The operator of a binary options trading firm agreed to settle CFTC charges for engaging in
off-exchange options trading without being properly registered as a
futures commission merchant ("FCM").
According to the CFTC, Curtis Dalton, the principal of the firm,
entered into, and confirmed the execution of, off-exchange retail
commodity options. The CFTC found that Mr. Dalton offered binary
options transactions to U.S. and foreign customers without being
registered with the CFTC as an FCM, as required. The CFTC charged
that Mr. Dalton violated prohibitions against the sale of
off-exchange options trading, including by entering into swaps with
customers who were not eligible contract participants. The CFTC
determined that Mr. Dalton's business, Binary International,
took in a reported $1.5 million through trading binary options.