Freddie seeking SEC registration, capital boost

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Freddie Mac filed its application to register its shares with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday, a company spokesman said, in a move that will clear the way for the mortgage-finance company to raise fresh capital.

"This is our registration to formally file our common stock," a Freddie Mac spokesman said.

The government-sponsored mortgage company had promised to raise $5.5 billion in fresh capital but only after registering with the SEC. An approval from the regulator could come as soon as later Friday morning.

(Reporting by Patrick Rucker; Editing by Theodore d'Afflisio)