On June 18, the CFTC issued a request for information (RFI) to assist the agency in identifying regulations, guidance documents, orders, no-action letters and other documents that may unduly impede fintech firms from entering into partnerships with CFTC-regulated entities, and documents that could be amended to streamline application processes for eligible fintech firms. The RFI was issued pursuant to Executive Order 14405 (previously covered by InfoBytes   which directed federal financial regulators to review existing regulations and supervisory practices to facilitate innovation and competition for fintech firms, particularly those that are small and emerging.

The CFTC requested feedback on how fintech firms are, or would like to be, integrating into the derivatives markets, including whether existing CFTC registration and designation categories adequately capture fintech firm activity, and which requirements and other CFTC regulatory items are not “fit for purpose” for technological reasons. The RFI also asked commenters to identify specific CFTC regulatory items that could be updated to allow fintech firms to provide innovative services and solutions that enhance access to the derivatives markets, enter into partnerships with CFTC-regulated entities, integrate digital assets and innovative technology into the derivatives market, and remove overly burdensome regulations that form barriers to entry. Comments must be submitted by July 9.