For the last three decades, CFTC Regulation 4.7 has provided
registered CPOs and CTAs with exemptions from certain compliance
requirements under Part 4 of the Commodity Exchange Act, in their
dealings with investors and clients that are "qualified
eligible persons" (or "QEPs") under that rule. The
widespread reliance upon Regulation 4.7, which eliminates many of
the disclosure obligations that would otherwise apply under CFTC
rules, has led the CFTC to reassess whether the provisions of the
rule continue to align with the purposes motivating its adoption,
culminating in a proposal to implement substantial amendments to
the rule.
The CFTC proposal outlines changes in four categories: (1)
disclosure requirements, (2) QEP eligibility thresholds, (3)
periodic pool reporting relief for funds of funds, and (4)
technical changes to the rule text. The proposed amendments to the
disclosure requirements would dramatically change the information
that Rule 4.7 CPOs and CTAs are