Release: 5424-07

For Release: December 18, 2007

CFTC Sues Forex Dealer One World Capital Group, LLC and Its President John Edward Walsh for Inability to Demonstrate it had Required Capital

Winnetka, Illinois Forex Dealer May Owe Millions to Customers

Washington, DC – The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced today that on December 13, 2007 it sued One World Capital Group, LLC (One World) of Winnetka, Illinois, a registered futures commission merchant (FCM), and its President, John Edward Walsh of Lake Forest, Illinois, charging them with inability to demonstrate compliance with capitalization requirements and with failure to maintain required books and records.

On the same day the case was filed, the CFTC won an asset freeze and other emergency relief that will enable the Commission to freeze the assets of One World and safeguard the interests of its customers.

The complaint alleges that One World has been unable to demonstrate that it has maintained at least $1 million in adjusted net capital, the minimum requirement needed for FCMs that are Foreign Currency Dealer members of the National Futures Association (NFA).

According to the CFTC complaint, since at least November 28, 2007, One World and Walsh failed to demonstrate compliance with the net capital amount as required by the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC regulations. As of December 10, 2007, the complaint charges, One World failed to demonstrate that it had any net assets. While One World appeared to possess $554,000 of funds held in customer accounts, since at least November 2, 2007, the NFA has been receiving complaints from customers alleging that they are unable to get their funds back from One World. The complaint alleges that the amount claimed outstanding by customers exceeds $4 million. The complaint also alleges that Walsh conceded an inability to identify all of One World’s customer liabilities. Furthermore, the complaint charges One World and Walsh with failing to maintain books and records as required by a CFTC regulation.

In its ongoing litigation in the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Illinois, the CFTC is seeking preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, monetary penalties and other relief.

The CFTC coordinated its investigation with, and was assisted by, the NFA.

The following Division of Enforcement staff members are responsible for this case: Jennifer S. Diamond, Elizabeth M. Streit, Joy McCormack, Scott R. Williamson, and Richard B. Wagner. Auditing staff members H. Frank Zimmerle and Margaret Gal of the CFTC’s Division of Clearing and Intermediary Oversight (DCIO) also assisted.

Media Contacts
Ianthe Zabel
202-418-5080

Dennis Holden
202-418-5088

Last Updated: December 18, 2007