Release: 5380-07

For Release: September 5, 2007

U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission Files Action Against Futures Commission Merchant Nations Investments, LLC, for Failure to Maintain the Minimum Amount of Net Capital Required by Federal Law

Washington, DC – The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced today the filing of a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Nations Investments, LLC (Nations) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a futures commission merchant (FCM) registered with the CFTC.

The complaint alleges violations of the minimum net capital requirements of the Commodity Exchange Act and Commission regulations. More specifically, according to the CFTC complaint, as of July 21, 2007, and perhaps earlier, Nations’ net capitalization was below the adjusted net capital required by the Act and a Commission regulation. As of July 20, 2007, the complaint charges, Nations’ adjusted net capitalization remained below the required adjusted net capital with Nations’ total liabilities equaling $5 million while its assets were less than $2 million.

On July 30, 2007, the Honorable Marcia G. Cooke, U.S. District Court Judge, issued a restraining order freezing the assets of Nations and prohibiting the defendant from destroying documents or denying CFTC staff access to books and records. The Court also froze the assets of relief defendants Sulaiman “Sal” Husain, a Director, Chief Financial Officer, and principal of Nations, and Sammy Joe Goldman, an owner and former principal of Nations. Husain and Goldman allegedly contributed to the undercapitalization—which ultimately rose to approximately $4.5 million—by withdrawing a total of $1 million from Nations’ accounts.

On August 7, 2007, the court approved the appointing a receiver to marshal the assets of Nations. In the ongoing action, the CFTC seeks an order of permanent injunction against the defendant, monetary penalties, and other relief.

The Commission coordinated its investigation with, and was assisted by, the National Futures Association.

The following CFTC Division of Enforcement staff members are responsible for this matter: John Dunfee, Luke Marsh, Ken Koh, Mary Kaminski, Paul Hayeck, and Joan Manley.

Media Contacts
Ianthe Zabel
202-418-5080

Dennis Holden
202-418-5088

Last Updated: September 5, 2007