Industry Oversight

The purpose of the Commodity Exchange Act is to serve the public interest through a system of effective self-regulation of trading facilities, clearing systems, market participants, and market professionals under the oversight of the Commission.

Trading Markets, Clearing Organizations, and Intermediaries

• Designated Contract Markets (DCMs, also commonly called futures markets)
  May trade the widest selection of commodities and allow trading by a full range of market participants
• Exempt Markets
  Trading facilities that meet applicable criteria may operate with an exemption from most provisions of the CEA:
  • Exempt Boards of Trade (EBOTs)
  • Exempt Commercial Markets (ECMs)
• Derivatives Clearing Organizations (DCOs)
  Clearing organizations operating in connection with Commission authority
• Intermediaries
  Act on behalf of another person in connection with futures and options trading

Surveillance and Oversight

• Market Surveillance
  Continuous monitoring of the daily activities of large traders, key price relationships, and relevant supply and demand factors for potential market problems
• Trade Practice Surveillance
  Direct monitoring of exchange transactional data, including orders and executed trades
• Financial Data for Futures Commission Merchants (FCMs)
  THe CFTC requires FCMs to file monthly financial reports
• Advisory for Futures Commission Merchants, Introducing Brokers, and Members of a Contract Market (PDF)
  Advisory is over compliance with recordkeeping requirements and was issued February 05, 2009
• Advisory Regarding Compliance with Speculative Position Limits (PDF)
  The CFTC Division of Market Oversight issues this Advisory to alert market participants regarding their ongoing legal obligations to comply with speculative position limits on an intraday basis.

Quick Links for Contracts, Products, and Rules 

• Procedures for Listing Products
• Procedures for Filing Product Rules and Amendments
• Rule Changes for Enumerated Agricultural Commodities
• Information about DCM and DCO Rules and Rule Amendments Filings
• Industry Filings Search Tool