CFTC Comparability Determination on EU Margin Requirements and a Common Approach on Trading Venues

On October 13, 2017, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC“) announced determinations by the CFTC and the European Commission (“EC“) on comparability and equivalence of margin requirements for uncleared swaps. CFTC Commissioners unanimously approved a comparability determination finding the margin requirements for uncleared swaps under the laws and regulations of the European Union (“EU“) comparable in outcome to those under the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) and CFTC regulations. This determination is effective immediately. This announcement coincides with the EC’s announcement of an equivalence decision which similarly finds that the CFTC’s uncleared swap margin rules are comparable in outcome to the EU’s corresponding margin requirements for uncleared OTC derivatives. Additionally, the CFTC and EC announced a common approach regarding certain CFTC and EU authorized derivatives trading venues. Press Release. Rule. Common Approach.