On June 18, 2026, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) issued a joint request for public comment regarding potential updates to the definitions of “swap” and “security-based swap,” along with other interpretive issues arising under Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act. The agencies seek feedback on whether existing
The Odds Are In: CFTC Proposes Framework for Event Contracts and Prediction Markets
On June 10, 2026, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC” or the “Commission”) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (the “Proposal”) suggesting comprehensive amendments to CFTC Regulation 40.11 and adding a new Appendix F to Part 40 concerning event contracts traded on prediction markets. The Proposal would further specify the types of event contracts…
Sports, Speculation, and the Public Interest: CFTC Proposes Rules Specifying When Event Contracts Are Contrary to the Public Interest
On June 10, 2026, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC” or the “Commission”) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (the “NPRM”) proposing amendments to CFTC Regulation 40.11 and the addition of Appendix F to Part 40, concerning event contracts. The CFTC is proposing to specify the types of event contracts that may be deemed contrary…
CFTC and Major League Baseball Cooperate on Prediction Markets Oversight
Earlier this month, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) and Major League Baseball (“MLB”) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) establishing a formal framework for cooperation, information sharing, and coordination on matters affecting the integrity of the prediction markets related to professional baseball. The MOU does not create any legally binding obligations or enforceable…
Joint Interpretation from the SEC and CFTC on Certain Types of Crypto Assets and Certain Transactions Involving Crypto Assets
On March 17, 2026, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued an interpretation that provides guidance regarding how the federal securities laws apply to certain crypto assets and to certain transactions involving crypto assets. Consistent with the recent MoU between the agencies, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission joined in this interpretation and guidance confirming that…
CFTC Issues Request for Comment and Staff Advisory on Prediction Markets
On March 12, 2026, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) released two documents regarding “event contract” derivatives traded on prediction markets. The CFTC issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“ANPRM”) requesting public comment on the regulation of prediction markets. The CFTC’s Division of Market Oversight issued a staff advisory providing guidance to designated contract…
Harmony and Understanding? (or at least a Memorandum)
In back-to-back speeches at the Futures Industry Association conference, Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chair Selig and Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Atkins set out their views regarding facilitating innovation through principles-based regulation and greater regulatory harmonization. Chair Atkins provided some background regarding the regulation and oversight of securities and commodities; however, he noted that over…
SEC, CFTC to Hold Joint Event on Harmonization Between Agencies on Crypto Efforts
The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) will hold a joint public event on Thursday, January 29, 2026 (rescheduled from Tuesday, January 27), at the CFTC Headquarters in Washington, D.C., to discuss harmonization of the regulatory approach taken by the agencies and U.S. leadership in the crypto era. The…
CFTC Staff Partially Reinstate CPO Exemption for RIAs
On December 19, the staff of the Division of Market Participants of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) issued no-action relief from commodity pool operator registration for SEC-registered investment advisers to certain private funds. This relief effectively reinstates the registration exemption previously provided by Rule 4.13(a)(4) for managers to private funds offered solely to qualified…
Risk Transfer Market Receives CPO Registration Relief from CFTC
On November 21, 2025, the Structured Finance Association, on behalf of the risk transfer market, received no-action relief on the issue of registration as a commodity pool operator (“CPO”) from the staff of the Division of Market Participants of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”). This long-awaited relief provides greater certainty that participants in certain…

