Market Participants Division (MPD)

The Market Participants Division (MPD) was formed in October 2020 as part of an agency reorganization. Prior to the 2020 reorganization, the Division was known as the Division of Swap Dealer and Intermediary Oversight (DSIO).

The mission of MPD is to conduct smart, effective, and practical oversight of CFTC registrants, as well as educate the public about the derivatives markets the CFTC regulates. MPD oversees registrants that conduct dealing, trading, investment, and advisory businesses in the derivatives markets, and works closely with self-regulatory organizations in doing so. Above all, MPD serves the American public by regulating the registrants in which clients, customers, counterparties, and investors place their trust and confidence.

About the Division

MPD primarily oversees derivatives market intermediaries, including commodity pool operators, commodity trading advisors, futures commission merchants, introducing brokers, major swap participants, retail foreign exchange dealers, and swap dealers, as well as designated self-regulatory organizations. MPD supports the CFTC’s mission through world-class examination, reporting, guidance, and rulemaking programs. 

MPD is organized into four branches: Chief Counsel Branch, Examinations Branch, Financial Requirements Branch, and Registration & Compliance Branch.

Division in Action

MPD achieves its mission by:

  • Examining intermediaries and designated self-regulatory organizations;
  • Maintaining appropriate standards for registration of intermediaries;
  • Providing expertise to the Commission in its promulgation of rules; and
  • Issuing concise and timely interpretations and guidance for intermediaries.

Registrants can notify MPD staff of disruptions or other material events which do not require formal notification to the Commission (e.g., Regulation 1.12 notices) via email at [email protected].  Cybersecurity notices should be sent to [email protected]. Please see MPD Cyber Alerts page for additional resources.

Senior Staff

Amanda Olear, Director

Frank Fisanich, Chief Counsel 

Joseph Sanguedolce, Deputy Director, Examinations Branch 

Thomas Smith, Deputy Director, Financial Requirements Branch

Pamela Geraghty, Acting Deputy Director, Registration & Compliance Branch