Release Number 7062-14

November 19, 2014

CFTC Commissioner Sharon Bowen Seeks Public Comment on Scope and Composition of New Advisory Committee

Washington, DC — Today, Commissioner Sharon Y. Bowen, Sponsor of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s newly-formed Market Risk Advisory Committee (MRAC), is seeking public input on MRAC’s priorities and its composition through a Federal Register release. The comment period ends on December 3, 2014.

“Market risk issues are of paramount importance to the Commission, the industries we regulate, end-users. If we are to have fully-functioning, efficient markets, the Commission needs to have a full grasp of the potential systemic risks within our markets and financial system,” said Commissioner Bowen. “I trust that MRAC’s work will help the Commission to be aware of potential risks and act to address them before they harm our markets or overall economy. I look forward to reviewing the comments and putting an agenda together for this important committee.”

Through the formal request for comment in the Federal Register, Commissioner Bowen invites members of the public to: propose topics upon which the MRAC should focus in making recommendations to the Commission on how to improve market structure and mitigate risk; and nominate individuals (including self-nominations) for membership on the MRAC, in accordance with the membership requirements outlined in the MRAC’s charter.

The MRAC’s mandate is to:

  • Conduct public meetings and submit reports and recommendations to the Commission on matters of public concern to clearinghouses, exchanges, intermediaries, market makers, end-users and the Commission regarding systemic issues that threaten the stability of the derivatives markets and other financial markets; and

  • Assist the Commission in identifying and understanding the impact and implications of an evolving market structure and movement of risk across clearinghouses, intermediaries, market makers and end-users.

Please send suggestions and nominations to [email protected].

Last Updated: November 19, 2014