A TRACE pilot program, which requires a firm to report a transaction in an ABS ("asset-backed security") no later than the business day following the date of execution ("T+1"), will expire in 10 days, on 11/18/11.   Thereafter, most ABS transactions must be reported on the day of execution during TRACE system hours. FINRA reminds firms that the pilot program in FINRA Rule 6730(a)(3)(A)(i), which requires a firm to report a transaction in an ABS no later than the business day following the date of execution (T + 1), will expire on Friday, 11/18/11 11:59:59 p.m. ET. After the pilot program expires, ABS transactions that are executed on a business day before 5 p.m. ET, must be reported on that date ("T") during TRACE system hours, as provided in Rule 6730(a)(3)(A)(ii).  The general requirement in Rule 6730(a)(3)(A)(ii) is supplemented by reporting requirements in FINRA Rule 6730(a)(3)(B)(i) and (ii), which apply to ABS transactions executed near the close of TRACE system hours on a business day, after the TRACE system closes on a business day and on non-business days. FINRA Staff Contacts. Direct questions to:   Patrick Geraghty, Director - Market Regulation:  (240) 386-4973;   Elliot Levine, AVP and Counsel - Transparency Services:  (202) 728-8405; or  Sharon Zackula, AVP and Associate General Counsel - OGC:  (202) 728-8985. For additional details, go to:   [FINRA Trade Reporting Notice, 11/7/11]