The CFTC requested public feedback on Ether and the Ethereum Network to better understand the technologies. The CFTC stated that it wants to gather information on a range of questions related to the underlying technology and markets for virtual currencies beyond Bitcoin, in particular to Ether and the Ethereum Network. Comments must be submitted no later than 60 days following publication in the Federal Register.

Based on the results of its Tick Size Pilot Program, the SEC found that increasing the tick size for certain small capitalization stocks did not affect stock prices.

Based on data from the Bank for International Settlements, ISDA found that OTC derivatives notional outstanding went up during the first half of 2018. ISDA also found that the increase in notional outstanding is also reflected in swap trading volumes in the United States. ISDA stated that, while notional outstanding of OTC derivatives increased, the gross market value of these contracts went down.

The SEC approved amendments to FINRA's customer and industry arbitration rules concerning arbitration honorariums. The amendments will result in each arbitrator being compensated with a $200 honorarium to decide (without a hearing) subpoena requests or orders for production or appearance that are contested. The amendments are effective for cases filed on or after January 7, 2019.

Three broker-dealers agreed to settle SEC charges for failing to submit complete and accurate securities trading information on electronic blue sheets. According to the three SEC Orders ( see here, here and here), the firms each made inadequate blue sheet submissions containing inaccurate data. The SEC alleged that the broker-dealers had insufficient processes to detect the accuracy of its submissions. The SEC took into account remedial acts and cooperation by the three broker-dealers. To settle the charges, the firms agreed to pay fines ranging from $1.4 million to $3.5 million.