Statement of CFTC Chairman Timothy Massad regarding Substituted Compliance Determination for the European Union

March 16, 2016

Today, the CFTC has taken action to implement our agreement with the European Commission regarding requirements for central clearing counterparties (CCPs). Our unanimous action today means that European CCPs registered with the CFTC can comply with many of our rules by meeting the corresponding European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR) requirements.

The equivalence agreement announced by European Commissioner Jonathan Hill and myself is an important step in achieving cross-border harmonization of derivatives regulation. It provides a foundation for cooperation among regulators in the oversight of the global clearinghouses that are so important in our financial system today. It resolves the issues that were standing in the way of Europe recognizing U.S. CCPs. And it helps make sure that the U.S. and European derivatives markets can continue to be dynamic, with robust competition and liquidity across borders.

The action we have taken today is an important component of that agreement. The notice identifies the rules for which the CFTC will grant substituted compliance. These include rules related to CCP financial resources, risk management, settlement procedures, and default management. We have also streamlined the process for registration, which will further harmonize our regimes.

Finally, CFTC staff today are also providing no-action relief from the application of Commission regulations to discrete aspects of a clearinghouse’s non-U.S. clearing activities.

The Commission is working with U.S. clearinghouses seeking recognition by the European Securities and Market Authority (ESMA) to ensure ESMA has all necessary information to review their applications in a timely manner. I look forward to ESMA completing the recognition process in a manner that ensures the global derivatives markets can continue to function efficiently and without disruption.

Last Updated: March 16, 2016