SEC seeks OMB extension for Rule 17Ad-3(b) information collection

The Securities and Exchange Commission has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget a request to extend the information collection identified by OMB Control No. 3235-0473. The notice, filed as FR Doc 2026-21632 on October 20, 2026, pertains to Rule 17Ad-3(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and binds all registered transfer agents that must report to issuers.

Rule 17Ad-3(b) obligates a registered transfer agent to send a copy of the written notice required by Rules 17Ad-2(c) and (d) to the chief executive officer of each issuer it serves when, for two consecutive months, the agent fails to turnaround at least 75 % of routine items or to process at least 75 % of all items. The notice must be sent within twenty business days after the close of the second month.

The Commission estimates that each year approximately two registered transfer agents file a notice of non-compliance under Rules 17Ad-2(c) and (d). Of those, about one will meet the conditions of Rule 17Ad-3(b) and will need to forward the notice to its issuer-clients. The time burden for that activity is estimated at roughly 4 hours per year, resulting in an internal labor cost of $1,320 per year (4 hours × $330 per hour for accountants and auditors).

Comments on the collection request may be submitted through the RegInfo website or by email to the protected address no later than November 23, 2026, which is 30 days after the day after publication of the notice.

The collection cannot be conducted or sponsored unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number, reinforcing the requirement for OMB approval before the rule remains enforceable.