CFTC Asks: Too Much Paper in Futures Trading?

2026-14509, Margin Requirements for Uncleared Swaps for Swap Dealers and Major Swap Participants

Starting August 17, 2026, swap dealers and big swap players get some margin rule relief! New rules say certain new investment funds won’t have to exchange initial margin for up to three years, and more types of money market funds can now count as good collateral. Plus, the rules tweak how much value gets discounted on some assets, making it easier and cheaper to trade uncleared swaps.

2026-16876, Agency Information Collection Activities: Notice of Intent To Extend Collection 3038-0059: Part 41, Relating to Security Futures Products

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("Commission" or "CFTC") is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed renewal of a collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act ("PRA"), Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment. This notice solicits comments on collection requirements relating to security futures products.

2026-16631, Agency Information Collection Activities: Notice of Intent To Extend Collection 3038-0005

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC or Commission) is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed renewal of a collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including proposed extension of an existing collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment. This notice solicits comments on the information collections associated with the rules relating to the operations and activities of commodity pool operators (CPOs) and commodity trading advisors (CTAs) and monthly reporting by futures commission merchants.

2026-16040, Agency Information Collection Activities: Notice of Intent To Renew Collection 3038-0103, Ownership and Control Reports, Forms 102/102S, 40/40S, and 71 (Trader and Account Identification Reports)

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) wants to keep collecting info from traders and accounts to better track who’s who in the futures and swaps markets. They’re asking for public feedback by October 5, 2026, before renewing these reporting forms. If you’re involved in trading, this affects you, but no new fees or big changes are planned—just a smooth continuation of current rules.

2026-16074, Agency Information Collection Activities: Notice of Intent to Extend Collection 3038-0091: Disclosure and Retention of Certain Information Relating to Cleared Swaps Customer Collateral

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("Commission") is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed renewal of a collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act ("PRA"), Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including proposed extension of an existing collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment. This notice solicits comments on the proposed extension of the existing collection of information relating to Cleared Swaps Customer Collateral.

2026-15948, Conflicts and Affiliations

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC" or "Commission") is proposing new rules and amendments to its existing regulations for futures commission merchants ("FCMs"), swap execution facilities ("SEFs"), designated contract markets ("DCMs"), and derivatives clearing organizations ("DCOs") (the "Proposal"). The Proposal addresses requirements relating to financial oversight of FCMs by self-regulatory organizations ("SROs") and designated self- regulatory organizations ("DSROs"), as well as disclosure requirements by FCMs regarding affiliate relationships that an FCM has with a SEF, DCM, or DCO. For SEFs, DCMs, and DCOs, the Proposal would also establish requirements, including conflicts of interest rules, to address those registered entities' relationships with certain affiliates, such as FCM affiliates and affiliated principal trading firms. The Proposal includes guidance regarding the implementation of safeguards to protect the impartiality of SEFs, DCMs, and DCOs, including where applicable in their role as SROs or performing SRO functions with respect to certain affiliates. The guidance addresses the sharing of resources including staffing, technology, and office space, and limitations on the sharing of non-public information.

Previous: 2026-03886, Fisheries of the Gulf of America; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting

Fishermen, environmental groups, and fish lovers in the Gulf of America are invited to join a public online meeting on March 11, 2026, to help review the health of red snapper fish. This meeting is part of a careful process to make sure fishing rules keep red snapper populations strong and fishing fair. The results could influence future fishing limits and protect both the fish and the fishing economy.

Next: 2026-03892, Certain Lined Paper Products From India: Preliminary Results and Rescission, in Part, of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024

The U.S. Department of Commerce found that some lined paper from India was sold in the U.S. at unfairly low prices between September 2023 and August 2024. They’re stopping the review for some companies but continuing for others, and they’re asking for comments on these early findings. This could affect import duties and trade rules starting February 26, 2026.