CFTC: Commodity Futures Trading Commission

The federal agency that regulates US derivatives markets, including futures, swaps and retail off-exchange forex. Registration categories are administered in practice through the NFA.

Jurisdiction: United States. The register is the primary place to confirm an entity’s current status and permissions; this guide does not certify a broker or account.

Registration categories

RFED, FCM and IB categories are created under CFTC rules. Registration status is checked via NFA BASIC.

RED list

The CFTC publishes a list of foreign entities believed to be soliciting US residents without proper registration.

General description only. It does not imply that any particular broker holds any of these authorisations.

1. 1Confirm registration status through NFA BASIC, as directed by the CFTC.
2. 2Search the CFTC RED list and enforcement press releases for the brand and entity names.
3. 3Check that the firm’s permitted activity matches what is being offered.

• Exact legal entity name and licence or registration number.
• Current licence or registration status and authorised activities.
• Retail or wholesale permissions where the register distinguishes them.
• Registered website, contact details and any authorised-representative relationship.

A licence belonging to one group entity does not automatically apply to every client, country, website or product offered under the same brand. Confirm the contracting entity and whether the listed permissions cover your client type and activity.

For a practical search sequence, read how to check if a broker is regulated and how to read a register entry.