Regulators Eye Round-the-Clock Energy 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.

2026-15948, 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.

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" or "Commission") is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed renewal of the 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 and to allow 60 days for public comment. This notice solicits comments in connection with information collection requirements under certain rules and related forms (the "final rules") that the Commission adopted to enhance its identification of futures and swap market participants.

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.

2026-15216, Request for Comment on the Extension of Standard Futures Contracts to 24/7 Trading and on Perpetual Contracts Referencing Physically Delivered or Storable Energy Commodities

On June 25, 2026, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("Commission" or "CFTC") published in the Federal Register a request for comment ("RFC") titled "Request for Comment on the Extension of Standard Futures Contracts to 24/7 Trading and on Perpetual Contracts Referencing Physically Delivered or Storable Energy Commodities." The comment period for the RFC was set to close on July 27, 2026. The Commission is extending the comment period for this RFC by an additional thirty days. In addition to the questions set forth in the RFC, the Commission is further requesting comment on the self- certified 24/7 oil contract listed by Chicago Mercantile Exchange's ("CME's") New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. ("NYMEX") on July 8, 2026 and that the Commission stayed on July 9, 2026.

2026-14710, Order Sunsetting Certain Large Trader Reporting Requirements for Physical Commodity Swaps

Starting July 21, 2026, big players in physical commodity swaps like clearing organizations, members, and swap dealers won’t have to send daily or event-based position reports anymore. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission is ending these routine reporting rules because their newer data systems work better now. But don’t worry—the Commission can still ask for records if needed, keeping an eye on the market without extra paperwork.

Previous: 2026-12767, Establishing the Digital Opportunity Data Collection; Modernizing the FCC Form 477 Data Program; Delete, Delete, Delete

The FCC wants to make broadband data collection easier and less annoying for internet providers by cutting outdated rules and simplifying reports. This affects companies that share internet coverage info, aiming to speed up updates and keep data accurate without extra hassle. They’re asking for feedback now, with changes possibly rolling out soon to save time and money while improving how we track internet access.

Next: 2026-12794, Definition of Huione Group, a Financial Institution Operating Outside the United States of Primary Money Laundering Concern

The U.S. government has officially named the Huione Group as a financial institution outside the U.S. that poses a high risk for money laundering. This means banks and businesses must watch out for Huione Group when handling money to keep things safe and legal. The change kicks in right away, so affected parties should update their rules and stay alert to avoid fines or trouble.