Who should operations notify in addition to internal auditors during a vault audit when securities are noted as missing?

In the context of a vault audit where securities are noted as missing, notifying the Securities Information Center (SIC) is essential. The SIC plays a critical role in the safeguarding and tracking of securities. When discrepancies occur, such as missing securities, informing the SIC allows for appropriate measures to be taken in tracking or recovering those items.

The SIC is specifically designed to handle incidents involving security transactions and issues related to lost or missing securities. Their involvement is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the securities system and ensuring that necessary protocols are followed to address any potential fraud or losses. Hence, notifying the SIC is a standard and necessary action to ensure regulatory compliance and promote secure practices within the financial industry.