Release: #4736-03
For Release: January 10, 2003

CFTC Extends Comment Period on Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking To Allow Greater Access to Security Futures Markets

Washington, D.C. -- The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has extended to January 23, 2003, the comment period on its advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) that provides registration relief for certain operators and advisors of pooled investment vehicles. The ANPR requests public comment on proposals by the National Futures Association and the Managed Funds Association to implement permanent rule changes expanding the categories of commodity pools whose operators and advisors need not register with the Commission. Currently, the Commission’s rules provide exemptions for certain very small pools and for certain otherwise regulated entities, such as mutual funds, insurance companies, and pension funds. The NFA and MFA proposals would add a new category for pools that limit participation to certain sophisticated investors.

The ANPR was published in the Federal Register on November 13, 2002, at 67 Fed. Reg. 68785, and it was announced in CFTC Press Release 4721-02.

Copies of the Commission’s ANPR, which includes an embedded registration no-action position pending the issuance of final rules in this area, can be obtained by contacting the Office of the Secretariat, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21^st Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20581, (202) 418-5100, or by accessing the Commission's website at www.cftc.gov.

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