Proposed Temporary Fee Reductions and Extension on Pilot Basis of NASD Rule 7010(k) Relating to Fees for the Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine (TRACE)

NASD has filed with the SEC a proposed rule change to amend NASD Rule 7010(k) relating to fees for the Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine ("TRACE") prior to the expiration of the pilot program for fees on February 28, 2003. NASD is proposing to extend the pilot program for TRACE fees to June 30, 2003, to provide a temporary reduction of certain fees for a one calendar month period during the pilot period, and to clarify certain language relating to the Bond Trade Dissemination Service ("BTDS") fees. In addition, NASD is proposing to clean up the Rule text by deleting references to certain services, and their corresponding fees, that were previously eliminated. As a result of the proposed rule change, the current fee structure, subject to the temporary reductions being implemented, would remain in effect to June 30, 2003.