Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change by the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, Inc. To Increase Maintenance and Transfer Registration Fees for Registered Representatives

Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”), and Rule 19b-4 thereunder, notice is hereby given that on October 15, 2002, the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, Inc. (“Exchange” or “Phlx”) submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III below, which Items have been prepared by the Phlx. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.

I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change

The Phlx, pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Act and Rule 19b-4 thereunder, proposes to amend its schedule of dues, fees and charges to increase from $50.00 to $55.00 both the maintenance and transfer registration fees for registered representatives. The initial registered representative registration fee will remain at $55.00. In addition, the Exchange proposes to make a minor change to its schedule of dues, fees and charges by changing the word “Maintenance” that appears under Registered Representative Registration to “Renewal.”

The proposed fee of $55.00 for maintenance and transfer registration for registered representatives will apply to 2003 registered representative registrations. Consistent with current practice, the Phlx intends that, on its behalf, the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (“NASD”) will bill for year 2003 registered representative renewal registration fees in November, 2002 and will thereafter collect the maintenance fee for the Exchange.

The text of the proposed rule is available at the Office of the Secretary, the Phlx, and the Commission.

II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

In its filing with the Commission, the Phlx included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in Sections A, B and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements.

A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

1. Purpose

The purpose of the proposed rule change is to generate additional revenue for the Exchange by increasing the maintenance (renewal) and transfer registered representative registration fees from $50.00 to $55.00. In addition, the Exchange believes that this fee increase is warranted based upon the Exchange's increased costs relating to its regulatory oversight and enforcement programs.

The Exchange is also amending its schedule of dues, fees and charges by changing the word “Maintenance” that appears under Registered Representative Registration to “Renewal.” The Exchange believes that the word “Renewal” more readily reflects how the fee is implemented.

2. Statutory Basis

The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act in general, and Section 6(b)(4) of the Act in particular, in that the proposal is designed to provide for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and other charges among Exchange members.

B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition

The Phlx does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any inappropriate burden on competition.

C. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants or Others

No written comments were either solicited or received.

III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action

Because the foregoing proposed rule change establishes or changes a due, fee or other charge, it has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act and subparagraph (f)(2) of Rule 19b-4 thereunder. At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission may summarily abrogate such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.

IV. Solicitation of Comments

Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Persons making written submissions should file six copies thereof with the Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW., Washington, DC 20549-0609. Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for inspection and copying in the Commission's Public Reference Room. Copies of such filing will also be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All submissions should refer to File No. SR-Phlx-2002-63 and should be submitted by November 22, 2002.