Broker-Dealer Registration and Reporting — SEC — US

1Securities Exchange Act Release No. 41356 (April 30, 1999), 64 FR 25143 (May, 10, 1999) (‘‘BDW Adopting Release’’). 2Securities Exchange Act Release No. 41594 (July 2, 1999); 64 FR 37586 (July 12, 1999) (‘‘BD Adopting Release’’). 3The current Form BD is referred to in the Adopting Release as ‘‘Interim Form BD.’’ 4The CRD system that is currently in effect is referred to as ‘‘Legacy CRD.’’ As explained in the BD Adopting Release and the BDW Adopting Release, the interim forms are compatible with Legacy CRD, not with Web CRD. See BD Adopting Release and BDW Adopting Release for details. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 17 CFR Parts 200, 240 and 249 [Release No. 34–41672; File No. S7–16–99] RIN 3235–AH73 Broker-Dealer Registration and Reporting AGENCY: Securities and Exchange Commission. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: The Securities and Exchange Commission is taking several steps as contingency planning in the event that the implementation of Web CRD is postponed and Legacy CRD must be reinstated. These steps include redesignating Form BD currently in effect until July 30, 1999 as Interim Form BD, redesignating Form BDW currently in effect until August 1, 1999 as Interim Form BDW, and extending the effectiveness of these forms indefinitely; amending Rules 15b3–1(c), 15b6–1, 15Ba2–2(e), 15Bc3–1, 15Ca2– 1(c), and 15Cc1–1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to allow the Commission, by order, to conditionally exempt broker-dealers from the filing instructions contained in those rules and Forms BD and BDW, respectively; and amending the Commission’s Rules of Practice to delegate the authority to issue orders under all these rules to the Director of the Division of Market Regulation. These actions will permit the Commission to require use of Interim Form BD and Interim Form BDW after July 30, 1999 and August 1, 1999, respectively, in the event the full implementation of Web CRD is delayed and it becomes necessary to return to the Legacy CRD system. EFFECTIVE DATE: July 30, 1999. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Catherine McGuire, Chief Counsel, Barbara A. Stettner, Special Counsel, or Brian R. Baysinger, Special Counsel at (202) 942–0073, Office of Chief Counsel, Division of Market Regulation, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549–1001. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Description of Amendments
On April 30, 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’) adopted amendments to Form BDW (‘‘Revised Form BDW’’) and Rules 15b3– 1, 15b6–1, 15Ba2–2, 15Bc3–1, 15Ca1–1 and 15Cc1–1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Exchange Act’’).1 On July 2, 1999, the Commission adopted amendments to Form BD (‘‘Revised Form BD’’) and Rules 15b3– 1, 15Ba2–2, and 15Ca2–1 under the Exchange Act.2 These amendments were mainly technical and formatting changes needed to accommodate electronic filing in ‘‘Web CRD,’’ the new, Internet-based Central Registration Depository (‘‘CRD’’) system. Revised Form BDW was intended to supercede Form BDW, currently in effect until August 1, 1999, beginning August 1, 1999, and Revised Form BD was intended to supercede Form BD, currently in effect until July 30, 1999,3 beginning July 30, 1999. Since the time the Commission adopted these amendments, the National Association of Securities Dealers Inc., which operates the CRD system, has engaged in more extensive testing of Web CRD. While it appears at this time that the implementation of Web CRD will continue to go forward as planned, we believe it is prudent to implement a contingency plan in the event the full implementation of Web CRD is delayed for any reason. This contingency plan consists of three elements. First, the Commission is redesignating the old Form BD and Form BDW, respectively, as Interim Form BD and Interim Form BDW and extending their effective dates indefinitely. This is intended to preserve the effectiveness of these forms in the event it becomes necessary to return to the Legacy CRD system.4 However, registrants must continue to file on Revised Forms BD and BDW until notified otherwise by the Commission. Second, the Commission is amending Rules 15b3–1, 15b6–1, 15Ba2–2, 15Bc3– 1, 15Ca2–1, and 15Cc1–1 to provide the Commission with the authority to, by

5 17 CFR 200.30–3
6 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B) (an agency may dispense with prior notice and comment when it finds, for good cause, that notice and comment are ‘‘impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.’’). 5 U.S.C. 553(d) (an agency may dispense with publication of a rule less than thirty days before its effective date only for good cause). 7 15 U.S.C. 78w(a). dealers from the filing instructions for Form BD and Form BDW. This authority is needed to provide the Commission with sufficient flexibility to continuously maintain the registration system for broker-dealers in the event the full implementation of Web CRD is delayed. Third, the Commission is amending Rule 30–3 of its Rules of Practice to add a new paragraph (a)(67). This paragraph will delegate the authority to issue orders under Rules 15b3–1(c)(4), 15b6– 1(e), 15Ba2–2(e)(4), 15Bc3–1(e), 15Ca2– 1(c)(4), and 15Cc1–1(d) to the Director of the Division of Market Regulation.5 The Commission believes that this is necessary to effectively respond to any event that may delay the full implementation of Web CRD. The Commission is adopting these amendments immediately, without notice and comment, which would otherwise be required by the Administrative Procedure Act. The Commission for good cause finds that, based on the reasons cited above, notice and solicitation of comment regarding the Commission’s contingency planning for CRD is impracticable, unnecessary, and contrary to the public interest.6 Furthermore, the Commission for good cause finds that, based on the reasons cited above, the rules and amendments shall be effective July 30, 1999. The Commission believes that the benefits of having a contingency plan to handle any problems with implementing Web CRD justify any minimal cost or inconvenience to broker-dealers. If the Commission does not adopt a contingency plan, and Web CRD fails to timely and adequately replace Legacy CRD, the marketplace could be disrupted: new broker-dealers could be delayed when trying to enter the market and important information about brokerdealers and their employees may be temporarily unavailable or difficult to access. This contingency plan needs to be adopted prior to the expiration of the old Form BD on July 30, 1999. There will be little or no additional costs if Interim Forms BD and BDW are retained concurrently with new Forms BD and BDW because the forms are virtually identical. Furthermore, the Commission will inform broker-dealers which forms to file and does not intend to discipline firms that inadvertently file on the wrong form. The Commission would like to stress that we still expect Web CRD to be implemented as planned. However, the Commission believes that, given the size and complexity of the Web CRD system, and the importance of the CRD system in the broker-dealer regulatory scheme, it is prudent to have a contingency plan in place.
II. Cost Benefit Analysis
The Commission believes that the benefits of the rule amendments clearly justify any costs that may be incurred. The amendments will benefit brokerdealers by providing a contingency plan in the event the full implementation of Web CRD is delayed. Also, the Commission would like to stress that there would be little or no additional costs to industry participants if Interim Forms BD and BDW are retained concurrently with Revised Forms BD and BDW.
III. Competitive Effects/NSMIA
Pursuant to Section 23(a) of the Exchange Act, the Commission does not believe the rule amendments will impose any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Exchange Act.
IV. Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Pursuant to Section 605(b) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, the Chairman has certified that the rule amendments will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities.7 A copy of the Certification is attached as Exhibit A. List of Subjects 17 CFR Part 200 Administrative practice and procedure, Authority delegations (Government agencies). 17 CFR Parts 240 and 249 Broker-dealers, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Securities. Statutory Basis and Text of Final Amendments In accordance with the foregoing, Title 17, Chapter II of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:
PART 200—ORGANIZATION;
CONDUCT AND ETHICS; AND INFORMATION AND REQUESTS

The authority citation for part 200
continues to read in part as follows:
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 77s, 78d–1, 78d–2, 78w, 78ll(d), 78mm, 79t, 77sss, 80a–37, 80b– 11, unless otherwise noted.

Section 200.30–3 is amended by
adding paragraph (a)(67) to read as follows:
§ 200.30–3 Delegation of authority to Director of Division of Market Regulation.

(a) * * *
(67) To issue orders under Rules 15b3–1(c)(4), 15b6–1(e), 15Ba2–2(e)(4), 15Bc3–1(e), 15Ca2–1(c)(4), and 15Cc1– 1(d) (17 CFR 240.15b3–1(c)(4), 240.15b6–1(e), 240.15Ba2–2(e)(4), 240.15Bc3–1(e), 240.15Ca2–1(c)(4), and 240.15Cc1–1(d)).

PART 240—GENERAL RULES AND
REGULATIONS, SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
3. The authority citation for part 240
continues to read in part as follows:
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 77c, 77d, 77g, 77j, 77s, 77z–2, 77eee, 77ggg, 77nnn, 77sss, 77ttt, 78c, 78d, 78f, 78i, 78j, 78j–1, 78k, 78k–1, 78l, 78m, 78n, 78o, 78p, 78q, 78s, 78u–5, 78w, 78x, 78ll(d), 78mm, 79q, 79t, 80a–20, 80a–23, 80a–29, 80a–37, 80b–3, 80b–4 and 80b–11, unless otherwise noted.

By amending § 240.15b3–1 by
adding paragraph (c)(4) to read as follows:
§ 240.15b3–1 Amendments to application.

(4) The Commission, by order, may exempt any broker or dealer from the filing requirements provided in Form BD (17 CFR 249.501) and paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this section under conditions that differ from the filing instructions contained in Form BD and paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this section.
5. By amending § 240.15b6–1 by
adding paragraph (e) to read as follows. § 240.15b6–1 Withdrawal from registration.

(e) The Commission, by order, may exempt any broker or dealer from the filing requirements provided in Form BDW (17 CFR 249.501a) under conditions that differ from the filing instructions contained in Form BDW.
6. By amending § 240.15Ba2–2 by
adding paragraph (e)(4) to read as follows:
§ 240.15Ba2–2 Application for registration of non-bank municipal securities dealers whose business is exclusively intrastate.

(e) Temporary re-filing instructions.

(4) The Commission, by order, may exempt any broker or dealer from the filing requirements provided in Form BD (17 CFR 249.501) and paragraphs (e)(1), (e)(2), and (e)(3) of this section under conditions that differ from the filing instructions contained in Form BD and paragraphs (e)(1), (e)(2), and (e)(3) of this section.
7. By amending § 240.15Bc3–1 by
adding paragraph (e) to read as follows:
§ 240.15Bc3–1 Withdrawal from registration of municipal securities dealers.

(e) The Commission, by order, may exempt any broker or dealer from the filing requirements provided in Form BDW (17 CFR 249.501a) under conditions that differ from the filing instructions contained in Form BDW.
8. By amending § 240.15Ca2–1 by
adding paragraph (c)(4) to read as follows:
§ 240.15Ca2–1 Application for registration as a government securities broker or government securities dealer.

(4) The Commission, by order, may exempt any broker or dealer from the filing requirements provided in Form BD (17 CFR 249.501) and paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this section under conditions that differ from the filing instructions contained in Form BD and paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this section.
9. By amending § 240.15Cc1–1 by
adding paragraph (d) to read as follows:
§ 240.15Cc1–1 Withdrawal from registration of municipal securities dealers.

(d) The Commission, by order, may exempt any broker or dealer from the filing requirements provided in Form BDW (17 CFR 249.501a) under conditions that differ from the filing instructions contained in Form BDW.
PART 249—FORMS, SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
10. The authority citation for part 249
continues to read in part as follows:
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 78a, et. seq., unless otherwise noted;

By amending § 249.501 by
designating the current text as paragraph (a) and by adding paragraph (b) to read as follows:
§ 249.501 Form BD, for application for registration as a broker and dealer or to amend or supplement such an application. (a) * * * (b) Interim Form BD shall be used for application for registration as brokerdealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or to amend such application, only by order of the Commission. In the event broker-dealers are required to comply with their filing obligations on Interim Form BD, the form will be made available at the Commission’s Publication Office at (202) 942–4040.
By amending § 249.501a by
designating the current text as paragraph (a) and by adding paragraph (b) to read as follows:
§ 249.501a Form BDW, notice of withdrawal from registration as brokerdealer pursuant to § 240.15b6–1, § 240.15Bc3–1, or § 240.15Cc1–1 of this
chapter.
(a) * * *
(b) Interim Form BDW shall be used for application for registration as brokerdealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or to amend such application, only by order of the Commission. In the event broker-dealers are required to comply with their filing obligations on Interim Form BD, the form will be made available at the Commission’s Publication Office at (202) 942–4040. By the Commission. Dated: July 30, 1999. Margaret H. McFarland, Deputy Secretary. Note: This Appendix A to the preamble will not appear in the Code of Federal Regulations.
Appendix A to the Preamble—
Securities and Exchange Commission Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification I, Arthur Levitt, Jr., Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’), hereby certify, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. § 605(b), that (1) the redesignation of Form BD and Form BDW, as currently in effect until July 30, 1999 and August 1, 1999, respectively, as Interim Form BD and Interim Form BDW and (2) the amendments to Rules 15b3–1(c), 15b6–1, 15Ba2–2(e), 15Bc3–1, 15Ca2–1(c), and 15Cc1–1(‘‘Rules’’) and 17 CFR § § 249.501 and 501a under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Exchange Act’’) would not, if adopted, have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The redesignation of Form BD and Form BDW is intended to preserve the effectiveness of these forms in the event it is necessary to return to the legacy CRD system. The rule amendments would allow the Commission, by order, to conditionally exempt broker-dealers from the filing instructions contained in those rules and Forms BD and BDW, respectively. This authority is needed to provide the Commission with sufficient flexibility to continuously maintain the registration system for broker-dealers in the event the full implementation of Web CRD is delayed. The amendments would impose little or no new recordkeeping requirements or compliance burdens on small entities. Accordingly, the amendments would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Dated: July 30, 1999. Arthur Levitt, Jr., Chairman. [FR Doc. 99–20099 Filed 7–30–99; 4:34 pm] BILLING CODE 8010–01–P