1. CFTC and SEC Seek Public Comment Regarding Portfolio Margining Frameworks
On June 26, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a joint request for public comment in connection with the harmonization of regulatory frameworks applicable to portfolio margining across securities, security-based swaps, futures, swaps, and related positions. The CFTC noted that financial markets are becoming increasingly convergent and interconnected, with new trading models, digital infrastructure, and novel products blurring traditional jurisdictional lines and prompting market participants to employ cross-asset strategies spanning cash securities, options, futures, and cleared and uncleared swaps. Because current regulations may require related positions to be held in separate accounts under different margin regimes, offsetting exposures sometimes go unrecognized, potentially creating capital inefficiencies and added liquidity demands