Investment Company Act.
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    \43\ See proposed amendment to rule 201(a) of Regulation S-T.
    We have previously made unavailable the ability for filers to 
use the temporary hardship exemption for EDGAR submissions of 
beneficial ownership reports filed by officers, directors and 
principal security holders under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act 
[15 U.S.C. 78p(a)]. See Mandated EDGAR Filing and Web site Posting 
for Forms 3, 4 and 5, Release No. 33-8230 (May 7, 2003) [68 FR 
25788].
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IV. Proposed Amendments To Mandate That Certain Filings of Small 
Business Investment Companies and Business Development Companies Be 
Made Electronically

    Regulation E \44\ provides for the exemption from registration of 
securities issued by small business investment companies registered 
under the Investment Company Act and business development companies 
regulated under that Act, subject to the terms and conditions of the 
regulation. Rule 604 \45\ of Regulation E requires the filing of 
notification on Form 1-E \46\ of sales of securities under Regulation 
E. Rule 607 \47\ of Regulation E requires the filing of sales material 
used in connection with the offering. Rule 609 \48\ of Regulation E 
requires the filing of reports of sales on Form 2-E.\49\
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    \44\ 17 CFR 230.601 to 610a.
    \45\ 17 CFR 230.604.
    \46\ 17 CFR 239.200.
    \47\ 17 CFR 230.607.
    \48\ 17 CFR 230.609.
    \49\ 17 CFR 239.201.
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    Currently, these companies must make most of their filings 
electronically on the EDGAR system. However, they must make their 
Regulation E \50\ filings in paper. Since these filers are already 
EDGAR filers and most would have available electronic copies of their 
Form 1-E (and any related sales material) \51\ and Form 2-E, we believe 
that making these filings electronically on EDGAR would impose very 
little burden or cost on these companies. We are therefore proposing to 
make these filings mandatory electronic submissions.\52\ We request 
comment on any burdens or costs that would result. Is there any reason 
not to require that these submissions be made electronically on the 
EDGAR system?
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    \50\ 17 CFR 230.601 to 610a.
    \51\ Requiring electronic filing on EDGAR of Rule 607 sales 
literature would be consistent with the current requirement to file 
electronically on EDGAR omitting prospectuses under Rule 482 of the 
Securities Act of 1933 (``Securities Act'') (referred to as ``482 
ads'') and sales literature under Section 24(b) of the Investment 
Company Act.
    \52\ See proposed amendments to paragraphs (a)(1)(v) and (c)(6) 
of Rule 101 of Regulation S-T.
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V. General Request for Comment

    You are invited to submit written comments relating to the rule 
proposals set forth in this release. We request comment not only on the 
specific issues we discuss in this release, but on any other approaches 
or issues that we should consider in connection with the submission of 
applications for orders and Regulation E filings on the EDGAR system. 
We seek comment from any interested person, including those required to 
file information with us on the EDGAR system, as well as investors, 
disseminators of EDGAR data, EDGAR filing agents, and other members of 
the public who have access to and use information from the EDGAR 
system.

VI. Cost-Benefit Analysis

    We are sensitive to the costs and burdens of our rules. The rules 
we are proposing today would reflect the addition of applications under 
the Investment Company Act as mandatory electronic submissions on 
EDGAR. In addition, the proposals would amend Rule 0-2 and make 
unavailable to applicants Regulation S-T's provision for temporary 
hardship exemptions. In addition, the proposals would add Regulation E 
filings to the list of those that must be filed electronically through 
EDGAR.

A. Expected Benefits

    We expect that the addition of applications under the Investment 
Company Act as mandatory electronic submissions on EDGAR would result 
in considerable benefits to the securities markets, investors, and 
other members of the public, by expanding the accessibility of 
information, and increasing the types of information, filed and made 
available for public review through the EDGAR system. The primary goal 
of the EDGAR system since its inception has been to facilitate the 
rapid dissemination of financial and business information in connection 
with filings, including filings by investment companies. The proposed 
amendments would benefit investors, financial analysts and others by 
increasing the efficiency of retrieving and disseminating these 
applications. The mandated electronic transmission of these documents 
would enable the public to access them more quickly and search them 
more easily. Instead of having to come in person or through an agent to 
the Commission's public reference room to conduct a search for a 
particular submission that is in paper or microfiche, the public would 
be able to find and review the application on any computer with an 
Internet

[[Page 63518]]

connection by accessing the EDGAR system through the Commission's Web 
site or through a third party Web site that links to EDGAR. The 
proposals would benefit the public by making the EDGAR page of our Web 
site a more comprehensive resource for most information on file with us 
related to the operation of investment companies. A further benefit 
would be to ensure that all applications are available to the public 
free of charge on our Web site without the cost of paying a third party 
for a copy.
    Persons who may consider requesting a hearing on an application on 
the basis of a notice would be able to more easily obtain the actual 
application so that they could better understand the legal issues. We 
believe this would be a significant improvement in the applications 
process.
    We also expect that applicants would benefit from the increased 
efficiencies in the filing process for these submissions resulting from 
the proposed amendments. By electronically transmitting these documents 
directly to the Commission, applicants would avoid the uncertainties 
and delays that can occur with the manual delivery of paper documents; 
we believe that it would be a simpler and more efficient means to 
submit applications. Applicants also would benefit from no longer 
having to submit multiple copies of paper documents to the Commission.
    Because the Commission's staff would be able to retrieve and 
analyze information contained in these submissions more readily than 
under our current paper system, mandated electronic submission of these 
documents should facilitate the staff's retrieval and review of a 
particular document. Applicants and investors should benefit from 
increased efficiencies in the Commission's storage, retrieval, and 
analysis of these submissions which would result from the proposed 
amendments.
    We believe the proposal to amend Rule 0-2 would benefit applicants. 
Removing the notarization requirement would remove a requirement from 
filers that is unnecessary, and removing the requirement to include a 
draft notice as an exhibit will result in a cost-savings to applicants. 
And, we believe that making unavailable to applicants Regulation S-T's 
Rule 201 provision for temporary hardship exemptions would benefit 
applicants because applicants would not bear the cost of both 
submitting an application in paper and in electronic form as a 
confirming copy within 6 business days as required by the temporary 
hardship exemption rule. This is true in light of the fact that there 
is no deadline for the submission of an application.
    We also expect that the addition of Regulation E filings as 
mandatory electronic submissions on EDGAR would result in benefits to 
the securities markets, investors, and other members of the public, by 
expanding the accessibility of information, and increasing the types of 
information, filed and made available for public review through the 
EDGAR system. Requiring these Regulation E filings to be submitted on 
EDGAR would benefit members of the investing public and the financial 
community by making information contained in these Commission filings 
more easily searchable and readily available to them. The proposals 
would result in the benefit to the public of the EDGAR page of our Web 
site being a comprehensive source from which to find filings of small 
business investment companies and business development companies.
    We also expect that Regulation E filers would benefit from the 
increased efficiencies in the filing process for these submissions 
resulting from the proposed amendments. By electronically transmitting 
these documents directly to the Commission, these filers would avoid 
the uncertainties and delays that can occur with the manual delivery of 
paper documents; we believe that it would be a simpler and more 
efficient means to submit these Regulation E filings. Regulation E 
filers also would benefit from no longer having to submit multiple 
copies of paper documents to the Commission.
    The proposed amendments would benefit investors, financial analysts 
and others by increasing the efficiency of retrieving and disseminating 
these filings. The mandated electronic transmission of these documents 
would enable the public to access them more quickly. Instead of having 
to come in person or through an agent to the Commission's public 
reference room to conduct a search for a particular submission that is 
in paper or microfiche, the public would be able to find and review the 
filing on any computer with an Internet connection by accessing the 
EDGAR system through the Commission's Web site or through a third party 
Web site that links to EDGAR. The proposed amendments would also enable 
financial analysts and others to retrieve, analyze and disseminate more 
rapidly this information.
    An investor would be able to more efficiently gather information of 
interest about Regulation E filers. Also, Regulation E filers and 
investors should benefit from increased efficiencies in the 
Commission's storage, retrieval, and analysis of these submissions 
which would result from the proposed amendments. Mandated EDGAR 
submission of these documents would result in their addition to the 
Commission's central electronic repository of filings that is free to 
anyone who has access to a computer linked to the Internet. Because the 
Commission's staff would be able to retrieve and analyze information 
contained in these Regulation E submissions more readily than under our 
current paper system, mandated electronic submission of these documents 
should facilitate the staff's retrieval and review of a particular 
document.
    In the Paperwork Reduction Act section, we estimate that, if the 
proposed amendments are adopted, the total reduction in the burden 
would be approximately $52,550.

B. Expected Costs

    We expect that, if adopted, the proposed amendments would result in 
some initial and ongoing costs to applicants. We also expect, however, 
that many applicants would not bear the full range of costs that would 
result from the amendments for the reasons described below. Initial 
costs are those associated with filing a Form ID in order to obtain the 
access codes needed to submit an application electronically and 
otherwise preparing to make an application submission.\53\ In order to 
file a Form ID, an applicant would need to learn the related electronic 
filing requirements, obtain access to a computer and the Internet, use 
the computer to access the Commission's EDGAR Filer Management Web 
site, respond to Form ID's information requirements and fax to the 
Commission a notarized authenticating document.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \53\ Applicants that already have EDGAR access codes would not 
need to file a Form ID. As further discussed in Part IX, however, we 
assume that a small number of applicants per year would not already 
have the codes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Ongoing costs are those associated with maintaining the framework 
developed through the initial costs (for example, updating information 
required by Form ID) and additional costs arising from each subsequent 
submission of an application.
    We expect that the vast majority of applicants would need to incur 
few, if any, additional costs related to obtaining computer and 
Internet access. We believe that the vast majority of

[[Page 63519]]

applicants already would have access to a computer and the 
Internet.\54\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \54\ An applicant that did not already own a computer with 
Internet access could, for example, go to a public library to use 
its computer and obtain Internet access.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We expect no additional costs to applicants from our proposal to 
amend Rule 0-2. We request comment on whether our proposed amendments 
to Rule 0-2 to remove the current requirements for notarization of the 
application and provision of a draft notice as an exhibit would result 
in any additional costs. We expect no additional costs to applicants 
from our proposal to make unavailable to applicants Regulation S-T's 
Rule 201 provision for temporary hardship exemption. An applicant would 
still be able to request a continuing hardship exemption under 
Regulation S-T Rule 202 under appropriate circumstances.
    We believe that mandatory EDGAR submission of Regulation E filings 
would result in minimal cost to these filers. For the following 
reasons, we also expect that Regulation E filers would not bear the 
full range of costs frequently associated with new electronic filing 
requirements. Initial costs are those associated with the purchase of 
compatible computer equipment and software, including EDGAR software if 
obtained from a third-party vendor and not from the Commission's Web 
site. Initial costs also include those resulting from the training of 
existing employees to be EDGAR proficient or the hiring of additional 
employees or agents that are already skilled in EDGAR processing. 
Initial costs further include those associated with the formatting and 
transmission of an applicant's first document submitted on EDGAR. These 
transmission costs may include those related to subscribing to an 
Internet service provider. Regulation E filers already file on EDGAR 
and would have minimal or no initial costs.
    Ongoing costs are those associated with the electronic formatting 
and transmission of subsequent EDGAR filings. Regulation E filers may 
also incur future costs resulting from the training or hiring of 
employees regarding updated EDGAR filing requirements. The magnitude of 
these costs would depend on the filers' levels of technological 
proficiency and their previous familiarity with EDGAR filing 
requirements. Regulation E filers would incur the ongoing costs 
associated with formatting and transmitting their subsequent EDGAR 
filings. Consequently, the mandated EDGAR requirements should result 
only in costs related primarily to the electronic formatting of these 
documents in a format compatible with EDGAR, and transmission of the 
EDGAR formatted documents to the Commission. In any event, we believe 
that any costs for transmission, formatting, and education would be 
comparable to savings from not having to incur similar costs related to 
paper submissions.

C. Comment Solicited

    We solicit comment on the costs and benefits of the proposed 
amendments. We request your views on the costs and benefits described 
above as well as on any other costs and benefits that could result from 
adoption of these proposals. Please identify any costs or benefits 
associated with the rule proposal for the mandatory electronic 
submission of applications (and related proposed amendments to 
Investment Company Act Rule 0-2 and Rule 201 of Regulation S-T) and 
Regulation E filings and any impact that the rule proposals may have on 
the ease of locating and using EDGAR data. How much, if any, expense 
would be avoided with the removal of the notary and draft notice 
requirements? What are the benefits that investors, financial analysts, 
other members of the financial community, applicants, and small 
business investment company and business development company Regulation 
E filers should realize from these proposals? Would the proposed 
amendments help an investor to gather information about an applicant 
and its operations? What are the likely expected initial and ongoing 
costs of these added categories of mandated EDGAR submissions? Are 
there costs in addition to those discussed above? Are there 
unidentified costs associated with any of the proposed amendments and, 
if so, what are they?
    We encourage commenters to identify any costs or benefits 
associated with the rule proposals. We also request data to quantify 
the costs and the benefits identified.

VII. Burden on Competition; Promotion of Efficiency, Competition, and 
Capital Formation

    Section 23(a)(2) of the Exchange Act requires us, in adopting rules 
under the Exchange Act, to consider the anti-competitive effects of any 
rules that we adopt thereunder. Furthermore, Section 2(b) of the 
Securities Act,\55\ Section 3(f) of the Exchange Act,\56\ and Section 
2(c) \57\ of the Investment Company Act require us, when engaging in 
rulemaking, and considering or determining whether an action is 
necessary or appropriate in the public interest, to consider whether 
the action would promote efficiency, competition, and capital 
formation. In compliance with our responsibilities under these 
sections, we request comment on whether the proposals, if adopted, 
would burden competition and whether they would promote efficiency, 
competition, and capital formation. We encourage commenters to provide 
empirical data or other facts to support their views.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \55\ 15 U.S.C. 77b(b).
    \56\ 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
    \57\ 15 U.S.C. 80a-2(c).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed amendments regarding mandated electronic filing of 
applications and the related amendments to Rule 0-2 and Regulation S-
T's Rule 201 are intended to simplify the requirements for submitting 
applications and facilitate more efficient transmission, analysis, 
storage and retrieval of information. This should improve the 
accessibility and usefulness of information available to all applicants 
and the public, including those wishing to request a hearing on an 
application. It may make the investment products offered by applicants 
more competitive, since all applicants would have ready access to the 
applications of others. The proposed rules would also improve the 
accessibility of information available to the public about the 
operation of investment companies and improve investors' ability to 
make informed investment decisions. We believe the proposed amendments 
would not impose a burden on competition and would not have an adverse 
impact on capital formation. The proposed amendments regarding mandated 
electronic filings under Regulation E by small business investment 
companies and business development companies are intended to facilitate 
more efficient transmission, analysis, storage and retrieval of 
information. This should improve the accessibility and usefulness of 
information available for use by filers, investors, and the public. It 
may make the investment products offered by filers more competitive, 
since all filers would have immediate online access to Regulation E 
filings of their competitors. We believe that the proposed rules would 
also improve the accessibility of information available to the public 
about the operation of small business investment companies and business 
development companies and thereby improve investors' ability to make 
informed investment decisions. We believe the proposed amendments would 
not impose a burden on

[[Page 63520]]

competition and would not have an adverse impact on capital formation.
    We request comment on the impact the proposed rule would have on 
efficiency, competition and capital formation. We request comment on 
whether the proposed amendments, if adopted, would impose a burden on 
competition and whether they would promote efficiency, competition, and 
capital formation. We also request commenters to provide empirical data 
and other factual support for their views if possible.

VIII. Initial Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis

    This Initial Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis (Analysis) has 
been prepared in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 603. It relates to our 
proposed amendments to add applications for orders under the Investment 
Company Act to the list of submissions that must be made 
electronically, including proposals to amend Rule 0-2 and make 
unavailable to applicants the provision for temporary hardship 
exemptions in Rule 201 of Regulation S-T, and to add Regulation E 
filings to the list of those that must be filed electronically through 
EDGAR.

A. Reasons for, and Objectives of, Proposed Amendments

    The proposals would require applications for orders under any 
section of the Investment Company Act to be submitted electronically on 
EDGAR. The proposed amendments to Rule 0-2 would remove the 
requirements for notarization and provision of a draft notice, and the 
proposed amendments to Rule 201 of Regulation S-T would make 
applications ineligible for temporary hardship exemptions. We make 
these proposals because the absence of an electronic system for 
submitting applications for orders limits the usefulness of the 
information collected.
    The proposals would add Regulation E filings made by small business 
investment companies and business development companies to the list of 
those that must be filed electronically through EDGAR. We also make 
this proposal because the absence of an electronic system for 
submitting Regulation E filings limits the usefulness of the 
information collected.

B. Legal Basis

    We are proposing amendments to Rules 101, and 201 of Regulation S-T 
and Rule 0-2 under the Investment Company Act pursuant to authority set 
forth in Sections 6, 7, 8, 10 and 19(a) of the Securities Act [15 
U.S.C. 77f, 77g, 77h, 77j, and 77s(a)], Sections 3, 12, 13, 14, 15(d), 
23(a) and 35A of the Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. 78c, 78l, 78m, 78n, 
78o(d), 78w(a), and 78ll], and Sections 8, 30, 31 and 38 of the 
Investment Company Act [15 U.S.C. 80a-8, 80a-29, 80a-30, and 80a-37].

C. Small Entities Subject to the Rule

    For purposes of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, an investment 
company is a small entity if it, together with other investment 
companies in the same group of related investment companies, has net 
assets of $50 million or less as of the end of its most recent fiscal 
year.\58\ Approximately 164 registered investment companies meet this 
definition.\59\ Approximately 51 business development companies may be 
considered small entities.\60\ We estimate that few, if any, separate 
accounts registered on Form N-3, N-4, or N-6 are small entities.\61\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \58\ Rule 0-10(a) under the Investment Company Act [17 CFR 
240.0-10(a)].
    \59\ The estimated number of reporting investment companies that 
may be considered small entities is based on December 2006 data from 
the Commission's EDGAR database and a third-party data provider.
    \60\ This estimate is based on analysis by the Division of 
Investment Management staff of information from databases compiled 
by third-party information providers, including Morningstar, Inc. 
and Lipper Inc.
    \61\ This estimate is based on figures compiled by the Division 
of Investment Management staff regarding separate accounts 
registered on Forms N-3, N-4, and N-6. In determining whether an 
insurance company separate account is a small entity for purposes of 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act, the assets of insurance company 
separate accounts are aggregated with the assets of their sponsoring 
insurance companies. Rule 0-10(b) under the Investment Company Act 
[17 CFR 270.0-10(b)].
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

D. Reporting, Recordkeeping, and Other Compliance Requirements

    The proposed amendments would require applicants to submit requests 
for orders and small business investment companies and business 
development companies to submit Regulation E filings electronically on 
the EDGAR system. The Commission estimates some one-time formatting and 
ongoing burdens that would be imposed on all applicants and Regulation 
E filers, including those that are small entities. We note, however, 
that all Regulation E filers and many applicants currently make other 
filings on EDGAR. Furthermore, we believe that non-investment company 
applicants would have no greater burden than that of those filers of 
Section 16 reports or Schedules 13D and 13G \62\ who would not 
otherwise make EDGAR filings and that the electronic submission should 
create only a de minimis burden.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \62\ 17 CFR 240.13d-101 and 13d-102.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    There would be no change in reporting or recordkeeping 
requirements. The proposed amendments to Rule 0-2 would reduce 
compliance requirements to the extent that they would remove the 
requirements for notarization of the application and provision of a 
draft notice with the application.
    We solicit comment on the effect the proposed amendments would have 
on small entities.

E. Duplicative, Overlapping or Conflicting Federal Rules

    The Commission believes that there are no rules that duplicate, 
overlap, or conflict with the proposed amendments.

F. Significant Alternatives

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act directs us to consider significant 
alternatives that would accomplish our stated objectives, while 
minimizing any significant adverse impact on small entities. In 
connection with the proposed amendments, the Commission considered the 
following alternatives: (i) The establishment of differing compliance 
or reporting requirements or timetables that take into account the 
resources available to small entities; (ii) the clarification, 
consolidation, or simplification of compliance and reporting 
requirements under the proposed amendments for small entities; (iii) 
the use of performance rather than design standards; and (iv) an 
exemption from coverage of the proposed amendments, or any part 
thereof, for small entities.
    The Commission believes at the present time that special compliance 
or reporting requirements for small entities, or an exemption from 
coverage for small entities, would not be appropriate or consistent 
with investor protection. Different requirements for applicants or 
Regulation E filers that are small entities could make it more 
difficult for the public to locate Commission filings and disclosure 
documents for these applicants. We believe it is important that the 
benefits resulting from the proposal be provided to the public for all 
applications and Regulation E filings, not just the ones from those 
that are not considered small entities.
    We have endeavored throughout the proposed amendments to minimize 
the regulatory burden on all applicants and Regulation E filers, 
including small entities, while meeting our regulatory objectives. 
Small entities should benefit from the Commission's reasoned approach 
to the proposed amendments

[[Page 63521]]

to the same degree as others. The Commission preliminarily believes 
that further clarification, consolidation, or simplification of the 
proposals for those that are small entities would be inconsistent with 
the Commission's concern for investor protection. Further 
clarification, consolidation, or simplification of the proposals for 
those that are small entities would result in less information 
available for them. Similarly, we preliminarily conclude that using 
performance rather than design standards would not be consistent with 
our statutory mandate of investor protection. We believe that the 
standard provided in the proposal (EDGAR filing) is already 
sufficiently clear and appropriately simple. A major goal of making 
these mandatory EDGAR submissions is a more complete and searchable 
EDGAR database of filings; we do not believe that there is a comparable 
performance standard that would achieve this goal.

G. Solicitation of Comments

    The Commission encourages the submission of written comments with 
respect to any aspect of this analysis. Comment is specifically 
requested on the number of small entities that would be affected by the 
proposed amendments and the likely impact of the proposals on small 
entities. Commenters are asked to describe the nature of any impact and 
provide empirical data supporting the extent of the impact. These 
comments will be considered in the preparation of the Final Regulatory 
Flexibility Act Analysis if the proposed rule amendments are adopted, 
and will be placed in the same public file as comments on the proposal.

IX. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The proposed rule amendments contain ``collection of information'' 
requirements within the meaning of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 
(``PRA'').\63\ We are submitting the proposed collection of information 
to the Office of Management and Budget (``OMB'') for review in 
accordance with 44 U.S.C. 3507(d) and 5 CFR 1320.11. An agency may not 
conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a 
collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control 
number.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \63\ 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

A. Rule 0-2

    The title for the collection of information is ``General 
Requirements of Papers and Applications.'' \64\ Provision of 
information under the rule is necessary to obtain a benefit. The 
information is not kept confidential. Respondents to the collection are 
applying for orders of the Commission under the Investment Company Act. 
Applicants for orders under the Investment Company Act can include 
registered investment companies, affiliated persons of registered 
investment companies, and issuers seeking to avoid investment company 
status, among other entities.\65\ The Commission uses the information 
required by rule 0-2 to decide whether the applicant should be deemed 
to be entitled to the action requested by the application. The proposed 
amendments to rule 0-2 would eliminate the requirement to have 
verifications of applications and statements of facts made in 
connection with applications notarized \66\ and would eliminate the 
requirement that applicants include draft notices as exhibits to 
applications.\67\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \64\ Rule 0-2 is a collection of information currently in use 
without a control number. We are submitting the rule to OMB for 
approval under the PRA.
    \65\ There are several sections of the Investment Company Act 
pursuant to which entities may make applications for relief. Section 
6(c) provides the Commission with authority to exempt persons, 
securities or transactions from any provision of the Investment 
Company Act, or the regulations thereunder, if and to the extent 
that such exemption is in the public interest and consistent with 
the protection of investors and the purposes fairly intended by the 
policy and provisions of the Investment Company Act.
    \66\ See Rule 0-2(d).
    \67\ See Rule 0-2(g).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Burden Estimate for Rule 0-2
    Applicants file applications as they deem necessary. The Commission 
receives approximately 125 applications per year under the Investment 
Company Act of 1940. Although each application typically is submitted 
on behalf of multiple entities, the entities in the vast majority of 
cases are related companies and are treated as a single applicant for 
purposes of this analysis.
    Much of the work of preparing an application is performed by 
outside counsel. The cost outside counsel charges applicants depends on 
the complexity of the issues covered by the application and the time 
required for preparation. Based on conversations with applicants and 
attorneys, the cost ranges from approximately $7,000 for preparing a 
well-precedented, routine application to approximately $80,000 to 
prepare a complex and/or novel application. We estimate that the 
Commission receives 20 of the most time-consuming applications 
annually, 80 applications of medium difficulty, and 25 of the least 
difficult applications. This distribution gives a total estimated 
annual cost burden to applicants of filing all applications of 
$5,255,000 [(20 x $80,000) + (80 x $43,500) + (25 x $7,000)].
    In addition, based on conversations with applicants, we estimate 
that in-house counsel would spend from ten to fifty hours helping to 
draft and review an application. We estimate a total annual hour burden 
to all respondents of 3,650 hours (50 hours x 20 applications) + (30 
hours x 80 applications) + (10 hours x 25 applications). We are 
proposing to decrease the burden associated with the existing 
collection of information for Rule 0-2 to reflect the proposed 
amendments. The proposed amendments to Rule 0-2 would, if adopted, 
eliminate the requirement to have verifications of applications and 
statements of facts made in connection with applications notarized. The 
notary service would be provided by a secretary or similar 
administrative employee of the applicant or the outside counsel 
preparing the application and would represent a negligible cost or hour 
burden to the applicant, so elimination of the notarization requirement 
would not be likely to decrease the burden measurably.
    The proposed amendments would also eliminate the requirement that 
applicants include proposed notices as exhibits to applications. A 
proposed notice is merely a summary of the statements in the 
application. We estimate that preparation of the proposed notice by 
outside counsel represents approximately 1% of the cost of preparing an 
application. Elimination of this requirement would reduce the estimated 
cost burden by approximately $52,550 (1% of $5,255,000). The proposed 
amendments will not change the hour burden.
    If the proposed amendments are adopted, we estimate the total 
reduction in the burden would be approximately $52,550.

B. Regulation S-T

    The title for the collection of information is ``General Rules and 
Regulations for Electronic Filing.'' (OMB Control No. 3235-0424). The 
purpose of Regulation S-T is to implement the Commission's EDGAR 
system. The EDGAR system enables the Commission to receive, store, 
process and disseminate information filed with the Commission under the 
provisions of the federal securities laws. The Commission's forms and 
rules require filings that make information available

[[Page 63522]]

to the investing public and that permit the Commission to verify 
compliance with the federal securities laws. Electronic filing improves 
the availability to the public and to the Commission of information 
filed with the Commission. Regulation S-T specifies the requirements 
that govern the electronic submission of documents to the Commission. 
Provision of the information required by the Regulation is mandatory. 
Responses are not kept confidential.
Burden Estimate for Regulation S-T
    The proposed amendments to Regulation S-T would revise rule 101 
under Regulation S-T to require electronic filing of applications for 
orders of the Commission under the Investment Company Act and of forms 
required by Regulation E under the Securities Act of 1933. The burden 
associated with the filing of applications under rule 0-2, as proposed 
to be amended, will be reflected in the collection of information 
entitled ``General Requirements of Papers and Applications.'' We are 
not proposing to amend Regulation E. The burden associated with the 
filing of documents required by Regulation E is reflected in the 
collections of information required by Regulation E, and will not 
change as a result of the proposed amendments to Regulation S-T.
    We are also proposing to amend rule 201 under Regulation S-T, which 
governs temporary hardship exemptions from electronic filing. Rule 201 
is part of Regulation S-T and does not impose any burden on respondents 
separate from Regulation S-T. The proposed amendments to rule 201 will 
not change the burden of Regulation S-T. The Paperwork Reduction Act 
requires that we obtain OMB approval for a collection of information, 
whether the collection has a burden or not. Regulation S-T is a 
collection of information with no burden to respondents. OMB requires 
us to assign a burden of one hour to Regulation S-T and to indicate 
that the Regulation has one respondent so the automated OMB system will 
be able to handle approval of the Regulation. OMB has already approved 
a burden of one hour for one respondent to the Regulation.

C. Form ID

    The Commission estimates that each year a small number of 
applicants would need to file a Form ID (OMB Control Number 3235-0328) 
with the Commission in order to gain access to EDGAR. Form ID is used 
to request the assignment of access codes to file on EDGAR. Most 
applicants would not need to file a Form ID because any applicant that 
has made at least one filing with the Commission since 2002 has been 
entered into the EDGAR system by the Commission and would not need to 
file Form ID to file electronically on EDGAR. However, applicants that 
have never made a filing with the Commission would need to file Form 
ID.
    The Commission estimates that it would receive approximately 10 
Form IDs a year under the proposed amendments. This number fits within 
the current number of respondents that file a Form IDs each year 
because the actual number of Forms ID the Commission receives is less 
than the current estimate.

D. Request for Comments

    Pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(B), the Commission solicits 
comments as to: (i) Whether the proposed collections of information are 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility; (ii) the 
accuracy of the Commission's estimate of the burden of the proposed 
collections of information; (iii) whether there are ways to enhance the 
quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and 
(iv) whether there are ways to minimize the burden of the collection of 
information on those who are to respond, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    The Commission has submitted the proposed collections of 
information to OMB for approval. Persons submitting comments on the 
collection of information requirements should direct them to the Office 
of Management and Budget, Attention: Desk Officer for the Securities 
and Exchange Commission, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 
Washington, DC 20503, and should also send a copy of their comments to 
Nancy M. Morris, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F 
Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549-0609, with reference to File No. S7-
25-07. Requests for materials submitted to OMB by the Commission with 
regard to these collections of information should be in writing, refer 
to File No. S7-25-07, and be submitted to the Securities and Exchange 
Commission, Public Reference Room, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 
20549. As OMB is required to make a decision concerning the collections 
of information between 30 and 60 days after publication, a comment to 
OMB is best assured of having its full effect if OMB receives it within 
30 days of publication.

X. Consideration of Impact on the Economy

    For purposes of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness 
Act of 1996,\68\ a rule is ``major'' if it results or is likely to 
result in:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \68\ Pub. L. 104-21, title II, 110 Stat. 857 (1996).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     An annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more;
     A major increase in costs or prices for consumers or 
individual industries; or
     Significant adverse effects on competition, investment, or 
innovation.
    We request comment on and information regarding the potential 
impact of the proposed amendments on the economy on an annual basis. In 
particular, comments should address whether the proposed changes, if 
adopted, would have a $100,000,000 annual effect on the economy, cause 
a major increase in costs or prices, or have a significant adverse 
effect on competition, investment, or innovation. We request that 
commenters provide empirical data to support their views.

XI. Statutory Basis

    We propose the rule amendments outlined above under Sections 6, 7, 
8, 10 and 19(a) of the Securities Act [15 U.S.C. 77f, 77g, 77h, 77j, 
and 77s(a)], Sections 3, 12, 13, 14, 15(d), 23(a) and 35A of the 
Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. 78c, 78l, 78m, 78n, 78o(d), 78w(a), and 78ll], 
and Sections 8, 30, 31 and 38 of the Investment Company Act [15 U.S.C. 
80a-8, 80a-29, 80a-30, and 80a-37].

List of Subjects

17 CFR Part 232

    Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Securities.

17 CFR Part 270

    Investment companies, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Securities.

Text of the Proposed Rule Amendments

    In accordance with the foregoing, Title 17, Chapter II of the Code 
of Federal Regulations is proposed to be amended as follows.

PART 232--REGULATION S-T--GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR 
ELECTRONIC FILINGS

    1. The authority citation for part 232 continues to read, in part, 
as follows:

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 77f, 77g, 77h, 77j, 77s(a), 77sss(a), 
78c(b), 78l, 78m, 78n, 78o(d), 78w(a), 78ll(d), 80a-8, 80a-29, 80a-
30, 80a-37, and 7201 et seq.; and 18 U.S.C. 1350.
* * * * *

[[Page 63523]]

    2. Section 232.101 is amended by:
    a. Revising paragraphs (a)(1)(iv) and (v), the introductory text of 
paragraph (a)(2), paragraph (a)(2)(i), the first sentence of paragraph 
(a)(3), and paragraph (c)(6); and
    b. Removing and reserving paragraph (c)(11).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  232.101  Mandated electronic submissions and exceptions.

    (a) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iv) Documents filed with the Commission pursuant to sections 8, 
17, 20, 23(c), 24(b), 24(e), 24(f), and 30 of the Investment Company 
Act (15 U.S.C. 80a-8, 80a-17, 80a-20, 80a-23(c), 80a-24(b), 80a-24(e), 
80a-24(f), and 80a-29) and any application for an order under any 
section of the Investment Company Act (15 U.S. C. 80a-1 et seq.);
    (v) Documents relating to offerings exempt from registration under 
the Securities Act filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation E 
(Sec. Sec.  230.601-230.610a of this chapter);
* * * * *
    (2) The following amendments to filings and applications, including 
any related correspondence and supplemental information except as 
otherwise provided, shall be submitted as follows:
    (i) Any amendment to a filing or application submitted by or 
relating to a registrant or an applicant that is required to file 
electronically, including any amendment to a paper filing or 
application, shall be submitted in electronic format;
* * * * *
    (3) Supplemental information, including documents related to 
applications under any section of the Investment Company Act, shall be 
submitted in electronic format except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) 
of this section. * * *
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (6) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(1)(v) of this section, 
filings relating to offerings exempt from registration under the 
Securities Act, including filings made pursuant to Regulation A 
(Sec. Sec.  230.251-230.263 of this chapter) and Regulation D 
(Sec. Sec.  230.501-230.506 of this chapter), as well as filings on 
Form 144 (Sec. Sec.  239.144 of this chapter) where the issuer of the 
securities is not subject to the reporting requirements of section 13 
or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d), respectively);
* * * * *
    3. Amend Sec.  232.201 by revising paragraph (a) introductory text.


Sec.  232.201  Temporary hardship exemption.

    (a) If an electronic filer experiences unanticipated technical 
difficulties preventing the timely preparation and submission of an 
electronic filing other than a Form 3 (Sec.  249.103 of this chapter), 
a Form 4 (Sec.  249.104 of this chapter), a Form 5 (Sec.  249.105 of 
this chapter), a Form ID (Sec. Sec.  239.63, 249.446, 269.7 and 274.402 
of this chapter), a Form TA-1 (Sec.  249.100 of this chapter), a Form 
TA-2 (Sec.  249.102 of this chapter), a Form TA-W (Sec.  249.101 of 
this chapter), or an application for an order under any section of the 
Investment Company Act (15 U.S.C. 80a-1 et seq.), the electronic filer 
may file the subject filing, under cover of Form TH (Sec. Sec.  239.65, 
249.447, 269.10 and 274.404 of this chapter), in paper format no later 
than one business day after the date on which the filing was to be 
made.
* * * * *

PART 270--RULES AND REGULATIONS, INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

    4. The authority citation for part 270 continues to read in part as 
follows:

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 80a-1 et seq., 80a-34(d), 80a-37, and 80a-
39, unless otherwise noted.
* * * * *
    5. Amend Sec.  270.0-2 by:
    a. Removing the last sentence in paragraph (b);
    b. Revising paragraph (d);
    c. Removing paragraph (g);
    d. Redesignating paragraph (h) as paragraph (g); and
    e. Removing the authority citation following the section.
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  270.0-2  General requirements of papers and applications.

* * * * *
    (d) Verification of applications and statements of fact. Every 
application for an order under any provision of the Act, for which a 
form with instructions is not specifically prescribed and every 
amendment to such application, and every statement of fact formally 
filed in support of, or in opposition to, any application or 
declaration shall be verified by the person executing the same. An 
instrument executed on behalf of a corporation shall be verified in 
substantially the following form, but suitable changes may be made in 
such form for other kinds of companies and for individuals:
    The undersigned states that he or she has duly executed the 
attached -------- dated ------, 20------ for and on behalf of (name of 
company); that he or she is (title of officer) of such company; and 
that all action by stockholders, directors, and other bodies necessary 
to authorize the undersigned to execute and file such instrument has 
been taken. The undersigned further states that he or she is familiar 
with such instrument, and the contents thereof, and that the facts 
therein set forth are true to the best of his or her knowledge, 
information and belief.

[emsp0]----------------------------------------------------------------

(Signature)
* * * * *

    By the Commission.

     Dated: November 1, 2007.
Florence E. Harmon,
Deputy Secretary.
 [FR Doc. E7-21911 Filed 11-8-07; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 8011-01-P
