Release: 5653-09
For Release: May 8, 2009

CFTC Seeks Public Comment on a Proposal to Amend Minimum Adjusted Net Capital Requirements of Futures Commission Merchants and Introducing Brokers

Washington, DC – The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has approved for publication in the Federal Register a proposal (Proposal) to amend requirements for minimum adjusted net capital under CFTC Regulation 1.17 for futures commission merchants (FCMs) and those introducing brokers that do not operate under a guarantee agreement with an FCM.

The Proposal addresses amendments that would require capital computations for cleared over-the-counter positions carried in customer, noncustomer, and proprietary accounts of the FCM, similar to the computations currently required for exchange-traded futures in such accounts. The Proposal also includes amendments to increase the margin-based capital requirements and minimum dollar amount capital requirements presently in the regulation. The CFTC also seeks comment on possible future proposals to revise the minimum capital requirements of FCMs that are also registered as securities broker-dealers with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The CFTC seeks public comment on all matters addressed in the Proposal. Comments must be received by July 6, 2009. Copies may be obtained by contacting the CFTC’s Office of the Secretariat, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street, NW, Washington, DC 20581, 202-418-5100 or by accessing the CFTC’s website, www.cftc.gov. Interested parties may submit their comments electronically at [email protected]. All comments received will be promptly posted on the CFTC's website.

Media Contacts
Robert Holifield
202-418-5080

R. David Gary
202-418-5085

Last Updated: May 8, 2009