CFTC Chair Heath Tarbert Sets Strategic Priorities For 2019

At the 35th Annual FIA Expo, CFTC Chair Heath P. Tarbert described five strategic goals for the CFTC and outlined action plans for each goal.

Goal: To "strengthen the resilience and integrity of . . . [the] derivatives markets while fostering their vibrancy."

Mr. Tarbert stated that the CFTC will enhance:

• Central Counterparty supervision by (ii) improving the Division of Clearing and Risk and (ii) finalizing amendments to CFTC Rule 39 ("Derivatives Clearing Organizations");
• international cooperation by (i) deferring to non-U.S. regulators, if deference is granted in return, (ii) facilitating an open dialogue with the European Commission and European Securities and Markets Authority (or "ESMA"), (iii) introducing a cross-border swaps proposal and (iv) applying fraud and manipulation standards as to U.S. activity (see previous coverage);