[November 22, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 224)]
[Unified Agenda]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [frwais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID: f:ua22049.wais]

[Page 65339-65346]

Commodity Futures Trading Commission



[[Page 65339]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part XLIX








_______________________________________________________________________



Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

[[Page 65340]]

Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)

_______________________________________________________________________

COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION

17 CFR Ch. I

Regulatory Flexibility Agenda

AGENCY:  Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

ACTION:  Semiannual regulatory agenda.

_______________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY:  The Commodity Futures Trading Commission, in accordance with
the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, is publishing a
semiannual agenda of significant rules which the Commission expects to
propose or promulgate over the next year. For this edition of the
Commission's regulatory agenda, the Commission's Statement of
Regulatory Priorities appears in part II of this issue of the Federal
Register. At this time, the Commission has no Regulatory Plan entries
for the next year. The Commission welcomes comments from small entities
and others on the agenda.

ADDRESSES:  Comments should be sent to: Ms. Barbara Webster Black,
Special Assistant to the Executive Director, Commodity Futures Trading
Commission, 1155 21st Street NW., Washington, DC 20581, (202) 418-5130,
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  The Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C.
601, et seq. (RFA), sets forth a number of requirements for agency
rulemaking. Among other things, the RFA requires that:

 (a) During the months of April and October of each year, each agency
shall publish in the Federal Register a regulatory flexibility agenda
which shall contain:

 (1) A brief description of the subject area of any rule which the
agency expects to propose or promulgate which is likely to have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities;

 (2) A summary of the nature of any such rule under consideration for
each subject area listed in the agenda pursuant to paragraph (1), the
objectives and legal basis for the issuance of the rule, and an
approximate schedule for completing action on any rule for which the
agency has issued a general notice of proposed rulemaking; and

 (3) The name and telephone number of an agency official knowledgeable
concerning the items listed in paragraph (1). 5 U.S.C. 602(a).

     The Commission has prepared an agenda of significant rules
which it presently expects may be considered during the course of
the next year, irrespective of their potential impact on small
entities.\1\ In this regard, section 602(d) of the RFA, 5 U.S.C.
602(d), provides:

    ``Nothing in [section 602] precludes an agency from considering
or acting on any matter not included in a regulatory flexibility
agenda or requires an agency to consider or act on any matter
listed in such agenda.''


\1\The Commission published its definition of small entity to be used
in connection with rulemaking proceedings on April 30, 1982 (47 FR
18618). Pursuant to that definition, the Commission is not required to
list many of the agenda items contained in this regulatory flexibility
agenda. See 5 U.S.C. 602(a)(1). Moreover, the Commission has previously
certified, pursuant to section 605 of the RFA, 5 U.S.C. 605, that
certain items contained in this agenda will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Accordingly,
the listing of a rule in this regulatory flexibility agenda should not,
in any event, be taken as a determination that a rule, when proposed or
the Commission is considering or will consider in the near future.

    The Commission's October 1999 regulatory flexibility agenda is
set forth below.

Issued in Washington, DC, on September 8, 1999, by the Commission.

 Jean A. Webb,

Secretary to the Commission.

                                                  Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4227         Insider Trading--Regulation 1.59...................................................     3038-AB35
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                               Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4228         Procedures for Involuntary Bulk Transfers or Liquidations of Customer Accounts.....     3038-AA77
4229         Denomination of Customer Funds and Location of Depositories........................     3038-AB31
4230         Exclusion for Certain Otherwise Regulated Persons From the Definition of the Term       3038-AB34
            ``Commodity Pool Operator''.........................................................
4231         Definition of a Principal..........................................................     3038-AB36
4232         Rule 4.7: Exemption From Certain Part 4 Requirements With Respect to Qualified          3038-AB37
            Eligible Participants and Qualified Eligible Clients................................
4233         Performance Disclosures for Commodity Trading Advisors and Commodity Pool Operators     3038-AB39
4234         Special Reporting Required of Certain Commodity Pool Operators--Regulations 4.7,        3038-AB40
            4.12, and 4.27......................................................................
4235         Contingent EFP Prohibition.........................................................     3038-AB41
4236         Registration Exemptions Pertaining to the Offer and Sale of Foreign Futures and         3038-AB45
            Foreign Options Contracts to Customers Located in the United States.................
4237         Direct Foreign Order Transmittal...................................................     3038-AB46
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 65341]]


                                                Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4238         Revised Procedures for Commission Review and Approval of Applications for Contract      3038-AB42
            Market Designation and of Related Contract Terms and Conditions.....................
4239         Trade Options on the Enumerated Agricultural Commodities...........................     3038-AB43
4240         Market Rule Review Procedures......................................................     3038-AB44
4241         Use of Electronic Signatures.......................................................     3038-AB47
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4242         Automated Access to Foreign Boards of Trade From Within the United States..........     3038-AB30
4243         Revision of Federal Speculative Position Limits and Associated Rules...............     3038-AB32
4244         Economic and Public Interest Requirements for Contract Market Designation..........     3038-AB33
4245         Alternative Procedures for Non-Domestic Persons; Disclosure........................     3038-AB38
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________________________________
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)               Prerule Stage

_______________________________________________________________________

4227. INSIDER TRADING--REGULATION 1.59

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 9

CFR Citation: 17 CFR 1.59

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The proposed regulatory amendment would clarify the use of
the terms self-regulatory employee and governing board or committee
member for the purpose of Regulation 1.59. The proposed amendment also
would clarify the scope of the trading prohibition in Regulation
1.59(b)(1)(i).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           11/00/99
ANPRM Comment Period End        12/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: David P. Van Wagner, Acting Associate Director,
Division of Trading and Markets, Commodity Futures Trading Commission,
Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20581
Phone: 202 418-5481
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3038-AB35
_______________________________________________________________________
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)         Proposed Rule Stage

_______________________________________________________________________

4228. PROCEDURES FOR INVOLUNTARY BULK TRANSFERS OR LIQUIDATIONS OF
CUSTOMER ACCOUNTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6d; 7 USC 6f; 7 USC 6g; 7 USC 6k; 7 USC 12a

CFR Citation: 17 CFR 1.68

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The CFTC will undertake a rulemaking proceeding to establish
requirements concerning procedures to be followed by futures commission
merchants and introducing brokers when bulk transfers or liquidations
of customer accounts are made due to cessation or suspension of
business or other special circumstances affecting the registrant.
Issues to be addressed include whether commissions or fees can be
charged to customers if their accounts are transferred other than at
their request.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lawrence B. Patent, Associate Chief Counsel, Division
of Trading and Markets, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three
Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20581
Phone: 202 418-5439
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3038-AA77
_______________________________________________________________________

4229. DENOMINATION OF CUSTOMER FUNDS AND LOCATION OF DEPOSITORIES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1a; 7 USC 2; 7 USC 2a; 7 USC 4; 7 USC 4a; 7 USC
6; 7 USC 6a; 7 USC 6b; 7 USC 6c; 7 USC 6d; 7 USC 6e; 7 USC 6f; 7 USC
6g; 7 USC 6h; 7 USC 6l

[[Page 65342]]

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Commission is proposing rules requesting public comment
on how to address the risks relating to holding segregated funds
offshore or in foreign currencies.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Concept Release                 12/30/97                    62 FR 67841
NPRM                            11/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: France M. T. Maca, Special Counsel, Division of Trading
and Markets, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette
Centre, 1155 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20581
Phone: 202 418-5482
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3038-AB31
_______________________________________________________________________

4230. EXCLUSION FOR CERTAIN OTHERWISE REGULATED PERSONS FROM THE
DEFINITION OF THE TERM ``COMMODITY POOL OPERATOR''

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1a(4); 7 USC 6k to 6o; 7 USC 12a

CFR Citation: 17 CFR 4.5

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Commodity Futures Trading Commission is considering
proposing an amendment to Rule 4.5 by adding a plan defined as a Church
plan in section 3(33) of title I of the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974 to the employee benefit plans that the rule
currently provides shall not be construed to be commodity pools.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Barbara Stern Gold, Assistant Chief Counsel, Division
of Trading and Markets, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three
Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20581
Phone: 202 418-5450
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3038-AB34
_______________________________________________________________________

4231. DEFINITION OF A PRINCIPAL

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6d; 7 USC 6f; 7 USC 6m; 7 USC 6n; 7 USC 12a

CFR Citation: 17 CFR 3.1; 17 CFR 4.10

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Commission will undertake a rulemaking to modify the
definition of a ``principal'' for purposes of firm registration and
disclosure under part 4 of the Commission's rules. The focus will be
upon which officers of a firm should be considered principals for these
purposes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lawrence B. Patent, Associate Chief Counsel, Division
of Trading and Markets, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three
Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20581
Phone: 202 418-5439
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3038-AB36
_______________________________________________________________________

4232. RULE 4.7: EXEMPTION FROM CERTAIN PART 4 REQUIREMENTS WITH RESPECT
TO QUALIFIED ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS AND QUALIFIED ELIGIBLE CLIENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2; 7 USC 6b; 7 USC 6c; 7 USC 6l to 6o; 7 USC
12a; 7 USC 23

CFR Citation: 17 CFR 4.7

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Commodity Futures Trading Commission intends to propose
amendments to Rule 4.7 that would make more persons eligible for
treatment as qualified eligible participants or qualified eligible
clients under the rule, e.g., principals of the commodity pool operator
or commodity trading advisor who have been employed in the financial
services industry for a specified number of years.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Helene D. Schroeder, Attorney Advisor, Division of
Trading and Markets, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three
Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20581
Phone: 202 418-5424
Fax: 202 418-5528
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3038-AB37
_______________________________________________________________________

4233. PERFORMANCE DISCLOSURES FOR COMMODITY TRADING ADVISORS AND
COMMODITY POOL OPERATORS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6n; 7 USC 6o; 7 USC 12a

CFR Citation: 17 CFR 4.25; 17 CFR 4.35

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Commodity Futures Trading Commission is proposing
amendments to the requirements concerning the presentation of rate of
return data by commodity trading advisors and commodity pool operators.
The Commission's proposed rules address computational and disclosure
matters relating to participating in commodity trading advisor programs
on a partially-funded basis.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           06/18/98                    63 FR 33297
ANPRM Comment Period End        09/16/98
NPRM                            08/02/99                    64 FR 41843

[[Page 65343]]

NPRM Comment Period End         10/01/99
Final Action                    12/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert B. Wasserman, Associate Director, Division of
Trading and Markets, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three
Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20581
Phone: 202 418-5092
Fax: 202 418-5528
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3038-AB39
_______________________________________________________________________

4234. <bullet> SPECIAL REPORTING REQUIRED OF CERTAIN COMMODITY POOL
OPERATORS--REGULATIONS 4.7, 4.12, AND 4.27

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6l

CFR Citation: 17 CFR 4.7; 17 CFR 4.12; 17 CFR 4.27 (proposed)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The proposed regulatory amendments would require large
commodity pools or ``hedge funds'' to file quarterly financial reports
and risk information. These data would be published to enable the
public and regulatory bodies to assess the potential financial systemic
risk posed by such funds.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/99
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tobey Kaczensky, Special Counsel, Division of Trading
and Markets, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette
Centre, 1155 21st Street, NW, Washington, DC 20581
Phone: 202 418-5460
Fax: 202 418-5520
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3038-AB40
_______________________________________________________________________

4235. <bullet> CONTINGENT EFP PROHIBITION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6b; 7 USC 6c; 7 USC 6

CFR Citation: 17 CFR 1.38a

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The proposed regulatory amendment would clarify the
distinctions between transitory and contingent EFPs and would prohibit
the execution of contingent EFPs as transactions not allowed under
Section 4c of the Commodity Exchange Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/00
NPRM Comment Period End         04/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Riva Spear Adriance, Attorney Advisor, Division of
Trading and Markets, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three
Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street, NW, Washington, DC 20581
Phone: 202 418-5494
Fax: 202 418-5536
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3038-AB41
_______________________________________________________________________

4236. <bullet> REGISTRATION EXEMPTIONS PERTAINING TO THE OFFER AND SALE
OF FOREIGN FUTURES AND FOREIGN OPTIONS CONTRACTS TO CUSTOMERS LOCATED IN
THE UNITED STATES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2(a)(1)(A); 7 USC 4(b); 7 USC 4c

CFR Citation: 17 CFR 30.1; 17 CFR 30.4; 17 CFR 30.10

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Commission proposes to codify some of the interpretations
and positions that its staff has taken regarding registration
requirements under Part 30 of the Commission's rules, which governs,
generally, the solicitation and sale of foreign futures and foreign
options contracts to customers located in the United States. The
Commission proposes to modify Rule 30.4(a) by clarifying that foreign
futures and options brokers, including those with U.S. bank branches,
are not required to register as futures commission merchants (FCMs)
pursuant to Rule 30.4, or seek Rule 30.10 relief, if they fall
generally into the following categories: (1) those that carry customer
omnibus accounts for U.S. FCMs; (2) those that carry U.S. affiliate
accounts which are proprietary to the foreign futures and options
broker; and (3) those that carry U.S. accounts which are proprietary to
a U.S. FCM. In addition, proposed Rule 30.10(a) will specify
representations that must be made by a foreign futures and options
broker that has U.S. bank branches in order to obtain a Rule 30.10
comparability exemption or to come within the registration exception of
Rule 30.4.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/26/99                    64 FR 46613
NPRM Comment Period End         10/25/99
Final Action                    02/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Susan A. Elliott, Senior Attorney, Division of Trading
and Markets, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette
Centre, 1155 21st Street, NW, Washington, DC 20581
Phone: 202 418-5464
Fax: 202 418-5528
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3038-AB45
_______________________________________________________________________

4237. <bullet> DIRECT FOREIGN ORDER TRANSMITTAL

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2; 7 USC 6(b), 6c; 7 USC 12a

CFR Citation: 17 CFR 30.12

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Under proposed Rule 30.12, certain unregistered foreign
futures and options brokers (FFOBs) would be permitted to accept orders
directly from

[[Page 65344]]

certain sophisticated U.S. foreign futures and options customers for
execution through the customer's futures commission merchant's (FCM)
customer omnibus account. In addition, proposed Rule 30.12 would permit
an unregistered FFOB to directly accept and execute these orders and
give up the trades to another unregistered FFOB carrying the FCM's
customer omnibus account. The proposed rule would require participating
FCMs to satisfy minimum financial requirements and comply with certain
procedural safeguards. The permissible means by which foreign orders
could be transmitted to an FFOB by the customer are telephone,
facsimile, and electronic message.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/26/99                    64 FR 46618
NPRM Comment Period End         10/25/99
Final Action                    02/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andrew V. Chapin, Attorney Advisor, Division of Trading
and Markets, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette
Centre, 1155 21st Street, NW, Washington, DC 20581
Phone: 202 418-5465
Fax: 202 418-5547
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3038-AB46
_______________________________________________________________________
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)            Final Rule Stage

_______________________________________________________________________

4238. <bullet> REVISED PROCEDURES FOR COMMISSION REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF
APPLICATIONS FOR CONTRACT MARKET DESIGNATION AND OF RELATED CONTRACT
TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6; 7 USC 6c; 7 USC 7; 7 USC 7a; 7 USC 8; 7 USC
12a

CFR Citation: 17 CFR 5

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Commission is proposing a two-year pilot program to
permit the listing of futures and option contracts on U.S. exchanges
prior to Commission review and approval. This procedure, together with
changes the CFTC recently proposed to its review and approval
procedures for existing contract rules will significantly increase U.S.
exchanges' flexibility in listing new contracts to respond to perceived
competitive threats and in amending existing contracts.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/27/99                    64 FR 40533
NPRM Comment Period End         08/26/99
Interim Final Rule              11/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Paul M. Architzel, Chief Counsel, Division of Economic
Analysis, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre,
1155 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20581
Phone: 202 418-5260
Fax: 202 418-5527
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3038-AB42
_______________________________________________________________________

4239. <bullet> TRADE OPTIONS ON THE ENUMERATED AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1a; 7 USC 2; 7 USC 4; 7 USC 6; 7 USC 7; 7 USC 9;
7 USC 11; 7 USC 12; 7 USC 13a; 7 USC 16a; 7 USC 19; 7 USC 21; 7 USC 23;
5 USC 552; 7 USC 4a; 7 USC 6a to 6p; 7 USC 7a to 7b; 7 USC 8; 7 USC 9a;
7 USC 12a; 7 USC 13a-1; 7 USC 13b; 7 USC 13c; 5 USC 552b

CFR Citation: 17 CFR 3; 17 CFR 32; 17 CFR 33

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In June 1998, CFTC rules lifting the ban on agricultural
trade options became effective. The Commission is proposing to revise
these rules. In particular, the CFTC is proposing to streamline the
disclosure, registration, customer notification, and reporting
requirements currently imposed on agricultural trade option merchants.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/31/99                    64 FR 47452
NPRM Comment Period End         09/30/99
Final Action                    11/00/99
Final Action Effective          01/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Paul M. Architzel, Chief Counsel, Division of Economic
Analysis, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre,
1155 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20581
Phone: 202 418-5260
Fax: 202 418-5527
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3038-AB43
_______________________________________________________________________

4240. <bullet> MARKET RULE REVIEW PROCEDURES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1a; 7 USC 8; 7 USC 9; 7 USC 12; 7 USC 13a; 7 USC
16; 7 USC 19; 7 USC 21; 7 USC 23; 7 USC 24; 7 USC 2; 7 USC 2a; 7 USC 4;
7 USC 4a; 7 USC 6; 7 USC 6a to 6p; 7 USC 7; 7 USC 7a to 7b; 7 USC 12a;
7 USC 12c; 7 USC 13a-1; 7 USC 16a

CFR Citation: 17 CFR 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The CFTC is proposing to amend its contract market rule
review and approval procedures to allow for additional categories of
exchange rule amendments to be approved automatically, upon adoption by
the exchange, and to permit such amendments to be submitted to the
Commission in a single, weekly, summary filing rather than in
individual submissions. For certain other rules, the review time would
be

[[Page 65345]]

reduced to three days. The proposed rules also reorganize, in a clearer
and more accessible format, the Commission's rules on expedited
approval procedures for proposed rule amendments to exchange contract
terms and conditions. The proposed rules will necessitate the filing of
fewer individual submissions by U.S. exchanges with the Commission and
will reduce unnecessary burdens associated with the Commission's review
and approval of proposed exchange rules.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/15/99                    64 FR 38159
NPRM Comment Period End         08/16/99
Final Action                    11/00/99
Final Action Effective          01/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Richard A. Shilts, Director, Market Analysis, Division
of Economic Analysis, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three
Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street, NW, Washington, DC 20581
Phone: 202 418-5260
Fax: 202 418-5527
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3038-AB44
_______________________________________________________________________

4241. <bullet> USE OF ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2; 7 USC 6b, 6c; 7 USC 6l, 6o; 7 USC 12a; 7 USC
23

CFR Citation: 17 CFR 1.3(tt); 17 CFR 1.4

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Commission is proposing to amend its regulations to
permit futures commission merchants, introducing brokers, commodity
pool operators, and commodity trading advisors to accept electronic
signatures in lieu of handwritten signatures where Commission rules
require registrants to obtain a document signed by a customer, client,
or pool participant.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/30/99                    64 FR 47151
NPRM Comment Period End         10/29/99
Final Action                    11/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Christopher W. Cummings, Special Counsel, Division of
Trading and Markets, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three
Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20581
Phone: 202 418-5545
Fax: 202 418-5547
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3038-AB47
_______________________________________________________________________
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)           Completed Actions

_______________________________________________________________________

4242. AUTOMATED ACCESS TO FOREIGN BOARDS OF TRADE FROM WITHIN THE UNITED
STATES

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is
undetermined.

CFR Citation: 17 CFR 1.71; 17 CFR 30.11

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM Comment Period End         04/23/99                    64 FR 14159
Comment Period Extended         04/30/99                    64 FR 22588
Withdrawn                       06/18/99                    64 FR 32829

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lawrence B. Patent
Phone: 202 418-5439
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3038-AB30
_______________________________________________________________________

4243. REVISION OF FEDERAL SPECULATIVE POSITION LIMITS AND ASSOCIATED
RULES

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 17 CFR 1; 17 CFR 17; 17 CFR 18; 17 CFR 150

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/05/99                    64 FR 24038
Final Action Effective          07/06/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Paul M. Architzel
Phone: 202 418-5260
Fax: 202 418-5527
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3038-AB32
_______________________________________________________________________

4244. ECONOMIC AND PUBLIC INTEREST REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTRACT MARKET
DESIGNATION

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 17 CFR 5

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/01/99                    64 FR 29217
Final Action Effective          08/02/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Paul M. Architzel
Phone: 202 418-5260
Fax: 202 418-5527
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3038-AB33
_______________________________________________________________________

4245. ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES FOR NON-DOMESTIC PERSONS; DISCLOSURE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 17 CFR 30.5; 17 CFR 30.6

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/28/99                    64 FR 28910
Final Action Effective          06/28/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

[[Page 65346]]

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Susan A. Elliott
Phone: 202 418-5464
Fax: 202 418-5528
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3038-AB38
[FR Doc. 99-24747 Filed 11-19-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6351-01-F


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