The CFTC issued an order filing and settling charges against R.J. O'Brien Associates LLC ("RJO"), a CFTC-registered FCM, for unlawfully commingling secured foreign futures and options customer funds with segregated domestic futures and options customer funds. CFTC Rule 30.7(d) ("Treatment of Foreign Futures or Foreign Options Secured Amount") prohibits secured customer funds from being commingled and deposited into the same accounts separately held for segregated domestic futures and options customer funds. The CFTC Order found that RJO, acting as a clearing FCM and depository, failed to

CFTC Commissioner Bart Chilton issued a statement regarding the upcoming October 2 effective date for reporting rules for swap execution facilities (SEFs). Commissioner Chilton stated his support for the new reporting rules, saying that they will shine a much needed light into the "dark markets" that contributed to the financial crisis in 2008. However, Commissioner Chilton said the CFTC should provide a targeted, time-limited relief for companies to comply with the new reporting requirements of CFTC Rule 43 ("Real-Time Public Reporting") and Rule 45 ("Swap Data Recordkeeping and Reporting

CFTC Chairman Gary Gensler delivered a speech before the International Group of Treasury Associations and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, addressing the CFTC's progress since swaps market reforms began in 2010 as well as discussing future plans. Chairman Gensler seemed generally pleased with the CFTC's progress. He began by recalling the state of the U.S. economy in 2008 and comparing it to what he views as a much more transparent and efficient swaps market today. He credited the CFTC with making the markets more transparent through initiatives such as requiring swap execution facilities to be

The SEC has approved the proposed rule amendments to Rule G-11 ("Primary Offering Practices"), Rule G-8 ("Books and Records to Be Made by Brokers, Dealers, and Municipal Securities Dealers"), and Rule G-32 ("Disclosures in Connection with Primary Offerings"). The revised MSRB rules will establish certain basic regulatory standards relating to the use of retail order periods in primary offering of municipal securities. The changes to the rules will take effect on March 31, 2014. See: MSRB Rule Release; MSRB Press Release. See also: MSRB Files Amendment to Proposed Rule Change to Rules G-11, G-8

The SEC issued an order approving FINRA's proposed rule change to amend FINRA Rule 9217 ("Violations Appropriate for Disposition Under Plan Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 19d-1(c)(2)"). The proposed rule change was filed with the SEC in July 2013, and amends FINRA Rule 9217 to include additional rule violations eligible for disposition under FINRA's Minor Rule Violation Plan ("MRVP"). In the proposal, FINRA stated that it believes the purpose of the MRVP is to provide reasonable but meaningful sanctions for minor or technical violations of rules when the conduct at issue does not warrant